London builders fear a construction backlog caused by expanded and aggressive COVID-19 measures will slow new home building.

The Ontario government announced Friday restrictions on construction as part of new measures to curb the pandemic’s third wave, giving rise to concerns an already overwhelmed building sector will experience more delays.

The restrictions allow projects that are underway to continue but there are restrictions on some new building, raising concerns the city will not issue new permits for home building until the extended stay-at-home order is lifted May 20.

“We’re still trying to work with the permits we have in hand, we’re waiting and all these shutdowns have put us behind. We’re in a holding pattern waiting our turn,” said Sue Wastell, president of Wastell Homes.

Also, when the normal pace of building is allowed to proceed, there will be a logjam of demands on the few skilled trades workers available, causing further delays in building, Wastell fears.

“It becomes a compounding effect. Every time we have a shutdown trades get further and further behind. We will all be vying for the same trades at the same time,” she said.

“When it reopens there will be a lot of permits available at the same time.”

London builders expect to find out soon whether city hall will license new home construction under the new measures announced Friday, Wastell said. “They have the authority to make the decision.”

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