In Canada, the year is split into two distinct seasons—winter (November to March) and "orange cone" season (April to October). Summer in Canada might mean sunny days by the pool, but brings with it road construction, new developments, and a push to get things done before winter.

In an effort to understand the seasonal nature of Canada’s construction industry, we analyzed more than 20 million construction-related trips from 2024–2025 to learn more about how and when construction projects surge.

Let’s dig in.

Canada’s construction demand on the rise

Construction activity in Canada has been trending upward, particularly in non-residential sectors and multi-unit residential developments. Although the housing sector faces pressures from interest rates and affordability, public infrastructure projects and industry forecasts point to continued growth ahead.

Samsara data shows Canadian activity increasing 6% year-over-year (measured by average monthly trips per vehicle) during the first six months of 2025, suggesting that the industry demand will continue to grow through the rest of the year, particularly during the heavy construction season.

Publicly available data on building permits—a proxy for construction growth—reinforce these findings, showing a strong upward trend in May 2025, rising by 12% to reach a total of $13.1 billion for the month. Additionally, investment in building construction saw a 5.4% year-over-year increase in March, signaling a significant turnaround from the declines experienced throughout 2023. This sustained growth indicates renewed confidence and activity in the construction market.

Government initiatives are playing a crucial role in stimulating the construction industry. Both federal and provincial governments are committing to infrastructure and housing development through programs like the "Investing in Canada Plan" and the Housing Accelerator Fund. These initiatives aim to add hundreds of thousands of homes and enhance infrastructure projects across the nation, providing a substantial boost to construction activity from coast to coast. With these investments on the rise, we expect to continue to see Canada’s construction season boom.

From construction season to winter season 

Although this construction activity happens year round, Samsara data shows a 17% increase in trips per construction vehicle between April and October, as well as increases across drive time per vehicle and total miles driven per vehicle. Bolstered by fewer weather concerns, April through October marks a vital time for Canada’s frontline workers to strengthen infrastructure, expand commercial development, and address housing demands. 

Here’s how that looks broken down by month across trips, miles, and time spent on the road.

As the weather cools, so does the busy construction season. Samsara data shows a 19% drop in monthly trips per vehicle from November to December, and a 36% drop between October and December, demonstrating a clear contraction of construction demand as winter sets in. 

Which provinces see the biggest seasonal increase in activity?

So, where is all this construction happening? Samsara data reveals a large uptick in activity in the sparsely populated provinces and territories, which are experiencing an influx in major projects and investments. This seasonal increase is led by the Northwest Territories and PEI, both of which saw record-breaking commercial building growth over the past several years, with total construction activity volume surpassing more populated provinces.

Less populous Canadian provinces and territories—such as Northwest Territories (78%), PEI (77%), and Yukon (66%)—show a sharp seasonal rise in trips per vehicle during the construction period. This spike could be attributed to harsh winters that limit outdoor work, resulting in construction and related economic activities being concentrated in the warmer, more predictable summer months with longer daylight. As a result, efficiency is of the essence for these more rural projects. 

In contrast, more populous regions with milder climates or larger urban centers may have the infrastructure and resources to support year-round construction, leading to a less pronounced, but still present, seasonal fluctuation in vehicle trips for construction-related activities.

Stay up-to-date with Samsara

Strategic timing and efficient resource allocation are paramount in construction. Samsara's real-time data and insights are invaluable for construction companies operating in Canada’s narrow construction season.

By providing accurate, up-to-the-minute operational information, Samsara helps businesses optimize their operations, ensuring that construction projects are scheduled and executed with maximum efficiency. This not only minimizes delays and enhances safety but also maximizes productivity during the crucial "orange cone" season. It also provides data to help customers better prepare for the winter slowdown, optimizing fleet utilization and resource management year-round.

Ultimately, Samsara empowers construction businesses to navigate Canada's unique operational challenges, fostering continuous growth and efficiency in an ever-demanding industry.

Want to learn how Samsara can help your construction business prepare for winter?  👉 Get in touch or explore more insights.