AGP Executive Report

Affordable Housing Funding: Nearly $3M will help build 18 accessible affordable units in Leamington, Ont., as part of a 50-unit tiny home community at 310 Sherk St., funded through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative. Local Housing & Land Use: Merritt, B.C. approved a community garden on former railway land despite councillors raising concerns about security and theft, with up to $20,000 authorized for the 2026 build. Housing Infrastructure for Growth: Antigonish County, N.S. is set to receive $566,644 for road, sidewalk, and water/wastewater upgrades tied to 150 affordable housing units, including supportive housing. Construction Costs & Housing Supply: The Canadian Construction Association warns U.S. tariff retaliation could hit construction inputs hard—steel, aluminum, lumber, and building components—raising costs and delaying housing and infrastructure projects. Immigration Rules Affecting Housing Demand: IRCC increased proof-of-funds requirements for international students starting Sept. 1, 2026, which could shift rental demand pressures in some markets. Market Context: StatCan data showed Canada’s Q2 GDP grew at a 3.3% annualized pace, but economists warn fresh tariff headwinds could test that momentum.

Trade & housing ripple effects: Canada’s housing market could feel pressure from the latest U.S.-Canada tariff escalation, with analysts pointing to higher costs and a potential hit to resale activity. Policy & affordability tactics: A new Ontario piece highlights how “house hacking” with secondary suites can improve affordability for buyers. Data centres & land-use debate: Alberta is weighing how far AI data centres should sit from homes, as Saskatchewan pushes a framework requiring Canadian ownership and local power supply. Local housing & development: A Strathmore project is in the works, while Ontario municipalities continue updating official plans and affordable housing definitions. Business/real estate adjacent: A Toronto firm launched Real Estate CRM Sales Training aimed at improving follow-up and pipeline discipline after enquiries. Market context: CREA data shows Ontario sales down slightly year-over-year, underscoring a still-sluggish resale backdrop.

Housing & Affordability: B.C. is tying the 2027 allowable rent increase to inflation, capping it at 2.2% (down from 2.3% in 2026), a move meant to ease pressure on renters while keeping landlord rent growth predictable. Municipal Politics: Ottawa mayoral candidates are rolling out housing plans as the city enters the election blackout period, including a push to expand public building to lift non-market housing from 5% to 10%. Saskatchewan AI & Data Centres: Sask. unveiled a framework for AI data centre approvals focused on Canadian ownership, data/AI sovereignty, Saskatchewan jobs and partnerships, and requiring proponents to supply their own power. Construction & Infrastructure: Highway 1 in B.C.’s Fraser Canyon is reopening in limited alternating single-lane traffic after a 7-week wildfire closure, with delays expected. Northern Housing Supply: Fort Good Hope’s new K’ahsho Got’ine Trades Centre is set to open Aug. 28 to support year-round modular home construction, backed by federal and Indigenous housing funding. Mining & Jobs: Ontario marked first ore access at Glencore’s Onaping Depth Project, highlighting thousands of construction jobs and future production employment.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: Ottawa announced retaliatory tariffs on US imports worth C$27.6B, matching Washington’s latest duties and setting counter-tariffs (15%/25%/50%) on about 700 US products from Sept. 8, alongside a C$7.5B support package for affected firms and workers—raising fresh concerns for construction inputs and housing costs. Housing & Infrastructure: Vancouver’s Luugat SRO on Granville Street has finally fully emptied, ending the province’s last paid tenancy (after taxpayers covered operations and costs since the 2020 purchase). Municipal Liability: Thirteen Steinbach homeowners are suing the City of Steinbach over alleged sewer backups into homes during major rainfall in 2024–2025, seeking damages and claiming negligence in the sanitary system. Energy & Jobs: A new push highlights geothermal as Canada’s “almost untapped” clean heat resource, arguing for a national buildout to add always-on power and create skilled-trades work. Markets & Finance: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Canadian financial leaders in Toronto, pitching India’s investor-friendly reforms and tax certainty to boost Canadian investment.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Ottawa must do more for tariff-hit steel and auto, including sector exemptions from federal carbon rules and more support as the cross-border fight drags on. Retail & Consumer Impact: Grocers are reintroducing clearer “Canadian-made” and tariff-impact signage—Loblaw’s “T” labels and country-of-origin cues—to help shoppers spot price increases tied to U.S. tariffs. Commercial Real Estate (GTA): Toronto-area CRE investment rose about 35% year-over-year in H1 2026, with multifamily deals driving a sharp rebound in transaction volume. Local Development & Housing: Yellowknife is updating its 25-year community plan to be “less prescriptive” and more implementable, with new housing and land-use priorities. Municipal Politics: Thorold’s business community is hosting a Sept. 30 meet-and-greet for city council and mayor candidates. Construction & Costs: Reports highlight how building-material tariffs are complicating new-home pricing and small builders’ cost pressures.

