Rural Canada Housing Profiles: Interactive Dashboard

Additional information

The Rural Canada Housing Profiles interactive dashboard provides a visual overview of selected housing indicators from the Rural Canada Housing Profiles (RCHP) database, including the numbers and values of residential building permits, the values of investment in residential building construction, and residential property characteristics. Variables are classified based on geography, type of work and building type.  For more information on housing-related concepts, data sources, definitions, and methods refer to the RCHP Metadata and user guide.

Methodology

The RCHP database is derived from Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census of Population, Canadian Housing Statistics Program, the Building Permits Program, and the Investment in Building Construction Program. For additional information on these statistical programs, refer to the RCHP Metadata and user guide.

The RCHP database features five tables:

Table 46-10-0087-01

Rural Canada Housing Profiles, residential building permits, numbers and values, by type of residential building and type of work (x 1,000)

Table 46-10-0088-01

Rural Canada Housing Profiles, values of investments in residential building construction, by type of residential building and type of work (x 1,000)

Table 46-10-0089-01

Rural Canada Housing Profiles, residential property characteristics

Table 46-10-0078-01

Rural Canada Housing Profiles, occupied private dwelling characteristics

Table 46-10-0079-01

Rural Canada Housing Profiles, private household characteristics

The geographical classification and concepts used in the RCHP database are based on Statistics Canada’s Standard Geographic Classification (SGC). The 2016 SGC is used for RCHP tables with reference periods from 2018 to 2021. The 2021 SGC is used for reference periods from 2022 onward. The RCHP database defines Census Subdivisions (CSDs) within Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) or Census Agglomerations (CAs) as “functional urban areas”. CSDs outside of CMAs or CAs are classified as “rural and small town areas”. “All areas” combines rural and small town areas and functional urban areas.

Considerations

Users should note potential limitations, including in the interpretation of period-to-period changes, which may be influenced by administrative or methodological changes in the statistical program sourcing the RCHP database.

The geographic coverage of the RCHP data tables aligns with the coverage of the statistical program that serve as their data source. As multiple versions of the SGC are used in the RCHP database, the classification of some CSDs may differ.

Definitions

Key definitions are included to help users navigate the interactive dashboard. To view more definitions on metrics and variables, refer to the RCHP Metadata and user guide.

Alterations and improvements

Any construction work undertaken for the purpose of improving or modifying an existing structure.

Permits issued for the replacement of built-in equipment (elevator, heating and plumbing system, etc.) are also included.

Assessment value

The assessed value of the property for the purposes of determining property taxes. It is important to note that the assessed value does not necessarily represent the market value. Given that each province and territory have its own assessment cycle and reference dates of the assessment roll, it would be difficult to make meaningful comparisons of similar properties between one province or territory and another for the same reference year. All values displayed are in current dollars.

Building permit

The final authorization to start work on a building project. It is granted by public authorities in response to an application by a principal and based on a specific building plan. All building permit values are displayed in current dollars.

Census agglomeration (CA)

Formed by one or more adjacent municipalities centered on a population center (known as the core). A CA must have a core population of at least 10,000, based on adjusted data from the Census of Population Program.

Census metropolitan area (CMA)

Formed by one or more adjacent municipalities centered on a population center (known as the core). A CMA must have a total population of at least 100,000 of which 50,000 or more must live in the core, based on adjusted data from the Census of Population Program.

Census subdivision (CSD)

A general term for municipalities (as determined by provincial and territorial legislation) or areas treated as municipal equivalents for statistical purposes (e.g., Indian reserves, Indian settlements and unorganized territories). Municipal status is defined by laws in effect in each province and territory in Canada.

Conversions and deconversions

Any modification to an existing building involving the gain or loss of dwelling units (e.g., converting a basement into a standalone suite).

Dwelling unit

A separate set of living quarters with a private entrance either from outside the building or from a common hall, lobby, vestibule or stairway inside the building. The entrance to the dwelling must be one that can be used without passing through the living quarters of some other person or group of persons.

Dwelling-units created

Units created by the construction of new residential structures or the conversion of existing buildings.

Dwelling- units lost

Units lost by converting multiple units into multiple units or single units, or non-residential building, or from single to non-residential building, usually referred to as a deconversion.

Functional urban areas

Census subdivisions within Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) or Census Agglomerations (CAs).

Investment value in residential building construction

Values of the work put in place over the reference year as a result of construction activity that follows permit approval, whether this was obtained in the reference year or in an earlier year (or years). While the permit and investment values are related, there is a lag between when a permit is obtained and the ensuing construction activity that relates to it. Investment values are based on permits data as well as other data sources. All values displayed are in current dollars.

Minor work

Permits below $50,000 with no unit created.

New construction

Any permit taken out for the development of all or part of a new residential building.

Type of work - Others

Other types of work requiring permits, including the installation of in-ground swimming pools, and garages/carports.

Residential property

All land and structures intended for private occupancy, whether on a permanent or a temporary basis.

Rural and small town areas

Census subdivisions outside Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) or Census Agglomerations (CAs).

Total living area

For properties that are being utilized for both residential and non-residential purposes, only the residential portion's value is considered. For how assessment values are calculated, refer to the RCHP Metadata and users guide.

Other resources

Rural Canada Housing Profile database, 2023

Rural Canada Housing Profile Metadata and user guide

Learn more

To find more rural and small town Canada products, visit:

Rural Canada Statistics Portal

Rural Statistics in Canada (45-20-0004)

Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletin (21-006-X)