New Construction Laws
New and upcoming construction laws, building codes and regulations across Canada, and what each change means for owners, buyers, contractors, trades, workers, suppliers and designers. Every entry links to the official source.
32 changes
All changes
8 changesConstruction Act: annual release timing and 7-day notice of termination
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Annual holdback release must occur at least 60 days and no more than 74 days after the notice of annual release is published. Holdback rules on abandoned or terminated c…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier
Construction Act: annual holdback release, proper-invoice deeming, broader adjudication
In force since Jan 1, 2026
Owners must publish a notice within 14 days after each contract anniversary and release accrued holdback annually, and payers must pass it down the chain. An invoice is…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Working for Workers Seven: defibrillator reimbursement, safety-system procurement, ESA changes
In force since Nov 27, 2025
This act received Royal Assent November 27, 2025. It adds a WSIB reimbursement for defibrillators where OHSA rules require them, and lets regulations recognize accredite…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
CCMC-evaluated innovative products no longer need an Ontario Minister's Ruling
In force since Jul 1, 2025
Innovative construction products already evaluated by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre no longer need a secondary Ontario approval (Minister's Ruling). The Bui…
Affects Contractor Supplier Designer
Bill 17: development charge deferral, limits on municipal construction by-laws
In force since Jun 5, 2025
This omnibus housing and infrastructure act received Royal Assent June 5, 2025. Non-rental residential development charges can be paid at the earlier of occupancy permit…
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
Encapsulated mass timber buildings allowed up to 18 storeys
In force since Jan 1, 2025
The regulation permits Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction up to 18 storeys, expands permitted occupancies and relaxes encapsulation requirements. It also carries forw…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
2024 Ontario Building Code in effect (harmonized with NBC 2020)
In force since Jan 1, 2025
The new Ontario Building Code adopts the National Building Code 2020 with an Ontario Amendment Document, removing at least 1,730 technical variations. It took effect Jan…
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
New Consumer Protection Act, 2023 (not yet proclaimed)
Announced · date not set
This replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 with broader unfair-practice rules, including unconscionable terms that are excessively one-sided. Prohibited terms are v…
Affects Owner Contractor Supplier
Plain-language summaries by ArtBuild, checked against the official source on the date shown on each page. This is general information, not legal advice, and you are responsible for how you use it. Laws change: always read the official text, and we recommend asking a lawyer or the regulator about your situation.