Announcements

TRREB Reports February Market Activity Amid Decline in New Listings 
TRREB reported 3,868 home sales across the Greater Toronto Area in February 2026, representing a 6.3% decline compared to the same month last year. New listings fell more sharply, dropping 17.7% year-over-year to 10,705 properties entered into the MLS® System, contributing to tighter resale market conditions despite softer overall sales activity. Market analysts noted that many prospective buyers remain on the sidelines awaiting price stabilization, while reduced listing activity could increase competition and place upward pressure on prices as the spring market unfolds.

Mississauga Extends Development Charge Incentive Program Through 2027
Mississauga City Council has approved an extension of its development charge incentive program, allowing builders additional time to access reduced fees aimed at supporting new housing construction. The program, now in effect through the end of 2027, offers partial reductions for residential units and full exemptions for qualifying purpose-built rental units, subject to conditions such as minimum unit sizes and long-term rental commitments. The City is seeking to provide greater certainty for developers while advancing housing supply and affordability objectives.

Mississauga Reviewing Urban Design Requirements to Support Housing Delivery
The City of Mississauga has launched a review of its urban design framework as part of efforts to reduce barriers to housing development while maintaining standards for public realm quality and building design. Staff recently outlined the Urban Design Program Review to the Planning and Development Committee, identifying potential adjustments to existing guidelines, Official Plan policies, and zoning regulations that influence development approvals. Proposed changes include simplified setback approaches in place of angular plane requirements and reduced minimum tower separation distances, alongside updates aimed at improving design flexibility and supporting more efficient residential development in designated urban apartment zones.

Ontario Proposes Off-Peak Access to HOV Lanes for Single-Occupant Vehicles 
The Ontario government is proposing changes to allow single-occupant vehicles to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes during designated off-peak periods, aimed at improving traffic flow across provincial highways. The amendment to the Highway Traffic Act would maintain existing occupancy requirements during peak commuting hours while expanding access at other times, with implementation targeted before the end of 2026 following public consultation. Provincial modelling suggests the change could increase average travel speeds across both HOV and general-purpose lanes, as the province looks to better utilize its growing network of dedicated carpool lanes.

CHBA Urges Pause on Proposed Changes to National Building Codes 
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is calling on federal and provincial governments to pause the rollout of new national model building code updates, warning that the proposed changes could significantly increase housing costs. According to the association, additional requirements tied to the upcoming 2025 codes and higher energy performance tiers could raise the cost of constructing a typical new home by more than $100,000, compounding affordability challenges already affecting the housing market. CHBA has also raised concerns about the transparency and industry input involved in the code development process, arguing that a pause would allow governments and builders to reassess the cumulative impacts while maintaining progress toward environmental and housing supply goals.

BILD Announces Board Leadership Appointments for 2026
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) has confirmed several leadership appointments to its Board of Directors for 2026. Jason Sheldon of Remington Group has been named Chair of the Board for the remainder of the year, while Cheryl Shindruk of Geranium will serve as Past Chair, and Remo Agostino of The Daniels Corporation has assumed the role of Vice Chair. The association also confirmed that Leor Margulies of Robins Appleby LLP will continue as Secretary and Hessam Ghadaki of Times Group will remain Treasurer, maintaining continuity within the board’s governance structure.

Bill C-4 Receives Royal Assent, Enacting GST Relief for First-Time Buyers
Federal legislation introducing GST relief for first-time homebuyers has now taken effect following Royal Assent of Bill C-4, implementing a measure aimed at lowering the cost of newly built homes. The policy removes the Goods and Services Tax on new homes priced up to $1M for qualifying buyers and reduces the tax burden on homes priced between $1M and $1.5M, with eligibility tied to purchase agreements signed between March 20, 2025 and 2031. Industry organizations have welcomed the change while continuing to advocate for broader GST relief measures that would extend similar incentives to additional buyers and housing types.

Events & Awards

The Well Receives Silver at WAN Awards for Mixed-Use Design
Toronto’s The Well has received a Silver Award in the Multi-Use category at the World Architecture News | World Interiors News (WAN) Awards, recognizing the project’s large-scale mixed-use design and urban integration. The development was designed through a collaboration of firms, including Hariri Pontarini Architects, BDP Quadrangle, Adamson Associates Architects, CCxA, architects—Alliance, and Wallman Architects, and delivered by development partners Allied Properties REIT, RioCan REIT, Woodbourne Capital Management, and Tridel. The jury highlighted the project’s creation of a lively destination that brings together residential, retail, and office uses while contributing to a major new public-oriented district within Downtown Toronto.

BILD Webinar to Explore Housing Market Outlook with TD Economist 
BILD will host a members-only webinar on March 26, 2026, featuring TD housing economist Rishi Sondhi, who will present an overview of the economic conditions shaping Canada’s housing sector. The online session will examine key trends expected to influence the market in the coming months, including interest rate movements and housing price dynamics. The one-hour Zoom event will provide industry professionals with an opportunity to gain insight into economic factors affecting housing activity across the region.

yBILD to Host Trivia Night and Networking Event at the Goodman Pub
Young professionals in the building industry will gather on March 26, 2026, for a yBILD trivia and networking event at The Goodman Pub and Kitchen on Queens Quay West. The evening will feature team-based trivia rounds alongside opportunities for informal networking among industry peers, with light refreshments and a complimentary drink included with registration. Attendees may register individually or as teams.

LandPRO Conference to Bring Industry Leaders Together in Vaughan
More than 1,000 professionals from across Ontario’s land development, real estate, and condominium sectors are expected to attend the 2026 LandPRO Conference on April 1, 2026 at Universal EventSpace in Vaughan, with a live webcast option also available. The one-day event will feature presentations and panel discussions focused on current market trends, policy developments, and strategies shaping the future of land and development across the province. 

CHBA Webinar to Cover Insurance Fundamentals for Renovators 
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association will host an online seminar on April 8, 2026, focused on insurance considerations for renovators and contractors. Presented by Alex Hawkins of Federated Insurance, the session will outline common coverages used in renovation projects and examine risk factors that frequently lead to claims. The webinar will also discuss liability requirements associated with the RenoMark program and insurance options available to industry professionals participating in the initiative.

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