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CMHC Just Cut Its Housing Forecast — What It Means If You're Buying, Selling, or Renewing

  Published July 28, 2026 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation quietly downgraded its outlook for the rest of 2026 last week, and the new numbers are worth a look no matter which side of the housing market you're standing on. The federal housing agency's Summer 2026 update now calls for slower growth, softer home prices, fewer new builds and continued easing in rental markets right through the end of the year — with a split that leaves Ontario and B.C. looking a lot different from the Prairies and Quebec. Here's what's actually in the update, and what it means for your specific situation. What CMHC changed The agency's baseline call for 2026 is a Canadian economy growing at just 0.7%, with high borrowing costs, weak population growth and cautious buyers keeping a lid on demand even as affordability has technically improved. The practical result, nationally: Housing starts are expected to fall to about 241,400 units this year, down from 259,028 in 2025 Resale acti...

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Rising Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke: A Call for Disaster Recognition

 

As the mercury soars and wildfire smoke blankets the skies, a coalition of environmentalists, labor unions, and public health advocates have united with a singular demand: classify extreme heat and wildfire smoke as major disasters in the United States. This plea, directed at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), seeks to unlock critical funding and resources to bolster community resilience against these increasingly frequent and intense climate events.

The petitioners argue that the recognition of extreme heat and smoke as major disasters is overdue. They draw parallels to FEMA’s rapid response to the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that similar urgency is needed to combat the lethal consequences of climate change. The statistics are alarming: an estimated 2,300 Americans succumbed to heat-related illnesses in 2023, the hottest year on record. Meanwhile, smoke from Canadian wildfires has traveled as far south as Georgia, disrupting lives and livelihoods.

The groups emphasize that extreme heat acts as a “harm multiplier,” exacerbating health risks and economic burdens, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Their petition underscores the need for proactive measures, such as air filters and rooftop solar systems, to mitigate the impacts of these climate crises before they strike. As the planet warms, the call for action grows louder, urging FEMA to step up and recognize the gravity of these environmental threats.

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