Rogers Stadium, set to open in 2025, will be Toronto’s largest purpose-built music venue, accommodating 50,000 attendees.
The stadium will significantly impact the local economy, generating thousands of jobs and injecting up to $100 million into the region.
Located on the former Downsview Airport Lands, the stadium will serve as a temporary venue within Northcrest’s broader $30 billion YZD redevelopment, which includes residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.
The Whole Story:
Live Nation Canada has unveiled plans for Rogers Stadium, a new seasonal outdoor concert venue that will open at YZD (formerly Downsview Airport Lands) summer 2025. With a capacity of 50,000, Rogers Stadium will become Toronto and the GTA’s largest purpose-built music venue hosting fans and artists from around the globe.
“The number of stadium-level acts touring today is unprecedented, with more acts than available nights at existing venues. That’s why we’re making this investment—to ensure Toronto fans don’t miss out on world-class artists. Rogers Stadium will not only meet this demand but also offer a premium stadium show experience, combined with the festival vibe that our fans love,” said Erik Hoffman, President, Music, Live Nation Canada. “This a natural evolution of our stadium programming and we’re excited to bring this new venue to life with our partners at Rogers while continuing to book world-class shows at Rogers Centre, as well.”
Rogers Stadium will be strategically positioned at the north end of the former airport’s runway, serving as a temporary fixture as Northcrest’s $30B transformative masterplan unfolds over the coming years. The stadium is centrally located, with easy access to 400-series highways and public transit connections, making it easily accessible.
This new music venue will enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world leading destination for the biggest touring acts from around the globe
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow
“I’m so pleased to welcome Live Nation and the future Rogers Stadium to YZD,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This exciting venue will bring even more tourists and investment to our province, boosting local businesses, creating new jobs and drawing in artists and events from around the world.”
Officials stated that the new stadium will not only visually anchor the evolving 370-acre site but play a crucial role in energizing both the city and the region’s economy. By hosting a wide range of concerts and music acts, Rogers Stadium’s construction and operation is expected to generate thousands of jobs, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and injecting an estimated $80-$100 million into the local economy.
“This new music venue will enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world leading destination for the biggest touring acts from around the globe,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
Derek Goring, CEO of Northcrest Developments said that Rogers Stadium is testament to the company’s vision for its masterplan.
“Our 370-acre project’s scale and impact are unprecedented,” said Goring. “With development plans for these lands years away, this new venue serves not only as a premier concert venue but also reflects Northcrest’s commitment to creating a seasonal destination that brings much-needed infrastructure for the city’s arts and culture sector. This partnership is one of the many ways we continue to shape the soul of this community before development even begins, ensuring that YZD becomes a beacon of cultural and community life for years to come.”
The YZD transformation project, spearheaded by Northcrest Developments, represents one of North America’s largest mixed-use redevelopments. Over the coming decades, YZD will evolve into a connected series of communities with seven new neighborhoods, accommodating over 55,000 residents. The development includes more than 28 million square feet of residential space, seven million square feet of commercial and cultural spaces, and nearly 74 acres of parks and green spaces.
Rogers Stadium will open its doors in Summer 2025.
Some of Canada’s top construction leaders gathered in Toronto for the first ever Construction Leaders Forum.
The event called on past and current Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction winners to meet at the iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel for a day of high-level discussions, networking and project tours.
Beneath the Royal York
The day before the event, attendees descended into the depths of its 95-year-old venue, the Fairmont Royal York, led by Herman Gonzales, senior director of engineering and building projects. The Construction Leaders Forum was offered a rare look at the hotel’s $65-million decarbonization project. The work was completed after close to five years of detailed planning and execution. It will reduce over 7,000 tonnes of carbon annually or 80% of the hotel’s annual carbon emissions, the equivalent of taking 1,558 cars off the road.
Gonzales explained that the hotel worked with its contractor, PCL, to carry out a detailed study and analysis of building energy load, seeking to effect meaningful efficiencies. They converted heating and domestic hot water from steam to electric heat pumps, and converted cooling from electrical/chillers to deep lake water cooling.
Catching up with past winners
The Construction Leaders Forum began with a discussion featuring Amit Patel, Agnes Wiertzynski, and John Higgens, all 40 Under 40 alumni. Patel (2020 winner) is the General Manager and Vice President at Turner Construction in Vancouver; Wiertzynski (2022 winner) is the President and CEO of QM Environmental and serves on the Ontario Environment Industry Association’s Board of Directors; Higgens (2023 winner) is the Vice President of Canadian Operations at Stack Modular.
Agnes Wiertzynski, Amit Patel, and John Higgens.
AI was a major topic of discussion, with the panel highlighting it as a way to improve productivity during a time of limited labour resources and a way to gain meaningful conclusions from company data.
“We are trying to find ways to use AI to harvest our data and do remedial work which allows our people to focus more on strategic work,” said Patel, who noted that one of the biggest use cases for AI in construction at turn is in their estimating department as well is in BIM to do quick renders.
“Construction is like entering a boxing ring, and you are against the ropes and you have to make a choice if you are going to get up or not. You have to have perseverance,”
Agnes Wiertzynski
The group also discussed the importance of structuring projects in a way that ensures everyone can win.
“We all are going to get a piece of the pie, we just have to come up with a way to better execute projects,” said Higgins.
Wiertzynski noted that while leading QM’s large team spread out across many different markets, her thinking on how connection and collaboration is executed has evolved. She also explained that construction leaders have to be able to keep going, even when the challenges seem overwhelming.
“Construction is like entering a boxing ring, and you are against the ropes and you have to make a choice if you are going to get up or not. You have to have perseverance,” she said.
Build what matters
The event’s keynote address was delivered by Énska Advisors President and CEO, Tim Coldwell, who spoke about how construction can be used as a force for good while also solving some of its most pressing issues. This is what prompted him to leave his position as president of Chandos construction after working his way to the top from nothing.
“If you look at the clock and wonder if it’s time to have a coffee or go home, you have to rethink things. If you are counting the minutes, you have to make a change.”
Tim Coldwell, Énska Advisors president and CEO.
He challenged the construction industry to “slay” the industry’s three biggest dragons: stigma, productivity and mindset. Coldwell spoke about opportunities with robotics, procurement, alternative delivery models and more. But noted that ultimately, the industry must share innovations rather than hiding the secret sauce, because there is no cavalry coming to save it.
“Let’s stop behaving like victims. We are the ones we have been waiting for,” said Coldwell.
Presidential advice
It couldn’t be an event about leadership without hearing from some high-level leaders. Attendees heard from Cooper Equipment Rentals President Darryl Cooper, RSG International President Lisa Laronde and construction executive Terry Olynyk.
The group spoke about what good leadership looks like, how they develop their teams, how diversity is good for business and the importance of culture when growing.
“Being a good leader is standing in the background and having others accomplish everything they set out to,” said Laronde.
She added that expanding RSG’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts has been life changing for her and strongly encouraged other companies to consider making changes so that everyone feels accepted and supported on the jobsite.
When asked what separated a small to medium sized company from a larger one, Cooper stated it was all about creating a proper culture.
“You can’t grow and scale without a thread of culture going through the organization,” he said.
Infrastructure and risk
Kiewit’s Vice President of Infrastructure Markets & Strategy Mike Tracey, Infrastructure Ontario Director of Risk Amy Sorrenti, and Creative Energy Senior Vice President of Development Diego Mandelbaum.
Sorrenti explained that for Infrastructure Ontario, costs, unpredictability, changing regulations, keeping up with advanced technology all post major challenges to their multi-year projects.
