2026 BC Construction Industry Survey & Spring Stat Pack

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) has released its 2026 BC Construction Industry Survey alongside its Spring Stat Pack, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the province’s construction sector. Drawing on feedback from 858 employers and tradespeople across all seven development regions, the findings highlight an industry that remains strong and adaptable—but increasingly strained by systemic challenges that require government attention.

Construction continues to play a vital role in British Columbia’s economy. The sector remains the largest employer within the goods-producing industries, with more than 264,000 people relying on construction for their livelihoods—an increase of 5% year-over-year. Of those, nearly 200,000 are skilled tradespeople. Altogether, the industry contributes $28.5 billion annually to the provincial economy, accounting for 9.2% of BC’s GDP. These figures reinforce construction’s importance not only as a job creator, but as a key driver of economic growth.

Despite this strength, the survey reveals ongoing concerns from industry stakeholders. Payment delays remain widespread, with 89% of respondents reporting they were paid late at least once in the past year. More concerning, 61% indicated that late payment occurred on more than a quarter of their completed work. Alongside these challenges, businesses continue to navigate disputes, rising overhead costs, and broader economic uncertainty.

BCCA President Chris Atchison noted that while the industry has demonstrated resilience through global instability and supply chain disruptions, that resilience should not be taken for granted. Increasing demands, combined with limited resources, are putting pressure on businesses and affecting their ability to deliver projects efficiently.

The report also highlights deeper structural issues impacting the sector. Inefficient procurement processes, complex contract terms, and ongoing payment disputes are creating an environment that many contractors view as unpredictable and high-risk. On average, contractors report adding a 14.5% risk premium to project bids to account for these uncertainties. Additionally, 43% of respondents identified onerous contract clauses as the primary reason they choose not to bid on public projects.

Recent policy changes are adding further pressure. The introduction of Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on architectural, engineering, and related professional services—outlined in Budget 2026—is expected to increase project costs and reduce competitiveness. These added expenses, combined with existing barriers, risk slowing project delivery and inflating overall construction costs across the province.

In response, BCCA is urging the provincial government to take clear and coordinated action. Key recommendations include implementing a multi-year capital plan to provide greater certainty for industry planning, improving procurement practices to ensure fairness and transparency, and aligning provincial and federal strategies for major infrastructure projects. The association is also calling for the prioritization of prompt payment legislation to address ongoing cash flow challenges within the sector.

With approximately $173 billion in planned construction projects across British Columbia, the stakes are high. Without meaningful reforms and stronger support, the province risks falling short of its infrastructure goals while facing escalating costs. The survey results make it clear: while BC’s construction industry remains resilient, targeted action is essential to ensure it can continue building the communities and infrastructure the province depends on.

Read a PDF version of the full media release from BCCA here.