The team is expecting a projected gross joint venture capital cost of $1.35 billion, excluding governmental incentives and support.
The bulk of REEF’s construction activities are planned to take place over 2025 and 2026 with select workstreams beginning in 2024.
90% of equipment, packaging and pipes expected to be prefabricated offsite in controlled operating environments.
The Whole Story:
A joint venture comprised of AltaGas Ltd. and Royal Vopak has announced a positive final investment decision (FID) on the Ridley Island Energy Export Facility (REEF), a large-scale liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bulk liquids terminal with rail, logistics and marine infrastructure on Ridley Island in B.C. Following a five-year environmental preparation and review process, extensive engagement with multiple stakeholders including Indigenous rights holders and local communities, the joint venture is set to deliver the export facility.
“This positive FID enables AltaGas to continue connecting Canadian energy to Asian markets and drive valuable outcomes for all our customers,” said Vern Yu, president and CEO of AltaGas. “Canada has a structural advantage in delivering LPGs to Asia with the shortest shipping time and lowest maritime emissions footprint. AltaGas delivers more than 19 percent of Japan’s propane and 13 percent of South Korea’s LPG imports, connecting our upstream customers with customers in Asia. We look forward to working with our partners to drive more long-term value creation with REEF.”
The joint venture stated that it has completed all major gating items, including front-end engineering design (FEED) and a detailed Class III capital estimate. Site clearing work is more than 95% complete and with required permits in hand, the project is expected to come online near the end of 2026.
The team is expecting a projected gross joint venture capital cost of $1.35 billion, excluding governmental incentives and support.
The team added that onsite work will be minimized to reduce capital cost risk and community impacts, with 90% of equipment, packaging and pipes expected to be prefabricated offsite in controlled operating environments.
The team believes the facility will enhance Canada’s role as a growing global energy exporter, strengthen Canadian and Asia Pacific energy connectivity and provide Canadian producers and aggregators with access to the premium global markets for LPGs.
The joint venture expects to lock-in more than 60% of the phase 1 capital costs through fixed-price, lump-sum engineering, procurement and fabrication contracts prior to construction.
Vopak and AltaGas anticipate funding their 50% pro-rata ownership through each company’s respective financial capacity with no leverage at the Partnership level.
The capital cost breakdown of phase 1 includes approximately $875 million for construction of the facility, balance of the plant and LPG storage tanks and $475 million for construction of the new dedicated jetty and extensive rail and logistics infrastructure. The infrastructure includes additional redundancies to provide operational flexibility that benefits the Joint Venture and customers over the long term.
The bulk of REEF’s construction activities are planned to take place over 2025 and 2026 with select workstreams beginning in 2024.
The team noted that with only ten shipping days to the fastest growing demand markets in Northeast Asia, REEF has a structural advantage in delivering LPGs to Asia with the shortest shipping time globally.
The project has First Nations support agreements in place and will drive further economic benefits to local communities in Northwestern B.C. through construction activities, long-term job creation and community investment focused on delivering positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
REEF will be constructed and operate under AltaGas and Vopak’s existing exclusive rights granted by the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) to develop LPG, methanol and other bulk liquids exports on Ridley Island.
“We are excited to be able to execute on our growth strategy and invest in export infrastructure on this highly strategic location” said Dick Richelle, chairman of the executive board and CEO of Royal Vopak. “Prince Rupert, with the shortest shipping distances between North America and Asia, gives the opportunity to drive progress by increasing the trade between Canada and the Asia Pacific region. We are proud to contribute to this development and are thankful for the good collaboration with our partner AltaGas and other key stakeholders. The trust and support of local First Nations and communities makes this envisioned terminal a reality.”
Metrolinx
Renny, a tunnel boring machine, breaks through the final wall after two years of digging for the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project.
Ventana crews document their historic work on the creating the world’s most seismically advanced mass timber building, The Hive, in Vancouver.
WDBA-APWD
The Gordie Howe Bridge Project is inching closer to meeting in the middle. While more steel and concrete needs to be placed, the gap to connect the deck is only 11 metres.
CGC Inc.
Construction is officially under way on CGC’s newest and most sustainable manufacturing plant in Wheatland County, Alberta.
Mike Garrod / True Mechanical
While True Mechanical superintendent Mike Garrod utilizes BIM and AutoCAD to design and fabricate mechanical rooms and systems, he still can dust off his pencil and plan things the old-fashioned way. These drawings were for Anthem Properties’ JINJU project in Coquitlam, B.C.
Bird Mechanical
A welder with Ontario-based Bird Mechanical goes about their work.
SiteNews
We can’t help but toot our horn a little bit. Here is a shot from our recent event to celebrate Construction’s Most Influential People in Calgary. In this shot, SiteNews co-founder Andrew Hansen (left), Orion Construction president Josh Gaglardi (middle) and SkilledTradesBC CEO Shelley Gray (right) participate in a panel.
Raymond McDonald, supervisor of work coordination for ATCO‘s electricity division – Drumheller operations, captures an out-of-this-world shot of the Northern Lights.
The Shot of the Month goes to:
Carlos Planelles / Acciona
It’s safe to say this team has all the camera angles covered. Crews celebrate tunnel boring machine Elsie breaking through to Arbutus station for the Broadway Subway project in Vancouver.
This win marks a major milestone for ETRO, validating their innovative and sophisticated approach to construction. Competing against several large scale-general Contractors, ETRO believes their advanced pre-construction processes and proven track record of building complex projects were key factors in their being successfully awarded.
The BC Place renovation is a complex endeavor. The project comes with tight deadlines, a busy downtown location, and a packed events calendar requiring meticulous planning and coordination. Once completed, the renovated stadium will be showcased to the world during FIFA World Cup 26.
Dan Chyzowski (left) and Mike Maierle (right). – ETRO Construction
“We won the RFP competing against some of the largest general contractors in the city. We’ve proven that as an eight-and-a-half-year-old company, we are capable and qualified to deliver,” said Mike Maierle, President of ETRO Construction. “This project is fantastic for our brand and our team. It’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity. It’s going to be incredibly challenging, but it’s something special.”
Dan Chyzowski, ETRO’s Vice President of Construction, detailed the project’s timeline, which is divided into two primary phases when construction can occur within the facility. The first phase is underway and will continue until the Grey Cup. The second phase of the work will commence after pop superstar Taylor Swift and her fans descend upon the city in December, with the remainder of the work wrapping up by Spring 2026 in advance of the World Cup.
“At any given time there will be up to 10 projects concurrently under construction with the overall scope being divided into 12 projects in total. Many of the projects are executed over multiple phases due to the constraints of working within the stadium,” Chyzowski explained.
ETRO utilizes Virtual Design & Construction to identify challenges early on. – ETRO Construction
BC Place is a premier venue in British Columbia, hosting Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the BC Lions, the Canada Sevens, and the BC Sports Hall of Fame, along with numerous concerts and events. The renovation will enhance high-impact areas to improve the fan experience, including upgrading hosting spaces, field club suites, adding vertical transportation to several of the upgraded spaces and improving accessibility within the stadium. There will also be additional upgrades to player facilities.
With 50-plus events scheduled before the World Cup, ETRO will be required to engage with all stakeholders, including consultants, facilities teams, events teams, and other contractors on site to ensure minimal disruption during construction.
