OTTAWA — The six-month trend in housing starts was down in June compared to May, with a decrease of 2.8% to 248,123 units. …The total monthly SAAR of housing starts for all areas in Canada decreased 6% in June (238,971 units) compared to May (253,083 units). …”Through the first six months of the year, the rate of housing starts in Canada is lower than last year’s rate, in line with our baseline forecast published in February. There is little doubt that the slowdown reflects rising uncertainty, higher development costs, weaker demand and more unsold homes. Looking forward, we expect that this environment will continue to hold back new housing construction in Canada over the short-to-medium term and drive 2026 actual housing starts below last year’s levels,” said Kevin Hughes, Deputy Chief Economist with CMHC.