Federal-Provincial Housing & Construction: Ontario homebuyers are raising alarms about newly built homes that allegedly include long-term water-heater rental contracts with unclear terms and buyout details, adding friction to an already tight market. Trade War & Building Costs: Canada’s counter-tariffs on more than 700 U.S. products (15%–50%, effective Sept. 8) are set to hit sectors tied to construction materials, steel, dairy, electronics and more—while U.S. tariffs on Canadian building inputs are already being blamed for higher renovation and rebuild costs in the U.S. Energy & Power Infrastructure: Ontario is moving public consultation forward for new power generation near the former Lambton Generating Station site in St. Clair Township, with officials arguing nuclear is “tariff-proof” as Canada-U.S. tensions rise. Local Politics & Development: Vancouver’s council debate is heating up over Telus AI data centres, with one motion pushing guardrails and another calling for a physical tech innovation hub—both likely to shape future land-use and permitting. Climate Risk to Property: A BC inn owner says wildfire destroyed her business and has forced her to consider rebuilding, underscoring how extreme weather is reshaping property risk and insurance realities.

Canada-U.S. Trade War: Ottawa announced retaliatory tariffs of 15%–50% on more than 700 U.S. goods starting Sept. 8, after talks collapsed, with items spanning steel, dairy, appliances, electronics, fish and more—plus a $27.6B counter-tariff package and a business support push. Local Housing & Construction: In Ontario, Hamilton’s board of health is urging CN to electrify its Stuart Street rail yard after noise complaints, while Toronto developers broke ground on Mimico Commons, a 271-unit mixed-use rental project near Mimico GO. Public Infrastructure: Canada also flagged major Arctic shipbuilding—an $11.2B plan for six icebreakers—alongside smaller community upgrades like $4.7M for the PMD Arena and Community Centre. Indigenous Stewardship: Ottawa awarded $50M+ for three Pacific salmon hatcheries in B.C., including a $38M Upper Fraser project near Prince George. Energy & Jobs: Ontario’s energy minister visited the former Lambton Generating Station site, signaling nuclear as a possible option, with $500K for community readiness work.

Canada–US Trade War: Ontario Premier Doug Ford escalated the tariff fight, warning he could cut electricity and critical minerals to the U.S. as Trump threatens further 50% levies on autos, parts and steel; Canada is set to announce retaliatory tariffs after talks collapsed, with household costs already in focus. Housing & Construction Costs: U.S. 50% tariffs on Canadian building inputs like lumber/plywood, windows and cabinetry are expected to push up construction costs and home prices south of the border, adding pressure to affordability. Arctic Shipbuilding Push: Ottawa unveiled a C$11.3B Quebec order for six Coast Guard icebreakers, starting construction in 2027 and framed as jobs, sovereignty and industrial policy. Transit Infrastructure: Strabag finished tunnelling for Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown West LRT extension, advancing underground station work. Climate Adaptation Watch: A new progress report says Canada’s adaptation plan shows activity but not enough results yet as extreme weather impacts intensify. Indigenous Energy Governance: Two Quebec Innu nations rejected a framework deal to expand Churchill River hydro and transmission, citing lack of consultation. Mining & Critical Minerals: FireFly Metals launched funding to advance its Green Bay copper-gold project in Newfoundland, while IsoEnergy secured Indigenous engagement for Saskatchewan uranium exploration.

