IDC recognizes outstanding interior design

The Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) celebrated the winners of its annual Value of Design Awards (VODA) in downtown Toronto. Through these awards, IDC showcases the true value of design in Canada and internationally. This year, nine projects were honoured.

IDC’s Value of Design Awards highlight the work of Canadian interior designers by demonstrating how design thinking, an empathetic, inventive, and iterative approach, enhances the human experience within interior environments. VODA showcase the measurable human and business benefits that result from engaging a professional interior designer.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network by Jaime Holland of Holland Licensed Interior Design in Innovation in Healthcare Design (Calgary, AB)

AWARD OF MERIT

The Post by Franca Rezza of B+H in Innovation in Workplace Design (Vancouver, BC)

EcoVadis by Tatiana Soldatova of Syllable Inc. in Innovation in Workplace Design (Toronto, ON)

HONOURABLE MENTION

Tasty Indian Bistro by Jennifer Kurtz of KurtzDesign Inc. in Innovation in Hospitality Design (Abbotsford, BC)

Blue Rock Swim Club by Landon Anholt of Way of Normal in Innovation in Hospitality Design (Calgary, AB)

Unity Fitness by Suzanne Wilkinson and Tamara Rooks of Figure3 in Innovation in Hospitality Design (Toronto, ON)

Kasa Moto Rooftop Restaurant by Dyonne Fashina of Denizens of Design Inc. in Innovation in Hospitality Design (Toronto, ON)

Warner Music Toronto by Jessica Baird, Sarah Taylor, and Nina Bast of Gensler in Innovation in Workplace Design (Toronto, ON)

SickKids Patient Support Centre by Stephanie Panyan of B+H in Innovation in Workplace Design (Toronto, ON)

Janitorial Manager launches JaniJobs to match cleaning needs with skilled talent

Janitorial Manager, a leading cloud-based janitorial software platform, has announced the launch of JaniJobs, an online marketplace designed to connect cleaning professionals with organizations and individuals who need cleaning services, from commercial facilities to short-term rental and residential properties. JaniJobs makes its debut at ISSA Show North America, November 11–13, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

With cleaner turnover rates remaining high and staffing shortages an ongoing challenge, JaniJobs offers a faster, more dependable way to fill shifts and maintain service quality. The platform enables building service contractors (BSCs), in-house providers (IHPs), and residential hosts — including Airbnb and vacation rental managers — to connect with a vetted network of skilled cleaning professionals ready to work when and where they’re needed.

“JaniJobs is a modern solution to age-old staffing challenges like missed shifts and high turnover that continue to impact cleaning businesses and IHPs,” said Archie Heinl, president of Janitorial Manager. “It gives managers the ability to source skilled workers quickly while maintaining quality and reliability from one simple platform.”

Through worker profiles, ratings and reviews, JaniJobs helps users make informed hiring decisions while promoting transparency and trust. The platform supports flexible scheduling, on-demand staffing and real-time communication to streamline operations for anyone managing a team across multiple facilities or preparing a property for the next guest arrival.

EllisDon takes home two CCPPP innovation awards

EllisDon took home two CCPPP 2025 National Awards for Innovation and Excellence in P3s (Public-Private Partnerships) for their work on the Royal Inland Hospital and the Alberta P3 School Bundle #5 projects.

The National Awards celebrates and recognizes Canada’s cutting-edge infrastructure projects involving public sector entities like governments and educational institutions partnering with the private sector. Each recognized project is at the forefront of project financing, project delivery, service delivery, infrastructure investment, and economic benefit – a reflection of its community’s vision for improved public services and infrastructure, and a clear demonstration of successful, collaborative partnerships.

Royal Inland Hospital – P3 Service Delivery – Awarded Silver

A project partnership with Interior Health, Infrastructure BC, EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare, and Fiera Infrastructure.
Delivered using a DBFM model with a 30-year maintenance contract.
EllisDon Facilities Services (EDFS) provides facilities management to a space spanning over 840,000 square feet, while renovation work continues to advance in Phase 2 of the project.
EDFS delivered a range of innovations across the hospital campus, including sustainability upgrades and a tailored energy dashboard that went beyond contract requirements to support long-term efficiency and performance.

“The culmination of years of dedication from EllisDon Facilities Services, this award signifies the outstanding and ongoing efforts that our team, along with our partners at Interior Health, puts in daily to ensure Royal Inland Hospital receives the best possible service throughout its operations phase. We’re proud of every individual that has contributed to this project and will look to maintain our momentum throughout the rest of the maintenance term,” said Colin Flock, senior vice president, EDFS.

