Does anyone have any idea whether it would be OK to buy a plot of land and start a self build project while holding just a temporary residents visa and no work permit?
We're Oct '04 AOR so don't expect to hear about PR visas until next year but are hoping to sell up in UK and move out to Calgary area this summer (hoping there'll be no problems with PR visa!)
My way of thinking is that I wouldn't be in employment or taking a Canadian's job, so it should be OK - but could there be other reasons to put a block on this?

I don't imagine there's any legal problem with it but isn't it a bit late to be thinking of building this summer?

Wouldn't be thinking of starting the build this year, but thought we could start looking / buying a suitable plot/ applying for planning etc with a view to starting next year. Thanks for advice

There is nothing to stop you paying someone else to build for you, but if you really mean to come and physically build it yourself, then its a no no, the same way you cant do volunteer work without a work permit, its considered work even if you dont get paid for it I'm afraid.

Thats my semi-educated guess anyway, but it might be worth asking the legal experts in the immigration area.

This cic link applies to students in particular, but I think the point is made that any activity which might be considered ‘competitive’ within the Canadian labour market, even if unpaid, or if the work is “normal” work in the labour market: i.e. it competes with other jobs in the Canadian labour market, then it requires a work permit and HRDC confirmation.

Like previously said it is OK to pay others to build a house for you whilst not on a PR, as you would be putting money into Canada, and using Canadian workers. However physically building it yourself is not Ok. For one you really need to use a registered builder in Canada that has insurance. ( new builds come with 10 year guarantee) You could be seen to be building the house for profit. Once built what would stop you from selling? You should not seek work as a visitor, ( other than looking for opportunities for future employment) and could not employ people to work for you, as you would them be an "employer". a) I dont think you would get the planning permission, and b) the building inspector to pass the building regulations if you are not registered builder in Canada.
If you hire people to do the work for you, and they were registered self employed that is different. They bill you for work, and a whole different thing.
We hired a builder who built the house and paid him for his services.

Whether you may get away with doing all the finishing inside ie. plastering floor laying tiling etc, I dont know, but not the main construction. Although when we built ours we had the regional inspector come in right at the end of the build and he picked up the tiniest details, and made the builder put it all right before signing it off for our occupancy permit. Without that you cant live in the house!