New CCDC Progressive Design-Build Contracts Draw Big Turnout on Cross-Canada Tour
The Daily Commercial News reports that new progressive design-build (PDB) contract standards from the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) drew heavy turnout on a national roadshow this spring, with 24 sessions and more than 900 attendees across the country. CCDC published the new CCDC 32-2026 Progressive Design-Build Contract, its companion CCDC 33-2026 service contract, and a guide document in May, alongside updates to the traditional CCDC 14-2026 and 15-2026 design-build contracts.
According to Toronto-based McMillan LLP counsel Geza Banfai, who helped develop the revisions, the biggest shift is that PDB splits work into a project development phase and a separate design/construction phase, with parties committing to final scope, schedule and price only at a “final project gate.” If the parties can’t reach agreement at any project gate, the contract allows either side to walk away using a built-in off-ramp, unlike traditional design-build where price and scope lock in at the outset.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Subs bidding PDB work under CCDC 32-2026 should expect pricing and scope negotiations to extend deep into the project development phase rather than being fixed at contract signing, so build flexibility into preliminary estimates and staffing plans.
- GCs and design-builders should review the new “final project proposal” and off-ramp provisions before committing resources, since a deal can still terminate at a project gate if design, schedule and price aren’t sufficiently agreed upon.
- Firms working with consultants on PDB teams should check CCDC 33-2026 for updated compensation and scope-of-service terms covering both project phases, and CCDC 14/15 users should note new instruments-of-service definitions and clearer design-ownership language.
