Canada’s construction sector is entering its peak period of activity this summer, with rising temperatures accelerating project timelines and intensifying risk exposures across residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments, particularly in urban centres.
The summer months – commonly referred to in the industry as “crane season” – typically bring a surge of overlapping workstreams, extended work hours, and heightened coordination demands among multiple trades. While the season drives significant economic momentum, it also creates a more complex environment for contractors, developers, and project stakeholders.
“With tighter timelines, increased labour demand, and higher project values, this seasonal spike not only drives economic momentum but also introduces a more complex risk environment for contractors, developers, and project stakeholders,” said Gary Hirst, CEO of CHES Special Risk.
According to the Toronto-based managing general agent (MGA), the accelerated pace of summer construction can amplify several common risk categories, including equipment damage or breakdown during high-usage periods, site congestion leading to accidents or third-party liability exposures, material handling and storage challenges, and delays or disruptions affecting project timelines and costs.
The firm, which has operated as a Lloyd’s coverholder since 2009, noted that both physical damage risks and liability exposures tend to become more pronounced during peak season.
From an insurance standpoint, CHES Special Risk identified several key coverage areas that become especially relevant during this period. These include course of construction and builders risk policies, which protect property during the building phase; wrap-up general liability, which consolidates protection for multiple contractors under a single policy; and contractors’ mobile plant and equipment coverage for heavy machinery such as cranes.
The company also highlighted frame construction projects – those involving wood or mixed materials – as requiring more careful underwriting due to elevated fire exposure. Extended policy terms and multi-party project coverage were cited as increasingly important structures for long-duration or complex developments.
For insurance brokers, peak construction season presents both commercial opportunity and heightened responsibility. CHES Special Risk noted that the seasonal compression of placement timelines makes underwriting responsiveness and specialized expertise particularly critical.
The company flagged several broker considerations, including the adequacy of policy limits, the inclusion of all relevant insured parties, alignment of coverage with project timelines, and specialized protections for exposures such as faulty workmanship or equipment-related risks.
