For these large projects, I've noticed something else that I've been curious about: condo projects that sit as empty lots with "coming soon" banners around them, for years at a time before they begin construction.
What's up with that? My first guess: by the time the developer gets zoning approval, the contractor they've retained has taken other work, and now they're waiting in line.
Yeah, a lot of the delay is coming from the rezoning and permitting process. There are crazy wait times for large projects because of the large queue of applications, understaffed planning departments, public consultations, and semi-extortionary negotiation over community amenity contributions (CACs). Often the trades aren't brought on board that early because the delay and uncertainty of whether the project will go forward. Once a permit is received, then it's usually full steam ahead and we are often asked to product tender and construction drawings in impossible timelines.
For these large projects, I've noticed something else that I've been curious about: condo projects that sit as empty lots with "coming soon" banners around them, for years at a time before they begin construction.
What's up with that? My first guess: by the time the developer gets zoning approval, the contractor they've retained has taken other work, and now they're waiting in line.