EllisDon also won an Award of Merit for the Alberta P3 School Bundle #5. The project will deliver six much-needed schools within the province. These schools will accommodate 6,140 students upon opening, featuring the integration of two different school classes for the first time to deliver five custom elementary schools and one high school.

Sustainable timber design redefines child care space

Located on the UBC Okanagan campus n Kelowna, B.C., sʔitwənx is a 37-space child care centre whose name means “crane” in the Syilx language.

Inspired by Friedrich Froebel’s concept of “kindergarten” — part garden, part schoolroom — the design by Public Architecture creates a continuous edge to an indoor–outdoor play environment. Within this landscape, children encounter space at their own scale, moving between discovery zones that blend play, learning, and rest. A skylit timber structure evokes branching canopies, while Syilx artworks in the windows connect interiors to Okanagan stories and wildlife.

The site came with challenges, including mature trees and many underground services. The solution was a long, narrow building aligned east to west.

Wood was chosen for wellness, sustainability, and constructability. Its warmth, scent, and ability to moderate humidity create calming, healthy environments — important given children’s elevated sensitivity to air quality. Exposed timber minimizes the need for applied finishes and exterior insulation prevents thermal bridging, ensuring efficiency while allowing the wood structure to remain visible.

The 3,660 square-foot structure employs exposed pre-engineered wood trusses paired with conventional timber detailing. Organized on a 610 mm module, six truss types articulate primary and secondary spaces. Dimensional lumber walls and trusses provided flexibility during construction, enabling carpenters to accommodate mechanical systems, while their exposed finish creates durable surfaces for children’s activity and display. The system was erected in just three weeks, underscoring both efficiency and long-term adaptability.

By distributing the program into overlapping discovery zones beneath a rhythmic timber roof, sʔitwənx transforms a cellular child care model into an immersive, flexible environment where wood supports both architectural expression and child well-being.

Public Architecture + Design received double honours for the project with a 2025 Wood Design & Building Award citation and a WoodWorks BC Wood Design Award.

The firm also won a WoodWorks BC Wood Design Award for Kin Park Pavilion and Ice Rink.

Rent declines ease in October

The average asking rent for residential properties across Canada fell 2.2 per cent year-over-year in October to $2,105, marking the 13th consecutive month of annual declines, according to the latest National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation. While rents continued to ease, the October decline was the smallest in nearly a year, suggesting the downturn may be moderating.

Average asking rents remain 6.2 per cent higher than three years ago and 14.0 per cent above pre-pandemic levels in October 2019.

“Rent decreases in Canada are generally letting up, with rents basically unchanged in October compared to a year ago, when excluding B.C. and Alberta,” said Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation. “In the near-term, the rental market will continue to face headwinds from slowing population growth, elevated unemployment, and rising apartment completions.”

Month-over-month, asking rents slipped 0.9 per cent to reach an eight-month low. Purpose-built apartments declined 0.7 per cent annually to $2,085, while condos and other secondary rentals saw sharper drops of 4.3 per cent and 4.7 per cent, respectively. One-bedroom units recorded the largest annual decrease at 3.4 per cent, while three-bedroom units were nearly flat at -0.2 per cent. Notably, three-bedroom purpose-built apartments rose 3.5 per cent to $2,767, contrasting with studio condos, which plunged 14.2 per cent to $1,609.

Nationally, apartment rents fell 1.3 per cent, led by British Columbia (-5.8 per cent) and Alberta (-5.3 per cent). Ontario rents declined 2.2 per cent, Quebec 1.4 per cent, and Nova Scotia 0.2 per cent, while Saskatchewan and Manitoba posted gains of 1.8 per cent. Compared to two years ago, B.C. rents are down 9.6 per cent and Ontario 7.5 per cent, with Saskatchewan leading growth at 24.0 per cent.

All six of Canada’s largest cities reported annual rent declines. Vancouver led with a 7.4 per cent drop to $2,728, followed by Calgary at -7.2 per cent to $1,851. Toronto rents fell 3.3 per cent, Edmonton 3.4 per cent, Ottawa 1.9 per cent, and Montreal 1.6 per cent. Vancouver and Toronto rents hit multi-year lows, down more than 11 per cent and 13 per cent compared to three years ago.

