ICBA Economics has released the Winter 2026 Construction Monitors for British Columbia and Alberta—two quick, data-rich snapshots of what’s happening now in construction (and what’s coming next). Each Monitor pairs analysis by ICBA Chief Economist Jock Finlayson with key sector indicators you can use for planning, bidding, and budgeting.
Below are the headline takeaways—and links to read the full reports.
B.C.’s construction economy is facing another tough year. ICBA Economics forecasts real GDP growth of just 1.1% in 2026, alongside a weaker job market and higher unemployment—conditions that usually mean tighter bidding and more price pressure.
As ICBA President & CEO Chris Gardner put it: “A 1.1% economy isn’t real growth or even a recovery – it’s essentially a flatline.”
Three Takeaways for Your Construction Company (B.C.)
Plan for an anemic year: 1.1% growth signals tougher competition and slower private-sector decisions.
Housing is the big warning light: starts are forecast to fall 42,200 → 34,500 in 2026—especially important for multi-family and Lower Mainland work.
Don’t ignore the upside: B.C.’s major project inventory is enormous—$385B total, with $176B under construction—and ICBA notes a $350B+ pipeline that could support energy/mining/infrastructure opportunity.
Read the Winter 2026 B.C. Construction Monitor
Alberta’s outlook remains stronger than most of Canada’s. ICBA Economics forecasts 2.3% real GDP growth in 2026 and unemployment easing to 6.7%—a steadier environment for many parts of the construction market.
ICBA Alberta President Mike Martens summed it up this way: “Alberta’s outlook is the envy of much of the country…”
Three Takeaways for Your Construction Company (Alberta)
Steadier demand: 2.3% growth with unemployment at 6.7% usually supports firmer pricing power than most of Canada.
Residential cools—but doesn’t collapse: housing starts are forecast to cool 55,800 → 46,000 after a “supercharged” 2025, meaning a less frantic market but still a solid baseline.
Big-project scale remains massive: Alberta’s major projects inventory sits at $166B, with $71B under construction, and construction accounts for 8.2% of Alberta’s GDP.
Read the Winter 2026 Alberta Construction Monitor