Mandelbaum noted that the industry has gone through multiple “black swan” events in the past few years, putting immense pressure on the sector.
The group stated that contracts are a great mechanism to manage that risk in a fair way amongst parties.
“That contract misalignment has been the biggest thing we focus on as an organization,” said Mandelbaum.
Tech and Talent
Technology was a major theme through the Construction Leaders Forum, but it was the focus of the Tech and Talent panel. This panel featured SiteTalent Managing Partner Kyle Davis, Procore’s Industry Culture Strategist Yasmeen Tonnos and Aecon’s Vice President of Integrated Digital Delivery & Geomatics Ben Feltham.
“If you don’t know what your culture is, ask yourself what the worst behaviour is that you are willing to accept,”
Yasmeen Tonnos
AI continued to be top of mind for industry leaders.
“Rather than replacing jobs, AI is going to replace a lot of the administrative tasks and give people more time to connect on a human level,” said Davis.
Tonnos noted that recent years have seen the industry become more open to new technology and innovation. She also spoke about how a company can go about defining and creating its company culture.
“If you don’t know what your culture is, ask yourself what the worst behaviour is that you are willing to accept,” she said.
Feltham stated that he has seen a huge drive to leverage technology when it comes to decision making.
Topping off
The event wound down with an evening of drinks, food and networking. Attendees were also treated to BeauSoleil oysters shipped in fresh from New Brunswick and prepared by master shucker Jean-Francois.
Russell Hixson, editor of SiteNews, noted that the opportunity for 40 Under 40 winners to gather in one place and share ideas has been long overdue and was a resounding success.
“40 Under 40 is no longer just an awards program. It is now an active community that is meeting in the real world and discussing real problems,” said Hixson. “Our goal is to continue cultivating this community and harness 40 Under 40 as a force for good in Canada’s construction sector.”
Photos from the Construction Leaders Forum:
Key Takeaways:
Toronto is seeking input from post-secondary students, faculty, and staff to address housing shortages, as part of its broader housing strategies.
This outreach is linked to the City’s HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan and Housing Action Plan (2022-2026), which aim to ensure equitable access to affordable housing for all residents.
The City will gather insights through an online survey, interactive campus sessions, focus groups, and expert interviews, encouraging participants to discuss housing challenges and explore affordability strategies.
The Whole Story:
The City of Toronto is asking academia for new ideas to address housing shortages.
The city announced it is inviting post-secondary students, faculty and staff to share their thoughts about their housing challenges, ideas and expectations for the future.
“Students, faculty and staff have the best advice when it comes to building housing to serve the academic community,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “I look forward to hearing from students, teachers and all members of Toronto’s academic community on how we can align with the City’s housing targets, and how we can work together to engage the provincial and federal governments to build more homes.”
The outreach is part of the Academic Housing Strategy, a priority under the City’s HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan and the Housing Action Plan (2022-2026) to address housing challenges and ensure equitable access to affordable housing options for all Toronto residents.
The engagement will include an online survey, onsite campus interactive sessions, focus groups and interviews with leading experts to gather insights, share information and develop innovative solutions to address the housing concerns affecting Toronto’s post-secondary community. Participants will have the opportunity to:
discuss current housing challenges and opportunities
explore strategies for improving housing access and affordability
contribute ideas to all orders of governments and academic institutions to improve housing outcomes.
Post-secondary students, faculty and staff are invited to share their experiences, insight and ideas by participating in an online survey available until Friday, November 1 on the City’s website.
In-person engagement sessions will be held at eight college and university campuses across the city. The full schedule and location details of the drop-in sessions are available on the City’s Academic Housing Strategy webpage.
Toronto’s housing crisis is marked by soaring home prices, with the average home costing around $1.2 million, a 40-50% increase in the past five years. Rent has surged, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging over $2,500 per month, a 15% rise from the previous year, while vacancy rates remain extremely low at 1-2%. The city has over 80,000 households on waiting lists for affordable housing and wait times often exceed 10 years.
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed September 23 to 27 as Saskatchewan Construction Week. The week has been proclaimed to celebrate the extensive economic and social contributions made by the province’s dynamic construction industry.
“Saskatchewan’s construction industry is not only a major contributor to jobs in the province, but also plays a crucial role in building the infrastructure necessary for a growing economy,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “As we work toward achieving and surpassing our Growth Plan goals of growing the provincial population to 1.4 million people and creating 100,000 new jobs, the construction industry will further excel this growth by building the offices, facilities, housing and more which contribute to our strong and vibrant communities.”
The construction industry in Saskatchewan is a key driver of economic growth. Last year, real GDP for the sector grew by 13.6%, with the sector’s real GDP reaching $6 billion. Currently, there are over 43,000 (seasonally adjusted) people employed in the province’s construction industry, making it one of the most important economic sectors in Saskatchewan in terms of job creation.
“During Saskatchewan Construction Week, we celebrate the dedicated professionals who form the backbone of our province’s economy,” Construction Associations of Saskatchewan co-CEO Shannon Friesen said. “These skilled workers, often behind the scenes, build the infrastructure that drives our communities forward.”
B.C.
Vancouver to reduce social housing requirements in West End
Directors, project managers, architects, law firm partners and more—this year’s class for Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction featured some incredible female leaders.
Because women remain significantly underrepresented in the construction industry we wanted dig a bit deeper into the female winners. As of 2019, women made up only about 13% of the total construction workforce. This is even more pronounced when looking at tradespeople, where women account for a mere 4.7% of the workforce.
Here are the women who were recognized:
Sarah Reeves, Director, Geocycle Canada, Lafarge Canada
Sarah Reeves is the director of Geocycle Canada at Lafarge Canada Inc., where she drives sustainability by managing waste diversion projects that reduce landfill use and cut carbon emissions. Starting her career in 2006 with her family’s trucking business and later working in Zambia, Sarah joined Lafarge in 2011. She advanced from administrative roles to collaborating on cutting-edge projects, including North America’s first Ductal project delivered via RMX truck and Brock Commons at UBC. Under her leadership, Geocycle focuses on circular solutions, turning waste into alternative fuels and raw materials for Lafarge’s cement kilns. Sarah is also a passionate advocate for women in construction and mentors young professionals through Lafarge’s leadership programs. Her commitment to diversity and sustainability has shaped high-performing teams and innovative strategies, aligning with Lafarge’s vision for a sustainable future.
Nadia Todorova is a leading force in Ontario’s infrastructure and construction sectors, heading the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) as executive director. In the first decade of her career, Nadia has significantly advanced critical infrastructure projects like the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413 through strategic advocacy and collaboration. Her leadership extends across multiple roles, including chairing the Labour Management Immigration Coalition and serving on the executive committees of CDAO and OCCA. Nadia’s expertise in government relations, public policy and data-driven advocacy has reshaped infrastructure policy and communication in Ontario. Known for her commitment to mentorship and supporting women in construction, she actively fosters a supportive environment for emerging female leaders. Nadia’s professional integrity, strategic vision, and advocacy have positioned her as a pivotal figure in the industry, driving meaningful progress and championing both infrastructure development and advancing the growth of women throughout the sector.
Mallory Zimmerman, project director at Novacom Building Partners, is a leading force in construction. Renowned for her transformative impact on complex projects, she was instrumental in the preconstruction of the Deloitte Summit building and managing the LEED Platinum-certified Emily Carr University of Art and Design P3 project. Her project management experience includes overseeing a $10-million design/build maintenance facility and a sewer upgrade in New Westminster, B.C. Holding high-level certifications like P.Eng. and Certified Passive House Consultant, Zimmerman excels in various contract types, from lump sum to public-private-partnerships. Her leadership extends beyond projects, as she mentors women in infrastructure through the weWIN program and contributes to industry associations and charitable causes. Her advocacy for gender diversity and work with Engineers Without Borders underscore her commitment to advancing industry standards and global welfare.
