Canadian financial experts and media pundits credit the construction industry with sustaining Canada’s economy in these uncertain times, but no single authority can be positive of what lies ahead. With rumours of interest rate increases and economic slowdowns, it is time to pay close attention to what’s going on in this strategically significant industry if you want to invest in real estate.

So far this year, the real estate market in British Columbia and Greater Vancouver, and in many other parts of Canada, has exceeded most forecasts and predictions. During the first half of 2002, housing starts in BC alone jumped 18%. Single detached home sales in Greater Vancouver increased by 30%, townhouses by 43% and apartments by 46%. New construction surged ahead, fed by strong demand, to drive multifamily starts up 45%.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) analysts are ready to share their view of what’s coming next at their series of annual Housing Outlook Conferences. CMHC promises that its Conferences will help anyone requiring analysis and forecasts of the local housing markets to “understand new trends in the market place, identify new markets and investment opportunities, determine consumer preferences, make business decisions or plan your business strategy.” Each of the localized Conferences is tailored to the specifics of one market -- London, Calgary, Montreal, Halifax and other key centres across Canada.

If you’d like to get an up-close-and-personal look at the construction industry, attend the 14th annual Construct Canada 2002 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from December 4 to 6. This year, Canada's largest annual construction show will shine the spotlight on international trade and business opportunities for Canadian construction services, building products and housing technologies.

The anticipated 19,000 who attend will participate in 4 shows at once, view more than 950 exhibitor booths and learn from over 150 educational seminars. One of the four shows, HomeBuilder & Renovation Expo (also staged on October 8-9 in Calgary, Alberta, and planned for Montreal early next April) may be of special interest to home renovators – professionals and those who want professional results.

As part of Construct Canada 2002, the federal government’s Team Canada Inc. , a network of federal government departments and agencies intent on supporting Canadian exports, has organized the International Business Program, a unique opportunity for Canadian companies to unlock new global markets. One presentation is designed to help Canadian construction/housing firms do business internationally and another to focus on the construction and housing markets in the United States.

Whether you are interested in real estate and construction as a stock market investor, real estate investor or a home buyer, you’ll benefit from learning how housing gets built, what strengthens a real estate market and how best to forecast future opportunities.

Published: October 8, 2002

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Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.