Brookfield Residential is one of the largest homebuilding and community-development companies in North America. When the coronavirus pandemic began spreading, it quickly affected the way homes were built, sold and delivered. Construction sites, show homes and offices all had to be rethought. What follows is a clear account of how Brookfield Residential dealt with the crisis, what steps it took to protect workers and customers, and how those experiences have shaped its practices today.
Early Response
As soon as the first shutdowns were announced, Brookfield Residential formed internal teams to review public health advice and apply it across its operations. Policies were updated within days to slow the spread of the virus. Sick-leave rules were made more flexible so employees and contractors could stay home if unwell. Travel between sites was limited. Meetings and planning sessions were moved online. The company’s first aim was to set a tone of caution and responsibility so that everyone knew health came first.
Protecting Construction Workers
Construction could not simply stop, but the way work was done changed dramatically. Brookfield Residential:
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Limited access points at each site so that workers could be screened for symptoms.
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Asked all staff and trades to check their health daily before arriving.
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Supplied masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and extra washing stations.
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Scheduled crews in smaller numbers and staggered shifts to reduce contact.
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Cleaned shared equipment and surfaces far more frequently than before.
These measures made job sites safer and reassured both employees and inspectors that work could continue responsibly.
Serving Homebuyers Safely
Homebuyers also needed protection and reassurance. Brookfield Residential switched many parts of its sales and service process to digital channels. People could tour homes online, meet sales staff through video calls and sign paperwork electronically. When in-person visits were unavoidable, they were scheduled by appointment to control the number of visitors. Orientation sessions, key handovers and warranty walkthroughs were redesigned to minimize contact. This approach allowed buyers to keep moving forward even during lockdowns.
Supporting Communities
Beyond its own business, the company looked at how its communities were coping. Common areas in neighbourhoods under construction received extra cleaning. Signs reminded residents of distancing and hygiene. Staff stayed in close touch with local health authorities to ensure compliance with changing rules. Trade partners and employees affected by illness or quarantine were supported with information and, where possible, flexible arrangements. All of this reinforced a sense of trust at a time when uncertainty was high.
Managing Business Impact
COVID-19 inevitably affected schedules and finances. Materials arrived late, costs rose and some projects were slowed or paused. Workforce interruptions also played a role. Brookfield Residential responded by revising construction timelines, communicating delays clearly to buyers and revisiting its budgets. By treating these changes openly, it was able to keep relationships with customers and suppliers intact, which will pay off in the long term.
Long-Term Changes
Several practices developed during the pandemic are now permanent:
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Regular sanitation of workspaces and show homes.
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Continued use of online tools and virtual tours.
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Better planning for supply-chain disruptions.
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More frequent, transparent updates to customers and partners.
These changes make operations more resilient and give homebuyers more choice in how they interact with the company.
What Buyers Can Take From This
People shopping for a new home can learn from this experience. Ask a builder how it handled safety during COVID-19 and what policies remain in place. Look for developers who embraced virtual tools and open communication rather than shutting down. Developers that acted responsibly during a crisis are more likely to build and manage communities responsibly in normal times as well.
Conclusion
Brookfield Residential’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic combined caution, adaptation and open communication. By protecting its workforce, offering virtual options to customers and maintaining clear standards on its sites, it kept essential operations moving without losing sight of health and trust. Many of the lessons from that period—especially around hygiene, digital tools and transparency—are now part of how the company works every day. For homebuyers and residents, that means a safer, more flexible and more reliable experience in the future.
FAQ
What safety measures did Brookfield Residential take?
Daily health checks, restricted site access, personal protective equipment, smaller crews and enhanced cleaning.
How did the pandemic affect its projects?
Some delays occurred due to supply shortages and workforce interruptions, but many activities continued with adjusted timelines.
Did it offer virtual services?
Yes. Virtual tours, online meetings and digital paperwork became standard to reduce in-person contact.
Which changes will stay?
Improved sanitation, online customer tools, flexible scheduling and more transparent communication.
