<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Resources and advice Archives - Ottawa Construction News</title>
	<atom:link href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/category/rsources-advice/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/category/rsources-advice/</link>
	<description>Construction industry news and leads for contractors, sub-trades, architects, engineers and suppliers in Ottawa</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 18:25:09 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	
	<item>
		<title>CSC Ottawa to host acoustic performance seminar and AMBICO facility tour</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/csc-ottawa-to-host-acoustic-performance-seminar-and-ambico-facility-tour/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/csc-ottawa-to-host-acoustic-performance-seminar-and-ambico-facility-tour/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[OCN Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:49:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Associations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contractors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplier/service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=13246</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/csc-ottawa-to-host-acoustic-performance-seminar-and-ambico-facility-tour/"><img title="image from eventbrite page re ambico" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/image-from-eventbrite-page-re-ambico-300x217.jpg" alt="&quot;AMBICO’s restoration of the historic Victory Building in Winnipeg. Photo courtesy of AMBICO Limited" width="300" height="217" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ottawa Construction News staff writer Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) Ottawa chapter is inviting industry professionals to go behind the scenes of high-performance door manufacturing during an upcoming technical seminar and facility tour. The event, titled “Sound Matters: Acoustic Performance &#38; AMBICO Facility Tour,” will take place on Oct. 16 at the AMBICO Limited headquarters at [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/csc-ottawa-to-host-acoustic-performance-seminar-and-ambico-facility-tour/">CSC Ottawa to host acoustic performance seminar and AMBICO facility tour</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/csc-ottawa-to-host-acoustic-performance-seminar-and-ambico-facility-tour/"><img title="image from eventbrite page re ambico" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/image-from-eventbrite-page-re-ambico-300x217.jpg" alt="&quot;AMBICO’s restoration of the historic Victory Building in Winnipeg. Photo courtesy of AMBICO Limited" width="300" height="217" /></a>
	</div>
	<p>Ottawa Construction News staff writer</p>
<p><a href="https://ottawa.csc-dcc.ca/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) Ottawa chapter</span> </a>is inviting industry professionals to go behind the scenes of high-performance door manufacturing during an upcoming technical seminar and facility tour.</p>
<p>The event, titled <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sound-matters-acoustic-performance-ambico-facility-tour-in-person-tickets-1986034274979?aff=oddtdtcreator">“Sound Matters: Acoustic Performance &amp; AMBICO Facility Tour,”</a></span> will take place on Oct. 16 at the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.ambico.com/">AMBICO Limited</a></span> headquarters at 1120 Cummings Ave. The session is designed to provide architects, engineers, and specifiers with a deep dive into the technical requirements of acoustic openings and the manufacturing processes that support them.</p>
<p>The afternoon will begin with a technical presentation focused on the science of sound control in the built environment. According to the event organizers, the session will cover critical topics such as Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings, the impact of perimeter sealing systems on acoustic integrity, and how to properly specify door assemblies for sensitive environments like healthcare facilities, recording studios, and government buildings.</p>
<p>Following the seminar, attendees will be guided through AMBICO’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.</p>
<p>“This is a truly exciting time at AMBICO,” the company said in a recent statement regarding its ongoing growth. “As we enter our 70th year of family-owned operations, we continue to purposely invest in our future… not only in state-of-the-art machinery—new press brakes and process improvements—but also in a top-tier management team.”</p>
<p>The tour portion of the event will offer a firsthand look at how specialized products—including blast-resistant, fire-rated, and acoustic doors—are engineered and fabricated. Experts will be on hand to demonstrate the precision required to meet rigorous international standards such as ASTM and ANSI.</p>
<p>The event is scheduled to run from noon (lunch provided) to 4:00 p.m. EST. Registration is required, and tickets are available through the CSC Ottawa Chapter’s Eventbrite page. Participants may be eligible for continuing education credits, as the technical content aligns with the professional development requirements of several architectural and engineering associations.</p>
<p>For more information and to register, visit the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sound-matters-acoustic-performance-ambico-facility-tour-in-person-tickets-1986034274979">CSC Ottawa Eventbrite listing</a>.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/csc-ottawa-to-host-acoustic-performance-seminar-and-ambico-facility-tour/">CSC Ottawa to host acoustic performance seminar and AMBICO facility tour</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/csc-ottawa-to-host-acoustic-performance-seminar-and-ambico-facility-tour/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ottawa new home sales show modest gains in February despite sluggish start to the year</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-new-home-sales-show-modest-gains-in-february-despite-sluggish-start-to-the-year/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-new-home-sales-show-modest-gains-in-february-despite-sluggish-start-to-the-year/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[OCN Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:18:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture/planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=13238</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-new-home-sales-show-modest-gains-in-february-despite-sluggish-start-to-the-year/"><img title="Monthly new home sales 1" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Monthly-new-home-sales-1-300x169.jpg" alt="Ottawa new home sales show modest gains in February despite sluggish start to the year" width="300" height="169" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ottawa Construction News staff writer Ottawa&#8217;s new home market showed signs of life in February, with sales rising from both the previous month and the same period last year, according to a new industry report. There were 278 new home sales in the capital in February, representing a 6.5 per cent increase from the 261 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-new-home-sales-show-modest-gains-in-february-despite-sluggish-start-to-the-year/">Ottawa new home sales show modest gains in February despite sluggish start to the year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-new-home-sales-show-modest-gains-in-february-despite-sluggish-start-to-the-year/"><img title="Monthly new home sales 1" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Monthly-new-home-sales-1-300x169.jpg" alt="Ottawa new home sales show modest gains in February despite sluggish start to the year" width="300" height="169" /></a>
	</div>
	<p>Ottawa Construction News staff writer</p>
