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This month\u2019s industry updates highlight a mix of policy changes, project milestones, and market signals shaping growth across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Governments at all levels advanced housing initiatives, from the launch of Canada\u2019s national Housing Design Catalogue to new partnerships supporting modular homes and gentle density increases in Mississauga and Toronto. Major infrastructure projects also progressed, with procurement preparation moving forward on the Yonge Line 1 North Subway Extension<\/a>, construction starting on Peel Region\u2019s largest paramedic reporting station, and Hamilton breaking ground on a $395 million low-emission transit facility. At the same time, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board<\/a> (TRREB<\/span>) reported stronger September sales and housing start data revealed uneven performance across Ontario cities. Awards and events rounded out the month, from Regent Park\u2019s OPPI recognition and Michael McClelland\u2019s Heritage Toronto honour to the return of the Architecture & Design Film Festival and new industry conferences.<\/p>\n Mississauga Joins CMHC Housing Design Catalogue to Streamline Builds<\/strong><\/a> Federal Government Releases National Housing Design Catalogue<\/strong><\/a> RFQ Issued for Yonge North Subway Extension Stations and Systems<\/strong><\/a> MVVA Selected to Lead Design Guidelines for YZD Runway<\/strong><\/a> Construction Starts on Peel Region\u2019s Largest Paramedic Reporting Station<\/strong><\/a> CentreCourt Breaks Ground on Pickering City Centre Towers<\/strong><\/a> Ontario, Toronto, and Habitat for Humanity Launch Modular Housing Project<\/strong><\/a> Toronto Expands Free Public Wi-Fi to Over 250 Locations<\/strong><\/a> Ontario Advances Bowmanville Hospital Expansion with RFP Stage<\/strong><\/a> TRREB Donates $805,000 to Support Housing and Food Security Programs<\/strong><\/a> GTA Home Sales Rise in September Amid Rate Cuts<\/strong><\/a> Housing Starts Remain Ahead of 2024 Despite Slow September<\/strong><\/a> Hamilton Building $395M Low-Emission Transit Bus Facility<\/strong><\/a> Architecture & Design Film Festival Returns to Toronto<\/strong><\/a> Regent Park Phases 4-5 Master Plan Wins OPPI Award of Excellence<\/strong><\/a> Michael McClelland to Receive Heritage Toronto Special Achievement Award<\/strong><\/a> M City\u2019s M3 Tops Off as Mississauga\u2019s Tallest Tower<\/strong><\/a> CVU Awards 2025 Research Grant to Dr. Renmin Pretell<\/strong><\/a> ZIN in No(o)rd Named 2025 Best Tall Building Worldwide<\/strong><\/a> BILD to Host Outlook 2026 Breakfast in November<\/strong><\/a> OHBA to Hold Renovator Summit in Toronto This November<\/strong><\/a> ***<\/p>\n Everyone from construction workers to brokers to real estate executives are encouraged to share news with us to be featured in our weekly updates. If you have some industry-related news to share, let us know by contacting us\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nAnnouncements<\/h3>\n
The City of Mississauga has partnered with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on the national Housing Design Catalogue, offering standardized, pre-reviewed plans for accessory dwelling units and fourplexes to help accelerate new housing. By simplifying design, ensuring code compliance, and reducing upfront costs, the catalogue is aimed at supporting small and mid-sized builders in delivering more gentle density across neighbourhoods. The initiative builds on Mississauga\u2019s recent housing reforms, including as-of-right approvals for fourplexes and reduced development charges for residential projects.<\/p>\n
The Government of Canada has launched the full technical design packages for its Housing Design Catalogue, providing 50 standardized plans for rowhouses, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units. Developed by regional architecture and engineering teams, the catalogue includes detailed drawings, energy templates, and cost estimates to help cut red tape and accelerate construction. More than a dozen cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Kitchener, and Vancouver, have already committed to pre-reviewing designs to streamline approvals and support faster housing delivery.<\/p>\n
Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx have released a Request for Qualifications for the stations, rail, and systems contract of the Yonge Line 1 North Subway Extension<\/a>, an eight-kilometre expansion of Line 1 into Richmond Hill. The package covers five new stations with bus facilities, as well as power substations, rail and signalling systems, emergency structures, and a new train storage facility. The RFQ marks the first step in selecting a delivery team to design, build, and integrate the project with existing TTC infrastructure and the Transit-Oriented Communities program.<\/p>\n
