Alberta leads Canada in housing starts

Alberta recorded another banner year for housing starts in 2025, surpassing 50,000 new units by the end of December. The second quarter alone set a new provincial record, with more than 17,000 starts — overtaking a benchmark that had stood for nearly a decade and marking the strongest quarter for housing construction in Alberta’s history.

“Once again, Alberta is punching above our weight,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. “Our province is shattering housing records and building at unprecedented rates, keeping pace as more people than ever before call our great province home.”

For the second consecutive year, the province has led the country in housing starts per capita, crediting initiatives like the Stop Housing Delays portal for cutting red tape and accelerating approvals. The government also highlights its support for innovative housing strategies and its investment‑friendly, low‑tax environment, which together have spurred construction across Alberta as record numbers of people choose to make the province home.

“Alberta’s record housing starts show what’s possible when barriers are reduced and regulatory systems evolve to support growth,” said Scott Fash, chief executive officer, BILD Alberta. “These conditions have especially helped unlock record rental construction, easing pressure on renters and strengthening long-term affordability.”

Increase in rental builds leads to rental asking prices going down

2025 also delivered good news for Alberta renters: average rents remained roughly $400 per month below the national average, and outside the major cities, Alberta communities accounted for six of the 10 most affordable small- and mid‑size rental markets in the country. The surge in affordability was matched by a boom in supply, with purpose‑built rental construction climbing to nearly 20,000 starts in 2025, almost triple the volume recorded a decade earlier.

“The work of the provincial government to create a place with well-paying jobs, predictable, market responsive regulatory framework and a focus on red tape reduction allows businesses like ours to focus on supplying housing,” said Bill Blais, president and chief executive officer, Maclab Development Group. “The business environment created by the provincial government keeps Maclab here, reinvesting in new projects.”

In addition, the Alberta government says it remains committed to ensuring that low‑income Albertans have access to safe, stable and affordable housing. More than 60,000 households across the province currently receive affordable housing support, including rental assistance for over 13,000 households. Since launching the Stronger Foundations 10‑year affordable housing strategy in 2021, the province has already moved nearly halfway toward its goal of supporting an additional 25,000 affordable households by 2031.

Canada and Quebec unite to fast-track housing

The governments of Canada and Quebec announced a strengthened partnership aimed at accelerating housing construction and ensuring the coordinated rollout of Build Canada Homes in Quebec. Through a new joint Collaboration Table, the two governments will work together to fund affordable housing projects aligned with shared priorities, streamline and accelerate approval processes, and improve coordination among government, municipal, and community partners.

“Too many families in Quebec are still searching for a home that meets their needs,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. “Municipalities need reliable, well‑adapted infrastructure to make that possible. By working closely with the Government of Quebec, we’re creating the conditions to speed up homebuilding, remove barriers, and deliver real solutions for communities. Thanks to these investments, we’re supporting sustainable development and giving communities the tools they need to build homes and neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive.”

Recognizing that faster residential construction requires major infrastructure investments, Canada and Quebec also announced the signing of the Agreement on the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). Under this agreement, the federal government will invest nearly $1 billion, which Quebec can allocate according to its own guidelines and regional needs to modernize and expand essential infrastructure—particularly drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems—needed to support new housing developments.

This integrated approach is expected to boost housing supply, support municipal growth, and strengthen economic vitality across the province.

“The agreement announced today is a major step forward for housing,” said Caroline Proulx, Minister Responsible for Housing. “It is significant and fully respects Quebec’s jurisdiction, priorities, and legislative framework. It builds on the various agreements reached in recent years between our two governments which, taken together, form a comprehensive package designed to deliver the fastest possible support to low‑ and modest‑income households seeking housing in Quebec. Above all, this latest agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to act quickly, decisively—and to do even more.”

Surrey cuts building permit timelines by 75 per cent

The City of Surrey has hit a major milestone in its plan to accelerate housing delivery across the city, cutting residential building permit timelines by 75 per cent – from 16 weeks to just four. For residential builders, predictable timelines mean projects can start sooner and move forward with confidence.