“We believe we were hired because of our unparalleled pre-construction and operations teams and the extensive experience our proposed team members will bring to this project. Our construction and Virtual Design & Construction teams are the best in the market, capable of coordinating and identifying issues early on. We are not a typical design-bid builder; we are a progressive construction partner,” Maierle stated.
“We don’t like cookie-cutter projects,” Chyzowski said. “We prefer complex projects that require significant brainpower and problem-solving. This is where our team adds immense value, and it’s one of the reasons we won the contract—our commitment to the front end and working collaboratively with the team.”
Crews work on a project at the University of British Columbia. – ETRO Construction
ETRO’s diverse experience with operational facilities, such as airports, shopping malls, and educational institutions, has been a key to their success. This broad experience will be essential for the BC Place project.
For Maierle and Chyzowski, the BC Place renovation is more than just a project; it’s a milestone for ETRO Construction and a launching pad to take them to the next level. “Being part of such a landmark project is a special moment for us. When we received the award, it was emotional and very exciting for our entire team,” Chyzowski shared. “We look forward to tackling this challenge alongside PavCo and the rest of the Project Team.”
ETRO’s growing team at their bi-annual town hall. – ETRO Construction
Key Takeaways:
Alberta is investing $43 million to plan a new Advanced Skills Centre (ASC) at NAIT.
The ASC aims to be a world-class facility providing apprenticeship training in construction, transportation, manufacturing and energy for an additional 4,200 apprentices per year.
This investment will create modern learning spaces and allow NAIT to consolidate and expand its skilled trades programs to better meet the needs of Alberta’s industries.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government is investing $43 million to plan the Advanced Skills Centre at NAIT, training an additional 4,200 apprentices yearly.
“This state-of-the-art facility will raise the profile of apprenticeship education and attract and graduate the workers the province needs,” said NAIT president and CEO Laura Jo Gunter. “By providing experiential training, NAIT will help ensure Alberta’s economy remains prosperous.”
Each year NAIT will see between 30,000 to 40,000 students enrolled in programs across its campuses. Of those students studying in full-time programs, well over 30% enrolled in apprenticeship and skilled trades programs.
Officials say the ASC will deliver the most comprehensive, leading-edge apprenticeship and technology-based education in the world, focused on training in four key sectors: construction, transportation, manufacturing, and energy.
Alberta officials announce new funding for NAIT. – Government of Alberta
“With so many projects on the horizon, the province’s future has never looked brighter,” said Jason Idler, chief operating officer, heavy industrial, PCL Construction. “This state-of-the art facility goes a long way to ensuring we have the workforce we need today to build the infrastructure we need tomorrow.”
Planning funds will help prepare for construction, which will start in 2025. The centre will add 640,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art learning space to NAIT’s main campus and support the evolution and growth of programming over time, allowing NAIT to meet emerging needs to support Alberta’s diverse and competitive industries.
A rendering what the future facility will look like. – NAIT
This investment is crucial for ensuring students and faculty have access to the most up-to-date learning and training spaces. In some cases, purpose-built facilities at NAIT are more than 60 years old and have reached their end of life, requiring replacement. When construction is completed, the Advanced Skills Centre will include flexible and adaptable learning spaces that can be expanded to accommodate program growth or the introduction of new programs to meet labour market demand.
The ASC will also allow for the repatriation of programs that have been practicing in near isolation. Plumbers, for instance, have learned at Patricia Campus on Edmonton’s west end since the mid-1970s. Welders have been stationed at Souch Campus, in the south, since the late-’90s.
School officials say having them back on Main Campus will bring together all of its trades programs in ways that they have never considered. The structural flexibility of the ASC will also allow for select trades and technologies to be quickly ramped up, helping to provide an influx of skilled workers where they’re needed most.
NAIT officials and students celebrate the funding announcement. – NAIT
Key Takeaways:
B.C. officials want the hub to be a one-stop shop for applications and aims to reduce delays and costs.
They believe the hub will address challenges of incomplete applications, inconsistent requirements, and varying interpretations of the building code.
It will automatically check for completeness and compliance with key parts of the BC Building Code.
The Building Permit Hub is being piloted with twelve local governments and two First Nations, with further development and features planned for this summer.
The Whole Story:
B.C. is launching new digital Building Permit Hub to help streamline and standardize local permitting processes.
“The permitting process can be slow and complicated, delaying the construction of homes we urgently need,” said Premier David Eby. “Together, we’ve made progress cutting provincial and municipal permitting times, but we have to keep going. This new one-stop shop for local building permits will reduce red tape for homebuilders, local governments and First Nations, and ultimately save money, speed up construction and help people get into homes faster.”
The province is digitizing local permit processes to make it easier and faster for homeowners and industry professionals to submit applications to local governments and First Nations.
“We are exploring new ways to speed up the delivery of homes for people in B.C.,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. “The Building Permit Hub will make the permitting process smoother for builders and local and First Nations governments, ensuring homes are built quicker without unnecessary delays. This is one of many actions we are taking in our Homes for People action plan.”
Officials say their work to cut provincial permitting times is showing results. Provincial permits are being processed faster and backlogs are being cleared with permits being processed faster than they are coming in.
The province said it has heard from industry, local governments and First Nations that some of the biggest challenges with the local building-permit submission process are incomplete applications, inconsistent submission requirements from one community to another and different interpretations of compliance with BC Building Code requirements. These problems contribute to costly delays to building new homes.
The Building Permit Hub aims to address these challenges by offering a one-stop, simplified process. Builders will submit their permit applications online in the hub, which will:
standardize building-permit submission requirements across jurisdictions in B.C.;
automatically check that the permit application is complete; and
automatically check compliance with key parts of the BC Building Code.
A provincewide system that addresses the different permit requirements in each community will result in complete and consistent applications that are straightforward for local governments and First Nations to approve.
“This permitting tool will evolve, incorporating user feedback to deliver a seamless experience for those building the homes people need throughout the province,” said George Chow, minister of citizens’ services. “Government is working to unlock the full potential of digital innovation and technology, as we tackle the housing crisis together.”
The province worked closely with communities and industry experts to develop the hub.
Twelve local governments and two First Nations will pilot the first version of the hub. The hub is now live to allow communities to update the tool for their local requirements and permitting capability is expected to come online this summer. The hub will be further developed in summer with additional features added, such as permit applications for secondary suites and accessory
Key Takeaways:
Crews have completed work on the new Pattullo bridge’s main tower and tunnel boring operations have wrapped up for the Broadway Subway project.
The province also announced each project’s completion has been pushed back a year.
They attributed these delays to inflationary pressures, global supply chain issues and a five-week concrete strike.
The Whole Story:
Two major B.C. projects, the Broadway Subway and the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, have reached significant milestones this month.
Despite the milestones, both projects also have had their completion dates pushed back.
Officials announced that Tunnel boring operations have finished, marking the completion of the most technically complex and challenging part of the new subway construction.
Meanwhile, construction of the main tower for the new bridge to replace the existing Pattullo, connecting Surrey and New Westminster, is complete. It is the tallest bridge tower in British Columbia.
