Month: June 2023

Key Takeaways:

• Transit passes issued by a developer to residents in transit-oriented buildings increased their transit use by 10%
• Approximately 50 percent of the participants did not own private vehicles, indicating a reduced reliance on personal cars.
• TransLink is actively seeking partners to support a larger-scale study conducted over an extended period.

The Whole Story:

Early research conducted by TransLink and PCI Developments (PCI) suggests that incentives provided by developers can significantly increase the use of public transit among residents and employees of transit-oriented developments. 

Moreover, the study found that these incentives also create a new source of revenue for transit services. Officials say the findings shed light on the potential of encouraging developers to offer transit passes as part of their projects to promote sustainable transportation options and enhance the financial sustainability of transit systems.

“This study gives us a clearer picture of how people travel when they work or live near SkyTrain,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “These results show that developer-granted incentives would lead to more transit use, less car-dependency, and a new revenue stream independent from taxes.”

The study involved PCI providing Compass Cards with $150 stored value to 300 residents or employees of King George Hub, a transit-oriented development located near the King George SkyTrain Station. TransLink closely monitored the travel patterns of the participants before and after the subsidy was implemented, while also conducting surveys to gather valuable insights. The results of the three-month study revealed an increase of approximately 10 percent in transit use among the participants.

Prior to receiving the subsidy, 82 percent of participants reported using transit twice a week or more. However, after the subsidy was introduced, this number surged to an impressive 92 percent. Officials said that the growth suggests that individuals who choose to live or work near rapid transit options like the SkyTrain are more inclined to use public transportation when provided with subsidized transit passes.

TransLink stated that it intends to share these results with regional municipalities, highlighting the potential benefits of developer-sponsored incentives. In addition to promoting increased transit use, the study revealed several other findings. Approximately 50 percent of the participants did not own private vehicles, indicating a reduced reliance on personal cars. Furthermore, about 40 percent of the participants reported owning only one vehicle per household. Over the course of the three-month pilot, the 300 participants collectively took more than 12,000 transit trips.

While these initial findings are certainly promising, officials noted that they are based on a relatively small sample size and a short timeframe. Recognizing the need for further research, TransLink is actively seeking partners to support a larger-scale study conducted over an extended period. They believe that by replicating these results on a broader scale, transit authorities can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of developer-sponsored incentives on transit usage and revenue generation.

Key Takeaways:

• A major partnership has formed to protect animals in the East Kootenays by building a wildlife bridge.
• The project is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Forests, the Village of Radium Hot Springs, and Parks Canada
• the Radium herd represents one of the last viable bighorn sheep populations in the region. 
• Approximately 10% of the herd falls victim to collisions with vehicles each year.

The Whole Story:

Animals need bridges too. 

To safeguard both the local residents and the iconic bighorn sheep, a new wildlife overpass is set to be constructed near Mile Hill, just south of Radium Hot Springs in B.C. The innovative project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Forests, the Village of Radium Hot Springs, and Parks Canada, aims to mitigate vehicle collisions with the bighorn sheep along Highway 93/95, while providing a safe passage for the creatures.

The Radium Wildlife Overpass, scheduled to be tendered in the coming weeks, will encompass approximately six kilometers of wildlife fencing and strategically positioned gates, ensuring a guided path for animals towards the overpass and safely across the busy highway. Officials stated that not only will the initiative help reduce the risk of accidents and enhance the safety of highway users, but it will also protect the local bighorn sheep herd, which holds immense significance to First Nations people and the entire community of the East Kootenays.

Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure, emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety while preserving the region’s precious wildlife. “It’s vital that we keep people safe and protect these animals that are so critical to regional biodiversity,” he said. “With the help of our partners, this new overpass will support safe passage for the bighorn sheep, protecting this herd that is so important to local First Nations and all the people of the East Kootenays.”

Several prominent entities have joined forces as project partners, including Parks Canada, the Village of Radium Hot Springs, Teck Resources Ltd., the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Ktunaxa Nation Council, and the Shuswap Band. Construction on the wildlife overpass is expected to commence in the near future.

The project comes as part of a broader campaign to mitigate collisions between wildlife and vehicles. Recent efforts include the installation of prominent wildlife signage, flashing LED warning signs to alert drivers of sheep presence, and a message sign that highlights changes in sheep activity. Additionally, the speed limit in the Mile Hill area was temporarily reduced to 70 kilometers per hour. Collaborating closely with the Shuswap First Nation and Ktunaxa Nation, the Ministry staff have provided monitoring of the bighorn sheep herd.

Conservation groups have emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the Radium herd, which represents one of the last viable bighorn sheep populations in the region. 

It has become a major issue for wildlife in the region. Approximately 10% of the herd falls victim to collisions with vehicles each year, resulting in a significant decline in numbers. The population dwindled from approximately 230 sheep in 2003 to a mere 120 in 2019, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to reduce collisions.

Reports reveal that B.C. sees over 5,400 wildlife-motor vehicle collisions annually, with numerous incidents involving deer, elk, bear, and moose. Deer, in particular, contribute to approximately 85% of wildlife collisions across the province. Taking these statistics into account, B.C. has become a frontrunner in wildlife conservation efforts within the transportation sector. The province boasts over 600 kilometers of wildlife exclusion fencing, surpassing any other transportation agency in North America, and holds the title of having the highest number of wildlife overpasses in Canada.

Most of the time, construction work and the professionals that contribute to it go unnoticed. But sometimes, they get their day in the sun. Over the years, a variety of awards have sprung up to celebrate companies and professionals that are doing exceptional things. Some have been around for decades and others are just emerging. The following is a list of just some of the many annual competitions that seek to bring attention to achievements in Canadian construction.

25 Innovators in Construction

Construction is often seen as an industry that lags behind others. SiteNews wants to change this perception and push the sector forward. The 25 Innovators Awards aims to be a yearly award with the goal of celebrating and shining a spotlight on those companies driving progress in our industry. Winners will be chosen by a diverse panel of judges that are experienced in various construction-related fields across the country. Learn more and submit a nomination here. Applications close July 14.

Canadian Construction Association National Awards

The association’s National Awards recognize individuals, organizations and projects that promote and enhance the Canadian construction industry in nine different categories. The awards program is open to all relevant association member organizations and individuals who meet the requirements of each award, regardless of organization size or project scope. The winners are then announced at the association’s annual conference. The next one will take place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, March 12 – 15, 2024. Here is where you can nominate.

Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction

Now in its fourth year, these awards celebrate up and coming construction leaders and innovators under the age of 40. The program was created three years ago by SitePartners, a marketing firm that specializes in industrial clients and On-Site Magazine, a construction publication. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges based on professional achievements, innovation, leadership & community involvement. The deadline for nominations is July 28. Nominate yourself or others here. 

The Canadian Council National Awards for Public-Private Partnerships

These awards are all about working together. The awards were established in 1998 to honour governments, public institutions and their private sector partners who have demonstrated excellence and innovation in public-private partnerships. The awards are presented annually to showcase Canadian excellence and innovation in project financing, service delivery, infrastructure investment and/or generation of economic benefit, which result in enhanced quality of public services and facilities. Details of the 2023 program have not yet been released.

Tunnelling Association of Canada Awards

You might really dig this one. The Tunnelling Association of Canada presents annual achievement awards each fall to recognize individuals and projects in the Canadian and worldwide tunnelling sectors. This year’s awards included Tunneller of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Photo of the Year, Project of the Year and many more. Nominations closed in May, but check out all last year’s winners here.

Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards

While applications for this year’s awards have already closed, it isn’t to late to make the awards gala on Oct. 19 in Ottawa. These awards are organized jointly by ACEC and Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine. They recognized the most remarkable engineering feats featured in projects by Canadian firms. he winners are publicized nationwide in press releases, they are showcased on ACEC-Canada’s website, and project details are published in a special issue of Canadian Consulting Engineer.

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Awards of Excellence

While many architecture industry awards focus on projects, the Royal Architecture Institute of Canada‘s have a much broader scope. This year they include The RAIC Gold Medal, the Architectural Practice Award and the Emerging Architectural Practice award. These categories will be joined by three revamped awards previously under the biannual Awards of Excellence banner – the RAIC Advocate for Architecture Award, the RAIC Journalism and Media Award and the RAIC Innovation in Architecture Award. These awards will also be joined by a call for nominations for Honorary Member. Nominations for this year have closed.

CISC Awards of Excellence

Have no fear. The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction’s (CISC) has an awards program that covers all of Canada. The Awards of Excellence series has individual awards shows for these regions: Quebec, B.C., Alberta, Atlantic, Ontario and Manitoba/NW Ontario. The awards highlight projects that showcase complexity, innovation, beauty, uniqueness, originality and other attributes. Finalists are picked by a jury of renown architects, engineers and “steel Industry connoisseurs”. Check out all the individual awards show deadlines and details here.

Canada’s Best Managed Companies

While it’s not an specifically for the construction industry, construction and construction-related companies have been dominating this list for years. The list recognizes excellence in private Canadian-owned companies. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies undergo a rigorous application process, but only the best are awarded with this prestigious designation. This may, the program’s organizer, Deloitte, celebrated the 30th year of doing the list. While this year’s winners have been announced, pre-registration for next year is already open.

Canada’s Safest Employers

On the job site there is nothing more important than making sure everyone returns home in good health. What could be more prestigious than honouring that? For 13 years, the annual Canada’s Safest Employers Awards have recognized the outstanding health and safety professionals and companies for their achievements, leadership and innovation. The awards feature a category just for the construction sector. Nominations for this year’s awards closed in April and winners are usually announced in October. Be sure to check out last year’s winners here.

Wood Design & Building Awards

With technologies like mass timber and prefabrication, there’s lots to celebrate about wood construction in Canada. The Wood Design & Building Awards, presented by the Canadian Wood Council, recognizes and celebrates the outstanding work of architectural professionals around the world who achieve excellence in wood design and construction. This past year saw a record of 181 nominations from 25 countries.

CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Presented by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), these awards recognize excellence in new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing. The 2023 winners were honoured earlier this year in Banff, Alta. at an awards gala that was the concluding event of CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada. This year, nearly 800 entries were submitted into 48 categories. Finalists and winners were selected by a group of judges made up of almost 150 industry professionals from all over Canada.

Canada Green Building Council Awards

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) Awards are intended to shine a light on those advancing green construction. Categories include awards of excellence for buildings, leadership awards for individuals and the Andy Kesteloo Memorial award that highlights inspiring student projects. Check out this year’s winners here.

For the uninitiated, the concept of SiteViews is simple. Leveraging both the remarkable submissions from our readers and our team’s diligent internet sleuthing, we curate a monthly showcase of some of the industry’s finest photos. Have a submission? Those can be sent to hello@readsitenews.com.

This month we’re excited to introduce a new feature – the SiteViews’ Shot of the Month. Hand-picked by our seasoned staff, this photo stands tall amongst a great lineup of industry shots. Read to the bottom to find out which photo takes the cake.

Jacob Bros Construction

A plane flies above Jacob Bros Construction crews as they work on the South Airfield Pavement Rehabilitation Project at Vancouver International Airport.

Justin McConnell / Toronto Beyond Media

A welder lays down a bead at a Toronto work site. Justin McConnell is a photographer and videographer who is passionate about capturing the lives of blue collar workers in Ontario. Check out our interview with him here.

Wales McLelland Construction

Wales McLelland is working on IntraUrban Gateway, a state-of-the-art 82,000-square-foot industrial facility in South Vancouver.

Dream

Frank Gehry (first row, fourth from the left) celebrates breaking ground on Forma, a two tower project in Toronto, the city where he was born.

Wildstone Construction Group

Wildstone Construction Group ponders where the nearest car wash might be near the Arctic Ocean on Banks Island.

Orion Construction

Orion Construction’s team captures a sunset to celebrate the Coastal Heights Distribution Centre handover, now home to the Skechers’ first Distribution Centre in Canada. The 428,000 square foot building in Surrey has clear heights of 36 feet in the warehouse and design features that promote sustainability.

Emil Anderson Construction / Ballina Contracting

Emil Anderson Group and Ballina Contracting team up for work on B.C.’s Hemlock Valley Road.

Samuel Livingston / Livingstone Drone

A drone offers a top-down view of the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project in Metro Vancouver.

Lafarge Canada

Ottawa Police and Lafarge officials teach local cyclists about how to safely share the road with cement trucks.

Mosaic Homes

Attendees line up for Mosaic’s block party celebrating the launch of its Woodward Townhome community project.

Marc DiMarco

Louie, a two-year-old bluetick coonhound demonstrates how to wear high-visibility gear in B.C.

Axiom Builders

RC at CF Richmond Centre has topped-off its first tower of seven. The affordable housing tower’s structure has 8830 square metres of concrete total.

3D Electrical Services

Some curious critters lend a helping hoof to electricians working in Duncan, B.C.

Anthem Properties

Crews enjoy an on-site feast to celebrate the topping off of SOCO One. The building is part of a 1.8 million-square-foot, master planned, mixed use community in South Coquitlam.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Crews pour controlled low strength material at the site of the Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre in Chalk River, Ont.

The Shot of the Month goes to:

Broadway Subway Project Corporation

Workers walk along a tunnel dug for Vancouver’s Broadway Subway project. It is a 5.7 km extension of the Millennium Line, from VCC-Clark Station to Broadway and Arbutus.

Key Takeaways:

• Since 1993, Heidelberg Materials has been producing cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt and other downstream products. in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.
• The carbon capture project is expected to snag up to 95% of the plant’s total CO2 emissions.
• When complete in 2026, the facility is expected to capture and store 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The Whole Story:

Heidelberg Materials has selected WSP as the owner’s engineers for the Edmonton Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Project. The facility, slated to begin construction late next year, will be the cement industry’s first full-scale application of carbon capture. The project is expected to capture up to 95% of the plant’s total CO2 emissions. 

Heidelberg stated the facility will be able to capture and store 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The company added that it will bring them one step closer to achieving their vision of producing the world’s first net zero cement.

“We are thrilled to partner with WSP as the owner’s engineers for the Edmonton CCUS Project,” said Joerg Nixdorf, vice president of cement at Heidelberg. “Their proven track record of delivering high-quality and sustainable engineering solutions aligns perfectly with our vision of driving decarbonization in the cement industry. Together, we will push the boundaries of what’s possible and create a truly transformative project.”

As owner’s engineers, WSP will play a crucial role in overseeing the design, engineering, and implementation phases of the Edmonton CCUS Project. Heidelberg noted that WSP’s expertise in engineering, environmental solutions, and project management make them an ideal partner for the project.

“We are honored to be selected as the Owner’s Engineers for the Edmonton CCUS Project,” said Daniel Matthews, vice-president, business development & strategic growth at WSP in Canada. “This collaboration presents an incredible opportunity to work alongside Heidelberg Materials in delivering an innovative and sustainable solution that will make a significant impact on carbon emissions. We are excited to bring our technical expertise and passion for sustainability to this landmark project.”

