Announcements

GTA Home Sales Decline in 2025 as Affordability Improves
TRREB reported 62,433 home sales across the GTA in 2025, an 11.2% decline from the previous year as economic uncertainty continued to weigh on buyer activity. New listings brose 10.1% year-over-year, contributing to softer pricing conditions, with the average selling price falling 4.7% to $1,067,968 and the MLS Home Price Index recording similar declines. December, 2025 figures reflected the broader annual trend, with sales down year-over-year and prices lower, while month-over-month data suggested relatively stable conditions heading into the new year.

Toronto Advances Zoning Updates Around Transit Station Areas
The City of Toronto has begun public engagement on zoning changes that would align local regulations with recently approved provincial policies permitting greater housing density near transit. The updates apply to lands within roughly a 10-minute walk of 25 Major Transit Station Areas and 95 Protected Major Transit Station Areas served by TTC, GO, and LRT services, where increased heights and permissions could support new housing and mixed-use growth. City staff are hosting a series of virtual and in-person sessions through early February to gather feedback on built form and integration with surrounding neighbourhoods.

Ontario Pauses Inclusionary Zoning Requirements Near Transit
The Government of Ontario has moved to temporarily pause its inclusionary zoning framework in Toronto, Mississauga, and Kitchener, citing concerns that affordability requirements could undermine project viability amid weak market conditions. The policy, approved in 2025, would have required certain developments near major transit stations to include a minimum share of affordable units, but is now proposed to be suspended until mid-2027 as the province seeks to stimulate housing starts. Industry groups, including the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), supported the pause, while municipal leaders questioned whether the measure was a meaningful barrier to construction given financing and cost pressures.

WW+P and SvN Unite in Global Urban Design Merger
WW+P and SvN Architects + Planners have announced a merger bringing together more than 400 design professionals across 12 studios worldwide. The combined practice aligns WW+P’s infrastructure and transit-oriented development experience with SvN’s community-led and regenerative planning approach, expanding capacity to deliver complex, city-shaping projects across multiple regions. Operating under the WW+P name and the stewardship of 10N Collective, the merger strengthens a global platform focused on urbanism, architecture, and sustainable city-building.

Infrastructure Ontario Appoints New Capital and Administrative Leadership
Infrastructure Ontario has expanded its executive team with the appointment of Jody Becker as Chief Capital Officer and Angela Tancock as Chief Administrative Officer. Becker brings more than 25 years of experience across infrastructure delivery, strategy, and governance, most recently serving as Chief Strategy Officer at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, while Tancock joins from Norton Rose Fulbright with a background in large-scale organizational transformation. The appointments support IO’s ongoing focus on delivering complex public infrastructure projects while strengthening internal operations.

Cooper and Skyjack Expand Golden Equipment Campaign Nationwide
Cooper Equipment Rentals has partnered with Skyjack to roll out a new fleet of gold-painted telehandlers, trench shields, and pumps as part of its fifth annual Golden Equipment fundraising campaign. The refreshed equipment replaces the original golden excavators and continues a program that has raised more than $575,000 for local charities since 2022, with a continued focus on children’s and family mental health. The 2026 campaign introduces Skyjack telehandlers across Cooper’s national network and sets a $150,000 fundraising target, supported by a public-facing social media initiative encouraging Canadians to spot and share the distinctive equipment in use.

Arcadis Appoints Sean Keogh to Lead Life Science Sector in Canada
Arcadis has appointed Sean Keogh as Life Science Market Sector Lead, marking a step in expanding the firm’s global life sciences expertise into the Canadian market. Keogh joined Arcadis through the 2022 acquisition of DPS Group and brings more than a decade of experience delivering biotech and pharmaceutical projects across North America and Europe for clients including Shire, MSD, CSL Behring, and Lonza. In the new role, he would focus on advancing Arcadis’ involvement in process design, construction management, and commissioning services as Canada’s life sciences sector continues to grow.

Progress Advances on Embleton Community Centre in Southwest Brampton
The City of Brampton marked milestones on the Embleton Community Centre, signalling progress toward construction of the major recreation facility in the city’s southwest. Frontier Group of Companies has been retained as construction manager, while design development and approvals continue to advance toward construction readiness ahead of a planned spring 2026 start. Once complete, the multi-use centre is planned to support recreation, aquatic, fitness, and community programming, with future phases anticipated to introduce a library branch and child care facilities on the site.

Hazelview Releases 2026 Global Public Real Estate Outlook
Hazelview Investments published its 2026 Global Public Real Estate Outlook Report, outlining conditions that could support a rebound in public REIT performance after several years of underperformance relative to broader equities. In Canada, the report points to strong 2025 returns in senior housing, where operators such as Chartwell Retirement Residences significantly outpaced benchmarks, contrasted by weaker results in single-family rental and multifamily REITs amid higher supply and softer demand. Looking ahead, Hazelview identifies senior housing, industrial assets, and select global residential and data centre markets as areas positioned to benefit from tightening supply conditions and improving fundamentals in 2026.

Events & Awards

RenoMark Awards Entry Deadline Approaches
RenoMark is accepting submissions for its annual awards program, with entries due by noon on January 28, 2026. The awards recognize excellence in home renovation and provide finalists with added visibility through a dedicated social media campaign highlighting shortlisted projects. Winners and finalists gain an opportunity to raise their profile within their local markets and connect with potential clients.

yBILD to Host Member Meet & Greet at BILD Headquarters
BILD will host a yBILD Meet & Greet on February 11, 2026 at its Sheppard Avenue East headquarters, bringing together young industry professionals for an informal evening of networking. The event will feature remarks from BILD leadership outlining 2026 priorities alongside an overview of upcoming yBILD initiatives. Open exclusively to BILD members, the free gathering includes a cocktail reception with light refreshments.

Home Depot Connect Tradeshow Set for February
The Home Depot Canada will host its HD Supply Connect Tradeshow on February 19, 2026 at the Toronto Congress Centre, offering a private showcase for BILD renovator and builder members. The afternoon event brings together more than 150 vendor partners presenting new tools, materials, and construction solutions. Attendance is free for eligible BILD members, providing an opportunity to connect directly with suppliers and explore emerging products.

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