<p>Ottawa&#8217;s new home market showed signs of life in February, with sales rising from both the previous month and the same period last year, according to a new industry report.</p>
<p>There were 278 new home sales in the capital in February, representing a 6.5 per cent increase from the 261 homes sold in February 2025, according to data released March 23 by the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.gohba.ca/">Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA)</a></span> and <a href="https://www.pmabrethour.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">PMA Brethour Realty</span> <span style="color: #0000ff;">Group</span></a>.</p>
<p>Month-over-month, sales rose nine per cent from the 255 transactions recorded in January.</p>
<p>&#8220;While buyers remain cautious, February’s increase could be an early sign of stabilization for the Ottawa market,&#8221; Jason Burggraaf, executive director of GOHBA, said in a statement.</p>
<p>Despite the monthly bump, year-to-date sales continue to trail last year&#8217;s pace. The 533 homes sold in the first two months of 2026 represent a six per cent drop compared to the 567 sales recorded over the same period in 2025.</p>
<p>&#8220;Market conditions are still adjusting,&#8221; Burggraaf said. &#8220;Hopefully, recent clarity on the federal tax rebate will drive more sales in the last week of March and into April.&#8221;</p>
<p>The city&#8217;s south end was the most active market in February, accounting for 46 per cent of all new home sales. The west end followed with 33 per cent of the market share, while the east end made up 19 per cent. Central Ottawa continued to see minimal activity, representing just two per cent of sales.</p>
<p>Townhomes were the most popular property type for buyers, accounting for 54 per cent of February&#8217;s sales. Single-family homes made up 41 per cent of the total, while condo townhomes represented three per cent and condo apartments rounded out the market at two per cent.</p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-new-home-sales-show-modest-gains-in-february-despite-sluggish-start-to-the-year/">Ottawa new home sales show modest gains in February despite sluggish start to the year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-new-home-sales-show-modest-gains-in-february-despite-sluggish-start-to-the-year/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>City BuildHERS to host ‘The Ripple Effect’ networking event at University of Ottawa</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/city-buildhers-to-host-the-ripple-effect-networking-event-at-university-of-ottawa/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/city-buildhers-to-host-the-ripple-effect-networking-event-at-university-of-ottawa/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:31:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Associations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=13132</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/city-buildhers-to-host-the-ripple-effect-networking-event-at-university-of-ottawa/"><img title="buldhers ripple effect" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/buldhers-ripple-effect-240x300.jpeg" alt="City BuildHERS to host ‘The Ripple Effect’ networking event at University of Ottawa" width="240" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ottawa Construction News Staff Writer City BuildHERS is preparing to host its latest industry event, “The Ripple Effect,” an evening designed to highlight the influence of women in shaping the built environment. The event will take place on April 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Huguette Labelle Hall, located within the University of Ottawa’s [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/city-buildhers-to-host-the-ripple-effect-networking-event-at-university-of-ottawa/">City BuildHERS to host ‘The Ripple Effect’ networking event at University of Ottawa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/city-buildhers-to-host-the-ripple-effect-networking-event-at-university-of-ottawa/"><img title="buldhers ripple effect" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/buldhers-ripple-effect-240x300.jpeg" alt="City BuildHERS to host ‘The Ripple Effect’ networking event at University of Ottawa" width="240" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
	<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ottawa Construction News Staff Writer</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://citybuildhers.ca/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">City BuildHERS</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is preparing to host its latest industry event, “The Ripple Effect,” an evening designed to highlight the influence of women in shaping the built environment.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The event will take place on April 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Huguette Labelle Hall, located within the University of Ottawa’s Tabaret building.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Organizers say the gathering is built on connection and designed for change, offering participants a chance to explore how women’s voices are fundamentally impacting design, engineering, and construction.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This will be one of the most beautiful and inspiring events that I&#8217;ve had the pleasure of collaborating on,” said Lauren Epp, who is managing event co-ordination for the program.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The initiative follows previous City BuildHERS efforts to foster professional development and relationship-building within the local industry, such as past programs focused on enhancing golf skills to facilitate business networking.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The Ripple Effect” is being held in collaboration with the University of Ottawa and is supported by several industry leaders and organizations, including the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA). Key organizers and collaborators associated with the event include Jennifer Cross, Kristen Buter, and Trista Lynch-Black.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to City BuildHERS, the evening is intended to provide strategic networking with a curated group of industry leaders. The goal is to facilitate new connections, project leads, and working opportunities for women across all sectors of the construction and design industries.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is your chance to gain insights from design, engineering, and construction innovators that will leave you inspired and empowered to lean into your career,” the organization stated in its event announcement.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The venue, Huguette Labelle Hall, is a heritage space within the historic Tabaret building, which dates back to the early 20th century (with the hall itself seeing significant use and recognition in its current form since circa 1971).</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ripple-effect-tickets-1984230147786"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tickets for the event are currently available for purchase online.</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> For more information on City BuildHERS and their upcoming initiatives, interested participants can visit the </span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ripple-effect-tickets-1984230147786"><span style="font-weight: 400;">organization&#8217;s registration page</span></a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or follow their updates through industry channels.