News « Burlington Gazette - Local News, Politics, Community

By Zakiva Kassam

August 22nd, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Economists with RBC are sounding the alarm on a housing construction slowdown that could hit Ontario far earlier than expected.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released new housing starts data this week, and, on the surface, there was something of a rosy tone. The government agency reported that the seasonally-adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of housing starts edged up 4% in July to 294,085 units, marking the highest level of starts since September 2022.

That would give you the impression that starts, defined as the moment the foundation on a new build has been poured, are on a good trajectory, however, it’s more indicative of development intention from the past. As stated by CMHC’s Deputy Chief Economist Tania Bourassa-Ochoa in a press release from Monday, the “persistently elevated national results are reflective of investment decisions made months or even years ago, highlighting the influence of previous market conditions and builder sentiment on current construction trends.”

Meanwhile, a new report released Wednesday by economists at RBC further points out that while starts are up nationally, construction in the country’s most populated province is sorely down.

CMHC, Statistics Canada, RBC Economics

“Ontario stands out with a steep decline since mid-2024, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area. British Columbia has also seen a moderation, but to a much lower extent,” writes RBC Assistant Chief Economist Robert Hogue. “This divergence is concerning, because it threatens to perpetuate severe affordability problems that exert social and economic hardship on Canadians in these regions.”

“While homebuilders and municipalities are keen to respond, factors like the high development and building costs in Ontario, and substantial inventory are weighing on the initiation of new projects. This raises concern about whether future housing stock can meet demand,” Hogue goes on to say.

According to CMHC’s data, Ontario saw 62,700 starts in July, compared to 77,900 the same month last year, representing a massive 24% drop. “Ontario’s six-month average has fallen to the lowest level in a decade — trending in the opposite direction of what’s needed to achieve the provincial government’s ambitious goal of building 1.5 million new homes over 10 years,” says Hogue. “It’s a similar, albeit less pronounced, situation in BC.”

Statistics Canada, RBC Economics

Alberta and Atlantic Canada are experiencing all-time highs in residential construction, the report posits, so what’s holding back starts in Ontario?

“High development and construction costs are major barriers. Builders saw a rapid escalation of expenses for land, labour, and materials, compounded by municipal development charges and other fees in the past several years,” writes Hogue. “These costs make it exceedingly difficult to bring new housing projects to market at prices prospective buyers can afford, particularly in the expensive GTA.”

Beyond that, Hogue underscores that the supply overload in Ontario, which makes new inventory less attractive than resale, is due to the lower price-point and high availability of the latter. “Meanwhile, investor interest in pre-construction condos — a key driver of housing starts in the GTA — has nearly collapsed,” he adds. “The Bank of Canada’s earlier interest rate hikes, a cooling rental market and declining condo prices have deterred investors, leading to a sharp drop in pre-construction condo sales. Without investor confidence, many projects are unable to get off the ground, further stalling new construction.”

Canadian Real Estate Association, RBC Economics

On top of all of that, Ontario municipalities like Toronto are “issuing more building permits than builders are acting on,” which points to a “major bottleneck” in costs, says the report. Hogue specifically points to development charges, which oftentimes prevent projects from pencilling out.

“The full impact of the current slowdown in housing starts won’t be felt for years in Ontario. It can take two, three or more years to complete a large multi-unit project once the foundation has been poured,” he adds. “Indeed, the GTA market is still absorbing the wave of condo units completed in 2024 started during the pandemic or even earlier. Units currently under construction (more than 93,000 units as of July) are just 11% off from all-time highs in the region, which suggests completions are likely to stay relatively plentiful (albeit diminishing) in the near term.”

CMHC, Statistics Canada, RBC Economics

Hogue underscores that Ontario’s housing construction pipeline, if not addressed, will taper outby 2026. “Any material drop in completions causing a slowdown in the housing stock’s expansion would make it that much harder to close the province’s housing supply gap,” he adds. “It could increase the shortfall and aggravate the affordability crisis if it coincides with a rebound in population growth once Canada’s immigration policy is readjusted.”

This is a topic that has been discussed at length by industry stakeholders, and some are calling the impending reality a “construction cliff.”

Even more troubling is the fact that industry leaders were calling for the “cliff” to materialize by 2027 or 2028, but economists with RBC are forecasting it to happen even sooner.

Originally published in Storey

Top 5 Tips for Making the Most of Tutoring in Canada

By Maren Telfor

August 22, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Tutoring has become one of the most effective ways for Canadian students to improve academically, build confidence, and develop lifelong learning skills. With classrooms often being too crowded to provide one-on-one attention, tutors offer a personalized approach that helps students overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Whether it’s preparing for a difficult math test, improving essay writing skills, or simply developing better study habits, tutoring provides structure and encouragement where it is most needed. Families seeking professional support can explore trusted services such as tutor Oakville, which offer customized programs designed to meet the needs of every learner.

To get the best results, however, students and parents should approach tutoring with a clear plan and active participation. Below are five recommendations that can help maximize the benefits of tutoring sessions in Canada.

A shared understanding of the purpose of their sessions.

1. Set Clear Goals from the Start

Tutoring becomes most effective when both the student and the tutor begin with a shared understanding of the purpose of their sessions. Without a clear direction, lessons can feel scattered and less impactful. Goals provide structure, focus, and motivation, guiding each meeting toward meaningful progress. For example, a student may want to raise their math grade by a certain percentage, strengthen reading comprehension, or learn effective strategies for time management before entering university. When these objectives are defined from the very beginning, the tutor can prepare lessons that are not only personalized but also measurable in terms of results. Parents contribute by ensuring that their expectations are communicated and by helping their children remain consistent with their efforts. Having well-defined goals also makes it easier to monitor progress, celebrate milestones, and adjust strategies when needed, ensuring that every tutoring session leads to long-term growth.