“Last year, the city cut permit processing times, lowered costs for the development community, and delivered real results – 4,280 net new dwellings and over $2 billion in construction value,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “As Surrey continues to grow rapidly, we are committed to creating more homes in every neighbourhood and making it easier to build in our city.”

In another major milestone, city staff reported that builders now receive their security deposits back in an average of six weeks, down from six months. A security deposit is money builders give the city to ensure required work – like roads, utilities, and landscaping – is completed and returned after inspections. Shortening the wait helps builders move projects forward faster at a time of rising construction and financing costs.

Other key improvements include faster reviews for minor tenant improvement permits, now typically completed within one day. Also, the Development Approvals Process Improvements Task Force has been made permanent in recognition of its important role in streamlining city approvals.

“I would like to acknowledge the incredible work done by staff to reduce the processing times,” said Ron Gill, general manager of Planning and Development. “Now that the timelines are below the target, we will continue improving the process to help deliver homes for residents. It’s important that we celebrate the successes of 2025 and look forward to the improvement opportunities of 2026.”

LEAP: Women in Construction conference returns

The LEAP: Women in Construction event returns to Vancouver on March 6, 2026.

Hosted by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) in partnership with Canadian Construction Women (CCW), LEAP is now in its third year and brings together women and allies across the Lower Mainland for a day focused on leadership, connection, and professional growth.

The 2026 event will be themed “Women Who Build,” setting the stage for an elevated and welcoming experience that blends inspiration with celebration.

“LEAP continues to be an important platform for bringing women together from all corners of the construction industry,” said Jeannine Martin, president of the VRCA. “Representation matters – not only in who we see leading conversations, but also in creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported as they build their careers.”

Registration is open for this highly anticipated conference, and sessions will include:

Keynote Session: The Working Brain – Unlocking Your Full Potential
Dr. Brynn Winegard
Toolbox Session: The Smart Side of Soft Skills
Sophie Warik, Co-CEO & Co-Founder, The Thoughtful Co.
Toolbox Session: Leading With Compassion
Nicole Bryant, CEO, NRCA
Toolbox Session: Owning the Room
Natasha Jeshani, President & CEO, Career Contacts

“LEAP allows us to share actionable ideas combined with strong community building opportunities to ensure women continue to grow to see construction as an excellent career opportunity,” said Stephanie Hun, president of CCW and vice president of Business Development at FlatironDragados Canada. “The impact of LEAP extends beyond a single event – it helps build confidence, expand networks, and open doors to new opportunities within the construction industry.”

Architects gain fluid cross-Atlantic prospects

Architects could move more fluidly between Canada and the European Union (EU) through a new agreement that will allow their professional qualifications to be accepted in either jurisdiction. The mutual recognition agreement under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is the first such adjunct related to professional services in any of Canada’s free trade agreements.

The mutual recognition agreement applies to architects who have requisite education or training, are registered or licensed in Canada or any of the EU’s member states, and have a minimum of four years of professional experience since they initially qualified to practice. EU-based architects will be required to successfully complete a 10-hour, online course covering topics such as building regulations, construction documents and contract administration prior to registering to practice in Canada, and the EU has reserved the right to introduce a similar requirement for Canadian architects.

Canadian officials are touting the agreement as a progressive step in the federal government’s trade diversification agenda — maintaining that it will spur more cross-Atlantic collaboration and help tap into Europe’s $1.1-trillion construction market.

“These agreements will support our architects, attract investment and create new job opportunities, while helping grow Canada’s $6.8-billion architectural services industry,” asserts Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade. “Trade diversification is about securing more opportunities for Canadians to compete and succeed in the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic markets.”

Canadian affiliates of EU companies already employ 447,000 workers, while EU affiliates of Canadian companies generate nearly 275,000 jobs. Canada-EU trade surpassed $162 billion in value in 2024, a 63 per cent increase from the pre-CETA levels in 2016.

Buy-Ontario procurement policies taking shape

Procurers and suppliers of construction products and services have been asked to weigh in on a new buy-Ontario mandate for that province’s government, municipalities and broader public sector organizations like schools, post-secondary institutions and health care facilities. A newly launched public consultation includes an online survey and an associated draft policy to guide the acquisition of fleet vehicles.

