2026 Contractor Survey – REPORT
After a tumultuous 2025, contractors are cautiously optimistic about their own businesses despite broader uncertainty in the construction market. Many contractors anticipate stronger performance for their own firms, with more than one-third expecting higher revenues and business activity than in 2025.
Project delays and cancellations are becoming widespread, affecting more than half of contractors. Escalating material costs, limited access to financing, trade-related uncertainty, and high interest rates are the primary drivers of project disruption. These pressures are contributing to intensifying competition in 2026. Labour market imbalances remain a concern with half of contractors expecting that hiring skilled workers to become more difficult in 2026. At the same time, firms continue investing in workforce development, with the share employing apprentices rising to 70%.
Overall, the survey suggests that while Ontario contractors remain resilient and confident in their own firms, the industry faces increasing headwinds from economic uncertainty, project delays, and intensifying competition.
