Office Fit Out Cost Guide

2026 Canada Guide Highlights 

The Americas Office Fit Out Cost Guide evaluates construction pricing across 4 markets in Canada, offering current benchmarks for both new buildouts and adaptive reuse scenarios.

In 2026, moderating inflation has eased some cost pressures, but skilled labour shortages and rising material costs continue to drive project budgets upward. Contractors across the region expect both labour and material prices to rise over the next six months, keeping overall cost pressures elevated.

Key cost guide findings include:  

• The macroeconomic backdrop remains a headwind for office fit out costs, with global trade tensions, materials pricing and labour shortages playing a role in elevated cost pressures, with contractors often absorbing cost increases due to competition.   
• The new construction pipeline for office space remains low and with return to office building momentum in core markets, high-quality office space remains at a premium. Both landlords and occupiers should consider office fit outs to meet space requirements. 
• Reductions in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) helped offset increases elsewhere in Montreal and Toronto resulting in lower total costs per square foot. Meanwhile, both Calgary and Vancouver recorded year-over-year increases in total costs, primarily driven by rising electrical expenses. 

Costs per markets surveyed ($CAD): 

• Toronto at $204.45/psf (down from $210.09) 
• Vancouver at $199.12/psf (up from $180.20) 
• Montreal at $190.28/psf (down from $201.17) 
• Calgary at $181.10/psf (up from $166.52)