This follows after the Ontario government passed the Buy Ontario Act late last year, giving it the authority to prescribe policies, procedures or standards for procurement. Under the legislation, the Cabinet can direct designated provincial public entities to give preference to Ontario- or Canadian-made goods or services. It can also impose broader requirements for vendors and/or reporting and enforcement procedures for designated procurement entities.

Stakeholders and other interested parties can comment on the buy-Ontario procurement focus, as well as any envisioned costs or administrative complications it might entail. It’s proposed that municipalities and affiliated boards would be exempt from the requirements for electricity generating facilities and long-term care homes they own and operate.

“Preliminary analysis indicates that these initiatives will contribute to fostering a business environment conducive to the growth of the domestic supply chain. The analysis further suggests that public sector entities may incur additional compliance costs under the proposed Buy Ontario procurement requirements,” states the analysis posted on Ontario’s regulatory registry. “In addition, businesses seeking to participate in public sector procurement opportunities that prioritize domestic goods and services may face increased bid preparation time and administrative effort.”

The consultation is open until March 2, 2026.

UVIC engineering buildings push boundaries

The University of Victoria (UVIC) is expanding its Civil Engineering campus with two new net-zero, mass-timber buildings that reimagine how architecture can support teaching, research, and climate action.

Designed by Dialog, the project includes a six-storey expansion to the Engineering & Computer Science building (ECSE) and a new, purpose-built High Bay Research & Structures Lab (HBRSL). Together, the buildings are designed not simply as places to learn, but as fully instrumented “living laboratories,” playing an active role in enhancing the academic curriculum and ongoing climate research at the University.

Embedded throughout the buildings are thousands of sensors that collect real-time data on building performance, transforming the campus buildings into teaching tools. Students can study everything from structural movement and seismic behaviour to envelope heat loss, ventilation efficiency, indoor air quality, stormwater performance, and beyond – turning classroom theory into measurable, real-world experiences over the course of their studies.

The ECSE’s structure incorporates a hybrid-mass timber system with cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor panels and steel columns and beams, while the HBRSL building incorporates glue-laminated (glulam) beams, columns and CLT floor panels.

On-site green roofs, bioswales, and Indigenous planting systems further integrate landscape, biodiversity, and water management into the learning environment, redefining hands-on learning for the next generation of engineers.

The ECSE expansion will add staff offices, collaboration spaces, and teaching and research laboratories organized to encourage interdisciplinary exchange, while the HBRSL is a stand-alone structure housing a double-height structural testing facility alongside advanced engineering labs. Both buildings were developed through close collaboration with UVic’s Civil Engineering faculty – leaders in green structures, climate science, smart buildings, industrial ecology, and sustainable water systems – ensuring the architecture directly supports and reflects their research priorities.

Slated for completion later this year, the project has already achieved Zero Carbon Building accreditation and is targeting LEED Gold certification, in alignment with the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standards and the International Living Future Institute’s Zero Carbon framework.

“This project not only pushes the international boundaries of mass timber construction but also building performance tracking and disassembly and re-use. Data from monitoring the building’s conditions are used in the creation of a “material passport” with technical specifications for each material, including wood source, adhesives, finishes, and grading characteristics. At the end of the building’s life, this data, along with a deconstruction plan and reuse commitment letter from the University, ensures the successful reuse of these materials in future structures,” said Esteban Matheus, associate at Dialog.

The project team includes Bird (construction manager) and Kalesnikoff (mass timber supplier).

A look at Canadian data centres and water consumption

Artificial intelligence (AI) data centres are rapidly transforming the North American landscape, appearing swiftly and unexpectedly across Canada. The central issue centres on water usage, as some AI data centres can consume millions of litres of potable water daily.

Kathryn Barnwell, retired English professor in Nanaimo, B.C., voices a growing concern “Life on this planet is sustained by water. It is not sustained by data. We don’t need data the way we need water.” Barnwell positions herself as part of a global resistance, highlighting the water and electricity demands of data centres and their potential to impact communities in Canada and worldwide negatively. Yet she confronts an uphill battle as government leaders, investors, and major corporations rapidly advance the Canadian AI data centre agenda. *

How we got here: A brief data centre history

Data centres are not new. The first true data centre, ENIAC, was opened and operated by the University of Pennsylvania in 1945, and it relied on water for cooling, using vacuum tubes.