Shared accommodations also weakened, with average asking rents across B.C., Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec down 8.1 per cent to $920, the lowest in 28 months. Vancouver posted the steepest decline at 16.7 per cent, while Ottawa bucked the trend, rising 19.1 per cent to $1,107 amid new co-living supply.

For the full report, visit www.rentals.ca

Indoor air quality is a concern for the next generation of workers

Indoor air quality has been talked about in recent years as an important part of healthy buildings and productive workspaces, but it can also directly affect your workforce levels and the future of your business. Company culture has shifted, and health and wellness have become a priority for today’s younger candidates. As boomers retire and leave the workforce, companies need to look at what new employees value from their employers to compete in the crowded hiring space.

A recent Fellowes survey shows that clean air is important to employees, highlighting the following results that can affect the future of business operations:

68 per cent of Gen Z and millennial workers are concerned about the long-term effects of poor air quality, compared to 28 per cent of older employees.
45 per cent of millennial and Gen Z workers said they would consider leaving their employer over poor IAQ, whereas 34 per cent of Gen X and just 18 per cent of baby boomers feel the same way.
On a more positive note, 52 per cent of staff would rate their workplaces “very clean,” and 61 per cent think their employers are taking the necessary steps for healthy indoor air quality.
What steps signal that a company is making the effort? Responders prioritized air purification units (49 per cent), updated HVAC systems (45 per cent), visible use of IAQ monitors (45 per cent), and access to real-time IAQ data (36 per cent).

Given today’s staffing challenges, creating a culture of care and communication is a way for employers to stand out in a crowded space, and knowing that IAQ is important to employees can help companies prioritize objectives and budgets.

Statistics Canada reports that as of July 1, 2023, 7.6 million Canadians (almost 19 per cent of the population) were aged 65 or older, and those numbers are predicted to rise to between 21 and 23 per cent by 2030. With the younger population valuing transparency, ESG focus, and health and wellness, many companies may need to shift their priorities, communication strategies, and budgetary allocation to remain an attractive option for the younger generation.

Lifelong learning: the power of continuing education for condominium managers

Condominium management is a profession defined by change. From evolving legislation and building technologies to shifting demographics and owner expectations, today’s condominium managers are navigating an increasingly complex environment. In such a dynamic field, the most successful professionals share one critical trait: a commitment to lifelong learning.

Why continuing education matters

As a regulated profession, Ontario’s Condominium Management Regulatory Authority (CMRAO) requires licensed managers to maintain their professional standing through continuing education. Each licensing year, general licensees must obtain 10 Continuing Education Credits (equivalent to about 10 hours’ worth of education). But beyond compliance, these learning opportunities are a cornerstone of professional excellence.

Continuing education ensures that licensees remain current on legal updates, ethical standards, and best practices in areas such as financial stewardship, building maintenance, and community governance. It also empowers managers to handle emerging issues – like sustainability initiatives, cybersecurity, and conflict resolution – with confidence and professionalism.

Continuing education is not just about meeting a requirement; it’s about raising the bar for our industry. Each course, seminar, or webinar builds a stronger foundation for quality management and more resilient communities.

Bridging the gap between theory and practice

Condominium management is both technical and relational; managers must interpret complex legislation while supporting diverse boards and communities. Continuing education bridges the gap between theory and real-world application, equipping professionals with the tools to translate regulations into action.

Through ACMO’s educational programs and professional development offerings, managers can explore advanced topics such as:

Risk management and emergency preparedness
Strategic reserve fund management
Financial statements and audits
Mediation and conflict resolution strategies
System operations and troubleshooting (i.e. plumbing, HVAC, security, fire and life safety)
Mediation and conflict resolution
New builds and TARION
Leadership and board relations
Ethical decision-making

By investing in these areas, managers not only enhance their own capabilities but also elevate the reputation of the entire profession. Best of all, these deep dives into specific condominium issues are offered to our members free of charge.

A commitment to professionalism

Continuing education is also a reflection of professional pride. It signals to boards, owners, and peers that a manager is dedicated to excellence and accountability. As the condominium sector continues to grow and evolve, maintaining an up-to-date knowledge base is essential to ensuring public trust in licensed professionals. It is for this reason that ACMO continues to advocate for mandatory continuing education requirements for all licensees. All licensed managers need to be involved in learning in order to serve the communities they manage.