Canada–U.S. Trade War: Negotiations collapsed and the U.S. moved ahead with 50% tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods, with Prime Minister Mark Carney vowing dollar-for-dollar retaliation starting Sept. 8—raising fresh uncertainty for sectors tied to construction materials and everyday purchases. Big Federal Build: Carney announced $11.3B for six new Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers, all built at Chantier Davie in Lévis, with nearly 5,000 construction jobs and major demand for Canadian steel suppliers like Algoma Steel. Toronto Housing Push: Toronto broke ground on a west-end, rent-controlled project at Dundas St. W. that will deliver 74 units (including income-adjusted rents for 17), using a former city parking lot site. Local Development & Disruption: Moose Jaw roadwork continues with a downtown duct bank closure and wastewater pipeline cleaning, while a spray park reopened but another remains shut for valve repairs. Community Business: Southwestern Ontario Home Hardware launched SW Buy Local 50 to spotlight 50 regional vendors across six stores. Energy/Industry Watch: Enerpure secured $48M to build an Alberta motor-oil recycling plant that will turn used oil into lower-carbon marine fuels.

Trade War Fallout: The U.S. has restarted 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods after talks collapsed, with Canada vowing “dollar for dollar” retaliation starting Sept. 8—raising fresh pressure on prices and business planning. Industrial Policy Debate: Mark Carney’s proposed Canada Strong Fund (C$25B) is reigniting a long-running question: when should government shape capacity and shift public risk versus letting markets decide? Energy & Infrastructure Watch: A Fraser Valley oil pipeline plan faces major geography and construction hurdles, echoing the costly lessons of Trans Mountain’s expansion through hard-rock terrain. Housing & Development Signals: Saskatchewan housing starts are up sharply year over year, while local councils continue to weigh development approvals against community impacts and infrastructure strain. Arctic Shipping Hope: New studies say extended navigation seasons in the Hudson Bay could make year-round shipping through Churchill more feasible, depending on ice-capable vessels and reduced icebreaker reliance. Global Real Estate Politics: International pressure is mounting over Israel’s E1 settlement tenders, with Canada among countries calling the plan unacceptable and urging withdrawal.

Tariff shock for housing supply chains: After U.S.-Canada trade talks collapsed, 50% U.S. tariffs on about $20B–$28B of Canadian goods took effect, with construction materials like plywood and alcohol among the targeted categories—raising the odds of higher costs for builders and consumers on both sides of the border. Federal housing politics and affordability pressure: Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre toured a Brant County precast operation, framing housing delivery as a federal responsibility while attacking taxes and fees. Local housing approvals in Saint John: City council advanced a Hyatt hotel proposal on the east side and also approved first steps for a north-end residential plan—a mid-rise project with 267 units plus commercial space near Lansdowne Plaza. Homelessness push: A letter urges Canadians to get involved in the development of the next national housing strategy, arguing a reimagined Canada Housing Benefit could sharply cut homelessness. Tech and property data leadership: Teranet named Sam Ishak as CIO, signaling continued investment in secure digital infrastructure for Canada’s property ecosystem.

Homelessness & Housing Policy: A Sudbury letter argues Canada’s next national housing strategy is a “once-in-a-decade” chance to cut homelessness, pointing to a reimagined Canada Housing Benefit that could reduce homelessness by 60% and push for more deeply affordable homes. Construction & Permitting: Moose Jaw is inviting builders and contractors to a free Sept. 2 session on building code and permit requirements, including updates tied to the National Building Code of Canada. Community Infrastructure: The RM of St. Louis and Northern Trails of Saskatchewan are upgrading a 5.7-kilometre stretch of River Road/Trans Canada Trail with safety and accessibility improvements funded by a $60,000 grant. Local Homelessness Response: Orillia advocates say homeless people are being “criminalized” through repeated encampment clearings, while the city says it addressed specific garbage left behind. Trade & Housing Costs: Mark Carney’s remarks follow the suspension of Canada–U.S. trade talks and the start of 50% U.S. tariffs, with Canada planning dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs—an uncertainty that could ripple into construction inputs and housing affordability.