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/city-buildhers-to-host-the-ripple-effect-networking-event-at-university-of-ottawa/">City BuildHERS to host ‘The Ripple Effect’ networking event at University of Ottawa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/associations/city-buildhers-to-host-the-ripple-effect-networking-event-at-university-of-ottawa/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>March 2026</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/featured/march-2026/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/featured/march-2026/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:24:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture/planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Associations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contractors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Ontario and Ottawa Valley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Engineering]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ontario News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Previous Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Projects/opportunities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplier/service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=13124</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/featured/march-2026/"><img title="OCN-M cover March 2026" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/OCN-M-cover-March-2026-232x300.jpg" alt="OCN-M cover March 2026" width="232" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	March 2026</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/featured/march-2026/">March 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/featured/march-2026/"><img title="OCN-M cover March 2026" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/OCN-M-cover-March-2026-232x300.jpg" alt="OCN-M cover March 2026" width="232" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
	<p><a href="https://www.ontarioconstructionreport.com/PageFlips/2026/ocnmar2026/"><span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>March 2026</strong></span></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/featured/march-2026/">March 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/featured/march-2026/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ottawa municipal committee moves to trim development fees in bid for affordability</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/architecture/ottawa-municipal-committee-moves-to-trim-development-fees-in-bid-for-affordability/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/architecture/ottawa-municipal-committee-moves-to-trim-development-fees-in-bid-for-affordability/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:15:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture/planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplier/service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=13105</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/architecture/ottawa-municipal-committee-moves-to-trim-development-fees-in-bid-for-affordability/"><img title="housing" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/housing-300x227.png" alt="Ottawa municipal committee moves to trim development fees in bid for affordability" width="300" height="227" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ontario Construction News staff writer A key City of Ottawa committee has approved a plan to slightly decrease the one-time fees developers pay to fund the city’s growth, a move municipal officials say balances the need for new infrastructure with the demand for housing affordability. The Planning and Housing Committee voted Wednesday (March 4) to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/architecture/ottawa-municipal-committee-moves-to-trim-development-fees-in-bid-for-affordability/">Ottawa municipal committee moves to trim development fees in bid for affordability</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/architecture/ottawa-municipal-committee-moves-to-trim-development-fees-in-bid-for-affordability/"><img title="housing" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/housing-300x227.png" alt="Ottawa municipal committee moves to trim development fees in bid for affordability" width="300" height="227" /></a>
	</div>
	<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ontario Construction News staff writer</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A key City of Ottawa committee has approved a plan to slightly decrease the one-time fees developers pay to fund the city’s growth, a move municipal officials say balances the need for new infrastructure with the demand for housing affordability.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Planning and Housing Committee voted Wednesday (March 4) to amend the Development Charges (DC) By-law and update the 2026 Development Charges Background Study. The decision, which still requires final approval from full council, would see residential development charges for single and semi-detached homes decrease by approximately one per cent inside the Greenbelt and two per cent in suburban areas.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The shift follows an update to the city’s Transportation Master Plan and new requirements under provincial legislation, including Bill 60, the </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. The new rates reflect a revised schedule of infrastructure projects and a &#8220;new method&#8221; of calculating how much of a transportation project supports new growth versus how much benefits existing residents.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Geographic impact on homebuyers</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The financial impact of the proposed changes varies significantly based on location, though the overall city-wide trend is a slight reduction in the &#8220;fee stack&#8221; for new builds:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Inside the Greenbelt (IGB):</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Total charges for a single-detached home would drop from $56,399 to $55,982, a one per cent decrease. While area-specific road charges in this zone are set to surge by 104 per cent—climbing to </span><b>$1,148</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">—this is offset by a major 11 per cent reduction in city-wide public transit fees.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Outside the Greenbelt (OGB):</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Suburban developers would see a two per cent drop, with total fees for a single-detached house falling from $63,745 to $62,568. This area benefits from decreases in both area-specific and city-wide road charges.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Rural areas:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Charges remain largely stable. Both serviced and unserviced rural developments are projected to see a nominal increase of only $130, or zero per cent.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><b>Non-residential development:</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Industrial and non-industrial rates are slated to decrease by an average of three per cent city-wide.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>Legislative shifts and infrastructure funding</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A major driver of the rate adjustment is the creation of a distinct &#8220;Land Acquisition&#8221; service category, a requirement under Bill 60. This adds a new fee of $1,344 per single-detached unit to the calculation. However, this new cost is countered by an 11 per cent reduction in public transit charges, stemming from the removal of the Transit Priority Network from the transit budget and its reassignment to Roads and Related Services.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Development charges are used to pay for essential services like water systems, public transit, and libraries. The city acknowledged that while these charges ensure &#8220;growth pays for growth,&#8221; they also represent a cost pressure &#8220;ultimately borne by property buyers and renters&#8221;.