Canadian cities don’t usually change overnight.
But over the past few years, the shifts have been noticeable — sometimes quietly, sometimes dramatically.
Condo Construction Is Reshaping Skylines
Toronto and Vancouver continue to rank among North America’s leaders in high-rise residential construction. In many downtown cores, cranes have become permanent fixtures.
Downtown Office Towers Aren’t as Full
Commercial vacancy rates remain elevated compared to pre-2020 levels. Hybrid work means fewer people commuting five days a week — and it shows in food courts and PATH systems.
Grocery Stores Feel Busier — and Smaller
Urban grocery footprints are shifting toward compact layouts with more private labels and fewer specialty imports, reflecting both space and cost pressures.
Transit Usage Is Still Rebalancing
Ridership has rebounded significantly in major cities, but many systems haven’t fully returned to pre-pandemic weekday peaks. Commutes are more staggered.
Rental Markets Tightened Fast
National average rents climbed sharply in 2022 and 2023. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, vacancy rates dropped below 2% in several reporting periods.
Independent Shops Turn Over More Frequently
Shorter lease cycles and rising commercial rents mean storefronts change hands faster. Familiar businesses disappear quietly.
Delivery and App Culture Is Everywhere
From groceries to alcohol to pharmacy runs, app-based delivery is now embedded in daily city life — visible in lobby drop-off shelves and bike couriers.
Suburban Growth Is Accelerating
Smaller cities and outer suburbs have seen population growth as remote and hybrid work allowed relocation. Commutes are longer — but less frequent.
Public Space Is Used Differently
Patios, park programming, outdoor markets — cities invested more in open-air social spaces. Even in winter, some of those changes have stuck.
Canadian cities aren’t shrinking. They’re recalibrating.
The skyline may look familiar — but how people live inside it feels different.