Ottawa Construction News staff writer

An Ontario Superior Court judge has granted summary judgment against an Ottawa construction contractor and its directors for unpaid material invoices, while ruling that building suppliers cannot unilaterally reallocate customer payments contrary to project remittance directions.

In Morin Bros. Building Supplies Inc. v. Bond Group Ottawa 2018 Inc., decided Oct. 1, 2025, Justice Owen Rees held contractor Bond Group Ottawa 2018 Inc. liable for breach of contract and statutory trust obligations under Ontario’s Construction Act, while holding company directors Maria Marcantonio and Antonio (Tony) Marcantonio personally liable.

In a legal commentary analyzing the decision, WeirFoulds LLP construction law partner Max Gennis and co-author/summer student Christina Schirripa noted the ruling serves as a “cautionary tale” for the construction industry, emphasizing that handling trust funds requires strict accounting and dedicated bank accounts.

The dispute arose after Morin Supply provided specialty building materials to Bond Group for several Ottawa developments, including the Wateridge Flats and Witherspoon Building projects. Morin Supply sought $132,043.97 in unpaid principal, claiming a total of $254,393.30 including interest under a credit agreement executed in January 2019.

When Bond Group made full and partial payments on invoices for the Wateridge and Witherspoon projects, it included remittance slips explicitly directing how the funds should be allocated. Morin Supply disregarded those directions and reallocated the money to older outstanding accounts, including invoices for an unrelated project known as the Bloomington Project.

Justice Rees ruled that Morin Supply was not entitled to override Bond Group’s written payment directions. Under common law, a debtor has the right to allocate payments as it sees fit if it provides a clear expression of intention, which Bond Group accomplished through its remittance slips.

The court also determined that statutory trust funds created under section 8 of the Construction Act must be applied to the specific project for which they were received. Rees noted that the presumption in Clayton’s Case—which applies payments to the oldest outstanding account—does not apply to statutory trust monies under the Act.

In their analysis, Gennis and Schirripa highlighted that the ruling offers a vital practical lesson: suppliers and contractors must pay close attention to payment identification, issue clear remittance directions, and refrain from applying project-specific trust funds to unrelated accounts.

“Morin Supply misallocated payments impressed with a trust from one project to another,” Rees wrote in his judgment. “It was not open to Morin Supply to disregard Bond Group’s allocation.”

Despite the supplier’s misallocation, Justice Rees rejected Bond Group’s argument that Morin Supply’s actions should defeat its entire breach of trust claim or strip it of contractual interest. The court applied the common law rule requiring payments to be applied against accrued interest before principal.

Interest under the credit agreement accrued at 25.5 per cent per year, compounded monthly. For Maria Marcantonio under her personal guarantee, the court set the applicable rate at the contractual guarantor interest rate of 18 per cent per year, compounded monthly.

Addressing a set-off claim, the court acknowledged that Bond Group had pre-fabricated and constructed a two-storey garage at the personal residence of Morin Supply president Yanik Morin, issuing invoices totaling $38,035.25. Justice Rees ordered that this $38,035.25 set-off must be credited against accrued interest first, with any remaining surplus applied to reduce principal.

On the statutory trust claim, the court found Bond Group liable for multiple breaches of the Construction Act. Bond Group received funds from project owners but failed to pay Morin Supply in full, failed to maintain a separate bank account for trust funds as required under section 8.1, and commingled trust monies in its general chequing account.

Bond Group also failed to respond to a formal request for information under section 39 of the Act or provide an accounting of project funds, leading the court to draw an adverse inference that trust funds were improperly applied.

Justice Rees held Maria Marcantonio, president, and Tony Marcantonio, vice-president, personally liable under section 13 of the Construction Act. The court found that as sole officers and directors who shared management, financial oversight, and accounting responsibilities, both Marcantonios assented to or acquiesced in conduct they knew or reasonably ought to have known constituted a breach of trust.

WeirFoulds partner Max Gennis noted that section 13 provides a powerful statutory remedy that effectively pierces the corporate veil without requiring proof of personal dishonesty or direct personal benefit. The commentary cautioned contractors and subcontractors to review their bookkeeping and banking practices to ensure trust funds are kept separate from general operating accounts used for company overhead.

Citing Ontario Court of Appeal precedent in Great Northern Insulation Services Ltd. v. King Road Paving and Landscaping Inc., Justice Rees confirmed that contractual interest forms part of the statutory trust claim under section 8 of the Construction Act.

