New population projections from Statistics Canada and analysis from ATB Financial show Alberta is set to lead the country in growth over the next 25 years. For the construction industry, more people means more demand for housing, infrastructure and commercial development.
The Numbers
Alberta’s population will grow by between 1.4 and 3.1 million people over the next 25 years depending on which growth scenario unfolds. Under medium projected growth, the province’s population grows from about 5 million residents today to over 7.3 million by 2050, a 46% increase – the highest of any province. The national population will grow by a more modest 17% over the same period.
Alberta’s population growth is at least double the national average in all scenarios. Annual growth in Alberta will average 1.5% over the projection period compared to 0.6% nationally.
International migration will account for just over half of Alberta’s population growth to 2050, with interprovincial migration accounting for 29.4% and natural increase accounting for 18.5%. Alberta is one of only two provinces projected to see ongoing gains from interprovincial migration, meaning people are choosing to move here from other parts of Canada.
What This Means for Construction
A population increase of 2.3 million people over 25 years translates directly into demand for housing, infrastructure and commercial development. More people need places to live, work and access services. That creates sustained construction demand rather than short-term spikes.
Alberta’s construction industry is positioned to benefit from the strongest provincial population growth in the country. With residential construction already building roughly twice as many homes as in 2019 and over $180 billion worth of major projects (valued at $5 million or greater) currently proposed or under construction in Alberta , the foundation is being laid for what could be one of the most significant periods of infrastructure development in a generation.
What This Means for CLRA Members
For CLRA members and Alberta’s skilled trades workers, these projections signal opportunity ahead. Sustained population growth creates stable, long-term demand for construction projects across all sectors. The challenge will be ensuring we have the workforce to meet this demand.
That’s why CLRA’s Build Your Future in Alberta campaign and its work with partners like Skills Alberta, Careers the Next Generation and the Workforce Development Trust to attract and retain skilled workers in Alberta becomes even more crucial. As the province grows, our industry’s ability to deliver the infrastructure and commercial projects Albertans need will depend on having trained, experienced workers ready to build. The next 25 years could be one of the most significant periods for construction in Alberta’s history, and CLRA members will be at the center of that growth.