“Despite facing significant global challenges, we’ve seen tremendous progress on both of these projects,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure. “These projects will move people and goods more quickly and safely around the Lower Mainland.”
The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project started at the beginning of the pandemic in February 2020. The province noted that it has faced significant challenges, including inflationary pressures and global supply issues related to the delivery of specialized components from around the world. In addition, the bridge tower construction took longer than expected. As a result, the new bridge is expected to open in fall 2025.
Work started on the bridge in 2020. About a year into construction, the opening of the bridge was delayed from 2023 to 2024. At the time, the government attributed delays to on-site investigative work, and permitting hold-ups due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crews work to disassemble a tunnel boring machine at the Broadway Subway project site. – BC Ministry of Transportation
The new bridge will provide people with better connections and modern, wider lanes separated by a centre median barrier and dedicated walking and cycling lanes. Once complete, the bridge will provide a safer commute for people driving, cycling, or walking, and a more efficient connection for goods movement between Canada and the United States.
Design and construction activities on the Broadway Subway Project, which also began during the pandemic in September 2020, have taken longer than originally expected, including work to relocate major utilities and install traffic decks, while keeping traffic moving along Broadway. Tunnelling, which included boring under the Canada Line, and station excavation also took longer. This was in part due to a five-week concrete strike in 2022 that delayed construction of the launch pad for the tunnel-boring machines. Despite making significant progress so far, the new line is expected to go into service in fall 2027.
Construction first started on the subway extension in 2020, when the B.C. government projected the line would be opeartional after five years. In 2022, the government said the project opening had been delayed until 2026 by a five-week concrete workers’ strike.
“On projects of this size, delays have the potential to affect other construction activities,” said officials. “While mitigation efforts were made to recover both project schedules, it wasn’t always possible.”
Key Takeaways:
The $210 million facility will deliver CGC’s Sheetrock brand wallboard to residential and commercial customers across Western Canada.
The contract for the construction of CGC’s Wheatland County plant was awarded to Ledcor earlier this year.
CGC’s target is that the construction phase will conclude in 2026 and is preparing for plant recruitment and hiring starting in mid-2025.
The Whole Story:
CGC Inc., the Canadian division of USG Corporation, announced that construction of its new manufacturing plant in Wheatland County, Alta., is officially underway. CGC says the $210 million facility will deliver its Sheetrock brand wallboard to residential and commercial customers across Western Canada faster, more sustainably, and more reliably than ever.
The 220,000 square foot facility, situated on 214 acres of land north-west of Carseland, Alta., will create more than 200 jobs during the construction phase and more than 100 permanent, full-time manufacturing jobs once plant construction is completed.
Designed to be the most eco-friendly plant CGC has ever constructed, the plant will feature state-of-the-art innovations that enable efficient wallboard production with minimal water usage, energy consumption, and physical waste. CGC is also building a solar field onsite to generate clean electricity for the plant.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a significant win for CGC operations in Western Canada and for our ambitious growth plans in Canada more broadly,” said Chris Griffin, CEO of USG Corporation. “This project underscores our commitment to being the best wallboard manufacturer to do business with, particularly as builders, governments and communities across Alberta and the West work to expand housing starts, accessibility and affordability.”
CGC first announced its Wheatland County plant investment in July 2022 alongside partners from Wheatland County, the Alberta Government, Siksika First Nation and Invest Alberta.
“This was a true team effort and we would not be here without the support of Reeve Amber Link, the Alberta Government and Invest Alberta, the Siksika First Nation, and many others,” Griffin said.
Matt Jones, Alberta minister of jobs, economy and trade explained the investment is helping to diversify rural Alberta and create good jobs.
“This state-of-the-art wallboard manufacturing facility has helped to expand the manufacturing sector in our province and will ensure residential, commercial, industrial and institutional sectors can get the wall products they need to get their projects built in Alberta and across the country,” said Jones. “I want to thank CGC for choosing Alberta for this important investment and for contributing to the vibrancy and resiliency of our economy.”
The contract for the construction of CGC’s Wheatland County plant was awarded to Ledcor earlier this year. CGC’s target is that the construction phase will conclude in 2026 and is preparing for plant recruitment and hiring starting in mid-2025.
Currently, CGC’s drywall is shipped to Western Canada from CGC manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Quebec. The new Wheatland County plant is at the centre of CGC’s strategy to streamline its supply chain, making it more reliable, accessible and sustainable. Moreover, CGC says the plant will help meet increasing demand for CGC products across Canada’s Western provinces with the need for new homes at an all-time high. Roughly one out of every two houses in Canada currently contain CGC products.
A new report has found that Toronto needs to invest $4 billion annually to maintain its infrastructure.
The city is currently only investing $1.4 billion per year, creating a gap of $2.6 billion per year or $26 billion in the next decade.
Recently, the city dedicated $26 billion (52%) of the 10-Year Capital Budget and Plan to SOGR needs, nearly doubling SOGR investments over the past 10 years.
The Whole Story
Toronto is billions of dollars behind on infrastructure spending and wants to get caught up.
The city’s 2024 Corporate Asset Management Plan (AMP) was recently adopted by Toronto City Council. It identifies the value of non-core infrastructure assets at $73 billion and forecasts that an average annual investment of $4 billion is needed to maintain these assets in good condition to provide their current levels of service to Torontonians.
Officials say this contrasts with the average annual planned state of good repair (SOGR) funding of $1.4 billion in the city’s 2024 budget, revealing an investment gap of approximately $2.6 billion per year or $26 billion in the next decade.
Officials say the findings of the city’s 2024 Corporate Asset Management Plan are consistent with the city’s Long Term Financial Plan and past budget process where investments in SOGR have been a priority. Recent actions taken by the city to address asset renewal needs include:
Dedicated $26 billion (52%) of the 10-Year Capital Budget and Plan to SOGR needs, nearly doubling SOGR investments over the past 10 years.
Added $1.6 billion in additional SOGR funding to the 10-Year Capital Budget and Plan during the 2024 Budget process.
Eliminated the city’s single largest SOGR liability with the Ontario-Toronto New Deal’s upload of the Gardiner Expressway to the province that saves nearly $2 billion which will be allocated to critical asset renewal guided by a capital prioritization framework and asset management plan.
Developing a capital prioritization framework that will be integrated with the City’s 2025 Corporate Asset Management Plan to enhance the City’s existing prioritization processes and strategic decisions on when and where to prioritize capital infrastructure investments.
The city’s 2024 Corporate AMP builds upon previous divisional asset management plans and includes all municipal infrastructure assets under the direct ownership of the City, excluding core infrastructure assets such as water, wastewater, stormwater, roads, bridges and culverts, which were reported in the City’s 2021 Core Infrastructure AMP.
To comply with provincial regulations, the city’s 2024 Corporate AMP reports on the costs required to maintain current levels of service. The forthcoming AMP will report on the costs to provide proposed levels of service to manage future growth including recommended funding strategies aligned with the final provincial regulation milestone on July 1, 2025.
Mary Van Buren has accepted a position as governance & strategy advisor at tng after more than six years as president of the Canadian Construction Association.
Chandos has changed up its leadership team: Nicholas Darling is chief operating officer, Ellie Choi is senior vice president (risk and legal), Oliver Dees is senior vice president (strategic services) and D’Arcy Newberry is senior vice president (civil and Edmonton).