Justice Rees directed the parties to calculate final damages in accordance with the court’s findings on allocation, interest, and set-offs. Morin Supply was awarded fixed costs of $30,000, inclusive of HST, reduced from its requested $36,529.51 because of its improper reallocation of payments.

Morin Supply was represented by Anthony Imbesi, while Bond Group and the Marcantonios were represented by Daniel J. Wright.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

New home sales in Ottawa continued to demonstrate robust year-over-year momentum in June, capping off a strong first half of 2026 despite a typical seasonal dip from the previous month.

According to the latest Greater Ottawa New Home Market Report, published jointly by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and PMA Brethour Realty Group, builders recorded 490 new home sales in June. That represents a 31 per cent increase compared to June 2025, when 374 units were sold.

While monthly sales dropped 21.2 per cent from May’s total of 622 units, mid-year figures highlight a sustained recovery in Ottawa’s new home market. Year-to-date sales reached 2,670 units at the end of June—up 49 per cent from 1,792 sales recorded during the same six-month period in 2025.

Industry leadership attributes the ongoing sales growth to targeted policy measures aimed at easing entry costs for buyers.

“At the midway point of 2026, Ottawa’s new home sales remain well ahead of last year,” GOHBA executive director Jason Burggraaf said in a statement. “The new home HST rebate is helping more buyers qualify and move off the sidelines, and builders are looking forward to the additional impact the Development Charge Reduction Program could have in the months ahead. Every reduction helps improve affordability and bring more buyers into the market.”

The south end reclaimed its position as Ottawa’s top-selling submarket in June, accounting for 41 per cent of all new home transactions. The west end followed in second place at 36 per cent, while the east end accounted for 20 per cent. Central Ottawa continued to represent a small segment of new home activity at three per cent.

Ground-oriented housing dominated buyer preference throughout the month:

• Townhomes: 47 per cent of total sales
• Single-detached homes: 43 per cent
• Condominium townhomes: 7 per cent
• Condominium apartments: 3 per cent

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

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

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

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

To watch the full episode, click here:

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

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

New home sales in Ottawa surged in April, driven largely by recent expansions to new home tax relief, according to the latest data from the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and PMA Brethour Realty Group.

The region recorded 744 new home sales, representing a staggering 203.7 per cent increase from the 245 homes sold in April 2025. April’s totals also mark a 164.8 per cent jump from March, which saw just 281 sales.

Year-to-date sales now stand at 1,558, up 41.3 per cent compared to the 1,103 homes sold during the same period last year.

“This month’s sales activity clearly demonstrates how directly policy decisions can influence housing markets,” GOHBA executive director Jason Burggraaf said in a statement. “The expansion of sales tax relief to all new home buyers has helped restore confidence in the market and encouraged many buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines to act.”

Burggraaf added that the robust spring figures are proof that “meaningful policy reform can directly support housing activity, improve affordability, and help get more homes built.”

Geographically, Ottawa’s south end led the region in April, accounting for 41 per cent of all new home sales. The west end followed closely at 37 per cent, while the east end captured 20 per cent of the market. Central Ottawa made up the remaining three per cent.

When breaking down by housing type, townhomes maintained a steady stronghold on the market, accounting for half of all sales (50 per cent). Single-detached homes saw a 16 per cent increase from March to capture 46 per cent of April’s sales activity. The remainder of the month’s sales were divided between condo townhomes and condo apartments.

The monthly report is published in partnership between GOHBA and PMA Brethour Realty Group to provide market data on local housing activity in the nation’s capital.

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The City of Kingston is calling for nominations for its 2026 Livable City Design Awards, recognizing projects that have enhanced the city’s built environment and public spaces over the past three years.

Held every three years, the awards celebrate excellence in urban design, architecture and landscape design that contributes positively to Kingston’s livability.

City officials say eligible projects can range from housing and mixed-use developments to heritage conservation initiatives, parks and other public realm improvements completed between Jan. 1, 2023 and Dec. 31, 2025.

“Whether it’s a new housing or mixed-use development, a heritage conservation project, a new park space or anything in between, we want to know what projects have resonated with the public and made a positive impact on the livability of Kingston over the last three years,” said Sukriti Agarwal, manager of policy planning for the City of Kingston.