However, unlike today’s AI data centres, which are typically housed in 100,000-square-foot buildings, ENIAC occupied only a 1,500-square-foot space. Further, it operated for just a few hours per day, rather than today’s 24/7 approach.

The development of cloud computing in the mid-2000s revealed that technology companies and investors would soon need large, water-intensive data centres worldwide. This demand accelerated further with the rise and widespread adoption of AI. By 2023, global data centres, including those supporting AI workloads, were estimated to consume billions of litres of water annually for cooling and related uses, and that figure is projected to grow as computational demand increases.

The sudden expansion of AI data centres caught many Canadian leaders off guard, and uncertainty remains about their long-term impact on commercial buildings.

The measurement problem

While Canadian data centres can use huge amounts of water per year, some municipalities lack comprehensive ways to measure and meter how much water these facilities consume. This inability to track actual consumption is expected to change quickly as facilities’ water use is monitored more closely. Additionally, water-related costs are expected to climb sharply.

More money will also need to be spent to update water infrastructure throughout Canada. However, supplying water to these data facilities will be expensive, and these costs will likely also be passed on to all water users, rather than just the data centres. Hospitals, shopping centres, food service facilities, and hotels are expected to feel the price pinch first, with impacts then spreading throughout the commercial real estate industry.

Many Canadian municipalities will likely develop water-pricing strategies, such as tiered pricing. This approach encourages sustainability by charging a single price for water up to a base consumption level and applying higher rates once that level is exceeded.

The regulatory response

Compared to most U.S. states, which already have regulations on water consumption – particularly regarding responsible and efficient water use – Canada does not. Building owners and managers should expect this to change as more municipalities require commercial facilities to use highly efficient water-using mechanical systems, such as new HVAC units.

In restrooms, low-flow fixtures will certainly be required. To further reduce water consumption and water-related costs, expect no-flow restroom fixtures, specifically waterless urinals, to be encouraged, if not mandated. Native landscaping (the planting of vegetation indigenous to a specific area of Canada, including trees, shrubs, and hedges) will also be advanced to help minimize evaporation and contribute to the well-being of local ecosystems.

Municipalities will need to better understand how AI data centres use water, when peak water demand occurs, and the pressure this places on water supply for other commercial facilities, schools, businesses, industry, and homes. To meet demand, all facilities – commercial and residential – will need to reduce water consumption long-term and become much more water efficient.

Introducing water risk assessments

In the coming years, the term “water risk” will become increasingly common in Canada. Investors planning commercial or residential developments will increasingly wonder whether to pursue projects in certain areas of the country based on current and future water needs, especially if an AI data centre is planned nearby.

To determine this, water risk assessments will need to be conducted. A water risk assessment analyzes current needs and the future impacts of new development, population growth, and changes in an area’s climate, all of which can affect water challenges and opportunities.

This focus on the risk of water use is already taking hold in parts of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Municipalities hope to avoid the issues seen in parts of Arizona over the past few years, where some developments have been built without fully considering their water needs, leading to shortages, expensive legal battles, and water uncertainty. Much of this could have been prevented with a water risk assessment.

The path forward

Years of research and discussion on water challenges have led to a clear conclusion: addressing the impact of AI data centres on water resources requires embracing water efficiency as our primary strategy.

The concerns raised by people like Kathryn Barnwell are legitimate and urgent. Communities across Canada are right to question whether the explosive growth of AI data centres is sustainable, given current and future water constraints.

Yet while the rapid rise of AI data centres presents significant challenges, these obstacles are solvable. Innovative technologies, including AI itself, can enable us to use water more efficiently in both data centres and commercial facilities. Smart monitoring systems, advanced cooling technologies, and predictive analytics can help ensure that today’s concerns lead to tomorrow’s solutions.

