Dow has postponed construction of its $8.9 billion Path2Zero project in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, citing current macroeconomic challenges and a focus on financial discipline. As a result, its 2025 capital expenditures are being reduced from $3.5 billion to $2.5 billion.
Despite the delay, Dow remains committed to completing the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions ethylene cracker and derivatives facility. The project will use technologies like hydrogen fuel, carbon capture, and cogeneration to decarbonize 20% of Dow’s global ethylene capacity and increase polyethylene production by 15%.
When completed, the project is expected to generate 7,000–8,000 construction jobs and 400–500 permanent positions. It is also backed by substantial government support, including $1.8 billion from Alberta’s Petrochemicals Incentive Program and up to $400 million in federal tax credits for clean technologies.
The Whole Story:
Following a comprehensive review, Dow has decided to delay construction of its Path2Zero project in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada until market conditions improve. The Company now expects Dow’s total enterprise 2025 CapEx to be $2.5 billion compared to its original plan of $3.5 billion.
In its first quarter results report, Dow stated remains committed to the project and the growth upside it will enable in targeted applications like pressure pipe, wire and cable, and food packaging. The project is being built at an existing Dow site in a significantly cost-advantaged region. It is expected to be a first quartile asset with attractive returns and the added benefit of being the world’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives facility.
“We remain focused on disciplined execution and increased actions to improve profitability and support cash flow,” said Jim Fitterling, Dow chair and CEO. “Despite ongoing macroeconomic challenges, Team Dow delivered a sixth consecutive quarter of year-over-year volume growth while taking actions to reduce costs and right-size capacity. The significant impact of slower GDP growth and volatile market conditions on our industry underscores the importance of our proactive management and best-owner mindset. Today’s announcements build on Dow’s cost actions that are already underway, aiming to further strengthen our financial flexibility and support a balanced capital allocation approach.”
In the results report, company officials noted net sales were $10.4 billion, down 3% year-over-year, reflecting declines in all operating segments.
Edmonton builders react with disappointment
The local construction industry was quick to react, noting the impact it will have on workers and businesses.
“The Edmonton Construction Association is disappointed by Dow’s recent decision to delay construction of the Path2Zero project in Fort Saskatchewan,” said David Johnson, President, Edmonton Construction Association. “Our industry, and the skilled trades workers our members employ, had been hoping for different news. This has been billed as a world-leading, net-zero petrochemical facility, and at nearly $9B, it would be one of the most significant industrial investments in Alberta’s history.”
Johnson noted that the project had strong support from the Government of Alberta, industry, and, most importantly, from the skilled tradespeople of Alberta. This decision delays economic growth and employment in the Edmonton region. However he was encouraged by Dow’s reaffirmed commitment to the project.
“Projects of this scale require time, planning and perseverance. Final investment decisions aren’t made lightly and require the right market conditions, which are uncertain right now,” said Johnson. “There’s no question this decision will have an immediate impact on local contractors, skilled tradespeople, suppliers, and construction professionals who have been preparing to support the project.”
Path2Zero would be a world-first
The Path2Zero project is a pioneering industrial initiative located in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, within the province’s Industrial Heartland near Edmonton. Its central objective is to establish the world’s first net-zero emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives site. This means the facility is designed to eliminate direct greenhouse gas emissions from its operations (Scope 1) as well as emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2), setting a new global standard for the petrochemical industry.
To achieve these ambitious environmental goals, the project will employ a combination of advanced technologies, including hydrogen-fueled processes, carbon capture and sequestration, and power and steam cogeneration. Once operational, the expanded site will be capable of producing approximately 3.2 million metric tonnes of low- to zero-emissions polyethylene and ethylene derivatives each year, effectively tripling Dow’s current production capacity at this location. This expansion is significant not only for its scale but also because it will decarbonize about 20% of Dow’s global ethylene capacity and increase its polyethylene supply by 15%.
The Path2Zero project is being developed in two phases, with the first phase originally scheduled to begin operations in 2027 and the second phase in 2029. Prior to the delay, the full project was anticipated to be completed by 2031.
Economically, the project represents a major investment of approximately $8.9 billion, supported by significant incentives from both the provincial and federal governments. The Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program is contributing around $1.8 billion, and federal tax credits for carbon capture and clean hydrogen could add up to $400 million. At its peak, the construction phase is expected to create between 7,000 and 8,000 jobs, with 400 to 500 permanent full-time positions once the facility is operational.
