AGP Executive Report

Housing & Infrastructure Funding: Ontario announced more than $9.8M in Skills Development Fund training projects to prepare nearly 1,150 workers for construction, manufacturing, transportation and skilled trades, as the province pushes its broader homebuilding plan. Public Safety & Telecom: Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew asked Bell Canada to help after a 911 outage in Brandon left nearly 90 calls unrouted, with the province calling it unacceptable and pointing to construction-related cable issues. Municipal Housing Enablers: Ontario and Canada are investing $1B for “non-development charge” municipalities to build housing-enabling infrastructure like roads, bridges and water systems, with applications opening Oct. 29, 2026. Energy & Power for Growth: Canada’s clean-energy push for Labrador includes major hydro and wind upgrades tied to the Churchill Falls complex and Gull Island, aiming to triple capacity and support jobs during construction. Community Design: Toronto’s LGA Architectural Partners finished Mabelle Park, a new public space for a high-density housing community, built with resident input and arts programming. Data Centres Backlash: A new poll and Alberta’s Olds gas-power decision highlight growing opposition to data centre development over energy and water use—an issue that’s increasingly shaping local real estate sentiment.

Federal Ethics & Sanctions: A confidential complaint challenges NDP MP Heather McPherson’s Parliament statements about billionaire Igor Makarov, arguing the claims were “false and fabricated,” spotlighting how Canada applies sanctions tied to energy-linked figures. Commercial Real Estate: Kingston’s Spirit Halloween won’t return because suitable retail space (12,000–15,000 sq. ft.) couldn’t be secured in time, a sign of tighter leasing options. Major Infrastructure Funding: Ottawa reallocated $65M to construction and near-term road/bridge work on the Mackenzie Valley Highway corridor, with multiple projects already underway or moving into 2027. Housing & Affordability Context: A new index flags Canada among countries where “forever renting” is worsening as prices outpace incomes, reinforcing affordability pressure. Municipal Retrofit Support: Saskatoon will keep its Home Energy Loan Program running after federal support winds down, helping homeowners fund efficiency upgrades. Justice & Public Safety: Ontario’s cash bail changes face criticism for potentially increasing jail time for low-income and Indigenous people. Energy & Power Expansion: Canada’s Churchill Falls upgrade deal includes $10B in federal financing for expansion, Gull Island, and transmission—aimed at major clean power growth. Construction/Development Watch: Israel issued a tender for about 1,200 housing units in the West Bank’s E1 area, drawing renewed opposition.

Tax Burden: A new Fraser Institute analysis says the average Canadian family paid $50,721 in taxes in 2025—41.9% of cash income—more than what they spend on shelter, food and clothing combined (36%), adding pressure as housing and grocery costs stay high. Ottawa Governance: A commentary argues Ottawa’s bonus culture rewards underperformance, citing Crown corporations like Canada Post and Via Rail as examples of taxpayers funding bonuses alongside losses. Housing & Construction: StatCan data points to fewer units permitted in Q2 2026, while CMHC reporting highlights housing starts slowing as new projects dry up—raising fresh questions for affordability. Energy & Real Estate Risk: Alberta’s Utilities Commission rejected a proposed natural gas power plant tied to an AI data centre campus in Olds, citing suitability and community proximity concerns. Trade Shock for Builders: With Trump pausing a 50% tariff on Canada for three days after Keystone XL talks, BC businesses are still bracing for severe consequences that could ripple into construction costs and housing materials.

Housing Market Watch: Canadian home sales rose for a fourth straight month in July, with listings tightening and the market shifting toward a more balanced supply-demand mix, according to CREA. New Builds & Community Living: Highview Lucan opened in Ontario as a private intergenerational model combining retirement living, dementia care and supported independent living for adults with neurodiversity. Local Planning Decisions: Kelowna approved a revised temporary farm worker housing application for 40 workers at 1190 Lewis Rd., after council rejected an earlier plan for 56 due to zoning limits and public concerns. Infrastructure for Housing Supply: Ontario and Ottawa announced up to $1B to help municipalities build infrastructure for more homes, targeting communities that don’t collect development charges. Skills & Construction Workforce: Ontario is putting $10M into six skilled-trades training programs, including construction-focused training, after scrutiny over past fund selection and accountability. Energy & Land Use: Alberta’s utilities regulator denied a plan for a natural gas power plant with an attached AI data centre in Olds, pushing the developer to look at other options.

