Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is warning that northern Ontario communities could face a disproportionate economic impact if the United States proceeds with proposed new tariffs on Canadian imports next month, with construction among the sectors expected to feel the effects.

The White House announced this week that it plans to impose 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Canadian imports beginning Aug. 19, citing what it describes as Canadian discrimination against American motor vehicles, dairy and alcohol.

The proposed tariff list includes a range of construction-related products, including cement and plywood, raising concerns that building costs could increase and construction projects on both sides of the border could face additional pressure.

Speaking after meeting with Canada’s premiers in Charlottetown on Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government remains focused on reaching a trade agreement before the deadline but is prepared to respond if negotiations fail.

“Everything is on the table depending on the outcome of the negotiations,” Carney told reporters, adding that Canada has “a full range of things that we can do” if the tariffs take effect. He declined to outline potential retaliatory measures, saying it would be counterproductive while negotiations continue.

Carney described the Aug. 19 deadline as both a negotiating opportunity and a pressure tactic by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying recent discussions have reflected the importance of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.

In Sault Ste. Marie, the local chamber of commerce said the latest tariff threat adds to uncertainty for businesses that depend on integrated North American supply chains and cross-border commerce.

The chamber said the city’s economy has already experienced the effects of previous trade disputes, particularly in manufacturing, steel, forestry, transportation and other export-dependent industries. It warned that another round of tariffs could threaten jobs, discourage investment and weaken the competitiveness of businesses on both sides of the border.

For the construction industry, higher tariffs on products such as cement and plywood could contribute to increased material costs at a time when the sector continues to face affordability and supply chain challenges. Contractors, developers and infrastructure projects that rely on cross-border materials could see costs rise if the measures take effect.

The chamber is calling for a measured response that protects Canadian businesses and workers while continuing efforts to diversify export markets and restore a stable trading relationship with the United States. It said it will continue working with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and governments at all levels to advocate for policies that protect jobs, strengthen business competitiveness and support long-term economic growth.

Unless a trade agreement is reached before Aug. 19, the proposed tariffs are expected to take effect next month, adding another layer of uncertainty for industries that rely heavily on cross-border trade, including construction.

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Special Report

Regional Crane Rentals Ltd.

When gearing up for a major construction or industrial project, understanding the rigging and lifting strategies is essential. Crane rental services offer an effective solution for lifting heavy materials, streamlining operations, and ensuring safety. In this guide, you’ll learn how proper equipment selection and operational planning can make your project both efficient and secure.

Crane rental services, including hydraulic, all-terrain, and rough terrain options, are designed to meet various project needs. When evaluating your lifting needs, consider the following:

•  Equipment Specifications: Ensure the crane’s lifting capacity, reach, and operational range fit your project scope.
•  Safety Protocols: Prioritize fleets that adhere to rigorous health and safety standards.
•  Operational Expertise: Benefit from experienced operators who understand local regulations and project dynamics.

For businesses in Ottawa and surrounding areas, local knowledge can be a game-changer. You may discover that combining technical expertise with a detailed risk assessment helps mitigate common challenges on-site. This comprehensive approach not only improves project timelines but also enhances overall operational safety. Embrace these industry insights to drive smarter, safer lifting decisions on your next project.

Unleashing the Potential of Crane Rentals in Construction

Crane rental services are revolutionizing the construction landscape by providing versatile solutions tailored to a variety of lifting challenges. Modern construction projects benefit from an array of crane types designed to address unique site conditions and operational demands. From hydraulic cranes that deliver impressive reach and precision to all-terrain and rough terrain machines built for rugged job sites, each option plays a vital role in streamlining project workflows.

Key advantages include:

•  Enhanced efficiency: Precise lifting capabilities reduce downtime.
•  Safety and reliability: Specialized equipment ensures secure load handling.
•  Flexibility: Adaptable crane solutions cover multiple construction applications, from high-rise building lifts to large-scale ground projects.

When planning a project in urban centers like Ottawa or regional areas nearby, consider how different crane types can support your work. Evaluate factors such as load capacity, reach height, and mobility to determine the optimal fit for your needs. Implementing the right crane technology not only elevates productivity but also fosters a safer working environment for construction crews. This practical guidance offers actionable tips to help your project achieve success through smart equipment choices.

Safety-First: Essential Protocols for Crane Operations

In today’s dynamic construction and heavy lifting environment, robust safety measures are a must-have. A strong safety culture not only protects workers but also minimizes downtime and costly damages. Operators and site managers are encouraged to adopt a structured framework that emphasizes pre-operation assessments, continuous training, and adherence to local codes, especially in bustling regions like Ottawa and Western Quebec.

