VICA launches Tailgate Toolkit leadership training

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) announced the launch of Tailgate Toolkit: Leadership Fundamentals, a new professional development training designed to support construction leaders in fostering psychologically safe, healthy, and resilient worksites. The initial launch of this training will take place in British Columbia.

Developed specifically for the construction industry, Leadership Fundamentals equips supervisors, forepersons, project managers, and company leaders with practical tools to address mental health, substance use, and pain-related challenges on job sites. The training focuses on early recognition of distress, reducing stigma, understanding legal responsibilities, and leading with confidence and compassion.

“Mental health leadership starts at the top,” said Rory Kulmala, chief executive officer of VICA. “Construction leaders play a critical role in shaping workplace culture. This training gives them practical, industry-specific tools to support their crews and create safer, healthier job sites.”

Participants will learn how to recognize signs of distress, respond appropriately, and support workers while strengthening team safety and resilience. The course emphasizes harm reduction, trauma-informed leadership, and building a workplace culture grounded in care, respect, and accountability.

Course content includes:

The drug poisoning crisis in the construction industry

Stigma and its impact on seeking help

Understanding pain and substance use disorder

Harm reduction approaches

Mental health and trauma.

Indigenous perspectives (guest speaker).

Legal obligations of construction leaders (guest speaker).

Providing support and building a culture of care.

The program combines four hours of self-paced online learning, available in four languages, with eight hours of in-person, instructor-led training featuring facilitated discussions and expert guest speakers. Participants who complete the course receive a certificate of completion and Gold Seal eligible credits, where applicable.

To reduce barriers to participation and encourage widespread industry uptake, Leadership Fundamentals is currently available at no financial cost to participating organizations.

As part of a recommended learning pathway, organizations are encouraged to first schedule a Tailgate Toolkit Toolbox Talk to introduce crews to these topics; however, this is not a requirement to participate in the leadership training.

Leadership Fundamentals builds on VICA’s broader Tailgate Toolkit initiative, which aims to reduce stigma, improve awareness, and strengthen harm reduction and mental health education across British Columbia’s construction sector.

Rentsync acquires Urbanation

Rentsync, a leading software and data company serving Canada’s rental housing and real estate industry, announced it has acquired research and consulting firm Urbanation. The acquisition represents a major step in Rentsync’s strategy to expand its market intelligence and deliver the most comprehensive data and insights for the rental housing market in Canada.

“I am pleased to announce the strategic sale of Urbanation, a company I founded and grew over the past four decades and has become the industry leader for real estate market data and insights,” said Eve Lewis, Founder and CEO of Urbanation. “I am confident that the strong foundation, values and integrity we established will lead to even more success as Urbanation combines forces with Rentsync.”

Urbanation offers in-depth market analysis and data for rental housing and condominium developers, operators, investors, lenders and policymakers. Its research plays a critical role in today’s rental housing landscape by bringing clarity to a market shaped by structural supply constraints, evolving affordability pressures, and shifting development cycles.

Urbanation and Rentsync have partnered over the past three years to publish the monthly National Rent Report and develop a comprehensive rental market database for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Urbanation’s President, Shaun Hildebrand, will continue to lead data and market analytics and will expand these offerings across Canada.

“The integration of Urbanation into Rentsync represents an important milestone for Canada’s residential real estate sector,” says Hildebrand. “Purpose-built rentals and condominiums will take on an increasingly larger role in helping to expand housing supply and improve housing affordability across the country. Never has there been a greater need for transparent and accurate data, granular insights, and high-level market guidance to shape the future of how the market operates. I am incredibly excited to see Urbanation take on a larger role in this regard.”

Together, Rentsync, Urbanation, and the Rentals.ca Network of listing sites form an integrated platform that supports the full rental housing lifecycle in Canada. By combining best-in-class market intelligence, real-time renter demand, proven digital marketing, and full-suite property management software, rental housing providers can make smarter investment decisions, optimize the leasing process, and maximize asset performance.

“Canada is geographically massive and there is no single national source of truth for well-researched, reliable, housing real estate data,” said Max Steinman, CEO of Rentsync. “This acquisition brings us one step closer to solving that problem. Urbanation has an outstanding reputation and we will preserve that legacy while helping to grow the brand quickly across the country.”

The transaction comes on the heels of Rentsync’s acquisition of Spacelist in December 2025, marking the company’s second acquisition since receiving investment from Silversmith Capital Partners in April 2025. d.

Industrial market dips, but avoids slide in 2025

Canada’s national industrial vacancy rate rose 70 basis points (bps) over the course of 2025, reaching 5.5 per cent as the fourth quarter closed out, but the year also saw nearly 6.9 million square feet of positive absorption. Newly released stats from Cushman & Wakefield show a year-over-year decline in the average net asking rent across the 16 regional markets the firm surveys — slipping to $15.11 per square foot (psf) from $15.81 in Q4 2024 — in tandem with a year-over-year jump in leasing activity.