Mindy Henyu starting a new position as senior manager, Indigenous relations at Aecon Group. Henyu is an Indigenous woman from the Tahltan Nation and Waterhen Lake Cree Nation living in Treaty 7 territory
Jon Castillo has been promoted to operations manager of construction at Orion. He has been with the company five years and Orion says he brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Larry Mac has stepped into a new role as regional director for Vancouver Island and Amy Livingston has been promoted to senior project coordinator at MAKE Projects.
EllisDon has announced leadership appointments in Eastern Canada: Wayne Ferguson (senior vice president, construction, buildings), Mike Armstrong (vice president and area manager for Ottawa) and Brad Cyr (vice president and area manager for Quebec).
Brianne Mahon has been promoted to community relations director, North America, at GFL Environmental. Mahon also recently celebrated nine years at the company.
After seven years away, Austin Vlooswyk is returning to WSP Canada as senior director, business development – energy, resources and industry, west.
Annette Cooper, director of data & analytics for Graham, was one of the winners for the Top 100 Data & Analytics Professional Awards at the 2024 OnConferences Icon Awards. Winners were voted on by their peers.
James Fisher has retired from Kinetic Construction after 13 years of service. The company noted that Fisher was instrumental in mentoring multiple superintendents, foremen, carpenters, project managers and project coordinators.
Braden Barwich has been promoted to VP of revenue at SiteMax after five years with the software provider. The company stated that Barwich has played a pivotal role in bringing most of its customers on board.
Christina Chiarini has transferred to PCL’s solar district as district HR/PD coordinator after serving its Toronto district for more than two years.
Jonathan Graham has joined Kindred Works Development as its new manager of building performance. He holds a master’s from Toronto Metropolitan University in building science and has experience in sustainability analysis as well as architecture and engineering consulting.
Cheryl Schindler is Maple Reinders’ new business development manager for its western operations. Schindler said Innovation, integrity, and a diverse portfolio of complex projects are part of what drew her to the company.
George Stasinaki has joined the Gillam Team as an assistant project manager on the LOFT Bradford House project. George graduated with a civil engineering degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and brings over 24 years of experience working in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors.
Deanna Perrin, an associate at RJC Engineers, has been recognized as an Outstanding Instructor at the University of British Columbia.
Passionate about paying her education forward, Deanna taught a fourth-year undergrad course on Reinforced Concrete Design. This was her second time teaching the course as a Sessional Instructor at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
RJC Engineers
Ken Tanner has been appointed vice president & district manager of Canada at Flatiron Construction. Tanner joined Flatiron after graduating college in 1998 and has progressed through many vital roles: field engineer, structures superintendent, project engineer, project manager, area manager and operations vice president.
Patrick Lalonde has been promoted to senior director, digital project delivery at EllisDon. He joined the company nearly 14 years ago as a BIM coordinator.
This reflects not only a significant achievement in my career, but also the fast-changing world of BIM/VDC and how it integrates with all aspects of the built asset lifecycle … I would like to thank the EllisDon family for all their support and leadership allowing me to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurial enthusiasm and grow both personally and professionally within the organization.
Patrick Lalonde, senior director, digital project delivery, EllisDon
Lynn Richman has joined NUQO as a senior project manager. The company noted that with over two decades of modular construction industry experience, Richman is one of the most experienced and respected modular project managers in Canada, managing over 400 modular construction projects including key developments for BC Housing and the 2010 Winter Olympics in B.C.
Travers Stephan is celebrating ten years with Westridge Construction. He has led diverse projects, from water treatment plants to bridges. Most recently, he spearheaded the construction of the Douglas Park Pickleball Court Development.
Joey Chiasson is Acciona‘s new environmental manager. Previously, Chiasson was environmental lead for Ledcor.
April Watson has retired from Sanderson Concrete after working as its office manager for more than 25 years. Company officials noted that her intelligence, kindness, and dedication have shaped Sanderson’s workplace into a community of warmth and camaraderie.
April Watson
* Editor’s Note: This piece is part of a series of interviews conducted with winners of SiteNews’ recent awards program, Construction’s Most Influential People.
As building transformation & adaptive reuse leader, principal, for global design firm Gensler, Steven Paynter is using technology to help revitalize downtown areas around the world.
When tasked with assisting the city of Calgary in converting vacant office space for other uses, Paynter and his team developed a digital tool that uses information any broker would know to feed into an office building conversion algorithm. The tool then determines if the stripped down bones of the structure would work for residential conversion. After creating thousands of new housing units, this approach has now spread to other major cities, including Toronto, New York and San Francisco.
We caught up with Paynter to learn about building teams, being creative, leaving the UK for Canada and more.
SiteNews: Is there one book, podcast, video or piece of content that you think everyone in construction should check out?
Paynter:“Creativity Inc.” by Ed Catmull. It’s not about construction, but it is about how to organize and manage creative teams across complex tasks. It explains how to do that better than anything else I’ve read.
Did you have a mentor or role model early in your career? How did their guidance or example shape your path in construction?
The two early mentors that shaped how I work were my first Managing Director, he was a creative risk taker that always looked for what was next in the industry. That company led the way on BIM, Digital Twins and sustainability a decade ahead of others. The second was a drywaller that I worked with on site, as an architect having a person on site that could really tell you how things worked was great
What was the biggest calculated risk you took in your career, and what were the rewards (or lessons learned) from that experience?
Leaving the UK in 2012 and coming to Toronto because there was more opportunity here. The payoff has been huge, most people I worked with in the UK have since left the architecture industry because there was no space to grow. By moving I’ve been able to do what I love and massively expand my influence across North America.
What advice would you give to your younger self, just starting out in your career?
Learn everything! You never know when you’ll need it or what else it will inspire.
What strategies have you found most effective in building and leading high-performing teams in construction?
I think it starts with hiring, I’ve always hired people that have skills that I don’t have and focused on people that were better than me in skills I do have. It’s allowed me to create an amazing team that can achieve almost anything. That diversity of skills and people is also great for building team cohesion as they collaborating, not competing
What single issue are you most passionate about in the construction sector?
Leaving the world in a better place than I found it
What would you like your professional legacy to be?
The work I’m doing on conversions at the moment has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of houses and really bring life back to downtowns. I would like my legacy to be better cities
Key Takeaways:
The city-wide zoning decision aims to speed up housing development, reduce costs, and remove barriers to building new homes.
Homeowners can now build duplexes, fourplexes, or row houses on their properties without a separate approval process. This increases housing variety within existing neighborhoods.
The original proposal was modified after extensive public feedback (longest public hearing in Calgary history) to address concerns regarding parks, parking, and backyard suites.
The Whole Story:
After record-breaking public hearings, Calgary has approved citywide rezoning.
The decision was a response to Calgary’s housing crisis and officials say the changes will significantly speed up the time to deliver homes, remove barriers and uncertainty, and reduce costs.
The decision will switch Calgary’s base residential zoning to R-CG, or residential grade-oriented infill. This means homeowners can now redevelop their properties with duplexes, fourplexes, or row houses without going through a separate land-use approval process. The new zoning will be in effect across Calgary starting from August 6.
