COVID-19: UrbanToronto Updates from the Industry for April 8, 2020

Urbantoronto.ca
April 9, 2020

The global COVID-19 pandemic is having far reaching effects in Toronto, including major impacts to what have been booming real estate and building industries. Many jobs and events are currently suspended, postponed, or affected in other ways, though UrbanToronto is still operating at full strength with our team working remotely. As a means to keep the public in the loop about the shutdowns, we'll be sharing information and status updates from around the industry on a daily basis.

In today's report; Ontario extends construction hours for essential construction projects; Canadian housing starts declined in March; and more news from the COVID-19 front.

COVID-19: UrbanToronto Updates from the Industry for April 8, 2020
Construction in Toronto, image by Forum contributor Red Mars

Government notices and announcements:

Ontario Accelerates Essential Construction Projects During COVID-19

In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Ontario is extending construction hours for essential construction projects, like critical projects in the health care sector, to 24 hours a day.

CMHC: Canadian housing starts declined in March

The trend in housing starts was 204,717 units in March, 2020, compared to 209,109 units in February, 2020, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

PSA: City advances COVID19 response efforts

During an upcoming electronic-participation special Council meeting, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council will review further measures to enforce physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19, as part of the City of Vaughan’s ongoing efforts to combat this global pandemic.

Private sector/other notices and announcements:

BILD: Make a Plan for Your Business Webinar

A business plan is an important strategic tool for your business. It helps provide direction and provides your business with the metrics to measure your success. Considering the rapid changes to the industry and your business it is important to take the time and revisit these plans.

BILD Awards postponed until September

The BILD Awards have been postponed until September due to COVID-19.

Ontario Association of Architects: COVID - 19 Updates

The OAA has set up a COVID-19 updates page that will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Canadian Construction Association: COVID-19 Resources

To help businesses prepare for and manage through a potential COVID-19 escalation in Canada, the Canadian Construction Association is referring members to a guide developed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

River & Fifth: Precautions we are taking to combat Covid-19

Due to the situation at hand in regards to the COVID-19 virus, Broccolini is carefully monitoring and taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and clients alike.

Everyone from construction workers to brokers to real estate executives are encouraged to share tips on what work and events have stopped, what is proceeding, and how their businesses are being affected by the various shutdowns.