Toronto rental renovation bylaw coming this summer

Effective July 31, 2025, the Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw in Toronto will require landlords to obtain a licence before starting repairs or renovations that involve displacing tenants under the Provincial N13 process. The new bylaw was adopted by Toronto City Council in November 2024, in what it calls an effort to “curb bad faith evictions” and the practice of renovating rental units for the purpose of raising rents.

“Renovictions, where tenants are evicted under the false pretense of necessary renovations so landlords can increase rents significantly or refuse to allow for tenants to return to their homes, are an ongoing issue in Toronto’s rental housing market,” the press release states. “Renovictions disproportionately impact low-income and marginalized communities, exacerbating housing insecurity and leading to the loss of affordable rental housing options.”

The City of Toronto is advising landlords to prepare for the new obligations ahead of any upcoming renovations that will require a tenant to move out.

A Rental Renovation Licence will be required for each unit where an N13 notice is issued, and renovations cannot begin until all the requirements are met. This includes securing building permits, providing proof that the unit must be vacated to complete the work, and submitting a complete licence application. Landlords must also follow timelines, provide formal tenant notifications and submit plans outlining compensation or accommodation if the tenant chooses to return, or rent-gap compensation if the tenant chooses not to return.

“With a growing housing crisis, it is more important than ever to protect tenants and preserve our existing affordable housing,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “The Rental Renovation Licence Bylaw is one of the important ways the City is leading the way to address the housing crisis and help ensure Torontonians have a safe and secure place to live.”

Instructions for how to apply for the licence will be published in the coming weeks, before the bylaw comes into effect. In the meantime, more information and related resources for both landlords and tenants are available at the following website: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/rental-housing-tenant-information/understand-fight-evictions/renovictions-bylaw-development/

U.S. states feel tariffs in procurement costs

Tariffs threaten to add up to USD $50 million to New York State’s annual procurement costs for construction services, a new multi-state legal challenge maintains. The recent filing in the United States Court of International Trade, on behalf of 12 state governments, also raises the spectre of Ontario and/or Quebec imposing retaliatory restrictions on electricity exports and warns: “this would be catastrophic”.

Attorneys General from the 12 states — Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Vermont — are arguing that the U.S. President’s use of the International Emergency Economics Power Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs is not in accordance with the Act’s intent and is an unconstitutional exercise. Their complaint, filed April 23, contends that he has wrongly assumed authority to impose taxes that only Congress possesses, and that his justifications for doing so do not meet the IEEPA’s standard for “unusual and extraordinary threats” primarily originating from outside the U.S..

“In the nearly five decades since IEEPA was enacted, no other President has imposed tariffs based on the existence of any national emergency, despite global anti-narcotics campaigns spearheaded by the United States and longstanding trade deficits,” states the legal application that Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield submitted on behalf of his state and those of his 11 peers. “The novelty of citing IEEPA for the carte blanche tariff authority the President has exercised is itself good reason to treat these Orders with suspicion.”

The Attorneys General note that the executive orders outlining the premise for tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports do not include a rationale for the tariff rates or explain how the subject goods are relevant to the U.S. fentanyl crisis that Canada and Mexico purportedly propagate. The justification for the reciprocal tariffs imposed on most other trading nations except Canada and Mexico is also questioned since the executive order describes the trade deficits triggering the emergency as “persistent”— inherently meaning that they are not unusual and extraordinary.

The Attorneys General reject the U.S. government’s supposition that trade deficits arise from other trading nations’ efforts to “suppress wages and consumption” thereby “artificially increasing the competitiveness of their goods in the global market”. Conversely, they suggest trade deficits are reflective of U.S. importers’ and consumers’ superior purchasing power relative to their global counterparts.

The U.S.-based real estate economist, Mark Dotzour, made a similar observation during a recent online presentation to the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) Canada. However, he did not couch it as reason for concern, but, rather, underscored that about 70 per cent of U.S. economic activity is tied to consumer spending.

“When you give them money, nobody can outspend an American consumer. That’s our national, global competitive advantage,” Dotzour asserted.

Projecting financial harms

The court filing also claims tariffs cause “direct financial harm” to the plaintiffs, which have a mandate to provide services that require the purchase of a wide range of materials, equipment, products and parts. This includes both state departments and publicly funded entities like state universities. Typically, they procure from a mix of foreign suppliers and domestic manufacturers that may rely on imported materials and components in their production.

Notably, Delaware’s Office of Fleet Services, which provides vehicles for various state agencies, typically purchases an average of 70 mini-vans from Stellantis per year, which are manufactured in Windsor, Ontario. Meanwhile, the New York Office of General Services (NYOGS) forecasts “significant impacts”, particularly due to tariffs on Canadian, Mexican and Chinese imports. This is expected to push up material costs, escalate bid prices, disrupt supply chains and perhaps decrease the number of capital projects the state can undertake.

“NYOGS’s primary responsibilities include managing and leasing real property, designing and building facilities, and contracting for goods, services and technology for the State of New York,” the filing advises.

Canadian electricity is identified as a critically necessary commodity. In 2024, New York State imported 7.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) or 7.7 million megawatt-hours (MWh) valued at hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars via system interties with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) of Ontario and Hydro Quebec.