The question is whether government, industry, and communities can work together quickly enough to implement these solutions. This will help prevent water scarcity become a major concern in Canada’s commercial real estate landscape.

Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. LLC in Vista, California, is a recognized authority on water conservation. Since 1991, he has led the company in developing plumbing products, including the Waterless No-Flush urinal, which operates entirely without water. To contact Klaus, click here.

*Microsoft has made a $19 billion commitment to Canada to develop AI infrastructure.

Source:
AI-related data centres use vast amounts of water. But gauging how much is a murky business; Jonathan Montpetit, Yvette Brend · CBC News · Posted: Oct 18, 2025 3:00 AM CDT | Last Updated: October 22, 2025

Professional women’s sports needs growing room

Surging professional women’s sports leagues and franchises are increasingly acquiring dedicated practice and office space, prompting projections that growing demand could translate into 5 million square feet of additional leasing and/or development by 2030. Analysts from JLL base the estimate on trends thus far this decade, including: expansion of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA); inauguration and subsequent expansion of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL); and the pending 2026 launch of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL).

A new report points to rising game attendance, broadcast and merchandise revenue and investment activity in what’s still a nascent market. WNBA franchise valuations jumped 180 per cent in 2025 as the league readies to add five more teams, including one in Toronto. Meanwhile, the PWHL has already added two additional teams since its 2023 launch, while recording 100 per cent growth in merchandise sales between from the first and second season.

In 2019, women’s professional sports accounted for just 1.2 per cent of total attendance when lumped in with six men’s leagues active in the United States (which, except for the National Football League, include Canadian franchises). Last year the quotient grew to 3.2 per cent, or 5.6 million of the total 177.2 million spectators in the bleachers and boxes. Total 2025 attendance still lagged pre-pandemic levels by about 1 per cent, whereas attendance at women’s professional sporting events increased by 162 per cent in the same period.

“In contrast to the major men’s sports leagues in the U.S., where the domestic market is largely saturated and gains in viewership and attendance are more incremental, women’s leagues have been on an aggressive growth trajectory — which is likely to continue as leagues expand, franchises gain brand recognition and fan culture matures,” observe Alexis Capers and Jacob Rowden, with JLL’s sports and entertainment and research divisions.

They calculate that women’s teams have collectively acquired about 1.2 million square feet of practice and office space for their sole use since 2020, with nearly 900,000 square feet coming into use since 2023. Perhaps more notably, the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) became the first women’s franchise to build a stadium for its exclusive use, which opened in 2024.

The analysts foresee that most existing professional women’s franchises should be in a position to obtain about 100,000 square feet of dedicated practice and office space during this decade if attendance and revenue growth continues at the current pace. That would equate to about 5 million square feet of collective expansion, not including potential further growth in the number of teams.

“As women’s leagues scale from an emerging novelty to an institutional entertainment product, their facility needs will grow in tandem and come to resemble major men’s leagues in terms of size and complexity,” Capers and Rowden theorize. “If leagues and franchises fail to cultivate dedicated fan bases, maintain steady improvements to infrastructure, improve the fan experience and develop the entertainment value of the on-field product, viewership and attendance numbers could begin to plateau after expansion strategies play out.”

Ontario invests $242M to upgrade postsecondary facilities

Ontario will allocate $242 million to upgrade learning facilities at publicly funded colleges and universities across the province in an effort to boost the pipeline of highly skilled workers.

The investment includes: $209.3 million through the Facilities Renewal Program to support maintenance, repairs and upgrades; $21.6 million through the College Equipment and Renewal Fund to purchase and renew instructional equipment; and $10.8 million through the Training Equipment and Renewal Fund to modernize university learning resources.

The capital infrastructure program requires postsecondary institutions to provide matching contributions and supports upgrades to major building, heating, ventilation, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the purchase of educational tools such as computers, software, specialized equipment and machinery for labs, shops and classrooms.

Nolan Quinn, minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security, made the announcement this week at Queen’s University, which is using a portion of its funding to purchase immersive simulation equipment and infrastructure geared for experiential learning opportunities for future health care professionals. The equipment includes high-fidelity mannikins, task trainers, and upgraded AV systems to enhance remote access and asynchronous delivery of course content.

