Saskatchewan's construction sector was busy in 2012, recording the highest number of housing starts since the 1970s. According to the latest Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report, urban and rural housing starts in the province totaled 9,968 units.

The report also indicated that urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased in 2012, up 39.9 per cent compared to 2011, putting Saskatchewan in first place among the provinces in terms of percentage change.

"With the strength of our economy and a surge in our population, 2012 is going down as one of our strongest years for housing starts in decades," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "With this pace of economic growth, Saskatchewan can expect to see an increased demand for housing and a buoyant construction sector creating jobs and continued prosperity."

In December 2012, urban housing starts increased by 70.7 per cent compared to December 2011, the second-highest percentage increase among the provinces.