Ontario has long been a hub of steel production, with major facilities in Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, and other regions supplying high-quality steel for Canada and beyond. In an era of global uncertainty, shifting trade dynamics, and renewed focus on national resilience, Ontario has an opportunity to significantly expand the use of domestic steel across multiple sectors. Strategic application in highways, industrial development, defense procurement, and urban construction can not only support economic growth but also ensure national security and reduce reliance on imports.

Strengthening Infrastructure: Highways and Bridges
One of the most direct avenues for Ontario’s domestic steel is in transportation infrastructure. The province is actively investing billions into highway expansion, bridge rehabilitation, and transit projects. Traditionally, much of the structural steel used in large highway and bridge projects has been sourced from both domestic and foreign suppliers. Prioritizing Ontario-made steel in these projects could have multiple benefits:

Durability and Standards: Canadian steel is manufactured under stringent quality and environmental standards, ensuring longer-lasting infrastructure with fewer lifecycle costs.

Economic Multipliers: Every dollar spent on domestic steel supports not only steel mills but also mining, logistics, and secondary industries.

Reduced Supply Chain Risks: Global shipping disruptions, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions often delay foreign steel deliveries. Using local steel secures reliability.

Ontario can adopt procurement policies that give preference to Canadian steel for highway construction, much like “Buy America” provisions in the United States. This would directly channel public infrastructure spending into Ontario’s industrial heartland.

Supporting Industrial Growth
Ontario is positioning itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing, automotive innovation, and green energy. Domestic steel can be foundational to this industrial renaissance.

Automotive and EV Manufacturing: With new electric vehicle plants and battery production facilities under development, demand for specialized steel is rising. Ontario steelmakers can tailor alloys for EV frames, lightweight components, and energy storage enclosures.

Green Energy Infrastructure: Wind turbines, solar panel frames, transmission towers, and hydro projects all require significant amounts of steel. Local sourcing can align with Canada’s net-zero goals by minimizing transportation emissions and ensuring environmental compliance.

Industrial Construction: Factories, warehouses, and logistics hubs all rely on structural steel. Ontario-made steel can anchor the next wave of industrial development across the province.

Government-backed incentives could encourage private sector developers to prioritize domestic steel in new industrial builds, strengthening both manufacturing capacity and employment.

Enhancing National Security: Defense and Armed Forces

The defense sector is another area where domestic steel can play a strategic role. Canada is investing in modernization of its armed forces, including new naval ships, armored vehicles, and aerospace equipment. Steel is central to all of these initiatives.

Naval Shipbuilding: Ontario’s steel could be used in hull construction, armor plating, and infrastructure upgrades in shipyards.

Military Vehicles: Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and transport trucks depend on high-strength, impact-resistant steel.

Defense Infrastructure: Bases, hangars, and support facilities require durable, secure materials where supply reliability is essential.

By mandating the use of Canadian steel in defense contracts, the government would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for critical resources. This ensures that in times of geopolitical uncertainty, Canada can rely on domestic capabilities to maintain readiness.

Urban Growth: Towers and Commercial Development

Ontario’s major cities, Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, and others, are in the midst of a construction boom. High-rise towers, mixed-use developments, and commercial centers require vast quantities of rebar, beams, and other steel products. Too often, imported steel dominates because of slightly lower upfront costs. However, factoring in the total lifecycle, durability, environmental footprint, and local employment, domestic steel provides better long-term value.

By encouraging municipalities to adopt policies favoring local steel in large-scale developments, Ontario can link urban growth directly to industrial prosperity. Developers can also highlight “Made in Ontario” materials as part of their sustainability and community investment narratives, appealing to both regulators and buyers.

Policy Pathways and Strategic Recommendations
For Ontario to maximize the potential of its steel industry across highways, industries, defense, and towers, a comprehensive policy approach is required:
Procurement Mandates: Establish a “Made in Canada Steel” policy for government-funded infrastructure and defense projects.

Incentives for Developers: Offer tax credits or subsidies for private sector projects that commit to using a significant share of domestic steel.

Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between steelmakers, construction firms, and research institutions to develop advanced alloys and eco-friendly steel products.

Sustainability Branding: Promote Ontario steel as an environmentally responsible option, produced under stricter emissions standards than many global competitors.

Trade Defense: Monitor and, when necessary, counteract unfair dumping of low-cost steel imports that undermine local producers.

Conclusion
Ontario’s steel industry is more than an economic asset; it is a strategic resource. By intentionally channeling domestic steel into highways, industrial facilities, defense systems, and urban towers, Ontario can strengthen its economy, safeguard national security, and build infrastructure that reflects Canadian values of quality and sustainability. With global supply chains under strain and trade tensions rising, now is the time for Ontario to double down on its domestic steel advantage.