“NYOGS estimates that if Ontario or Quebec restricted electricity exports to New York, prices would soar at a time when the State is facing capacity restraints and is relying more heavily on Canadian hydropower than ever,” the court filing projects. “New York cannot simply buy less electricity or buy electricity from other sources.”

Similarly, Oregon’s largest natural gas utility, NW Natural, imports about 60 per cent of its supply from Canada, and it has made a regulatory filing to allow it to argue that tariffs should be recovered in rates. If that occurred, the state would see added costs directly from the purchase of natural gas to heat its building portfolio, and also indirectly if higher natural gas rates are then passed through to electricity generated at gas-fired facilities.

Looking at construction and procurement, NYOGS’s 2024 construction budget was about USD $1 billion, estimated to be roughly evenly split between labour and materials. Estimating the impact of tariffs on a similar amount of bids this year, it predicts added costs of USD $40 to $50 million if tariffs were to apply on 37 per cent of purchased construction materials.

As well, the legal filing reports that material suppliers and subcontractors have become more reluctant to commit to prices for the long-term due to tariff-related volatility, making it more challenging to extend contracts or obtain competitive bids.

“In NYOGS’s experience, these price increases rarely fully recover to pre-event levels. Consequently, the tariffs will likely have a long-term negative effect on project costs and, consequently, agency capital programs,” it states.

Construction ready to work with federal leaders

With the upcoming federal election day nearing, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is calling on successful candidates to take their support for Canadian construction from the campaign trail and into the House of Commons.

Candidates across the country have added their voice to the Construction for Canadians campaign, showing their support for Canadian construction and emphasizing its importance to the nation’s economy and growth.

“We appreciate the commitments federal parties, candidates and leaders have made on infrastructure during this election,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “Now, it’s time to follow through.”

The organization says construction isn’t just about building — it’s about good jobs for hardworking Canadians, safe, reliable infrastructure for communities across the country, and a robust, resilient economy. With tariffs and economic uncertainty, a strong, sustainable Canada needs a strong, sustainable construction industry.

“The industry was facing challenges before the current crisis and will continue to face these same hurdles if systemic inefficiencies and chronic underinvestment are not addressed,” emphasized Gilbert. “Short-term strategies aren’t good enough. To unlock the full potential of construction in driving Canada forward, we need long-term solutions.”

Through initiatives such as the Construction for Canadians campaign, as well as its other industry efforts, the CCA says Canada’s construction sector is ready and willing to work with the next federal government to implement the investments and policies required to enable much needed infrastructure that will support trade, transport and housing.

Making the move to modular

As Canada’s housing crisis persists, technology and innovation are increasingly viewed as critical elements of potential solutions. One promising approach is factory-built housing, which has advanced significantly in recent years, transcending its origins in backyard sheds and single-family homes to include multi-unit structures. The recent opening of a three-storey modular housing development at 1120 Ossington Avenue in Toronto, demonstrated just how quickly a 26-unit residential building could be erected without compromising on quality or aesthetics. Led by the non-profit organization St. Clare’s, and supported by the City of Toronto and CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative, the affordable housing project was constructed using sustainable mass timber technology and finished in under three weeks.

“Twenty-six lives are being transformed as they move into their new homes on Ossington Avenue,” said Mayor Olivia Chow at the project’s grand opening in February. “A bed, a safe place to eat, to heal and find community. Astoundingly, through the partnership with St Clare’s and the federal government, this housing was built in just 17 days.”

Designed by Smart Density and McCallum Sather and developed in partnership with Toronto-based Assembly Corp, 1120 Ossington showcases innovative architectural features while exemplifying the potential of using prefabricated components and sustainable materials in multi-unit construction.

“Canada’s housing crisis demands urgent solutions,” asserts Geoff Cape, CEO at Assembly Corp. “3.5 million new homes are needed by 2030, yet traditional construction methods struggle with stagnant productivity, labour shortages, and supply constraints. At Assembly, we address this challenge by delivering sustainable, factory-built panelized mass and dimensional timber housing that enables gentle densification in already desirable urban neighbourhoods. With 85 per cent of Canadians living in cities, our approach ensures that new housing is not only affordable but also livable and environmentally responsible.”

The company uses domestically cultivated, harvested, and processed wood as the primary material for construction. This strategy is particularly beneficial in light of the ongoing U.S. tariff threats, as it enhances Canada’s ability to build sustainable housing using its own resources. The components are broken into five kits: decks and beams, load-bearing walls, facades, interior finishings, and technical installations. Semi-automated manufacturing techniques are employed to convert the wood into standardized products.

“We take a holistic approach to sustainability, tackling both urban density and climate change by reducing construction’s carbon footprint,” Cape explains. “Our Canadian supply chain is a key part of this strategy, and with our new manufacturing facility opening at Downsview in Toronto in 2026, we will be able to produce 960 units annually, with the potential to scale further.”

Cape credits the recent partnership with the Swedish company Lindbäcks for accelerating the expansion, emphasizing that it enabled Assembly to acquire manufacturing equipment and benefit from critical knowledge-sharing. With nations such as Sweden, China, and Japan at the forefront of the modular timber industry, accessing their expertise has proven invaluable. However, there is still progress to be made.

“Advancing industrialized construction requires product development, policy support, and cultural acceptance—and Canada is on the right track,” he says, noting that Ontario’s building code was updated in January to permit modular wood construction up to 18 storeys; a decade ago, the limit was four storeys. Nonetheless, he states that Assembly Corp will remain concentrated on mid-rise infill projects for the time being, as this strategy aligns with its objective of reducing urban sprawl.

