Articles from Building.ca

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has initiated a global consultation for its new Professional Standard on construction, incorporating principles for Quantity Surveying and Project Management. This consultation, which includes six Practice Information pieces, aims to establish a consistent framework for construction standards worldwide. The consultation is open until October 24, 2025, and feedback will be incorporated into the final version to be released in Q1 2026. Amit Patel of RICS emphasizes the importance of global participation from construction professionals to enhance the standards.

The Canadian government, spearheaded by Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, aims to start construction on a high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City within four years. This line, known as the Alto, is part of a major projects initiative and is expected to transport passengers rapidly across 1,000 kilometers. The project, still in the design and regulatory phase, has an estimated cost of $60 billion to $90 billion and will significantly impact Canada's densely populated corridor. While the design contract has been awarded, it's not clear when the rail line will be operational.

The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) and the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) have formed a partnership to promote steel-timber hybrid construction in Canada. This approach combines the durability of steel with the sustainable benefits of wood, aiming for better structural performance and cost efficiency. A Technical Steering Committee has been established to create technical guides, best practices, and encourage industry adoption. Upcoming resources and engagement opportunities will be announced in the near future.

According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Canada needs to construct 3.2 million new homes over the next decade to address the current housing shortfall. The report projects that only 2.5 million homes will be built, highlighting a gap of 700,000 homes needed. Although immigration target reductions may slightly ease demand, new household formations remain high, maintaining pressure on the housing market. To close the housing gap, Canada would need to build about 290,000 homes annually, more than ever built before.

The Canadian construction sector is experiencing subdued activity due to uncertainty caused by U.S. trade tariffs, although the infrastructure segment is showing strong growth. The Q2 2025 RICS-CIQS Canada Construction Monitor indicates a slight improvement in the industry's sentiment compared to the previous quarter, with infrastructure driving the positive outlook, especially in social sub-sectors like water, waste, and transport. However, private residential and non-residential sectors are facing challenges, with the residential activity reaching its lowest point since 2019. Despite concerns about tariffs and rising costs, the outlook for construction employment and infrastructure development remains positive.

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.

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.

Capital Power Corp. is focused on integrating two newly acquired U.S. natural gas power plants after purchasing the Hummel power station in Pennsylvania and the Rolling Hills station in Ohio for $3 billion. The acquisition allows the company to enter the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection market, a significant U.S. power market. CEO Avik Dey emphasized the importance of natural gas power generation, particularly with the rising demand from AI data centers. Although Capital Power's profits fell in Q1 2025, it sees long-term growth in the natural gas sector.