Data-centre policy push: Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province should embrace data centres for “data sovereignty,” arguing projects must meet economic, protection and community-confidence pillars—while rejecting incentives and requiring data centres to pay full electricity costs. Power deal with housing implications: Ottawa is putting up to $10B behind a revised Churchill Falls agreement between Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec, aiming to upgrade Churchill Falls, develop Gull Island hydro, add Labrador wind and build transmission—potentially reshaping long-term electricity supply for growth. Local infrastructure procurement: Saskatchewan’s Swift Current Comprehensive High School renovation moves into Phase One procurement with an RFP for construction services, including HVAC/electrical upgrades and safety/fire code work. Transit + construction impacts: Vancouver’s Canada Line Oakridge–41st Avenue station will close early nightly for about a month starting Aug. 24 for upgrades, with TransLink routing commuters to the #15 bus and advising extra travel time. Housing-adjacent business move: A Vancouver mayoral candidate backs “easier, faster, cheaper” entrepreneurship start-up supports, including a tiered micro-grant plan—aimed at filling storefronts with new local businesses. Community safety: RCMP report a drowning at Banff’s Johnson Lake, the fourth Bow Valley drowning this year.

Federal Housing Push: Ottawa and Toronto say they’ll invest $2.7B over three years into 18+ rental projects, targeting 5,600 new units (including 1,800 affordable/supportive/rent-controlled), with 4,500+ expected to break ground this year—though tenant groups warn much of the money flows to developers. Transit & Infrastructure: Transport Canada awards a $32M contract to replace the movable transfer bridge at the Souris ferry terminal in PEI, aiming to modernize a key connection for passengers and vehicles. Construction & Community Care: Winnipeg’s Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre will add a 152-space child-care centre in a new wing, positioning it as an intergenerational hub. Local Housing Access: Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region opens applications for four-bedroom Shantz Hill units in a 24-unit affordable homeownership build. Trade & Energy Politics: Prime Minister Mark Carney points to a Quebec–Newfoundland clean power deal as a major Canadian asset amid looming U.S. tariff threats. Market Watch: Canada’s market edges higher on materials and energy strength as investors digest inflation data.

Housing Infrastructure Funding: Ontario and Ottawa are jointly putting up $1 billion to help municipalities that don’t charge development fees build and renew roads, bridges, and water systems—$500M each—with applications opening Oct. 29, 2026 and projects picked in spring. Local Housing Policy: The program targets a major barrier to new builds: infrastructure repair backlogs and higher construction costs, especially where development charges aren’t used. Property Owner Pressure: In Saint John, a homeowner is calling for stronger protections after an encampment was found on her property, with reported cleanup costs tied to biohazard waste. Risk & Affordability: Saskatchewan boosted the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit for low-income renters and people fleeing domestic abuse, doubling flat-rate support in its “Seeking Safety” stream. Energy/Construction Link: A federal contract worth $768.6M in Ottawa will fund six new science facilities at the CFIA lab site, starting full construction for a broader Laboratories Canada modernization push.

Housing Infrastructure Push: Ontario and Ottawa are rolling out a $1 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to help municipalities that don’t charge development fees build and renew roads, bridges and water systems, with $500 million from each level of government and applications opening Oct. 29. Northern Housing Pressure: A Canadian Press report from Whitehorse highlights how tight supply is hurting recruitment for teachers, health-care workers and construction staff, with northern communities facing extra barriers to building new homes. Northern Supply Spotlight: Statistics Canada data show Canadians are becoming less accepting of gender diversity, with Saskatchewan reporting the lowest acceptance—an angle that intersects with housing stress and local policy debates. Community Development on the Ground: Kelowna’s Okanagan Rail Trail adds new paved and gravel sections after an official opening, showing how local infrastructure upgrades keep moving even as housing remains the big national priority. Local Land Use Tensions: B.C. old-growth logging protests near Port Renfrew underscore ongoing conflict between development and conservation.

