Construction sector softening despite infrastructure strength: Survey
AI Article Summary
The Q3 2025 Canada Construction Monitor by RICS and CIQS reports a decline in industry sentiment, shifting from slightly positive to negative. Contributing factors include softening workloads, high interest rates, and regulatory pressures impacting private residential and non-residential sectors. Despite strong infrastructure activity, challenges like labor shortages and rising costs persist, affecting confidence and profit forecasts. The survey indicates potential economic challenges as the industry adjusts to these conditions.
What This Means for Canadian Contractors
For Canadian builders, this means adapting to financial constraints and regulatory burdens that could impact project timelines and profitability. The survey highlights potential delays or cancellations of construction permits due to high interest rates and new tariffs. Contractors could face ongoing labor shortages and increased material costs, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and cost management in maintaining project viability.