As autumn renovation season ramps up, Durham Region's building landscape is unusually active: a major Oshawa redevelopment project is accepting developer bids, the province has boosted funded training seats for trades, and Ontario's Building Code review continues to inch forward. Borrowing costs remain on hold ahead of the Bank of Canada's October 28 announcement, giving homeowners a relatively stable window to plan projects. Meanwhile, the joint Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy rebate program keeps retrofit incentives within reach for most Durham households.
For homeowners
Ritson School site in Oshawa opens to developer bids
Durham Region is accepting developer proposals until October 27, 2026 for the first phase of housing on the land around the former Ritson School at 300 Ritson Road South in Oshawa. The first phase calls for at least 200 rental units, with 30 per cent affordable, plus a 50-unit supportive housing building. The historic school building will be renovated as a community hub.
Why it matters: The first stages could start in 2027, bringing new homes and more activity to central Oshawa.
Source: Region of Durham · Oct 2026 · General Contracting & Renovations
Home Renovation Savings program still open for Durham retrofits
Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy, with Ontario government support, continue to offer rebates on insulation (up to $7,700), heat pumps (up to $12,000), solar panels and battery storage (up to $10,000), smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. Homeowners can choose single upgrades without a home energy assessment, or bundle upgrades for larger rebates. Income-eligible households may qualify for free direct-install upgrades.
Why it matters: Locking in a project this fall means you can access current rebate levels before Save on Energy's next planned program update.
Source: Save on Energy / Enbridge Gas · Oct 2026 · Insulation
Bank of Canada holds rate at 2.25% — next decision October 28
The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% at its September 2 meeting, its sixth consecutive hold. The Bank cited inflation hovering around 3%, driven largely by higher energy prices, while core inflation stayed near 2%. The next rate announcement, along with the Monetary Policy Report, is scheduled for October 28.
Why it matters: Fixed and variable mortgage and home-equity line rates remain relatively stable; check with your lender about how the October 28 decision may affect financing costs for a renovation.
Source: Bank of Canada · Sep 2026
Clarington and Whitby make it easier to add a basement suite
Clarington's updated zoning by-law allows up to two additional dwelling units (ADUs) on many properties in Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle, and Orono — one inside the home and one in an accessory building. In Whitby, homeowners who submit a complete permit application by December 31, 2026 remain eligible for the town's ADU Incentive Program, which can reimburse education development charges.
Why it matters: A legal basement apartment or garden suite can generate rental income and avoids regional development charges on most units — confirm your property's eligibility with your local building department first.
Source: Municipality of Clarington / Town of Whitby · Oct 2026 · General Contracting & Renovations
Pickering building permit fees increased as of July 1
The City of Pickering updated its building permit fee schedule effective July 1, 2026. Any permit application submitted after June 30 is subject to the new rates. Homeowners planning projects in Pickering who have not yet applied should confirm the current fees with Building Services at 905-420-4631 before budgeting.
Why it matters: Updated fees can affect total project cost — factor them in when getting contractor quotes for work requiring a permit.
Source: City of Pickering · Jul 2026
For the trades
Ontario adds 3,800 funded college seats for skilled trades programs
The province announced 3,800 new publicly funded postsecondary seats for skilled trades programs in September 2026, part of a broader 70,000-seat expansion backed by $1.7 billion. Some seats are available as early as fall 2026. Ontario now counts more than 94,000 active apprentices — the highest level in over a decade.
Why it matters: More funded training seats means a larger pool of apprentices entering the trades pipeline over the next few years, which could ease recruitment pressure for Durham contractors.
Source: Ontario Construction News · Sep 2026
Level Up! career fairs coming to Oshawa on December 1
Ontario's fifth annual Level Up! skilled trades career fairs are touring 12 communities this fall and winter, with the Oshawa event set for December 1. The 2026 fairs are expected to reach more than 60,000 people through open houses and interactive exhibitions showcasing trades careers. By 2035, about one in six Ontario job openings is projected to be in a skilled trades-related occupation.
Why it matters: The Oshawa fair is a cost-effective way for local trade businesses to meet and recruit prospective apprentices before the new year.
Source: Daily Commercial News · Sep 2026
Ontario Building Code under active regulatory review
An independent expert advisory body appointed by the province is conducting a section-by-section review of Ontario's Building Code, looking for unnecessary or outdated requirements to remove while keeping health, safety, and accessibility standards intact. The review page was updated in July 2026 and a public consultation on reducing regulatory burden is open. The 2024 Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24) itself was last amended in July 2026.
Why it matters: Trades businesses should monitor CodeNews email updates, as any code changes affecting structural, insulation, plumbing, or fire-safety requirements will affect how projects are designed and quoted.
Source: Ontario.ca · Jul 2026 · Architectural Design & Drafting
Skills Ontario launches Trade Up Move Up program for underrepresented workers
Skills Ontario has launched Trade Up Move Up with $1.2 million in provincial funding, targeting 250 individuals from underrepresented groups across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and other Ontario regions. Participants receive up to four weeks of hands-on training and are guaranteed an employment or apprenticeship placement upon completion. Sessions begin in October and run through April.
Why it matters: Durham trade businesses in the GTHA catchment area can connect with participating employer groups to access a new pool of pre-screened, placement-ready candidates.
Source: Daily Commercial News · Sep 2026
Durham Region's $8M At Home Incentive Program is funding new rental builds across the region
In July 2026 Durham Regional Council approved $8 million through its At Home Incentive Program (AHIP) to help create more affordable rental homes. One approved project will deliver 10 units — including three accessible, barrier-free units — at 82 River Street in Sunderland, Township of Brock, with $750,000 in AHIP funding. Eligible project types include new construction, conversions, and additions to existing buildings.
Why it matters: AHIP-funded projects create concrete general contracting, framing, plumbing, and electrical work opportunities for Durham trade businesses; watch the Region's bid website for related tenders.
Source: Region of Durham · Jul 2026 · Concrete & Foundations
October's theme is opportunity: stable rates, active Durham development tenders, and a growing apprentice pipeline reward trades businesses that plan ahead now.
Summaries are written by the Home Services Trade Alliance from public reporting. Follow the source links for the full stories. Nothing here is financial, legal or permit advice.
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