Your daily Ontario Construction News podcast

A massive new YMCA is breaking ground in Barrie next month, complete with transitional housing and a multicultural community space. Plus, Hamilton International Airport is getting a major upgrade thanks to a new partnership, promising a boost for the local economy.

Toronto saw $1.13 billion in building permits issued in January alone! That's for over 3,300 projects. Niagara Falls just got a whole lot prettier, and safer! The city council passed a new bylaw requiring better fencing around all construction sites.Ontario's construction industry is facing a devastating opioid crisis. A study reveals that a third of opioid-related workplace deaths in the province were construction workers. Mental health advocates are urging provincial leaders to address this, highlighting the need for increased investment in addiction treatment and supportive housing.

We've got exciting news today, including a proposal for a brand new multi-sport stadium, and the fantastic news that hundreds of affordable homes and an art gallery have been saved in a major rescue operation

We'll be looking at the impact of new US tariffs on the local housing market, potentially driving up prices and slowing down construction. And later, we'll hear about Muskoka's exciting new initiative to tackle its affordable housing crisis with a massive two million dollar investment. Stay tuned.

Welcome to Ontario Construction News daily podcast, Wednesday, February 12th, 2025. We're kicking things off with a look at President Trump's renewed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, sparking concerns amongst producers and prompting calls for swift government action. And later, we'll be highlighting a major investment in accelerating housing construction, bringing much-needed homes to communities across the province.

We're looking at a potential 4 percent increase in building costs due to possible US tariffs on imported materials. Plus, a massive new clean energy project in the works, promising to power a million homes.

A major step forward for the Hazel McCallion LRT line, with the elevated guideway now complete. Plus, a massive new rental development is breaking ground in Ottawa to help tackle the housing shortage. Stay tuned… and much more in today's episode.

We'll be discussing a massive new nuclear facility planned to bring thousands of jobs and billions in GDP growth. Plus, we’ve got an update on Markham exceeding its housing targets, but facing funding issues due to an outdated system.

Millions are flowing into public transit in Burlington a huge boost for long-term planning and improved services. Also, a major wastewater treatment upgrade is underway in Niagara, a four-hundred-million-dollar project designed to handle future growth

The US-Canada trade tensions seem to be cooling down, with President Trump announcing a pause on tariffs on Canadian goods. Meanwhile, Ontario's largest construction union has shown its support for Doug Ford in his re-election campaign, praising his commitment to skilled trades and investment in the future.

Ontario's government has issued requests for proposals to design the central and eastern sections of the Bradford Bypass, which will link Highway 400 and 404 and create 2,200 jobs annually. And in Guelph, 384 Crawley Road will be cleared for development in the Southgate Business Park, with plans to plant 17,000 trees and 4,000 shrubs on-site to offset the environmental impact.

A significant investment of $975 million from the governments of Canada, Ontario, and Toronto is set to revolutionize our beautiful waterfront. This investment will open doors for more than 14,000 new homes, affordable housing options, and countless job opportunities in skilled trades. As our economy flourishes with $13.2 billion, we witness the creation of Quayside and Ookwemin Minising, promising a vibrant city within our city. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Ontario is also investing a staggering $1.3 billion into constructing 30 brand-new schools and expanding 15 existing ones. This substantial investment in education not only creates over 25,000 student spaces, but also adds 1,600 licensed childcare spaces.

The Ontario Science Centre is receiving a brand-new makeover, with plans for a futuristic and energy-efficient facility. And in a major announcement for Toronto, a brand-new long-term care home is breaking ground in the heart of the city.

The Ontario Science Centre is receiving a brand-new makeover, with plans for a futuristic and energy-efficient facility. And in a major announcement for Toronto, a brand-new long-term care home is breaking ground in the heart of the city.

The province is investing $27 million in carpentry training programs to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the construction industry. And the Hazel McCallion Line in Brampton and Mississauga is set to expand, offering faster and more convenient public transit options for commuters in the region.

Toronto plans to build more multiplexes to tackle its housing shortage, and Winnipeg's appointment of its first Chief Construction Officer

The city of Toronto will start pushing developers to build more eco-friendly, with the goal of getting half of them to aim for the highest green standard. This comes as Mississauga is also looking into addressing their housing crisis, with a report calling for collaboration among all levels of government.

Ontario professional engineers and land surveyors have gone on strike. In other news, Ottawa construction groups are upset that the city bypassed local contractors.

Ontario professional engineers and land surveyors have gone on strike. In other news, Ottawa construction groups are upset that the city bypassed local contractors.

Ontario professional engineers and land surveyors have gone on strike. In other news, Ottawa construction groups are upset that the city bypassed local contractors.