Maintain Consistency in Sessions

One of the most common reasons tutoring does not deliver strong results is irregular attendance. Many families treat it as an occasional resource, but meaningful academic improvement requires steady and consistent engagement. When students attend sessions regularly, learning builds naturally and concepts are reinforced until they become second nature. Irregular sessions, by contrast, often lead to forgotten lessons and recurring struggles. To avoid this, it is helpful to establish a routine where tutoring becomes a natural part of the student’s weekly schedule, much like school or extracurricular activities.

Meaningful academic improvement requires steady and consistent engagement.

Key benefits of consistent tutoring include:

Prevention of learning gaps that often reappear when lessons are missed.

Reduced stress and anxiety before exams or major assignments.

A stronger sense of discipline and accountability in academic life.

Families who approach tutoring with this mindset typically see not only improved grades but also more confidence and less stress in their children’s approach to learning.

Encourage Active Participation

Student willingness to participate ensures that those lessons are fully understood.

Tutoring is not designed to be a passive experience where students simply listen and take notes. True progress happens when learners actively engage with the material, ask questions, and openly share their struggles. A student who feels safe enough to admit confusion about a subject can gain clarity much faster than one who remains silent. Tutors provide explanations and examples, but it is the student’s willingness to participate that ensures those lessons are fully understood. Parents can support this process by reminding children that tutoring sessions are judgment-free spaces where mistakes are not failures but opportunities to learn.

Over time, students who take an active role in their tutoring develop not only a deeper understanding of the subjects but also critical life skills such as independence, problem-solving, and confidence that extend beyond the classroom.

Apply Learning Outside of Tutoring Sessions

While tutoring sessions provide valuable guidance, it is the application of these lessons in everyday schoolwork and personal study that solidifies progress. A concept learned with the tutor becomes part of long-term knowledge only when the student practices it repeatedly in different contexts. For instance, math strategies introduced during tutoring should be applied when solving homework problems, and writing techniques learned in a session should appear in essays and school assignments. The more frequently a student uses these skills, the more natural and lasting they become.

Ways to apply tutoring outside of sessions include:

Reviewing notes and reworking examples provided by the tutor.
Using new problem-solving methods on regular homework.
Practicing writing techniques in both academic and personal projects.
Setting aside quiet study time at home to reinforce recent lessons.

When families encourage this type of practice, the benefits of tutoring extend far beyond the sessions themselves, turning short-term improvements into lasting academic growth.

Build a Strong Partnership with the Tutor

A strong partnership ensures that tutoring is not just about solving problems in the short term but also about creating a supportive learning environment.

Tutoring works best when it is seen as a team effort involving the tutor, the student, and the parents. Open communication allows the tutor to tailor their teaching methods, ensures that progress is transparent, and keeps everyone accountable. Parents can support this partnership by checking in on their child’s development, asking thoughtful questions, and staying informed about challenges and improvements. At the same time, students should feel encouraged to express what helps them learn most effectively, as well as what areas still feel unclear.

A strong partnership ensures that tutoring is not just about solving problems in the short term but also about creating a supportive learning environment that adapts to the student’s evolving needs. This collaboration transforms tutoring from a series of lessons into a long-term investment in both academic achievement and personal growth.

Successful vs. Unsuccessful Tutoring Approaches: Comparing Table

Approach	Successful Tutoring	Unsuccessful Tutoring
Goal Setting	Clear, measurable, and specific	Vague or undefined
Session Consistency	Regular weekly sessions	Sporadic or irregular attendance
Student Involvement	Active questioning and participation	Passive listening with little effort
Application Outside Sessions	Practice in schoolwork and at home	Ignoring lessons after tutoring ends
Communication	Open discussion with tutor and parents	Lack of feedback or collaboration

Why Recommendations Matter

Tutoring is not just about hiring someone to help with schoolwork—it is about creating an effective system that empowers students to grow academically and personally. By setting clear goals, maintaining consistency, encouraging participation, applying lessons outside of sessions, and building strong partnerships, families can ensure that tutoring delivers long-term results. In a country like Canada, where academic expectations are high and students face increasing pressure to succeed, following these recommendations can make the difference between temporary improvements and lasting success. Tutoring, when approached strategically, becomes more than an academic support system—it becomes a foundation for lifelong confidence and achievement.

FAQ

What age is best to start tutoring?

Tutoring can be valuable at any age. Younger students benefit from building strong foundations early, while high school and university students often need help with more advanced subjects or exam preparation. Starting tutoring sooner can help prevent learning gaps from developing.

Is online tutoring as effective as in-person sessions?

Online tutoring is highly effective when supported by interactive tools and clear communication. Many Canadian families prefer online sessions for their convenience, while others choose in-person tutoring for face-to-face engagement. The choice often depends on the student’s learning style and personal preference.

How often should tutoring sessions take place?

Most experts recommend at least one to two sessions per week for consistent progress. Regular scheduling ensures that students stay on top of their studies and retain information, rather than cramming before exams or assignments.

Tutoring, becomes more than an academic support system—it becomes a foundation for lifelong confidence and achievement.

How can parents support tutoring at home?

Parents can help by creating a quiet study space, encouraging practice outside of tutoring sessions, and staying in touch with the tutor about progress. Their involvement reinforces the lessons learned and helps keep students motivated.

What should I look for in a tutor?

A good tutor should combine subject expertise with patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. It’s important that the tutor connects well with the student and builds trust, creating a positive environment where the learner feels comfortable and encouraged.