Ontario Construction Secretariat

ICI investment in Ontario is holding steady to start 2026, despite some mixed signals across the sector. Total ICI construction investment reached $2.97B in January—slightly down compared to both last year and the previous month. Strength in commercial and institutional projects helped offset broader softness, with notable gains in office and warehouse construction. Read the full Bulletin: iciconstruction.com/2026/03/24/mar… #Construction #Ontario #ICI #EconomicOutlook

🚧 NEW BULLETIN Ontario’s construction labour market is beginning to cool, with slower growth driven by shifting supply and demand. While employment remains steady, hiring demand has softened, especially in residential construction, alongside a shrinking labour force. Looking ahead, continued investment in non-residential and infrastructure projects is expected to help stabilize the sector. 🔗 Read more: iciconstruction.com/2026/03/20/mar…

📊 Ontario contractors are cautiously optimistic heading into 2026. The latest OCS Contractor Survey reveals a balanced outlook across the ICI construction sector, while opportunities are on the horizon, challenges remain. 🔹 Nearly half of contractors expect the market to stay stable or grow 🔹 36% anticipate increased revenues for their own firms 🔹 Government investment and strong project pipelines are driving optimism But it’s not without concern: ⚠️ Rising costs and economic uncertainty ⚠️ Increased competition for fewer projects ⚠️ Ongoing labour shortages and hiring challenges Despite this, the industry continues to adapt, apprenticeship participation is rising, and supply chain disruptions are easing. The takeaway? Opportunity is there...but contractors are proceeding with caution. 📖 Read the full report here: iciconstruction.com/2026/03/18/sta… #OntarioConstruction #ConstructionIndustry #ICI #EconomicOutlook #OCS #SkilledTrades

🌙 Eid Mubarak from all of us. Wishing those celebrating a joyful and peaceful holiday filled with reflection, gratitude, and time with loved ones.

Construction is built on resilience but behind the scenes, many workers are facing substance use and mental health challenges, often in silence. On this episode of OCS Talks, Brian speaks with Michael Varieur from De Novo Treatment Centre about breaking stigma, supporting recovery, and how employers and unions can take action. 🔗iciconstruction.com/2025/04/03/ocs… Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube. #MentalHealth #Construction #Leadership #WorkplaceWellbeing

🚧Join us April 20–22 (few spots remain!) or November 16-18 for the OCS Fundamentals of Construction Labour Relations course. This 3-day, in-person program brings together labour and management for hands-on training and real-world problem solving in Ontario’s ICI sector. Reserve your spot today! iciconstruction.com/labour-relatio… #LabourRelations #LRCourse #Ontario #OntarioConstruction #McMasterUniversity #GoldSeal

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Ontario Construction Secretariat! ☘️

Ontario’s ICI sector is starting 2026 on a strong footing. January building permits reached $2.31B, up 20.8% from December, driven largely by major institutional projects—particularly medical builds in Toronto. Industrial remained steady while commercial permits dipped slightly month-over-month. Read the full bulletin: iciconstruction.com/2026/03/13/mar… #Construction #OntarioEconomy #ICIConstruction

OCS CEO, Brian Barron, recently moderated an inspiring panel at the @WeBuildADream Conference on building more inclusive infrastructure and housing workforces. It was a powerful conversation on how industry and policy leaders can collaborate to create stronger, more inclusive construction workforces. #BuildADreamConference #Construction #WomenInConstruction #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment

Updated Post: OCS State of the Industry offers key insights glasscanadamag.com/ocs-state-of-t…

📊 New Ontario Construction Secretariat Contractor Survey: Ontario’s non-residential construction sector stays busy, with 2/3 of contractors at or above capacity. Yet delays, financing challenges, and labour shortages remain key concerns. 🏗️ Read the insights 👉 t.ly/J6Mtx

. @OntConstSec director of research Katherine Jacobs saved the best news for last during her March 5 presentation at the OCS State of the Industry and Outlook Conference held in Toronto. See the results of the latest Contractor Survey. tinyurl.com/49ks2rut

🎙️✨ New Episode Out Now In honour of International Women's Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the women helping shape the future of the construction industry. On this episode of OCS Talks, Brian sits down with OBCT members Nickie Lavoie and Karen Pullen to talk about how they got their start in the industry, how far women have come, and where we still need to keep pushing for progress. From mentorship to breaking barriers, it’s an inspiring conversation about building a more inclusive industry for the next generation. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube to hear their stories and insights: youtube.com/watch?v=pxkHBR… #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInConstruction #OCSTalks #IWD2026

IO’s Angela Clayton, President and CEO, joined industry leaders at the @OntConstSec’s State of the Industry and Outlook Conference to share IO’s 2026 strategy and hear insights from the sector. #IndustryInsights #InfrastructureLeadership

@WHSCtraining Thanks for attending!

WHSC leadership is attending the State of the Industry & Outlook Conference (SIOC) 2026, hosted by the @OntConstSec. Representing WHSC: Left - Andrew Mudge, Executive Director, and Right - Dan Armstrong, Director, Technology, Training & Field Operations.

Brian Barron of @OntConstSec speaking about pressing issues of the industry.

That wraps up the 26th Annual State of the Industry & Outlook Conference! 🎉 A huge thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making today such a success. Stay tuned — we’ll be sharing conference photos and videos in the coming days. #SIOC2026 #OCSOutlook

A huge thank you to all our amazing sponsors for making the 26th Annual State of the Industry & Outlook Conference possible! Your support drives this event and the industry forward. #SIOC2026 #ThankYouSponsors

Up next at the 26th Annual State of the Industry & Outlook Conference: Darryl Bricker! Darryl is sharing his insights on current trends and public sentiment, offering a unique perspective on what’s shaping Ontario and Canada today. #SIOC2026 #OCSOutlook