“Before the public hearing began, it was clear that housing is the top issue on Calgarians’ minds and is truly the problem of our time. The stories Calgarians shared over the past few weeks painted a stark picture of the housing challenges being faced in this city,” Mayor Jyoti Gondek said. “Council’s decision confirms our commitment to meet that problem with the tools and plan we have. While today’s decision is just one of the actions in the Housing Strategy, we will continue our work in implementing the entire strategy.”
This decision was made after a 15-day Public Hearing in which 736 Calgarians verbally gave their feedback and 6,101 Calgarians submitted a written statement, which resulted in the largest and longest public hearing in the city’s history.
“City council and administration heard from thousands of Calgarians during this record-breaking public hearing,” said City of Calgary Chief Administrative Officer David Duckworth. “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate in this incredibly important public input and decision-making process.”
A fundamental change administration recommended prior to the public hearing, which was approved by council, was to make it easier for Calgarians to provide input during the development permit process in their communities.
Many themes emerged from feedback given during the public hearing, and council said it has made changes to the original proposal to address concerns on issues such as parks, parking, and backyard suites associated with rowhouses and townhouses.
“We heard clearly from Calgarians that they care about the state of housing citywide, and also about what gets built next door,” said Tim Keane, general manager of Planning & Development Services. “Both of these matter to The City too. We are committed to enabling more homes and making sure they fit well into our communities.”
Rezoning for housing is one of 98 actions in Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy. Citywide rezoning is a change to the low-density residential zoning across Calgary. In addition to single detached houses, other types of low-density housing including semi-detached, rowhouses and townhouses are now allowed in new and established areas of the city, effective August 6, 2024.
Key Takeaways:
EllisDon, a Canadian construction company, is partnering with J2 Innovations, a Californian tech company, to develop smarter buildings.
The general contractor will leverage J2 Innovations’ FIN Framework to create a new digital twin application called EKO, which will optimize building environments and user experiences.
This partnership will allow EllisDon to integrate technology and enterprise management systems into EKO, making it suitable for various markets.
The Whole Story:
One of Canada’s largest general contractors is teaming up with a California tech company to make construction smarter.
EllisDon’s Infrastructure Services & Technology (IST) Division and J2 Innovations—a leading platform provider for smart buildings, smart equipment and the Internet of Things (IoT)—have announced a new partnership. The collaboration will see EllisDon utilize J2 Innovations’ FIN Framework, a flexible open software framework, enabling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to create automation and IoT applications quickly and efficiently.
This partnership will enable EllisDon’s IST Division to further develop their digital twin application, EKO, which is focused on integrating all data points within a facility to optimize the built environment and enhance the end user’s experience.
Launched last December, EKO leverages intelligent infrastructure data through advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional systems such as SCADA, EKO provides a holistic analysis of system performance for a diverse range of systems and assets.
This announcement comes after EllisDon implemented a range of projects using J2 Innovations’ FIN Stack software, a comprehensive suite of ready-to-use apps, enabling integrated building management solutions to be engineered quickly and easily.
Motivated by its efficiency and adaptability, EllisDon IST says it will use the FIN Framework, on which FIN Stack is developed, to create and customize its new OEM product suite for EKO.
“We are excited to collaborate and enhance industry standards by utilizing J2 Innovations’ expertise in FIN Framework, as it will be an important component of our digital twin application, EKO,” says Robert Barnes, senior vice president, energy & digital services at EllisDon. “This partnership will leverage the strengths of both companies by exploring new opportunities, strengthening product offerings, and providing cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the market.”
As a major player in the integration of primary building systems (i.e. building automation, lighting control, electronic security, elevators, etc.), EllisDon is now expanding into the integration of technology and enterprise management systems with EKO. Through this collaboration, EllisDon and J2 Innovations will extend the use of FIN and utilize it as an enabling platform for EKO, allowing it to support multiple market segments and end users.
“Our partnership with EllisDon underpins the effectiveness of their products in a range of commercial environments, and will exploit the potential for a significant advancement in hospital building automation and beyond,” Jeremy Wolfe, vice president of sales Americas at J2 Innovations, said. “Together we can harness our next-generation software framework to EllisDon’s vision to push the limit of data and efficiency-driven construction management.”
Key Takeaways:
Nominations are now open for people to submit themselves or their peers for the awards.
Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, now in its 5th year, recognizes young construction leaders and their industry accomplishments.
Nominations must be submitted by June 18. Winners will then be chosen by a diverse panel of industry experts.
The Whole Story:
Now in its 5th year, Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction is back and ready to once again recognize up-and-coming leaders in the construction sector. Nominations are officially open and can be submitted right now using this link.
The program’s organizers, On-Site Magazine and SitePartners, are looking for a cross-section of young professionals from all areas of the construction industry. Their previous four editions have featured individuals who have made an impact on the industry, rising through the ranks of their companies throughout their 20s or 30s.
Honourees have included: Architects, contractors, designers, engineers, equipment operators, estimators, executives, occupational health & safety managers, project managers, quantity surveyors, site supervisors, superintendents, tradespersons, and many more in the consulting, law, finance, and technology communities that support the industry.
How to nominate
All eligible nominees—construction professionals who are 39 years or younger, a resident of Canada and currently working in Canada—must have their name and details submitted through the official Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction form. This form must be completed in full. It may take up to 15 minutes or longer to complete. You may preview the list of the nomination questions that you will be required to fill out here, but only nominations that have been submitted through the official online form will be eligible.
You may choose to either nominate yourself or someone else. If you choose to nominate yourself, you must attach an endorsed Letter of Support from a current or former supervisor, colleague, client, or vendor. You may submit nominations for more than one person, but those submitting on behalf of companies or organizations are asked to limit their nominations to five individuals.
If you have won in the past, you can’t win again. But those who were nominated last year but did not win are encouraged to reapply. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59pm PST on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024.
Choosing the winners
In considering each candidate, a panel of judges will refer to the following weighted system:
50% – Professional Achievement Significant business or project accomplishments. Track record of outstanding work in the office or field. Professional designations, memberships, or licences. Educational development and qualifications.
40% – Innovation, Leadership, and Influence Professional innovation and industry disruption. Team leadership. Roles in key decision making.
10% – Business / Community Involvement Participation in professional mentorship programs. Participation in charitable or volunteer initiatives.
Make sure to Nominate someone today for Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction before the deadline runs out. And be sure to check out all the construction professionals who won in 2023 and in 2022.
A sold out crowd joined SiteNews in the Prairies to lift up those who are having a positive influence on the industry.
Part of SiteNews’ mission is to celebrate people who are making construction better and inspiring others to do the same. We did just that this week in Calgary where we gathered with more than 100 guests to honour everyone recognized by our latest awards program, Construction’s Most Influential People.
The competition winners included teachers, lawyers, association leaders, entrepreneurs, engineers, documentarians and more. Collectively they have helped shape how builders build and how the public at large thinks about construction.
There’s so much passion in construction, and when you work in it there’s always this tangible asset, and there’s value in that. And right now, construction plays such a big part in both our economies, in B.C. and Alberta.