Canada-U.S. Tariff Fallout: Prime Minister Mark Carney says the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on about $20B of Canadian goods after trade talks collapsed, and Canada will retaliate dollar-for-dollar starting Sept. 8, targeting sectors like steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics—while Carney argues Washington’s “last-minute changes” were unfair and unreliable. Housing & Development Watch: Windsor, Ont. is moving to expropriate 45 derelict properties tied to the Ambassador Bridge family to clear the way for private residential development, as residents push for action on long-standing blight. Construction & Market Signals: Saskatchewan housing starts rose 23.9% year-over-year (July 2025 to July 2026), with single-family and multi-unit growth outpacing the national picture. Local Infrastructure: The RM of St. Louis, Sask. is upgrading a 5.7-km stretch of River Road (part of the Trans Canada Trail) with a $60,000 grant, aiming to improve accessibility and safety by fall. Community Tensions: An Orillia advocate says the city is “criminalizing” homelessness after repeated encampment clearings, while the city points to garbage removal on specific areas.

Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. is moving ahead with 50% tariffs on about $20B of Canadian goods after talks stalled, and Canada says it will retaliate dollar-for-dollar, with Prime Minister Mark Carney calling the final U.S. terms “unfair.” Housing & Rent Pressure: Students in Brandon, Man. say high rents and limited listings are forcing long searches, big commutes, or settling for older, problem-prone units. Construction Disruptions: Swift Current, Sask. is shifting North Service Road West closures for Trans-Canada Highway service-road/on-ramp work, with a detour via Sidney Street West. Wildfire Evacuation Housing: B.C. is building temporary evacuee housing in Kelowna and Kamloops, adding 400 beds as the fire season remains a concern. Energy & Jobs: Domtar’s indefinite idling of its Port Mellon pulp and paper mill on B.C.’s Sunshine Coast threatens about 400 jobs and ripples through local businesses. Policy & Development: The EU Commission and Canada joined calls to retract Israel’s E1 West Bank settlement tenders, warning it undermines a two-state solution.

Municipal Elections: Ontario’s fall municipal election nominations closed, setting the stage for a crowded ballot in places like Ottawa and Windsor, where candidate filings and competition levels could shape turnout. Housing & Homelessness: Stratford says it won’t evict residents from a bus-depot encampment despite rumours of an August clearing, while Sudbury pushes for more supportive and transitional housing at AMO. Indigenous Communities & Land: A Cambodia report highlights how development projects are eroding land, culture and languages in Ratanakiri, as youth-led media tries to amplify local voices. Infrastructure for Growth: Hampton seeks $2.4M for sewer and lagoon upgrades tied to 1,800 new homes; BC Hydro advances $200M in Burnaby substation upgrades to power more customers. Data Centres & Power: Ontario’s draft data centre playbook proposes premium electricity pricing and faster permitting, while Alberta faces mounting local backlash over AI data centre plans. Energy & Trade: Canada-US tariff talks near an Aug. 22 deadline, with draft terms floating lower vehicle, steel and aluminum duties.

Canada’s housing supply signal: Saskatchewan says housing starts jumped 42% in 2025 (6,150 starts), the highest since 2014, as affordability stays “top of mind” and the province points to new-home and rental supports. Immigration + labour for construction: Canada updated Temporary Foreign Worker Program rules (Aug. 18), letting eligible employers with fewer than 10 staff per site hire 1–2 low-wage workers per location—aimed at easing staffing caps for multi-site businesses. Infrastructure + shipping: Manitoba’s studies suggest Hudson Bay shipping could extend toward 10 months or even year-round for the Port of Churchill expansion, using ice-strengthened ships rather than only the most expensive icebreakers. Mortgage-rate pressure watch: A Canada-focused explainer looks at how rising bond yields are affecting mortgage shopping decisions. Global real-estate policy pressure: Canada joined UK/France/Germany/Italy/Netherlands/Norway in condemning Israel’s E1 West Bank settlement housing tenders, urging companies not to bid.