Lyndsey Shaw, Project Manager, Ledcor Construction
Lyndsey Shaw, senior project manager at Ledcor Construction Limited, knows how to get things done under challenging circumstances. Working in the construction industry for 13 years, Lyndsey excels in managing high-stakes projects, including a multimillion-dollar hospital in northern Saskatchewan that is vital for local communities. Her leadership shines through her skillful management of challenges, including resource scarcity and remote locations, ensuring projects remain on track to meet critical deadlines. During COVID-19, despite the unprecedented challenges, her team worked closely with the health, safety and environment teams to implement the use of QR codes for daily health questionnaires. This ensured not only the safety of the workers on-site, but also the timely completion of a high-rise project without downtime. Her advocacy for inclusivity extends beyond project management, with initiatives like increasing baby-changing stations and converting single-compartment washrooms to unisex facilities. Lyndsey’s commitment to mentoring and community involvement, alongside her professional achievements, underscore her dedication to advancing the construction industry and fostering a safe and inclusive work environment.
Krista Chisholm, Infrastructure Health & Safety Manager, NorLand
rista Chisholm is a dynamic force in the construction industry, driving safety as the infrastructure health and safety manager at NorLand Limited. With a Canadian Registered Safety Professional designation, she leads a team overseeing safety for more than 800 employees, ensuring compliance and championing innovative safety measures. Since joining NorLand in 2020, Krista has overhauled its health and safety program and introduced digital software that significantly improves the visibility of key statistics, helps drive consistent improvement and delivers results, including zero recordable injuries for the Broadway Subway Project. With a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Aberdeen, Krista discovered her passion for health and safety after rescuing and resuscitating someone after an incident. As an advocate for mental health, Krista introduced the Mental Health Stewards course and proudly supports the LGBTQ2 community. Krista’s dedication to health and safety makes her an invaluable asset to NorLand and the construction industry.
Kayla Murrell, an architect with WZMH Architects, is known for her expertise in retail architecture and construction. Since joining the firm in 2019, she has played a key role in projects totaling over 2 million square feet and valued at nearly $500 million. Regarded by her peers for her technical and interpersonal skills, her notable projects include Consilium Place, Lime Ridge Mall and Promenade Mall. Kayla’s previous focus on healthcare architecture includes significant contributions to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and ErinoakKids. Licensed as an OAA architect in 2023, she is also a member of RAIC and a dedicated mentor. As a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Kayla co-founded the Black Architects and Interior Designers Association and spearheaded WZMH’s Mentorship & Education Committee. She has received prestigious awards like the OAA Guild Medal and RAIC Honour Roll. Through her innovative approach and commitment to mentorship, Kayla significantly impacts the architecture, engineering and construction industry.
Chelsea Wilson specializes in construction and infrastructure disputes, providing strategic advice on negligence, warranty, delay and defects claims, and builders lien issues. Recognized as one of The Best Lawyers in Canada – Ones to Watch from 2021 to 2024, Chelsea’s expertise in builders lien law has led her to publish numerous resources and speak at industry events. Her notable achievements include leading negotiations for a $25 million defects and delays dispute in B.C. and handling a nine-figure fraud and misrepresentation claim. Wilson is a member of the law societies of Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta, and a partner at Dentons’ Vancouver office within the construction, infrastructure and PPP, and litigation and dispute resolution practice groups. With extensive courtroom experience and a commitment to mentoring young lawyers, Chelsea is also an early adopter of legal AI technologies. Her leadership in educational initiatives and thought leadership further cements her reputation as an authority in builders lien law, ensuring the success of her clients and colleagues alike.
A good lawyer is invaluable in construction. Catherine Gleason-Mercier, partner at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, is a distinguished leader in its construction and infrastructure group and is renowned for her strategic counsel on complex disputes. With over a decade devoted to the construction industry, she has shaped pivotal cases, including disputes regarding major infrastructure projects in the country. A graduate of McGill University with both an LLB and BCL, she is actively involved in industry associations and contributes extensively to construction law discourse through publications and presentations. Catherine’s leadership extends to mentoring junior lawyers, serving on committees for professional development and workplace conduct, and advocating for collaborative approaches in construction contracting. Her commitment to excellence and client advocacy has earned her recognition from Best Lawyers, Lexpert, Who’s Who Legal and Benchmark Litigation Canada, highlighting her impact as a trusted advisor and leader within the legal and construction communities.
Key Takeaways:
The Heather Lands Attainable Housing Initiative (AHI) offers first-time homebuyers the chance to purchase homes at 40% below market value through a 60/40 financing model, where the province covers 40% of the cost upfront, to be repaid upon sale or after 25 years.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh (MST) Nations, in collaboration with the B.C. government. It demonstrates an Indigenous approach to affordable housing development, benefiting both MST Nations and the broader Vancouver community.
The program prioritizes first-time homebuyers with specific income and asset limits, and includes strict measures to prevent property flipping and speculation, ensuring homes remain accessible to those in need of affordable housing.
The announcement comes on the cusp of a provincial election, scheduled for Oct. 19th.
The Whole Story:
The province of B.C. is looking to give thousands of first-time home buyers the opportunity to purchase a home at below market value thanks to a new deal struck with First Nations groups.
Officials explained that the deal was made possible through an innovative financing initiative envisioned by xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (MST) Nations delivered in partnership with the Province.
“The dream of home ownership has been out of reach for too many, for too long, especially here in Vancouver,” said Premier David Eby. “This innovative initiative – delivered in partnership with MST Nations – will help thousands of middle-class people break into the housing market, while allowing government to recoup its financial contribution. This means more families living and working here can put down roots, while also addressing labour challenges and driving our economy forward.”
The Attainable Housing Initiative (AHI or Initiative) will see approximately 2,600 homes being built at the Heather Lands, an 8.5-hectare (21 acres) site located between West 33rd Avenue and West 37th Avenue at Heather Street in Vancouver. The Initiative was proposed by the MST Nations as a meaningful way for the Nations to harness economic, cultural and social benefits from their land holdings by strategically partnering with other levels of government.
“Ten years ago, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh signed groundbreaking agreements that led to our Nations working together to regain ownership of several properties within our shared territories,” said xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Chief Wayne Sparrow. “This relationship has evolved, and we are proud to collectively introduce this new initiative that will ease the housing crisis faced by our members and the general public.”
The initiative will allow for studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom 99-year strata leasehold homes to be initially purchased and financed by middle-income earners at below-market prices through a 60/40 purchase financing arrangement.
The framework of the 60/40 purchase financing arrangement includes:
A buyer owns the home, but initially finances and pays only 60% of the market price for the unit using a traditional real estate transaction (e.g., down payment and financing through a mortgage with the buyer’s financial institution).
The Province initially finances and covers the remaining 40% of the market price with the land owner and developer.
The 40% contribution is then repaid by the buyer to the Province either when the owner sells an AHI unit or after 25 years, from the purchase date, whichever comes first (further details in Backgrounder 2).
A buyer under the Initiative only needs an initial 5% deposit (at pre-sale) on 60% of the initial market purchase price.
AHI units will be sold as 99-year strata leaseholds on MST Nations-owned land.
The Initiative and 60/40 purchase financing arrangement applies only to the original first-time purchase of the unit and not to secondary or subsequent purchase/sale transactions.
