A new national survey suggests most Canadians, including those in Airdrie, are keeping up with mortgage payments. Still, many are feeling financial strain and cutting back on spending to manage costs.
According to a 2026 Mortgage Sentiment Survey conducted by True North Mortgage in partnership with Angus Reid, 83 per cent of respondents reported they have never missed a mortgage payment, while 11 per cent said they have not missed a payment but have struggled at times. Three per cent said they have missed one payment, and another three per cent reported missing more than one, the report found.
The report indicates that payment pressure remains significant. Nearly one in three respondents, 29 per cent, said their mortgage payments have been “somewhat challenging” over the past year, while seven per cent described them as “very challenging.” Another 35 per cent said payments were “not very challenging,” and 29 per cent said they were “not at all challenging.”
Spending cutbacks tied to mortgage costs
Mortgage costs are also reshaping household spending. The report found 57 per cent of respondents delayed other financial decisions in the past year due to mortgage payments.
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That includes 36 per cent who postponed vacations or travel, 31 per cent who delayed home renovations, and 27 per cent who held off on retirement savings or investments. Another 24 per cent said they delayed paying off other debts, while 20 per cent postponed buying a car or major appliance.
Income remains the primary payment source
Employment income remains the primary way households cover mortgage costs, with 73 per cent of respondents relying on it over the past year, according to the report.
Seventeen per cent used personal savings, while 12 per cent relied on self-employment or business income. Smaller shares reported using pensions (11 per cent), loans or gifts from family and friends (seven per cent), or rental income (six per cent).
Arrears remain low
Mortgage arrears remain relatively low, the report suggests. Only three per cent of respondents reported ever missing a payment, and just 0.18 per cent of THINK Financial mortgages were more than 30 days in arrears as of February 2026, according to the report.
The findings are based on a survey of 1,056 Canadians conducted between Jan. 14 and Jan. 27, 2026.
The report says a probability sample of that size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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