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The total gross 10-year capital program cost for these services is estimated at $12.3 billion. Of that, $8.0 billion is identified through grants and subsidies, which the city relies on heavily to fund large-scale Public Transit infrastructure.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The proposed changes are expected to come before City Council for a final vote on Wednesday, March 11.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/architecture/ottawa-municipal-committee-moves-to-trim-development-fees-in-bid-for-affordability/">Ottawa municipal committee moves to trim development fees in bid for affordability</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/architecture/ottawa-municipal-committee-moves-to-trim-development-fees-in-bid-for-affordability/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ontario Construction News first to launch reporting portal for new mandatory annual holdback release</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ontario-construction-news-first-to-launch-reporting-portal-for-new-mandatory-annual-holdback-release/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ontario-construction-news-first-to-launch-reporting-portal-for-new-mandatory-annual-holdback-release/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[OCN Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:08:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Contractors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplier/service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=13017</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ontario-construction-news-first-to-launch-reporting-portal-for-new-mandatory-annual-holdback-release/"><img title="ocn-stock-image-1" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/ocn-stock-image-1-300x123.jpeg" alt="ocn image" width="300" height="123" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ottawa Construction News staff writer Ontario Construction News (OCN) is the first Ontario construction trade news website to provide a dedicated digital filing service for Form 6 (Notice of Annual Release of Holdback), ensuring the province’s construction industry can meet the new mandatory reporting requirements that came into force on Jan. 1. The updated service, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ontario-construction-news-first-to-launch-reporting-portal-for-new-mandatory-annual-holdback-release/">Ontario Construction News first to launch reporting portal for new mandatory annual holdback release</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ontario-construction-news-first-to-launch-reporting-portal-for-new-mandatory-annual-holdback-release/"><img title="ocn-stock-image-1" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/ocn-stock-image-1-300x123.jpeg" alt="ocn image" width="300" height="123" /></a>
	</div>
	<p>Ottawa Construction News staff writer</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://ontarioconstructionnews.com/ocn-daily-complete-edition">Ontario Construction News (OCN) </a></span>is the first Ontario construction trade news website to provide a dedicated digital filing service for Form 6 (Notice of Annual Release of Holdback), ensuring the province’s construction industry can meet the new mandatory reporting requirements that came into force on Jan. 1.</p>
<p>The updated service, available immediately at <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.ontarioconstructionnews.com/certificates">ontarioconstructionnews.com/certificates</a></span>, addresses the recent amendments to the <em>Construction Act</em>. These changes mandate that owners release holdback funds on an annual basis for multi-year projects, rather than waiting until the end of a contract—a significant shift designed to improve cash flow across the supply chain.</p>
<p>“The industry is adapting to a major legislative shift this year with the mandatory annual release of holdback,” said Chase, publisher of Ontario Construction News. “We have upgraded our platform specifically to handle the new Form 6 filings, ensuring that owners and contractors can comply with these annual obligations just as easily as they have always handled their Certificates of Substantial Performance.”</p>
<p>While the standard Form 9 (Certificate of Substantial Performance) continues to be published as usual to trigger the 60-day lien period upon project completion, the new Form 6 is required specifically for the annual release of accrued holdback funds.</p>
<p>“Compliance with the annual release rules is critical for keeping projects moving and ensuring trades get paid on time,” Chase added. “By digitizing the Form 6 submission process, we are simplifying what could otherwise be a complex administrative hurdle. Our system provides the immediate proof of publication required by the Act to greenlight those funds.”</p>
<p>Construction professionals can now access the reporting tool for both Form 6 (Annual Release) and Form 9 (CSP) directly through the OCN<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.ontarioconstructionnews.com/certificates"> website</a></span>.</p>
<p>OCN is a Canadian Owned and Operated daily digital construction newspaper and website compliant with <em>Construction Act</em> regulations, providing essential news, tender information, and certificate publication services to the province&#8217;s architecture, engineering, and construction community. OCN is the only provider to offer free universal search for all Form 6 (Annual Release) and Form 9 (CSP )and other notice requirements at<span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.certificatesubstantialperformance.com/"> certificatesubstantialpeformance.com</a>.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ontario-construction-news-first-to-launch-reporting-portal-for-new-mandatory-annual-holdback-release/">Ontario Construction News first to launch reporting portal for new mandatory annual holdback release</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ontario-construction-news-first-to-launch-reporting-portal-for-new-mandatory-annual-holdback-release/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ottawa housing market faces &#8220;precarity mindset&#8221; and rental supply surge as industry looks to 2026 recovery</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ottawa-housing-market-faces-precarity-mindset-and-rental-supply-surge-as-industry-looks-to-2026-recovery/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ottawa-housing-market-faces-precarity-mindset-and-rental-supply-surge-as-industry-looks-to-2026-recovery/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[OCN Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 08:55:28 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture/planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Associations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contractors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Projects/opportunities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplier/service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=12997</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ottawa-housing-market-faces-precarity-mindset-and-rental-supply-surge-as-industry-looks-to-2026-recovery/"><img title="PXL_20260212_133102522.MP" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/PXL_20260212_133102522.MP_-300x226.jpg" alt="Ottawa housing market faces &#8220;precarity mindset&#8221; and rental supply surge as industry looks to 2026 recovery" width="300" height="226" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ottawa  Construction News staff writer After a disappointing 2025 that saw new home sales dip well below historical averages, Ottawa’s housing industry is entering 2026 with a mix of caution and resolve. Speakers at the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) &#8220;Hello 2026, Goodbye 2025&#8221; event painted a picture of a market with strong fundamental [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ottawa-housing-market-faces-precarity-mindset-and-rental-supply-surge-as-industry-looks-to-2026-recovery/">Ottawa housing market faces &#8220;precarity mindset&#8221; and rental supply surge as industry looks to 2026 recovery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ottawa-housing-market-faces-precarity-mindset-and-rental-supply-surge-as-industry-looks-to-2026-recovery/"><img title="PXL_20260212_133102522.MP" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/PXL_20260212_133102522.MP_-300x226.jpg" alt="Ottawa housing market faces &#8220;precarity mindset&#8221; and rental supply surge as industry looks to 2026 recovery" width="300" height="226" /></a>
