The construction industry in Quebec is set to maintain its momentum in 2026 following a successful year in 2025. According to a report by the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ), despite economic uncertainties, a total of 216 million work hours were logged in 2025, marking a 2% increase from the previous year’s 210.9 million hours.
Noteworthy growth was observed in three key sub-sectors of the construction industry – industrial, residential, and institutional-commercial. Residential construction, in particular, saw a significant 4% uptick compared to the prior year, with projections indicating the addition of 59,000 new housing units in 2026. Contributing factors include low interest rates and a robust demand for housing, signaling a positive trend that began in 2024 and persisted through 2025. The CCQ anticipates a slightly moderated growth of 3% in 2026 for the residential sector.
Conversely, the institutional-commercial subsector is expected to experience a 2% decline in 2026 due to reduced investments in this area, following a 2% increase in 2025. The industrial subsector, which saw the most substantial growth at 17% in 2025 – the highest level since 2012 – is anticipated to slow down with a projected 14% decrease in 2026. Economic uncertainties arising from US tariffs against Canada have prompted companies to postpone or cancel major projects in this subsector.
Despite a dip in 2025 post a peak in 2024, the civil engineering and roads subsector continued to show promise, especially in wind turbine and power plant construction. However, construction activities, particularly in roads and infrastructure, were impacted across all regions.
Looking ahead, the CCQ forecasts sustained industry activity in 2026, albeit slightly lower than 2025, with an estimated 213.3 million work hours. Regions like Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Mauricie-Bois-Francs, and Côte-Nord are expected to witness declines of 7%, 8%, and 4%, respectively. Whereas, Eastern Townships and Greater Montreal are anticipated to experience marginal decreases of 1% in 2026.
Overall, the construction landscape in Quebec is poised for continued vitality in the upcoming year, reflecting a mix of growth and moderation across various sectors and regions.