Matthews added that the Edmonton CCUS Project represents a key milestone in Heidelberg Materials’ commitment to substantially reducing its carbon footprint. is scheduled to be operational by late 2026.

It isn’t the only carbon capture project Heidelberg has on the go. The company expects to go on stream with the world’s first industrial-scale carbon capture plant in the cement industry in Brevik, Norway. The CCUS facility will capture and store 50% of the plant’s annual emissions. 

Key Takeaways:

• Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital in B.C. 
• Construction is expected to begin in July 2023, with substantial completion in fall 2026. The new hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2027.
• The existing hospital will remain operational during construction. Future use of the current site will be determined after the new hospital is in operation.

The Whole Story:

Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital in B.C. 

Northern Health and Infrastructure BC have tasked Graham Design Builders LP with completing the design and building the new $590-million hospital. Construction is expected to start next month. 

“Our government has reached an important milestone with the Dawson Creek and District Hospital with the selection of the preferred proponent and the signing of the Design Build Agreement,” said Adrian Dix, minister of health. “People in the community and the region should expect to see work at the site in the weeks and months ahead as construction begins on the new and expanded hospital in Dawson Creek, and this is fantastic news.”

Construction is expected to begin in July 2023, with substantial completion in fall 2026. The new hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2027.

“We are taking action to improve access to health care for every person in B.C., no matter where they live,” said Jennifer Rice, parliamentary secretary for rural health. “This new hospital means that when people in Dawson Creek and surrounding communities need care they can access quality services without travelling long distances.”

The new building will be approximately 24,500 square metres (263,000 square feet) and have 70 beds, an increase of 24. The emergency department is also doubling in size. Treatment spaces are increasing from 10 to 15. The facility will continue to provide a range of surgical services, as well as chemotherapy, ambulatory care, radiology, clinical support and pharmacy services.

There will also be space for a laboratory, diagnostic imaging, as well as physical rehabilitation. New parents and families will be supported by a perinatal unit, including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms, and a nursery. Mental-health service delivery will be brought up to modern standards with a new inpatient suite and an increase of beds from 15 to 18.

“This announcement is wonderful news and an important investment for Dawson Creek and the network of communities served by the Dawson Creek and District Hospital,” said Colleen Nyce, chair of Northern Health’s board of directors. “This new facility will strengthen and improve health-care services for residents in the region, as well as the physicians and staff who provide care in this hospital.”

The hospital will be built in Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral home of the Beaver, Cree, Saulteau, Sicannie (Sikanni), and Slavey. The hospital serves the communities of Blueberry River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, communities of Kelly Lake, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations; as well as Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous populations within the Peace region of Treaty 8 territory.

Local First Nations are being consulted throughout the project to ensure that the new facility is culturally safe, welcoming, respectful and relevant. The new facility will include a spiritual room for use by people of all cultures and faiths. There is also work being done to further the inclusion of Indigenous people within the facility and project, pending input and feedback from the committees and working groups.

The project cost is approximately $590 million, which will be shared between the Province through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District. The district will contribute a maximum of $177 million.

“This announcement is exciting news. The new hospital will provide a modern care facility for the residents of the Peace region for years to come,” said Leonard Hiebert, chair, Peace River Regional Hospital District. “The Peace River Regional Hospital District is a proud supporter of this new facility and we look forward to the start of construction on this very important project.”

The existing hospital will remain operational during construction. Future use of the current site will be determined after the new hospital is in operation.

Key Takeaways:

• Individuals can be nominated by their peers or they can nominate themselves.
• Nominations will close July 28.
• Winners will be chosen based on their professional achievements, innovative approaches, leadership qualities, and involvement in the community.

The Whole Story:

It’s time to celebrate Canada’s up and coming construction leaders.

On-Site Magazine and SitePartners have announced the return of the Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction awards. Nominations are now officially open for construction industry professionals from diverse backgrounds and sectors.

Now in its fourth year, the program celebrates outstanding young leaders who are driving innovation and progress in the construction industry across Canada.

Last year’s event honoured 40 construction professionals under 40 years old who have made significant contributions to their communities, cities, provinces, and the nation as a whole. These individuals, both on-site and off-site, played pivotal roles in advancing complex infrastructure projects, implementing cutting-edge technology tools for jobsites, and fostering thriving communities for families.

Who is eligible

In previous years, honorees have represented a wide range of professions, including architects, contractors, designers, engineers, equipment operators, estimators, executives, occupational health and safety managers, project managers, quantity surveyors, site supervisors, superintendents, tradespersons, as well as professionals from the consulting, law, finance, and technology fields, all of whom contribute to the advancement of Canadian construction.

Organizers encouraged the construction industry to nominate exceptional individuals under the age of 40, as of December 31, 2023, who are shaping Canada’s construction sector.

The winners will be chosen based on their professional achievements, innovative approaches, leadership qualities, and involvement in the community. The honorees will be showcased in the October 2023 issue of On-Site Magazine.

How it’s judged

A panel of judges will evaluate each candidate using a weighted system. Professional achievement will account for 50% of the evaluation, considering significant business or project accomplishments, outstanding work in their respective roles, professional designations, memberships, licenses, as well as educational development and qualifications. Innovation, leadership, and influence will contribute 40%, examining professional innovation, industry disruption, team leadership, and involvement in key decision-making processes. The remaining 10% will be allocated to business and community involvement, acknowledging participation in professional mentorship programs, as well as charitable or volunteer initiatives.

To be eligible, nominees must be respected leaders or rising stars in the construction community, residents of Canada, and currently working in the country. They should also be 39 years old or younger by the end of this year.

All eligible nominations must be submitted through the official Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction form, available on the organization’s website. The form must be completed in full, which may require up to 15 minutes or more to fill out. While you can preview the list of nomination questions, only nominations submitted through the official online form will be considered.

Here are some key points to note:

• Nominees may either self-nominate or be nominated by someone else.
• If self-nominating, a Letter of Support from a current or former supervisor, colleague, client, or vendor must be attached.
• Individuals or companies are welcome to submit nominations for more than one person, but those submitting on behalf of companies or organizations are encouraged to limit their nominations to five individuals.
• Only nominations submitted through the official online form will be accepted.
• Individuals who were nominated but did not win in previous years are welcome to reapply.
• The deadline for nominations is 11:59pm PST on Friday, July 28th, 2023. For any inquiries, please contact awards@sitepartners.ca.

Nominate someone today.

Kieran Hawe has been appointed EllisDon’s new CEO. Hawe has spent 23 years at the company. Officials noted that from his role as chief operating officer and executive vice president of construction, he has successfully overseen high-profile projects and played a pivotal role in the company’s construction operation.

Liza Tsimbal, director of SCM and land at TransAlta, was named Leader of the Month by the Construction Owners Association of Alberta. Tsimbal has extensive experience in the Oil and Gas and Renewable energy industries with a focus on project procurement, category management and operations procurement.

Brian Priestly, Priestly Demolition’s executive VP of North American operations has been appointed president of the Ontario Association of Demolition Contractors. He brings more than 25 years of demolition industry experience to the role.

Greg Wooster, Amir Askari and Bill Driffield have joined Aura Office. Wooster will serve as the VP of workplace strategy and design. Askari has been hired as a project coordinator. Driffield has joined the team as a site superintendent.

Stephanie See has begun a new role as marketing and communications coordinator for Clark Builders. See is also also a co-owner of Storyline Studio Inc., an Edmonton-based communications agency.

Professor Janusz Koziński, dean of engineering at Lakehead University, has received the prestigious Gold Medal Award from Engineers Canada. The Gold Medal Award, the highest distinction for professional engineers in Canada, recognizes the exceptional achievements of engineers whose work has improved the lives of Canadians and others across the world.

