Evolution of construction in Canada

The evolution of construction in Canada is a process marked by several stages that reflect the technological, economic, social and environmental changes in the country. Construction is a key sector that brings together the construction, design, renovation and maintenance of structures such as houses, roads, bridges and skyscrapers.

Let's discover together the main stages that describe this evolution.

The stages of the evolution of construction in Canada

1. Pre-19th century period

The pre-colonial period characterized by the presence of indigenous peoples who used traditional construction techniques to build dwellings suitable for their environments such as longhouses, used by the Iroquois (North American Indian peoples), a large structure capable of housing several families. The pre-colonial period marked by the arrival of European settlers who introduced techniques such as stone masonry and wooden frames like churches.

2. Period from the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century

The 19th century, marked by technological progress in the industrial field, in the implementation of manufactured materials such as iron and steel allowed the construction of the railway thus allowing the transport of materials over long distances. Also marked by urbanization, cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver developed rapidly with modern construction tools (stone and brick). This period was dominated by neo-Gothic and Victorian architectural styles.

The beginning of the 20th century is marked by modernization and public infrastructure in Canada, steel and reinforced concrete allow the construction of skyscrapers, the construction of roads, hydroelectric dams, bridges and public buildings. The planning of cities in order to react to the increase in population and needs in the industrial field. The demand for housing increases significantly in Canada after the Second World War leading to the massive construction of suburbs.

The end of the 20th century is marked by diversity and environmental concerns, advanced technology with the construction of steel and glass towers that become symbolic of large Canadian cities.

3. The 21st century

Marked by green construction and smart urban planning, the use of advanced materials is transforming the construction sector, 3D printing, digital tools, increasing certifications for energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

The construction sector in the Canadian economy

In 2022, the construction sector saw a 1.1% increase over the previous year with a GDP of $57.4 billion recorded in Ontario, $27 billion in British Columbia and $26 billion in Quebec. In 2023, the construction sector in Canada employed 1.58 million workers with 396,139 establishments, the number of women reached 238,300 this year in construction. In 2024, the value of building permits increased by 20.5% to reach 12.84 billion Canadian dollars. This illustrates the importance of this sector in the national economy.

The 21st century marks a revolution in the field of construction in Canada, combining technological innovation and a focus on sustainable development. Construction continues to evolve to meet modern needs, thus remaining a crucial element for social and economic development.