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
Showing changes that affect people and companies who own the property and commission the work, including homeowners renovating, with what each one means for you.
Coming up in the next 12 months
All upcoming-
Nova Scotia energy Tier 2 and building Tier 3 scheduled Nova Scotia · in 5 months
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RBQ certificate mandatory for pre-purchase building inspectors Quebec · in 11 months
Changes for owners & developers
20 changes · page 1 of 2Nova Scotia energy Tier 2 and building Tier 3 scheduled
Comes into force Apr 1, 2027 · in 5 months
What it means for you: Projects permitted after April 1, 2027 face higher energy performance requirements.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
RBQ certificate mandatory for pre-purchase building inspectors
Comes into force Oct 1, 2027 · in 11 months
What it means for you: Sellers will face inspections by certified inspectors under standardized rules.
Quebec extends building and electrical code transition periods by one year
In force since Sep 10, 2026
What it means for you: Projects starting before October 17, 2027 may still use the older code editions.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Designer
Small-scale multi-unit housing: Bill 25 widens zones that must allow 3–6 units
In force since Jun 30, 2026
What it means for you: More lots can legally host 3–6 units without rezoning.
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
Construction Act: annual release timing and 7-day notice of termination
In force since Jan 1, 2026
What it means for you: After terminating a contractor, publish the notice within 7 days. Release annual holdback 60–74 days after the notice.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier
Construction Act: annual holdback release, proper-invoice deeming, broader adjudication
In force since Jan 1, 2026
What it means for you: You must track contract anniversaries, publish annual holdback release notices and respond to invoice deficiencies within 7 days.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Working for Workers Seven: defibrillator reimbursement, safety-system procurement, ESA changes
In force since Nov 27, 2025
What it means for you: Public owners may be required by regulation to recognize accredited safety management systems in tenders.
Affects Owner Contractor Trade contractor Worker Supplier
Bill 17: development charge deferral, limits on municipal construction by-laws
In force since Jun 5, 2025
What it means for you: Development charges for for-sale housing can be deferred to occupancy, though municipalities may require security.
Affects Owner Contractor Designer
New Brunswick adopts 2020 national codes with Energy Tier 2 minimum
In force since May 1, 2025
What it means for you: New homes must meet Tier 2 energy performance, which can raise build cost but lower energy bills.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Quebec Construction Code Chapter I updated to NBC 2020 (modified Quebec)
In force since Apr 17, 2025
What it means for you: Existing building owners face new Safety Code duties such as hot-work protection and fire safety plan compliance.
Affects Owner Contractor Worker Designer
GST/HST rebate of up to $50,000 for first-time buyers of new homes
In force since Mar 20, 2025
What it means for you: An owner-builder who is a first-time buyer may claim the rebate if construction started on or after March 20, 2025.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor
BC Building Code 2024 seismic and adaptable-dwelling rules take effect
In force since Mar 10, 2025
What it means for you: In-stream projects designed under the 2018 code must apply for permits before March 8, 2027 to avoid redesign.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
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.