“Our factory-designed, pre-clad panels and pre-site plans enable us to build on previously infeasible sites,” Cape points out, adding that, “we prioritize Canadian-sourced materials to reduce our reliance on foreign markets—and with ongoing U.S. trade uncertainties, our new factory will create local jobs.”

Building higher and faster

Assembly Corp isn’t the only prefabricated housing manufacturer pushing the industry forward. As the technology advances, and governments continue to invest in innovative building solutions, modular construction is on the rise. Montreal student housing provider UTILE recently completed a project in Rimouski, Quebec, featuring 155 rental units. A finalist in CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge, the goal of the project was to “push the boundaries of what modular housing could achieve” and showcase the findings in an upcoming white paper, scheduled for release this fall.

While some of the benefits of modular construction are well documented—such as the climate-controlled environment which allows for year-round construction and the ability to simultaneously build various components, speeding up timelines—other key benefits come from using computer-aided design to ensure efficient use of building materials and bulk purchasing capabilities. And at the back end, manufactured housing offers the advantage of quick and easy installation on urban properties with limited space, environmentally sensitive sites, or remote rural regions. But that’s not to say there aren’t a few cons. According to CMHC, some of the current challenges include:

Design limitations – The need to transport modules to the construction site often restricts their size and shape, which can limit architectural creativity and flexibility.

Transportation and logistics – Moving large modules requires careful planning, special permits, and sometimes even custom routes, which can increase costs and complexity.

Lack of industry standards – Modular construction is still evolving, and the absence of standardized practices can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.

Financing challenges – Securing funding for modular projects can be difficult due to unfamiliarity with the method and perceived risks.

Perception issues – Some stakeholders may view modular construction as less durable or high-quality compared to traditional methods, which can hinder its adoption.

Despite these hurdles, the momentum is growing, and the push for systemic changes to fully realize its potential is underway. Currently, the federal government is actively supporting modular construction, offering funding and loans to encourage its adoption. For instance, $500 million in loans have been earmarked for apartment builders using modular construction techniques, given its growing reputation as a faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to build homes.

Typical assembly process

A modular building is a prefabricated structure composed of repeated sections known as modules. Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) buildings are produced in a controlled environment and can be constructed from wood, steel, or concrete. Modular components are usually assembled indoors on assembly lines. The construction of these modules typically takes between ten days and three months. Modules can be integrated into site-built projects or stand alone, and they can be delivered with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, fixtures, and interior finishes.

Installation of the prefabricated sections is generally carried out using a crane. The modules can be arranged side-by-side, end-to-end, or stacked, allowing for various configurations and styles. Once placed, the modules are joined together using inter-module connections, which link the individual modules to form the complete building structure.

Visit https://assemblycorp.ca/ for more information.

Ontario vague on special economic zones

The Ontario government is seeking to override rules that could impede sanctioned projects and entrusted project proponents within designated special economic zones, but it hasn’t yet clarified what kinds of sites and undertakings will merit that elite status. The proposed Special Economic Zones Act is one component of newly introduced omnibus legislation, which also contains amendments to seven existing provincial statutes and would additionally repeal the Endangered Species Act and replace it with the proposed Species Conservation Act.

Collectively, Bill 5 is presented as an effort to propel major infrastructure, mining and resource development projects that are considered to be instrumental for economic development, and to safeguard Canadian sovereignty against outside threats. That’s particularly focused on tapping into Ontario’s mother lode of critical minerals and speeding up what’s currently a multi-year period to secure all the required approvals for new mines. However, the envisioned special economic zones could host a broader range of ventures.

“Our intent is to reduce government review time by 50 per cent to get shovels in the ground,” advised Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, as Bill 5 was tabled on April 17. “Accelerating responsible resource development — from clean energy to critical minerals projects — creates a generational opportunity that will transform our country into a true energy superpower.”

Some of the other measures in Bill 5 promise to:

ease some approval procedures related to the potential for endangered species and/or archeological artifacts on prospective development sites;
establish provincial authority to block business involvement in the electricity or natural gas sectors based on the country, region or territory of origin of would-be participants;
reduce timelines for securing permits for mining ventures through a one-window approvals process for requirements from various provincial ministries; and
establish provincial authority to suspend, deny or revoke mining claims and leases and prospectors’ licences if it is deemed necessary in order to protect the supply chain for nationally strategic minerals.

Unformed guidance leaves wide undefined scope

Although most of the details related to special economic zones are still vague, the Ontario government has announced it is aiming to designate the first one this September. Associated background information now posted on Ontario’s regulatory registry for public comment indicates there is wide scope for what that could entail.

“A zone will be a geographic area that could include one or more projects of critical or strategic importance. Zones could vary significantly in size, from a small parcel of land to a large area,” it states.

As proposed, special zones could be established via regulation provided they meet prescribed criteria that must also be established in currently non-existent regulations. Once zones are in place, the government would follow guidance in other yet-to-be-drafted regulations to authorize “trusted proponents” and “designated projects” that could be freed from various conventional regulatory requirements that generally apply outside the special zones. Projects could be designated individually, or as part of a macro category of eligible projects that the Minister could define and instigate by regulation.

