August 11, 2026
SUMMARY
Ontario’s construction labour market improved in July 2026, with the unemployment rate falling to 5.0% and employment increasing by approximately 14,200 workers.
Younger workers drove much of the monthly growth, although the longer-term trend continues to show an aging construction workforce. Significant hiring needs are expected over the next decade as the industry responds to retirements and future construction demand.
LABOUR MARKET OVERVIEW
Ontario’s construction unemployment rate fell to 5.0% in July, down from 5.5% in June 2026.
The construction labour force increased by approximately 11,800 workers compared with the previous month. However, the labour force remained about 4,400 workers below its level at the same time last year.
Construction employment increased by approximately 14,200 jobs, or 2.4%, from June 2026. Despite this monthly improvement, employment remained 1.3% below the level recorded one year earlier.
COMPOSITION OF THE LABOUR FORCE
Changes in Ontario’s construction labour force varied by age in July. Compared with June, the number of younger workers increased by approximately 21,500, while the core working-age group declined by about 9,900 workers. Employment also increased by approximately 14,200 workers, with most of the gains among younger workers, which may partly reflect seasonal summer employment.
The longer-term trend continues to show an aging construction workforce. Compared with one year ago, the number of young workers declined by 24,400, while the number of workers aged 55 and over increased by 12,200. Fewer young workers entering the industry, combined with an aging workforce, could add to future recruitment pressures.
BuildForce Canada estimates that Ontario’s non-residential construction industry could face total hiring requirements of 52,100 workers by 2035, including 41,600 retirements and an additional 10,500 workers needed to meet growing demand. In the residential sector, total hiring requirements could reach 73,800 workers by 2035.
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
Women accounted for 12.6% of Ontario’s construction labour force in July.
Approximately 3,600 fewer women participated in the construction labour force in July compared with June, while the number of women employed in the industry decreased by approximately 1,600.
Despite these declines, the unemployment rate for women in construction fell to 3.3% in July, down from 5.3% in June.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Gargi Bharti
Economic and Research Project Lead
Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS)
180 Attwell Drive, Suite 360, Toronto, ON M9W 6A9
P 416.620.5210
gbharti@iciconstruction.com