An influx of 23 million square feet of new industrial space is a drop from the record high 35.5 million square feet of new completions in 2024. About 18 million square feet is currently in progress, with most expected to be delivered to the market by the end of 2026. Overall, Cushman and Wakefield analysts suggest the year ended on a more upbeat note than might have been envisioned in Q1 2025, but they caution that low pre-lease levels in the pipeline could loosen the vacancy rate over the coming months.

“Although vacancy edged up slightly on a quarter-over-quarter basis throughout 2025, the increase was modest — just 10 bps each quarter since Q2 2025 — reflecting a broadly steady environment across major markets,” they observe. “Most projects currently under construction are slated for delivery by year-end 2026, with the prelease rate sitting at 20.9 per cent. While additional leasing is expected, if activity stalls, this incoming supply could exert upward pressure on the overall industrial vacancy rate.”

Among the largest markets, Calgary was alone in experiencing tightening vacancy, as a 70 bps year-over-year drop took the rate down to 5.1 per cent. Nearly 3 million square feet of absorption occurred in a year when more than 2.3 million square feet of new industrial supply came onto the market. Meanwhile, average net asking rent slipped to $10.48 psf, from $10.79 one year earlier.

Toronto recorded nearly 6.5 million square feet of absorption (after 2.7 million square feet of negative absorption in 2024), but the year-over-year vacancy rate rose 50 bps, to reach 5 per cent, as 11.3 million square feet of new inventory came onto the market. Average net asking rent slipped to $16.57 psf, down from $17.33 psf in Q4 2024.

Montreal’s vacancy rate hit 7.6 per cent, up 130 basis from 12 months earlier, as it recorded a second consecutive year of negative absorption. In 2025, nearly 5.3 million square feet of industrial inventory emptied out — a smaller glut than the 6.8 million square feet returned to the market in 2024. About 1 million square feet of new supply was added last year, with about 915,000 square feet currently in the construction pipeline. Average net asking rent dipped to $14.60 psf from $14.81 psf in Q4 2024.

Vancouver enjoys the lowest vacancy rate (4.5 per cent) and highest average net asking rent ($19.99 psf) of the four markets. However, that’s a 120 bps increase in vacancy and $0.76 psf drop in rent from Q4 2024. There was 1.2 million square feet of positive absorption last year, as 4.5 million square feet of new industrial inventory came onto the market. Another 2.8 million square feet is under construction.

Fast + Epp names two new Vancouver associates

Fast + Epp announced two new associates in the Vancouver office: Marisa Mulder and Riley Madu. The promotions highlight contributions to the firm’s strategic direction, exceptional design ethos that elevates projects, commitment to clients, and inspiring excellence.

Marisa Mulder started with Fast + Epp in 2017 and her background and expertise in seismic design has made her an indispensable member of the firm. She embraces challenges head on and her highly collaborative nature makes her a strong member of the team. With this new role from senior design engineer to associate, she will lead and mentor others to deliver to that same standard of performance-based design.

“Marisa’s technical expertise and thoughtful approach have been critical to the success of many complex projects,” said principal William Loasby. “Her skills in seismic design and modelling, combined with her collaborative approach, make her an invaluable member of our firm. As associate, Marisa will continue to drive excellence across our projects.”

Riley Madu is a highly skilled senior project manager with a comprehensive understanding of project execution. Since joining the firm in 2021, he has utilized his strong technical foundation to allow him to build meaningful relationships with clients and keep things moving to meet project deadlines. As he steps into this associate role, he will continue to provide a strong presence in Alberta and support the firm’s work in Western Canada.

“Riley brings both deep technical knowledge and practical project insight to every project he works on,” said principal Pierre Koch. “As associate, he will continue to strengthen our project delivery through his collaborative approach, and contribute to the growth of Fast + Epp in Western and Central Canada.”

NaceCare celebrates 40 years of partnership, innovation, and purpose

Forty years ago, a small team working out of Toronto’s west end set out to do something simple – but powerful: to make cleaning easier, safer, and smarter. That company became NaceCare Solutions, and four decades later, its products, people, and purpose continue to shape how North America cleans. From the introduction of the iconic Henry vacuum in 1986 to a diverse portfolio of high-performance cleaning equipment used across hospitality, healthcare, education, and industrial sectors, NaceCare has grown into a trusted partner to Building Service Contractors (BSCs) and distributors across North America.