The Act would allow the Minister to exempt projects and/or proponents from provisions of any provincial legislation and/or any municipal bylaw or requirement of a municipal agency, or to modify applicable provincial or municipal requirements within a special economic zone. As well, the province and affected municipalities would be protected against legal action and financial compensation claims in cases where exemptions or modifications occur.

Revising approval processes

Bill 5 offers a couple of other routes around potential project slowdowns to development proponents both inside and outside special economic zones. These are found in the new Species Conservation Act and amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act.

The proposed Species Conservation Act would enshrine an honour system tied to a newly created Species Conservation Registry and related regulatory requirements for species protection. This would replace the current requirement to obtain permits before proceeding on sites where extirpated, endangered or threatened species may have habitats with a “registration-first approach” that presumes registrants will comply with the regulations and conveys penalties if they do not.

“This eliminates the step of waiting for the ministry to review and approve permits. We are also committing to investing in upgraded IT systems to support this newly expanded registration regime,” explanatory background posted on Ontario’s regulatory registry notes. “There will still be requirements set out in regulation that protect species, and we will also continue to provide information and protection guidance for species through policies and implementation supports.”

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks commits to consulting with the public and Indigenous communities and organizations as it develops the enabling regulations, which will likewise be posted on the provincial environmental registry for comment. Requirements under the legacy Endangered Species Act would remain in place, with some adjustments, until the new registry is ready to be launched. That’s forecasted to be sometime in early 2026.

A proposed amendment to the Ontario Heritage Act would give the Ontario government authority to exempt designated types of development from the requirement to conduct an archaeological assessment, provided it meets with certain criteria that will be set out in a yet-to-be-devised regulation. Accompanying background posted on the provincial regulatory registry indicates that the exemption could be available for transit, housing, health and long-term care facilities or other infrastructure and project types deemed to be a provincial priority.

In contrast, exemptions would not be granted on cemetery lands or other burial grounds, former sites of Indian residential schools or sites that are classified as archaeologically significant.

Shutting out unwanted interest

The provincial government maintains it needs the flexibility to impose restrictions on foreign business involvement in Ontario’s electricity and natural gas transmission, distribution and storage sectors to safeguard against “antagonists” and risks of “malware, manipulation, tampering, extortion, surveillance, rate payer harms and other prospective threats”. Proposed new regulation-making authority would allow the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) to exclude bidders from specified countries or regions from procurement exercises for systems, equipment, services, facilities or technologies.

“In addition, this proposal would enable a mechanism to respond to future trade restrictions imposed by other countries which target the Canadian/Ontario economy,” states accompanying analysis on the provincial regulatory registry. “With respect to resource procurements, MEM’s proposal to limit foreign participation in the energy sector would focus on future resource procurement activities not processes already launched, awarded and being implemented.”

Related to mining activity and critical minerals, it’s suggested the proposed regulations can be used to counter “bad actors” and protect Ontario’s mineral resources and the supply chain for nationally important minerals. The Minister would have new authority to suspend or shut down all or some function of the provincial Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS) and to:

suspend, restrict or terminate MLAS accounts and/or prospectors’ licences;
deny registration for MLAS accounts, prospectors’ licences, or lease issuance;
cancel or revoke unpatented mining claims or occupation licences; and
terminate leases.

“The Minister would consider any risk assessment provided by the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the economic interests of Ontario, and any prescribed factors in making these decisions,” accompanying information on the regulatory registry states.

All these matters are open for public comment until May 17, 2025 via the pertinent online portal on Ontario’s regulatory registry.

Ecolab announces five per cent trade surcharge in the United States

Ecolab Inc. has announced a five per cent trade surcharge on all of its solutions and services in the United States, effective May 1, 2025. This surcharge is intended to mitigate the impact of rising raw material costs due to recent changes in international trade policies. With the implementation of this surcharge, Ecolab’s focus remains on delivering value that exceeds the total price increase, helping to offset the impact for customers.

Christophe Beck, Ecolab’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, “At Ecolab, our customers are our priority, and we are committed to delivering exceptional value and best-in-class outcomes, no matter the circumstances. Our robust and agile global supply chain is a competitive advantage that sets us apart in the marketplace. Through our ‘local for local’ model, we’ve strategically positioned ourselves to ensure that more than 90 per cent of our sales are produced close to our customers, allowing us to effectively navigate challenges like this with confidence.

“We are leveraging the strength of Ecolab to mitigate the impact of the 10 per cent global baseline tariff. However, global tariffs greater than 10 per cent and the 145 per cent tariff placed on China are having broader impacts on the cost of some raw materials, packaging, and equipment. We cannot fully mitigate these increases, necessitating adjustments in our pricing. Because of the proactive actions we have taken in our supply chain, we are currently able to limit the price increase to five per cent for our customers in the United States. This surcharge supports our commitment to reliable product supply and allows us to continue to invest in the areas that help us deliver the best outcomes for our customers. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and stand ready to take decisive, market-driven action to adjust the surcharge accordingly.

“For more than a century, Ecolab has been a steadfast partner to our customers in their time of need. Through our proactive actions, we are confident in our ability to deliver exceptional total value to customers and superior returns for shareholders in 2025 and beyond,” Beck affirmed.

Green Seal releases 2025 Impact Report

Green Seal has announced the release of its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the meaningful progress the global nonprofit and partner brands that partner have achieved over the past year.