The future of learning in condominium management

With the rapid adoption of online learning and digital credentialing, education has never been more accessible. Webinars, virtual conferences, and hybrid training models allow managers to learn flexibly, balancing professional development with busy work schedules. Approved CMRAO eligible continuing education opportunities, both free and paid, can be identified from the CMRAO website. Learning opportunities are listed there and available throughout the year. Condominium managers are encouraged to schedule learning opportunities throughout the year to ensure they have completed the continuing educational requirements long in advance of their license renewals, due on July 1 of each year.

Looking ahead, ACMO remains committed to supporting its members with innovative, high-quality educational programs aligned with CMRAO requirements and industry needs. Whether through the Registered Condominium Manager (RCM) designation, our certificate program, workshops, or mentorship opportunities, ACMO continues to set the standard for education and excellence in condominium management.

Lifelong learning as a professional tool

Continuing education is more than a regulatory obligation; it is an investment in personal growth, professional integrity, and the long-term success of Ontario’s condominium communities. By embracing lifelong learning, every licensed condominium manager helps build a stronger, more trusted, and more knowledgeable profession.

Rental sector reacts to Budget 2025

Canada’s 2025 federal budget signals a renewed push to accelerate housing construction, placing housing supply at the centre of the federal economic agenda. Yet for apartment owners and developers, the picture is mixed: while some measures offer meaningful support, others raise questions about long-term viability and whether they go far enough to truly incentivize new rental housing.

One of the most notable announcements in Budget 2025 is the launch of the Build Communities Strong Fund, aimed at supporting housing-enabling infrastructure. This fund will be available to provinces and territories that agree to cost-match federal contributions and commit to reducing development cost charges (DCCs) and avoiding other taxes that hinder housing supply.

David Hutniak, CEO of LandlordBC, welcomed the announcement, noting that while municipalities have long sought infrastructure support, many had relied on new development as a revenue stream—effectively making “growth pay for growth,” a policy he considers fundamentally flawed. He also expressed support for the continued funding of key CMHC programs, including the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP), which will remain in place over the next five years.

Although some in the sector had hoped for increased funding to the ACLP, Hutniak sees the renewed commitment as a positive sign for future development. That sign is further reinforced by the budget’s allocation of $13 billion over five years to the Build Canada Homes initiative—underscoring the federal government’s intent to scale up housing supply through sustained investment.

Complementing these measures, financing access is set to improve with the planned increase in the Canada Mortgage Bond annual issuance limit to $80 billion starting in 2026. This change is expected to expand access to cost-effective mortgage funding for lenders, ultimately supporting the rental housing sector by lowering borrowing costs and improving project viability.

In a move welcomed by many in the industry, the budget eliminates the Underused Housing Tax (UHT) as of the 2025 calendar year and defers the bare trust reporting requirement, including for nominee companies. Introduced in 2022, the UHT imposed a 1 per cent annual tax on vacant or underused housing, primarily targeting foreign owners but also affecting Canadians who held property through trusts, corporations, or partnerships. Hutniak called its removal “a good policy move,” citing the administrative burden and unintended consequences for domestic owners.

Immigration Levels Plan

In some markets, the budget’s immigration measures present a more complex picture. The newly announced 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan will cap permanent resident admissions at 380,000 annually and reduce student visa issuance to 155,000 in 2026—down from approximately 306,000 under the previous plan.

While these changes may ease pressure on rental demand, leading to higher vacancies and lower asking rents, which is certainly good news for renters, Hutniak and others fear they could further erode the business case for new purpose-built rental construction.

“We need to find the right balance so that we have a cost structure conducive to building new rental housing for the long term,” Hutniak pointed out.

Viler Lika, founder & CEO of the rental platform, SingleKey, also worries the lowered immigration targets could unintentionally squeeze small landlords in university towns who rely on student renters for income.

“While it’s great news for rents, with fewer international students, many of these properties may no longer be financially viable,” he said. “Immigration cuts will ease rental demand in the short term but could lead to increased vacancies or even landlords exiting the market.”

“Encouraging steps”

Despite these concerns, many industry leaders remain cautiously optimistic. Tony Irwin, President of Rental Housing Canada (RHC), emphasized the importance of translating federal investments into tangible outcomes.

“The 2025 federal budget includes encouraging steps toward addressing Canada’s housing challenges,” Irwin said. “Rental Housing Canada and its members are ready to ensure these federal investments lead to more rental housing construction, faster approvals, and lower costs. These are the outcomes Canadians expect, and our sector is ready to deliver.”