Key Takeaways:
The province is introducing the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, which includes a “One Project, One Process” model designed to reduce government review times for mine approvals by at least 50%. This unified system aims to replace the current fragmented, multi-ministry approach with a streamlined process led by a dedicated team.
The legislation targets faster development in regions like the Ring of Fire and Northern Ontario, supporting local communities, boosting critical mineral production, and reinforcing Ontario’s role in Canada’s economic and resource sovereignty—while still upholding environmental and Indigenous consultation obligations.
If passed, the legislation will allow 12 critical mineral and gold projects to proceed immediately under the new framework.
The Whole Story:
Ontario is slashing red tape to fast-track mine development and boost economic resilience. During a visit to Sudbury, Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce unveiled new legislation aimed at accelerating approvals for mining projects across the province.
The Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act introduces a “One Project, One Process” framework that promises to cut government review times by at least 50 percent for advanced exploration and mine development. The move is expected to drive investment in the Ring of Fire and other northern regions, supporting local communities and strengthening Ontario’s role in Canada’s critical minerals strategy.
“Protecting Ontario’s economic sovereignty starts today, as we rapidly accelerate responsible critical mineral development and move toward a new reality of self-reliance,” said Lecce. “This plan will end the overly bureaucratic and duplicative approval process, where it can take upwards of 15 years to open a mine in Ontario. By moving away from a piecemeal system to a new and integrated approach that gets shovels in the ground, we are fully realizing our economic potential. Our government’s plan will position Ontario as the most attractive justification to invest, create jobs, and expand responsible resource development.”
Officials stated that current permitting and authorization processes for mining and major infrastructure projects require navigating a maze of multi-ministry, overlapping approvals. The new “One Project, One Process” approval model will streamline all approvals into one process, coordinated by a dedicated Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team, led by a team lead within the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Officials added that approach will balance speed, while maintaining robust environmental standards and the province’s obligations to Indigenous communities.
Detour Lake Mine in Northeastern Ontario.
“Our government was given a strong mandate to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant economy,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This legislation will deliver a clear and predictable environment for businesses and communities that want to build and unleash the economic might of Ontario and all that the north has to offer.”
The government also unveiled the Integrated Permitting Plan to reduce the number of permits and introduce first-of-its-kind performance metrics and binding service standards to reduce overall project timelines. If the proposed legislation is passed, 12 critical mineral and gold projects will be able to immediately take advantage of the new measures.
“The province’s commitment to accelerating responsible development through the One Project, One Process approach is good news for Greater Sudbury, where mining is not just an industry—it’s a cornerstone of our economy,” said Mayor of Sudbury Paul Lefebrve. “Certainty and speed in permitting are essential to unlocking our full critical minerals potential. Greater Sudbury is ready to work alongside the Province to build a complete, made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain—from exploration to processing—creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening Canada’s economic sovereignty.”
Key Takeaways:
The B.C. government, through the Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), is investing over $97 million into the province’s value-added forestry and manufacturing sectors. This support is enabling companies like Spearhead Timberworks, Westlam Industries, Mercer Celgar, and Greyback Construction to expand operations, adopt advanced technologies, and create or protect over 3,500 jobs—many in regional, remote, and Indigenous communities.
Investments are fostering innovation and modernization in mass timber, engineered wood, and bioproducts. Companies are using advanced technology and sustainable practices to boost productivity and international competitiveness, particularly in areas like curved glulam production and small-diameter log processing.
The initiative comes at a time of economic pressure due to U.S. tariffs on B.C. lumber, which currently sit at 14.4% with threats of an additional 25%. These investments aim to mitigate impacts such as mill closures and layoffs by stabilizing the sector, securing supply chains, and enabling long-term growth through diversification and innovation.
The Whole Story:
As U.S. tariffs rattle B.C.’s forestry sector, the province is looking to support and grow the industry.
Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Government of B.C. is contributing as much as $11 million toward four forestry-sector capital projects in the province. The goal is to help B.C.-based forestry-product manufacturers grow their businesses by constructing new production facilities, purchasing new equipment and adding new high-value product lines, while creating and protecting hundreds of jobs.
“These timely investments into our province’s manufacturing and forestry value-added sectors will help strengthen homegrown B.C. companies, which in turn creates stronger local economies and sustainable jobs,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We’re working alongside industry to build a stronger, more resilient economy that works better for people and communities.”
Spearhead Timberworks Inc., near Nelson, specializes in the design and fabrication of highly advanced timber architecture. Spearhead is strengthening its capabilities, backed by as much as $7.5 million from the B.C. government to drive its expansion. This includes construction of a new purpose-built facility and implementation of advanced technology that will increase its competitiveness on the international stage, adding state-of-the-art production lines for specialized curved and double-curved glulam.