The partnership will include MST Nations providing the land and the Government of B.C. contributing up to $672 million, which is expected to be repaid by purchasers to the province under the initiative, allowing the Province to reinvest returned funds into future provincial programs, which may include housing.
“This new MST collaboration is an innovative and distinctly Indigenous approach to development, that will make home ownership significantly more accessible to those who live in our shared territories,” said Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw spokesperson and council member. “We are proud that the MST Nations can offer a unique solution to the affordable housing crisis now facing Vancouver.”
Since 2014, the Heather Lands site has been part of a joint venture between the MST Nations and Canada Lands Company, a self-financing, federal Crown corporation specializing in real estate and development. A comprehensive planning program of the site began in 2016, jointly overseen with the City of Vancouver’s planning department.
“As the host First Nations within Vancouver, we have always welcomed people to our shared territories, and in our culture being a good host matters,” said səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) Chief Jen Thomas. “This initiative is our way of aligning our cultural values of caring for all the people that choose to live in our territories, while also delivering economic benefits to our communities and the next seven generations. We are all in this together and I think this is the start of something very special.”
Under the plan, prospective buyers could be able to register and confirm their eligibility as early as spring 2025. First-time homebuyers and people who do not own any property will be prioritized. If there are more eligible buyers than available AHI units, a randomized selection of eligible buyers will take place, with first-time homebuyers prioritized and first in line.
The province says there will be strict rules and screening measures in place within the AHI to stop speculators from flipping properties and exploiting the initiative, and to stop ineligible buyers from participating. This includes provisions in place to stop presale flipping and deter the resale of AHI units within the first three years of ownership. (See details in Backgrounder 2.)
Eligibility:
Buyers must have a total annual household income less than $131,950 (as of 2024) and net household assets less than $150,000, to be eligible for studio and one-bedroom leasehold homes.
Buyers must have a total annual household income less than $191,910 (as of 2024) and net household assets less than $250,000, to be eligible for two-bedroom, or larger leasehold homes.
Buyers must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
One buyer must have resided in B.C. for the past 24 months consecutively.
Buyers must be at least 18 years old.
Buyers must not own an interest in any other property anywhere else in the world at the time of purchase closing.
Buyers must prequalify for a mortgage and must have the minimum pre-sale deposit of at least 5% of the value equal to 60% of the market purchase price.
Use the home as the owner’s principal residence.
Construction of the Heather Lands AHI project is expected to begin in 2025. Unit prices will be determined at time of sale. If units were to be sold under current market conditions under this Initiative, examples of pricing using the 60/40 purchase financing arrangement could be as follows:
Studio unit, market price $620,000, AHI buyer’s 60% private financing is $372,000, Province initially finances $248,000
One bedroom, market price $850,000, AHI buyer’s 60% private financing is $510,000, Province initially finances $340,000
Two bedrooms, market price $1,300,000, AHI buyer’s 60% private financing is $780,000, Province initially finances $520,000
Three bedrooms, market price $1,500,000, AHI buyer’s 60% private financing is $900,000, Province initially finances $600,000
Anthem Properties Group has launched an initial public offering on its 66 storey, mixed-use development, Citizen, located in the heart of Metrotown in Burnaby, B.C.
CIBC Capital Markets will act as sole agent for the IPO and has successfully completed real estate development IPOs for US assets. Anthem anticipates raising up to $82 million which will be added to other funding sources already secured on the project. Officials stated that the partnership model on Citizen is not new to Anthem, who has financial partnerships on many of its projects.
“Policy changes, increased costs, shifting market cycles and more create an ongoing challenge for developers hunting for capital which requires innovative and creative thinking to get projects off the ground,” said Anthem core-founder & CEO, Eric Carlson. “Doing things differently is at the core of what we do at Anthem, and this IPO is a great way to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and take a new approach to making housing happen.”
The project includes mix of market, rental and affordable homes, anchored by a hotel and supported by retail space. The project has rezoning approvals and entitlements complete, with construction expected to begin at the close of the offering.
Key Takeaways:
Alberta’s government is investing $8.6 billion to create 200,000 new student spaces across the province over the next seven years. This initiative includes both the construction of new schools and the modernization of existing ones.
Starting in Budget 2025, this program will fast-track the development of up to 30 new schools and eight modernization projects each year for the next three years. The program aims to deliver 50,000 new or modernized student spaces in three years, with more than 150,000 to follow over the next four years.
The Calgary Construction Association acknowledges the ambitious goals but highlights challenges, particularly in procurement processes and addressing labour shortages. The CCA stresses the need for collaboration with the government to ensure timely and successful project delivery.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government is committing $8.6 billion to complete and open 200,000 new student spaces across the province in the next seven years.
Starting in Budget 2025, the new School Construction Accelerator Program will kick-start up to 30 new schools and as many as eight modernizations and replacement schools every year for the next three years.
“Every student deserves a quality education in a school that can meet their learning needs and set them on a path to success in the future,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “As hundreds of thousands of people are choosing to make Alberta their home, we are responding by funding and building the schools our fast-growing communities need. As we build, we’re asking school boards and municipalities to work with us so we can get shovels in the ground as quickly as possible.”
According to the province, the Calgary Metropolitan Area and Edmonton Metropolitan Region, along with other communities, have been feeling the pressures of strong student growth and aging school infrastructure.
The province stated that the School Construction Accelerator Program will result in 50,000 new or modernized student spaces over the next three years – and more than 150,000 new and modernized spaces over the following four years. In total, the School Construction Accelerator Program will mean approval for up to 30 new school projects and as many as eight new modernization and replacement projects every year over the next three years. In addition to the school projects, 20,000 new student spaces will be delivered through modular classrooms over the next four years.
Officials noted that the program takes immediate action to speed up the construction of schools by enabling school projects to be approved in-year for their next stage in the construction process without having to wait for the next budget cycle. This means all previously approved school projects currently in the planning and design stages can move forward to the next stage as soon as they are ready to do so. Through this change, 10 previously announced priority school projects are now approved for the next stage of project delivery, including six moving to full construction.
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) stated that it welcomes Premier Danielle Smith’s ambitious School Construction Accelerator Program.
However, the CCA noted that there are challenges that lie ahead in ensuring the successful execution of this program. Key among these are the need for improvements in procurement practices and mitigating the ongoing labour shortage within the construction sector.
The CCA stated that it values its ongoing relationship with the Government of Alberta and is eager to collaborate in addressing these hurdles. They believe that by working together to enhance procurement processes and adopting balanced risk management frameworks, the association and the province can encourage more participation from industry stakeholders and ensure fair and competitive bidding. The CCA believes that without these reforms, Alberta risks delays and under-resourced projects, which would undermine the program’s potential.
In addition to procurement, the ongoing labour shortage is a shared concern that could impact the delivery of these large-scale projects.
“We acknowledge the Government of Alberta for prioritizing education infrastructure, and we are ready to collaborate on ensuring the success of the School Construction Accelerator Program,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “By working together with the Government to reform procurement practices and address the labour shortage, we can ensure these critical projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.”
This month of People Moves is brought to you the Construction Leaders Forum, a gathering of high-level construction leaders set to take place on Sept. 25 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Only a few tickets remain before the venue is at capacity.
Cecil Dawe is now vice president, major projects at Bird Construction. Previously, Dawe spent more than 27 years at Graham, reaching the position of executive vice president, industrial and infrastructure.
Mathew Baranowski has been promoted to district manager for PCL’s Ottawa office overseeing district operations throughout the Ottawa region. Baranowski succeeds Geoff Howe, recently promoted to senior VP and district manager.