Patrick Deane, principal and vice-chancellor of Queen’s University, praised the support for addressing evolving health-care demands. “At Queen’s, this funding will further strengthen our leadership in experiential learning, medical simulation, and AI-enabled education, equipping students and researchers with the skills, technologies, and insight needed to collaborate effectively and ultimately deliver better patient care.”

Conference Board of Canada announces rebrand

The Conference Board of Canada is adopting a new name, reflective of the shift in its core activities since the 1980s. The not-for-profit, non-partisan research organization, specializing in economic and sociopolitical studies and resources for business leadership, will become known as Signal49 Research.

“While our name is changing, our purpose, leadership and team remain the same,” says Dr. Susan Black, president and chief executive officer of the Conference Board of Canada. “It marks a turning point for our ability to grow, diversify and lead in addressing Canada’s most pressing challenges.”

The current name, licensed from the non-affiliated, global business think tank, The Conference Board, dates back to an era when the Canadian organization hosted more than 50 conferences per year. Today, it produces more than 500 reports annually in collaboration with economists and a diverse range of policy experts.

Operation as Signal49 Research will officially commence on Jan. 26, 2026. The new moniker alludes to both the 49th parallel, the demarcation of much of the land border between Canada and the United States, and Signal Hill, the Newfoundland-based reception point for the first transatlantic wireless message in 1901.

Karen Marler takes on role of principal emeritus

Karen Marler has transitioned from her role as HCMA partner to principal emeritus, marking the next stage of her remarkable 41-year career. In this new role, Marler will continue to support project teams and clients through design guidance and mentorship.

When Marler first joined HCMA’s predecessor firm in 1984, architectural practice looked very different – especially for women. Her rise to associate in 1996 and partner in 1998 was testament not only to her talent, but her conviction and courage. From the beginning, she pushed for design that mattered: spaces rooted in dignity, belonging, sustainability, and real-world impact.

Throughout her career, Marler has led the design and delivery of more than 55 significant projects, spanning housing, childcare, mixed-use developments, and education. Her portfolio includes landmark work, including the world’s first Living Building Challenge-certified childcare centre, a student residence guided by an Indigenous-led process of co-creation, and transformative academic and student housing hubs that continue to define the heart of UBC’s campus.

Marler’s approach to architecture has always been grounded in clarity, precision, and purpose. Her influence is visible not only in the projects she’s led, but in the people she’s helped mentor – many of whom now shape HCMA’s future.

Condos grapple with overcrowded units

The lack of affordable housing in Ontario has contributed to homelessness and social inequality, but it has also given rise to a largely overlooked issue: overcrowded condominiums.

Professionals in the residential sector increasingly encounter this challenge; however, overcrowding is difficult to address and even harder to resolve, especially when governing documents provide little clarity. Many corporations have declarations, bylaws and/or rules that reference unit occupancy by a “single family,” but they fail to define what “family” actually means. This vagueness complicates enforcement.

Condominiums are designed with certain assumptions in mind. A two-bedroom unit, for example, is meant to house two to four people—not ten. Everything within the building, from plumbing and HVAC to elevators and garbage rooms/chutes, is planned around these occupancy assumptions.

When units become overcrowded, issues spread quickly beyond the four walls of the unit. More people means more garbage. Waste collection is usually tied to condominium/common element fees, so an increase in garbage will most certainly strain the existing budget. As a result, the added costs will fall on unit owners.

Inside units, overcrowding often leads to cramped living conditions, mattresses on the floor, and poor upkeep. These conditions can trigger pest issues such as cockroaches and bed bugs, which inevitably spread to other units and the common elements. This issue is difficult to prove and costly to fix.

Increased occupancy also puts strain on the building itself. Elevators, garage doors, plumbing and HVAC systems wear out faster. Residents face higher maintenance costs, more frequent maintenance repairs and/or breakdowns, and inconveniences such as long wait times for elevators and gym equipment. Excess noise can create tension between neighbours and reduces overall quality of life. Or, as we say in the condominium world, “owners and occupants are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their units and common elements, free from nuisance or unreasonable disturbance”.