	</div>
	<p>Ottawa  Construction News staff writer</p>
<p>After a disappointing 2025 that saw new home sales dip well below historical averages, Ottawa’s housing industry is entering 2026 with a mix of caution and resolve.</p>
<p>Speakers at the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.gohba.ca/">Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA)</a> </span>&#8220;Hello 2026, Goodbye 2025&#8221; event painted a picture of a market with strong fundamental drivers—such as population growth and stability—currently held back by a psychological wall of consumer uncertainty.</p>
<p>Held in early February, the annual forecast event featured insights from Cheryl Rice of PMA Brethour Realty Group, David Coletto of Abacus Data, and Francis Cortellino of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).</p>
<p>Cheryl Rice, president of <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.pmabrethour.com/">PMA Brethour</a></span>, reported that 2025 was a &#8220;disappointment&#8221; for many who had hoped for a turnaround. The year ended with 3,426 new home sales, roughly 23 per cent below the 10-year average.</p>
<p>“Confidence remained the key constraint,” Rice told the audience. “While affordability improved, confidence never really caught up.”</p>
<p>The sluggishness has spilled over into the new year. Rice revealed that January 2026 saw only 246 new home sales—a 29 per cent decrease from the previous January and the lowest January total in over a decade, excluding 2023. She attributed the slow start to a combination of harsh winter weather and lingering economic anxiety.</p>
<p>However, Rice forecasted a stabilization for the year ahead, projecting approximately 3,500 new home sales for 2026, with an upside of 3,800 if builder releases accelerate.</p>
<p>The year “2026 will reward disciplined builders who continue to align supply, pricing, and product with real absorption,” Rice said. She noted that inventory has surpassed 3,000 homes for the first time since 2019, creating a balanced market where buyers have more choice and leverage.</p>
<p>David Coletto, CEO of <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://abacusdata.ca/">Abacus Data</a></span>, explained the psychological headwinds facing the market. He argued that consumers have shifted from a &#8220;scarcity mindset&#8221; (fear of not having enough) to a &#8220;precarity mindset&#8221;—a paralyzing fear of unpredictability.</p>
<p>Coletto cited the re-election of Donald Trump and the resulting tariff threats, along with fears of AI job displacement, as key drivers of this anxiety.</p>
<p>“The fundamental unmet need of the consumer in this city right now is reassurance,” Coletto said. “They need to know it’s going to be okay.”</p>
<p>His data showed that 70 per cent of Canadians are delaying major life decisions, such as buying a home, due to financial uncertainty. Interestingly, Coletto noted a paradox where consumers are pulling back on major investments like housing while continuing to spend on &#8220;retail therapy&#8221; and dining out as a coping mechanism.</p>
<p>He advised builders to focus on reducing risk for buyers. “If you can give people agency&#8230; that’s a power no one else can take away,” he said, suggesting that marketing strategies must pivot to offer stability and certainty in an unpredictable world.</p>
<p><strong>Rental market: The &#8220;Field of Dreams&#8221; era ends</strong></p>
<p>A significant shift is also underway in Ottawa’s rental market. Francis Cortellino, Senior Specialist at CMHC, warned that the days of &#8220;if you build it, they will come&#8221; are over.</p>
<p>After years of record-low vacancy rates driven by high international migration, the market is facing a supply surge just as demand begins to cool. Cortellino noted that international migration to Ontario has dropped significantly, yet Ottawa has a record 11,000 rental units currently under construction.</p>
<p>“We expect the vacancy rate to continue to increase in 2026,” Cortellino said.</p>
<p>He highlighted that new purpose-built rental units are commanding high rents—often between $3.50 and $4.00 per square foot—which may be difficult to absorb given the softening demand. Vacancy rates for newly built apartments have already risen to around 8.5 per cent in some segments as tenants face affordability ceilings.</p>
<p>“Developers told us that last year they were [seeing] low rent growth in the newly built segment because there’s a lot of competition out there,” Cortellino noted. He advised that landlords will need to put significantly more effort into marketing and incentives to attract and retain tenants in 2026.</p>
<p>Despite the short-term challenges, the event closed on a note of long-term optimism. Updated growth projections for the City of Ottawa suggest the population could reach 680,000 by 2051, requiring the construction of up to 250,000 new homes over the next 25 years.</p>
<p>&#8220;Our fundamentals are strong,&#8221; Rice concluded. &#8220;Success in 2026 comes down to&#8230; affordability, pricing discipline, clarity, and execution.&#8221;</p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ottawa-housing-market-faces-precarity-mindset-and-rental-supply-surge-as-industry-looks-to-2026-recovery/">Ottawa housing market faces &#8220;precarity mindset&#8221; and rental supply surge as industry looks to 2026 recovery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/ottawa-housing-market-faces-precarity-mindset-and-rental-supply-surge-as-industry-looks-to-2026-recovery/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ottawa Construction News unveils massive &#8217;12-for-6&#8242; multimedia stimulus for local advertisers</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-construction-news-unveils-massive-12-for-6-multimedia-stimulus-for-local-advertisers/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-construction-news-unveils-massive-12-for-6-multimedia-stimulus-for-local-advertisers/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:44:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplier/service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=12702</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-construction-news-unveils-massive-12-for-6-multimedia-stimulus-for-local-advertisers/"><img title="1-Business Headlines Ottawa 6 for 12 promo.pdf" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/1-Business-Headlines-Ottawa-6-for-12-promo.pdf-233x300.jpg" alt="Ottawa Construction News unveils massive &#8217;12-for-6&#8242; multimedia stimulus for local advertisers" width="233" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ottawa Construction News staff writer Ottawa Construction News has announced a new marketing initiative designed to help local industry players secure a year’s worth of multimedia visibility for half the standard investment, a move the publisher describes as a strategic boost for companies heading into a competitive new year. The publication unveiled a &#8220;12 for [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-construction-news-unveils-massive-12-for-6-multimedia-stimulus-for-local-advertisers/">Ottawa Construction News unveils massive &#8217;12-for-6&#8242; multimedia stimulus for local advertisers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-construction-news-unveils-massive-12-for-6-multimedia-stimulus-for-local-advertisers/"><img title="1-Business Headlines Ottawa 6 for 12 promo.pdf" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/1-Business-Headlines-Ottawa-6-for-12-promo.pdf-233x300.jpg" alt="Ottawa Construction News unveils massive &#8217;12-for-6&#8242; multimedia stimulus for local advertisers" width="233" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
