Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

Josh Perez • April 29, 2026

The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

What the Bank of Canada Said

A World Under Pressure

The Bank cited two major forces shaping today's decision: the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and continued uncertainty around U.S. trade policy. The Iran war has pushed energy prices sharply higher and disrupted transportation routes, squeezing oil-importing economies and pushing inflation up globally. Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs and shifting trade patterns continue to create headwinds for Canadian businesses and exporters.

Financial markets have been volatile, reflecting daily developments in the Middle East. Bond yields are modestly higher since January, and the U.S. dollar has strengthened against most major currencies — though the Canada-U.S. exchange rate has remained relatively stable.

The Canadian Economy

Canada's economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2025, but growth is forecast to have resumed in early 2026. Consumer and government spending are providing support, while tariffs and trade uncertainty are weighing on exports and business investment. Housing activity has also declined, held back by slow population growth, economic uncertainty, and affordability challenges.

The labour market remains soft. Employment growth has been subdued over the past year, with job losses in sectors targeted by U.S. tariffs. The unemployment rate is sitting in the 6.5% to 7% range.

The Bank's April forecast projects GDP growth of 1.2% in 2026, rising to 1.6% in 2027 and 1.7% in 2028 as exports and business investment gradually recover.

Inflation

CPI inflation climbed to 2.4% in March, driven largely by higher gasoline prices. The Bank expects inflation to rise further in April — potentially reaching around 3% — before easing back toward the 2% target early next year as oil prices moderate. Core inflation has been holding steady at just above 2%.

Importantly, the Bank is watching carefully to ensure that higher energy prices don't feed through more broadly into goods and services prices. Longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored, which is a positive sign.

Why the Bank Held

With growth risks on one side and rising inflation pressures on the other, the Bank of Canada's Governing Council chose to hold steady at 2.25%. The Bank is "looking through" the immediate inflationary impact of the war in Iran, but has been clear that it will not allow higher energy prices to become entrenched inflation. As conditions evolve, the Bank stands ready to respond in either direction.

What This Means for Mortgage Holders and Buyers

A rate hold means no immediate change to variable-rate mortgage payments or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) tied to the prime rate. The prime rate remains at 4.45%.

The bigger picture here is one of caution and patience. The Bank is navigating a genuinely difficult environment — balancing weak domestic growth against rising inflation risks from global energy prices. This uncertainty is likely to keep rates on hold for the foreseeable future, rather than signalling cuts or hikes in the near term.

For anyone thinking about locking in a fixed rate, renewing soon, or entering the market as a buyer, this environment calls for careful planning. The difference between rate options can mean thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.

The next scheduled rate announcement is June 10, 2026 .

As always, every borrower's situation is unique. If you have questions about how today's announcement affects your mortgage — or want to explore your options before the next decision — don't hesitate to reach out.

Information sourced from the Bank of Canada's official press release and Monetary Policy Report dated April 29, 2026.

Josh Perez
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How to Maximize Your Mortgage Renewal Opportunity

By Josh Perez • July 29, 2026
Your Lender Is Not Obligated to Renew Your Mortgage Many homeowners assume that if they’ve made every mortgage payment on time, their lender is automatically required to renew their mortgage at the end of the term. That’s a common belief—but it isn’t true. When you sign a mortgage, you’re agreeing to a contract for a specific term . Once that term ends, the lender has the legal right to either renew the mortgage or call the loan . There is no obligation to offer a renewal. In practice, most lenders do renew mortgages—but certain situations can prevent that from happening. Reasons a Lender May Decline to Renew A lender may choose not to renew if: Mortgage payments were missed during the term A bankruptcy or consumer proposal has occurred There is a separation or divorce Employment or income has changed A borrower on the mortgage has passed away The lender no longer prefers the property’s location or market The lender is no longer licensed to lend in Canada Even one of these factors can change how a lender views the risk. Why This Matters Because renewal is not guaranteed, waiting until the last minute can put you in a difficult position. Understanding this reality early gives you time and control. How to Protect Yourself at Renewal The best approach is to be proactive. Ideally, you should begin reviewing your options 120 days before your mortgage term ends . This gives you enough time to explore alternatives and make informed decisions—rather than reacting under pressure. Even if your current lender offers a renewal, that’s just one option , not automatically the best one. The lender that was right for you years ago may no longer offer the most competitive rate, terms, or flexibility today. The goal at renewal isn’t convenience—it’s reducing your total cost of borrowing and choosing terms that align with your current situation. Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional Working with an independent mortgage professional ensures someone is advocating for you , not the lender. Instead of being limited to one set of products, you can compare options across multiple lenders and choose the solution that best protects your interests. Final Thoughts Whether your lender is offering a renewal or not, the smartest move is to review all your options before signing anything. If your mortgage is coming up for renewal—or if you want to plan ahead—feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to help you protect your options and make a confident decision.

How Property Type and Condition Influence Mortgage Financing

By Josh Perez • July 22, 2026
Why the Property Matters When You’re Qualifying for a Mortgage When qualifying for a mortgage, lenders typically look at four core areas: Income Credit Down payment or equity The property itself Most buyers focus heavily on income, credit, and savings—and for good reason. But even if those boxes are checked, the property can still determine whether a mortgage is approved. Why Lenders Care About the Property From a lender’s perspective, the property is the collateral for the mortgage. In the unlikely event of default, they need to know the home can be sold quickly and at fair market value to recover their funds. Because of this, lenders are careful about the condition, value, and marketability of any property they finance. Homes that are in poor repair, unconventional, or overpriced can raise red flags—even when the borrower is well qualified. Appraisals Are Always Part of the Process Every mortgage requires an appraisal to confirm value. Insured mortgages (through CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) often use an automated valuation model completed online. Conventional mortgages typically require a full, on-site appraisal by a certified appraiser. This appraisal is not optional and happens after an offer is accepted—not at the pre-approval stage. Why Pre-Approvals Aren’t a Guarantee A pre-approval is a great first step, but it only assesses you, not the property. Once you’ve made an offer, the lender must approve the specific home you’re buying. Understanding this upfront helps avoid surprises and confusion later in the process. The Risk of Buying Without a Financing Condition In competitive markets, buyers sometimes remove financing conditions to strengthen their offer. However, this comes with risk. If the appraisal comes back low—or the lender is concerned about the property’s condition—you could be denied financing after the offer is firm. In that scenario, your deposit may be at risk. Buying a Home That Needs Work If you’re considering a property that isn’t in perfect condition, there are solutions. A purchase plus improvements program allows you to buy a home and include renovation costs in your mortgage. The process is structured and requires planning, but it can be an excellent way to turn a fixer-upper into a great long-term investment. Final Thoughts Mortgage approval isn’t based solely on your finances—the property matters just as much. Knowing this ahead of time helps you make smarter offers, reduce risk, and plan more effectively. If you’re buying a property that needs work or want clarity on how a lender may view a specific home, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.