Ontario Government Expands Construction Activities

The provincial government has decided to permit some more construction activities to resume. As of May 4, the province is permitting some businesses to reopen and is mostly focused on outdoor activity, including garden centres, landscaping and several broad categories of construction projects according to the National Observer.

"We are allowing certain businesses to reopen under strict guidelines because we are confident they can operate safely and adapt to the current environment. While further reductions in the spread are needed before we can begin reopening the province, we have the right framework and the right workplace guidelines in place to do so gradually and safely."

Ontario Premier | Doug Ford

The following "essential" construction projects will be allowed starting on Monday, May 4th:

 - Shipping and logistics

 - Telecommunications & digital infrastructure

 - Municipal projects

 - Colleges & Universities

 - Child-care centres

 - Schools

 - Site preparation, excavation and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development

 - Any other construction that supports the improved delivery of goods and services

Per Haliburton Echo, the home builders association has stated that earthworks and site grading allow for physical distancing as each operator is in their own machine and noted that site grading is essential to every construction site.

Underground servicing, the installation of stormwater controls, water pipes, sanitary sewer pipes, road construction, including curbs and sidewalk, landscape works, trails, parks and utilities are necessary for the activation of new homes and eventual occupancy.

"We all want safe job sites and adding these new construction activities along with new provincial COVID-19 health and safety guidelines means members will continue to focus on worker safety while delivering keys to the thousands of families waiting for their homes to be completed. We can keep each other safe while delivering housing supply across Ontario."

Ontario Home Builders Association CEO | Joe Vaccaro

Other businesses that will be allowed to resume as of May 4th are:

 - Garden centres & nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only

 - Lawn care & landscaping

 - Automatic and self-serve car washes

 - Auto dealerships, open by appointment only

 - Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season but not open to the public

 - Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is permitted

According to CBC News, the province has released a new framework for reopening Ontario earlier this week. It stated that Ontario needs to see a consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases before the government can start loosening restrictions and begin reopening the economy.

Editor's note: This is, indeed, a confusing time for the construction industry. DataBid is working tirelessly to report and distill the news that can help you and your company make the right decisions and keep you up to date on the constant changes as they are made. We hope our coverage brings some clarity amid all the confusion.