This month’s industry updates reflect ongoing efforts across the greater Golden Horseshoe housing and development sector to address affordability, supply and long-term market confidence, as well as a busy calendar of conferences, training programs and industry events. New details on the province’s expanded HST relief measures, as well as new survey data commissioned by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, suggest growing public pressure to take measures that will improve access to market-rate housing and restore the confidence of potential homebuyers. Simultaneously updated market statistics from Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) suggest that spring sales activity is strengthening amid tightened listing conditions, while organizations are under Construction Industry and Land Development Association (BUILD) and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Toronto continue to promote advocacy, professional development and leadership initiatives across the industry.
Toronto skyline, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor Steveve
Announcements
CHBA-Abacus survey shows declining confidence in housing affordability
New research from Abacus Data for Canadian Home Builders Association indicates growing concern among Canadians about housing affordability and whether governments have a credible plan to address the issue. The survey found that there remains strong demand for home ownership across all age groups, although confidence in achieving this goal has weakened significantly, particularly among middle-income households who increasingly feel they are being priced out of the market. Respondents also expressed broad support for policies such as GST/HST relief on new homes, lower construction costs, and measures to increase overall housing supply, while many suggested that current federal housing efforts have not gone far enough to improve affordability or restore confidence in the market.
ULI Toronto announces new leadership team effective July 2026
ULI Toronto has announced a new slate of executive appointments to its Management Committee, with Kristy Shortall of Northcrest Developments set to take over as Chair effective July 1, 2026. Signe Leisk of Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP will serve as Vice Chair, while Ossie Airewele of BDP Quadrangle joins the leadership team as Chair of Mission Advancement, supporting the organization’s strategic priorities and program initiatives. The appointments come as ULI Toronto continues to expand its role in convening public and private sector leaders on issues such as housing affordability, building permits and regional growth across the GTA.
TRREB reports stronger selling activity in April amid tightening market conditions
TRREB reported 5,946 home sales in the Greater Toronto Area in April 2026, up 7% from the same month last year, while new listings fell 9.3% year-over-year to 17,097 properties. The combination of increasing sales activity and fewer offers suggests that market conditions tightened in the first full month of the spring market, although buyers continued to benefit from lower average sales prices and improved credit conditions compared to 2025. TRREB also highlighted ongoing housing policy discussions about municipal approvals, development fees and housing supply restrictions as the organization released a new policy report focused on reducing barriers to residential development across Ontario.
Ontario releases details of expanded HST relief for new homes
The Ontario government has released further details outlining how its temporary HST assistance program for new homes and purpose-built rental housing would work under the 2026 budget framework. The proposed improvements would increase provincial HST rebates up to $80,000 for eligible homes and rental units valued at up to $1.5 million, while introducing tiered relief for projects valued at up to $1.85 million and expanding eligibility to include owned, rental and cooperative housing formats. The measures are designed to boost housing construction and improve affordability by reducing upfront costs for buyers and developers, with eligibility tied to specific construction and purchase deadlines until the end of the decade.
Construction of the large DSV logistics center in Innisfil completed
Ware Malcomb has announced the completion of a new 1.3 million sq ft logistics and distribution complex for DSV in Innisfil, representing the company’s largest multi-client facility in Canada. Designed by Ware Malcomb and implemented through a design-build partnership with Broccolini, the project includes a large warehouse facility and a two-story, 40,000 square foot corporate office with shared workspaces, training areas and direct visual connections to warehouse operations. Located on a 55-acre site, the facility includes sustainability-focused features including rooftop solar panels, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and design measures aimed at possible LEED certification.
Events and awards
Doors Open Toronto unveils full 2026 programming lineup
The City of Toronto has released the full program for Doors Open Toronto 2026, which will take place on May 23 and 24 with more than 160 buildings, tours and special events across the city. This year’s theme, “World in a City,” highlights Toronto’s cultural diversity through architecture, heritage sites, workplaces and community spaces, while new additions include locations such as Netflix Canada, the Toronto Star, TVO Studios and 25 Ookwemin Street. The event also includes city tours, panel discussions and programs at Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square, as well as access to many of the city’s most iconic public and historic buildings.
OHBA hosts the Queen’s Park Day advocacy event
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association will host its annual Queen’s Park Day on May 25, 2026, bringing together board members, chapter chairs and executives to meet with provincial decision-makers in Toronto. The event will focus on advancing industry priorities related to housing policy, regulatory reform and barriers impacting residential development and housing supply across Ontario.
The Land & Development Conference returns to Toronto in May
The annual Land & Development Conference will return to the Metro Toronto Convention Center on May 27, 2026, bringing together developers, investors, planners, consultants and government officials involved in shaping growth in the region. The event is expected to focus on topics such as zoning, infrastructure delivery, investment trends and the evolving policy environment affecting land development across Ontario and beyond. The conference is organized as a key networking and knowledge exchange forum for the industry, providing discussions to address current market challenges and opportunities related to future community growth.
The BILD Awards gala returns to Vaughan this May
The Building Industry and Land Development Association will host the 2026 BILD Awards on May 28 at the Universal Event Space in Vaughan, bringing together industry experts to recognize achievements in design, construction, sales and marketing across the Greater Toronto Area. Run since 1980, the annual awards program remains one of the industry’s most prestigious recognition events, honoring projects and teams from various areas of the homebuilding and development industry. The evening will include networking opportunities, formal presentations and the announcement of this year’s honorees. Participation is limited to BILD members and industry guests.
CHBA hosts adaptive home renovation training course
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association will host its Adaptiv Home Renovation Course online June 9-10, 2026, offering training focused on aging-in-place design and accessible home renovation. Aimed at renovators, designers, architects and contractors, the course covers topics such as accessibility standards, accessible design elements, home automation systems, and occupant health and safety considerations. Participants will also receive guidance on customer communications, legal and insurance issues, and other professional practices related to the growing demand for adaptive housing solutions across Canada.
BILD hosts the Renovator and Custom Builder Town Hall
BILD is hosting its next Renovator & Custom Builder Town Hall on June 18, 2026 at Euro Tile & Stone in Toronto, bringing together renovators, custom builders and industry experts for a discussion-oriented networking event. The session will include an open question and answer session led by Renovator Executive Chair Dwayne Butler, as well as presentations on construction science, operational efficiency and new product innovations relevant to homebuilding and renovation. Industry expert Gord Cooke of Building Knowledge Canada is scheduled to deliver a keynote address focused on applying construction science principles to improve performance and reduce long-term operating costs in residential projects.
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