Dale Reimer is helping MAKE Projects expand in Calgary as their new regional director. Reimer brings more than 30 years of industry experience.
Stephen Toth has joined Infrastructure BC as vice president of infrastructure construction and delivery. Toth will provide leadership on managing owner obligations of construction contracts during design and construction for vertical infrastructure and related corporate strategic initiatives and operations.
Nina Boccia, director of marketing for KPMB Architects, has joined the Society for Marketing Professional Services as its president-elect. Boccia is a marketing and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience developing and executing strategies.
KPMB Architects marketing director Nina Boccia, right, snaps a pic with Artellix founder Cynthia Damar-Schnobb at ULI Toronto’s 12th Annual Summer Social.
Brad Moore has been promoted to senior associate, sustainable infrastructure team lead at Stantec. Moore is an accomplished civil engineer specializing in the field of sustainable infrastructure design. In his career, Brad has applied his unique skills and expertise to projects at over 80 locations across North America.
Mike Zurowski has been promoted to district manager of PCL’s Regina office where he will oversee projects throughout Southern Saskatchewan. With PCL Regina now for 24 years and has been involved in the delivery of hundreds of projects.
I’m very excited to take on the role of district manager for southern Saskatchewan. I was born and raised in this community and have worked alongside teams that have delivered some of the most iconic projects in our province. Our company was founded in Saskatchewan, and I am proud to be part of PCL’s legacy as we continue to build a better future, together.
Mike Zurowski, district manager of PCL’s Regina office
Thomas Strong has joined NFP’s Construction & Infrastructure Group as senior vice president, construction technology and innovation. Strong will advance our expertise in emerging technology and innovations in the construction space with a focus on maximizing efficiency and mitigating risk for clients.
We’re witnessing rapid emergence and adoption of new technologies in the construction and infrastructure sector that enhance the experience for clients. By investing in talent, including Thomas, we’re enhancing our position to provide expertise on how to most effectively assess and implement technology to drive better performance and reduce risk.
Adrian Pellen, managing director and co-leader, C&I Group, NFP
Warren Lippit has moved into the role of vice president of McElhanney’s prairies south region. Mike Canning is also starting a new position at the company: operations leader.
Brian Maksymetz has joined the infrastructure advisory team at Colliers Project Leaders as a managing director. He specializes in optimizing project procurement & delivery using collaborative and traditional contract models. He has 30 years of experience in varied projects working for the owner, designer, and construction contractor.
I’m excited to join Colliers Project Leaders with their impressive national business which is helping project owners deliver projects right across Canada. With my varied public and private sector experience, I will help clients improve project outcomes and job satisfaction by refreshing project procurement and delivery approaches within both collaborative and traditional contract models. By unlocking ways for people to work better together and for leaders to get the best out of their service providers, we can engage and enjoy the full potential of the construction industry.
Brian Maksymetz, managing director, Colliers Project Leaders
Jamie Hill is the new region head of North America for Lafarge Canada and HolcimUS. Hill brings his almost 30 years’ experience in Latin America, and last five as Country CEO of Mexico, to the North American market, helping shape the company’s future as the leader in building materials.
Jamie Hill, region head, North America, Lafarge Holcim.
David Hanick has joined Spotlight Development as its new chief operating officer, Andrew Garrett as its chief investment officer and Mark Saunders as its community outreach liaison. Spotlight says their combined expertise will drive forward our mission of delivering inclusive, affordable housing solutions.
Former executive vice president of merchandising of The Home Depot and president of The Home Depot Canada, Jeff Kinnaird, has been appointed president and CEO of Peak Group of Companies, effective October 1. Kinnaird will lead Peak, and work with founder John Gross, who becomes executive chair, to take on the strategic future of the company.
After 27 incredible years at The Home Depot, it was time to hang up my orange apron and return to Canada. I’m excited to work with John and the talented team at Peak, a group I’ve respected for many years. Peak’s commitment to innovation and the strategic investments it has made to strengthen its manufacturing and supply chain mean its most significant years of growth are still to come. I look forward to contributing to that success in the busy and exciting years ahead.
Jeff Kinnaird, president and CEO, Peak Group of Companies
Chris McColl has been appointed as the new president of CRH Canada Construction and Materials. Throughout his 31-year career at CRH Canada, McColl has succeeded several roles within the construction, cement, and ready-mix sectors, most recently serving as vice president of Dufferin Construction Company.
Pia Abercromby has joined the COWI team in Vancouver as its new leading specialist in Sustainability. With a background in structural engineering, Abercromby thrives in a multidisciplinary environment. She will be instrumental in implementing sustainable solutions to projects in North America. Gabriela M. has also joined the COWI team in Vancouver as associate technical director, port and marine.
Gary Leslie is celebrating 50 years with the water services team at Metro Vancouver. Leslie’s journey began on June 20, 1974, as an inspector. Inspectors perform vital quality assurance work on construction projects for water and liquid waste infrastructure.
Alex Chay has been promoted to associate at S2 Architecture. Chay has been an integral part of the S2 team since 2018, serving as the BIM & technical services manager.
Kyle Davis has joined SiteTalent as managing partner. SiteTalent is part of Site, a specialized service and consulting group built for Canada’s industrial sector. Davis explained that SiteTalent is poised to address talent challenges head on with a full suite of exciting and value driven products beyond what you expect from the growing hoard of basic recruitment agencies.
If we know anything, it’s that these talent challenges are not going away, and solving them requires a more sophisticated solution than ever. So we designed a unique blend of products, services, and solutions that deliver measurable results designed specifically for the industrial sector. These solutions are scalable, sustainable and deliver incredible value for our partners.
Kyle Davis, managing partner, SiteTalent
Steven Casey, partner at KPMB Architects, will serve as a juror for the 2024 Fantini Design Awards. Presented by Fantini USA, an award-winning manufacturer of high-quality faucets and shower systems, the Fantini Design Awards celebrates the best of North American design inspired by water.
Mira Saba, RJC engineer in training, has earned a rare fenestration credential held by less than 50 people in Canada. Awarded by the National Fenestration Rating Council, Mira’s new credential is a testament of her high competence in thermal modeling of fenestration using industry software.
After 40 years of fixing everything from bulldozers to bobcats, Jacob Bros’ legendary Head Mechanical Superintendent Rick Weir is hanging up his wrench to enjoy retirement.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is investing over $9 million to train 2,300 workers in the manufacturing and construction sectors in Windsor, focusing on skilled trades, electric vehicle development, and battery technology.
A substantial $4.7 million investment will fund a new 24,000 square foot training facility for electrical workers in Windsor, part of the broader $224 million Skills Development Fund Capital Stream to support infrastructure for skilled trades training.
The funding also includes $3 million to train 1,500 workers in the auto sector, particularly in electric vehicle and battery development, with initiatives like the Automotive Innovation Challenge to connect students with job opportunities.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is investing over $9 million to train approximately 2,300 manufacturing and construction sector workers in Windsor. This includes a $4.7 million investment to build a new training facility for local electrical workers through the new $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream. This brings Ontario’s total investment in Windsor workers through SDF since 2021 to over $15.6 million.
“With its long history as a manufacturing powerhouse, Windsor is at the heart of our government’s plan to bring good-paying manufacturing jobs, including in the growing electric vehicle and battery sector, back to Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s more than $9 million in investments from our government’s Skills Development Fund will support the world-class workers here in Windsor who are rebuilding Ontario’s economy by ensuring they have the skills and training they need to secure better jobs and bigger paycheques for years to come.”
