As we head into 2026, all eyes are back on the Bank of Canada. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a homeowner with a renewal coming up, or just trying to stay on top of your monthly budget, these rate announcements matter more than most people realize.
The BoC has officially released its 2026 schedule, and there are key dates you’ll want on your radar.
2026 Bank of Canada Rate Announcement Dates
(All announcements are typically released at 9:45 AM ET)
→Wednesday, January 28 (Includes Monetary Policy Report)
→Wednesday, March 18
→Wednesday, April 29 (Includes Monetary Policy Report)
→Wednesday, July 15 (Includes Monetary Policy Report)
→Wednesday, September 2
→Wednesday, October 28 (Includes Monetary Policy Report)
→Wednesday, December 9
What Are We Expecting in 2026?
After the rollercoaster of the last few years, 2026 is shaping up to be a bit more… calm (finally).
Most economists at Canada’s major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank) are expecting a “hold” pattern, at least through the first half of the year.
• Current policy rate: 2.25% (as of late January)
• The outlook: The BoC is focused on keeping inflation close to its 2% target, which means holding steady for now. That said, September and October are worth watching closely — if the economy heats up faster than expected, a small hike could be back on the table.
Why These Dates Actually Matter to You
• Variable-rate mortgages: Any BoC move impacts your rate almost immediately — and potentially your payment.
• The renewal wave: About 60% of Canadian mortgages are renewing in 2025–2026. If you locked in a super-low rate in 2021, these announcements will directly affect what your new payment looks like.
• Real estate market: Rate stability tends to bring buyers off the sidelines. If the BoC signals a longer-term hold, we could see more spring market activity across the GTA and Ontario.
Pro Tip for Homeowners
Don’t wait for announcement day to start paying attention. The January 28 and April 29 dates include full Monetary Policy Reports — those are the best times to review your options and plan ahead with a mortgage professional.
A little preparation now can save a lot of stress (and money) later.
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