July 05, 2026 to July 11, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news related to residential and commercial construction as well as infrastructure and government initiatives and programs concerning housing and housing affordability. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇨🇦 Federal Government News
• 🗺️ Provincial Government News
• 💬 Government Consultations
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Gordie Howe International Bridge Scheduled to Open July 27

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, will open on July 27. The bridge features six lanes and a main span of 853 metres, marking it as the longest cable-stayed span in North America. Canada and the United States have agreed on coordinated toll governance and transparency measures, including a 15-year economic development fund tied to bridge profits. Modern ports of entry on both sides include advanced screening and border management technologies. The opening is expected to reinforce regional supply chains, support manufacturing, and provide new options for commuters and freight traffic. Canada’s Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will partner on toll-rate adjustments, seeking concurrence from the U.S. for certain changes. The bridge is positioned as a substantial addition to North American infrastructure, augmenting the flow of goods and supporting economic growth.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal and Provincial Funding Target Newfoundland Water Upgrades

A joint investment totaling over $32.3 million from federal, provincial and municipal governments is directed to 17 water and wastewater projects across central and eastern Newfoundland, including Torbay and Grand Falls-Windsor. Over $4.4 million supports construction of the North Pond Water Treatment Plant, while $5 million will deliver a new water storage tank and standpipe for Grand Falls-Windsor, expanding local housing capacity. Fifteen other projects will undertake replacements for watermains, upgrades to lift stations, and expansions to water and sewage systems, targeting improved municipal services and increased resiliency. These infrastructure enhancements are linked to expanding new home construction and supporting population growth. The investments dovetail with Build Canada Homes initiatives to finance affordable housing and modern construction methods.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Government Advances Eglinton Crosstown West Extension

Excavation commenced for four underground transit stations along Eglinton Avenue West at Martin Grove Road, Kipling Avenue, Islington Avenue, and Royal York Road. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will stretch the LRT by 9.2 kilometres further west, joining Toronto and Mississauga into a single continuous transit line. The project is expected to support 4,600 jobs annually, spanning engineers, construction trades, and equipment operations. Federal investment exceeds $1.87 billion, part of a larger $10.4 billion in transit infrastructure backing in Toronto. Ontario’s Metrolinx agency leads the construction. Transit riders may benefit from up to 24 minutes travel time savings between Toronto and Mississauga upon completion.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Small Business Procurement Program Measures Unveiled

The Honourable Joël Lightbound and Mélanie Joly announced targeted measures under the Small Business Procurement Program (SBPP) to simplify federal contracting for small businesses. Initiatives aim to remove longstanding barriers, reduce complexity, and cut bid preparation times. The SBPP is complemented by the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program, supported with $79.9 million over five years, which links innovative firms to federal procurement pathways and provides opportunities for product demonstration and scaling. The measures respond to feedback from small firms on difficulties accessing federal contracts, and are intended to build a more resilient supply chain and improve participation by Canadian vendors under the Buy Canadian Policy.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Data: Building Permits Decline in May

Statistics Canada reported a reduction in building permit values for May, amounting to a $215.0 million (-1.7%) decrease from the previous month, settling at $12.4 billion. Data may signal a short-term slowdown in construction intentions as of the latest reporting period.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Federal Investment in Manitoba Construction Sector AI Initiatives

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) announced $1.14 million to the Manitoba Construction Sector Council Inc. for development of a drone and sensor library accessible to small and medium-sized construction firms. Businesses gain access to advanced equipment and training, supporting productivity enhancement in construction and housing. Additional funding through the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program backs Construction Clock Inc. ($471,352) for AI integration in process improvement, ExpensePoint ($2,319,784) for AI-powered expense automation and card services, and mode40 ltd. ($800,000) for expansion of AI-powered factory control software. The aim is to bolster sector competitiveness and adoption of new technology.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Active Transport Projects Funded in Indigenous Communities Across Saskatchewan

Over $19.5 million is being invested via the Active Transportation Fund for nine projects spanning Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band will deploy two active transportation and pedestrian safety plans to improve trail networks and enhance mobility within their reserves. Other First Nations, including Sturgeon Lake, Ochapowace, Red Earth Cree Nation, and Whitecap Dakota Nation, will benefit from new trails and non-motorized transportation infrastructure, providing alternative mobility options and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canadian and Quebec Governments Invest in Montreal Community Complex Renovation

