Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant to construction business operations, from estimating and scheduling to contract document reviews and project administration. However, adopting these tools also introduces considerations around confidential information, data security and responsibility for AI-generated work.
The Ontario General Contractors Association has released four free resources to help general contractors establish internal guidelines and evaluate AI applications within their operations.
The initiative covers practical applications of AI in construction, potential operational risks and approaches to introducing governance measures as businesses expand their use of the technology.
The resource package includes a comprehensive guide titled Artificial Intelligence in Construction, which explains potential industry applications, privacy and confidentiality risks, accuracy concerns and a phased approach to organizational adoption.
A separate two-page executive brief is intended for business owners and senior management. It outlines considerations for approving AI tools, assigning accountability and measuring implementation progress.
The association has also developed a 20-minute audio overview explaining how AI can support tasks such as reviewing requests for proposals, preparing meeting minutes from site notes, drafting requests for information and producing daily reports. The material also addresses risks associated with uploading confidential pricing information to public AI platforms and using unverified AI-generated documents.
The fourth resource is an online AI Governance Policy Builder. The tool collects information across six areas, including company operations, existing AI usage, data privacy exposure, governance requirements, priority applications and workforce training.
Based on those inputs, the platform generates a nine-section draft policy tailored to the organization's size, sector and risk tolerance. Users can export the document in PDF or Word format.
OGCA states that the generated policy is a starting point rather than legal advice. Contractors are advised to review the document with legal counsel and senior management before implementation, including checks against contractual requirements and applicable collective agreements.
The resources were developed by the AI Guide Sub-Committee within OGCA's Innovation Committee.
Michael Rennie of Maestro Technologies Inc. chaired the sub-committee, which also included representatives from Bird Construction, GEN-PRO, Mattamy Homes Canada and OGCA, alongside a former PCL Construction representative.
The development team focused on providing practical guidance for contractors already using AI tools without formal company-wide policies. The resources emphasize identifying existing AI usage, establishing restrictions on sensitive information and ensuring qualified personnel remain responsible for reviewing AI-assisted outputs.
The initiative provides contractors with practical starting points for managing AI adoption across estimating, project administration and other business functions.
For construction owners and senior managers, the resources address internal governance, employee accountability and information protection as AI tools become part of everyday workflows.
The policy builder also offers a structured approach to documenting company requirements, giving contractors a framework to evaluate AI use alongside existing contractual, privacy and workforce obligations.
Source: OGCA.
