As a result of prudent mortgage lending practices, the number of mortgages in arrears in Canada was trending down in 2011 and the first half of 2012, according to the Canadian Housing Observer, released yesterday by CMHC.

“The Canadian Housing Observer is an indispensable source of information about housing’s role in the economy, and better information helps contribute to the stability and efficiency of Canada’s housing system,” said Karen Kinsley, President of CMHC. “This marks the 10-year anniversary of this publication, relied on by many in the private, non-profit and government sectors for its analysis and insight into the dynamics of Canadian housing,” added Kinsley.

Click here to read the latest Canadian Housing Observer.

Click here to see CMHC’s press release.

While I’ve been busy sinking money into mortgage payments, daycare costs, RESPs, RRSPs, utilities, groceries, vehicle maintenance and the occasional vacation, I’ve somehow failed to notice that many Canadians seem to be doing all this – and stepping up their mortgage repayments, too.

According to the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals, over the past 20 years mortgage repayment periods have shrunk to two-thirds of the actual contracted period. Furthermore, during the past year – a time when household debt has soared to a record high – 32% of borrowers have managed to dramatically accelerate their mortgage payment schedules.

Yes, you read that right. At a time when Canadians have loaded up on consumer, house and car debt, it appears that many people are finding ways to pay off their mortgages faster.

Of the almost 6 million mortgage-holders in Canada, about 1.9 million made additional payment efforts during the past year. I was not one of them, unless the biweekly payment option counts. Instead, I am among the 60% of mortgage holders who made only their minimum mortgage payment.

Click here for more from the Globe and Mail.