Peak Construction Season Brings Increased Activity and Complex Risk Considerations Across Canada

As temperatures rise and projects accelerate, Canada’s construction sector is entering its busi-est period of the year. Often referred to as “crane season,” the summer months typically see a surge in development activity across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects particularly in urban centres.

“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”, mentioned Gary Hirst, CEO, CHES Special Risks Inc.

Seasonal Growth Meets Operational Pressure

The summer construction period is characterized by accelerated project schedules and overlap-ping workstreams. Builders aim to maximize favourable weather conditions, resulting in in-creased site activity, longer work hours, and greater coordination between multiple trades.

This heightened pace can amplify common construction risks, including:

• Equipment damage or breakdown during high usage periods
• Site congestion leading to accidents or third party liability exposures
• Material handling and storage challenges
• Delays or disruptions impacting project timelines and costs

In this environment, both physical damage risks and liability exposures tend to become more pronounced.

Specialty insurance providers with dedicated construction expertise play a key role during this period, supporting brokers with tailored underwriting approaches and capacity across multiple coverage lines. Firms such as CHES Special Risks Inc., known for their work in construction insurance and recognized underwriting teams, continue to support brokers navigating peak season de-mands through structured solutions across builders risk, liability, equipment, and related cover-ages.

Coverage Considerations for Complex Projects

Given the scale and interconnected nature of construction projects, insurance structures must account for multiple moving parts and stakeholders.

Key areas of focus during peak season typically include:

Course of Construction & Builders Risk

Coverage designed for property in the course of building, commonly applied to non combustible projects and large scale developments. These policies play a critical role in protecting against damage during the construction phase.

Wrap Up General Liability

Used to provide consolidated liability protection across a project, covering multiple contractors and participants under a single policy framework.

Frame Construction

Projects involving wood or mixed materials often require more careful underwriting due to in-creased fire exposure and site management considerations.

Contractors’ Mobile Plant & Equipment

Heavy equipment, including cranes and machinery, represents a significant investment and op-erational dependency. Protecting these assets is essential, particularly during periods of inten-sive use.

Extended Policy Terms

Long duration projects may require policies written for extended terms, reducing the need for renewals and ensuring continuity over the life of a project.

Multi Party Project Coverage

Construction policies are increasingly structured to address the needs of all project participants, from principals and developers to general contractors, subcontractors, and financing entities.

Why This Matters for Brokers

For insurance brokers, peak construction season represents both an opportunity and a respon-sibility. The scale and complexity of risks increase alongside project activity, requiring careful attention to:

• Adequacy of limits
• Inclusion of all relevant insured parties
• Alignment of coverage with project timelines
• Specialized protections for unique exposures such as faulty workmanship or equip-ment related risks

The seasonal nature of construction also creates compressed timelines for placement, making responsiveness and underwriting expertise particularly important.

ABOUT CHES Special Risks Inc.

CHES Special Risks Inc. was established as a Managing General Agent and Wholesale broker in 2004, in response to broker demand to a hardening market place, commencing with a particu-lar speciality in the entertainment and hospitality business, later becoming a fully accredited Lloyd’s coverholder in 2009. CHES Special Risks Inc. and Sister Companies are a fully Independent MGA delivering “A” rated capacity both in the hard to place, and standard lines classes and support their retail brokers in growing and developing their businesses.

Additional information regarding CHES Special Risks Inc. can be found at: http://www.CHESspecialrisk.ca.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call us at 416-452-7850 or email Gary.Hirst@CHESspecialrisk.ca.