	<p>Ottawa Construction News staff writer</p>
<p>Ottawa Construction News has announced a new marketing initiative designed to help local industry players secure a year’s worth of multimedia visibility for half the standard investment, a move the publisher describes as a strategic boost for companies heading into a competitive new year.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The publication unveiled a &#8220;12 for 6&#8221; campaign this week, offering businesses a full 12-month advertising contract for the price of six months. The package is being positioned not just as a discount, but as a comprehensive branding partnership that spans print, digital, and editorial platforms.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;There are many other options available to meet not only your marketing needs but budget demands,&#8221; said Chase, Director of Marketing and Client Relations for the Construction News and Report Group.</span></p>
<p><b>The multimedia package</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The initiative targets businesses ready to commit to a 1/3 page ad contract or larger. In exchange, participating companies receive a &#8220;multimedia package&#8221; that significantly broadens their reach beyond the printed page.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the announcement, the deal includes 12 months of web banner ads on both the Ottawa Construction News website and its provincial counterpart, </span><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.ontarioconstructionreport.com">Ontario Construction Report</a></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Additionally, advertisers will secure placement in the publication&#8217;s daily digital newsletter for the full year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The package effectively lowers the barrier to entry for smaller firms looking to maintain a consistent presence in the region’s construction sector.</span></p>
<p><b>Editorial integration</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Beyond the &#8220;hard&#8221; advertising space, the campaign emphasizes editorial integration, a key differentiator in trade media.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The publisher confirmed that the package includes free editorial coverage of company events, new staff appointments, project milestones, and special announcements. This content will appear in both the magazine and the daily digital newspaper, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">OntarioConstructionNews.com</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For companies seeking maximum visibility, the deal also includes a full-page feature article on the business, with the timing selected by the client to align with their own strategic milestones. High-profile participants may even be featured on the magazine&#8217;s cover.</span></p>
<p><b>Limited availability</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Industry observers note that the aggressive pricing model comes with a cap on participation. The publisher has limited the special promotion to the next 12 clients who sign up.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The potential savings for a business maxing out the offer could reach up to $15,000, depending on the size of the contract booked.</span></p>
<p><b>How to participate</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The initiative is open effective immediately. Businesses interested in securing one of the limited spots are directed to contact Chase at the Construction News and Report Group office at 905-341-8686 or via email at <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="mailto:ch***@********************ws.com" data-original-string="rrAZBK4AYVd9nDx4GTFW3w==ba29flhTnuEhSBIkikWfI6nor7giP9B+0bdwt/k4HBtaf/s7UMWrIYpw2DP4mC+WxNe" title="This contact has been encoded by Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser."><span 
                data-original-string='HTMnfw3m69JOo8dy6pfXmw==ba2ciS7r1atYLrrYcEwk2ATlrnQXnIEc/Neny8ZA0qEfVOpmDYpT7rYDXiZ5dONTz48'
                class='apbct-email-encoder'
                title='This contact has been encoded by Anti-Spam by CleanTalk. Click to decode. To finish the decoding make sure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser.'>ch<span class="apbct-blur">***</span>@<span class="apbct-blur">********************</span>ws.com</span></a></span>.</span></p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-construction-news-unveils-massive-12-for-6-multimedia-stimulus-for-local-advertisers/">Ottawa Construction News unveils massive &#8217;12-for-6&#8242; multimedia stimulus for local advertisers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/ottawa-construction-news-unveils-massive-12-for-6-multimedia-stimulus-for-local-advertisers/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Best Practices For Choosing A Custom Home Builder In Ottawa</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/best-practices-for-choosing-a-custom-home-builder-in-ottawa/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/best-practices-for-choosing-a-custom-home-builder-in-ottawa/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 04:01:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Contractors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=12684</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/best-practices-for-choosing-a-custom-home-builder-in-ottawa/"><img title="64d16544cca7d23a39704345_Group 36-p-800" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/64d16544cca7d23a39704345_Group-36-p-800-272x300.jpg" alt="ocg spam" width="272" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Submitted by OGC Ltd. Choosing the right custom home builder in Ottawa is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the home building process. The builder you select will shape not only the quality and durability of your finished home but also how smooth, efficient, and stress free the entire journey feels from [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/best-practices-for-choosing-a-custom-home-builder-in-ottawa/">Best Practices For Choosing A Custom Home Builder In Ottawa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/best-practices-for-choosing-a-custom-home-builder-in-ottawa/"><img title="64d16544cca7d23a39704345_Group 36-p-800" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/64d16544cca7d23a39704345_Group-36-p-800-272x300.jpg" alt="ocg spam" width="272" height="300" /></a>
	</div>
	<p>Submitted by OGC Ltd.</p>
<p>Choosing the right <a href="https://ottawageneralcontractors.com/blog/how-to-build-a-custom-home-in-ottawa">custom home builder in Ottawa</a> is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the home building process. The builder you select will shape not only the quality and durability of your finished home but also how smooth, efficient, and stress free the entire journey feels from design and permits to construction and final inspections. A professional, transparent, and experienced builder ensures your vision becomes reality without unnecessary delays or unexpected costs. This guide explains what to look for, which questions to ask, and how to evaluate potential builders so you can confidently choose the right partner for your custom home in Ottawa.</p>
<p><strong>Why the Builder You Choose Matters</strong></p>
