Articles from Building.ca

WorkSafeBC is urging construction companies to implement fall protection measures to prevent worker injuries on construction sites, especially as activity increases with the arrival of spring. In light of more than 1,000 injuries reported last year from falls, the organization emphasizes that many accidents are preventable with adequate safety measures. Between 2020 and 2024, falls resulted in over 5,400 claims, including 1,900 serious injuries and 35 fatalities. WorkSafeBC notes that failing to use fall protection is often due to time constraints or misconceptions about task risk levels.

WorkSafeBC encourage les entreprises de construction à mettre en place des mesures de protection contre les chutes, en particulier avec la reprise des activités au printemps. Avec plus de 1 000 blessures signalées l'année dernière, l'organisation souligne que de nombreux accidents peuvent être évités avec des mesures de sécurité appropriées. Entre 2020 et 2024, les chutes ont entraîné plus de 5 400 réclamations, dont 1 900 blessures graves et 35 décès. WorkSafeBC indique que l'absence de protection est souvent due aux contraintes de temps ou aux fausses perceptions des risques encourus.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) reports a bleak outlook for new home construction in Ontario and British Columbia, with the Housing Market Index (HMI) indicating low confidence among builders. In 2025 Q1, Ontario saw a significant decline in housing starts by 38% year-over-year due to affordability challenges and tariffs impacting construction costs. Builders are particularly concerned about the rising cost of materials and high development charges in urban centers, and they urge the government to implement policies to improve housing affordability. The CHBA calls for alternative funding models for infrastructure and more accessible mortgages to support housing supply improvement.

The Ontario Construction Secretariat's recent Contractor Survey indicates a rise in the construction unemployment rate to 9.5%, reflecting a significant contraction in employment by 4.1% year-over-year as of March. The report highlights a sharper decline in employment among women, particularly those aged 55 and over, while men's employment fell by 2%, but youth employment saw a growth of 16.8%. This current unemployment rate is the highest for March since 2017, with Ontario's overall unemployment figures potentially impacted by broader economic challenges such as auto tariffs.

The British Columbia government marked the one-year anniversary of its BC Builds program by celebrating the groundbreaking of a 179-unit rental building in North Vancouver, which progressed from concept to construction in just 14 months. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced that 1,400 homes have begun construction since the program's launch, with 2,500 more in early development stages. The $950 million program, aiming to expedite project timelines, provides grants and loans for new rental developments. Additionally, the program has initialized three rental housing projects for First Nations, expected to create 236 new homes.

NEUF architect(e)s, Webster, and Permacon have collaborated to introduce the DUAL concrete brick, a sustainable building product aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry by 20 percent. The innovative brick design incorporates recycled materials and features a honeycombed structure to reduce material usage by nearly a third compared to traditional concrete bricks. Available in three natural shades and two formats, the bricks meet CSA standards and come with an Environmental Product Declaration. The partnership highlights a commitment to sustainable construction practices that balance aesthetics, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

The Canadian Homebuilders’ Association (CHBA) released its 2024 Municipal Benchmarking Study, analyzing how municipal development charges and delays impact housing affordability and supply in Canada. The study found significant dispersion in municipal efficiency, with increased fees and delayed processes contributing to a housing affordability crisis, particularly in major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. The report also highlighted the negative impacts of high fees and inefficient processes on housing outcomes, as well as the need for policy and procedural improvements to address the growing housing demand and affordability issues. The study showed that cities like Edmonton, Halifax, and London perform better in terms of efficiency and affordability compared to other municipalities studied, especially in Ontario and British Columbia.

The annual Ontario Construction Secretariat Contractor Survey indicates that Ontario non-residential building contractors are optimistic about business growth in 2025, with many expecting stable or increasing revenues and some planning to hire more employees. Despite some uncertainty from the political environment and ongoing trade issues, a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects is driving positivity. The construction industry is increasingly adopting technology, with a notable rise in the use of apprentices, advanced building materials, and AI for predictive analysis and other applications. Contractors also express concerns about rising material costs and labor shortages, though these worries have slightly decreased from the previous year.

A report by the Missing Middle Initiative, commissioned for BILD and OHBA, emphasizes the need for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to increase construction rates and focus on larger housing units due to demographic changes. The study suggests that 30,000 ground-oriented homes and 20,000 apartment units are necessary annually to meet demand. Young families are leaving the GTA in search of larger, more affordable housing, underscoring the need for policy reforms to lower development taxes, streamline approvals, and expand land availability. The report's recommendations aim to address the housing crisis and improve affordability in the region.

The Ontario Construction Secretariat's Contractor Survey indicates that non-residential building contractors in Ontario are optimistic about business growth through 2025, despite political and economic uncertainties. Many predict stable or rising revenues, particularly outside the Greater Toronto Area, but concerns remain regarding material costs and labor shortages. The survey also highlights the increasing use of apprentices and the growing importance of technology and AI in the industry. However, the onset of a trade war with the United States may present new challenges requiring further analysis.

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) warns that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will drive up housing prices and slow down construction in both the U.S. and Canada. The tariffs on building materials such as steel, aluminum, and lumber will exacerbate the housing affordability crisis and create economic uncertainty in the residential construction sector. RESCON urges the Trump administration to remove these tariffs to avoid further disruptions in supply chains and potential trade wars. They emphasize the negative historical impacts of tariffs, such as the trade war following the Smoot-Hawley Act, and suggest cooperation with Canada to strengthen the supply chain.

Manitoba prosecutors have decided once again not to pursue criminal charges related to the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters construction project, which exceeded its budget by $79 million. Despite a civil court finding that former city official Phil Sheegl accepted a $327,000 bribe, prosecutors concluded there's insufficient evidence for a criminal conviction. An inquiry will be held to investigate the project's financial excesses, aiming to improve transparency and rebuild public trust in future construction endeavors. The Manitoba government's upcoming inquiry is expected to provide recommendations by 2027.

The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) report reveals a rising unemployment rate in the construction sector, reaching 9.6% in January 2025, due to a dip in employment alongside a rising labour force. The Building Construction Price Index (BCPI) decreased in 2024 compared to the previous years, although inflation pressures remain a concern, particularly in Toronto. While women's employment showed a slight increase, men's employment declined, contributing to overall employment contraction. The report highlights ongoing challenges such as skilled labour shortages, land availability, and building code changes impacting inflation.