What began as a single idea has evolved into a movement, built on innovation, reliability, and care. Today, NaceCare’s lineup of vacuums, scrubbers, and specialty cleaning systems reflects that same founding philosophy: deliver equipment that lasts, performs, and makes a difference. “When I think about 40 years of NaceCare, I think about the people who have brought us here,” said Gareth Mason, President of NaceCare Solutions. “Our employees’ passion, our customers’ trust, and our distributors’ partnership have been the driving force behind everything we’ve achieved. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back – it’s about celebrating the shared commitment that continues to move us forward.”

That commitment is seen in every part of the business, from NX300 Battery Technology, which powers an entire cordless network with up to 2,500 charge cycles, to NaceCare’s industry-leading warranty and service programs that protect customer investments. Equally central is sustainability: through energy-efficient motors, durable design, recyclable components, and reduced waste initiatives, NaceCare champions products that are as responsible as they are reliable.

As the company looks toward the future, its mission remains clear: We will leverage our family values to exceed our customers’ expectations and solve their cleaning challenges by delivering innovative, best-of-the-best solutions and service. Four decades later, NaceCare continues to clean with purpose – combining innovation with integrity, and performance with pride.

Carbon market stringency standards under review

A proposed lower threshold for mandatory participation in Canada’s industrial carbon market could bring some commercial and institutional campuses into the mix along with a broader range of suppliers to the buildings sector. A Canadian government discussion paper, released Dec. 19, seeks feedback on possible adjustments to the stringency standards that establish key elements of the federal benchmark and provincial/territorial carbon pricing systems.

It presents four potential approaches for determining subject participants, three of which would target facilities that emit a minimum of 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per year, while one would set the bar at 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e per year. Either trigger point for compliance would be a significant drop from the current 50,000-tonne threshold.

The proposals come as part of a regular review process and as a follow-up on the promise to strengthen industrial carbon pricing, which the government made when it cancelled the consumer surcharge on fossil fuels in March 2025. The discussion paper flags “hospitals and other non-industrial buildings” as examples of non-industrial sectors that are expected to be exempt from the proposals, but it also obliquely refers to commercial and institutional real estate in arguing why updated parameters for the regulated carbon pricing system are needed.

“These criteria were designed when the fuel charge was still in place, and facilities not subject to industrial pricing systems were instead subject to the fuel charge,” it states. “The removal of the fuel charge requires rethinking how scope of coverage should work.”

Elsewhere, the list of emission sources that carbon pricing systems would be required to cover includes “stationary fuel combustion” (at the top of the list) and “on-site transportation” with seven other activities that are more commonly exclusive to industrial/manufacturing operations or solid waste management.

“The paper states only that sectors that are ‘generally considered non-industrial’ would be excluded. It’s not saying that all commercial and institutional facilities are automatically excluded,” observes Bala Gnanam, vice president of sustainability, advocacy and stakeholder relations with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada. “I suspect large campuses around 5 million square feet or more could come under this.”

“I could definitely see large cogeneration systems being covered,” adds Eric Chisholm, a principal with the engineering and sustainability consulting firm, Purpose Building Inc.

Competitive concerns

The discussion paper more explicitly acknowledges the risk of creating a competitive advantage within various industry sectors for CO₂e emitters that fall under the threshold for required participation in the carbon market. That concern underpins the proposed option to set the mandated entry level at 25,000 tonnes, which would capture “fewer industrial activities where there is a significant split between emissions above and below the threshold” but also reduce the number of participants, potentially undermining optimal market functioning.

Alternatively, a proposed “activity-based” approach would be scoped to specific sub-sectors where it’s calculated that facilities outputting upwards of 10,000 tonnes of CO₂e annually account for at least 75 per cent of emissions. (Various supporting assets for the oil and gas sector, dubbed “petrinex” facilities, that individually emit less than 10,000 tonnes annually would also be included.) This option would appear to definitively exempt commercial and institutional buildings, but the discussion paper does specify the producers of many common building materials, including: iron; steel; aluminum; cement; gypsum; polystyrene foam products; brick; and glass.

Finally, there is a combo option that would encompass all facilities within specified industry sectors that emit a minimum of 10,000 tonnes of CO₂e annually, and smaller oil and gas petrinex facilities. This approach is projected to address facilities that collectively generate about 284 megatonnes (284 million tonnes) of CO₂e per year, or 41 per cent of total Canadian emissions, while the loosest approach of setting the threshold for market participation at 25,000 tonnes would target 264 megatonnes (264 million tonnes) or about 38 per cent of total Canadian emissions.

“All options would cover the majority of Canada’s industrial emissions (75 to 80 per cent) and a large number of facilities,” the discussion paper states. “The options vary by the extent to which they balance GHG reduction potential with competitiveness and carbon leakage risks, the number and diversity of market participants that would be covered (which influences market function and liquidity), and in regulatory complexity.”

