Construction Statistics Ontario Canada (2023-2024)

By 2023, Ontario's construction sector employed a workforce of 596,000 individuals, accounting for 7.5% of the province's total employment. This industry is poised for continued growth from 2024 to 2026, fueled by residential and non-residential construction activities, infrastructure developments, and expanding population demands. 

Key Figures and Developments:

Employment:

The construction sector stands as a pivotal contributor to Ontario’s economy, employing 596,000 workers in 2023.

Industry Composition:

This diverse sector encompasses building construction, heavy and civil engineering, alongside specialty trade contracting.

Residential Construction:

The third quarter of 2024 saw a 2.2% increase in residential building construction investments, reaching $44.7 billion. The expansion was largely driven by multi-unit housing projects. 

Non-Residential Construction:

Investment in non-residential buildings showed modest growth, with a 0.6% rise to $19.1 billion during the same quarter.

Construction Costs:

While costs for both residential and non-residential building construction continue to rise, the growth rate has slowed compared to the pandemic period.

Capacity Utilization:

The sector’s capacity utilization rate climbed to 84% by the fourth quarter of 2024, highlighting increased production and activity levels.

Housing Starts:

The first quarter of 2025 experienced a notable decline in housing starts across Ontario, with figures dropping by 38% year-over-year.

Skilled Labor Challenges:

The industry faces significant hurdles due to shortages of skilled labor, which have also contributed to rising wages.

Building Construction Investments:

By January 2025, total investment in building construction reached $22.1 billion—marking a 5.7% increase compared to January 2024 levels.