How Peterborough Fence Continues Delivering Quality Work Amid Tariffs and Rising Costs

The construction industry across Canada — including right here in Peterborough — is facing growing uncertainty due to the impact of international trade tensions, especially U.S.-Canada tariffs. With tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel periodically being imposed or threatened, as well as inflation and increased development charges from municipalities, many homeowners are concerned about rising construction costs.

But at Peterborough Fence, we’re committed to staying ahead of these challenges. Through strategic planning, local sourcing, and a customer-first approach, we continue to offer affordable, high-quality fence installations for Peterborough residents — even as materials and overhead become more expensive.


Understanding the Tariff Impact on Construction Materials

In recent years, U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports — including a 25% duty on steel and 10% on aluminum — have made headlines and impacted material prices. Although these tariffs mostly affect products crossing the border, the ripple effect has caused price volatility in Canadian markets too. Steel and aluminum are widely used in chain-link and ornamental metal fencing, and even a modest price increase can translate to hundreds of extra dollars on a typical residential job.

Locally, the City of Peterborough’s 2024 budget increase included a 50% hike in development fees, sparking concerns from homebuilders and contractors. These additional municipal costs contribute to higher prices across the board, especially when paired with inflation affecting everything from transportation to labour.


How Peterborough Fence Responds to Rising Costs

While the economic environment is uncertain, Peterborough Fence is taking proactive measures to protect our clients from unnecessary cost increases:

• Local Supplier Partnerships: We work closely with lumber yards, hardware suppliers, and manufacturing partners based right here in Ontario. This reduces reliance on cross-border imports and insulates our pricing from many international tariff effects.

• Material Variety: We offer a wide range of fencing types — including pressure-treated wood, cedar, chain-link, vinyl, and wrought iron — so that customers can choose what suits their needs and budget best. For example, wood fencing remains one of the most cost-effective and locally sourced options, whereas vinyl and aluminum, while durable, are more impacted by global material markets.

• Efficient Project Planning: Our experienced installers work quickly and efficiently, reducing labour costs and ensuring your fence is installed right the first time — minimizing delays and rework.

• Customized Quotes and Transparent Pricing: We walk every customer through detailed estimates. We help you choose a fence style that fits both your yard and your wallet, with no surprise fees.

Stories from Real Peterborough Homeowners

Even during times of rising costs, we’ve been proud to help homeowners across Peterborough get the fence they need, when they need it:

1. The Jackson Family – West End Peterborough

The Jacksons wanted to install a pressure-treated wood fence to give their kids and dog a safe, enclosed yard. When they got quotes elsewhere, they were shocked by the sudden jump in prices compared to two years ago. We worked with them to simplify their design, avoid unnecessary add-ons, and source lumber from a Peterborough-area supplier. The final project came in under budget, and the family was thrilled with the results — and peace of mind.

2. Olivia M. – East City Homeowner

Olivia had always dreamed of a decorative iron fence to match the historic aesthetic of her century-old home in East City. Rising metal costs were a concern, but we offered a hybrid option: a wood base with wrought-iron-look aluminum panels that provided the look she wanted at a more affordable price. She later told us that the fence was the “best investment she’d made all year.”

3. Samir and Priya – New Subdivision by Lily Lake Road

This young couple just moved into a new build near Lily Lake Road and were quoted extremely high prices for privacy fencing from their builder. We provided an alternative: a custom vinyl privacy fence sourced from a Canadian manufacturer. We completed the project for 15% less than the builder's offer — with better warranty coverage.
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Why Choose Peterborough Fence?

We’re more than just a fence company. We’re a local partner who understands the financial challenges many Peterborough families are facing. Our goal isn’t to upsell you or push you into the most expensive option — it’s to help you protect your home, enjoy your outdoor space, and feel confident in the investment you’re making.

As tariffs and construction costs fluctuate, Peterborough Fence will continue to:

• Offer competitive pricing.
• Source locally whenever possible.
• Stay transparent with our estimates.
• Deliver exceptional craftsmanship every time.

Final Thoughts

If you're planning a fence installation in 2025, it’s a good time to act. Prices across the industry may continue to rise as materials and inflation fluctuate — but at Peterborough Fence, we're committed to keeping your project affordable and stress-free.

Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. We’ll walk you through your options, explain the pros and cons of each material, and help you build something that lasts — without breaking the bank.

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