Ontario Construction Secretariat

09/02/2026

🔨 Ontario Investing Nearly $3.9 Million to Train More Women in the Skilled Trades

The Ontario government is investing nearly $3.9 million through the Skills Development Fund to help more than 310 women across the province prepare for rewarding, in-demand careers in the skilled trades.

Four training projects will provide participants with specialized training, mentorship, employment supports and connections to employers — helping more women overcome barriers to employment while strengthening Ontario’s skilled trades workforce.

🔗 Read the full announcement: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007976/ontario-investing-nearly-39-million-to-train-more-women-for-careers-in-the-skilled-trades

08/20/2026

📊 Ontario Inflation Holds at 2.0% in July, Lowest Among Provinces

Ontario’s annual inflation rate remained at 2.0% in July, the lowest among all provinces.

Higher gasoline prices continued to put upward pressure on inflation, while declines in natural gas prices and homeowners’ replacement costs helped moderate overall price growth.

Core inflation remained subdued, rising to 0.9% excluding food and energy, while inflation excluding gasoline stood at 1.2%.

🔗 Read the full update: https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/economic/2026/08/trump-delays-50-per-cent-tariffs-on-canada-for-three-days

08/18/2026

Ontario’s ICI construction market surged in Q2 2026, with building permit values reaching $11.24 billion — nearly double Q1 levels.

🏥 Institutional projects drove the increase, accounting for more than half of total ICI permit value, supported by a major medical project in the Toronto CMA.

📈 Commercial permit activity also strengthened, while industrial permit values declined.

🏗️ Beyond Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau, London, Hamilton and Peterborough were among Ontario’s leading ICI markets during the quarter.

Read the full bulletin for the latest regional and sector trends:
https://iciconstruction.com/2026/08/18/aug182026_ecoupdate/

08/17/2026

The OCS team is on the ground at the 2026 AMO Conference in Ottawa! 👋

We’re looking forward to connecting with municipal leaders and partners from across Ontario, sharing insights, and having important conversations about our work and the communities we serve.

If you’re at , stop by our booth and say hello!

08/13/2026

Yesterday, LiUNA Local 506 hosted its 33rd Annual Nick Barbieri Charity Bocce Ball Tournament, a wonderful event bringing the community together in support of several local charities.

OCS is proud to support this longstanding tradition and the meaningful causes it benefits. A great day of community, camaraderie, and giving back!

Thank you to LiUNA Local 506 and everyone involved in making this year’s tournament another great success.

08/11/2026

🏗️ New Bulletin: Construction Employment Rises in July as Unemployment Falls

Ontario’s construction labour market improved in July 2026, with employment increasing by approximately 14,200 workers and the unemployment rate falling to 5.0%.

Younger workers drove much of the monthly growth, although the longer-term trend continues to show an aging construction workforce. Significant hiring needs are expected over the next decade as the industry responds to retirements and future construction demand.

📊 Read it here: https://iciconstruction.com/2026/08/11/aug112026_ecoupdate/

08/06/2026

📢NEW Bulletin: Ontario ICI Construction Investment Edges Higher in May 2026, Led by Commercial Projects

Ontario’s ICI construction investment reached $2.88 billion in May 2026, up slightly from both last year and the previous month. Commercial buildings accounted for the largest share of investment. Industrial and institutional spending increased from the previous month, while commercial spending edged down a little. Office buildings, schools, and warehouses continued to attract the most investment.

🔗https://iciconstruction.com/2026/08/05/aug52026_ecoupdate/

07/24/2026

Inflation Eases in June as Gasoline Prices Decline ⛽📉

Ontario's inflation rate eased to 2.0% in June, driven largely by gasoline prices rising more slowly than they did a year earlier. While core inflation ticked up slightly, underlying price pressures remain relatively contained.

With inflation continuing to moderate amid ongoing economic uncertainty, the Bank of Canada is widely expected to hold interest rates steady.

Read the full Economic Update: https://iciconstruction.com/2026/07/24/jul242026_ecoupdate/

07/20/2026

🏗️ New OCS Bulletin: Ontario ICI Building Permits Dip 1.8% in May

Ontario's total ICI building permit value reached $2.11 billion in May 2026, down 1.8% from April. The decline was driven primarily by lower industrial permit values, while commercial and institutional construction intentions continued to grow. Toronto remained the province's largest market, and Peterborough recorded a historic month thanks to a major university project.

Read the full bulletin: https://iciconstruction.com/2026/07/17/jul172026_ecoupdate/

July 17, 2026: ICI Building Permits Dip 1.8% in May, Led by Industrial Decline July 17, 2026 SUMMARY Ontario’s total industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) building permit value was $2.11 billion in May 2026, down 1.8% from April. The decline was mainly due to lower industrial permit valu...

07/15/2026

📈 Construction Labour Market Shows Seasonal Recovery in Q2

Key highlights:
🔹 Unemployment fell to 5.5%
🔹 Both the labour force and employment increased compared with Q1
🔹 Older workers accounted for most of the labour force growth
🔹 Youth unemployment remained the highest, despite improved hiring
🔹 Women saw gains in both labour force participation and employment

Read the full bulletin here: https://iciconstruction.com/2026/07/15/jul152026_ecoupdate/

July 15, 2026: Construction Labour Market Shows Seasonal Recovery in Q2 July 15, 2026 SUMMARY Ontario’s construction labour market improved during the second quarter as seasonal hiring increased. The unemployment rate fell to 5.5%, while both the labour force and employment grew compared with the ...