“The government’s commitment to accelerate housing construction marks a real turning point,” added Lika. “For years, developers have focused on condos, but now, with new incentives like tax breaks, lower interest rates, and longer amortization periods, we’re seeing a major shift toward purpose-built rentals. That means more supply, more options for renters, and cooling of rental prices.”

The government also intends to discontinue the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, which never really took off and the benefits are unknown. For Lika, this isn’t a moot point.

“With housing affordability still a major concern, encouraging homeowners to create secondary units could have been an efficient way to boost rental supply quickly and affordably, but compared to new measures put on the table, this would not have moved the needle on housing supply in any meaningful way.”

Budget 2025 was officially tabled on November 4, 2025, but it has yet to be approved. A vote in the House of Commons is expected soon.

Regulatory sandboxes slated for federal playbook

The Canadian government plans to broaden the scope for innovation and pilot projects via specially tailored mechanisms known as regulatory sandboxes. The newly released federal budget announces pending legislation to give all Ministers authority to temporarily override existing regulatory constraints to allow for “testing of products, services, processes or new regulatory approaches”.

This follows after the 2024 budget signalled the then iteration of the government would take similar action. Through regulatory sandboxes, products and services can be tested in the marketplace under controlled, time-limited conditions, giving regulators a real-scenario reading of their performance and spinoff consequences for safety, the environment, consumer protection, etc. Background information on the government of Canada’s website maintains the process will help regulators keep pace with changing technologies and business practices, and safely decide what kinds of permanent regulatory framework or regulatory changes may be needed.

Proposed amendments to the Red Tape Reduction Act and Energy Efficiency Act would open the way for that to happen. The City of Toronto is also considering a similar approach to test emerging types of products and services that are not currently addressed in the municipal business licensing bylaw.

“Regulatory sandboxes must protect the health, safety, security and well-being of Canadians and of the environment,” the government of Canada’s website states. “A regulatory sandbox may not be appropriate or possible in all circumstances and regulators should factor this into their decision before running a regulatory sandbox.”

New QEII interchange in Leduc marks completion

The Government of Alberta announced a new interchange on the QEII highway and 65 Avenue in Leduc is now complete, connecting one of Alberta’s busiest stretches of highway with the Edmonton International Airport (YEG).

Funded by Alberta’s government and the City of Leduc, the $122-million interchange provides safer, more efficient connections between the City of Leduc, YEG, key cargo hubs and local businesses. The new overpass also offers an alternative emergency access route to the Alberta Health Services STARS Medivac Base in the event Airport Road is inaccessible.

“This section of the QEII is one of Alberta’s most important trade corridors and a key connector to the Edmonton International Airport. The completion of this new interchange marks a major step forward in improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting the efficient movement of goods and people,” said Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen.

The QEII and 65 Avenue Interchange includes:

A new overpass over the QEII highway adjacent to the existing 50 Street bridge (City of Leduc).
New southbound on/off ramps from the QEII highway and 65 Avenue, and relocation and improvements to existing ramps for northbound QEII.
Intersection improvements at 65 Avenue and 50 Street in Leduc.
Completion of Perimeter Road and 65 Avenue, west of the QEII highway, enabling the City of Leduc and the EIA to connect their internal roadway networks.
Construction of two roundabouts.
Three new or modified traffic signals.
Seven kilometres of multi-use pathways construction.
Twenty-three lane-kilometres of new roadway.

“The 65 Avenue and QEII Interchange is a key connection serving our residents, businesses and visitors for generations to come. The interchange strengthens our region’s connectivity and mobility in Leduc, in Alberta, and by extension, the world. Projects on this scale don’t happen alone – we are appreciative of everyone’s contribution in making this interchange a reality,” said Lars Hansen, mayor, City of Leduc.

Feds set to dilute anti-greenwashing rules

Marketers could soon have more leeway to make claims about the environmental benefits of products. The newly released federal budget announces the Canadian government’s intention to revise instructions guiding how the Competition Tribunal assesses what constitutes greenwashing in marketing messaging.

Proposed future amendments to the Competition Act will remove the requirement for businesses to prove that claimed environmental benefits can be validated through internationally recognized standards and methodologies. As well, it’s proposed that third parties not competitively affected by a company’s marketing efforts would lose their current ability to bring cases to the Competition Tribunal to dispute environmental claims.

“These ‘greenwashing’ provisions are creating investment uncertainty and having the opposite of the desired effect with some parties slowing or reversing efforts to protect the environment,” the budget document states.

