This post breaks down the official schedule you absolutely need on your radar — and how each date could move mortgage rates and property markets.
🏦 Bank of Canada Policy Rate Announcement Dates (2026)
The Bank of Canada sets its key policy interest rate 8 times annually — and each one matters because it signals the direction of borrowing costs. These decisions influence:
Variable mortgage pricing
Bond markets that affect fixed rates
Renewals and refinance strategies
Buyer confidence and affordability
Here’s the official 2026 BoC rate announcement calendar (all at 09:45 ET): Bank of Canada
📍 📆 2026 Rate Announcement Dates
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
On four of these dates the BoC also releases a Monetary Policy Report — their most detailed outlook on inflation and economic growth — which markets watch closely. Bank of Canada
👉 These meetings aren’t just data drops — they shape the mortgage market for months at a time.
📊 Monthly Inflation Data (CPI) — Why It Matters
Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) — published by Statistics Canada — is the most watched inflation indicator every month. While Statistics Canada hasn’t yet published its official 2026 release calendar in narrative form, CPI figures generally follow the pattern below:
📍 Estimated 2026 CPI Release Windows (all ~08:30 ET): Inflation Calculator
January CPI → mid-February 2026
February CPI → mid-March 2026
March CPI → mid-April 2026
April CPI → mid-May 2026
May CPI → mid-June 2026
June CPI → mid-July 2026
July CPI → mid-August 2026
August CPI → mid-September 2026
September CPI → mid-October 2026
October CPI → mid-November 2026
November CPI → mid-December 2026
These reports are often the real catalysts behind market rate moves — even more so than Bank announcements — because they show whether inflation is cooling or heating relative to the Bank’s 2% target.
If inflation surprises higher, expect market-driven rate pressure — even without a formal BoC hike.
📅 Why These Dates Matter to You
Here’s how these events will influence mortgages and real estate pricing in 2026:
📍 January 28 — Kickoff of the Rate Year
The first BoC meeting sets the tone for the whole year. Homeowners and buyers will listen for inflation commentary and whether the Bank is leaning toward hikes or holding steady. Bank of Canada
📍 CPI Releases Before BoC Meetings
CPI prints just before BoC decisions act like market previews. Hot inflation data before a BoC meeting often leads bond yields — and mortgages — higher.
📍 Spring (March / April) — Buying Season Begins
Two Powell-level BoC dates back-to-back here can create volatility for mortgage pricing right when spring demand peaks.
📍 Summer (June / July) — Renewal & Refinance Pressure
Mid-year rate decisions can be decisive for borrowers renewing or switching products. And with renewals peaking in mid-2026, competition among lenders will heat up.
📍 Fall (September / October) — Strategic Reset
As the market exits summer, buyers and refinancers will look at BoC’s inflation outlook and CPI data to time locking in rates ahead of year-end.
📍 December 9 — Year-End Positioning
The final rate meeting is the most market-impactful. It sets expectations for 2027 — and can influence how lenders price products for January renewals.
🧠 2026 Market Outlook: What Borrowers Should Expect
Here’s the big picture mortgage shoppers need for SEO-friendly insights this weekend:
✔ Rates are more likely to stay steady or rise than be cut in 2026 due to inflation dynamics and global uncertainty. True North Mortgage
✔ Every major rate announcement doubles as a policy and inflation update — not just a rate number. Bank of Canada
✔ Monthly CPI prints can be more market-moving than the BoC meeting itself. Inflation Calculator
✔ Smart timing around these dates can save thousands in mortgage costs and renewals.
🏡 How to Use This Schedule
Bookmark this list, add reminders to your calendar, and plan your mortgage decisions around these exact dates — not after headlines.
Want to lock in before a potential rate hike?
Thinking about refinancing before inflation prints higher than expected?
Wondering whether you should switch to fixed before a BoC meeting?
📞 Talk to Lendworth — your mortgage strategy matters more than ever this year.
Your equity deserves more™