Governance is another difficult issue. Even when a unit is clearly overcrowded, managers face significant barriers. Boards and managers can request names of occupants, vehicle information and emergency contacts, but are limited by what residents disclose. Under section 83 of the Condominium Act, 1998 (the Act), “all owners must notify management within ten days of signing a lease.” However, this requirement often carries little weight unless the corporation files a dispute with the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT), which can be hard to enforce and prove.

The Ontario Human Rights Code, which takes precedence over the Act, prohibits discrimination based on family status, marital status and other protected grounds. A corporation, therefore, cannot ask residents to prove they are related, nor can it impose arbitrary definitions of “family.”

Notices such as “no unit shall be occupied in a manner that causes unsanitary conditions or unreasonable wear on common elements” sound clear and straightforward on paper, but are almost impossible to enforce. What is “unreasonable wear” to one person may seem perfectly normal to another. Managers are left trying to balance the expectations of owners, the limits of governing documents, and the realities of human rights law.

The Ontario Building Code and Fire Code establish limits tied to square footage and safety requirements, but enforcement remains difficult. Municipal property standards (by-law) can be enforced in extremely obvious situations when conditions become unsafe or unsanitary.

So, what can corporations do to help minimize the issue of overcrowding? They should modernize their governing documents to reference “occupants” rather than using the term ‘family.” This kind of language should help, however, enforcement would remain difficult. Proving the number of people residing in a unit is a nearly impossible task without infringing on human rights.

Overcrowding in condominium units is a byproduct of Ontario’s affordable housing crisis and often goes overlooked. It poses a tangible risk to buildings, increases the cost to owners (higher condo fees and/or special assessments) and creates major challenges for managers and boards.

Until condo corporations’ governing documents provide clearer guidance and housing affordability improves, these corporations are left balancing a fine line between safeguarding their communities and respecting the human rights of their residents.

Shiona Niven, BA, OLCM, is the founder and President of Niven Condo management Inc., a boutique firm serving Waterloo and Wellington Regions. With a strong background in business and customer service, Shiona brings a hands-on, client-focussed approach to condominium management. By intentionally managing fewer communities, she ensures each receives exceptional attention, transparency, and care – delivering on her vision of Condo Management Redefined. www.nivencm.com

Halifax casino to relocate from waterfront site

A prominent waterfront site will soon hit the market, as Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC) prepares to relocate its Halifax casino further inland to Dartmouth Crossing. A newly announced agreement with the casino operator, Great Canadian Entertainment, includes plans for a new purpose-built gaming facility to open by the end of 2029. In the interim, NSGC intends to lease the current venue back from its future owner and keep the waterfront location open until its replacement is ready.

The existing operating contract gives the Nova Scotia government the right to acquire the site from Great Canadian Entertainment. The casino operator has now secured an additional 25-year operational term for the new Dartmouth-based facility, and can also revert to the current agreement with NSGC should the new development not proceed.

“We recognize the Province’s strong desire to unlock the full value of the property where our Halifax operation currently sits, and we are pleased to move forward with an exciting, refreshed vision for gaming entertainment in the Nova Scotia market,” says Matthew Anfinson, chief executive officer of Great Canadian Entertainment.

“Great Canadian has the expertise and track record we need to ensure the continued success of casino operations in our province,” maintains Nova Scotia’s acting Finance and Treasury Board Minister Timothy Halman. “This move also creates an opportunity for new development in downtown Halifax.”

The waterfront site will be listed for sale with CBRE Halifax. Construction of the new casino is expected to begin once all required development and building approvals are in place.

FRPO launches Proud to Rent campaign

The Federation of Rental Providers of Ontario (FRPO) has officially launched Proud to Rent, a new campaign celebrating today’s rental lifestyle and the professionalism of Ontario’s rental housing providers. Through targeted digital advertising and authentic, resident‑focused storytelling, the initiative intends to highlight the “flexibility, financial freedom, and sense of community” that professionally managed rental housing can offer.

“For millions of Ontarians, renting is a preferred and empowered choice—not a fallback,” said FRPO President Tony Irwin. “Yet outdated stigmas about our sector persist. To help shift this narrative, we are proud to introduce Proud to Rent, a new digital initiative under our Let’s Build Ontario campaign.”