Key practices include:

• Routine Inspections: Implement thorough daily checks for equipment integrity, looking for wear and tear that could compromise safety.
• Comprehensive Training: Ensure that all personnel are proficient with updated operational protocols and emergency procedures.
• Site Hazard Evaluations: Conduct job site assessments to identify potential risks such as unstable ground or proximity to obstacles.
• Communication Systems: Establish clear channels for reporting hazards and coordinating movements on site, ensuring swift, decisive action in emergencies.

Adopting these strategies can significantly reduce accidents while boosting efficiency. By integrating these actionable tips, companies can manage lifting and rigging tasks with greater confidence and control, ensuring a safe working environment across all projects.

Real Experiences Driving Industry Confidence

Customer testimonials bring tangible insights into everyday challenges and successes in the construction and lifting industry. One notable narrative highlights how proactive communication and precise equipment selection can transform a project’s outcome, especially in urban centers like Ottawa. Clients appreciate the consistent delivery of safety-focused practices and customized service solutions that cater to diverse environments—from bustling cityscapes to more rural contexts.

Key benefits shared by customers include:

•  Enhanced Safety Measures: Detailed adherence to rigorous safety protocols ensures minimal on-site risks.
•  Tailored Operational Plans: Flexible service approaches align services with project-specific requirements.
•  Transparent Communication: Regular updates and feedback loops build trust and foster smooth project execution.

These firsthand accounts not only validate the significance of robust lifting and rigging solutions but also serve as practical guidance for industry professionals. Evaluating testimonials can help in identifying best practices and optimizing resource allocation for complex projects, ensuring a balance between efficiency and safety. Leveraging this shared knowledge empowers contractors and site managers to implement strategies that overcome common industry challenges, leading to more successful outcomes in local markets like Ottawa.

Frequently Asked Questions on Crane Rental Pricing and Availability

What factors influence crane rental pricing?
Rental pricing is determined by several factors including the crane’s capacity, type, and operation duration. Additional costs may include transportation, setup, and on-site operational fees. Being aware of local market trends in regions like Ottawa and surrounding Ontario areas is essential for effective budgeting.

How is crane availability managed?
Availability often depends on fleet size and current project demands. Companies typically maintain an updated schedule, and customers are encouraged to inquire well in advance to align rental plans with project timelines.

What safety measures should be expected?
Operators and equipment are subject to rigorous safety standards. Customers can look for service providers who emphasize regular equipment inspections, proper certifications, and adherence to established workplace safety protocols.

How should one choose the right crane for a project?
Consider the project’s size, site conditions, and lifting requirements. A detailed needs analysis can help in selecting between hydraulic, truck-mounted, or rough terrain cranes.

For more information, visit regionalcrane.ca

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a modernized First Aid Program it says will help ensure safer workplaces across Ontario. The updated program, in place as of June 22, will improve the quality and consistency of workplace first aid training, making effective training easier to access from anywhere in the province, the WSIB said in a press release.

“Updating the First Aid Program is a critical step forward to strengthen workplace first aid training,” said Rod Cook, vice-president, workplace health and safety services at the provincial agency. “Our goal is to make sure that people have access to the highest quality first aid training, no matter their location, so they’re prepared to respond in a medical emergency.”

The WSIB’s program covers 76 per cent of Ontario businesses under the Workplace Health and Insurance Act’s first aid regulation 1101, which provides guidelines for how many first aiders are needed on worksites, as well as other requirements for first aid kits and stations.

Key updates include:

• Bringing training in line with national standards set by Canadian Standards Association Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace — Curriculum and quality management for training agencies.
• Expanding the network of approved training providers to 65 across Ontario.
• Instituting First Aid Program badges to verify the status of approved providers and their affiliates. Only WSIB-approved providers are authorized to deliver workplace first aid training in the province.

“By bringing our program up to national standards and expanding our network of approved providers, we’re breaking down barriers for businesses,” said Carrie Briley, director, health and safety program design at the WSIB. “We’re also making it easy for people to spot and access WSIB approved providers.”

The WSIB will continue to accept all workplace first aid certificates from anywhere in Canada, provided they meet the CSA Z1210 standard. Removing interprovincial barriers means it will be easier for first aiders to recertify their credentials in Ontario, the release said. All first aid certificates issued by previous WSIB-approved providers up until June 21, 2026, will remain valid until their expiry date.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Thousands of Canadians took steps toward safer workplaces during May, helping Steps for Life raise more than $1 million for the fourth consecutive year.

