If you are one of many Prince Edward Islanders waiting to get construction work done, don’t expect movement on that front any time soon.

The province’s construction industry is continuing to deal with high demand while navigating labour shortages and supply chain delays.

“It’s not getting any better, that’s for sure,” said Sam Sanderson, general manager of the P.E.I. Construction Association.

When it comes to supply issues, it seems no area of the industry is spared. Steel, electronics,  insulation, and some mechanical shortages are all slowing down work. 

Skilled people might be the biggest shortage of all. Sanderson said the industry is still in need of at least 1,000 workers.

“We need to get people to work,” Sanderson said.

“We need to do anything and everything we can to encourage people to get into the trades, to look at trades as an option.”

A combination of factors is driving business — and business delays — for some sectors in the industry. 

Trevor MacDonald, manager of P.E.I. Emco HVAC distribution, said the increased demand for green energy and changes in home heating and ventilating, has led to a “large-scale demand.” 

Previously, he said, P.E.I. had relied on more traditional heating sources. Now, most new builds have some sort of heat pump or other, newer system. 

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