Taylor Hogg has joined Scott Builders as a project manager. She has experience in AutoCAD, Revit, construction drawings, contracts and project management. Hogg also serves as a director for the Red Deer Construction Association.

Paul Demeule has resigned as general manager for Trotter & Morton Group of Companies in Vancouver. Demeule stated that he is moving on to an “exciting new opportunity in a few weeks” and will soon be providing more details. He thanked the team at Trotter, adding that he was proud of all the improvements that had made together.

Danna Ibrasheva has started a new job as business analyst at Clark Builders. Prior to the role, Ibrasheva worked as a data analyst for TC Energy.

Dustin Isaacs is Aecon’s new executive vice president and chief legal officer. Isaacs brings over 20 years of legal executive, business and leadership experience and will oversee all legal affairs at Aecon as a key member of its executive committee.

Diana Demmers was named U40 Person of the Year by the Vancouver Island Construction Association. Demmers is a project manager at EllisDon.

Felipe Albuquerque, a civil engineer and BIM specialist, has been hired as a Revit technician at Houle Electric. Prior to this role, Albuquerque worked as a BIM modeler and plumbing designer in Brazil.

Kiyomi Le has been promoted to to manager of engineering at RAM Consulting. Le said that she will continue to develop RAM’s engineering team and grow its engineering capabilities. She will be managing RAM’s engineering resources, including permits to practice, and internal documents.

Dan Lefebvre will lead the civil design team at J.L. Richards & Associates Limited (JLR) as civil discipline chief. Lefebvre brings 29 years of civil design experience to the role, including 21 with JLR.

Martin Jacques and Daniel Lessard‘s roles at Pomerleau have expanded to support Canada-wide growth. Martin Jacques is now chief operating Officer, buildings, for the entire country. Daniel Lessard is now chief operating officer, civil and infrastructure. He will be leading the company’s civil teams from coast to coast. In addition, he will support Pomerleau’s Borea subsidiary.

Derek Goring has been named CEO of Northcrest Developments. Goring, who assumed the position effective immediately, had served as executive vice-president of development at Northcrest since October 2019. Prior to that, Goring worked as the senior vice president of development for First Gulf Corporation.

David LeMay has joined the Centron Group of Companies as construction group president. LeMay will succeed Wayne Benz who is retiring after 37 years in the industry. Previously, LeMay served as president and CEO of Stuart Olson.

Jesse Reynolds has been promoted to project director at Chandos Construction. Reynolds stated that he looks forward to continuing his journey as a leader at the organization. He noted that his promotion would not have been possible without his team.

Ryan Beedie, Beedie president, has been named Business Leader of the Year by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Canada). The award aims to recognize exemplary corporate leadership and impactful community contributions.

*Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know had a major career move recently, let us know! Shoot an email to hello@readsitenews.com or tag SiteNews below the social media post. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to never miss an edition of People Moves.

One of Canada’s largest general contractors is on a mission to harness the power of data. 

Graham Construction has embarked on a journey to create a new data platform aimed at transforming data into an enterprise-level asset that will improve the company’s efficiency and deliver better outcomes for project owners.

Data is rising in the construction sector

Annette Cooper, director of data and analytics in Graham’s IT and enterprise applications department, is part of the team leading the project. She explained that like many other industries, construction is becoming digitized. 

“I think construction is no different from any other industry,” she said. “As society becomes more digitized, more data is available. The thing I always say is that data is the byproduct of a business process. So the more we digitize our business processes, the more data we have to track them. There’s just more and more data available in construction.”

The internet of things (IOT) combined with technology like sensors, trackers etc. is adding to the amount of construction data in addition to some of the more traditional data sources. Although Cooper noted that some of these new technologies are not as common as people might think. And often the implementation is in patches. 

“It’s one of those things where if you can harness the opportunity you can do a lot, but it can be very complicated to get some of those things on site and working properly,” she said.

Cooper noted that even if you get these data gathering systems in place, putting that data to work can also be a challenge. The new data platform is being designed to draw in and combine data from disparate systems. The eventual goal is to get up the “analytics maturity curve” to the point where predictive and other kinds of insights can be gleaned. 

Finding structure in the unstructured 

“There was this notion roughly ten years ago that data was this new gold or oil that everyone was going to ride,” said Cooper. “And everyone was going to use machine learning models and the whole business would be automated and predictive. But where society is at now, we have created a bunch of digital swamps that we have to figure out how to clean up and make useful.” 

While the amount of data being generated in construction is growing, there are only pockets of the industry where it is being utilized to a high degree.

One of the keys to achieving this often has more to do with support and buy-in from leadership than figuring out the details of the technology itself. 

“Do we know the decision we are trying to make or the action we are trying to drive from this data and are we actually going to make the decision? Are you at a level of organizational maturity where you are actually going to let that data really inform that decision? I actually think that’s the thing that more often gets in the way than the technical stuff,” said Cooper. 

In Graham’s case, its project began after the company saw it was running behind and didn’t have a formal strategy for what it was doing with its data.

“We wanted to think about where Graham is going to be in five years and what that data profile will look like,” said Cooper. “We were managing mostly numeric data – ones and zeros – but it hadn’t occurred to anyone what to do with unstructured data.”

Unstructured data in construction includes things like plans, pictures, bids or anything else that can’t be easily retrieved and utilized by some tools and systems.  

 “To leap to new technology we had to be able to make room for the unstructured data and its potential down the road,” said Cooper. “Basically we have created a new cloud data platform which utilizes much more modern technology suites to get data out of source systems.

Cooper explained that Graham has been growing by mergers and acquisitions, and every time you bring a new company in, they have their own systems for finance, project management and other aspects of the business. Often, these systems are not fully compatible with each other. 

“Our answer is to pull that data out and put it somewhere else,” she said. “This was an opportunity because Graham didn’t have a lot of this stuff already in the works, it didn’t have to go through the process of decommissioning a bunch of old stuff. We were able to just leap to the new technology.”   

Improving those data ‘muscles’

Graham’s experience building its own project management system in the past gave the team the confidence  to combine several tools to meet its needs, including Databricks and Azure Data Factory. 

“It’s this idea that you don’t have to buy one tool that you pretend is going to do everything. Graham is open to this notion of making sure you are using the right tool for the right job.”

“It’s like this new muscle Graham is trying to build and we will just be building that muscle forever.” 

The first step in the process was assessing what Graham was trying to do with its data and where it was in terms of data management maturity. The first year of the project was also spent being very careful about choosing which technology to use.

“Cloud sounds really good but it can also be incredibly expensive if you aren’t careful about how you are managing your computing,” said Cooper. “So it’s putting things through paces, doing proof of concept with different kinds of technology to understand their ingestion. They all say they can do it but they don’t all do it or do it nicely.”

But what about artificial intelligence, machine learning and these other technologies grabbing headlines recently?

Cooper explained that she sees a lot of consultants out there selling machine learning and artificial intelligence. But the core problem facing many construction companies is essentially a boring one: finding the data, cleaning up the data and putting it somewhere it can be used. That is the work that must be done before some of these emerging technologies can be used. 

“You can’t magically sprinkle machine learning onto something and then all the sudden it is working,” said Cooper.

There is potential for things like AI and machine learning to predict the success of a project plan before shovels are even in the ground.

“Those are the kinds of things we want to get into, but in order to do that you have to have your data in order,” said Cooper. “You have to have enough, the right kind and stored in a way that machines can be trained on it. There are the hopes and dreams of things like AI and then there is the reality of where the technology is at.”