The funding comes from both the Training and Capital streams of the SDF, which are designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades. These projects include:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 773: $5,511,476 through SDF Capital and Training Streamsto train over 600 new electrical workers and build a new training facility in Windsor. This includes $4,748,066 through the SDF Capital stream to build a new 24,000 square foot training centre in Windsor, as well as $763,410 through the SDF Training stream, to train new electrical workers and connecting apprentices with employers so new workers can quickly land jobs and apply their training in manufacturing and construction.
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN): $3 million through the SDF Training stream to develop local training programs for approximately 1,500 auto sector workers in Windsor and across the province, with a focus on electric vehicle and battery development. This includes setting up an Automotive Innovation Challenge for students at the University of Windsor and Ontario Tech University and enhancing the OVIN Learning Hub’s capacity by adding a new job placement portal that will connect students with employers in their communities.
International Association of Bridge and Ironworkers Local 700: $512,836 through the SDF Training stream to train and upskill at least 170 new ironworkers and apprentices, including investing in enhanced instructional equipment and technology.
“As Ontario leads the world in electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing, our government is proud to work with labour and industry partners to ensure auto workers in Windsor and across the province have the opportunities and skills to thrive in this rapidly growing sector,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re providing cutting-edge training programs and building a new training facility in Windsor to deliver better training, better jobs and bigger paychecks for thousands more auto workers who are driving our economy forward.”
Applications are open for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding, the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario’s workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Ever wonder which projects are approved, reaching major milestones or recently completed? Project Pulse is for you. Each week we pore over public announcements and find all the project news we can and organize it in one place. This week we have major news about Coastal GasLink, B.C.’s SkyTrain expansion, Calgary’s feeder main repairs, the Watay Power project in Ontario and more.
Edmonton is the first municipality in Canada to implement Auto Review for House Development Permits, allowing applicants to apply for a permit and begin construction on the same day.
The automated process reduces the time for permit approval from an average of two weeks to one day, saving applicants an estimated $5.3 million and 67,600 days annually, while lowering carrying costs for builders and helping keep housing prices down.
Auto Review is part of Edmonton’s broader Housing Accelerator Fund plan, aimed at increasing housing availability to meet the city’s growing population, with funding support from the federal government and a focus on building a sustainable, climate-resilient city.
The Whole Story:
The City of Edmonton is the first municipality in Canada to introduce Auto Review for House Development Permits, a digital tool that allows applicants to apply for a development permit and start building on the same day. This new process improvement leverages automation to help builders get shovels in the ground faster — the latest initiative to speed-up development to meet the growing demand for housing in our rapidly expanding city.
“Innovation is part of our ongoing commitment to service improvement and how Edmonton has become a national leader in streamlining and speeding up development,” said Travis Pawlyk, Branch Manager, Development Services. “By saving applicants valuable time, more housing can be built, faster. Accelerating development also reduces carrying costs for home builders, helping to keep housing prices down.”
Those looking to build a single detached or semi-detached home in a greenfield area of the city (zoned as “Small Scale Flex Residential”) can now go to the Self Service website and fill in the details of the development. If the application meets requirements and isn’t selected for a random audit, the development permit is issued immediately. A home builder can also apply for a partial building permit for footing and foundation – another automated process – and, upon same-day approval, begin construction. The process, which used to take an average of two weeks to complete, now happens in one day.
“Automation is a key part of the City’s efforts to streamline processes and reduce red tape. The process improvements we’ve made in Development Services now save applicants an estimated $5.3 million and 67,600 days annually,” said Pawlyk.
Auto Review for House Development Permits is the latest instance of the City automating a process to help Edmontonians achieve their building and development goals faster and easier. In 2022, Edmonton automated simple deck permits, which today saves an average of more than 750 annual applicants three-to-six weeks and facilitates reduced carrying costs.
Auto Review is part of the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund action plan, which will help create more housing to accommodate Edmonton’s growing population. With funding support from the federal government, the City is making lasting changes to build a healthy, urban, climate-resilient city where all Edmontonians have a variety of housing choices and can easily access amenities and services to meet their daily needs close to home.
The wait is finally over.
This year’s winners for Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction have officially been announced.
The full list of winners and biographies highlighting their career achievements can be found here. If you want to network with past and present winners as well as other high level construction leaders, be sure to secure your spot at the Construction Leaders Forum, set to take place Sept. 25 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
This prestigious recognition is a collaboration between On-Site Magazine, SiteNews and SitePartners. The judging panel evaluated professionals from diverse fields, including engineering, project management, law, human resources, and entrepreneurship.
Winners are selected for their standout achievements, leadership, innovation, and community contributions, can be found here.
This year’s honorees represent major companies such as EllisDon, PCL, Axiom Builders, Lafarge Canada, RJC Engineers, Aecon, Kiewit and more. The winners demonstrate a high degree of excellence across various construction roles, including engineers, CEOs, directors, project managers, risk experts, COOs, marketing specialists and more.
“These individuals aren’t just building careers—they are building Canada,” said Russell Hixson, editor of SiteNews, one of the program’s organizers. “Together, they represent billions of dollars in economic activity that feeds families, stimulates the economy and ensures that we have the homes, infrastructure and services we need.”
Hixson added that he believes the 40 Under 40 program showcases the level of professional success that can be achieved in the construction sector as well as the diversity of career paths it can provide.
“I hope that young people thinking about their future careers can see the vast opportunity the construction sector provides,” he said.
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project aims to create communities near transit hubs, integrating housing, amenities, retail, and commercial spaces. This includes building at least 700 homes and supporting services.
The province has purchased land and made legislative changes to support transit-oriented development. The goal is to build 10,000 homes near transit stations over the next 10-15 years.
Stakeholders, such as the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association, emphasize that these developments will not only make transportation more accessible but also boost the economy by creating vibrant, less car-dependent communities across the Metro Vancouver area.
The Whole Story:
Hundreds of new homes and space for amenities such as grocery stores and child care near transit are coming soon as plans for the future site of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project move forward.
It is estimated the project will deliver at least 700 homes and include potential for amenities, such as retail and commercial space, child care and educational services, as well as active-transportation connections. Over the next decade, the province plans to support transit-friendly neighbourhoods at all eight new stations along the Surrey Langley SkyTrain route.
“From the beginning of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain planning process, we recognized the tremendous potential to include housing and amenities for people near these station locations,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We made the necessary legislative changes so we could buy land to support transit-oriented developments along the route, and today’s announcement is the latest example of us delivering on that promise.”
The province has purchased 14 properties in the area, providing a land footprint of approximately 1.6 hectares (four acres) for both the station site and accompanying development. The purchase of these properties is part of the government’s plan to deliver as many as 10,000 homes near transit over the next 10 to 15 years in support of the Homes for People plan.
“People want to be able to live close to transit so they can get to work easier and explore the beautiful communities they call home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “We’ve taken action to remove the outdated rules and regulations that stopped these kinds of homes from being built, and soon thousands more of these homes will be opening for people in the areas they need them.”
The goal of transit-oriented development is to create communities by acquiring land near existing and future transit hubs. These development areas incorporate various land uses, including residential, commercial and other amenities.
“My wife and I live near a public-transit hub, which has allowed us to be less car-dependent and live more affordably,” said Daniel Roberts, Surrey resident. “The variety of connections available makes running errands, getting to work, visiting friends and attending events throughout the region easy. Projects like this will allow more people to get around Metro Vancouver without the need for a car.”