The report celebrates the brand leaders who have helped transform the commercial and institutional cleaning industry through their commitment to delivering safer and more sustainable products. It also previews how the non-profit plans to expand its initiatives to the household products market.

Green Seal-certified products meet comprehensive health and sustainability requirements, achieving impacts in 2024 across features including:

Safer chemicals: Green Seal-certified cleaning products protected 9.8 million students and teachers from toxic chemicals.
Responsible sourcing: Green Seal-certified sanitary paper saved 8.5 million metric tons of carbon emissions due to recycled-fibre sourcing – the equivalent of taking 2 million cars off the road.
Low-impact manufacturing: Green Seal-certified sanitary paper reduced manufacturing water use by 22 billion gallons due to the use of recycled fibre.
Sustainable packaging: Green Seal-certified cleaning products saved 213 million pounds of plastic through packaging optimization.

The release of the Impact Report follows the ecolabel’s launch of a new brand identity and certification mark to help household consumers cut through greenwashing and identify products that are safer for people and the planet – the same role the Green Seal mark has played in the away-from-home market for nearly 25 years. The new identity is the first step in Green Seal’s commitment to taking bold action to align the consumer-packaged goods and retail communities on the definition of safer and more sustainable products – a key step to reduce consumer confusion in the marketplace.

“Green Seal is committed to providing clarity, transparency, and a meaningful designation for consumers seeking safer and more sustainable products, much like we have for the away-from-home market over the last two-plus decades,” said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. “Our goal is to simplify sustainable shopping, so consumers find it easier to put their wallets where their values are. This Impact Report offers insight into how, together with our stakeholders, we envision turning this ambitious goal into reality.”

The 2025 Impact Report highlights how Green Seal is raising the bar for product sustainability with initiatives to eliminate PFAS from the supply chain, accelerate the transition to sustainable packaging, and align the consumer-packaged goods and retail communities on the definition of safer and more sustainable products.

The report also features case studies of companies that demonstrate leadership in their industries with products that meet Green Seal’s comprehensive health and sustainability standard.

“Green Seal is a third-party, independent organization paving the way for new, safer technologies. That is the bar we strive to meet, and even exceed, with everything we do,” said Caryn Gilliam, Chief Strategy Officer of PortionPac Chemical Corporation. “Through the Green Seal process, we have been able to develop state-of-the-art cleaners with incredible cleaning power and safer ingredients.”

“We knew that a Green Seal partnership would reassure our customers that our product really delivers what we say it does, in terms of cleaning efficacy and environmental impact,” said Melissa Lush, Co-Founder at Force of Nature.

“To us, the Green Seal label is a clear testimony to the fact that Cascades’ products meet the highest environmental standards, which differentiates us from the competition,” said Stéphanie Bureau, Sustainability Advisor at Cascades.

“For us, this partnership is more than a certification; it’s a way to hold ourselves accountable, continuously improve, and give consumers the reassurance that Be.blum is doing things right,” said Dayana Arango, Chief Business Officer of Be.blum. “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, and Green Seal helps us validate that commitment with transparency and integrity.”

To view the results of Green Seal’s 2024 Impact Report, please visit here.

VRCA unveils Summit to Success lineup

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) has unveiled its 2025 Construction Leadership Forum (CLF): Summit to Success three day lineup.

Set to take place May 8 to 10 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the CLF offers leaders the opportunity to step away from the jobsite and step into big-picture thinking, leadership development and industry connection.

This year’s theme of Summit to Success is a call to action for leaders to level up their leadership, strengthen their teams and shape the future of B.C.’s built environment.

More than 300 participants are expected and this year’s highlights include:

Summit to Success: Step Out. Shove Off: Stories and lessons from above the clouds and past the ocean’s horizon with Laval St. Germain – Expert at turning dreams into goals into reality.
From the Locker Room to the Job Site: Coaching Strategies for High-Performance Teams featuring moderator Will Pauga, president Southwest Contracting Ltd. and panellists: Sean Millington, five-time CFL All Star, two-time Grey Cup Champion, BC Sports Hall of Fame Alumni; Terry McKaig, founder and president – Actuate Agency and Team Canada Baseball Head Coach NAIA Coach of the Year; and Dave Babych, NHL Defenceman 1980-2000, Canucks Alumni.
Samantha Shakira Clarke on creating psychologically safe workplaces.
Glenn Ackerley breaks down construction law every leader should know.
Pierre Cléroux of BDC on the economic outlook that impacts your bottom line.

There will also be networking opportunities throughout the forum and attendees can also earn three Gold Seal Certification credits.

“CLF is where leadership meets momentum,” said Jeannine Martin, president of VRCA, “This isn’t just a conference, it’s where the future of construction come to recharge, reimagine and reignite their purpose. Whether you’re looking to tackle today’s challenges or get ahead of tomorrow’s trends, CLF will leave you energized, connected, and ready to lead with impact.”

Guelph greenlights taller residential buildings

The City of Guelph will now allow taller buildings in the downtown and Stone Road/Edinburgh Road areas to boost housing supply as the city is expected to grow to 208,000 people and 116,00 jobs by 2051.