Irwin noted that the campaign aims to strengthen public perception of renting, ultimately helping create a more constructive environment for advocating the supply and policy solutions the sector needs.

“We encourage everyone to follow along on our social channels and help share the message that renting is a vital, valuable choice for Ontarians,” he added.

For more on the new campaign, visit: Proud to rent — Let’s Build Ontario

Ontario proposes pause on inclusionary zoning

The Ontario government announced it intends to put a pause on inclusionary zoning (IZ) requirements in Toronto, Mississauga, and Kitchener until July 1, 2027. IZ, a planning tool that allows municipalities to mandate affordable units within new residential projects, has long been positioned as one way to support mixed‑income communities. While the tool can function effectively in high‑growth, high‑demand markets, the government says the development landscape is dramatically different now than it was in 2022, with rising interest rates and escalating construction costs impacting project feasibility.

“The residential development market continues to be strained and many municipalities considering IZ are finding that is not viable under present economic conditions,” the government wrote in an update posted January 12.

IZ is currently only in effect in the cities of Toronto, Kitchener, and Mississauga, while several other municipalities have been undertaking initial work to establish the frameworks. Ontario’s Ministry of Housing said it has heard from stakeholders expressing concerns that implementing IZ at this juncture could have a negative impact on overall housing supply, and could result in the cancellation or pause of new projects.

As such, it is proposing to amend the IZ regulation (O. Reg. 232/18) to pause IZ so that proposed developments with a complete application for a zoning by-law amendment, site plan approval, or a building permit on or before July 1, 2027, would not be subject to IZ by-law requirements in the cities of Kitchener, Mississauga, and Toronto.

The pause would apply to any developments or redevelopments that have not been issued a building permit prior to the IZ exemption in this regulatory amendment being filed.

For more on this proposal, visit: Proposed amendment to Ontario Regulation

CO alarm safety updates take effect in Ontario

Updates to carbon monoxide (CO) safety rules in Ontario took effect on January 1, 2026. A series of changes to the Ontario Fire Code expand where alarms must be placed in residential buildings.

The requirements, outlined in Section 2.16 of Division B of the Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07), apply to all existing townhomes, semi-detached, detached and cottages that have any of the following:

A fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood).
A fireplace.
An attached garage.
Air for heating that comes from a fuel-burning appliance not contained within the home (e.g., an appliance in a utility shed).

Homes that meet any of the conditions listed above must have a CO alarm installed: adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms); and on every storey (floor), including storeys that do not have a sleeping area.

Condominiums and Apartment Buildings

These changes also align with recent updates to the Ontario Building Code, which include new CO alarm requirements for existing multi-unit residential buildings, such as condos and apartment buildings, houses with two or more units (e.g., duplexes);

Requirements also apply to retirement homes, hotels and motels, and boarding, lodging, or rooming houses.

Where CO alarms must be installed

The responsibility for compliance falls on both owners and landlords. Owners are responsible for complying with the CO alarm requirements in the Fire Code. In rental homes, the landlord is responsible.

Installation is necessary in several areas of the building if certain conditions apply. Here are some requirements including what took effect January 1, 2026:

Inside individual units

Effective January 1, 2026: the suite is heated by air coming from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within the suite (e.g., heat from a furnace in a central service room).
The suite itself contains a fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace or water heater) or a fireplace.
The suite is located directly above, below, or beside a service room that has a fuel-burning appliance.
The suite is located directly above, below, or beside a garage.

Placement within the suite:

Adjacent to each sleeping area (e.g.: near all bedrooms).
Effective January 1, 2026: On every storey (floor) of the suite, including storeys that do not have a sleeping area.

Service rooms and common areas:

Effective January 1, 2026: CO alarms must be installed in public corridors serving the residential suites, if those corridors are heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance.
A CO alarm must be installed in each service room or area of the building that contains a fuel-burning appliance.

Condominiums and Apartment Buildings

Installation is necessary in several areas of the building if certain conditions apply. Here are some requirements including what took effect January 1, 2026:

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