Nearly $12 million in joint funding from federal, provincial, and municipal governments will support the renovation of the Espace+Village Community Complex in Montreal. Funding, including Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program dollars, targets upgrades of systems such as plumbing, electricity, and ventilation, along with structural improvements and expansion to a third floor with a green roof and elevator. The project, spearheaded by Espace LGBTQ+ and sector partners, includes multifunctional spaces and advances toward scheduled opening. Renovation is underway, supported by preparatory funding to ensure timely project delivery.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Small Business Procurement Program Measures to Increase Federal Contract Access

Parliamentary Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ménard, on behalf of Minister Joël Lightbound and Minister Mélanie Joly, described new procurement measures to simplify federal contracting for small businesses. The SBPP introduces targeted changes to reduce complexity, cost, and time for participation. The Innovative Solutions Canada program is backed with $79.9 million over five years, supporting development, testing, and commercialization of new technologies. This is expected to broaden opportunities for Canadian innovators to secure government contracts and expand market access.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Tariff Response Funding Announced in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have initiated the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Tariff Response, with $10.6 million over three years to support tariff-affected workers and employers. The partnership will provide retraining and upskilling assistance via provincial Employment Centres, supporting transitions for workers facing global trade changes. Funding is delivered through Labour Market Development Agreements, targeting industries and communities exposed to tariffs. The collaborative approach features business and labor input and strengthened data-sharing.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Investments Announced for Maison Théâtre Relocation and Expansion

The Governments of Canada, Quebec, and Montreal have jointly invested $43.5 million to relocate Maison Théâtre to a new facility in the Angus sector of Montreal. The carbon-neutral building will host two performance halls, creative spaces, and a mediation room. The project, driven by accessibility and inclusion principles, aims to continue cultural outreach to children and youth, along with supporting artists and expanding regional cultural vitality. Construction is planned to address the loss of former premises due to landlord repossession.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Invests Over $3 Million for Wood Manufacturing Expansion

Ontario is directing more than $3.3 million to Ontario Truss & Wall for expanded production of wood building materials, supporting sector productivity and generating 13 new jobs, while retaining 50 positions and supporting 100 additional jobs in the region.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario and Canada Fund 50 Affordable Units in Wallaceburg

Combined federal-provincial funding of $6.7 million will create 50 affordable units as part of a 72-unit mixed-income housing project in Wallaceburg, featuring accessible common areas and exceeding energy-efficiency standards.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

183 New Homes Announced for Sunshine Coast, BC

Three projects underway on the Sunshine Coast in BC will deliver a mix of units: 94 affordable seniors’ homes, 33 BC Builds homes for middle-income earners, and 56 residences for shíshálh Nation members. Child care spaces are also being created.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Ontario Rewards Kingston With $3.2 Million for Housing Progress

The City of Kingston will receive $3.2 million from Ontario’s Building Faster Fund for exceeding its housing targets in 2025, enabling continued construction of homes and community infrastructure.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ontario Investing $2.2 Million to Expand Apprenticeship Training in Windsor

Ontario is allocating $2.2 million for skilled trades training in Windsor, supporting 80 participants and upgrading equipment for apprenticeships in areas including industrial electricians, sheet metal, and cement finishing.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Government Consultations

Canada Energy Regulator Seeks Feedback on Draft 2026 Remediation Process Guide

The Canada Energy Regulator is inviting feedback until October 5, 2026, on its draft Remediation Process Guide outlining frameworks for demonstrating contaminated site remediation.

Sources: www.cerdialogue.ca

Canada Labour Code PPE Regulation Amendments Open for Comment

A proposed amendment to Canada Labour Code regulations addressing personal protective equipment requirements is open to public comment until July 13, 2026, aiming to update technical standards and terminology.

Sources: gazette.gc.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• New York construction scare highlights the challenges of converting offices into housing: Conversion of office buildings presents structural and market obstacles in New York.
• The premium to live near top schools, Halifax’s housing crunch, the Home of the Week and more top real estate stories: Halifax’s housing market faces pressure as demand intensifies.
• Affordable housing project under construction in southeast Edmonton: Edmonton advances an affordable housing development in the city’s southeast.
• Canada’s housing-supply crisis isn’t over, new construction still needed, CMHC CEO says: CMHC CEO reiterates the ongoing need for new housing construction in Canada.
• Essex adopts new affordable housing strategy: Essex develops a locally-focused strategy to increase affordable housing options.
• Shovels break ground at affordable housing development in Mill Woods: Groundbreaking event signals progress for a Mill Woods affordable housing project.
• New submarine jobs raise housing concerns in Halifax: Job creation in Halifax is raising pressures on housing availability.
• This building could change how we retrofit affordable housing in Canada: Innovative retrofits for affordable housing are underway with potential national applications.
• Affordable housing development in Calgary set to welcome residents: Calgary prepares to welcome residents to its new affordable housing development.

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