Approval of an official plan amendment in the downtown area will allow for taller buildings in restricted strategic locations, within peripheral areas to preserve the historic character of the city’s core. The maximum height will increase to 24 storeys in some spots. The iconic view of the Basilica of Our Lady from Macdonell Street is now being protected.

Under a new community planning permit bylaw and official plan amendment for the Stone Road/Edinburgh Road area, there will be more streamlined approvals for development projects. Buildings can now be up to 18 storeys in mixed use areas (12 storeys higher than what the current zoning bylaw directs) and up to 14 storeys in high-density residential areas (compared to the current 10 storeys).

Builders must include affordable housing or other city-identified needs as part of their projects.

“By building up these key growth areas, especially near our central transit station, the City is making it easier to bring more housing to Guelph,” said Mayor Cam Guthrie. “These new height allowances will ensure more people have a place to call home as our city grows and will amplify the vibrancy of the downtown core.”

Changes in the Stone Road/Edinburgh Road area are part of a community planning permit system one of the eight commitments in the Housing Accelerator Fund action plan to fast-track housing development. In the next phase, the city wants to eventually examine how a community planning permit bylaw could be applied to the downtown. As it stands, there are no current plans to further increase building heights in the city’s core as part of this project.

Simplify Sustainability: Energy Efficiency Resources for Mid-Tier Buildings

Mid-tier building owners and managers juggling multiple priorities now have valuable allies in their sustainability journey. The BOMA Enspire program offers supportive funding and guidance specifically designed to help Class B and C building professionals unlock energy saving potential in ways that respect their unique challenges and constraints. “Focusing on the mid-tier building sector, which makes up over 65% of Canada’s total building stock, offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate operational standards across the industry,” shares Bala Gnanam, Vice President of Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations with the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada.

BOMA Canada is delivering this program with funding through the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI). Since its launch in Fall 2024, BOMA Enspire has engaged with over 11,000 buildings across Canada, with more than 200 participating in its first funding initiative, the Quick-Start Audit Initiative. Building on this encouraging response, the program will soon introduce the Building Performance Excellence Initiative this spring. The upcoming Building Performance Excellence Initiative will offer a flexible menu of support through three complementary streams:

Energy Opportunity Identification: Funding for audits and technical studies
Building Performance Optimization: Support for recommissioning, monitoring systems, and green building certifications
Deep Retrofit Enablement: Resources for planning, design, and management of major retrofits. Participants can receive support for up to 80% of eligible costs, with combined project caps of up to $125,000 per building. This flexible structure allows building owners and managers to select the activities that best address their specific needs and priorities.

All BOMA Enspire enrollees will have access to a robust education series, certification training, and information sessions providing valuable insights to improve their building’s performance. Understanding that mid-tier building professionals excel at maintaining day-to-day operations despite often having limited resources, BOMA Enspire helps owners and managers navigate what can sometimes feel like an overwhelming process: determining emissions profiles and creating practical savings plans aligned with their unique goals, resources, and budgets. Qualified and experienced energy management and sustainability professionals serve as guides, offering their expertise to make success accessible. Industry service providers have been instrumental in connecting their clients with BOMA Enspire and providing guidance through the enrollment process. To strengthen these vital connections, BOMA Enspire will launch its Service Provider Directory this spring, creating a trusted resource to help building owners and operators connect with qualified professionals, streamlining the path to building improvements.

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE WHILE BENEFITING TODAY

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, proactive building improvements are increasingly important. While the full details of future compliance requirements are still developing, it’s reasonable to expect that buildings not meeting minimum performance standards could face financial penalties. Inaction at this time will inevitably lead to consequences in the near future.

“Enhancing the everyday experience of building occupants is key to driving tenant satisfaction and long-term retention,” notes Benjamin Shinewald, President & CEO of BOMA Canada. “While immediate business needs often take priority, neglecting updates ultimately impacts usability, tenant comfort, and your bottom line. By addressing these issues proactively through programs like BOMA Enspire, owners create not just more sustainable buildings, but more profitable ones as well.”

The BOMA Enspire program offers a practical path forward that delivers multiple benefits: operational cost savings, enhanced appeal to tenants, and preparation for future regulatory requirements. By making sustainability more accessible for mid-tier buildings, the program helps transform challenges into opportunities for the commercial real estate sector.

Building owners and managers interested in getting ahead of regulatory requirements while capturing significant operational benefits can begin their energy savings journey today. The program website at www.bomaenspire.ca provides comprehensive information, while the support team is available via email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-BOMA-511 (1-877-266-2511).

HVAC maintenance and IAQ

Improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your building is important for companies looking to minimize common indoor pollutants and mitigate the risk of health issues for employees and visitors. Maintaining your HVAC system is a key component in improving the IAQ in your building, and a proactive approach can help maintenance managers avoid the spread of germs, avoid mould, and improve the performance and function of indoor employees.