A coalition of 25 Canadian industry and business associations voiced their opposition to those two provisions during the 2024 public consultations prior to their enactment. The group — which included representation from the oil and gas, agriculture, food and forestry sectors, along with the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of British Columbia — argued that there is no single set of international standards that can be used to gauge the accuracy of claims, and that the requirement does not allow for emerging innovation. They also expressed concern about the “reverse onus” aspect of allowing third parties to initiate proceedings without necessarily having a meritorious case, suggesting that it leaves businesses open to harassment.

Environmental advocacy groups such as the David Suzuki Foundation and Environmental Defence have reacted negatively to the budget announcement — calling it a “step in the wrong direction” that would “weaken environmental standards.”

“We are well aware that industry has been lobbying against these rules because they are effective at stopping companies from making unbacked claims,” submits Keith Brooks, programs director with Environment Defence. “The government should hold firm rather than bow to industry pressure.”

Budget 2025 promises more housing and tax relief

The federal government’s newly announced budget reaffirms earlier pledges to supercharge homebuilding and cut sales taxes to improve affordability.

Canada has been struggling to construct homes rapidly enough to ease its housing shortage. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), restoring housing affordability to 2019 levels means that residential construction must nearly double to between 430,000 and 480,000 units per year over the next decade. Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates 290,000 units annually would be needed to close the supply gap.

After 25 years of sluggish productivity, Canada’s construction costs remain high. Ottawa hopes to reverse the trend by cutting red tape and removing barriers that keep builders from scaling up. Budget 2025 confirmed its commitment to Build Canada Homes. The new federal agency, which launched in September 2025, has a mandate to move quickly on the affordable supply issue and is focusing on non-market housing.

An initial investment of $13 billion over five years will begin this fiscal year, targeting its first four initiatives. These include: developing six public-land projects to deliver 4,000 factory-built homes, with potential for 45,000 more across Canada Lands Company sites; providing $1 billion to build transitional and supportive housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; protecting existing affordable housing by launching the $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund; and partnering with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to build more than 700 public, affordable, and supportive housing units.

Training next gen builders

To meet Canada’s ambitious housing targets, the federal government has highlighted its commitment to supporting the next generation of builders by investing in programs to equip workers for these well-paid careers.

A $75-million investment over three years, beginning in 2026-27, will go to Employment and Social Development Canada to expand the Union Training and Innovation Program, which supports union-based apprenticeship training in the Red Seals trades.

Tax reforms

With the foreign buyer ban and municipal and provincial vacant home taxes already in place, Ottawa sees little need for the Underused Housing Tax and will scrap it to simplify the system and minimize costs for both taxpayers and government.

The UHT is a 1% annual tax on vacant or underused homes, designed to deter foreign ownership and push owners to rent or sell unused properties; however, it will be cancelled beginning in 2025.

As previously announced, Canada is also eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.

“The removal of the GST for first-time home buyers, which is currently before Parliament as part of Bill C-4, helps bring down the costs of a newly built home—immediately making the goal of home ownership a reality for more Canadians, especially young families,” the budget report states.

The Residential Construction Industry of Ontario (RESCON) is praising the move as steep taxes, charges, and levies are severely hindering the sector. The province has also promised to do the same. Combined, the cuts will reduce the cost of a new home for first-time buyers by 13%. For a $1-million property, that translates into savings of $130,000.

“The tax burden on new housing is one of the critical factors that are stymieing new construction and driving up costs,” said RESCON president Richard Lyall. “Presently, the tax burden accounts for 36 per cent of the cost of a new home. The best way to improve housing affordability is to prioritize lowering costs via reducing the tax burden. Cutting the sales tax should help move the needle.”

RESCON said that its also looking forward to working with the federal government on the Build Canada Homes initiative, and that putting billions of dollars into infrastructure and creating careers in construction are key to getting more new homes built.

“It is critical that we get this right as the housing situation in Ontario is grim just now,” added Lyall. “We are in the worst housing crisis in a generation, and bold action is necessary.”

Sawmill development delivers affordable homes

The Sawmill Housing Development in Vancouver was officially completed in November 2025, delivering 337 affordable homes in the River District. The project includes 220 non-profit rental units operated by M’akola Housing Society and 117 co-op homes through Community Land Trust.