But before things like machine learning or AI, one of the biggest benefits the team wants to realize is simply making information available much more quickly to the people who are making decisions. As Graham has grown massively in the past decade, get information up the chain has become more and more complex. 

“Often, problems take much longer to surface because they just can’t get up the chain quick enough,” said Cooper. “Just being able to have those things escalated and get productivity increases means that we’re delivering faster to owners, we’re safer, less going back and fixing things. I think that is the first challenge for this.” 

Cooper noted that while there is a lot of speculation about how technology and data could impact the construction process, at the end of the day it’s people who build projects. 

“Does this completely change how the construction industry does what it does?” she said. “No. I think that at the end of the day you still have people wielding hammers and pouring concrete. What we want to do is optimize by matching the project that’s coming up with the right team of people, making sure we have the right levels of supervision and how do we do all that in a much faster way.”

Key Takeaways:

• The project is expected to cost $4.15 billion.
• Concurrently, the project is progressing through the province’s environmental assessment process.
• Once the tunnel is completed, travel is expected to flow at 80 kilometres per hour, unlike the current average of 30 kilometres per hour.

The Whole Story:

A request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued to replace the 64-year-old George Massey Tunnel with a new eight-lane, toll-free immersed tube tunnel.

“This is a major milestone in the project to replace the George Massey Tunnel,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure. “We are making significant progress on this important project that will improve travel times and transit options for people who live on both sides of the Fraser River.”

Following the RFQ, the province says it will issue a request for proposals (RFP) from a shortlist of qualified teams to select a single proponent to move forward in the procurement process. Concurrently, the project is progressing through the province’s environmental assessment process. Corridor improvements and construction of a new five-lane Steveston Interchange are already underway.

The new crossing will be an eight-lane immersed tube tunnel with three general-purpose travel lanes and one dedicated transit lane in each direction. The new tunnel will have bike and pedestrian crossings to support active transportation options in the region. The project also includes replacing the existing Deas Slough Bridge as well as the addition of a southbound general-purpose lane on Highway 99 between Westminster Highway in Richmond and Highway 17 in Delta.

With the new tunnel and approaches in place, travel is expected to flow at 80 kilometres per hour, unlike the current average of 30 kilometres per hour.

The project will be constructed under a project labour agreement, similar to the Steveston Interchange. The project labour agreement is intended to support local jobs, apprentices and training opportunities, as well as maximize participation of groups under-represented in the construction sector. 

The estimated cost of the George Massey Crossing immersed tube tunnel is approximately $4.15 billion.

Plans to replace the tunnel have been in the works for years. Previously, the province planned to build a new 10-lane bridge over the Fraser River instead of a tunnel. However, the NDP scrapped these plans, calling them rushed and not well thought out.

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario will spend $224M to build and upgrade trades training centres.
• The fund will be available to unions, Indigenous centres, and industry associations.
• Officials will also spend $535,000 to launch two innovative projects that will expand apprenticeship opportunities to future boilermakers in Northern Ontario.

The Whole Story:

Ontario is launching a new fund build and upgrade skilled trades training centres. 

The province believes the $224 million fund will help tackle its historic labour shortage. 

Applications for the new Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream open on June 30. It will help unions, Indigenous centres, and industry associations with funding to build new training centres, or upgrade and convert existing facilities into new training centres with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

“This new program will help boost the province’s training infrastructure, providing more people opportunities to learn new skills and advance their careers into good-paying, in-demand jobs,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re taking the steps needed to create a bigger pipeline of talent to ensure we continue to have the best workforce in the world to keep attracting investments and to build Ontario.”

According to the province, roughly 300,000 jobs are going unfilled in Ontario each day, costing the province billions in lost productivity. The new capital stream will be open to a wide range of applicants in in-demand industries and support facility expansions, renovations, repairs and retrofits, and new building construction. Officials expected these improved training centres to help more than one million workers get the training.

“Ontario is facing the largest labour shortage in a generation, and our government is on a mission to help workers train for the well-paying jobs we know are available,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “We will continue to invest in innovative training programs and ground-breaking infrastructure to prepare jobseekers in every corner of our province for the future of work.”

In addition, the Ontario government is investing $535,000 through the SDF program to launch two innovative projects that will expand apprenticeship opportunities to future boilermakers in Northern Ontario and across the province. Led by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 128, these free programs will provide 1,350 participants with the opportunity to explore rewarding careers as boilermakers, which can pay up to $38 an hour.

“Our government is proud to invest in new funding to build, upgrade and convert training centres across the province. Investing in these training centres is crucial to building a stronger Ontario by getting workers trained and into the workforce,” said Kinga Surma, minister of infrastructure. “By empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge to master their crafts, we are creating a future of innovation, and economic prosperity. As we continue to invest in critical infrastructure, these trained workers will be helping build Ontario for generations to come.”

The first project will give 1,200 high-school students hands-on experience with welding, cutting and rigging work and the opportunity to pursue apprenticeships in the trade. It will prioritize women, Indigenous people and others in rural Northern Ontario communities interested in learning about work in the skilled trades.

The second project will provide free lodging, travel and food for 150 new jobseekers from around the province as they begin introductory apprenticeship training. Participants will complete rigorous coursework covering rigging, working at heights and construction safety as they prepare to become boilermaker apprentices.

These two projects are funded through the existing SDF, an over $700 million initiative, which supports ground-breaking programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home.

• Director Technical Project Management, Clean Energy – Vancouver, B.C. – Generac Power Systems
• Human Resources Director – Ottawa, Ont. – Giatec Scientific
• Senior Director, Origination – Montréal, Que. – Ivenergy
• Director, National Specifications – Remote (Canada) – CarbonCure Technologies
• Project Director, Buildings – Vancouver, B.C. – Pomerleau
• Construction Phase Director, LRT Safety – Toronto, Ont. – Metrolinx
• Senior Manager, Regional Engineered Services – Nanaimo, B.C. – ANDRITZ
• Head of Functions (GO Expansion Program) – Toronto, Ont. – Comtech
• Project Director, Shaft Sinking – Saskatoon, Sask. – NexGen Energy
• Major Project Lead, North America (Project Management Organization) – Toronto, Ont. – GHD

If you are looking to build your all-star team, try posting your role on the job board or connect with our specialized recruitment experts to find industry-leading talent for your business.

And if you are seeking a job, check out the full list of available positions.

Key Takeaways:

• 502 construction owners, general contractors and subcontractors were surveyed.
• 9 out of 10 of respondents expressed confidence about industry conditions over the next 12 months.
• Respondents said hiring and retaining skilled labour is one of their top concerns going forward.
• Diversity, inclusion and sustainability were also cited as priorities for the industry.

The Whole Story:

A new report digs into general sentiment of the Canadian construction industry, the digital maturity and adoption of construction technologies, as well as the challenges and opportunities that businesses face.

Procore Technologies, a global provider of construction management software, released their construction industry benchmark report How We Build Now: Technology and industry trends shaping Canadian construction in 2023.

In early 2023, Procore partnered with Censuswide to survey 502 construction industry stakeholders in Canada across owners, general contractors and subcontractors. Questions provided to the participants were focussed on market conditions, top challenges, digital transformation and technology adoption.

Industry confident about the coming months

9 out of 10 of respondents expressed confidence (44% very confident) about industry conditions over the next 12 months, with 7 out of 10 construction businesses expecting an increase in the number (70%) or value of projects (72%) over the same timeframe.

