Déjà Vu or Real Change?
Understanding the Brand New 2026 Amendments to Ontario’s Construction Act
Ontario’s construction lien legislation has been evolving for more than 150 years—beginning with the Mechanics’ Lien Act in 1873 and culminating in today’s Construction Act.
While change has always been part of the Act’s history, the pace and scope of reform in recent years have been unprecedented. Amendments introduced in 2018 and 2019 fundamentally reshaped the industry by altering lien timelines, introducing prompt payment, and establishing a new adjudication regime. Temporary pandemic measures and related updates to standard form contracts added yet another layer of complexity.
Effective January 1, 2026, the Construction Act was once again significantly amended. These latest changes have critical implications for holdback, lien rights, adjudication, and payment obligations across the entire construction pyramid.
This live webinar will highlight the key 2026 amendments and provide practical guidance to help industry participants understand, manage, and respond to these changes with confidence.
Key Topics Covered:
- Annual release of holdback
- Current status of phased release of holdback
- Payment of holdback and set-off rights
- Impacts on lien preservation and perfection timelines
- Expansion of adjudication, including who may adjudicate and what issues may be decided
- Practical risk considerations arising from the 2026 amendments
- When and how to assert claims for payment under the updated Act
Who Should Attend:
This program is designed for anyone working for or with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, consultants, project managers, or owners—in both the private and public sectors - who are involved in preparing, reviewing, administering, negotiating, or overseeing construction contracts.
It is particularly relevant for professionals responsible for risk assessment, contract administration, project oversight, billings, collections, and responding to notices, including:
- Contract administrators
- Project managers
- Controllers
- Development managers
- In-house counsel
- Accountants