July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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

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

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Government Operations and Estimates Committee: Meeting Requested to Discuss Gordie Howe Bridge Study: A meeting has been scheduled for July 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to discuss undertaking a study on the situation of the Gordie Howe Bridge. Session will be televised and webcast.

Federal Government News

Canada and Nunavut Finalize Infrastructure Investment Agreement

The governments of Canada and Nunavut have completed an agreement under the Provincial and Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund, delivering $81.3 million over 10 years for infrastructure projects prioritizing housing and post-secondary education. Nunavut will also receive $74.1 million in health infrastructure funding over three years, building on ongoing federal health support. As part of this initiative, Nunavut will not increase fees or taxes that could restrict housing supply. The federal government also finalized an agreement with Build Canada Homes, supporting construction of 750 new housing units across Nunavut – including 425 public housing units, 150 affordable housing units, 150 supportive housing units, and 25 constructed by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Nearly 100 modular units have already been shipped to communities with additional deliveries expected during the 2026 sealift. Over 30% of these homes will use modern construction methods to improve efficiency in northern conditions.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Government of Canada Awards Contract to Inuit Firm for Residential Complex in Iqaluit

The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, announced a $35.6-million contract to Arctic Fresh Projects Inc., an Inuit-owned business, for construction of a 23-unit residential complex in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The project is among the first under the Buy Canadian Policy and will rely on Canadian-produced steel, aluminum, and lumber. Up to 55 jobs are expected over two years, and an Inuit Benefits Plan is included in the contract. The complex, situated on government property previously occupied by three single-family units, will accommodate federal employees working and living in Iqaluit, with completion expected by December 2028.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Build Communities Strong Fund Supports Wastewater Extension in Green Hill, Nova Scotia

Minister Sean Fraser announced a federal investment exceeding $2.3 million in the Salem wastewater extension project in Green Hill, Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Funded through the Build Communities Strong Fund, the project will lengthen wastewater services by 1,557 metres and enhance pressurized sewer pipes by 2,069 metres, including a new pumping station. This expansion aims to support flood resilience and improved wastewater management to meet growing infrastructure and housing demands.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Federal Investment in Newton Parks Supports Recreation and Community Facilities

Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey Newton, announced up to $11 million in federal investment for upgrades to Newton Athletic Park and Unwin Park in Surrey, British Columbia, through the Build Communities Strong Fund. Planned improvements include a new artificial turf field, energy-efficient lighting, new tennis courts, and expanded amenities such as youth zones and recreational courts. These upgrades are designed to provide year-round access, increased inclusivity, and enhanced community use.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada Invests Over $6.3 Million in Ottawa’s Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex

Minister Gregor Robertson and MP Marie-France Lalonde announced over $6.3 million for upgrades to the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex in Orléans, Ottawa, funded by the Build Communities Strong Fund. The project includes a new full-sized gymnasium, accessible change and washroom facilities, and improved customer service areas, aimed at supporting accessible and flexible recreation spaces in the community.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Releases Building Construction Price Indexes for Q2 2026

Statistics Canada reports that residential building construction costs rose 0.5% in the second quarter of 2026, with non-residential building construction costs up 1.4%. Recent data is available following increases of 0.7% and 0.9% in the previous quarter, respectively.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Investment in Building Construction Declines Slightly in May 2026

Statistics Canada recorded a $66.8 million (-0.3%) decrease in the total value of investment in building construction during May 2026. The industry saw investments totaling $23.4 billion for the month.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Industrial Product and Raw Materials Price Indexes, June 2026

June's Industrial Product Price Index dropped 1.4% month over month but increased 12.4% year over year. The Raw Materials Price Index likewise declined 6.9% month over month and gained 20.7% year over year, according to Statistics Canada.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

New Housing Price Index Updated for June 2026

Statistics Canada has released the New Housing Price Index for June 2026 (December 2016=100), providing current data on housing price trends for the sector.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Minister Lightbound Announces Contract Award Under Buy Canadian Policy for Nunavut Housing Redevelopment

Minister Joël Lightbound will announce a contract award in Iqaluit, Nunavut, under the federal Buy Canadian Policy. The event, set for July 21, is targeted at media in the region and relates to the redevelopment of housing, signaling continued support for Canadian suppliers and construction material producers.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Nova Scotia Panel Advances Housing Project in Fall River

The Executive Panel on Housing in Halifax is beginning public engagement to expedite housing development at Fall River Site B, aiming for construction this fall.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

Manitoba Moves Forward on Chronic Homelessness Plan

Since January 2025, 249 people were moved into transitional or permanent housing; the province has committed funding for 1,788 new social and affordable units and launched tax credits via the RHCI.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

British Columbia Funds Carpentry Training in Williams Lake

A Carpentry Foundation Program delivered by Xatśūll First Nation receives $280,000 from the province, supporting skills training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, youth, immigrants, and those on income assistance.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Major Construction Underway on Yonge North Subway Extension in Ontario

Tunnel launch shaft excavation is complete for the Yonge North Subway Extension, with two tunnel boring machines set to begin work. The province invests $70 billion in overall transit upgrades.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Nanaimo Trades Training Seats Expanded at Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University receives 64 new trades training seats as part of the Look West strategy, bringing total seats to 1,550; government plans $241 million in workforce training over three years.

Sources: news.gov.bc.ca

Government Consultations

Consultations on Steel Goods Tariff-Rate Quotas

Global Affairs Canada began public consultations on administering import tariff-rate quotas for certain steel goods listed in item 82 of the Import Control List, running through August 19, 2026.

Sources: international.canada.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• With tariffs and war, Trump keeps pushing up U.S. housing costs: Analysis of how U.S. tariffs are affecting housing prices.
• CPABC: Housing affordability the top concern among BC CPAs, amidst a complex economic backdrop: BC CPAs cite housing affordability as primary issue.
• CMHC forecasts lower homebuilding over next two years: CMHC outlook projects reduced residential construction.
• New housing construction in Canada slows, but rentals keep going up: Rental unit growth continues amid slowdown in new builds.
• Why a multibillion-dollar electricity infrastructure gap is threatening Ontario’s housing goals: Discussion on electricity infrastructure impacting housing targets.
• North American Construction Group Highlights Growing Opportunity Set Through Nuna Group of Companies: Coverage on construction group activity in northern markets.
• Housing affordability, safety top concerns of post-secondary students as city council approves lodging house rules: Student concerns rise around housing affordability and safety.
• Contractors say policy on major public builds in Manitoba trying to fix problem that doesn't exist: Manitoba contractors react to public build policies.
• Regina Executive Committee reviews housing strategy, approves rapid housing initiative with YWCA: Local government approves new housing initiative.
• New research delves into occupations of people disproportionately affected by opioid deaths: Occupational data links construction trades to opioid mortality trends.

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