Designed by GBL Architects as the southern gateway to the River District, the project pairs a 26-storey tower landmark beacon along Marine Way with a six-storey zigzagging mid-rise on Sawmill Crescent, framing a sunlit communal courtyard. Two-storey townhomes at street level create a welcoming, human-scaled streetscape.

The exterior features a maroon, square-profile corrugated metal, contrasted with light-grey high-density cement panels, giving the development a distinctive, place-specific identity. A dramatic arrangement of energy-efficient windows and balconies carves shadow and depth across the façades.

“Sawmill embraces a climate-forward envelope and material palette rooted in the site’s industrial history. We have aimed for a building that feels durable, dignified and demonstrably livable for decades,” said Daniel Eisenberg, principal of GBL Architects.

The Sawmill housing development also targets Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code. Key strategies include a window-to-wall ratio below 45 percent, enhanced insulation, high-performance glazing, efficient heat-recovery systems, reduced thermal bridging, and improved airtightness.

The province contributed approximately $36.8 million from BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund, along with annual operating funding of about $1.8 million. The City of Vancouver provided the site through a nominal lease and approximately $10 million in development cost charge waivers.

Large building retrofits designated for funding

Large building retrofits are on the list of projects potentially eligible for the Canadian government’s pending Build Communities Strong Fund. The newly released federal budget promises $51 billion over 10 years for three streams of infrastructure investment, set to begin flowing in 2026-27.

That includes $27.8 billion for municipal projects, $17.2 billion for provincial/territorial initiatives and $6 billion for “regionally significant” projects that also have private sector backing. Large building retrofits, community infrastructure and climate adaptation projects could all meet the definition of regionally significant, the budget document indicates.

“Proponents of regionally significant projects would be required to seek private sector investment, including private investment leveraged through Canada Infrastructure Bank financing, before being eligible for funding under this stream,” it states.

Feds commit $115B for infrastructure projects

The federal government’s 2025 budget puts construction at the heart of Canada’s economic strategy through investments in infrastructure, defence, and housing. These measures are critical to supporting the businesses and people who build the homes, transportation networks, and other projects Canadians rely on every day.

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) commends the government’s significant $115-billion investment in infrastructure, including $51 billion for local infrastructure such as housing and transportation, which will support communities across Canada and enable the ambitious homebuilding agenda.

“Canada has underinvested in critical infrastructure for decades,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA. “These investments reflect the essential role of housing-enabling infrastructure in addressing the national housing shortage and committing substantial resources to these projects.”

The new Build Communities Strong Fund will invest $51 billion over 10 years, followed by $3 billion per year ongoing, to revitalize local infrastructure. Budget 2025 also proposes to provide $213.8 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, for the Major Projects Office.

The industry also welcomes the government’s investment into the construction workforce, with $97 million invested over five years to establish the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund to improve foreign credential recognition, focusing on the construction sector.

While the budget marks an important step toward recognizing construction’s role in Canada’s economy, CCA continues to call for a coordinated national workforce strategy, one that connects immigration, apprenticeships, upskilling, and the destigmatization of careers in the skilled trades.

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) cautions that while the government’s commitments are bold, turning ambition into action will require serious coordination on the ground.

“Budget 2025 is a big moment for Canada’s construction industry and for the Lower Mainland,” said Jeannine Martin, VRCA president. “The investments are bold, and the direction is right – but turning ambition into action will take timely permits, fair procurement, and a workforce ready to build.”

VRCA notes that the real test will be how quickly projects move from promise to progress.

“Federal funding opens the door,” said Martin. “But without faster approvals, fairer procurement, and a strong plan to tackle rising costs and labour shortages, that door could stay half-closed. Our members are ready to build but readiness needs realism.”

Recognizing the risks of harmful toxins in commercial cleaning products

Commercial cleaning products can present a risk to janitorial staff and building inhabitants, so it’s important to know what’s in the products you’re using, the potentially harmful ingredients, and substitutions you can make for a safer environment. While greener choices can sometimes be made, when harsh chemicals are being used, cleaning staff and managers need to be aware of the dangers and the factors involved to be able to make choices that lessen those risks, without compromising results.

Using harsh chemicals as part of the cleaning process can have adverse effects on the occupants of the building, as well as those handling and utilizing the products. Some of the most common health risks include:

Skin irritation and burns can be caused by direct contact.
Respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, or worsening existing conditions like asthma can be caused by toxic fumes.
Splashes or vapours can result in eye irritation or, in severe cases, permanent damage.
Accidental ingestion of cleaning chemicals can lead to poisoning.