There has been a lot of tension between the U.S. and Canada lately. President Trump has been threatening to slap Canada with tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos in retaliation for allowing too many people to cross the border illegally. This would have a devastating impact on our infrastructure development. But, the government is prepared for various scenarios and plans to take necessary measures to counter the external pressures. We'll be talking more about this issue and other developments, so stay tuned!

A $28 million investment has been committed by Ontario to Kenora for the construction of a new Aboriginal health centre, bringing crucial services to one central location. Additionally, Toronto is stepping up to help women secure skilled trades employment, providing up to $750,000 to the Heavy Equipment Technician pre-apprenticeship program at Coll\u00e8ge Boréal. And to keep up with evolving architectural practices, the Toronto Society of Architects and DesignTO are hosting a virtual event on January 28th, focused on labour conditions and collaborative dynamics.

Three construction companies have been prequalified to redevelop Stevenson Memorial Hospital in Alliston, Ontario. Ontario is planning to construct a new nuclear power plant, making it the largest in the province! Meanwhile, North Bay had a strong construction year in 2024 with residential developments leading the way, despite an overall decrease in construction value.

The city of Toronto is planning to invest a record amount of money in housing and infrastructure upgrades. The proposed capital budget is set at $59.6 billion over 10 years, and it includes $10 billion for home building alone. Meanwhile, the Canada Community-Building Fund has announced a $1 billion boost to green infrastructure projects, helping communities adapt to climate change and promote energy efficiency.

We begin with the announcement of the Group Porteur consortium taking charge of the construction of the new Gatineau-Ottawa tramway. This transformative project will provide sustainable and efficient transportation, connecting downtown Gatineau and Ottawa. But let's shift gears to a concerning issue in the construction industry. OSWA, the Ontario Structural Wood Association, is sounding the alarm about the looming crisis of an aging workforce. They are actively working with colleges to encourage young people to pursue careers in this field, offering bursaries and internships to secure the future of the industry.

In a bid to address rapid community growth, Collingwood is revamping its infrastructure department to streamline operations and improve efficiency. And in a boost to our energy grid, Hydro One has completed the Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line ahead of schedule and under budget, providing 400 megawatts of clean, affordable electricity to power the City of Windsor and support regional industries.

The Welland Canals Development and Union Carbide Property Regeneration projects have just won awards for their redevelopment of neglected sites into thriving hubs for living and working. These projects are a great example of what's possible when thoughtful remediation and design are paired with innovation and collaboration. On a slightly more sour note, Wellington County Council has abandoned plans for the Continuum of Care seniors' housing project due to a lack of funding. It's a tough decision, but one that had to be made considering the rising costs. But hey, let's end on a high note. Congratulations to Geoff Smith, Executive Chair of EllisDon Corporation, for receiving the 2025 Toronto Region Builder Award. Well-deserved recognition for his contributions to the industry and the community!

The city of Burlington is set to say goodbye to an old piece of infrastructure as the Drury Lane Pedestrian Bridge is slated for demolition. In its place, a new modern structure will emerge, thanks to an investment by Metrolinx. Meanwhile, in Mississauga, big plans are on the horizon. The proposed new Official Plan aims to create a brighter future for the city, with a focus on housing and transportation. Meanwhile, our monthly Foundations of Construction historical feature explores the development of lightening rods.

The City of Oshawa is inviting proposals for the redevelopment of the site at 47 Bond Street West, formerly known as the downtown bus terminal. A new integrated cornerstone design project studio is coming to McMaster University. Funded by a $1.5 million donation from Candu Energy, the facility will serve as a collaborative space for engineering students to hone their skills and work on real-world projects. And in downtown Hamilton, city planners are working on a comprehensive 2025 housing sustainability plan to ensure affordable and stable housing for all Hamiltonians.

A series of public information sessions will be held for Ottawa's Lansdowne 2.0 North Side Stands redevelopment. Homeowners in Ontario now have access to rebates of up to 30% for energy-efficient home improvements thanks to the newly launched Home Renovation Savings Program. In Vaughan, residents can have their say on the city's future growth by attending open houses for the draft Official Plan 2025.

Today's news update includes stories The redevelopment of a new patient care tower at North York General Hospital was put out to bid by Infrastructure Ontario and North York General Hospital. In Windsor, residents are reviewing their new 2025 city budget. The budget includes major investments in infrastructure, with over 850 million allocated for roads and over 485 million for sewers.There are several other stories. All content can be viewed at www.ontarioconstructionnews.com.

Ontario's new Building Code is now in effect, allowing for mass timber construction up to 18 stories tall, which will help to build more homes and create more jobs in the region's forestry and tech sectors. And, if you know of an outstanding woman working in the construction trades within the Muskoka region, you can nominate them for the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Woman in Construction Award. Nominations are open until January 11th, so make sure to visit their website for more details.