Joe Fenik

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 1 million homes across Canada needed major repairs in 2021, or 6.1% of all homes.
• Indigenous and subsidized housing had major repair rates above the national average.
• Homes needing major repairs were much more likely to have mould, mildew and pests.
• We often think about housing supply in terms of the homes we need to build. But we should also think about the homes we cannot afford to lose.

As of 2021, nearly 1 million homes across the country already required major repairs, putting existing housing supply at risk at a time when Canada needs it most.

This doesn’t mean Canada's housing stock has been neglected. In fact, overall repair rates have remained relatively stable since 2016. But because the housing stock kept growing over the last several decades, the number of housing units requiring major repair has also grown.

Housing maintenance is about more than buildings and investment. It ensures housing supply is readily available and remains habitable. It can also protect people's health. When maintenance is deferred, the impacts are most likely to be felt by people already facing the greatest housing challenges.

Housing conditions aren’t equal across Canada. Indigenous people and those living in subsidized housing are more likely to live in homes requiring major repairs. This can reduce housing supply and contribute to poorer housing conditions that can affect their health.

Continued investment in maintenance and renewal remains important if Canada wants to maintain enough housing to meet people’s needs and that keep it affordable.

https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/observer/2026/build-more-lose-less-why-maintaining-existing-homes-matters