According to the COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard, in July most BC housing markets continued to calm from a peak in March. While sales and new listings continued declining, the seasonally adjusted 6-month moving-average for housing starts hit a record level in the province for a second consecutive month. Rents are also beginning to rise sharply in major centers across the province. The average rate for a 1-bedroom apartment rose 6.5% in Vancouver and 8.9% in Victoria in July.

Retail sales continue to post strong figures, with July sales 13% above February 2020 levels. Throughout the month of July and most of August, restaurant reservations have trended upward in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Google’s average measure of movement trends in BC are at the highest level since March of 2020.

Seasonally adjusted aggregate employment in BC is now at roughly pre-pandemic levels, although high-wage workers are still doing much better than low-wage workers. Manufacturing and exports continue to post very strong figures in the province, with both hitting record levels in July for a second consecutive month. Consumer confidence is approaching pre-pandemic levels, while business confidence is well-above pre-pandemic levels.

For a more comprehensive overview of BC's economic recovery, click here. 

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.