In addition to enjoying some fine Alberta beef, those who joined us at the sold out celebration near the banks of the Bow River were treated to a panel discussion hosted by SiteNews Co-Founder Andrew Hansen with two of our competition winners: Orion Construction founder and president Josh Gaglardi, and SkilledTradesBC CEO Shelley Gray.
The pair gave their thoughts on leadership, growth, attracting workers and more.
Gaglardi spoke about the benefits of starting his business from scratch so he could full implement his vision for what a construction company should be. He also noted that embracing technology and other modern construction methods allowed Orion to ride a massive wave of industrial work. The company has seen immense growth, and in 2022 it earned the number one spot on the Globe and Mail’s Top Growing Companies. Orion also boasts a 100% retention rate as no employee has ever quit.
While Orion’s initial rise was in industrial, he sees a great future in expanding into the residential market as well.
“There’s so much passion in construction, and when you work in it there’s always this tangible asset, and there’s value in that,” said Gaglardi. “And right now, construction plays such a big part in both our economies, in B.C. and Alberta. I think it’s only going to play a bigger part as international immigration increases, housing increases, and industrial increases. The outcome is very optimistic for both markets.”
Gray explained that while B.C. has seen record-breaking apprenticeship registrations, the reality is that the true challenge is retaining them in the industry. She noted that the data shows many are still facing bullying, harassment and other negative behaviors on job sites and said that this must change.
She shared the story of her neighbour, a young electrician, who quit the trades to go to school for business.
“He said he just had gotten sick of the environment. I always worry for this sector because if we do anything to fix the culture, we will just lose people in the long run. It’s in one end, out the other,” she said. “We can’t get complacent just because we’re seeing those numbers come in.”
The crowd also heard from Mike Martens, who leads ICBA Alberta. He explained that with comprehensive and competitive group health and retirement benefit plans, an industry-leading workplace mental health and wellness program, innovative professional development and training courses, and strong advocacy, ICBA Alberta supports businesses of all sizes by drawing on the expertise and strength of our members to support innovation and a thriving construction industry.
From everyone at the SiteNews team, thank you for attending, and we hope to see you at our next event.
Photos from the evening:
* Editor’s Note: This piece is part of a series of interviews conducted with winners of SiteNews’ recent awards program, Construction’s Most Influential People.
As the first female president of RSG International and president of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC), Laronde isn’t just breaking down barriers for women in construction. She is obliterating them. Laronde is widely known for her passion around building psychologically safe work environments where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront. Her impact has gone far beyond just construction. Last year she was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. Check out our interview with Laronde to get her thoughts on leadership, golf, mentoring and more.
SiteNews: Is there one book, podcast, video or piece of content that you think everyone in construction should check out?
Lisa Laronde: I think anyone in leadership and construction should check out ‘No Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention’ by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer. It is almost like a guide to forward-thinking and outside-of-the box management practices, and it also makes a good argument as to why employees need to critique their leaders.
Did you have a mentor or role model early in your career? How did their guidance or example shape your path in construction?
To be honest, throughout my career, I didn’t have any mentors guiding me down my path. The urge to lead was developed at a young age, as was my drive. What I did have were examples of people I knew I just didn’t want to be like.
I was lucky to grow up with a strong and independent mother who taught me to fight for what I believe in and to stay true to my morals and ethics. She also taught me that a good sense of humour goes a long way. My mother has always been my role model; she instilled confidence in me, self-awareness, and a belief that I could do anything I could put my mind to, but she never allowed me to expect that it would necessarily be easy.
Believing in yourself is essential for overcoming barriers and setbacks and for pursuing ambitious career goals.
Along with my mother, I look to another powerful woman in my life, my Gen Z daughter, who has been my source of inspiration, and I am continually motivated by her remarkable journey as she sets an example of what is achievable.
At 24, she embarked on a journey to pursue a career in a foreign country. I have watched her navigate an unfamiliar language and social landscape with grace and determination. Observing her accomplishments professionally with confidence, integrity, and excellence ignites a sense of aspiration that motivates me to continue to be an advocate for gender equity and pushes me to continue to be an inspirational leader in the construction industry.
What was the biggest calculated risk you took in your career, and what were the rewards (or lessons learned) from that experience?
In 2015, I made the decision to leave my job to pursue a position at a company in a different industry that was located four hours away. My plan was to relocate after a year, but just one week before I was about to put an offer in on a house, I was fired. It was a tough blow, but one that taught me a valuable lesson: getting fired isn’t the end of the world.
To be honest, I had known deep down inside that the organization wasn’t the right fit for me, despite my efforts to make it work. I learned the importance of staying true to my core values and not compromising on what truly matters to me. And, in speaking with successful entrepreneurs, I have discovered that failure is often part of the journey to success. The experience taught me not to let the fear of failure hold me back from trying new things or speaking up for myself.
What advice would you give to your younger self, just starting out in your career?
Be confident, believe in yourself, take risks, be willing to fail, and when you do, pick yourself back up and try again. You will encounter challenges and obstacles, so surround yourself with people who believe in and support you. Don’t listen to the negative things people say or do. When I stepped into an executive leadership position, I quickly realized the importance of learning golf. In the corporate arena, countless crucial deals and networking opportunities unfold on the green, and to be part of those discussions, I had to be out on the course. Learning the game wasn’t about becoming a pro; it was about levelling the playing field with my male counterparts. I often encourage women to learn the game, as I believe it fosters a sense of balance in leadership dynamics, and by participating in the traditionally male-dominated game, women can help dismantle barriers and foster mutual respect and inclusive decision-making processes.
Key Takeaways:
The pilot project at the Lafarge Brookfield Cement Plant (Nova Scotia) aimed to produce high-quality clinker made of recycled minerals recovered from waste sources.
The positive industrial trial was performed in February and cement from this clinker will be produced in spring for further testing and development of the technology.
In order to be able to produce 100% recycled material clinker, Geocycle Canada collaborated with waste and by-products generators in Nova Scotia.
The pilot project at the Lafarge Brookfield Cement Plant (Nova Scotia) aimed to produce high-quality clinker made of recycled minerals recovered from waste sources. The method can potentially reduce CO2 level by 60% per tonne of clinker. Clinker is the main ingredient in cement, which in turn, is the active ingredient in concrete. It was the first-ever pilot test conducted in North America and the second one in the world across Holcim Group. Globally, each year, there is more concrete sold than all other building materials combined.
“Our teams have been tirelessly working towards finding solutions to decarbonize our business in Canada,” says David Redfern, president and CEO, Lafarge Canada (East). “This new recycled minerals clinker combines operational excellence with circular construction, building new and green from what is considered old and waste. This is a great example of how far we can go – the local team at Brookfield is certainly setting the tone for the industry in Canada.”
Over the past year, Lafarge Canada, Geocycle Canada, and the Holcim Group Innovation Centre have been collaborating on a 100% circular production of clinker at the Brookfield Plant. The new production method involves substitution of virgin raw materials with lower carbon options from waste sources and utilization of fuels from materials otherwise destined for landfill. The positive industrial trial was performed in February and cement from this clinker will be produced in spring for further testing and development of the technology.
“This new clinker product will be used to produce a 100% recycled cement during this pilot, which will in turn be employed in ready mix concrete operations to produce a 100% recycled concrete product – advancing decarbonization and circular construction in Nova Scotia,” explained Andrew Stewart, vice president, Cement, Lafarge Canada (East).
