ARTICLE · 17 JUNE 2026

The New And Improved CCDC 5B 2025

Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP

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The industry loves the CCDC5B because it works well with how a contractor actually engages with owners on many projects. Construction lawyers generally deride it because, by seeking to do too much in one agreement, the CCDC5B arguably fails in the primary goal of clearly establishing the parties’ rights and obligations.

CanadaReal Estate and Construction

Christopher Hirst

Austin Sutherland

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Introduction

The CCDC5B has for long been loved by the industry but derided by construction lawyers.

What’s a CCDC5B? It’s a standard form contract for construction managed projects that allows a contractor to act as an advisor at the early stages of the project, and then transition into a builder and, potentially, a fixed price contract.

The industry loves the CCDC5B because it works well with how a contractor actually engages with owners on many projects. Construction lawyers generally deride it because, by seeking to do too much in one agreement, the CCDC5B arguably fails in the primary goal of clearly establishing the parties’ rights and obligations.

On June 30, 2025, the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) released consequential changes aimed at modernizing the contract and aligning its provisions with the realities of today’s construction practices. Those who loved the earlier versions of the CCDC5B will likely be happy with the updates. However, the changes

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