Ontario Infrastructure Expansion Signals Strong Demand for Aggregates

Ontario is moving forward with a series of major infrastructure projects, signaling continued growth and opportunities for the provincial aggregate industry. From transit and road construction to energy and port development, these projects are expected to support thousands of jobs annually while driving demand for essential construction materials such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone.

In the Greater Toronto Area, construction has begun on Scarborough Centre Station, the first of three stops in the Scarborough Subway Extension. This project is part of a $70-billion transit investment across the region, expected to create 3,000 jobs annually. Once operational, the station will serve over 10,000 passengers daily and facilitate 7,000 rush-hour transfers, improving connections between TTC, GO Transit, and local services for 38,000 nearby residents and students.

Energy infrastructure is also advancing with the new St. Clair Transmission Line, a 64-kilometre project connecting Lambton County and Chatham-Kent. The project includes expansion of the Chatham Switching Station and Lambton Transformer Station, along with upgrades to the Wallaceburg Transformer Station, with completion targeted for 2028.

Additionally, the provincial government has committed nearly $62 million to upgrade roadways in northern Ontario, improving access to the Ring of Fire. On the federal level, Ottawa has identified 32 infrastructure projects for fast-track consideration, including critical mineral extraction, port expansions, and clean energy initiatives. These moves aim to accelerate approvals and construction timelines while balancing environmental and Indigenous consultation requirements.

For Ontario’s aggregates sector, these projects represent sustained demand for construction materials including bulk sand, gravel, crushed stone, and road base. Large-scale infrastructure projects require significant aggregate volumes for foundations, concrete, and roadbeds, supporting production, employment, and investment across the industry.

Brock Aggregates continues to serve the Ontario and GTA markets with high-quality aggregates, reliable bulk delivery, and a comprehensive product range to meet the needs of construction and commercial projects across the province.

ONTARIO BREAKS GROUND ON HIGHWAY 413: A BOOST FOR GTA INFRASTRUCTURE AND AGGREGATE DEMAND

The Ontario government has officially begun construction on Highway 413, a major infrastructure project designed to ease congestion across the Greater Toronto Area. Connecting York, Peel, and Halton regions, the new highway is expected to reduce commute times by up to 30 minutes, improving mobility for thousands of daily drivers. Premier Doug Ford highlighted the economic benefits of the project during an announcement in Caledon, noting that construction is projected to support over 6,000 jobs annually and contribute more than $1 billion to Ontario’s GDP.

Michael McSweeney, Executive Director of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, emphasized the importance of this milestone for the province’s aggregate sector. “The start of Highway 413 construction shows that Ontario is serious about building for the future. For our members, any project that drives new demand for stone, sand, and gravel is a lifeline,” he said.

The scale of Highway 413 is expected to significantly boost demand for construction aggregates, including crushed stone, bulk sand, gravel, and other essential materials used in road base and commercial development. For suppliers across Ontario and the GTA, this means increased production and employment opportunities in the aggregate industry.

Stay tuned for more information Brock Aggregate news, blog posts and updates from the industry!