Price signal impediments

The discussion paper also addresses some identified challenges related to the quantity and price of carbon credits and the effectiveness of current price signals for influencing investment in decarbonization. Although the benchmark carbon price — currently $95/tonne until Apr. 1, 2026, when it’s scheduled to increase to $110/tonne — is consistent nationwide, there are some considerable discounts within the various output based pricing systems (OBPS) that are in place in every province/territory except Quebec and Northwest Territories.

Each carbon credit represents one tonne of carbon that is reduced, avoided or removed from the atmosphere, but few regulated market participants are paying full price to counterbalance emissions that exceed their allowable benchmark. In turn, it’s less lucrative for market participants to sell carbon credits earned from coming in below their mandated emissions intensity level, and there is less incentive for potential developers of emissions reduction projects to embark on credit creation.

“It’s a very fragmented system, and provinces have different rules and different supply and demand for credits,” Adi Dunkelman, director of policy and strategy with the carbon market advisory firm, Clear Blue Markets, told attendees at The Buildings Show in Toronto last December. “If you’re in Ontario and you’re generating a credit, you can sell it for $72, but if you’re in Alberta, the value of your credit is $18. This is something that the federal government is trying to change up and harmonize because this is not a system or a market that can support decarbonization.”

The discussion paper attributes the discrepancies to a credit glut, which is particularly pronounced in some provinces, and outlines proposed mechanisms to help rebalance supply and demand. This would require carbon pricing systems to put a buffer in place to ensure that demand for compliance credits exceeds supply, taking into consideration the volume of banked, unused credits in the market.

“The annual net demand test would be adjusted to require that forecast demand for credits exceed forecast supply by a given amount each year, scaled to reflect the size of the system,” the discussion paper proposes. “This could increase certainty for regulators and stakeholders that market prices are likely to stay close to the headline price, and therefore incentivize decarbonization investments up to that price level. However, the additional level of compliance obligations required to create the buffer could increase overall compliance costs for facilities.”

Respondents are asked to comment, and also provide input on provincial programs that provide carbon price rebates to regulated market participants on the condition that the funds are invested in decarbonization projects in their facilities. The discussion paper expresses skepticism about the latter initiatives, which are known as emissions reductions accounts (ERAs), citing the risk that rebates could be misdirected to other kinds of capital projects and/or subsidize investment that stronger market signals would otherwise inspire without incentives.

Options for non-regulated players

Regulated markets still typically offer better yields for third-party developers of carbon reduction projects than voluntary markets, where Dunkelman noted that offset credits might be selling at rates as low as $5 per tonne. However, voluntary markets have a wider scope of opportunity, allowing for offset credits tied to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that aren’t yet recognized in Canada’s regulated markets.

In each scenario, governments (regulated markets) or governing bodies (voluntary markets) set the rules for offset credits, but all credits related to any qualified project must be sold into one market to avoid the possibility of double-counting. Currently, there are somewhat contrasting supply-and-demand dynamics in the separate, but parallel forums.

“Right now we’re seeing a little bit of a dip in issuance in the voluntary market. There’s a lot of change occurring in the methodologies so project developers are waiting to get more guidance,” Dunkelman reported. “But we’re seeing a historical high in retirement that says people are still buying credits to offset their emissions against the voluntary market.”

Meanwhile, removal of the fuel surcharge largely eliminated the rationale for voluntary participation in Ontario’s regulated carbon market — an option that’s open to facilities with 10,000 to 49,999 tonnes of annual CO₂e emissions.

“When we did have a fuel surcharge, smaller emitters may have chosen to be regulated under the compliance market to reduce costs, but now they’re opting out,” Dunkelman said. “If you’re not forecasting to generate credits and you’re going to have long-term costs then there’s not really a value to remain in the program.”

Feedback on the federal discussion paper can be submitted until Jan. 30, 2026.

“While it is beyond the scope of this paper to provide options on the price trajectory, the Government recognizes that it will be important to address and welcomes input on that topic,” it advises. “The Government is also interested in stakeholder views on whether additional changes to the benchmark criteria are needed beyond those presented in this paper.”

Rental prices hit a 30‑month low in December

Canada’s rental market continued its steady cooldown at the end of 2025, with new data showing the most prolonged period of rent declines in more than a decade. The latest National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation found that the average asking rent for all residential properties fell 2.3 per cent year‑over‑year in December to $2,060. This marked the fifteenth straight month of annual declines and pushed rents to their lowest point in 30 months. Even with the recent pullback, average rental prices remained 14.1 per cent higher than in December 2019, underscoring the sharp escalation that followed the pandemic.

“After a sharp run-up coming out of COVID, rents in Canada have been on a downward trend for more than a year,” said Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation. “The demand and supply factors that were pushing rents higher between 2022 and 2024 reversed during 2025. A combination of record-high apartment completions, population growth slowing down, economic uncertainty, and affordability challenges has worked together to push down rents. Looking ahead, rents are likely to continue trending down in the near-term as these conditions persist.”

