Halifax construction slowdown drives decline in Nova Scotia building investment
Nova Scotia building construction investment declined 1.0% in January 2026, led by a 5.1% drop in Halifax, while activity outside the city increased. Residential construction fell 2.0%, with a notable 6.5% decline in Halifax driven primarily by reduced multi-unit development. Year-over-year, residential investment is down 8.4% across the province and over 20% in Halifax, signalling a significant slowdown in purpose-built rental and multi-unit construction. In contrast, non-residential investment rose, particularly in institutional and government projects outside Halifax. The divergence highlights weakening urban rental supply momentum alongside continued growth in non-residential development, with implications for future housing availability in Halifax.
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