Toronto is gearing up to welcome a multitude of FIFA World Cup enthusiasts this summer, but new homeowners in the city might be in for some unwelcome surprises, according to CBC Toronto. Construction activities downtown and along major roads will be significantly restricted between May 1 and July 31 to ensure smooth traffic flow during Toronto’s six scheduled games.
Builders and developers fear that these restrictions could lead to delays on hundreds of construction sites, affecting around 10,000 people awaiting new homes this year. Scott McLellan, the COO of Plazacorp, expressed concerns that buyers of units in their downtown Toronto residential towers may face unexpected occupancy delays, forcing them to find alternative living arrangements.
The city has imposed a no-roadwork zone from Sherbourne Street to the lakeshore, affecting various projects. Developers have been instructed not to carry out any non-emergency road closures or construction activities within the designated area during the tournament period. Toronto Hydro will focus solely on emergency work during this time, potentially impacting projects requiring electricity connections.
Industry representatives, including Richard Lyall and Justin Sherwood, criticized the timing of the restrictions, highlighting the challenges posed to the construction sector during the peak building season. They emphasized the need for dialogue between the city and affected parties to find more constructive solutions.
Despite initial resistance, the mayor’s office and Toronto Hydro have shown willingness to consider exemptions on a case-by-case basis to help construction projects progress. However, industry insiders remain concerned about the practicality and implications of such individual evaluations.
Builders also worry about the financial implications of delays, including penalties for missed deadlines and potential losses for subcontractors. The uncertainty surrounding project timelines and costs adds further stress to an already challenging situation.
While Vancouver has also implemented road restrictions for the World Cup, builders there were reportedly given more advanced notice and support compared to their Toronto counterparts. Communication and collaboration between stakeholders will be crucial to navigating the construction disruptions in both cities during the upcoming soccer event.