Across 2025 as a whole, average asking rents declined 3.1 per cent — a larger annual drop than those recorded during the height of the pandemic. Still, rent growth since 2020 has averaged 2.9 per cent per year, roughly in line with long‑term historical trends.

Secondary market units continued to lead the downturn, while purpose‑built rentals remained comparatively stable, slipping just 1.0 per cent annually to an average of $2,049. Three‑bedroom units were the only category to see an increase, rising 0.2 per cent to $2,501. One‑bedroom and two‑bedroom units posted declines of 3.1 and 1.6 per cent, respectively. Condo rents fell 4.0 per cent to $2,131.

Provincially, the sharpest declines in rental prices occurred in British Columbia (-5.4%) and Ontario (-3.2%), where rents are now nearly 10 per cent lower than two years ago. Saskatchewan stood out as the country’s strongest‑performing market, with rents rising 7.1 per cent year‑over‑year while remaining more than 30 per cent below the national average.

Among major cities, Vancouver (-7.9%), Toronto (-5.1%), and Calgary (-5.0%) saw the steepest annual drops, with Vancouver and Toronto hitting their lowest rent levels since early 2022. Edmonton was the lone major market to post growth, inching up 0.8 per cent.

New Autograph hotel breaks ground in Calgary

Construction has begun on the Autograph Collection Hotel in Calgary. This is the first of three planned hotels to get underway in The Culture + Entertainment District.

The 13-storey, 320-key hotel is a full-service, premium lifestyle hotel offering meeting and ballroom spaces, a range of elevated food and beverage offerings, a terrace with pool, jacuzzi and outdoor bar, and indoor swimming pool and fitness club.

“Truman is proud to officially break ground on our first hotel project, which also happens to be the first full-service convention-oriented hotel in downtown in a quarter century,” said Tony Trutina, chief operating officer of Truman. “We see the potential of The Culture + Entertainment District and are thrilled to collaborate alongside CMLC, the Calgary Stampede and Marriott International to deliver much-needed hotel rooms and a one-of-a-kind hotel experience on Stampede Park.”

In 2025, the BMO Centre hosted upwards of 327 events, including 47 first-time conferences, with 205 major events booked between now and 2032, all generating significant demand for Calgary’s hotel sector. Meetings and conventions business at the BMO Centre, and across Calgary, will only increase as hotel capacity in the area grows.

“The Marriott Autograph Collection hotel marks an important next step in building on the success of the expanded BMO Centre at Stampede Park, strengthening Calgary as a world-class destination for conventions, meetings and events,” said Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede. “Having a hotel of this calibre just steps away from the BMO Centre will enhance the hospitality we are able to offer delegates and make Calgary more competitive in securing major conventions and events, which will result in greater economic impact being generated for Calgarians and Albertans.”

The Autograph Collection Hotel on Stampede Park is expected to open in 2028. Together with the W Calgary and JW Marriott Calgary located at 15 Ave and Macleod Trail – now in the regulatory approvals process– the new projects will provide more than 700 new hotel rooms.

BCFSA and Greater Vancouver Realtors form data-sharing partnership

BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) and Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) entered into an information-sharing partnership designed to strengthen data-driven regulatory oversight and reduce reporting burden for real estate professionals.

Through this partnership, BCFSA will receive access to real estate transaction data occurring in the GVR area. Access to real-time transaction data will help BCFSA identify trends, monitor the implications of regulatory requirements, and support early intervention into systemic risks.

In exchange for streamlined access to transaction level data from GVR, BCFSA will be providing GVR with on demand access to BCFSA licensing data. Brokerages and managing brokers that are members of the GVR will also be exempt from submitting residential real estate transaction data for properties listed and sold within the region as part of the 2026 data call.

Brokerages in the GVR area must still submit data for sold listings outside the GVR area, as well as information on the use of the Home Buyer Rescission Period.

“BCFSA is focused on using data to gain sharper insights, direct resources where they matter most, and ease compliance burdens,” said Jon Vandall, senior vice president of financial professionals at BCFSA. “This agreement with GVR gives us real-time access to data—essential for smarter, more responsive regulation that strengthens compliance, shapes policy, and spots emerging risks early.”

Jeff King, GVR CEO, said the Greater Vancouver real estate profession, represented by more than 14,500 realtors, supports a well-regulated, safe, and efficient marketplace for consumers.

“Through this partnership with BCFSA, we aim to demonstrate that commitment by helping ensure regulatory policy and oversight in our province are always guided by comprehensive, evidence-based insights that protect the interests of property buyers and sellers in British Columbia.”

