In the bustling realm of Ontario’s housing market, modular construction is emerging as a beacon of hope amid a pressing demand for new homes. However, as Albert Bendersky, vice-president of design at Hamilton’s BECC Modular Solutions, points out, several barriers must be dismantled to fully harness this innovative construction method.
Chief among these obstacles is the absence of formal pre-approval or recognition by provincial and municipal authorities for standardized modular units. The existing building code, described as inflexible, does not yet accommodate the revolutionary technologies that modular construction could bring to the fore.
In an effort to bridge these understanding gaps, BECC recently hosted a group of planners at its facility, coinciding with the annual Ontario Professional Planners Institute conference. During this event, Bendersky emphasized the potential of modular construction to meet various municipal and aesthetic requirements, stating, “We can achieve the same results that have been achieved before,” advocating for a shift towards new technological solutions in the sector.
BECC — An executive with BECC modular solutions recently explained that non-modular areas of a manufactured home typically include foundations, structural cores such as staircases and elevator shafts, and large open public zones with flexible use areas. Often it is easier to leave the ground floor fully traditional.
The essence of resolving the housing crisis, Bendersky asserts, lies in the mass-production of high-quality buildings. This involves integrating 21st-century industrial technologies akin to those used in automobile and electronics manufacturing. BECC, for instance, leverages Hamilton’s high-grade steel as a key component in their process, although other materials like wood or concrete are also viable.
The manufacturing process at BECC begins with pre-cut and pre-drilled steel parts, assembling modules complete with wiring, piping, insulation, and more. This modular approach aims to significantly reduce time and costs, paralleling modern industrial efficiency.
Bendersky highlighted a current project for a California client to illustrate the efficiency of modular construction when supported by an effective approvals system. Unlike Ontario’s layered planning and political processes, California’s system allows for streamlined approvals, enabling projects to proceed without repetitive bureaucratic hurdles.
To truly enhance the adoption of modular construction in Ontario, Bendersky suggests the development of a pre-approval system by large municipalities. Such a system would expedite projects by alleviating some of the red tape associated with building permits, especially for small to mid-size developments.
The integration of new technologies into the building code is essential, as existing codes hinder progress by not recognizing the capabilities of modern construction methods, Bendersky explained.
In conclusion, BECC is on the cusp of further technological advancement with plans to introduce robotic systems, poised to enhance manufacturing speed and efficiency. As the industry becomes more sophisticated, sustainable construction standards like Passive Haus and net-zero should become achievable goals, mirroring traditional building achievements.
Despite these challenges, the sector is advancing rapidly with the help of Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms and AI tools, enabling a more scientific approach to construction. Follow Don Wall on X/Twitter for ongoing updates in this rapidly evolving field.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Bluerate.ai—formerly MyMortgageRates—is stepping into 2025 with a mission to modernize a mortgage process that has barely changed in decades. Built by Zeitro, the platform equips both borrowers and loan officers with powerful AI tools, from online pre‑qualification and automated financial data extraction to instant guideline answers and scenario analysis. With more than 3,000 verified NMLS‑licensed loan officers and real‑time rate comparisons from major lenders, Bluerate.ai is quickly becoming a must‑know platform for mortgage and real estate professionals seeking speed, clarity, and a fully digital lending experience.
After the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, key federal housing programs such as FHA, VA, USDA, and NFIP are officially back in operation—offering long‑awaited relief to agents, lenders, and insurance professionals. But with a six‑week backlog slowing everything from loan guarantees to flood-insurance renewals, real estate pros should brace for delays and focus on resetting client expectations. A new federal spending deal restores funding through early 2026 and gives the market room to breathe, while NAR’s aggressive advocacy helped push the government toward reopening. Now, professionals who communicate clearly and stay on top of regulatory updates will be best positioned to guide clients through the temporary turbulence.
Commercial real estate is rapidly shifting toward a digital-first model, with platforms like Crexi leading the charge. By unifying property data, AI-driven insights, transparent bidding, and streamlined transaction tools, digital marketplaces are becoming essential to how modern CRE deals are sourced, analyzed, and closed. With more than 2 million monthly users and over $1 trillion in facilitated transactions, Crexi showcases how technology is reshaping the industry and giving real estate professionals a powerful competitive edge.
Europe’s biggest landlords—including Aroundtown, Vonovia, and top global investors—have teamed up to launch ATechX, a powerful new accelerator giving proptech startups something they rarely get: access to real buildings, real customers, and a clear path to scale across multiple countries. Designed to move founders beyond “pilot purgatory,” ATechX offers a true sandbox for innovation in Europe’s aging, regulation‑heavy property market, helping promising technology reach commercial traction faster than ever.
Mortgage rates are finally easing, inventory is climbing, and buyers are gaining leverage for the first time in years — yet sky‑high prices and economic jitters are keeping many on pause. With economists warning that inflation could push rates higher again, this fall may offer a rare window for well‑prepared buyers. Here’s what’s driving the shift, where opportunities are emerging, and how real estate professionals can stay ahead.
Griffin Funding has appointed John Jones as Senior Vice President of Growth and EOS Integrator, aiming to scale the company toward a $3 billion annual non-QM volume goal by 2030. After serving in fractional leadership roles since April 2025, Jones now steps in full‑time to lead organizational structure, efficiency, market expansion, and cross‑department alignment. Backed by strong liquidity and rising deal volume, Griffin Funding appears positioned for major industry impact in the years ahead.