Northcrest Developments<\/a> has chosen Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates<\/a> (MVVA) as the winner of the international YZD Runway Roadmap competition, tasking the firm with creating design guidelines for the 2.1-kilometre former Downsview Airport runway. The project will transform the historic airstrip into a pedestrian-first public space that connects seven new neighbourhoods as part of the 370-acre YZD<\/a> redevelopment. MVVA, known for projects such as Brooklyn Bridge Park, Corktown Common<\/a>, and Biidaasige Park, was selected from 47 submissions worldwide for its expertise in inclusive and sustainable placemaking.<\/p>\n
Peel Region has broken ground on the Docksteader Paramedic Reporting Station in Brampton, a 84,000 ft\u00b2 facility designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects<\/a> to Zero Carbon Building and Net-Zero Energy standards. The two-storey hub will centralize operations for paramedics, featuring 20 maintenance bays, space for 60 ambulances, training areas, and support amenities under a hub-and-spoke model to improve service efficiency. Expected to open in early 2027, the project represents Peel\u2019s largest paramedic facility and is designed to accommodate future electrification of the ambulance fleet.<\/p>\n
CentreCourt<\/a> has started construction on the first two condominium towers at Pickering City Centre<\/a>, rising 40 and 45 storeys with a combined 974 units. The groundbreaking also launches over $25 million in site servicing, including new roads, utilities, and the future City Centre Park across from City Hall. Once complete, the 55-acre master-planned community will deliver more than 6,000 homes, extensive retail, and new public spaces as part of Pickering\u2019s emerging downtown core.<\/p>\n
The Province of Ontario is partnering with the City of Toronto and Habitat for Humanity GTA<\/a> to deliver 33 modular homes at 355 Coxwell Avenue<\/a>, a six-storey condominium made possible through the Ontario-Toronto New Deal. With $10 million in provincial funding and $4.8 million from the City, the project will provide below-market attainable homes priced for households earning between the 60th and 70th income percentiles. Construction is set to begin shortly, with sales opening in early 2026 and occupancy targeted for mid-2027.<\/p>\n
The City of Toronto has announced that free public Wi-Fi is now available at more than 250 sites across the city, with 89% of installations located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and Emerging Neighbourhoods. Delivered through the ConnectTO program launched in 2021, the initiative provides internet access in recreation centres, arenas, civic buildings, and public squares, helping bridge the digital divide. The expansion coincides with Digital Inclusion Week and is supported by Toronto Public Library programming that promotes digital literacy and skills development for residents of all ages.<\/p>\n
The Ontario government has issued a Request for Proposals for the expansion of Lakeridge Health\u2019s Bowmanville Hospital, a redevelopment that will more than double its capacity. Supported by over $20 million in provincial planning and design funding, the project includes 32 new beds, expanded emergency and critical care services, and modern facilities such as a rooftop helipad and hemodialysis centre. Two prequalified teams (Amico Design Build and PCL Constructors<\/a>) will now prepare detailed submissions, with a preferred proponent expected to be announced in 2026.<\/p>\n
TRREB has committed $805,000 through the Ontario REALTORS Care\u00ae Foundation on behalf of its members, directing funds toward shelter-based charities, food banks, Habitat for Humanity GTA, and a school breakfast program. The contribution is part of TRREB\u2019s long-standing Every REALTOR\u00ae Campaign, which has generated more than $10 million in donations since 2008. The latest funding aims to provide vital services such as daily meals, medical care, and transitional resources for vulnerable residents across the GTA.<\/p>\n
TRREB reported 5,592 home sales across the GTA in September, an 8.5% increase over the same month in 2024, supported by more affordable borrowing costs following the Bank of Canada\u2019s interest rate cut. New listings rose 4% year-over-year to 19,260, though they edged down compared to August, suggesting some tightening in certain market segments. Buyers continued to benefit from broader supply, while average selling prices reflected increased negotiation in a competitive environment.<\/p>\n
CMHC data shows Ottawa recorded 7,168 housing starts from January to September, 2025, a 22% increase over the same period last year, though September itself saw a sharp slowdown with just 474 starts compared to 1,510 a year earlier. Nearby Gatineau continued to decline with a 24% year-over-year drop, while Kingston surged with 861 starts, up 169% over 2024 despite a quiet September. Nationally, housing starts rose 4.1% in September, driven by significant increases in rental apartment construction in Toronto and Montreal.<\/p>\n