The partnership is currently operating as a pilot program to determine if it delivers mutual benefits for BCFSA and GVR, before deciding whether it can be expanded across B.C.

BCFSA will also be engaging with other real estate boards and the British Columbia Real Estate Association to advance a shared vision for comprehensive, streamlined data sharing across the province.

2026 Data Call

Since 2021, BCFSA has conducted annual data calls to collect detailed information on residential real estate transactions across the province. The data calls typically include fields such as property type, sale price, transaction dates and brokerage details.

BCFSA will continue its annual data call in 2026 and will require brokerages to submit new fields related to commission to better understand how real estate services are delivered, including how much consumers pay for real estate services in British Columbia, and how commission intersects with other industry practices.

New national codes target accessibility, emissions

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) has released the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes, which focus on the health, safety, and accessibility of homes and buildings, as well as the protection of buildings from damage and the preservation of the environment.

During this code cycle, the CBHCC focused on code harmonization, health and safety, accessibility, alterations to existing buildings, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Some highlights from the 2025 editions of the National Model Code include:

Expansion of the accessibility objective to apply to all types of dwelling units, while maintaining flexibility for provinces and territories to adjust how requirements are applied to reflect local housing needs and priorities.
Introduction of a requirement for a passive vertical radon stack in dwelling units and home-type care occupancies, providing measures to help reduce radon exposure.
Inclusion of projected climatic data that anticipates climate trends over the next 50 years, supporting building designs that are better prepared for future climate conditions.
Expansion of the environmental objective to address greenhouse gas emissions.
Introduction of a harmonized framework that aims to reduce the operational greenhouse gas emissions of houses and buildings, offering provinces and territories a harmonized pathway to reduce emissions over time by choosing the performance level that best suits their needs.
Introduction of energy efficiency requirements for the alteration of existing buildings, offering building officials a harmonized framework to enforce code requirements in retrofits.

“The new codes are the result of extensive engagement and participation from organizations and individuals with an interest in code development,” said Thomas Ferguson, co-chair of the CBHCC and director general, Construction Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada (NRC). “They also reflect CBHCC members’ shared commitment to harmonizing construction regulations across Canada’s provinces and territories.”

Work on the 2030 editions is already underway.

New urgent care centre opens in St. John’s, N.L.

An urgent care facility opened at Unity Health Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, this week. The centre increases access to healthcare for patients with urgent, non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses and reduces strain on emergency departments.

The urgent care location offers both walk-in services and appointments. Residents, with or without a primary care provider, can see nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and other staff to receive care for injuries, including sprains, strains, and minor breaks; skin infections, burns, and cuts; respiratory infections with fever, cough, or shortness of breath; stomach illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; and urinary tract infections.

The facility will also provide bloodwork, X-rays, casting, stitches, and other necessary treatments on site.

The site will soon house the new ambulatory health hub, which will provide appointment-based outpatient services, including an eye clinic, cardiac diagnostics, and adult outpatient anticoagulation management.

There is free parking for patients and staff at both the urgent care services and the ambulatory health hub. Officials plan to open another urgent care location on Topsail Road later this year.

“Increasing access to healthcare for all of us is one of the pillars of our new government,” said Minister of Health and Community Services Lela Evans. “The new urgent care centre provides quick medical care to residents with non-life-threatening conditions seven days a week. This will help reduce the number of people going to the emergency departments in St. John’s and we look forward to future plans for urgent care centres.”

RECO unveils major transformation

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) announced eight key initiatives for 2026 to rebuild trust in the provincial regulator, along with new corporate leadership to oversee the ambitious goals.

“These initiatives represent significant and bold change, and it’s very clear that we need to prioritize meaningful and consistent engagement with our stakeholders, including the real estate services sector and consumers,” noted Jean Lépine, RECO’s administrator and acting CEO. “I have been impressed by the insights, ideas, and collaboration to date in some of my first sessions and look forward to continuing this work in the coming weeks and months.”

Eight major transformation initiatives for 2026

Culture renewal plan underpinned by a new performance management system.
Regulatory modernization plan.
Stakeholder engagement strategy reconnecting RECO to consumers and the professional sector on key topics like trust account oversight, annual financial filings, insurance program reforms, and education.
Digital and technology modernization roadmap and implementation plan.
Financial sustainability strategy based on cost recovery principles.
Renewed governance approach.
Public awareness campaign .
New strategic plan for 2027–2030

New organizational structure

To support this transformation, RECO will move forward with a renewed organizational structure that includes four main areas of accountability: strategy and corporate; regulatory modernization; people, culture and technology; and finance and risk.