The milestone was celebrated during a special wrap-up episode of Steps That Matter, the official podcast of Threads of Life, with hosts Eugene Gutierrez, Executive Director and Heather Lyle, National Manager, are joined by Sarah Wheelan, Communications Coordinator, to discuss big milestones and stories from the 2026 Steps for Life fundraising walks that happened earlier this month.

Wheelan also shared her personal milestone, running 20 kilometres to celebrate 20 years of participating in Steps for Life, and honouring her late brother, Lewis.

To watch the full episode, click here:

Across Canada, participants gathered in communities large and small, creating what organizers describe as a “sea of yellow” as walkers donned the event’s signature safety-coloured shirts. More than a visual symbol, the shirts represent a shared commitment to supporting families impacted by workplace fatalities, life-altering injuries and occupational diseases.

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) is raising concerns about new data showing that more families with children are moving out of the City of Ottawa and into surrounding municipalities, as affordability and housing mix continue to shape regional population shifts.

The association said intra-provincial migration trends indicate Ottawa is increasingly losing households seeking ground-oriented, family-friendly housing, even as the broader region continues to attract new residents from elsewhere in Ontario.

“Over the past year, the City of Ottawa has made meaningful progress to streamline and improve its development approvals process, with the goal of becoming the most housing-friendly city in the country,” said GOHBA executive director Jason Burggraaf. “While the market has been stuck in a very long period of low activity, it is critical that the City remain committed to these reforms.”

Burggraaf said the improvements to approvals processes will be essential when housing demand rebounds, allowing construction activity to scale more quickly.

New analysis from the Missing Middle Initiative suggests Ottawa has been losing families with children to surrounding communities over the past decade, despite continued regional population growth.

“While the region as a whole continues to gain people from elsewhere in Ontario, a growing share are choosing communities outside Ottawa’s municipal boundaries in search of more suitable and affordable housing,” said Mike Moffatt, founding director of the Missing Middle Initiative.

The data also points to diverging demographic trends within the region.

“The City of Ottawa itself is losing kids and mid-to-late career professionals, while gaining large numbers of college-age adults and, to a lesser extent, early career professionals,” Moffatt said. “Communities surrounding Ottawa are attracting more kids and late-career professionals, while also gaining residents across all age groups.”

The concerns come as multiple levels of government advance housing policy measures aimed at increasing supply and reducing development costs.

Recent initiatives include Ontario’s Bill 98, which focuses on accelerating home construction, and the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build, which aims to reduce development charges. The province has also approved Official Plan Amendment 46 for Ottawa and urged the city to address gaps between municipal and provincial growth projections.

A joint meeting of Ottawa’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee and Planning and Housing Committee is scheduled for May 5, 2026, to review progress on the city’s Housing Acceleration Plan.

GOHBA is urging the City of Ottawa to maintain its focus on housing affordability and continue working with provincial and federal partners to lower the cost of new housing supply.

The association said increasing the availability of family-oriented housing within city boundaries will be key to reversing outward migration trends.

“More and more growing families are moving outside the City to find the type of housing they want,” Burggraaf said. “They are telling us with their actions that Ottawa needs to meet that market demand for ground-oriented, family-friendly homes, or we’ll continue to lose young families.”

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Michael Lewis

Special to Ottawa Construction News

Ontario municipalities are reviewing fast-tracked provincial legislation that would remove their ability to impose mandatory green building standards and to incorporate climate and environmental goals in official plans.

A Toronto spokesperson said staff are assessing how provincial Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act tabled at the end of March by Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack, would impact greenhouse gas emissions targets as well as energy costs for property owners.

Toronto in 2010 introduced a first-tier mandatory green standard for new developments, with subsequent standards to be voluntary initially. The program is a key plank of Toronto’s plan to make new buildings more resilient to climate-fuelled extreme weather while cutting back on emissions.

The standard requires new builds to retain stormwater to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall and to have enough tree canopy to help stave off extreme heat. It mandates improved park access and the application of window coatings for mid-to-high-rise buildings to mitigate against bird strikes.

It also requires buildings to meet annual emissions targets, pushing developers to consider low-carbon heating options such as heat pumps and install parking spots for bikes and electric vehicles.

But builders have argued that Toronto exceeded its authority in imposing the requirements, a view echoed by Bill 98 which aims to prevent municipalities from setting obligatory standards beyond what’s already required in the provincial building code.

“Council has not yet received legal advice on this point,” said Toronto Ward 11, University Rosedale Coun. Dianne Saxe when asked if the city can continue to impose mandatory green standards considering that the latest bill has already been ordered to second reading in the provincial Legislature.

