Slowly but surely, Ontario is loosening the reins on construction activity.

Premier Doug Ford announced on May 6 that the province would allow more retail stores and essential construction services to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic—provided staff and employers continue to follow appropriate health and safety guidelines.

Now included under the definition of essential projects are initial site works to the below-grade structures for multi-unit residential construction projects, and existing above-grade works. Doing so, says the province “will help clear the way for the housing and jobs our economy will need to support economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The premier’s announcement also opened the door for an expanded suite of retail services—including garden centres, hardware stores and safety supply stores—to re-open over the course of the next five days. Some will be allowed to offer in-store payment and purchases, while others will be expected to offer curbside pickup and delivery.

The announcement is the latest in a series of gradual measures the province is taking to restore the hard-hit economy. On April 27, the province released its framework for reopening the province. That document included guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces.

On May 1, the government announced that it had expanded the definition of essential services to include work on more construction projects. It also released more than 60 sector-specific health and safety guidelines that were drafted with the input of Ontario’s health and safety associations.

“We haven't been sitting on our hands,” said Ford. “Whether it's releasing our framework for reopening or putting in place the workplace safety guidelines needed to help businesses adapt to the new environment, we've been laying the groundwork for the safe, measured, and gradual reopening of our province. As the trends improve, we can move forward with reopening more and more of our economy and getting people back to work."

Those businesses permitted to resume operations during the pandemic are expected to observe the province’s guidelines, follow public health measures, and put in place such practices as promoting physical distancing and frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, installing physical barriers, staggering shifts, and using contactless payment options.

"It's due to the progress we have made collectively to slow the spread of COVID-19 that we are able to see a gradual easing of restrictions, allowing certain businesses to reopen safely," said Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli. "During this period, we must move cautiously and strike the right balance between getting people back to work and preventing further outbreaks. Protecting the safety of staff, customers and the general public is our number one priority.”