October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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

• HUMA Committee to Study Bill C-266 and Housing Starts: On October 20, 2026, Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities will hear witnesses on Bill C-266 regarding skilled trades and labour mobility, draft a report, and review housing starts in relation to federal programs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wellington Building.
• Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee Examines Affordability Challenges: The Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee will hold hearings on affordability challenges in Northern Canada on October 20, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with government and community witnesses at Wellington Building.
• Government Operations and Estimates Committee to Review Federal Land Use for Veterans: On October 20, 2026, the committee will meet in camera from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to consider a draft report on using underused and surplus federal lands and buildings for veterans' services.
• Special Senate Committee on Building Canada Strong Act Hearing: The Special Senate Committee on the Building Canada Strong Act will examine Bill C-39’s subject matter on October 19, 2026 at noon, addressing economic strengthening measures with multiple panels and industry witnesses.
• Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs Focuses on Municipal Infrastructure: On October 21, 2026, the committee will review Bill S-216 concerning the Chignecto Isthmus Dykeland System and Bill S-237 on Cities and Municipalities Day at 4:15 p.m., with Senator Éric Forest as sponsor.

Federal Government News

Ontario Municipalities Secure Federal Funding by Reducing Development Charges

The Governments of Canada and Ontario announced that St. Thomas is set to receive up to $19.6 million through the Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP), corresponding with its reduction of development charges by 30% for single-detached homes and multi-unit housing, and 50% for other units from March 30, 2026 to March 31, 2029. The initiative is expected to save homebuilders up to $5,961 per unit, with additional HST relief promising savings of as much as $130,000 per new home for buyers. Combined, these measures are projected to unlock the construction of 6,196 new homes. The funds will support the design and construction of a new wastewater treatment facility, targeting increased housing supply and affordability.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Centris Real Estate Data Agreement Expands Access in Quebec

The Competition Bureau has entered into a consent agreement with the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB), addressing prior competition concerns. QPAREB will now provide its members with a comprehensive real estate data feed, including sale prices, listing history, and property characteristics, reversing earlier practices deemed contrary to the abuse of dominance provisions in the Competition Act. The settlement follows the precedent set by the 2016 Competition Tribunal decision involving the Toronto Real Estate Board and is expected to promote greater transparency and innovation in Quebec’s real estate brokerage industry.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Saskatchewan Infrastructure Investments Target Housing Growth

Federal and provincial governments committed over $74 million to improve water, wastewater, drainage, and sewer infrastructure across Saskatchewan. The funding supports Phase 1 of Yorkton’s Water Pollution Control Plant Renewal, enabling an estimated 7,150 new housing units and improving environmental outcomes for the Assiniboine Watershed. Additional projects in La Ronge, Shellbrook, Arcola, Estevan, Swift Current, Big River, Naicam, Warman, and St. Louis include expansions to water and sewer systems, flood mitigation, and wastewater infrastructure, all aimed at future housing and economic growth.

Sources: www.canada.ca

New Brunswick Infrastructure to Enable Housing and Active Transportation

Canada and New Brunswick announced over $7.1 million in joint investment through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) and the Active Transportation Fund. In Beaurivage, upgrades to water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems will support up to 150 new housing units, including 20 affordable units. Grand Bouctouche will see resurfaced sidewalks, speed bumps, and enhanced pedestrian safety around school zones, supporting community development and future construction efforts.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Union Training and Innovation Program Extends Support for Skilled Trades

The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) continues to invest in apprenticeship training and equipment for the Red Seal trades workforce. Since 2017, nearly $340 million has supported close to 220,000 participants. New funding streams focus on expanding training infrastructure, introducing innovative partnerships, and increasing investment in training equipment, with a temporary boost in the federal contribution rate for equipment purchases up to 70%. Discussions are underway for bilateral agreements to allocate $2 billion in federal funding to expand access nationwide. A $5,000 Red Seal Completion Bonus and a $400 weekly Apprenticeship Training Grant for eligible weeks are among the new measures rolling out through 2027.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Competition Bureau Commissioner Addresses Adaptive Resilience in Economy

Jeanne Pratt, Interim Commissioner of Competition, delivered remarks at the Canadian Bar Association Competition Law Conference, focusing on how generational amendments to the Competition Act and enforcement actions are shaping pro-competitive outcomes. Recent merger challenges, consent agreements on market intelligence services, and property controls illustrate heightened enforcement. Ongoing studies examine food supply chains and housing markets to identify and address anti-competitive barriers through advocacy and regulatory guidance.