The plans to work on the redevelopment with key stakeholders to advance the project. This includes work to prepare the property for mixed-use residential buildings and to ensure the development will deliver both market and below-market homes.
“Transit-oriented developments are vital to the economy and the growth of our region,” said Elizabeth Model, chief executive officer, Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association. “We have seen the incredible success of the hub that PCI developed around King George SkyTrain station and look forward to more developments like this as the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project moves ahead.”
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is a 16-kilometre extension of the Expo Line from King George Station to Langley City Centre, the first rapid-transit expansion south of the Fraser River in 30 years. Once complete, the project will provide transportation for people in Surrey, Langley and across Metro Vancouver.
This is the fourth transit-oriented development the province has announced in recent months, following projects in Port Moody (Moody Centre), Saanich (Uptown) and North Vancouver (ICBC headquarters). All four are made possible by 2022 amendments to the Transportation Act that allow the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to acquire land near transit hubs to develop housing and amenities, helping create vibrant communities.
In the thriving construction industry material suppliers play a crucial role, ensuring that materials, tools, and services that fuel the sector’s growth are where they need to be. These firms, ranging from plumbing suppliers to building material manufacturers, are a critical support piece in Canada’s construction supply chain.
As the sector faces challenges and opportunities, these companies are at the forefront of innovation and adaptation, helping to shape the future of construction in Canada. Let’s get to know some of them a little better.
Doman Building Materials Group Ltd.
Headquarters: Vancouver, B.C.
History: Formerly known as CanWel Building Materials, Doman was founded in 1989. The company has grown into one of Canada’s largest national distributors of building materials, hardware, and lumber products. In 2021, the company rebranded as Doman Building Materials Group to better reflect its diverse operations.
Recent News: In 2021, Doman expanded its operations by acquiring Hixson Lumber Sales and L.A. Lumber Treating, broadening its footprint in North America. Just this year that acquired assets from Southeast Forest Products.
Groupe BMR
Headquarters: Boucherville, Que.
History: BMR was founded in 1967 and has grown into a major retailer and distributor of building materials and hardware products, primarily serving Quebec and the Eastern Canadian market. A subsidiary of Sollio Groupe Coopératif, BMR includes more than 275 home renovation centers and hardware stores across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritime provinces. In addition to its role as a wholesaler, Groupe BMR runs 14 corporate stores, primarily in the Greater Montreal area.
Recent News: In 2022, BMR launched its first fully automated distribution center in Varennes, Que., enhancing its logistics and distribution capabilities.
TimberMart
Headquarters: Mississauga, Ont.
History: Established in 1967, TimberMart is a national buying group that supports independent lumber and building material retailers across Canada. It provides members with access to a wide range of products and services to compete in the retail market. TimberMart says it is the largest national member-owned buying group in the country.
Recent News: TimberMart continues to expand its network of independent dealers, with recent partnerships to help small and medium-sized retailers compete with larger national chains.
RONA (Part of Lowe’s Canada)
Headquarters: Boucherville, Que.
History: Founded in 1939 as a cooperative of independent Quebec hardware retailers, RONA has become one of Canada’s largest home improvement retailers. It was acquired by Lowe’s in 2016, but the RONA brand remains a cornerstone of Lowe’s Canadian operations. It boasts a network of more than 375 stores includes both corporate stores and independent affiliated dealers.
Recent News: In 2023, Lowe’s announced plans to sell its Canadian operations, including RONA, to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The move is aimed at streamlining Lowe’s global operations.
Taiga Building Products
Headquarters: Burnaby, B.C.
History: Taiga Building Products has been operating since 1973 and is one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of building materials in Canada. The company offers a variety of products, including lumber, panels, and insulation.
Recent News: Taiga has continued to expand its North American operations, acquiring new distribution centers and enhancing its product offerings, particularly in sustainable building materials.
Wolseley Canada
Headquarters: Burlington, Ontario
History: Wolseley Canada is a division of Ferguson PLC, one of the world’s leading distributors of plumbing and HVAC products. Established in Canada over 100 years ago, Wolseley serves contractors and retailers with plumbing, heating, and building materials.
Recent News: In 2023, Wolseley Canada launched several new e-commerce tools aimed at simplifying product orders for contractors and retailers, reflecting a growing trend toward digital solutions in construction.
Castle Building Centres Group
Headquarters: Mississauga, Ontario
History: Castle Building Centres was founded in 1963 as a buying group for independent lumber and hardware retailers. Today, it operates a network of over 300 locations across Canada, offering a wide range of building materials and home improvement products.
Recent News: Castle has been focusing on expanding its dealer network and providing marketing and digital support to independent retailers, allowing them to compete effectively with larger chains.
EMCO Corporation
Headquarters: London, Ont.
History: Founded in 1906 as the Empire Manufacturing Company Limited in London, Ontario, EMCO Corporation has grown to become one of Canada’s largest integrated distributors of products for the construction industry. With over 110 years of business success, EMCO has weathered two world wars and the Great Depression. The company operates through a network of over 250 Profit Centres across Canada, offering products in distinct categories such as plumbing, waterworks, industrial, and HVAC.
Recent News: In February 2024, EMCO Corporation announced a partnership with ALDES North America, a manufacturer of ventilation systems. This strategic alliance aims to expand EMCO’s presence in the Canadian residential market by offering a complete range of ventilation products across the country.
Würth Canada
Headquarters: Guelph, Ontario
History:Würth Canada was founded in 1971 in Montreal as part of the global Würth Group, which originated in Germany in 1945. The company moved its headquarters to Mississauga in 1986, and then to a state-of-the-art facility in Guelph in 2014. Würth Canada has grown to become a major supplier of fasteners, tools, and other products for the automotive aftermarket, as well as expanding into the metalworking and construction industries.
Recent News: In February 2024, Würth Canada announced the opening of its first flagship store in North America, located in Vaughan, Ont. This new store features a 24/7 concept, allowing authorized business customers to access the store at any time using their Würth eShop account. Additionally, Würth Canada is pursuing an aggressive expansion plan, aiming to open 40 stores across Canada within the next five years as part of its strategy to become a national industrial distributor.
IHL Canada
Headquarters: Woodbridge, Ontario
History:IHL Canada was founded in 1985 by contractors for contractors, with the aim of helping construction businesses grow by providing exceptional products and services. For nearly four decades, the company has evolved and innovated within the construction industry. IHL Canada has focused on research and development to bring breakthrough products that combine technology with expertise to improve job site efficiencies and facilitate contractors’ work.
Recent News: In May 2024, IHL Canada announced its commitment to fighting against forced labor and child labor in supply chains, demonstrating the company’s focus on ethical business practices. Additionally, IHL Canada has been expanding its presence in Southern Ontario, with two modern stores serving the construction industry. The company operates locations in Woodbridge and Innisfil, providing extended hours of service to meet the needs of contractors.
MY Construction Supply
Headquarters: Brantford, Ontario
History: MY Construction Supply is a manufacturer and distributor of concrete accessories, fasteners, and building products. The company was founded with a focus on serving the construction industry, particularly specializing in providing supplies and accessories for forming and development companies working on large-scale projects across Canada. MY Construction Supply has positioned itself as a customer-oriented company, known for high-quality products, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service.
Recent News: MY Construction Supply continues to expand its operations. The company operates from a 30,000 square foot warehouse, which is continuously growing to meet the increasing needs of its clients. MY Construction Supply maintains a strong presence in the construction industry, particularly in the realm of high-rise condominiums, but also serves projects including low-rise condos, transit centers, and hospitals.
Star Building Materials
Headquarters: Winnipeg, Man.