Beyond these health risks, certain cleaning chemicals can also cause environmental damage if they enter water systems.

Some of the most toxic cleaning products often used in commercial cleaning include bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and air fresheners. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), there are several factors that can affect the level of risk associated with a cleaning product, including:

The individual ingredients of the product
How the product is used or stored
The ventilation in the area where and when it is being used
If the product can be splashed or spilled
If the product comes into contact with the skin or eyes
If mists, vapours, or gases can be released

When working with strong chemicals, cleaners need to take steps to minimize risk factors and use products safely and effectively by:

Knowing the hazards of that product before use and paying attention to warning labels that distinguish between caution, danger, and extreme danger, highlighting risks like explosive, corrosive, flammable, or poison.
Reading the label or safety data sheet, and following the instructions or training for dilution, usage, and storage.
Asking for help if the label is unreadable.
Working in a well-ventilated space wherever possible and taking fresh air breaks as needed.
Wearing PPE for protection, such as gloves and goggles.
Knowing what to do if there is a spill or emergency, including putting emergency practices into place and training all staff.
Knowing how to call a poison centre or health care provider if someone has been harmed. Be sure to have the container or label available to tell the health care provider what products were used.
Checking containers for leaks or damage and disposing of them safely.
Storing products in their original containers and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Storing products away from the heat in rooms with enhanced ventilation.
Using cleaning scrubbers or mops that do not require hands to come into contact with the cleaning solution.
Washing hands with water after working with a cleaner, and always wash before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Disposing of unused products as per municipal guidelines for chemicals and hazardous waste. Ensure that staff do not reuse empty containers that could cause dangerous chemical combinations.
Opting for less toxic, safer options wherever possible by choosing products with low amounts of VOCs, fragrances, irritants, and flammable ingredients.

While some companies are switching out harsh chemical products for more sustainable options that contain natural, organic ingredients, many potentially dangerous chemical cleaners are still found in custodial closets. Managers and janitorial staff need to follow safe practices, read labels, and work towards minimizing exposure to these harmful products.

Paint experts predict 2026 colour trends

Colour trends play a vital role, influencing consumer preferences and shaping the overall aesthetic of interior spaces. In the year ahead, paint brands predict colours inspired by nature. More specifically, brown is back as the new beige and green isn’t going away.

Here are eight major paint manufacturers’ specific picks for 2026.

Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore has fully embraced brown after its 2025 pick, which was a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety brown. 2026’s chosen colour, Silhouette, is a rich espresso hue with subtle hints of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. It’s meant to reflect a perfectly tailored suit — classic and versatile, elevating any space from expected to exceptional.

Krylon
Best known for its spray paints, Krylon’s select is also inspired by the world’s most consumed beverage, after water. Coffee Bean is bold-bodied and sure to make a big statement wherever used. At the same time, this almost-black brown invites a sense of harmony and serenity into the home.

Pittsburgh Paints
Pittsburgh Paints picked brown, too, though its choice has a distinctive red tinge likened to rust and reddened soils. Warm Mahogany is simultaneously refined and dynamic; its brown undertones ground a room, while its lively red hues add warmth and abundance.

Sherwin-Williams
In line with Benjamin Moore, Krylon and Pittsburgh Paints, Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki is a grounded neutral that’s timeless and ultra-usable, complementing a wide range of colours. However, where Sherwin-Williams differs is its shade is a mid-tone tan, both familiar like the enveloping warmth of a well-worn jacket yet fresh.

BeautiTone
BeautiTone has gone with an earthy hue again, though the paint brand opted for a deep, moody green this year, instead of brown like it did in 2025. Reminiscent of a shaded forest floor, Muse is steeped in the artistry of the classic paints, providing darkness and depth to anchor a space.

Sico
Likewise, Sico went with a green, Boreal Forest, a symbol of shared Canadian identity. The deep green captures the spirit of this country’s natural landscapes, and pays tribute to the resilience and renewal of some of the world’s largest forests.

Valspar
Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus is also a green that trends on the warmer side, though it pairs with cooler shades, too. The rich botanical green reflects a collective desire for calm, grounding design that adapts to the ever-changing pace of life.

Behr
Unlike BeautiTone, Sico and Valspar, Behr’s 2026 pick is a cooler green with a fresh twist. Hidden Gem, a smoky jade, hits just the right balance between blue and green, and still has a nod to nature.

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