Post-Pandemic Construction in Canada

Has Scope Creep Increased?

COMMENTARY

By Funke Folasade Fakunle

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted every facet of our lives, and the construction industry in Canada has not been spared. As someone deeply involved in project management, I’ve seen firsthand how the pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in our systems, amplified existing challenges, and created new ones. Among these, scope creep, the gradual, often unnoticed expansion of a project’s scope beyond its original objectives, has been particularly problematic. In this article, I’ll share my perspective on how the pandemic has influenced scope creep in Canadian construction projects and offer some practical suggestions for addressing it.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Construction Projects

1. Supply Chain Disruptions

It’s impossible to talk about the pandemic’s impact without mentioning supply chain disruptions. Delayed shipments of critical materials like steel and lumber became a regular occurrence, forcing project teams to pivot. These delays often gave clients more time to rethink their needs, resulting in additional requests and changes. From my experience, these well-intentioned changes can snowball, stretching budgets and timelines in ways no one initially anticipated.

2. Labor Shortages

The labor shortages during the pandemic hit projects hard. I’ve witnessed how reduced workforce availability, combined with new health and safety protocols, puts immense pressure on construction teams. The resulting rush to meet deadlines often meant details were overlooked, leading to costly revisions later. And as the saying goes, “Haste makes waste.”

3. Increased Client Expectations

Interestingly, the pandemic also shifted what clients wanted from their projects. Remote work and a heightened awareness of health led to demands for features like touchless technologies and better ventilation. While these requests are understandable, they’re often introduced mid-project, throwing off the original scope and creating ripple effects throughout the project lifecycle.

Why Scope Creep Became Harder to Manage

1. Evolving Health and Safety Regulations

Health regulations were a moving target during the pandemic. Keeping up with changing requirements often felt like aiming at a dartboard in the dark. These adjustments sometimes required redesigning spaces or adding new features, adding layers of complexity to already strained projects.

2. Rising Material Costs

One of the most frustrating aspects for me has been the skyrocketing costs of materials. When budgets are already tight, these price hikes force tough decisions, leading to compromises that often disrupt the original scope.

3. Communication Gaps

Remote collaboration has its perks, but let’s be honest, it’s no substitute for face-to-face interactions. Miscommunication over video calls or email can lead to misunderstandings about project requirements, opening the door to unintended scope changes.

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How to cite this paper: Fakunle, F. F. (2025). Post-Pandemic Construction in Canada: Has Scope Creep Increased? PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue II, February. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/pmwj149-Feb2025-Fakunle-Post-Pandemic-Construction-in-Canada-Scope-Creep.pdf

About the Author

Funke Folasade Fakunle

Toronto, ON, Canada

Funke Folasade Fakunle is a seasoned Project Management professional with over 13 years of experience managing complex construction projects and driving health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance across diverse industries, including logistics, oil and gas, and construction. Her career is defined by a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, oversee multimillion-dollar projects, and ensure alignment with regulatory standards while maintaining high safety and quality benchmarks.

Currently pursuing a Master’s in Project Management with a concentration in Construction at Northeastern University, Funke is further honing her expertise in project scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration. Her academic journey complements her extensive professional background, equipping her with cutting-edge strategies to manage today’s fast-paced construction challenges. She has published 16 articles in reputed journals like Heliyon, PM World Journal etc.

Funke has held pivotal roles, including as HSE and Sustainability Manager at BHN Logistics, where she supervised projects exceeding 1 billion Naira, achieving an 80% reduction in incident rates and improving operational efficiency. Her leadership in managing construction phases at Tolaram Group and Concord Enviro FZE highlights her skill in optimizing processes, resolving on-site challenges, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

A passionate advocate for safe and sustainable construction practices, Funke is dedicated to creating environments where safety and efficiency go hand-in-hand. She actively contributes to community betterment through volunteering with organizations such as the Daily Bread Food Bank and Evergreen Brick Works, reflecting her commitment to social impact and collaboration.

Funke’s core competencies include project planning, compliance with building codes, SAP and Microsoft Project proficiency, and risk mitigation. She is an emerging thought leader in construction project management, with a mission to inspire and implement best practices that drive innovation and sustainability in the field.

Connect with Funke Fakunle to explore her insights and expertise in advancing construction project management standards worldwide.

Funke can be contacted on funkefakunleca@gmail.com