<p>Building a custom home is a highly personal and collaborative process. Unlike buying a pre-built home, a custom build requires detailed decision making at nearly every step-from floor plans and materials to finishes and energy systems. A great builder brings experience, strong communication, and local knowledge of Ottawa’s building conditions, including zoning bylaws and seasonal challenges. The builder you choose will manage trades, oversee timelines, troubleshoot issues, and help keep your project on track financially and structurally. With the right team, the process feels organized and predictable. With the wrong one, it can quickly become stressful, confusing, and expensive.</p>
<p><strong>Step 1: Research Reputation and Experience</strong></p>
<p>Your evaluation should begin with reputation. Look for builders who specialize in custom homes rather than those who primarily work on production or tract builds. Review online portfolios, explore their websites, and, whenever possible, visit past projects to assess workmanship. Ask for references and follow up with past clients. Learn whether the builder stayed on budget, communicated consistently, managed timelines well, and handled challenges professionally. Builders with extensive experience in Ottawa have added advantages-they understand local soil conditions, neighbourhood restrictions, and typical permitting hurdles, which helps prevent costly surprises during design or construction.</p>
<p><strong>Step 2: Verify Licensing, Insurance, and Tarion Registration</strong></p>
<p>Every legitimate home builder in Ontario must be registered with Tarion, the organization that administers warranty protection for new homes. Tarion registration ensures your builder meets provincial standards and provides warranty coverage for defects and structural issues. Insurance is equally important. Confirm that your builder carries liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you if accidents occur on-site or if materials are damaged. Proper licensing, insurance, and Tarion registration demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and long-term reliability-all essential when you’re investing in a custom home.</p>
<p><strong>Step 3: Evaluate Transparency and Communication</strong></p>
<p>Clear communication is one of the strongest indicators of a dependable builder. Before signing a contract, ask for a detailed and itemized cost breakdown, including allowances, materials, and timelines. A transparent proposal reduces the risk of hidden fees or unclear expectations later. Ask how the builder handles updates and communication throughout the project. Some offer weekly reports, scheduled calls, or access to project management software. A builder who explains challenges, outlines solutions, and collaborates openly helps ensure the process remains smooth and predictable.</p>
<p><strong>Step 4: Review Warranty and Aftercare</strong></p>
<p>A reputable builder stands behind their work long after construction is complete. While Tarion offers mandatory provincial warranty coverage, builders often provide their own extended warranties or aftercare programs. Ask what is included in their post construction support. The best builders offer proactive check ins, clear processes for reporting issues, and quick turnaround for repairs. Strong warranty coverage not only offers peace of mind but also signals the builder’s confidence in craftsmanship and long term quality.</p>
<p><strong>Step 5: Look for Customization and Full Service Support</strong></p>
<p>True custom builders offer more than just construction-they guide you from concept to completion. This includes site evaluations, design coordination, permit management, material selection, and scheduling. A full service builder helps avoid bottlenecks between architects, engineers, and city officials, streamlining your experience. Ask whether the builder partners with trusted designers or can recommend professionals aligned with your style and budget. Builders with strong trade and supplier relationships can often secure better pricing and ensure consistent workmanship at every stage of your project.</p>
<p><strong>Step 6: Ask the Right Questions</strong></p>
<p>Meeting potential builders in person gives you insight into professionalism, communication style, and compatibility. Ask targeted questions such as:</p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How familiar are you with building in my preferred Ottawa neighbourhood?</li>
<li aria-level="1"> Can you show photos or references for similar homes you’ve completed?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Are you fully licensed, Tarion registered, and insured?</li>
<li aria-level="1">What is included in your contract and warranty coverage</li>
<li aria-level="1">How do you handle communication, progress updates, and construction changes?</li>
</ul>
<p>A confident builder will answer openly, provide documentation, and explain their processes clearly. These conversations help you determine whether the builder is organized, transparent, and genuinely invested in your project’s success.</p>
<p><strong>Step 7: Compare More Than Just Price</strong></p>
<p>While cost is an important factor, the lowest quote isn’t always the best choice. A price that seems too good to be true may reflect missing items, cheaper materials, or unrealistic timelines. Instead of focusing solely on cost, compare the level of detail in each proposal, communication style, reputation, and project management approach. A slightly higher price from a more reliable builder often leads to a smoother experience and higher quality results. Review contracts carefully to ensure payment schedules, allowances, and change order policies are clearly stated before work begins.</p>
<p><strong>Step 8: Plan for the Full Timeline</strong></p>
<p>A custom home in Ottawa typically takes 12 to 18 months from planning to completion. Ask your builder to outline a projected timeline, including major milestones such as design, permitting, framing, mechanical work, and finishing. Weather conditions, complexity of design, and material availability can influence schedules. A responsible builder will help you understand potential delays, keep you informed, and adjust timelines when necessary. Knowing the full process upfront helps you plan temporary living arrangements, financing, and your move in schedule.</p>
<p><strong>Step 9: Recognize the Signs of a Good Fit</strong></p>
<p>Beyond technical skill, the right builder should be someone you trust and feel comfortable working with. Look for a professional who listens carefully, communicates clearly, respects your goals, and answers your questions openly. Custom home building is a long journey, and your relationship with your builder matters. When you find a builder who combines expertise, organization, and genuine collaboration, you’ve likely found the right partner.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion: Building Your Dream Home the Right Way</strong></p>
<p>Choosing a custom home builder in Ottawa requires careful research, clear communication, and a focus on long term value over short term savings. Start by reviewing reputation and experience, then confirm licensing, insurance, and Tarion registration. Evaluate transparency, warranty coverage, and full service capabilities to ensure your builder can guide you from concept to completion. When you select a builder who meets these standards, you set the foundation for a smooth, predictable, and rewarding home building experience.</p>
<p><em> If you’re ready to begin planning your custom home, <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://ottawageneralcontractors.com/">Ottawa General Contractors</a></span> offers full service design and construction backed by years of local expertise. Contact our team today to discuss your vision and start building a home tailored to your life, style, and future.</em></p><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/best-practices-for-choosing-a-custom-home-builder-in-ottawa/">Best Practices For Choosing A Custom Home Builder In Ottawa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/contractors/best-practices-for-choosing-a-custom-home-builder-in-ottawa/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>GOHBA calls for urgent action as Ottawa housing affordability reaches ‘breaking point’</title>