Housing & affordability pressure: A Fraser Institute study says the average Canadian family spent 42% of income on taxes in 2025—more than food, clothing and housing combined—adding fuel to affordability concerns. Construction momentum (Saskatchewan): Statistics Canada data shows Saskatchewan led Canada in building permit growth, with permit values up 101.6% from May to June 2026 and up 90.3% year over year, a sign of confidence that could translate into more homes and jobs. Port infrastructure (Montreal): The Port of Montreal expansion is underway with construction of a new wharf after preparatory work in Contrecoeur; the project is a federal “nation-building” fast-track and includes a $1.16-billion Canada Infrastructure Bank loan plus a joint development deal with DP World. Community development (Winnipeg): Winnipeg broke ground on a new Jumpstart Community Pitch at Burton Cummings Community Centre, aiming to expand free soccer access in the West Alexander area. Housing policy debate (letter): A reader argues a reimagined Canada Housing Benefit could cut homelessness significantly, urging action as the next national housing strategy is developed. Wildfire impacts (B.C.): BC Wildfire Service expects fire behaviour to increase Sunday on the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, with residents urged to stay ready for possible evacuation orders.

Port Infrastructure: The Port of Montreal expansion is moving ahead in Contrecoeur, with crews building a new stone work jetty and setting up for a wharf and future container yard as part of a federally fast-tracked “nation-building” push, backed by a $1.16-billion Canada Infrastructure Bank loan and a joint development deal with DP World. Housing & Homelessness Policy: A letter urges Ottawa to prioritize a reimagined Canada Housing Benefit (CHB), arguing it could cut homelessness by 60% and that deeper affordable housing is still urgently needed. Local Housing Pressure: Halifax is considering an affordable housing strategy focused on keeping non-profit grant programs alive, waiving permit fees, and adding tax relief—aimed at sustaining non-market units as federal funding ends. Construction & Permits: Saskatchewan reported a big jump in building permits from May to June, up 101.6% month-over-month, signaling renewed confidence in new homes. Wildfire Costs & Insurance: B.C. wildfire coverage highlights how many homeowners face rebuilding costs that insurance may not fully cover, especially for those without coverage. Community Development: Winnipeg broke ground on a new Jumpstart Community Pitch at Burton Cummings Community Centre, funded by Jumpstart and multiple government and local partners. Energy & Jobs: Northern Saskatchewan’s NexGen Energy Rook I uranium project has broken ground, with Indigenous communities expecting jobs and long-term opportunity during construction.

Indigenous Land Rights: A new B.C. poll finds support for Indigenous reconciliation measures has dropped since late 2025, while many remain worried about the Aboriginal title ruling affecting private and public property in Richmond and the Cowichan case. Housing & Community Impacts: In Summerland, B.C., wildfire re-entry is underway for some Trout Creek residents, but boil-water and water restrictions remain, with structure protection and overnight firefighting continuing. Energy & Construction: NexGen Energy marked the start of construction for its $2.2B Rook I uranium project in northern Saskatchewan, targeting production in the second half of 2030 and citing major local training and jobs. Cost of Living: A Fraser Institute study says the average Canadian family spent 42% of income on taxes in 2025—more than housing, food and clothing combined. Infrastructure for Growth: Alberta mayors welcomed new funding to build water and wastewater infrastructure for housing through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. Telecom Disruption: TELUS customers in Calgary report more than a week of outages tied to copper theft, affecting home phone, internet and TV.

Climate Adaptation Accountability: Ottawa says its 2023 climate adaptation plan is making Canadians more resilient to floods, wildfires and storms, but the Canadian Climate Institute argues the progress report is too optimistic and shows little risk reduction. Construction Cashflow Rules: Prompt payment legislation is spreading across provinces, turning what used to be an Ontario issue into a national compliance headache for contractors working across borders. Housing & Community Development: GWL Realty Advisors has filed a rezoning application for Toronto’s Canada Life campus to enable future intensification, while Peakhill Opportunity REIT has bought its first two purpose-built rental buildings in the GTA. Transit & Mobility: OC Transpo is rolling out new express bus routes, schedule tweaks and more O-Train frequency this fall. Infrastructure Updates: Highway 17 passing lanes near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border are complete, and the Line 5 tunnel project has cleared a key U.S. Army Corps permit hurdle. Energy-Efficient Building Tech: Bosch unveiled new heating and cooling lineups for multifamily buildings, aimed at easier installs and long-term performance.

