September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Parliamentary Calendar

• Human Resources, Skills and Social Development Committee to Examine Bill C-266 on Skilled Trades Mobility: On October 6, 2026, the HUMA committee will hear from Canada’s Building Trades Unions and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Institute, along with Academy Canada and Polytechnics Canada, on Bill C-266 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wellington Building.
• Environment Committee Hearing on Home Energy Retrofits: The Environment and Sustainable Development Committee will meet October 6, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to hear witnesses on the topic of retrofits for home energy efficiency, including industry representatives and non-profit leaders.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee Study on Northern Canada Affordability: On October 6, 2026, INAN will convene from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a study on affordability challenges in Northern Canada, with testimony from industry, development, and non-profit stakeholders.
• Government Operations Committee Reviews Federal Land Use for Veterans Services: The OGGO committee will meet October 6, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., to discuss the use of underused and surplus federal lands and buildings for veteran services, with officials from National Defence and Public Services.
• Status of Women Committee In Camera Work on Shelters and Transitional Housing Capacity: On October 5, 2026, the Status of Women Committee will meet in camera from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for drafting reports on women's shelter and transitional housing capacity, as well as senior women’s financial issues.

Federal Government News

Canada and Ontario to Invest $129 Million in Barrie Infrastructure, Reducing Development Charges for Homebuilders

On September 28, 2026, the Governments of Canada and Ontario announced up to $129 million in funding for Barrie, Ontario, under the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP). The initiative provides the City of Barrie with funding in exchange for a three-year reduction of development charges by 50% for residential developments. The DCRP, together with full HST relief on eligible new homes, could reduce the cost of a new home in Barrie by up to $192,223. The city estimates these savings and the infrastructure investments could unlock construction of 23,364 new homes through to 2029. Infrastructure improvements include a new digester, site electrical upgrades, and advanced nutrient removal at the wastewater facility. Funding will be distributed via the Build Communities Strong Fund and is tied to ongoing agreements between federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Build Canada Homes Expands Supportive and Transitional Housing in Toronto

The federal government, in partnership with Build Canada Homes (BCH), University Health Network (UHN), and the City of Toronto, announced on October 1, 2026, an expanded commitment to Toronto’s Social Medicine Housing Initiative. BCH will invest $25 million for 80 new supportive homes, while the overall partnership—with $20 million from UHN Foundation and $19 million from the City—targets more than 300 supportive housing units. The initiative couples deeply affordable housing with primary care and community supports, aiming to improve health and reduce acute care reliance. The model emerged from the Dunn House project and is expected to add 54 supportive homes for seniors at Spring House, breaking ground later in 2026. This collaboration aligns with previous investments to deliver more than 5,600 new rental homes in Toronto.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Northwest Territories to Fund Housing-Enabling Infrastructure Across the Territory

On September 28, 2026, Minister Rebecca Alty and MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong announced over $44.9 million in federal funding through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to upgrade water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities in multiple communities, including Behchokǫ̀ and Yellowknife. These investments are expected to enable construction of up to 2,300 housing units throughout the Northwest Territories. Supported projects include upgrades to water treatment plants and waste systems, aiming to create the conditions required for increased housing development and to preserve current housing stock. The agreement, with a total of $74.2 million in federal funding over nine years, forms part of an integrated approach to boost infrastructure capacity for ongoing and future residential growth.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Funding for Housing Growth in Oromocto, New Brunswick

On September 28, 2026, Canada, New Brunswick, and Oromocto announced combined investments exceeding $16 million in new wastewater infrastructure. The project includes design and construction of a lift station and water transfer infrastructure, expanding capacity at the Gagetown treatment facility. The upgrades are intended to prepare Oromocto for significant population growth and accelerate new housing development as part of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and New Brunswick to Enable Housing Construction in Shippagan

On October 1, 2026, a federal and provincial partnership unveiled over $3 million for water, wastewater, and stormwater works in Shippagan, New Brunswick. Three separate projects will extend municipal services and include upgrades to stormwater systems and roads, providing the infrastructure for approximately 69 new housing units. The funding includes a Build Communities Strong Fund contribution for wastewater treatment improvements.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Home Energy Retrofit Financing and Affordable Housing Projects Funded Across Canada

