Articles from Building.ca

Oxford Properties Group has commenced construction on a $750 million rental development in Scarborough, Toronto, marking it as the area's first major purpose-built rental project in decades. The development, consisting of 1,285 units, includes affordable housing and aims to support the area's housing needs while promoting sustainability. The project, financed partly through a significant loan from CMHC, is part of Oxford's larger master plan for more than 10,000 residential units in the area. Completion is expected by summer 2029.

A report by Lloyd’s Register Foundation highlights that construction workers are at increased risk due to climate change, facing dangers from extreme weather, high temperatures, and UV exposure. Approximately 22% of workers in the construction sector globally have experienced harm at work, driven largely by rising temperatures. The report emphasizes the urgent need for more research to protect workers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, and for the development of climate-related safety regulations.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) reports ongoing challenges in the housing construction sector amid economic uncertainty, with continued pessimism regarding sales conditions. Despite government proposals like the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate, delays in implementation and legislative approval are impacting new home sales and construction, especially in major markets like Ontario and British Columbia. Builders are expressing concerns over the sustainability of their businesses due to affordability issues, high construction costs, and reduced consumer confidence. CHBA emphasizes the need for comprehensive government policies and innovative construction solutions to address the housing supply and affordability crisis.

A recent KPMG survey reveals that Canadian construction companies are increasingly turning to technology to address a shortage of skilled labor. The survey highlights a shift towards innovation, with 78% of companies currently experiencing labor shortages, but those improving efficiency through digital technology. The sector anticipates increasing demand over the next decade, driven by the need for residential construction workers. Investment in AI, site automation, and modular construction is being prioritized to enhance productivity and efficiency.

A study from the Sustainable Construction Barometer reveals Canada is lagging in sustainable construction compared to global trends. Although 71% of Canadian construction stakeholders understand sustainable construction, only 22% of the general population does. The study highlights the need for increased awareness, education, and competitive sustainable materials to advance sustainable practices in Canadian construction. Stakeholders, especially those in design, are crucial for driving this transition but must address local specificities to be effective.

Investment in Ontario's ICI building construction sector increased by 17% year-over-year in Q1, according to OCS. The institutional sector showed the highest growth, with medical facilities, transportation, and educational buildings leading the way. Notable projects include the Windsor Acute Care Hospital and expansions in Thunder Bay and Barrie. Infrastructure investment also rose sharply in the transportation and utilities sector, particularly in Oshawa, London, and Ottawa.

The British Columbia government has given a preview of the ongoing Broadway subway tunnel construction in Vancouver, part of a $2.95 billion extension of the SkyTrain Millennium Line. The project, which includes six underground stations and is slated to open in 2027, is expected to triple the passenger capacity compared to the current rapid bus service. Although there are slight cost overruns common to underground construction, it remains largely under control. The project is expected to expand the overall SkyTrain capacity by over 27% by also extending the Expo Line to Langley.

Construction workers in Quebec's residential sector have gone on strike after negotiations with the employer failed. The strike could affect the construction of thousands of homes, and the workers are demanding higher salary increases than offered. Quebec's Labour Minister has expressed concern about the impact on housing availability but is currently not considering back-to-work legislation. The dispute remains unresolved as both parties have not agreed to arbitration.

The Ontario government is proposing changes to accelerate the construction of Skills Development Fund training centres to help workers affected by economic challenges such as U.S. tariffs. The initiative aims to cut red tape and facilitate quicker development of these facilities by exempting them from certain permit requirements. Additional measures include improving job posting transparency and reducing barriers for implementing health and safety systems. These efforts are part of Ontario's strategy to protect workers and boost the province's competitiveness.

Quebec police have launched a criminal negligence investigation following a collapse at a construction site in Blainville, where a retaining wall failure led to the death of one worker and injuries to two others. The deceased, Alexandre Paris, was an employee of Preco-MSE, a subcontractor at the site. The incident prompted Syscomax, one of the leading firms on the project, to shut down all operations and offer psychological support to affected workers. Investigations are also underway by Quebec's workplace health and safety board to uncover the cause of the accident.

Ontario will require certain construction sites to have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) as part of new legislative amendments. This requirement will apply to sites expected to last over three months with at least 20 workers. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board will reimburse companies for the AED cost, anticipated to be around $2,300. Industry stakeholders, like RESCON, support this move, asserting it will save lives.