2017 looks set to be best year for Canada builders

Ottawa

FOR Canada's real estate developers, 2017 is shaping up to be a comeback year.

Builders are on pace to start work on more than 215,000 new homes. That would be the most since 2007, and a rebound after four straight years below 200,000.

The strength isn't confined to Toronto. Advances are broad-based, including sharp rebounds in the Prairies and Quebec and elevated levels in British Columbia, in addition to residential construction in Ontario that's on pace for its best year since 2004.

The level of activity has surprised policymakers and analysts, most of whom began the year predicting the industry would be a drag on the economy.

Economists forecast housing start…