CMHC Jan 09, 2008 OTTAWA, January 9, 2008 — Housing starts in 2007 are estimated at 229,600, surpassing 2006 starts, and reaching their second highest level in nearly two decades. However, the seasonally adjusted annual rate1 of housing starts in December decreased to 187,500 units from November's 233,300 units, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Growth in 2007 housing starts was driven by low mortgage rates, solid employment, income growth and a high level of consumer confidence, said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “Even with the weakness in residential construction in December,