In order to be able to produce 100% recycled material clinker, Geocycle Canada collaborated with waste and by-products generators in Nova Scotia to secure a solution that contained the necessary components.
“Our Green Growth goals are repurposing industrial waste and by-products for the very foundations of our homes and other buildings, and this is how we contribute to the circular economy, ” said Sophie Wu, head of Geocycle North America.
In 2022, Holcim’s Altkirch plant (France) was the first cement manufacturing facility in the world to produce clinker made entirely of recycled minerals. This year, the successful trial in Nova Scotia is a further testament to the company’s global commitment to business decarbonization and investment in circular construction.
Key Takeaways:
Major projects include construction of the Sunnyside Flood Barrier and rehabilitation of the 4 Avenue Flyover and Mission Bridge.
Other projects include rehabbing nearly 400 lane kilometres of roadway, spending $89.6 million to expand the Calgary Composting Facility and adding more ice rinks at Glenmore Twin Arena.
Officials say the improvements will make it easier to live, play, and get around in the city.
The Whole Story:
The City of Calgary plans to embark on more than $800 million in construction work this year for parks, streets, public transit and recreation and operational facilities.
“City infrastructure supports everyone who calls Calgary home, as well as those visiting from around the world,” said Michael Thompson, general manager of infrastructure services. “The improvements we have planned for this year will make it easier to live, play, and get around in the city. It will help keep our city healthy, clean and safe; and it will make our communities more vibrant and welcoming.”
In addition to several major projects happening downtown this year, including construction of the Sunnyside Flood Barrier and rehabilitation of the 4 Avenue Flyover and Mission Bridge, here are some of the other upcoming project highlights:
Recreation
New outdoor sports fields at Rocky Ridge Athletic Park: Plans are to build a new athletic park in Rocky Ridge. The park includes two new outdoor multi-use artificial turf fields, washrooms, parking and field lighting. It’s a $24 million investment that will be underway starting in fall of 2024.
Upgrades to Calgary Soccer Centre: Crews will install a new FIFA-size artificial turf field under an air-conditioned dome. It will be accompanied by a new attached building with change rooms and washrooms. It’s a $28 million investment, which will be underway between spring 2024 to spring 2025.
More ice rinks at Glenmore Twin Arena: The city is increasing the availability of ice rinks at Glenmore Athletic Park with a new twin-ice arena that will replace the aging Stu Peppard Arena. It’s an $85.6 million investment, which will be underway from fall 2024 to summer 2027. Stu Peppard Arena will remain open until the Glenmore Twin Arena is complete.
Upgrades to Sandy Beach Park: Crews will install a new paved entrance, adding parking spaces, and upgrading water utility connections, including drought-resistant landscaping and pathway connections. It’s estimated to cost about $6 million and is expected to be under construction from summer 2024 to late 2025.
Transportation/roads
Upgrading Calgary’s streets: The city will make more than 100 upgrades to existing streets across the city through the Various Street Improvements (VSI) Program, including intersections, traffic calming, sidewalks, pathways, and transit facilities. It’s an approximately $10 million investment for safety and operations improvements, scheduled to be underway during the 2024 construction season.
New pavement: Nearly 400 lane kilometres of roadway will be rehabbed this season. Thanks to an increased investment from Council in 2023, the program will invest approximately $50 million to rehabilitate 20-30% more pavement than last year.
Improving public spaces in Ramsay and Inglewood: The city is finalizing designs for new and upgraded connections around the future Ramsay-Inglewood Green Line Station. Construction is expected to start later the summer. In advance of this work, officials preparing to replace and extend the water mains along 12 Street S.E. between 8 Avenue S.E. and 11 Avenue S.E. to accommodate future growth.
Preparing for the Green Line with the North Central Bus Rapid Transit line: While planning continues to bring future Green Line LRT service to the north, the North Central Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line is an immediate step to provide Calgarians in the north fast, frequent and reliable transit options. Construction began in April in communities along Centre Street from Country Hills Boulevard North to 28 Ave N.W. It’s anticipated to be complete in summer 2025.
Community improvements
Improving Calgary’s Main Streets: Work continues this year to upgrade Bridgeland and Marda Loop Main Streets. The improvements to the sidewalk, streetscape improvements and infrastructure will support future development, businesses and increasing populations. Work is expected to be complete in both Marda Loop and Bridgeland in 2025.
Protecting and improving the Riley area: The city is undertaking several projects in the communities of Hillhurst, Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill, Sunnyside and West Hillhurst that improve public spaces, increase mobility and accessibility, and protect the area from river flooding.
Environment/safety
Expanding the Calgary Composting Facility: The city is investing $89.6 million so the Calgary Composting Facility can support the record-amount of organics that Calgarians are diverting from landfills through the green cart program. This expansion helps Calgary make progress on our path to net-zero and produces nutrient-rich compost for use in our gardens and parks. Composting also creates renewable natural gas, which will be sold to support the green cart program. Construction for the expansion started in April 2024 and is expected to be completed in late 2025. For more information on composting, visit our web page.
A new fire station in the northeast: Construction begins this year in Cornerstone on a new integrated Fire Station and Household Hazardous Waste drop-off location. The new two-bay Cornerstone Fire Station will replace the temporary one-bay Skyview Fire Station. Construction on the $16 million facility began in February 2024 and is expected to be completed by spring 2025. In the future, The City also plans to develop future affordable housing at the location.
Supporting growth and development in the southwest: The city will continue to build the Providence Offsite Storm Trunk. This project is part of the New Community Growth Strategy and involves installing a new 3.6 km system of underground pipe. A large-diameter pipe will carry treated stormwater from storm ponds in 14 new southwest communities to Fish Creek as part of the system that prevents roadway flooding. The $40 million project started in 2022 and will continue into 2026.
Doubling the sanitary sewer capacity: Work continues in 2024 on the Nose Creek Sanitary Sewer Trunk, which will more than double the sanitary sewer capacity in north Calgary to support future development and population growth. Much of the project is being completed by tunneling, which reduces construction impacts on park and green space. As part of this work, crews are improving Laycock Park for all users, including completing missing pathway connections and constructing a new parking lot, and rain garden.
Enhancing aging underground utility infrastructure: The city stated that it takes a proactive approach to protecting and replacing aging infrastructure through a variety of annual programs. These programs reduce emergency repairs and service interruptions. In 2024, communities will benefit from planned utility infrastructure enhancements through the water main replacement program, sanitary main replacement program, watermain anode retrofit program and more.
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) has announced the winners of the 2024 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, a national competition for new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing. Winners were presented during an awards gala in Saint John, New Brunswick, at the final event of CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada.
More than 900 entries were submitted, making 2024 a record-breaking year for entries. Nearly 300 volunteer industry experts from across Canada went through the submissions to select the finalists and winners.
The competition this year had 48 categories, including single-family homes, multi-family, high-rises and new communities. Two categories for Net Zero Homes showcased top projects from CHBA’s Net Zero Home Labelling Program, which has been operating since 2015. The competition also includes categories for home renovations at various price points, and recognizes the best in residential marketing endeavours.
Calgary companies dominated the night’s top honours, with two companies earning repeat wins.
