Latest Construction News

In April 2025, Canada's total investment in building construction dropped by $741.9 million to $22.3 billion, with significant declines in both the residential and non-residential sectors. The residential sector experienced a 4.5% decrease, notably in the multi-unit and single-family components. Ontario and Alberta led the national downturn in single-family home construction. The non-residential sector saw a slight decline, despite an increase in institutional investments, led by Alberta.

The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) recognized top member companies with the R. Hugh Carroll Award for exemplary safety commitment in 2025. Multiple firms, including Rogol Electric and Symtech Innovations, were honored for their outstanding safety achievements. Additionally, certain members were given the new Recognition of Safety Achievement award for maintaining injury statistics below the industry average. Larry J. MacDonald of Black & McDonald Ltd. received the D.J.B. Wright Award for his leadership contributions to Ontario's electrical contracting industry.

Lambton College is set to construct a new student residence, the largest project in its history, through a public-private partnership with Tilbury Properties Corporation and Fengate Asset Management. The residence, expected to open in September 2027, is designed to offer a mix of suite styles and amenities to support student life and attract new students. This initiative aims to strengthen the community and support the college’s financial sustainability. The project will be financed and constructed by Tilbury and Fengate, with Teeple Architects and Ball Construction handling design and building respectively.

In Toronto, a heritage project is underway at 950 King St. W to provide 231 rental units, including 40 affordable homes. The redevelopment of the historic Palace Arms Hotel involves a 17-storey building, supported by Greenwin, Intentional Capital, Windsor Private Capital, and LiUNA! Pension Fund. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the area while offering new housing opportunities.

A KPMG survey indicates that Canadian construction companies continue to face a skilled labor shortage. Despite this challenge, advancements in technology have enhanced productivity and efficiency in the sector. The report highlights a shift towards increased tech investments as a strategic response to address the labor gap.

Skyway Bridging Partners has been awarded the design contract for the Garden City Skyway Bridge twinning project in St. Catharines, Ontario. The project aims to construct a new four-lane bridge to ease traffic during rehabilitation of the existing bridge, connecting the Niagara region with the United States. This vital transportation infrastructure enhancement supports traffic flow, secures a trade and tourism corridor, and creates jobs. The existing bridge, built in 1963, requires rehabilitation, and the new bridge will support future expansions.

Construction has begun on the East Harbour Transit Hub in Toronto, Ontario, which aims to be the second-busiest transit station in the city after Union Station. The hub will connect the Ontario Line subway with the Lakeshore East and Stouffville GO Transit lines, aimed at easing congestion and cutting travel times for around 100,000 daily riders. The project supports economic growth by creating jobs and enhancing Toronto's transit infrastructure as part of a wider transit expansion plan. In partnership with multiple levels of government, the hub will also facilitate new housing and community developments in its vicinity.

Construction has begun on the new Cardiovascular Surgery Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Northwestern Ontario. This project, funded by the Government of Ontario and community donors, will create more than 76,000 square feet of clinical space. The new facilities will include 14 cardiovascular surgery inpatient beds and a state-of-the-art surgical suite, aiming to improve local access to cardiac care and reduce patient wait times. The project is in partnership with the University Health Network and is expected to be completed by 2027.

The County of Simcoe has commenced construction on its largest affordable housing development in Barrie, featuring 220 mixed-income rental units and commercial space for health and community service agencies. The project, set to be completed in two phases by 2027, will include two apartment towers and a parking structure. The development aims to provide quality housing for families and seniors, with a focus on universal design to accommodate residents of all ages.

The East Harbour Transit Hub in Toronto has begun construction, initiated by the Ontario government. Crews are actively engaged in pouring concrete for a new bridge deck and track installation, which will form part of a new interchange station in Toronto’s east end. The major construction contract for this project was awarded in March.

Bertram Construction has been awarded a contract by the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for the construction of a new animal centre in Collingwood, Ontario. The facility is called the Regional Centre for Pets and People and aims to replace the existing animal centre. This project is a significant development for the region, enhancing resources for animal care and community engagement.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) plans to install platform screen doors at 74 metro stations in Toronto, a project estimated to cost $4.1 billion. This safety measure has been under consideration for over a decade, especially following incidents of people falling onto the tracks. Although not yet funded, the TTC proposes a $44 million pilot project at the TMU station, due to its high traffic and frequent service interruptions caused by people on the tracks. The installation aims to enhance safety, reduce delays, and improve public perception, with potential work beginning in 2026 if funding is secured.