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

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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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By Mark Buckshon

Ontario Construction News staff writer

An Ontario construction association is urgently calling on the provincial government to intervene in the procurement process for the Ottawa Hospital’s New Campus Development (NCD), demanding that U.S.-based firms be removed from the bidder list.

In a letter sent to Premier Doug Ford on Aug. 19, the Ontario Glass and Metal Association (OGMA) expressed “deep concern” after learning that two American contractors are among the prequalified bidders for the major hospital project’s façade and glazing work. The association is warning that without immediate action, more Ontario manufacturing jobs could be lost.

The OGMA states that the prequalified group includes U.S.-based firms New Hudson Facades and Permasteelisa/Benson. The list also includes Flynn and CGI from Ontario, and Epsylon from Quebec. With bids for the project due by Sept. 5, the matter is “extremely time sensitive,” the association said in its letter.

“To have one project awarded to a foreign firm may be attributed to oversight; to allow it to happen again is indefensible,” OGMA President Blake Sanders wrote in the letter.

A spokesperson for The Ottawa Hospital referred Ontario Construction News to Infrastructure Ontario (IO) for any news about the Sept. 5 bidding deadline and results.

IO spokesman Ian McConachie said in a Sept. 15 statement: “The Ottawa Hospital – Civic Campus Redevelopment project is currently in the Development Phase and the final contract has not yet been awarded. The contracting consortium, Ottawa Hospital Build Partners, is made up of leading Canadian construction firms.”

The OGMA’s plea follows what it calls the “highly controversial” awarding of the façade contract for the Trillium M project in Mississauga to Permasteelisa/Benson. The association describes the company as U.S.-owned, with manufacturing facilities in Mexico that use non-Canadian components.

Following that decision, the OGMA claims Harmon Canada announced the closure of its 330,000-sq. ft. manufacturing plant in Brampton. The closure resulted in “the loss of hundreds of skilled, long-standing, and well-paying Ontario jobs.” Sanders called the shutdown a “devastating blow… that could have been avoided with a more locally focused procurement approach.”

To highlight the consequences, the association invited the Premier’s office to the public auction of Harmon Canada’s facility in Brampton, scheduled for Sept. to 17.

The OGMA had previously written to the Premier’s office on June 13, asking for government intervention to ensure the Ottawa Hospital project would be limited to Canadian companies. As of their Aug. 19 letter, the association had received no response, a silence it finds “disappointing and deeply concerning.”

The organization is calling on the government to take three immediate actions:

• Review the bidder list for the Ottawa Hospital NCD project.
• Disqualify non-Canadian bidders.
• Establish a procurement policy that prioritizes Ontario-based contractors for provincially funded infrastructure projects.

The letter notes the apparent contradiction between the government’s recent support for Ontario industries impacted by U.S. aluminum tariffs and the inclusion of American firms on a major publicly funded project.

“This is not just a question of fair competition—it is a matter of economic responsibility,” the letter states.

Updated with comments from IO and The Ottawa Hospital.

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Ontario is launching a $1-billion fund aimed at giving relief to businesses affected by steel, aluminum and auto tariffs.

The Protect Ontario Financing Program is part of a $5-billion tariff-related support package the provincial government announced in its spring budget.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says the loan program will help businesses with payroll, lease and utility payments and avoid closures and layoffs.

Click here to see if your business qualifies for assistance. A third party will process applications.

To qualify businesses must be affected by certain tariffs, have a minimum of 10 employees and a minimum of $2 million in annual revenue.

“Our government is leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to protect workers and businesses from the economic challenges facing Ontario,” Bethlenfalvy said. “The Protect Ontario Financing Program will help keep workers on the job in sectors that are being hit hard by tariffs while building a more resilient and self-reliant Ontario economy for the long term.”

To help businesses determine if they are eligible for funding, the province has launched a website with program details and an eligibility tool. Businesses that successfully screen through the preliminary eligibility requirements will be contacted to discuss their applications and next steps to qualify.

Officials say the program is “a flexible and agile response” to support the steel, aluminum and auto industries that are most impacted by unfair U.S. tariffs, helping sustain these sectors and build economic resilience during this turbulent time.

Financial supports are also being offered to tariff-impacted businesses at the federal level, including through the Export Development Canada (EDC) Tariff Impact Program, the Business Development Bank of Canada – Pivot to Grow Program, and the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility.

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The Ontario government has announced $82.2 million over four years to upgrade infrastructure across the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s properties, including major improvements to Mille Roches Beach and Campground on the Long Sault Parkway.

Work will modernize aging water, septic and wastewater systems—some of which haven’t been updated in more than 60 years. The project aims to improve operations, support environmental protection and enhance the visitor experience across the parks network.