History:Star Building Materials has been serving the construction industry for over 60 years. Founded in 1965 in Calgary, the company has grown to become a trusted supplier of building materials for residential and commercial builders, renovators, and homeowners. Star operates locations in Winnipeg and Calgary, offering a wide range of products including lumber, deck and fence materials, mouldings, tools, and more.
Recent News: In 2023, Star Building Materials continued to expand its presence in Southern Ontario. The company has been focusing on providing innovative solutions for the construction industry, including state-of-the-art technology for producing modern and efficient building materials.
Employers say a lot about how they care about their employees.
But what matters is what they do.
When Crystal Alseth started as an accounting clerk at Emil Anderson Group (EAG) 17 years ago she had little work experience. Every step of the way she received mentorship, support and opportunity. She eventually transitioned into an HR role and now she serves as HR Business Partner at the company.
“They continued to see potential in me,” said Alseth. “They saw something in me and decided that even though I was young, I was smart and thought I could do things. They believed in me and I don’t think I would have been given that same grace elsewhere.”
EAG’s support has extended far beyond the workplace. After Alseth purchased her first home in her early 20s, the foundation collapsed, throwing her life plans into a spiral. EAG’s team sprung into action, jacking up the foundation and rebuilding it.
“I just remember being there every day, watching them, just so emotional because I didn’t have the means to do that at 25 years old.”
Alseth noted that there are countless stories just like her’s and it’s why she has been with the company so long.
Having fun, becoming one
In her role, Alseth focuses on creating and maintaining the culture of EAG. It’s a tough task when the hundreds of employees are spread throughout the province among six distinct operating companies. Their focuses cast a broad net across infrastructure construction and maintenance, land development, residential and commercial building, and property management
A key piece of their strategy is simple: having fun.
“Our culture is focused on fun and I know that probably sounds a little bit corny, but we try to do things that bring everybody together as often as possible,” she explained.
Crystal Alseth, HR Business Partner at Emil Anderson Group
If anything, it’s an understatement. Employees at EAG don’t just work hard. They play hard. Alseth organizes golf tournaments in the Okanagan, Fraser Valley, the Skeena and Robson areas. They do camping trips, kid-friendly get togethers, potluck barbeques, wine tastings, magic shows, downhill biking, pancake breakfasts, yoga classes, cold plunges and the list goes on. And those are just the ones she could recall.
“There’s probably more,” she said. “Last year we had a theme of ‘one’. That meant bringing people together from different divisions, different backgrounds and just trying to have them be face-to-face doing just fun things together. We’re family owned as well and we have been since the beginning. So it’s also really important that each employee has a name and not a number.”
Creating culture
Creating this culture starts at the top. It isn’t just employees that get together. The senior leadership team is present as well. EAG President Rob Hasell, the great grand-son of company founder Emil Anderson, makes an effort to attend these events and get to know as many workers as possible.
“We want to make sure that we keep that family feel, which can be hard when you start growing substantially,” said Alseth. “We focus a lot of our attention on those at the top and making sure they understand how important the culture is. If they understand it and buy into it, it will naturally trickle down.”
EAG begins this process early, by running an annual, two-day Leadership Summit to guide 80 to
150 employees who have potential for senior positions.
It actually begins even earlier. While the construction sector may be experiencing a historic shortage of labour, EAG makes sure to maintain its culture in its hiring process. This includes extensive face-to-face meetings, phone calls and even a DISC personality analysis.
“It’s always about hiring for fit. We know that we can train someone to do a job and I know that that’s probably cliche, but it is actually one of the things that we focus on. A resume is great, but we are hiring for fit. That’s really important for keeping the culture.”
Promoting diversity
The construction sector has long been predominantly male. The latest data from the BC Construction Association shows that B.C. has 9,536 women working in construction trades, about 5.7% of the workforce. EAG has been working to diversify its workforce as well as support the women it already employs.
“We want to empower the females that we currently have,” said Alseth.”If we empower them, they will tell people about how great the culture is and that this is the place to be. And that will organically grow things over time.”
She noted that EAG isn’t just promoting diversity to check boxes. The unique skills and perspectives women and other underrepresented groups bring to the table enhance the
company.
“When you have a 90% workforce of males, we want to hear what that 10% is thinking and doing,” said Alseth.
It’s not just talk. EAG has a committee that focuses on reaching out to female employees and addressing their concerns. After hearing that safety vests weren’t fitting properly and didn’t have the pockets female employees wanted, EAG sourced proper-fitting vests from a Fraser Valley company.
“We definitely have recognized that we are underrepresented in our craft base. So we have been talking a lot about what we can do in the field to make it a more attractive environment for the females we have and the females that we want to retain,” said Alseth.
Because of the support from leadership, the vast career opportunities it provides and efforts to make the workplace a great place for everyone, Alseth plans to stay with EAG for years to come.
“If you get your foot in the door here, that’s just a piece of it,” said Alseth. “You can grow into anything.”
If you are interested in one of EAG’s diverse companies, be sure to check out what careers are currently available here.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is investing over $26 million in LiUNA 183’s Vaughan campus, part of the $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, to support training for over one million workers across the province.
As part of this capital project, LiUNA 183 will build a new industrial workshop and new classrooms on their Vaughan campus to deliver both hands-on and in-class training, as well as a renovated union hall with increased capacity for the new workers and apprentices.
LiUNA 183 will nearly double its training capacity to 100,000 workers, helping meet the demand for skilled trades in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), particularly in fields like bricklaying, heavy equipment operation, and concrete finishing.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is investing over $26 million to build a new training centre at LiUNA 183’s skilled trades training campus in Vaughan.
This investment comes from the province’s new $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, which was announced by Premier Doug Ford in June 2023. The funding is expected to support the training of more than one million workers across Ontario.
With this new training centre, LiUNA 183 will be able to train nearly 50,000 additional new workers, doubling their current training capacity to almost 100,000 workers, for in-demand careers in construction across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), such as bricklaying, heavy equipment operators and concrete finishing.
“Through our new $224 million Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, our government is continuing to support the world-class Ontario workers who are rebuilding our province’s economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’m so pleased that we are able to work with LiUNA 183 to help nearly 50,000 additional workers from across the GTA access the skills and training they need to find better jobs and bigger paycheques in the skilled trades.”
As part of this capital project, LiUNA 183 will build a new industrial workshop and new classrooms on their Vaughan campus to deliver both hands-on and in-class training, as well as a renovated union hall with increased capacity for the new workers and apprentices. LiUNA’s Vaughan skilled trades campus delivers their largest training program in Canada and offers students the opportunity to build a full-size two-storey residential home within the centre.
“Under Premier Ford, our government has an ambitious plan to build Ontario: from new housing that families can call home, to highways and public transit connecting our communities, and clean energy projects powering our economy,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration Training and Skills Development. “But as a large share of experienced tradespeople are retiring over the coming years, we must transfer the skills and expertise from the Golden Generation of Skilled Tradespeople to the next generation of students. That’s why we’re partnering with LiUNA 183 to train almost 100,000 new construction workers who will leverage the wisdom of experienced tradespeople to build Ontario’s bright future.”
LiUNA 183’s new training centre is an example of how Ontario is partnering with labour organizations, employers, and local organizations through the SDF Capital Stream to increase their capacity to train and upskill workers for in-demand careers in the trades through building, expanding, and repairing training facilities. The SDF Capital Stream program complements the successful SDF Training Stream, through which the government helps organizations deliver training for in-demand careers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing, technology and healthcare.
Applications are open for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding, the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario’s workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
