The construction industry doesn’t stand still, and 2026 has brought its share of shifts — some encouraging, some challenging. Here’s a look at the trends currently shaping projects across Manitoba and the broader Prairie region, and why they matter if you’re planning to build.
A widening labour shortage. Skilled trades are aging out of the workforce faster than new workers are entering it. Industry forecasts point to thousands of additional workers needed across Manitoba over the next decade, with a meaningful share of the current workforce expected to retire in that same window. Even with strong recruitment of new entrants and newcomers to Canada, the industry is bracing for a real gap between demand and available labour. For owners, that means booking contractors early and building realistic timelines matters more than ever — the crews with strong retention and training pipelines are the ones best positioned to keep projects moving.
Non-residential activity is picking up steam. While national construction starts have softened this year, Manitoba is bucking that trend. Major proposed projects — from data centres to industrial expansions and potential small modular reactor developments — could drive significant non-residential labour demand if they move forward. Government investment in infrastructure, including water, wastewater, and transportation projects, is adding to that momentum. For businesses considering an industrial or commercial build, this is a market where getting in early with a reliable builder counts for a lot.
Residential is stabilizing, not booming. New-housing activity had been expected to ease as population growth slowed, but recent data shows housing starts actually climbing in Manitoba, partly driven by renovation activity and multi-unit development. It’s a more measured recovery than the sharp swings seen in some other provinces, but it’s a positive sign for anyone planning a residential project in the near term.
Costs and tariffs remain a wildcard. Ongoing trade tension between Canada and the U.S. continues to put pressure on material costs and supply chains. Building permit values dipped slightly nationally in 2025, and that uncertainty hasn’t fully cleared. It’s a reminder that locking in pricing and materials early, wherever possible, is one of the smartest moves an owner can make right now.
Diversity in the workforce is growing. Indigenous workers already represent a higher share of Manitoba’s construction workforce than the provincial average, and immigration is expected to play a larger role in closing the labour gap over the next decade. That shift is reshaping recruitment strategies across the industry.
Put together, it’s a market with real opportunity, but also real pressure points around labour and cost. At Three Way Builders, we’ve navigated plenty of industry cycles since 1982, and staying ahead of these shifts is part of how we keep projects on time and on budget for our clients. If you’re planning a build and want to talk through how current conditions might affect your timeline or budget, we’re happy to help you think it through.