The City of Hamilton, in partnership with Arcadis Canada<\/a>, has begun work on a $395 million Transit Bus Maintenance Facility, the first in Ontario designed for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Scheduled for completion in early 2026, the facility will add capacity for 300 buses, with 20 maintenance bays, CNG fuelling lanes, and space to accommodate future hydrogen or battery-electric fleets. Located near the Metrolinx LRT operations centre, the project positions Hamilton to expand and modernize its transit network with lower-emission infrastructure.<\/p>\nEvents & Awards<\/h3>\n
The Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) will return to Toronto from November 12 to 15 at TIFF Lightbox, showcasing 14 international films alongside panels and design-focused events. Highlights include the Canadian premiere of Identity: A Czech Graphic Design Love Story<\/em>, documentaries on figures such as Enric Miralles and Constance Adams, and locally focused works like Kensington Market: Heart of the City<\/em>. Presented by Eventscape, the program will feature screenings, Q&As, and interactive sessions co-hosted with the Toronto Society of Architects, celebrating design\u2019s impact on cities and culture.<\/p>\n
The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) has recognized the master plan for Regent Park Phases 4-5<\/a> with a 2025 PlanON Award of Excellence, highlighting the final stage of Canada\u2019s largest urban revitalization. Led by Toronto Community Housing<\/a> and Tridel<\/a>, the plan includes affordable housing, public spaces, and sustainable design. The honour comes ahead of the Phase 4 groundbreaking this fall, marking a key milestone in the ongoing transformation of Regent Park into an inclusive, mixed-use community.<\/p>\n
Heritage Toronto has named architect Michael McClelland as the 2025 recipient of its Special Achievement Award, marking the first time the honour has been presented since 2019. Co-founder of ERA Architects<\/a>, McClelland has been a leading advocate for broadening the city\u2019s understanding of heritage, with major projects including the Distillery District revitalization, the Don Jail restoration, and the Broadview Hotel<\/a>. He will be recognized at the 50th Heritage Toronto Awards on October 20 at The Carlu, where winners in additional categories will also be announced.<\/p>\n
On October 6, Rogers Real Estate Development and Urban Capital celebrated the topping off of M3<\/a>, a 77-storey condominium that now stands as Mississauga\u2019s tallest building and the tallest in Canada west of Toronto. The milestone highlights the city\u2019s transformation into a high-density urban centre with M City<\/a> and other large-scape developments. A live illustration by artist Kathleen Fu, created from the tower\u2019s 77th floor, will be permanently installed in the lobby to commemorate the achievement.<\/p>\n
The Council on Vertical Urbanism (CVU) has awarded its 2025 International Research Seed Funding grant to Dr. Renmin Pretell of the University of Nevada, Reno, for his project on vertical ground shaking in seismic design. Supported by a $20,000 sponsorship from Sun Hung Kai Properties, the research will focus on developing a practical tool to assess how vertical accelerations impact tall buildings, filling a critical gap in current engineering practices. The project builds on international datasets and computational modeling to advance safety standards for essential facilities such as hospitals, schools, and museums.<\/p>\n
The CVU has recognized ZIN in No(o)rd in Brussels as the 2025 Best Tall Building Worldwide, highlighting its transformation of a 1970s office complex into a sustainable mixed-use community. The project by Jaspers-Eyers Architects includes workplaces, residences, hospitality, and public spaces while retaining 85% of the original structure and reusing over 60% of materials. Featuring a double-skin facade, passive ventilation, and photovoltaics, the development sets a benchmark for large-scale adaptive reuse and sustainable urban density.<\/p>\n
The Building Industry and Land Development Association\u00a0(BILD) members and industry partners are invited to the Outlook 2026 Breakfast on November 5 at Chateau Le Parc in Concord, featuring economic insights from Beata Caranci of TD Bank and consumer analysis from Sean Simpson of Ipsos. The program will address risks tied to changing consumer behaviour, economic disruption, and political responses, with closing remarks and a Q&A led by BILD President and CEO Dave Wilkes. Registration is open for both members and non-members.<\/p>\n
The Ontario Home Builders\u2019 Association (OHBA) will host its Renovator Summit: Constructive Change<\/em> on November 14 at the Centre for Housing Innovation in downtown Toronto. The full-day program will feature expert-led sessions on design, building science, and business strategy, alongside a live pitch showcase for prop-tech startups and an Innovation Lounge with interactive demonstrations. Open to renovators, builders, architects, designers, and students, the summit aims to encourage collaboration and highlight emerging trends in Ontario\u2019s residential construction sector.<\/p>\n