She said the Progressive Conservative government of Premier Doug Ford is focused on “building cheaply now, regardless of the consequences.”

Saxe, who is also a member of Toronto’s infrastructure and environment committee, said the province is reluctant to improve the Ontario Building Code, and she has little faith in condominium developers’ willingness to adopt a green standard voluntarily.

“We know that few condo developers voluntarily build better buildings,” Saxe said in an email. “I am more optimistic about purpose-built rentals.

“When the builder has to pay long-term operating costs, they are much more likely to make the investments that reduce costs.”

At the Town of Halton Hills, meanwhile, staff are reviewing “the many legislative changes pouring out of Queens Park,” said Jane Fogal, a councillor and climate action advocate in the northeastern GTA community.

Halton Hills is among a small group of Ontario municipalities including Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton that have imposed a mandatory green building standard, although at least a dozen have some sort of voluntary standard.

“It is safe to say that municipalities can encourage building above the OBC,” Fogal said.

The province says Bill 98 is aimed at accelerating housing construction, standardizing planning rules across municipalities and improving infrastructure and transit coordination.

“By making municipal enhanced design standards voluntary and reviewing site plan broadly we are helping to get shovels in the ground by improving project viability and lowering costs for homebuyers,” said housing ministry spokesperson Michael Minzak.

But critics say the proposal would make Ontario less resistant to climate change, expand the use of natural gas and saddle home and building owners with future retrofit costs.

The new legislation would also hit a green construction industry that Toronto says contributes $4.64 billion in annual GDP and employs more than 84,000 skilled workers across the province in areas including sustainable landscaping and green infrastructure.

Toronto communications advisor Kalinka Madej said more than 4,000 projects have met the Toronto standard, helping to avoid one million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

She added that over 230 projects have taken part in a voluntary program that refunds portions of development charges on projects that apply a green standard above the mandatory level.

Kirstin Jensen, vice-president of policy, advocacy and relationships at the Ontario Home Builders Association, said higher performance standards “are not something the building industry doesn’t want.

“It’s just that if they are mandatorily imposed it can be cost prohibitive.” The OHBA represents more than 4,000 member companies in the home building and renovations sector.

Jensen said voluntary standards are appropriate when financially viable for builders, suggesting that municipalities need to offer developers more incentives to voluntarily go green.

Incentives “can be financial but they can also be related to the speed at which an approval makes it through the system because time equates to costs,” she said.

Jensen agreed that a business case for sustainable building exists but said the standards are not viable in the current economy where builders are struggling to obtain financing to get projects started.

“A fraction of our builders has a business model where they build to a higher standard to active long-term cost savings after up-front investments,” with an added cost for buyers, she told Ontario Construction News.

“But ultimately, they should be voluntary standards when financially viable. We’re not saying don’t build better, but there’s a better way to go about it.”

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is praising a landmark federal-provincial agreement aimed at cutting development charges (DCs) and speeding up home construction, calling it a “critical” step toward more affordable housing.

“RESCON commends Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford for working together on these vital initiatives as they will boost the residential construction sector and make new homes more affordable,” said RESCON president Richard Lyall.

The federal and Ontario governments announced Monday that each will invest $4.4 billion over the next 10 years in housing-related infrastructure. In addition, development charges levied by municipalities—which can add up to $200,000 to the cost of a home—will be cut in half for three years. The move is designed to reduce the tax burden on new homeowners and stimulate stalled projects.

A report prepared for RESCON shows that taxes, fees, and levies now account for 36 per cent of the purchase price of a new home. In the Greater Toronto Area, DCs alone can add over $150,000 to the cost of a typical family home. Over the past 25 years, DCs in Toronto have risen more than 5,000 per cent, far outpacing inflation.

“Development charges have been on a trajectory that is unsustainable and economically counterproductive,” Lyall said. “They significantly hike the price of a new home. Middle-income families are increasingly priced out of home ownership. The measures taken today by the province and the feds will help move the needle.”

The new federal-provincial deal also includes support for major transit and rail projects, including the Waterfront East Transit line in Toronto, expansion of GO Transit service through freight-owned corridors in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, and planning for the Alto high-speed rail initiative connecting Toronto and Quebec City. Priority projects in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, such as the Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, Scarborough Subway Extension, Yonge North Subway Extension, and Hamilton LRT, will also receive federal contribution agreements.

Alongside the funding announcement, Ontario introduced the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, legislation designed to reduce bureaucratic red tape and streamline approvals for residential construction, including faster site plan approvals.

