In a time when global markets are shifting, and economic uncertainty is becoming the norm, Canadians are rallying behind Canadian-made products like never before. From groceries to clothing to construction materials, there’s a renewed commitment to buying local, not just as an act of patriotism but as a practical choice for resilience, quality, and economic sustainability.
At Dunpar Homes, this isn’t something new. It is a philosophy that we’ve embraced from the beginning. Read on to discover how we prioritize Canadian-made materials in our construction and why that matters to today’s homeowners.
A National Movement with Local Roots
The recent introduction of U.S. tariffs—a 25% duty on most Canadian goods—has sparked a nationwide movement. In response, Canada enacted its own retaliatory tariffs. These trade tensions have made many consumers pause and consider: Where is this product made? Who is really benefiting from this purchase?
These questions become even more critical in construction, where materials and supply chains stretch across borders. The shift toward supporting Canadian-made materials is not just symbolic. It’s a practical response to economic pressures, logistical challenges, and a growing desire to strengthen the industries that sustain our communities.
At Dunpar Homes, we understand that every home we build is a commitment not just to quality and craftsmanship but to Canada itself. We’ve been shaping communities across the Greater Toronto Area for over 40 years. With more than 2,000 elegant homes and communities delivered, we are known not just for what we build but also for how and why we build.
The Dunpar Approach: Building a Canadian Legacy
When you walk into a Dunpar home, you’re stepping into something built with intention—crafted by Canadian hands, using materials sourced right here at home.
“We do our very best to use Canadian materials in our buildings and have developed a synchronized system of buying Canadian,” says Taylor Rogers, project director at Dunpar Homes.
About 70% of our building materials are Canadian. That includes the steel reinforcing our structures, the concrete forming our foundations, the bricks cladding our homes, the metal studs in our walls, and even the elevators, proudly manufactured by Delta, the only Canadian elevator producer.
In an industry where it’s easy to cut corners or go offshore in search of lower costs, Dunpar makes a conscious choice. We prioritize Canadian products, even when it’s more complex or expensive.
Why Buying Canadian Building Materials Matters
Choosing Canadian suppliers isn’t just about pride—it’s about performance. Local sourcing leads to several benefits:
- Reduced lead times. In construction, time is money. Canadian-sourced materials often arrive faster than imports, allowing projects to move forward with fewer delays.
- Ensure quality. Canadian regulations around safety, durability, and environmental standards are among the highest in the world.
- Boost the local economy. Every purchase of Canadian-made materials supports local businesses, jobs, and communities.
- Insulation against global disruptions. Whether it’s a border delay or a shipping strike, foreign-sourced materials are subject to more uncertainty. With Canadian suppliers, that risk is drastically reduced.
As Taylor explains, “The benefit of buying Canadian, whenever possible, is that because it is local, we don’t need a lot of lead time. Some products are available almost immediately, such as windows, doors, and fire alarms.”
The Challenges—& Why We Push Through Them
Of course, the path of buying Canadian isn’t always straightforward. Some products simply aren’t made here. Others, like aluminum components or sprinkler pipes, may begin their journey in Canada, travel to the U.S. for processing, and then return, accumulating multiple tariffs along the way.
Light fixtures, for instance, are primarily manufactured offshore. And lumber, once a symbol of Canadian abundance, has become harder to source locally as mills restrict supply to drive up prices.
But despite these hurdles, Dunpar stays committed to its values. “Wherever possible we do our very best to pre-order as much as we can to avoid tariffs,” Taylor shares. “Our mantra is: We would rather be looking at it than looking for it.”
It’s a philosophy that reflects not only strategic planning but a deep respect for our clients and community. We believe that people deserve homes built with integrity, and that means doing the hard work behind the scenes, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Our Commitment: Canadian Communities That Feel Like Home
At the heart of Dunpar’s approach is a simple yet powerful idea: we’re Canadians building for Canadians. That means creating communities that reflect our shared values, stand the test of time, and foster a true sense of belonging.
Whether it’s new townhomes in Mississauga, boutique rentals in Etobicoke, or thoughtfully designed pre-construction projects in Toronto, our commitment to build with purpose, care, and community in mind remains the same
We don’t just build houses. We create the spaces where Canadian lives unfold, children take their first steps, and neighbours gather on porches. These are spaces where memories are made and legacies are passed down.
Let’s Buy Canadian: A Call to Conscious Construction
There’s a growing awareness that the decisions we make—what we buy, what we build, how we live—have ripple effects. Supporting Canadian businesses is no longer just about sentiment; it’s a strategy for long-term success, independence, and well-being.
For us at Dunpar, aligning with the “Buy Canadian” movement is more than a response to tariffs. It’s about ensuring that our homes are a true reflection of the country we love. So whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or simply someone who believes in the power of local, we invite you to explore what it means to live in a Dunpar home.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our current communities and upcoming projects across the GTA. Let’s build your next chapter right here in Canada.