A recent poll reveals 92% of Canadians agreed there is an urgent need to build more or update current infrastructure in Canada over the next two years. This new How We Build Now (Canada) report shows:

• 43% of those who work in the residential sector expect to build more housing units in 2023 compared to 2022
• Over half of respondents from B.C. (51%) and Alberta (55%) who work in the residential sector expect to build and deliver fewer housing units in 2023 compared to 2022. This is a stark contrast in comparison to Ontario where 60% of respondents expect to build and deliver more housing units in 2023

Labour shortages, supply chain problems key concerns

The survey found that that companies believe hiring and retaining skilled labour as one of the top challenges they face over the next 12 months.

• 29% report they have been unable to take on more projects in the past three to six months due to labour shortage
• 27% agree it is hard for construction to compete with other industries for good employees
• 27% agree there is too much competition in construction for talent
• 32% fear that some of their most experienced people will retire within the next few years and take valuable knowledge with them

Supply chain problems are also impacting respondents to a different extent across the country. Québec-based respondents report the highest impact, with 41%reporting significant delays due to supply chain issues, compared to 35% of respondents from Ontario and just a quarter of respondents in B.C.

Digital transformation critical to overcoming challenges

Firms stated that they believe digital transformation is required to overcome the labour shortage. 22% of respondents consider themselves a digital-first business and 51% are “well on the way” to adopting digital formats and workflows.

Construction decision makers recognize that technology provides benefits, particularly around resource efficiency through less rework, an enemy of sustainability. The survey shows 27% of the total time spent on a project is spent on rework or rectifying issues. Other findings:

• Almost half of all projects go over budget (50%) and over schedule (49%) according to respondents
• Over 30% of respondents identify needing new technology to improve operational efficiency and cost controls amid economic volatility
• Paper remains a common medium for Canadian construction decision makers. About a quarter of respondents (23-28%, depending on the workflow) still use paper-based records or non-digital processes as part of their workflows

Struggling to harnessing the power of data

According to the report, the industry realizes the value of data yet they are not able to leverage it to the fullest. 41% of respondents feel that they would be able to make better decisions if they had better access to real-time and historic information on project performance.

• Respondents believe they could save up to 12% of their total spending on projects if they captured, integrated and standardized data more efficiently
• Respondents report spending 17% of their time on a typical project searching for data or information – clearly too much time on low productivity tasks
• Half of the respondents say they have a foundation in place to begin learning from their data but don’t necessarily have a dedicated data team in place.
• One in five say much of their data exists in spreadsheets or on paper and they do not leverage data to drive business outcomes

“We are encouraged to see the Canadian construction industry’s leaders express optimism as they look to consolidate and build on post-pandemic progress,” said Nolan Frazier, regional sales director, Canada, Procore. “In particular, this survey shows half of the respondents see a need to embrace greater collaboration in projects among stakeholders; half of them are also well on their way in their digital transformation journey.

Frazier noted that ultimately, smarter construction empowers construction businesses to have better control of their projects and deliver higher quality builds.

The future of construction technology

Respondents rate construction management platforms, clean technologies involving green, sustainable or innovative materials, and next generation BIM as the top technologies that will drive change in the construction industry over the next three years.

• Over half of respondents (56%) are either currently using (29%) or plan to adopt a construction management platform (27%) over the next 12 months
• More than six out of 10 (62%) of Canadian organizations are either currently using (26%) or plan to adopt (36%) clean technologies over the next 12 months

Builders are eager to be more sustainable

Overall, the industry is keen to adopt more environmentally conscious and sustainable building practices. Approximately half of the respondents (50%) have started to focus on strategies like prefabrication and improved material selection to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. 4 in 10 are either currently tracking or plan to start tracking (within the next 12 months) carbon emissions on their construction projects.

Focusing on diversity and inclusion

Currently, women make up a minority of the construction workforce, particularly in executive roles (24%). Subcontractors have the lowest ratio when it comes to having female members on staff. Only 22% of executive staff at trade contractors are female compared with around 25% at owners and general contractors.

• Almost 4 in 10 (38%) of construction decision makers believe that there is a need to improve diversity and inclusion in construction workplaces to attract women, minorities and historically underrepresented groups
• Only 41% of respondents have a diversity and inclusion policy in place with another 45% planning to implement one in the next 12 months

Many organizations recognized the need to improve the well-being of their workforce. 4 in 10 (41%) report having a wellness and mental health practice or policy in place to reduce the likelihood of burnout; 46% plan to implement a process in the next 12 months.

Despite some fundamental labour challenges, respondents are optimistic about the future. Approximately 8 in 10 are confident they will have enough people to meet their organizational needs (79%) and the necessary skills to meet demand (80%) over the next 12 months. For more information, download the report.

Key Takeaways:

• AECOM has signed an agreement with Ukraine to serve as its reconstruction delivery partner and provide infrastructure and program management advisory support during reconstruction.
• The company stated that early engagement, a comprehensive programmatic approach, and global collaboration across governments and the private sector will be key for the project.
• AECOM will has also been tasked with providing preliminary integrated cost estimating and other engineering support for many of the country’s complex and critical infrastructure projects.

The Whole Story:

Global infrastructure consulting giant AECOM will assist with the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine. 

The company announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine’s ministry for communities, territories and infrastructure development to serve as its reconstruction delivery partner and provide infrastructure and program management advisory support to help Ukraine achieve its reconstruction goals.

“The reconstruction of Ukraine is one of the world’s greatest humanitarian and infrastructure priorities, and we are honored to partner with Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov and the Ukrainian government to help position this effort to successfully deliver on their long-term recovery ambitions,” said Troy Rudd, AECOM’s chief executive officer. “Through early engagement, a comprehensive programmatic approach, and global collaboration across governments and the private sector, we can work to restore and modernize Ukraine’s infrastructure.”

To help ensure the timeliness and effectiveness of Ukraine’s reconstruction, AECOM will assist the ministry with the design and establishment of an overall program management approach. The company stated that its program management technical expertise will help aid in the efficient delivery of a wide range of interdependent reconstruction projects. AECOM will also provide the ministry infrastructure advisory support with the goal of creating opportunities for public and private investors to participate in the future reconstruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure.

Additionally, AECOM has announced that it has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Ukraine’s state agency for restoration and development of infrastructure to advance preliminary integrated cost estimating and other engineering support for many of the country’s complex and critical infrastructure projects. The scope of this memorandum encompasses key activities to help Ukraine transition to international-based standards for cost estimation, establish procurement practices and provide integrated consulting engineering services.

AECOM noted that it is no stranger to this type of work. It and its legacy companies have delivered major reconstruction work on behalf of clients in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia, as well as post-natural disaster reconstruction in the United States, Nepal, Haiti, Japan, Indonesia, and the Caribbean.

It is National Indigenous People’s Day in Canada, a time to reflect on the history, heritage, resilience and diversity of the nation’s Indigenous population.

While efforts in the construction sector are underway to engage with Indigenous People and their communities, they remain highly underrepresented in the industry.

In 2021, Indigenous People accounted for 5.1% of Canada’s construction labour force, which is a slight decline from the share of 5.2% observed in 2016, but is notably higher than the share of Indigenous workers represented in the overall labour force (4.1%). As the Indigenous population is the fastest growing in Canada and Indigenous workers seem predisposed to the pursuit of careers within the sector, there may be scope to further increase the recruitment of Indigenous People into the construction workforce.

Below is a list of Indigenous-owned companies in the industry that show some of the opportunities the sector offers.

Backwoods Energy Services

Alberta-based Backwoods Energy Services is 100% owned by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation and provides construction services to the oil, gas, utility and forestry industries in Western Canada. The company works with industry to create partnerships and economic opportunities for the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation community. The company recently helped combat forest fires near Edson and Drayton Valley. 