Sources: www.canada.ca

StatsCan Data: Building Permits Surge in August

Statistics Canada reported an increase in building permits issued nationwide in August, rising $1.1 billion (+8.8%) to a total of $13.6 billion. This uptick signals an acceleration in authorized construction activity, with implications for residential and commercial projects and industry demand for permitting, materials, and skilled trades.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

StatsCan Releases Rural Employment Dashboard

A new interactive dashboard from Statistics Canada provides updated data and analysis on employment by industry for rural Canada as of September 2026. Construction and housing sector stakeholders can now leverage this resource for current metrics relevant to labor force dynamics outside urban centers.

Sources: www.statcan.gc.ca

Infrastructure Announced in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Federal and municipal representatives met in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, to announce new infrastructure investment. The initiative aims to enhance community assets, with attendance from MP Philip Earle and Mayor Bert Pomeroy, targeting housing and homelessness priorities for the region.

Sources: www.canada.ca

Provincial Government News

Ontario Funds Housing-Enabling Infrastructure in Guelph via Development Charge Reduction

Ontario and Canada announced up to $48.3 million for Guelph, tied to a 30% reduction in development charges for all housing types through March 2029. Water and wastewater infrastructure improvements are expected to unlock 27,675 new homes.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Orillia Receives $11.3 Million to Support Home Construction and Infrastructure

Orillia will benefit from a $11.3 million DCRP investment, with development charges reduced by 50% for all housing types. The measure targets the construction of 2,025 new homes over three years and expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Centre.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Affordable Housing Project in Bradford West Gwillimbury Secures Federal and Provincial Support

Nearly $15 million from the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative will fund 99 affordable units for seniors with complex needs at 31 Frederick Street in Bradford West Gwillimbury. Partnership also draws on funds from the federal Affordable Housing Fund and CMHC Seed Funding.

Sources: news.ontario.ca

Manitoba Signs Bilateral Housing Agreement with Métis Federation

The Manitoba government and Manitoba Métis Federation agreed to develop over 70 affordable homes for Métis elders and families over five years, supported by $9 million from each party for a total of $18 million.

Sources: news.gov.mb.ca

Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project Reaches Structural Milestone

Construction of the QEII Halifax Infirmary’s new acute care tower has completed its Level 8 podium, using over 5,800 tonnes of steel and rebar. The project is recognized at the 2026 P3 Awards and remains on track for completion in fall 2030.

Sources: news.novascotia.ca

What We're Reading This Week

• Edmonton builds new homes at a record clip, but affordable rental lags: Edmonton's new home construction accelerates while affordable rental supply remains limited.
• More housing can now be built as region grows its water capacity: Infrastructure upgrades in water systems allow for expanded housing development.
• Ottawa announces $430M for skilled trades worker training, recruitment: Federal government unveils $430 million in funding for skilled trades training.
• Home renovation: The art of the mix: Homeowners adapt spaces by mixing old and new styles through renovations.
• Developing a Built Green Platinum home: Feature on techniques and certification requirements for energy-efficient homes.
• Windsor construction industry seeks clarity on Ontario’s new procurement rules: Ontario contractors await guidance regarding updated procurement regulations.
• Ottawa voters say affordability and infrastructure should be prioritized in city housing decisions: Local survey reveals concerns about housing affordability and infrastructure.
• Chow and Bradford debate housing, affordability and transit: Toronto mayoral candidates discuss housing policy and transit projects.
• Big earnings reports, homebuilding and the mood of consumers up front next week: Market coverage of homebuilding and consumer sentiment for the upcoming week.
• OPINION: Why a sustainable and predictable housing market should be our goal: Opinion piece explores stability considerations for housing policymakers.

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