Taking a preventative approach with your HVAC system can help you provide clean air inside your building:

Schedule a spring tune-up to ensure your HVAC system is functioning properly to meet the spring and summer cooling demands. Checking the connections, cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils to remove the buildup, and testing and lubricating all moving parts should all be part of the tune-up to enhance the performance and improve the longevity of your system.
Perform regular maintenance like air filter changes to improve function and lengthen the lifespan of your equipment. Dust and debris accumulate on the filters and can be released through your building, so maintaining a regular replacement schedule is important.
Dirt and dust can also accumulate inside your thermostats, so cleaning and calibrating thermostats as part of your spring maintenance helps keep your system in optimal working order.
Consider upgrading to smart solutions like programmable thermostats if you haven’t already, as these technology tools can help provide valuable data to limit use and reduce costs.
Check refrigerant levels and for signs of leaks, which can cause your system to work harder than it needs to, increasing energy use and overworking the system.
Clean the air ducts to remove any dust, dirt, or mould that may have accumulated over the winter.
Stay vigilant in monitoring and controlling the humidity in your building. Recommended humidity levels should be between 30 and 60 per cent to limit dust levels and mitigate the risk of mould. Facility managers can purchase tests to determine their building’s relative humidity and can purchase humidifiers and dehumidifiers to remedy the issue.

By conducting a spring tune-up on your HVAC system, you can help avoid disruption during the hot summer months, lower your expenses, limit the spread of germs, and improve your IAQ with efficient cooling in your building.

Climate for preventive health care intensifies

A consistent lens for assessing climate risk resilience in Canadian hospitals fits well with preventive health care practices and growing recognition of how the social determinants of health create pressures and costs for the broader health care system. The Health Standards Organization (HSO), the national standards development and assessment body for the health care sector, is currently inviting hospitals to help test a new environmental evaluation and benchmarking tool.

Participating hospitals will have the opportunity to plot their own practices and performance in any or all of 10 categories, which encompass patient-facing, administrative and facilities management services, and to compare their scores against anonymized averages from the broader database. The benchmarking tool is based on the longstanding green hospital scorecard, and has been developed in collaboration with the scorecard’s sponsor, the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care (CCGHC).

The new iteration comes after HSO formally pledged earlier this year to develop guidance to help hospitals respond to climate-related risk. This will be done in tandem with Accreditation Canada, the not-for-profit inspection body that oversees compliance with medical practice and facilities standards.

“We are thrilled to usher in a new era for the scorecard in partnership with HSO and Accreditation Canada,” says Dr Myles Sergeant, executive director of the CCGHC. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to supporting hospitals across Canada in their sustainability journeys and advancing a climate-resilient, net-zero health system.”

During this test phase, participating hospitals can use the tool to get a reading of their own climate resilience profiles and provide feedback to the benchmark developers. Interested candidates can apply through the online portal until May 22, 2025.

“We’re excited to continue learning from and working alongside global climate action leaders to drive forward on low-carbon, sustainable and climate resilient health systems,” says John McGraw, HSO’s vice president, products and strategic offerings.

UCalgary moving SAPL to converted office tower

An innovative partnership between the University of Calgary and the City of Calgary will see the move of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) to Calgary’s urban district.

The city is investing up to $9 million to convert an underused office tower at 801 Seventh Ave. S.W. into active academic, teaching and research space. This expansion to UCalgary’s downtown campus will move SAPL students from main campus and the current City Building Design Lab into a 180,000-square-foot space.

“Through this first-of-its-kind investment, the University of Calgary will be able to further grow the local economy by educating the workforce of tomorrow,” said Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, president and vice-chancellor, UCalgary. “This will create 1,200 new student spaces downtown, offering students a unique, real-world learning experience while freeing up 800 vital spaces on campus for in-demand programs. We are grateful to the City of Calgary for this important investment in post-secondary learning.”

This expansion to the university’s downtown campus for the new home for SAPL includes design studios, classrooms, research spaces, a robotic fabrication workshop, an exhibition gallery, and a community-facing design justice lab. The recently renovated building atrium will be regularly used by SAPL for public lectures and events focused on city building.

The move downtown provides a unique opportunity for architecture, planning and landscape students to apply their knowledge in a practical, hands-on urban setting.

“This relocation and expansion downtown will enrich the educational journey of our students, providing a dynamic urban context for learning within the fabric of the city,” said Dr. John Brown, PhD, SAPL dean. “Being immersed in the heart of the city is important because it provides more opportunities for our students and researchers to work with our professional community, the city, and others on collaborative projects.”

Vancouver’s unsold condo inventory could surge by 60%

Nearly 3,500 new condo units in Vancouver could remain unsold this year as completions outpace demand, according to a new spring report from rennie.

The region’s unsold condo inventory is projected to rise by more than 60 percent this year—growing from 2,179 units in completed projects to 3,493 units by the end of 2025. Growing inventory may affect pricing, delay future construction, and shift how housing meets the needs of buyers and renters.

“If the current trajectory holds, we’ll be ending 2025 with the highest level of unsold condo inventory in years,” said Ryan Berlin, head economist and VP of intelligence at rennie. “That has real implications, not just for what gets built next, but for how the region manages affordability, absorption, and future growth.”

Other key takeaways from the report revealed that:

The labour market is slowly deteriorating: Recent patterns reflect past recessions. As the senior population grows, the country is approaching a demographic tipping point. Meanwhile, despite heightened policy uncertainty, financial markets remain steady—though BC’s reliance on exports still makes it vulnerable to global volatility.

Inflation has been tamed: Inflation is cooling and the Bank of Canada has lowered its policy rate into neutral territory. Mortgage rates are following suit, yet the Canadian dollar continues to weaken relative to the U.S. dollar—thanks in part to ongoing trade disputes and widening rate differentials.