Infracon

B.C.-based Infracon is a fully-integrated industrial services and construction group with over 40 years of experience in the western and northern Canadian markets. They won the B.C. Indigenous Business Award in 2016, 2017 and 2019 and stated that they are committed to long-term growth and sustainability with North America’s First Nations. Lower Nicola Site Services (LNSS) was formed in 2018 as a limited partnership between Infracon and the Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation (LNIBDC). LNIBDC owns 51 percent of the company.

Kihew Fabco

It doesn’t get much more high tech than Saskatchewan’s Kihew Fabco. The wholly owned and operated Indigenous company uses robotics, laser scanning, CAD and automation at its advanced prefabrication facility to deliver custom industrial, commercial and agricultural building structures.

Swamp Cats

Swamp Cats is a 100% Aboriginally owned and operated company based in Lac La Biche, Alta. Started in 1996 by Vern McDonald, Swamp Cats specializes in environmental remediation, clearing, grubbing, heavy civil earthworks, oilfield construction, facility construction, underground utilities, decommissioning, demolition and more. The company noted that it is a strong believer that Aboriginal peoples have the moral right to develop an economy within their own culture and their communities, utilizing the inherent land and resources that is rightfully theirs. The company utilizes Aboriginal-owned businesses whenever possible.

Tahltan Nation Development Corporation

Located in B.C., Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC) is the business arm of the Tahltan Nation. TNDC pursues sustainable and responsible business and economic development opportunities in the region that lead to employment, training and business opportunities for Tahltan members. It provides heavy construction, earthworks, camp services, air support, aviation, energy, forestry, transportation and fibre optic communications services.

Smoke Architecture

Founded in 2014, Smoke Architecture is Anishinaabeg owned and operated. The Hamilton, Ont.-based firm provides complete architectural with a focus on First Nation and Indigenous projects. The firm says that its clients, guided by Elders and community leaders, hold hundreds of years of expertise on how and what to build in traditional Indigenous territories. See more of their work here.

Shxw’ōwhámél Ventures

Shxw’ōwhámél Ventures was established in June 2015 as a labour workforce and in a few short years, has become one of the most diversified nation-owned construction companies in B.C. Its goal is to actively pursue and participate on major projects within and around its traditional territory in Hope, B.C.

Steel River Construction Group

Steel River Group is an Indigenous-owned diversified management and development entity based in Calgary, Alta. The company says its mission to partner with Indigenous Nations and Peoples to maximize employment, education, ownership and entrepreneurial experience. The company’s noted that its governing principles are deeply rooted in Indigenous values, beliefs and culture. Steel River’s operating approach is centered around the company’s inclusive “ecosystem model”, which brings Steel River owned companies, Indigenous Nations and strategic alliance partners together over a shared vision and set of values.

Almiq

Almiq Contracting Ltd. is the eldest sister company of Quebec-based LFL Group. Its name comes from the names of the cities of Iqaluit, in Nunavut, and Alma, home communities of its partners. The company has a long history with architectural, mining, and industrial projects ranging in size from $30 million to $60 million. Quebec-based LFL Group is a family of general contractors specializing in projects of all sizes requiring high-level logistics. Some of the group’s recent work includes the construction of the naval facilities in Nanisivik, the hamlet office in Sanikiluak and a prefabrication plant in Arviat.

Points Athabasca

Founded in 1999, Points Athabasca is an Indigenous-owned civil, earthworks and industrial contracting company company known in the industry as an expert professional labour resource. The company says that building capacity is one of its key themes as they look for ways to go beyond job creation and make a positive long-term impact.

Kalmar

Kalmar Construction Ltd. is a registered Indigenous company and was incorporated in 1987, making Kalmar the longest operating, privately-owned construction company operating out of Fort St. John. It offes project management, general contracting services, design build services, and specialization in all aspects of concrete construction and building.

Cree-Con Construction

Cree-Con was founded in April 2012 by Dennis and Karma Hunter. It remains a family run, Indigenous-owned company in Edmonton that focuses on concrete placing and finishing. Their team has worked on Fox Tower, the Royal Alberta Museum and edmonton’s JW Marriot Tower.

Caribou Mountain Construction

Caribou Mountain Construction (CMC) is a division of The Little Red River Group of Companies LP (LRRG) based in High Level, Alta. Little Red River Group of Companies is 100% First Nation owned and has the goals of sustained growth and socio-economic freedom for the Little Red River Cree Nation. The company focuses on civil construction.

RAW Group

RAW Group, is a Certified First Nations Corporation operating out of Greater Sudbury Area with its headquarters located in Atikameksheng Anishinabek. The general contractor specializes in electrical work, pre-engineered buildings, HVAC maintenance, concrete, and civil works. RAW Group is a medium to large scope contractor competing primarily in the Industrial, commercial & Institutional sectors, with an operating range that spans Northern Ontario and beyond.

Double M Construction

Alberta-based Double M Construction Group is a 100% Indigenous owned company specializing in directional drilling services for Western Canada. Their focus is on directional drilling, hydrovac, excavating and pipeline trenching, project management, inspection and consulting services.

Makhos

Makhos is an Indigenous owned and operated business providing specialized staffing, training, consulting and construction services, with headquarters in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario. Makhos provides guidance to companies looking to advance their progressive aboriginal relations (PAR) journey. Primarily serving the power and construction services sectors, its objective is to support meaningful employment and create sustainable partnerships within the industries that it supports. The company recently formed a joint venture with Aecon to provide an Indigenous-led solution for high voltage transmission, distribution and substation work, and related maintenance on utilities and nuclear projects in Ontario.

Warrior Plumbing

Warrior Plumbing is a 100% Indigenous owned and operated mechanical contracting company located in North Vancouver, B.C. providing residential developers, builders and Indigenous landowners with comprehensive plumbing, gas fitting and HVAC solutions since 2010. Warrior Plumbing says it is the only fully owned and operated Indigenous mechanical services company in the lower mainland with Indigenous values woven throughout each stage of the mechanical systems process.

Akwesasne Earth Movers Construction Company

Akwesasne Earth Movers Construction Company is situated on the Saint Regis Mohawk Territory which straddles the U.S and Canada Border on the St. Lawrence River. This creates a unique situation for cross- border opportunities. It is an Akwesasne family-owned and operated company providing commercial construction, residential construction, excavation services, water and sewer services and marine capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• The British Columbia Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association is embarking on a three-year mission to attract more people to the industry. 
• A $3.9-million grant will fund a tour that takes simulators across the province to give jobseekers a taste of highway maintenance and road building careers. 
• Implementation of the talent attraction program is targeted to begin in Spring 2024 and reach completion in Spring 2026.

The Whole Story

A digital, immersive road building experience is coming to a B.C. town near you.

Jobseekers across the province will have the opportunity to learn more about highway maintenance jobs through a $3.9-million grant to the British Columbia Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association (BCRB&HCA).

The three-year grant will provide funding for BCRB&HCA’s talent attraction program, which will utilize innovative training technologies to showcase key jobs within the industry. With a focus on hiring, training, and retaining new employees for the highway maintenance and road building industry, the program seeks to address a critical shortage of skilled workers for trained highway maintenance positions.

“Helping employers remove barriers to the workplace means more people can work and participate in their communities,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of social development and poverty reduction. “Our government is funding this skills training so that more people can get good in-demand jobs in the highway maintenance and road building industry.”

The association explained that highway maintenance contractors in B.C. are facing a shortage of plow truck drivers, heavy equipment operators and mechanics. As part of the program’s outreach to groups that are currently underrepresented in the industry, it will seek to establish pathways for sustained employment and aim to engage women, Indigenous Peoples, veterans, new immigrants, and individuals under 40 years of age via training and partnership opportunities.