“Every summer, Ontario’s lakes, rivers, beaches, and parkland attract millions of domestic and international tourists,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our investment will help ensure the St. Lawrence Parks Commission has the modern infrastructure it needs to improve its visitor experience and continue welcoming locals and guests from near and far for generations to come.

“Now more than ever, we need to protect Ontario by supporting the places and experiences that boost our economy and celebrate our heritage, culture, and natural beauty.”

Construction and upgrades will continue throughout the park system as the 2025 summer season progresses.

Project includes:

construction of drinking water and wastewater connections to the neighbouring townships of South Stormont and South Dundas

decommissioning of associated septic systems and wells

construction of a new canteen, change rooms and washroom buildings at Mille Roches Beach and Campground

Upgrades will provide SLPC with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to enhance environmental stewardship, reduce operational costs, create jobs, and save taxpayer dollars.

“The Ontario government’s investment is crucial to our promise to modernize the essential infrastructure within our parks,” said Bob Runciman, Chair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “With the support of the province, we’re improving our parks, attractions and facilities that have long been gathering places for families and communities, ensuring they remain accessible, welcoming and sustainable for future generations.”

More than $10.5 million was announced in 2021 for capital projects, including $3.1 million for the revitalization of Brown’s Bay where the Mille Roches campground includes the largest sand beach on the St. Lawrence River corridor.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

After 25 years of designing and building beautiful spaces and establishing a strong reputation for quality, service, and a culture rooted in integrity and care, Norm is announcing his retirement.

“It’s been an unforgettable journey—one built on hard work, loyal clients, and a dedicated team who made it all possible. As I close this chapter, I do so with immense pride and gratitude,” Norm shared.

The new owner of ARTium Design Build is Kaylie Chamberlin who brings fresh energy and a deep respect for the values that have defined ARTium. She shares the company’s passion for thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and outstanding client service.

“With her leadership and our dedicated team, I’m confident that ARTium’s legacy will not only continue, but will grow even stronger,” Norm added.

“Not everyone can boast about this origin, but my journey in the trades began at birth! My parents owned and operated a Plumbing & Heating company for over 30 years,” Kaylie said in a statement. “The HVAC industry provided me with numerous remarkable opportunities, an extensive network of contacts, and a deep respect for all the entrepreneurs I encountered along the way.

“Although my roots are within the HVAC industry, my true passion resides in the renovation space. I fell in love with the design and build process many years ago when I renovated my first home.

“When the opportunity arose to blend my professional expertise of fostering relationships and providing exceptional customer service with my love for design, I knew this acquisition was a perfect fit. I am genuinely thrilled and deeply honoured to advance the legacy Norm has established through ARTium and Just Basements over the past 25 years. The culture of this company is reminiscent of the family-operated business I was raised in, and I’m eager to call this new venture home.”

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Ontario government is investing nearly $27 million to expand carpentry training programs across the province. This funding will support the construction of a new training centre in Sudbury and upgrades to four existing centres in London, Windsor, Cambridge, and Ottawa, aiming to train an additional 2,600 carpenters and construction workers.

“In the face of tariff threats to Ontario workers and jobs, it’s more important than ever that we keep investing in our workers so they have the skills and training they need to succeed,” Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference last week  “Today’s investment will help over 2,600 workers find rewarding careers in the skilled trades, providing them with better job opportunities and higher pay across Ontario.”

Funding includes up to $13 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream to support five union locals of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA):

• UBCJA Local 2486 (Sudbury): $3.2 million for a new training centre to create opportunities for Northern and Indigenous communities.
• UBCJA Local 494 (Windsor): $1.8 million for a two-story addition, adding 5,612 square feet of training space.
• UBCJA Local 1946 (London): $1.2 million for a 5,300-square-foot expansion for carpentry and drywalling training.
• UBCJA Local 785 (Cambridge): $3.5 million for a 60% expansion, including new classrooms, a fully equipped shop, and additional facilities.
• UBCJA Local 93 (Ottawa): $3.2 million for facility expansion.

Jason Rowe, executive secretary-treasurer of the Carpenters’ Regional Council, called the investment historic, saying, “This will expand our programs and build a highly skilled workforce to meet Ontario’s infrastructure and housing needs. New specialized programs will also train workers in high-demand sectors like health care and manufacturing.”

Also,  up to $14 million was announced for the UBCJA’s Workforce Development Program, which will now train up to 1,450 workers across industries, including manufacturing and health care. The program aims to create a resilient workforce by addressing barriers to education and employment.

“By investing in carpenter training, we are helping to train the next generation of workers, including women and young people, to build Ontario’s bright future. A career in the skilled trades is for everyone,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development.

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