“A livable city is one that is designed for all residents to move around easily, connect with one another, and enjoy,” Agarwal added.

The competition is open to both public and private projects, and nominations may be submitted by anyone. Full eligibility requirements are available on the City of Kingston’s website.

Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30. Eligible entries will be reviewed over the summer by a panel of experts, while members of the public will also have an opportunity to vote for a People’s Choice Award winner in the fall.

Award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony later in the year.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Ontario government is launching a fifth year of Level Up! skilled trades career fairs, with events planned in 12 communities across the province to connect students and jobseekers with careers in construction, infrastructure and other in-demand sectors.

The 2026 fairs are expected to attract more than 60,000 attendees through a series of multi-day events running from Sept. 23 to Dec. 10. Organizers say the fairs will feature interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to meet employers, unions and training providers representing Ontario’s 144 skilled trades.

The events are aimed primarily at students in Grades 7 to 12, but will also welcome parents, guardians, educators and jobseekers interested in apprenticeship and training opportunities.

“Level Up! Career Fairs play a critical role in engaging students, giving them hands-on exposure to in-demand careers, and helping them see the real opportunities these pathways can lead to,” said Ian Howcroft, chief executive officer of Skills Ontario.

“For more than 35 years, Skills Ontario has worked alongside the Ontario government to strengthen the skilled trades and help build the workforce of the future. Together, we are opening doors, inspiring the next generation, and equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed.

“We are proud to support Level Up! once again and look forward to another successful year.”

Last year, more than 58,000 people attended Level Up! career fairs across Ontario.

The 2026 fairs will be held in the following communities:

• Cobourg — Sept. 23–24
• Kingston — Sept. 29–30
• Barrie — Oct. 6–7
• Timmins — Oct. 14–15
• Thunder Bay — Oct. 21–22
• Sudbury — Oct. 28–29
• Hamilton — Nov. 3–5
• Windsor — Nov. 11–12
• London — Nov. 17–19
• Ottawa — Nov. 24–26
• Oshawa — Dec. 1–3
• Mississauga — Dec. 8–10

Each fair will include daytime sessions for students attending with their schools, followed by free public open houses intended to help families learn more about skilled trades careers.

“Five years on, Level Up! continues to open doors for young people across Ontario, giving them real, hands-on exposure to the skilled trades and the careers they could build,” said Candice White, chief executive officer of Skilled Trades Ontario.

“The career fairs make that possible by connecting students and jobseekers directly with the tradespeople and employers shaping the work today.

“Skilled Trades Ontario is proud to deliver Level Up! alongside the Ontario government, and proud to support every young person discovering a career that is in demand, well paid, and built to last.”

The province said roughly one in three tradespeople is nearing retirement and hundreds of thousands of additional workers will be needed over the next decade. Ontario has set a goal of engaging 500,000 youth in the skilled trades by 2030 through programs including Level Up! and the Trade and Tech Trucks initiative.

The government said one in six job openings in Ontario is expected to be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2034, as the province continues work on a $236-billion infrastructure plan that includes housing, highways, hospitals and schools.

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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 & AMBICO Facility Tour,” will take place on Oct. 16 at the AMBICO Limited 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.

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.

Following the seminar, attendees will be guided through AMBICO’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

“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.”

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.

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.

For more information and to register, visit the CSC Ottawa Eventbrite listing.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Ottawa’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 homes sold in February 2025, according to data released March 23 by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and PMA Brethour Realty Group.

Month-over-month, sales rose nine per cent from the 255 transactions recorded in January.

“While buyers remain cautious, February’s increase could be an early sign of stabilization for the Ottawa market,” Jason Burggraaf, executive director of GOHBA, said in a statement.

Despite the monthly bump, year-to-date sales continue to trail last year’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.

“Market conditions are still adjusting,” Burggraaf said. “Hopefully, recent clarity on the federal tax rebate will drive more sales in the last week of March and into April.”

The city’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.

Townhomes were the most popular property type for buyers, accounting for 54 per cent of February’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.

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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 Tabaret building.

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.

“This will be one of the most beautiful and inspiring events that I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating on,” said Lauren Epp, who is managing event co-ordination for the program.

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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).

Tickets for the event are currently available for purchase online. For more information on City BuildHERS and their upcoming initiatives, interested participants can visit the organization’s registration page or follow their updates through industry channels.

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March 2026

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