On October 2, 2026, Minister Julie Dabrusin and MP Jennifer McKelvie announced $66.3 million in support for 162 energy retrofit and affordable housing projects nationwide, under the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund. The investments assist homeowners and builders by making financing available for energy-saving upgrades, new insulation, and high-efficiency systems. Municipal and local partners in Peel, Markham, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Halifax, Fredericton, and Nunavut are among recipients, with projects spanning feasibility studies, program development, and direct retrofit measures.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Invest in Wastewater Upgrades to Support Housing in Nain

Joint investments totaling over $3.9 million were announced October 1, 2026, by MP Philip Earle, Minister Lela Evans, and AngajukKâk Anthony Andersen for Nain’s wastewater infrastructure. The upgrades include sewer main replacements, inflow protectors, and surface grading, improving system reliability and capacity for future growth. The expanded infrastructure positions the community to accommodate new housing and mitigate environmental risk.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Industrial Research and Development Data for 2024–2026 Released

Statistics Canada published industrial research and development expenditures for 2024 (actuals), 2025 (preliminary), and 2026 (intentions) via the Annual Survey of Research and Development in Canadian Industry. The data outline research investments across manufacturing, energy, and intellectual property, informing planning in construction, engineering, and building materials sectors.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Machinery and Equipment Price Index for July 2026 Published

On October 1, 2026, Statistics Canada released the Machinery and Equipment Price Index (2016=100) for July, allowing market participants to assess cost trends for machinery and equipment integral to construction and property development. The dataset is designed to inform capital procurement planning.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Non-Bank Mortgage Lenders Survey Data for Q2 2026 Released

As of September 28, 2026, Statistics Canada published second quarter figures on non-bank mortgage lending, covering origination and portfolio dynamics among alternative lenders. The information can serve to track trends in mortgage financing flows outside the chartered banking system.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental Price Index, Q2 2026

Statistics Canada released the Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing Services Price Index for the second quarter of 2026. The index provides detailed metrics on rental and leasing costs, enabling stakeholders to track cost movements in machinery services crucial for construction projects.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Provincial Government News

Development Charge Reductions and Infrastructure Funding in Barrie, Ontario

The Ontario government will provide up to $129 million to Barrie as part of the Development Charge Reduction Program, cutting charges by 50% for three years and reducing construction costs by up to $62,223 per home.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Cement Firm Fined $475,000 Following Worker Fatality in Bowmanville

St. Marys Cement Inc. was fined $475,000 after a millwright apprentice died during annual shutdown maintenance in 2023; investigation found safety blocking was not installed as required under Ontario law.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Ottawa Foundation Repair Company Fined $75,000 for Safety Breach

Above Water, a foundation and waterproofing contractor, was fined for failing to ventilate a job site after a worker was injured in a 2023 explosion caused by flammable vapours during adhesive application.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Contract Awarded for Webequie Supply Road to Access Ontario’s Ring of Fire

Ontario and Webequie First Nation have awarded a construction manager contract for the Webequie Supply Road, with completion slated for 2030, unlocking regional access and critical minerals development.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Quebec Implements New Policy on Government Acquisitions Contracts

Effective October 2, 2026, the Government Acquisitions Center’s new Policy on Contract Conditions modernizes procurement processes following legislative amendments, impacting acquisition groupings and contract management.

Sources: www.quebec.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• A new blueprint for more sustainable and affordable homes: How industry and government are pursuing designs for housing affordability.
• Collapse of an affordable housing dream: Financial distress disrupts a major affordable project.
• Red tape, lack of coordination delay Ottawa’s affordable housing push: Administrative challenges restrict rollout of federal programs.
• Toronto board of trade urges Ontario to amend zoning and building code rules to spur housing growth: Calls for regulatory changes target increased supply.
• Toronto board of trade calls for regulatory reforms to spur housing growth: Industry seeks comprehensive reform to Ontario building regulations.
• Toronto board of trade urges province to reform housing regulations: Trade group presses for zoning changes and streamlined approvals.
• BILD: Municipal predictability in policy critical for positive housing outcomes: Consistent local policy seen as key for project planning.
• OPINION: Municipal predictability in policy critical for positive housing outcomes: Industry commentary on municipal regulation and development.
• A clear, simple housing fix (that is also wrong): Editorial considers limitations of one-size-fits-all policy.
• Sustainable Energy - Page 5: Recent developments in Canada's sustainable energy projects.

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