“As Housing Minister Rob Flack noted, delays add to the cost of housing. Simplifying planning and approval tools will help get the shovels for much-needed housing in the ground quicker,” Lyall said.

He added that recent measures—including the federal and provincial DC reductions and last week’s removal of HST on newly built homes—could substantially lower costs for consumers and lift the industry at a critical time.

The Ford government had originally set a goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2031 but has since softened that target. The new measures aim to give municipalities, builders, and governments the tools to accelerate construction and improve housing affordability for first-time buyers and young families.

“Homebuilding has stalled and the outlook for the industry is grim,” Lyall said. “The measures announced today by the two governments are a positive development for buyers and the industry. Addressing the housing crisis requires all levels of government to work toward the common goal of making new homes more affordable and speeding up construction.

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March 2026

The post March 2026 appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Special to Ottawa Construction News

Work on a test phase preceding the planned construction of high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City is to begin in 2029 or 2030, says the CEO of Alto, the federal Crown corporation managing the project.

Martin Imbleau told reporters in Montreal that the first 200-kilometre phase will connect Montreal and Ottawa and function as a test case for construction on the eastern and western parts of the Toronto to Quebec City project that is slated to begin by 2032.

Engineering work on the Toronto-Ottawa and Montreal-Quebec City tracks is to begin during construction of the Montreal-Ottawa route.

“Construction of the western part and eastern part will start probably a couple of years after the initial construction period,” Imbleau said.

Prime Minister Carney has said the Liberal government’s new major projects office would fast-track engineering and regulatory work to get construction underway within four years. Imbleau said some expropriations will be necessary but did not provide details.

The Crown corporation plans stations for Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Laval, Montreal, Trois-Rivières and Quebec City.

In a speech at the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Imbleau cited the challenges an “intense urban environment” poses to a railway that would see up to 72 trains per day traversing a 1,000-kilometre corridor on electric tracks at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour.

The network would cut travels times to make for a trip of less than one hour between Montreal and Ottawa.

Alto estimates project costs at between $60 billion and $90 billion, though Ottawa has not made a final funding approval decision.

A three-month public consultation is set to begin this month and continue through March, including an Indigenous consultation that has already commenced.

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Ontario’s construction industry faces a major year of change in 2026, with new laws and regulations set to affect contracts, site safety, hiring practices, certification processes and compliance across the province.

Here are some of the highlights:

Faster cash flow through annual holdbacks

The Construction Act has been amended to require owners to release the standard 10 per cent holdback annually on contracts signed after Jan. 1, 2026. Previously, holdbacks were typically paid only at the end of multi-year projects. Industry representatives say the change will improve cash flow for sub-contractors and smaller operators, reducing the financial burden of holding back large sums for extended periods.

The 2026 amendments also modernize adjudication, bonding, lien, and trust procedures, along with statutory notices affecting payment and dispute resolution. Companies should review contracts and administrative practices to ensure compliance.

Safety upgrades: AEDs and OHSA enforcement

Under the Working for Workers Seven Act, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are now mandatory on projects that employ 20 or more workers regularly and are expected to last at least three months. Sites must ensure the AED is clearly marked and accessible, with at least one trained worker present at all times.

Additional Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) changes grant inspectors the authority to issue administrative monetary penalties for contraventions, increasing enforcement tools and the potential cost of non-compliance.

Other safety-related updates include enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, crane duty documentation, and mandatory washroom facility recordkeeping on larger sites. Employers must also provide menstrual products where required, and definitions around harassment have been clarified, including rules for virtual joint health and safety committee meetings.

Hiring transparency and AI disclosure

New rules under the Employment Standards Act require employers with 25 or more staff to include expected compensation or a pay range in all public job postings, capped at a $50,000 spread. Companies must also disclose if artificial intelligence is used for resume screening or interviews.

An as-of-right certification process will allow skilled workers from other provinces to have credentials recognized in Ontario within 10 business days, easing labour shortages during a busy 2026 project pipeline.

Skilled Trades Ontario exams move in-house

Starting Feb. 1, 2026, Skilled Trades Ontario will administer certifying exams in-house rather than through third-party centres. Officials say this is intended to professionalize the trades and reduce the backlog of workers awaiting Red Seal or Certificate of Qualification exams.

For companies bidding on public sector projects, new regulations recognize accredited health and safety management systems, such as COR or ISO, in procurement evaluations. Contractors will need to ensure their systems meet the updated requirements to remain competitive.

Industry analysts say the 2026 changes reflect a broader effort to improve financial flow, strengthen safety enforcement, increase transparency, professionalize the workforce, and streamline compliance across Ontario’s construction sector.

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