b'CCA NEWSCANADAS HOUSING CRISIS:BUILDING BEYOND NEW HOMESBy Rodrigue Gilbert, President, Canadian Construction AssociationAs Canadas population grows and citiesis often strained beyond capacity.The construction industry, which includes expand, addressing the housing crisisUpgrading and expanding these systemsbuilders, architects, engineers and requires more than just constructing newto accommodate new developmentstradespeople, is facing a shortage made homesit demands strategic investmentwhile minimizing environmental impactworse by an aging workforce, recruitment and infrastructure development. Withrequires careful planning, coordinationchallenges and geographic disparities in billions needed annually and a shortageand significant investment. labour supply.of skilled labour, a coordinated effort isMEETING THE DEMAND: A report by BuildForce Canada revealed essential to tackle this complex challenge. COSTS AND CHALLENGESthat Canadas construction sector will THE URGENT NEED The total investment needed to meetneed to increase its labour force by an FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING Canadas housing targets and developadditional 89,000 workers by 2033. In cities across Canada, housingsupporting infrastructure could run intoThis is beyond the current training and affordability has become a pressing issue.the billions of dollars annually. Canadasemployment forecasts to achieve the Soaring property prices and rents haveexistingnot to mention aging housing targets outlined by the Canada pushed many residents out of the housinginfrastructure is not prepared for theMortgage and Housing Corporation.market. Reports indicate that Canadaadditional stress.To address these challenges, industry needs to build about 635,000 new homesEstimates indicate that each newstakeholders and government agencies each year to alleviate pressure on existinghousing unit requires up to $107,000 inwill need to work harder to promote housing and restore affordability. public infrastructure investment; thus, acareers in construction, enhance training The federal governments Nationalsignificant additional investment is programs and attract new talent to the Housing Strategy aims to meet thisneeded to build, support and connectsector. Initiatives like apprenticeship challenge by creating affordable units,these homes to essential housing- incentives, educational partnerships and retrofitting existing buildings andenabling infrastructure. immigration pathways for skilled workers supporting vulnerable populations, likeData from Statistics Canada andare essential to expand the labour pool seniors and Indigenous communities.and ensure the industrys future workforce.Provincial governments are alsoInfrastructure Canada show that currentLOOKING AHEAD implementing targeted strategies annual investments in core infrastructureAs Canada strives to meet its housing to address local needs and total $39.4 billion. To meet federal housingtargets, a comprehensive approach is economic conditions. targets by 2031, an annual investment ofrequired. This goes beyond just building INFRASTRUCTURE: THE BACKBONE$59.1 billion is required. more homes and must include investing in OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENTHowever, developing the infrastructuresupporting infrastructure and addressing While constructing new homes is crucial,needed to support vibrant, functioninglabour challenges. Coordinated action the infrastructure that supports thesecommunitiesbeyond just the basicsfrom all levels of government, industry and developments is equally essential. Wherewill require an even greater annualcommunity stakeholders is crucial.is the plan to ensure these homes areinvestment of $97.5 billion. This starkSTAY CONNECTED WITH CCA! connected to the services they need? Dodiscrepancy underscores the urgent needWe offer valuable tools, share best we have the workers we need to buildfor increased funding to ensure that newpractices nationwide and advocate on not only houses, but also upgrade andhousing units are supported by a healthyyour behalf with the federal government. strengthen road networks, water andinfrastructure network. To keep up with the latest updates, wastewater systems, public buildings andLABOUR FORCE AND subscribe to our newsletter atthe electrical grid?SKILLS DEVELOPMENTbit.ly/ccasubscribe, followIn urban areas experiencing rapidAnother critical factor in meeting housing@ConstructionCAN on X or look us uppopulation growth, existing infrastructuretargets is the availability of skilled labour.on LinkedIn.Issue 4 | Winter Edition | 2024 / 2025 BUILD MANITOBA 19'