Borrowing is on the upswing led by consumer credit: With lower interest rates and rising incomes, households are spending a smaller share of earnings on debt. That said, many homeowners will face higher payments when renewing mortgages in 2025. While arrears rates are ticking up, they remain historically low.

Demographic shifts signal population decline: Canada’s largest cities—especially those reliant on temporary residents—are facing population headwinds. In Metro Vancouver, both domestic and international migration are trending negative, raising the possibility of overall population decline for the first time. Historically, the region has only seen positive domestic migration during recessionary periods.

Rental builds rise, but pre-sale market slows: Construction of purpose-built rental housing is gaining momentum, but ownership housing starts are tapering off due to sluggish pre-sale activity. Changes to REDMA now give developers more time to meet pre-sale thresholds required for financing. Still, higher interest rates, policy shifts, and investor uncertainty are contributing to elevated—and growing—unsold inventory levels.

Policy shakeups reshape the market: Canada’s immigration strategy has undergone a dramatic shift, with new targets designed to reduce population growth through 2026. Meanwhile, OSFI rule changes will allow mortgage holders up for renewal to shop lenders more freely, boosting competition. CMHC has expanded access to insured mortgages with 30-year amortizations, and BC is now offering low-cost financing on up to 40 per cent of a home’s purchase price to support first-time buyers.

Canada’s first large-scale bioinnovation hub opens

A newly opened facility in Nova Scotia will transform the province’s bioindustrial sector and boost domestic supply chains. The Neptune BioInnovation Centre in Dartmouth is promised to become a world-leading facility that fosters biotechnology advancements such as smart materials, bioplastics, functional foods, green chemicals, therapeutics and alternative proteins.

“This Neptune asset and planned expansion are a game-changer for the N.S. and Canadian biomanufacturing sector, building the largest capacity in Canada,” announced Beth Mason, director of the Neptune BioInnovation Centre. “This will ensure companies scale and build commercial plants here, generating a critical domestic green supply chain for Canadian manufacturers to compete here and in Europe.”

The multi-user facility is a first-of-its-kind in Canada and one of three in the world. It is projected to create more than 2,400 jobs, $175 million in salaries and $74 million in tax revenue and contribute $334 million annually to the province’s gross domestic product

The $18-million public-private partnership includes the province, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, and cleantech firm Dispersa. A $5 million investment from the province will help transform the 51,000-square-foot facility into new wet and dry labs that will offer commercial-scale precision fermentation and spray drying capacity.

Feature photo: part of the new biofermentation system at the Neptune BioInnvoation Centre in Dartmouth (Growth and Development).

Work begins on La Petite Maison sur Laprairie

Construction is underway on La Petite Maison sur Laprairie in Montreal. The hub will help solve the crisis of affordable community workspace in the Pointe-Saint-Charles neighbourhood.

The 19,500-square-foot centre will open in summer 2026, with a community thrift store, a drop-in daycare centre that will support 200 low-income families, a solidarity grocery store, a community kitchen that will prepare 2,000 cooked meals annually, a housing committee that will mobilize and support 1,800 participants through workshops, assemblies, gatherings and training programs focused on housing rights, and a women’s centre with 150 members, including victims of domestic violence and their children.

The upper floors of La Petite Maison sur Laprairie will accommodate 52 social housing units constructed by the non-profit organization Habitation Laprairie. A multipurpose hall will act as a central venue for workshops, events, and community activities. Additionally, a public square and a pedestrian path will strengthen existing connections within the neighbourhood.

“Located on a site that residents have been advocating be put to collective for over 20 years, the project carries on this legacy by becoming a space for gathering, mutual aid, and resource sharing, benefiting thousands of people each year,” said Ishelle Macz, chair of the PMSL board of directors and coordinator of the Club populaire des consommateurs de Pointe-Saint-Charles.

Zero Carbon Building

Developed through a co-design process facilitated by Pivot: Coopérative d’architecture and in collaboration with the community, the project will also be certified as a Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) and, implementing various strategies to minimize its environmental footprint.

These include a hybrid concrete and wood structure, reducing the use of more than 1,000 m³ of concrete; the integration of low-carbon materials; high energy performance through an efficient building envelope and mechanical systems; and optimal rainwater management incorporating water retention, soil permeability, and vegetation.

The technical resource group Bâtir son quartier, the construction company SIDCAN, and the engineering firms Poincaré Experts-Conseils, Infrastructel, and Écohabitation will support the La Petite Maison sur Laprairie’s design and implementation.

Vince Brown joins JLL Canada leadership ranks

Vince Brown will join JLL Canada as executive managing director of property management, beginning in May 2025. He comes to his new role with an extensive background in property and asset management, most recently as president and chief executive officer of Capital City Shopping Centre Ltd.

He also previously served as president and chief executive of Triovest Realty Advisors, and has now been tasked with championing innovation while reinforcing JLL’s leading market position.

“The sector is undergoing rapid transformation as the way we use and experience real estate evolves, and its impact on Canadian society is profound,” Brown reflects. “Joining JLL at such a dynamic time in the real estate industry is incredibly exciting.”

“Vince’s stellar track record and visionary leadership are exactly what we need to drive our property management business forward,” says Alan MacKenzie, chief executive officer of JLL Canada.

Projecting financial harms

Unformed guidance leaves wide undefined scope

Revising approval processes

Shutting out unwanted interest

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE WHILE BENEFITING TODAY

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