B.C. Housing & Construction: B.C. home sales slid again in July as the Lower Mainland stayed weak, with 6,561 MLS residential sales down 6.7% year over year and the average price slipping 1.3% to just under $930,000. B.C. Policy Watch: A B.C. legislative committee is urging the province to repeal its planned PST expansion to more professional services and some real estate services, which is set to take effect Oct. 1, 2026. B.C. Development Costs: B.C.’s housing minister faced questions over the Luugat SRO on Vancouver’s Granville Strip, after the province spent about $101,000 in July to keep the 110-room building operating for one remaining tenant. Infrastructure & Access: Fibre internet is coming to Valemount, Cedarside and Tête Jaune Cache, with CityWest tasked to deliver service tied to the Connect the Basin initiative. Energy & Land Use: A new gas/diesel power plant in New Brunswick’s Tantramar is drawing criticism amid concerns about energy policy and local impacts. Housing Supply Approvals: A 51-unit supportive housing complex was approved in Williams Lake. Market Context: CMHC says Canada’s housing market is likely to stay subdued for the rest of the year.

Niagara Gaming Expansion: Ontario says an agreement between OLG and MGE will end exclusivity in the Niagara gaming bundle, opening the door for new casino operators and more investment/jobs under the Destination Niagara Strategy. B.C. Wildfire Wildlife Update: The province says a herd of about 30 mountain goats near Summerland is “thought to have escaped” the Bald Range wildfire, but officials warn the status is uncertain. B.C. Housing Market: BCREA reports July sales in the province fell 6.7% year over year and the average price slipped 1.3%, with the Lower Mainland dragging results. Transit Safety Scrutiny (Ontario Line): Leaked Metrolinx reports describe near-misses and incidents during Ontario Line construction, including strikes involving live underground power lines. Laval Transit Push: Laval’s mayor is backing the Orange Line extension to Chomedey after ARTM flagged it as the most viable option among major metro projects. Community Housing Moves: A $1.4M transitional housing project broke ground in Hearst, adding six units, while Carrot River is using a traffic-safety grant for safer, more accessible sidewalks. Local Crime: Toronto police charge three people after condo break-ins netted $1M+ in stolen goods.

Housing & Planning: Banff council is moving toward expanding the Banff Child Care Centre, directing design work for a proposed 5,812 sq. ft. addition as families struggle with daycare shortages. City Building Approvals: Thunder Bay council voted 9-3 to rezone 791 Arundel St. to allow two seven-storey apartment buildings, despite a large resident turnout and a 2,624-signature opposition petition. Wildfire Risk & Development: B.C. Premier David Eby called the Bald Range wildfire “brutal,” saying it outran modelling and highlighting the need to rethink construction in the wildland-urban interface. Rent Watch: Abbotsford rental asking prices held steady month-to-month in July, but remain down sharply year-over-year, while B.C. overall stays pricier than most of Canada. Infrastructure & Energy (Canada-linked): A major cross-border pipeline tunnel project (Line 5) cleared a key U.S. federal permit hurdle, keeping pressure on Great Lakes environmental and Indigenous concerns. Construction Materials (Canada-relevant): Perkins&Will’s Vancouver studio is pushing an open-source modular timber housing approach aimed at boosting mass-timber capacity and speeding multifamily delivery.

Housing & Safety: A Brampton landlord was convicted on seven charges tied to a 2023 house fire that killed a pregnant woman and her 3-year-old daughter, after the property was converted into four units without permits and rented without meeting fire-code and smoke-detector requirements. Parole & Public Safety: Marvin (Casper) Ouimet, a former Hells Angels figure in Quebec, asked the Parole Board to release him again while serving a lengthy sentence. Construction Tech: Field Materials says it’s launching deterministic AI “agents” that can process orders and invoices end-to-end inside construction workflows. Climate Resilience Funding: Ottawa announced $34.2M for 141 climate adaptation projects in 128 communities, including about $650K for extreme-heat housing support in the Region of Waterloo. Transit Cost Pressure: Metrolinx confirmed Ontario Line costs have climbed to about $34B, citing supply-chain shocks and trade uncertainty as critics question procurement and accountability. Rent Affordability: A proposal in P.E.I. calls for a 0% rent freeze for 2027, arguing renters face higher core housing need and shelter-cost stress than homeowners. Rail Infrastructure: VIA Rail began the co-development phase for the Dorval multimodal hub, integrating rail, exo transit, and airport shuttle service, with construction planned for 2027. Energy Infrastructure: Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project in the U.S. moved forward after the Army Corps issued a key permit, while a separate court ruling upheld that Enbridge must remove a pipeline segment from Bad River Band reservation land.