RECO has recruited new executives to lead key functions. These executives, alongside Arshad Zaver, acting chief financial officer, will report directly to the administrator and acting CEO, effective January 19, 2026:

Emilee Escobar, Chief Strategy & Corporate Officer

Escobar has led governance and corporate strategy at the Condominium Authority of Ontario since 2018, most recently as Chief Corporate Officer. A certified Governance Professional (GPC.D) with experience in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, she brings a collaborative approach that will strengthen good governance and advance consumer protection in support of the sector.

Samantha Pinto, Chief Regulatory Modernization Officer

With more than 20 years in the public sector, including 13 years at the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement, Pinto most recently served as Chief Regulatory Officer at Ontario One Call, where she led the organization’s transformation into a modern regulator and drove regulatory innovation and compliance programs. Her experience will help RECO build a more agile, sector and consumer-focused regulatory framework.

To be announced soon: Chief People, Culture & Technology Officer

RECO’s goal is to deliver a modern and technology-driven RECO. This is an essential area of focus to support a robust culture of integrity where the RECO team can deliver by harnessing the potential of its people and technology.

“I am delighted to have recruited great people who want to do great things to unlock RECO’s potential,” added Lépine. “As an executive team, we will hold ourselves accountable for delivering on this ambitious action plan. Together, we are driving change, earning trust, and setting the foundation for a stronger, more modern, mandate-focused organization. We will lead with action, not words.”

EllisDon finalizes agreement for UHNBC tower

EllisDon has reached an agreement to serve as the construction contractor for the Alliance Development Phase (ADP) of the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) Acute Care Tower Phase 1 project. This initial phase of the budgeted $1.579B project will continue through to the end of 2026 and will include Alliance development, design and early works to ready the site for construction of the new facility in 2027 and opening for patients in 2031.

The much-needed care tower will feature 211 rooms, and will help to expand vital cardiac, surgical, and mental health programs. With state-of-the-art areas that feature specialized health services, 12 new operating suites, perioperative services, and landscaped outdoor spaces, the hospital will provide a uniquely innovative space where community-centric healthcare can be effectively administered.

“The Acute Care Tower project at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia is a landmark achievement under the Alliance Model that unites expertise and mutual accountability,” said Michael Kazda, senior vice president and project director, EllisDon. “This expansion is a lifeline for the community, a hub for specialized health services, and a cornerstone for teaching and innovation that will shape the future of care in Northern B.C. We look forward to working alongside our Alliance Partners; Northern Health, DIALOG Design, PML Professional Mechanical Ltd., and Houle Electric as part of this exceptional team delivering lasting impact.”

The project is being delivered through an innovative Alliance Model that is relatively new to the industry. This delivery method emphasizes cooperation and shared accountability between teams, allowing them to work together on a best for project basis to bring this new hospital to life.

GTA home market poised for recovery in 2026

Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area declined in 2025 compared to 2024 amid economic uncertainty. Over the same period, elevated listing inventory helped buyers negotiate lower selling prices, according to analysis from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).

“Improved affordability has set the market up for recovery,” said TRREB President Daniel Steinfeld. “Once households are convinced that the economy and labour market are on a solid footing, sales will increase as pent-up demand is satisfied.”

Last year, the market recorded 62,433 home sales, marking a 11.2 per cent decline from 2024. Sellers added 186,753 new listings, a 10.1 per cent year-over-year increase. The average selling price reached $1,067,968 in 2025, down by 4.7 per cent compared to $1,120,241 in 2024.

In December 2025, the market recorded 3,697 home sales, down 8.9 per cent from December 2024. Sellers listed 5,299 new homes, up 1.8 per cent year-over-year.

The benchmark home price fell by 6.3 per cent year-over-year, while the average selling price dropped 5.1 per cent to $1,006,735.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, December home sales dipped slightly from November 2025, new listings rose, the benchmark price trended lower and the average selling price edged higher.

“Reaffirmed trade relationships and large-scale domestic economic development projects will be key for improved home sales moving forward,” noted TRREB Chief Information Officer Jason Mercer. ”GTA households must be confident in their employment situation before committing to long-term monthly mortgage payments, even in this more affordable market.”

TRREB CEO John DiMichele is urging all levels of government to act immediately and provide tax relief to consumers to ease the cost of living.

“Families and individuals need financial breathing room so they can afford a home or apartment and meet their basic needs,” he said. “Fair and responsible tax policies can put more money back into people’s pockets, restore consumer confidence, and rebuild trust in the economy. These actions are essential to support stable households and create an economy that works for everyone.”

Christine Weber elected IDC president

Christine Weber, principal of interior design at Kasian Architecture, has been elected president of the board of the Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) for the 2025–2026 term. This appointment follows the IDC’s 53rd Annual General Meeting, where Weber was also unanimously selected by members to lead the national organization advancing the interior design profession across Canada.