		<link>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/cdao-releases-new-procurement-guide-to-speed-up-ontario-infrastructure-delivery/</link>
					<comments>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/cdao-releases-new-procurement-guide-to-speed-up-ontario-infrastructure-delivery/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[OCN Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:31:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Architecture/planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Associations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources and advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Supplier/service]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/?p=12616</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/cdao-releases-new-procurement-guide-to-speed-up-ontario-infrastructure-delivery/"><img title="housing planning stock image" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/housing-planning-stock-image-300x159.jpg" alt="stock photo housing planning" width="300" height="159" /></a>
	</div>
<p>	Ontario Construction News staff writer The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) is sounding the alarm on the capital’s deepening housing crisis, warning that affordability has reached a “breaking point” for working families. In a campaign outlining its priority policy actions, the association argues that a combination of soaring construction costs, economic pressure, and government-imposed [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/cdao-releases-new-procurement-guide-to-speed-up-ontario-infrastructure-delivery/">GOHBA calls for urgent action as Ottawa housing affordability reaches ‘breaking point’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
	<div>
	<a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/cdao-releases-new-procurement-guide-to-speed-up-ontario-infrastructure-delivery/"><img title="housing planning stock image" src="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/housing-planning-stock-image-300x159.jpg" alt="stock photo housing planning" width="300" height="159" /></a>
	</div>
	<p>Ontario Construction News staff writer</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.gohba.ca/">The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA)</a> </span>is sounding the alarm on the capital’s deepening housing crisis, warning that affordability has reached a “breaking point” for working families.</p>
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="https://www.gohba.ca/housing-affordability/">In a campaign outlining its priority policy actions</a></span>, the association argues that a combination of soaring construction costs, economic pressure, and government-imposed fees is locking residents out of homeownership.</p>
<p>“Every day, we see how rising costs are putting home ownership out of reach and threatening the ability of working families to stay and grow here in Ottawa,” the association stated in its appeal to municipal and federal officials.</p>
<p>With the average home price in Ottawa climbing to $709,002 in October—a six per cent increase year-over-year according to recent market data—GOHBA is calling for immediate action on three fronts: lowering development charges, securing federal infrastructure support, and expanding the urban boundary.</p>
<p><strong>The burden of government fees</strong></p>
<p>At the heart of the industry’s concerns are development charges (DCs)—fees collected by the city from developers to pay for growth-related infrastructure like roads and sewers. GOHBA executive director Jason Burggraaf has long contended that these costs are ultimately passed on to homebuyers.</p>
<p>According to the GOHBA, development charges in Ottawa have increased by approximately 30 per cent in the last two years and have doubled over the past decade.</p>
<p>“Government-imposed taxes, fees, and charges like development charges, HST, and land-transfer tax add tens of thousands of dollars to the final price of a new home,” the association states.</p>
<p>The builders are calling on the City of Ottawa to fulfill its commitment to review the collection of these charges. The association argues that reducing DCs is the most direct way to lower the base price of new homes.</p>
<p><strong>Infrastructure funding gap</strong></p>
<p>The association also highlights a structural inequity in how infrastructure is funded in Ontario compared to other provinces. Currently, new homeowners in Ontario absorb the full cost of new municipal infrastructure through development charges.</p>
<p>GOHBA is urging the federal government to step in, noting that cities like Ottawa cannot shoulder these costs alone without passing them onto buyers.</p>
<p>“Federal investment in local infrastructure will help build new communities faster and help address the housing crisis,” the GOHBA plan states. While the City of Ottawa secured $176.3 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund in early 2024, builders argue sustained funding for core infrastructure—such as water and wastewater systems—is essential to unlock land for development.</p>
<p><strong>The battle over the urban boundary</strong></p>
<p>Perhaps the most contentious point in the GOHBA plan is the call to expand Ottawa’s urban boundary.</p>
<p>The association argues that the city lacks sufficient land for family-oriented homes with yards, asserting that while infill development is necessary, it cannot meet the demand for ground-oriented housing alone.</p>
<p>“Expanding the urban boundary would allow for new subdivisions with single-family and townhouse units, boosting supply and affordability for growing families,” GOHBA argues.</p>
<p>This position puts the industry at odds with recent decisions at City Hall. Earlier this month, city committees moved to refuse applications to expand the urban boundary for approximately 5,500 new homes in Kanata and Barrhaven. City planning staff have maintained that Ottawa already possesses a sufficient supply of land to meet provincial requirements for the next 25 years.</p>
<p>However, GOHBA warns that restricting land supply exacerbates price growth and limits choice for homebuyers.</p>
<p><strong>Market context</strong></p>
<p>The renewed push for affordability comes as the Ottawa market shows signs of tightening. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported that housing starts trended downward in October 2025, while resale prices have continued to tick upward.</p>
<p>While the City of Ottawa is moving forward with its Housing Acceleration Plan and finalizing a new Zoning By-law expected to be approved in early 2026, the residential construction industry maintains that regulatory changes must be paired with cost relief to make a tangible difference.</p>
<p>“Solving Ottawa’s housing crisis requires shared responsibility,” GOHBA stated. “Residents expect homebuilders and all levels of the government to step up and take more action.”</p>
<p>For more information on the association’s affordability campaign, visit <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a style="color: #0000ff;" href="http://www.gohba.ca"><p>The post <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/cdao-releases-new-procurement-guide-to-speed-up-ontario-infrastructure-delivery/">GOHBA calls for urgent action as Ottawa housing affordability reaches ‘breaking point’</a> appeared first on <a href="https://ottawaconstructionnews.com">Ottawa Construction News</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
					<wfw:commentRss>https://ottawaconstructionnews.com/local-news/cdao-releases-new-procurement-guide-to-speed-up-ontario-infrastructure-delivery/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
			<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