Using simulator technologies that place prospective jobseekers in the driver’s seat of snow plows and other types of heavy equipment, the program will travel across the province and provide hands-on opportunities for participants. The roadshow will include:

• A customized 34’ trailer featuring simulators and virtual reality technology.
• Realistic and safe training environments on five different simulators that replicate different models of heavy equipment and attachments
• A participation certificate that recognizes involvement and engagement in the program.

“Investments like these are vital for the strength of communities in BC,” said Matt Pitcairn, vice president, BCRB&HCA. “We look forward to how this program will raise the profile of these jobs, and how they can be an important catalyst for the economic health of the province.”

Implementation of the talent attraction program is targeted to begin in Spring 2024 and reach completion in Spring 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• 18 workers were sent to the hospital after a bus transporting them to a Coastal GasLink work camp flipped over.
• A union noted that its members, housekeepers for the Parsnip Lodge, were the ones injured. 30 members were aboard the bus.
• The union added that its members had raised concerns earlier this year about the four-hour roundtrip commute to site after they were told they could no longer be housed at the camp.

The Whole Story:

A group of workers involved in the Coastal GasLink project north of Prince George B.C. were injured when a bus transporting them to site flipped over.

All those injured are reported to be in good to fair condition after being hospitalized.  

The Friday crash prompted University Hospital of Northern BC to issue a Code Orange. The code is typically reserved for natural disasters and mass casualty events and is implemented to allow staff to focus on triaging treatment. Additional staff and managers can also be brought in as needed. In total, the hospital received 18 patients. Later that day, all were considered to be in good to fair condition, stated hospital officials. 

“We would like to thank our dedicated physicians, nurses and staff at UHNBC for their calm and coordinated response, and the excellent care provided to the individuals involved in this incident,” said Northern Health officials. “Thanks as well to our partners at BC Emergency Health Services who dispatched seven ambulances and support crews, and cared for and transported 15 people to hospital. Finally, thanks to Prince George and area residents for your patience, understanding, and support for our local health care providers.”

Officials with UNITE HERE Local 40 stated that the crash highlights concerns they raised with project officials earlier this year. 30 members of the union were aboard a bus that flipped over while traveling from Prince George to the project’s camp. The crash injured 18 people on the bus. The affected workers are housekeepers at Coastal GasLink’s Parsnip Lodge, the large majority of whom are immigrant women.

The union stated that its members had raised concerns about having to bus up to four hours to and from site each day. 

“Our first concern is with our members and their families who have gone through a terrifying experience,” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40. “This never should have happened. Workers told management that this was not safe. We expect Horizon North to work with the Union to ensure workers’ health and safety is prioritized and not put at risk.” 

Earlier this year, the union filed a grievance against Horizon North, which manages the project’s lodge, after management unilaterally moved all the housekeepers out of the camp and began bussing them to and from the site. The union stated that these workers are expected to travel up to four hours each day to and from camp, and along a forest service road, because they are no longer provided housing at the camp.

The union is calling on management to house lodge workers onsite, as they are required to do in the collective agreement. The union and management are currently in arbitration, which is expected to conclude this week.

*Editors Note: Horizon North has not yet responded to a request for comment from SiteNews

Key Takeaways:

• BC Hydro plans to launch a call for new green power sources in 2024.
• Electricity demand is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2030. This is due to economic and population growth.
• It will be BC Hydro’s first call for power in 15 years, and will target larger, utility scale projects. 

The Whole Story:

BC Hydro announced it will move forward with a call for new sources of renewable, emission-free electricity to power the province’s growing clean economy and create jobs.

The call is expected to launch in spring 2024.

In addition, the province is providing $140 million to the B.C Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to support Indigenous-led power projects, create economic opportunities for First Nations, and advance community self-determination.

“As we face the threat of a record fire season across Canada, the need to switch to clean power to fight climate change has never felt more urgent. The good news is that from electric cars to electrified heavy industry, British Columbians are taking action,” said Premier David Eby. “To guarantee the affordable power for this important transition, we’re working in partnership with First Nations and BC Hydro to generate more of the clean electricity that British Columbia needs to build our economy, and grow our role as a clean-energy superpower.”

Electricity demand is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2030. BC Hydro stated that this is due to economic and population growth, and as more homes, businesses and industries switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity. In the past six years, the number of electric vehicles on B.C.’s roads has increased by nearly 2,000%.

Updated demand forecasts filed by BC Hydro with the B.C. Utilities Commission confirm that new sources of electricity will be required sooner than previously expected. To ensure that it’s ready to procure new power supply, BC Hydro announced it will be moving forward with the development of a competitive process to acquire more clean electricity. It will be BC Hydro’s first call for power in 15 years, and will target larger, utility scale projects. 

BC Hydro noted that it will only acquire 100% clean, renewable electricity, including wind and solar. The call for power process will be designed by BC Hydro and the province following engagement with First Nations, industry and stakeholders. The engagement will include development of options regarding minimum requirements for Indigenous participation in new projects. The newly formed BC Hydro task force will also provide strategic advice.

The BC Hydro task force draws on further Indigenous and external energy experts to provide strategic advice on advancing Indigenous ownership and/or equity interest opportunities. The task force has three key priorities:

• speed of permitting and delivery;
• oversight to protect ratepayers and enable economic and climate priorities; and
• identifying, enabling and accelerating economic opportunities.

Over the next 12 months, the task force will focus on identifying and implementing short- and medium-term actions that can advance these priorities.

“First Nations are key partners as we work to power B.C.’s growing clean economy with clean, renewable electricity,” said Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation. “Funding for the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative will open up new opportunities for First Nations in clean-energy projects, including wind and solar, create local jobs, and support Indigenous self-determination.”

The province’s $140 million contribution to the BCICEI will support smaller Indigenous-led power projects that may otherwise not be competitive due to their smaller size.

The BCICEI is a clean-energy funding partnership between the province, the Government of Canada, and the New Relationship Trust. It provides support and capacity-building funds to First Nations communities toward the planning and implementation of clean-energy projects. The BCICEI is administered by the New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that delivers federal and provincially funded programs in support of Indigenous capacity development and reconciliation.

BC Hydro expects to initiate a call for power in spring 2024 in order to acquire new sources of electricity as early as 2028. This may be followed by subsequent calls as the transition to clean energy continues to accelerate, and BC Hydro requires additional resources in order to electrify B.C.’s growing economy and meet the province’s climate targets.

Hot Jobs is a weekly segment that showcases a selection of the top positions that have been recently posted on SiteNews Jobs, a Canadian construction job board we launched last month.

Here’s this week’s hottest jobs:

• Senior Estimator – Edmonton, A.B. – PCL Construction
• Project Director – Major Projects – Richmond, B.C. – Bird
• Principal Project Control Specialist – Calgary, A.B. – Mott McDonald
• Director of Pre-Construction – Remote / Toronto, O.N. – Prodigy Group
• Senior Project Manager – Québec, Q.C. – Progesys
• Engineer – Project Manager – Building Services, industrial sector – Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Q.C. – BBA Consultants
• Senior Project Manager – Ottawa, O.N. – PCL Construction
• Construction Risk Manager – Saskatoon, S.K. – PCL Construction
• Director, People & Projects – Winnipeg, M.B. – Sigfusson Northern

If you are looking to build your all-star team, try posting your role on the job board or connect with our specialized recruitment experts to find industry-leading talent for your business.

And if you are seeking a job, check out the full list of available positions.