06/19/2026
A few years ago, a lot of people asked the same question: fixed or variable?
In 2021, variable rates were incredibly low. It made sense for a lot of families to go that route, payments were manageable, rates were at historic lows, and the savings were real.
Then 2022 arrived and everything shifted. The Bank of Canada raised rates 10 times in just over a year. For variable rate borrowers, that meant watching their payments climb, sometimes significantly, in a very short period of time.
It was stressful. For a lot of households it was genuinely difficult.
But here's what I think is important to remember: choosing variable in 2021 wasn't a bad decision. It was a reasonable decision based on the information available at the time. Nobody had a crystal ball.
And by 2024, the Bank of Canada started cutting rates again, which means variable borrowers who held on are now starting to see some relief.
The real takeaway from all of this isn't that one option is always better than the other. It's that the right mortgage is the one that fits your life, your income, your risk tolerance, your plans.
If you're coming up for renewal or thinking about buying, this is exactly the kind of conversation worth having with a professional before you decide.
Feel free to share this with someone who's been going back and forth on the decision. And if you have questions, drop them in the comments, happy to help where we can.
For educational purposes only. Mortgage rates and terms vary by lender and individual circumstances. Past rate trends do not guarantee future results. Always consult a qualified mortgage professional before making any financing decisions.