In her role as president, Weber will help guide IDC’s strategic direction, advocate for professional excellence, support policy initiatives, and work collaboratively with the board, CEO, and national membership to elevate the impact and recognition of interior designers across sectors and regions.

Her leadership at IDC will centre on advocacy, professional development, design research, and inclusive, multigenerational design practice at a national level.

Weber brings more than 25 years of design leadership, with deep expertise in senior living, health care, multifamily, and wellness environments across Canada and the United States. She is a Registered Interior Designer (RID) with professional memberships in IDC, Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia (IDIBC), American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID), and National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), and prior membership in International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). She holds a bachelor of applied design in interior design from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

Paola Marques, president of Studio Ormonde Marques, was appointed vice president.

Quebec real estate posts gains amid national slowdown

Home prices are significantly increasing across the province of Quebec due to inventory shortages and growing demand. Royal LePage forecasts the average price will rise by 7.0 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter last year.

The median price of a home in the province is expected to reach $485,138. A single-family detached home and condominium will increase 8.0 per cent and 3.0 per cent to reach $536,220 and $403,657, respectively.

“Although economic uncertainty has dampened consumer confidence across Canada, Quebecers have proven more resilient and maintained their home buying activity, leading to a notable appreciation in property prices,” said Dominic St-Pierre, executive vice president of business development, Royal LePage. “We anticipate steady demand and stable inventory levels in 2026, with a notable increase in prices across the province.”

In 2026, the Canadian real estate market is entering a period of recalibration. Quebec continues to demonstrate resilience in contrast to several major Canadian cities.

Montreal

Prices are projected to rise in Greater Montreal. Condominium are expected to increase 2.5% to $502,558.Montréal continues to offer relative affordability and shows no signs of a condominium surplus. Investors also tend to favour plexes, a type of property that continues to perform extremely well.

“Montréal’s relative affordability compared with other major Canadian cities, combined with a balanced supply of condominiums, makes it a particularly attractive market,” adds St-Pierre. “This momentum, despite a slight slowdown in the fall, is expected to sustain strong activity in 2026, especially in the surrounding areas where young families can still find affordable options.”

Quebec City

In 2025, Quebec City led all major Canadian regions for the second consecutive year. Analysts anticipate aggregate home prices to rise 12.0 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2026, reaching $501,984. Over the same period, the median price of a single-family detached home is forecast to increase 14.0% to $536,598, while a condominium is expected to increase 5.0% to $356,160.

The single-family home segment, which is in highest demand, is expected to see a sharp rise in prices. Neighbourhoods such as Lebourgneuf, Montcalm and Cap-Rouge are leading the market, with prices showing stronger and more sustained appreciation. Condominiums are recording more modest price gains. The market showed signs of slowing toward year-end, largely because new regulations, including Bill 16, increased compliance requirements and complicated retrofit work in older condominium buildings.

Canada-US relations and economic confidence

Trade tensions between Canada and the United States had a limited impact in Quebec. The provincial market showed no meaningful signs of slowdown.

“However, the Canadian economy as a whole would benefit greatly from a stable trade agreement,” noted St-Pierre. “Quebecers, like all Canadians, are waiting to see if such an agreement will be reached, which could lead to a general improvement in the economy and, in turn, renewed confidence in the market overall.”

Housing starts and political engagement

Obstacles to increase housing supply persist. While there are notable gains in housing starts in some regions, significant declines have been recorded elsewhere in the country. In Montreal, the new municipal administration will have to redouble its efforts to support new construction, as inventory remains low and demand strong.

“A general election is scheduled for 2026 in Quebec. “Quebecers are eagerly awaiting strong and concrete commitments on housing policy,” observed St-Pierre. “The housing crisis is a major concern, and it is crucial that the various levels of government work together to implement effective measures that will stimulate supply and ensure long-term affordability in the province.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort unveils condos, townhomes

New condos and townhomes are launching in the Benchlands Residences at Revelstoke Mountain Resort in Revelstoke, British Columbia.

The mountain community will introduce more ski resort living to potential homeowners with 43 new condo units ranging from one to three bedrooms, starting at $549,000. The townhomes range from 2,100 to 2,600 square feet with three- and four-bedroom layouts. There will be opportunities for legal suites in many units to boost rental income.

Benchlands is situated near RMR and neighbours the new Cabot Revelstoke golf course. It connects to community spaces and year-round outdoor adventure. RMR also announced new estate lots in the Mountain Road Estates neighbourhood.

“This release marks our second major launch of new real estate in the community, and the response to our earlier phase has been exceptional,” says Jason Kelder, RMR president. “For potential homeowners, this is a rare opportunity to invest in a thriving mountain community where they can be themselves, embrace adventure and enjoy a simpler, more connected lifestyle, whether as a second home or a primary residence.”

RMR is part of the Northland group of companies.