The distinguished Design Excellence Award went to two companies from Calgary: Douglas Homes and Jayman BUILT. The award is given to the company that has the best cumulative results in the new homes and new home spaces categories. It was the third year in a row that Jayman BUILT in Calgary has claimed the award.
Jayman BUILT’s Magna project is being planned for Calgary’s University District.
The Renovation Excellence Award for best overall performance in the home renovation categories was awarded again this year to Ultimate Renovations from Calgary. They were finalists in five categories and came away with three individual awards in addition to the best-overall accolade.
The Marketing Excellence Award for overall success in marketing categories was presented to Mattamy Homes and Gladstone Media from Toronto. In addition to the best overall award, their project BLDV Q was a finalist in three marketing categories, winning one.
“These awards truly demonstrate the variety of homes that are built and renovated in Canada each year. Whether for rent or ownership, changing life circumstances or needs, the professionals that build and renovate Canadian homes and communities are creating spaces that people want to call home. We are proud of the accomplishments of this year’s winners and finalists,” said CHBA CEO Kevin Lee.
Check out the full list of winners below:
Marketing awards
Best Signage HIP Developments Inc., Cambridge, ON: “Strata Condos” with Pureblink
Best Brochure/Kit EMBLEM Developments Inc., Toronto, ON: “ALLURE” with The Brand Factory, Arcadis IBI Group
Best Website Everglade Development, Richmond, BC: “Oakhaus – 20 Townhomes by Oakridge” with Cynthia Florano Design
Best Digital Advertising Campaign Branthaven Homes, Burlington, ON: “West&Post”
Best Print Ad Activa, Waterloo, ON: “Fur Kids Love Activa Energy Efficient Homes”
Best Virtual Tour Experience Tridel, Toronto, ON: “Harbourwalk” with II BY IV DESIGN, Pureblink, and The Brand Factory
Best Sales Office ByBurnac, Toronto, ON: “The Bedford” with The Brand Factory
Best Short Video (under 45 seconds) Mattamy Homes and Gladstone Media, Toronto, ON: “BLVD Q”
Best Long Video (45 seconds and longer) Stranville Living, Lethbridge, AB: “Who Deserves Better?”
Best Interior Decorating (Model/Showhome) Haven & Co., Saskatoon, SK: “Lakehouse”
Best Renderings Cielle Properties Inc., Vancouver, BC: “Rundle Park”
Best Branding and Identity ByBurnac, Toronto, ON: “The Bedford” with The Brand Factory
Renovation awards
Best Kitchen Renovation under $70,000 Ultimate Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Woodbine Elegance”
Best Kitchen Renovation $70,000-$100,000 Enzo Design Build Inc., West Vancouver, BC: “Zephyr”
Best Kitchen Renovation over $100,000 BRIKS Design Build Group, Toronto, ON: “Chef’s Haven”
Best Bathroom Renovation Ultimate Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Sovereign Spa Symphony”
Best Basement Renovation Ultimate Renovations, Calgary, AB: “Sovereign Splendor”
Best Single Room Renovation West of Main, Ottawa, ON: “Good Vibes House”
Best Whole Home Renovation under $200,000 CADO Developments Inc., Lethbridge, AB: “13th Street Home Remodel”
Best Whole Home Renovation $200,000 – $300,000 Benjamin Matthew Contracting Ltd., Edmonton, AB: “River Valley Revival”
Best Whole Home Renovation $300,001 – $500,000 J. Zsiros Contracting Ltd., Courtenay, BC: “Sandpines”
Best Whole Home Renovation $500,001 – $800,000 Calgreen Homes, Calgary, AB: “The Hidden Oasis”
Best Whole Home Renovation over $800,000 Coulson Design Build Inc., Amherstburg, ON: “Modern Mountain Makeover”
New home awards
Best Mid- to High-Rise Building (Completed) MOD Developments Inc. and Woodcliffe Landmark Properties, Toronto, ON: “Waterworks” with Cecconi Simone Inc.
Best Mid- to High-Rise Building (Planned) Carrington Communities, Kelowna, BC: “Vista Condominiums at Predator Ridge”
Best Entry-Level Home Douglas Homes, Calgary, AB: “Cambridge”
Best Attached Low-Rise Home under 1500 sq. ft. Adisa Homes Ltd., Squamish, BC: “Splendid”
Best Attached Low-Rise Home 1500-1800 sq. ft Jayman BUILT, Calgary, AB: “Brook – The Streams of Lake Mahogany”
Best Attached Low-Rise Home over 1800 sq. ft. Diverse Properties, Abbotsford, BC: “Iron Horse Rooftop Rowhome 224”
Best Detached Production Home under 1800 sq. ft. Jayman BUILT, Edmonton, AB: “Taylor 24”
Best Detached Production Home 1800-2100 sq. ft. Miracon Development Inc., Surrey, BC: “Mirada Estates Lot 57”
Best Detached Production Home 2101 to 2400 sq. ft. UrbanAge Homes, Edmonton, AB: “The Beverly”
Best Detached Production Home 2401 to 2800 sq. ft. UrbanAge Homes, Edmonton, AB: “The Augusta”
Best Detached Production Home over 2800 sq. ft. Marble Construction Ltd., North Vancouver, BC: “The Ottawa House” with Arcwood Millwork Inc.
Best Detached Custom Home under 2500 sq. ft. Mavrik Home Builders Ltd., Saskatoon, SK: “The Escher”
Best Detached Custom Home 2501-3000 sq. ft. Blueline Contracting Ltd., Squamish, BC: “Alpine A-Frame”
Best Detached Custom Home 3001-4000 sq. ft. Icon Developments Ltd., Ucluelet, BC: “The Muse”
Best Detached Custom Home 4001-5000 sq. ft. Upward Construction, North Vancouver, BC: “California Dream” with SGDI Sarah Gallop Design Inc.
Best Detached Custom Home over 5000 sq. ft. Lux Homes Design & Build Inc., London, ON: “Modern Scandinavian”
Best Production Kitchen Marble Construction Ltd., North Vancouver, BC: “The Ottawa House” with Arcwood Millwork
Best Custom Kitchen Vicky’s Homes, Edmonton, AB: “Vernazza”
Best Bathroom Jay Robinson Custom Homes Inc., Campbellville, ON: “Chelsea Creek Bathroom”
Best Bedroom/Primary Suite Vicky’s Homes, Edmonton, AB: “Vernazza”
Net zero home awards
Best Production Net Zero Home Minto Communities Management Inc. and Metropia, Toronto, ON: “Union Village” with RN Design Ltd., Bluewater Energy Inc., Building Knowledge Canada Inc., and HVAC Designs Ltd.
Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home RND Construction Ltd., Ottawa, ON: “Quarry Park Modern” with Hobin Architecture
Community development awards
Best New Community Dream Unlimited, Edmonton, AB: “Elan – Beaumont”
Best Growing Community Dream Unlimited, Calgary, AB: “Alpine Park”
Marketing excellence awards
Mattamy Homes and Gladstone Media, Toronto, ON
Renovation excellence award
Ultimate Renovations, Calgary, AB
Design excellence award (tie)
Douglas Homes, Calgary, AB Jayman BUILT, Calgary, AB