The province explained that the Kootenay region is quickly establishing itself as a hub for British Columbia’s growing mass-timber economy, uniting a network of local sawmills. The network includes but is not limited to Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative and J.H. Huscroft Ltd., value-added wood manufacturers, such as Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc., and progressive training in wood design, digital fabrication and sustainable construction delivered through Selkirk College.
“Over the past 35 years, we’ve honed our craft in advanced timber fabrication, completing over 450 projects worldwide and building a reputation as trailblazers in our field,” said Josh Hall, partner at Spearhead Timberworks Inc. “This investment from the Province will help us showcase B.C.’s remarkable wood resources globally, while creating long-term jobs at home. We’re honoured by the trust placed in us and excited to continue contributing meaningfully to our community and timber industry.”
More forestry-sector manufacturers receiving funds from the BCMJF include:
Langley – Westlam Industries Ltd. is a wood-product manufacturer that specializes in construction-grade plywood. Westlam’s products play an important role in the housing and commercial building sector in B.C. and Canada, ensuring a strong local supply of key building materials. It will receive as much as $1.5 million to construct a new production facility and install new automated equipment that will introduce automation, improve fibre utilization, and increase output and productivity, while creating 46 jobs.
Castlegar – Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership is a kraft pulp mill and biorefinery that produces premium pulp and generates bioenergy for the BC Hydro power grid. The company will receive as much as $1.75 million to modernize its small-log line and install equipment capable of processing smaller-diameter logs and a wider range of low-grade fibre. This investment will help maximize the value of fibre inputs and secure more than 400 jobs at the facility, making it one of the largest employers in the region.
Penticton – Greyback Construction Ltd. is a commercial, residential and industrial construction contractor that is diversifying into prefabricated housing construction. It will receive as much as $235,000 to renovate a former mill site and purchase equipment that will vertically integrate and streamline production of prefabricated exterior walls and floors while creating 12 jobs, helping to create more homes quicker in B.C.
“British Columbia’s forestry companies and workers show what innovation, craftsmanship and hard work looks like,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Spearhead, Westlam, Mercer Celgar, Greyback Construction, and many, many more across the province are stepping up and investing in their workers and their communities, and we’re right there with them. The Manufacturing Jobs Fund creates jobs, strengthens supply chains and supports people in their incredible work around this province.”
BCMJF has also accelerated transition within the forestry-product sector to high-value manufacturing. The program has incentivized more than $680 million flowing into forestry-product manufacturing, leading to the direct creation and protection of more than 3,500 forestry-sector jobs, many in regional, remote and Indigenous communities. Nearly one-quarter of all wood-product manufacturers in B.C have applied to the program, demonstrating that producers are investing in the future of forestry in the province.
BCMJF has also led to increased production of mass timber, engineered wood and bioproducts, with B.C.-based companies leading the way in innovative uses of waste wood, residuals and available fibre for high-value, high-demand products and exports. The province has partnered with 73 forestry-product manufacturers with more to come, dedicating more than $97 million to the industry in collaboration toward a stable, sustainable forestry sector in B.C.
The support comes at difficult time. The imposition and threat of escalating tariffs from the U.S.—currently at 14.4% for B.C. lumber, with the potential for an additional 25%—have created significant uncertainty, leading to mill closures, layoffs, and reduced shifts across the industry
Key Takeaways:
Condo sales in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) plummeted to their lowest levels in decades — down 62% year-over-year and 88% below the 10-year average. Toronto proper saw its lowest quarterly new condo sales since 1990, signaling a deep demand crisis.
Unsold condo inventory reached a record-high 23,918 units — 78 months of supply, far exceeding the balanced market threshold (10–12 months). Completed but unsold units more than doubled year-over-year, and supply is expected to keep rising, adding pressure on prices and developer margins
Only two projects launched in Q1-2025, and 28 projects (5,734 units) have been shelved or altered since 2024. Sales relied heavily on incentives, and average selling prices dropped 7% year-over-year to $1,151 psf. The gap between buyer expectations and developer costs continues to widen, stalling new construction starts and pushing some projects into receivership.
The Whole Story:
Toronto is in the midst of a historic condo market decline, data shows.
Urbanation Inc., a condominum information and analysis provider since 1981, has released its Q1-2025 Condominium Market Survey results and it’s not pretty.
The Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) new condo apartment market reported a total of 533 sales in Q1-2025, declining 62% year-over-year and 88% below the 10-year average to reach the lowest quarterly total since 1995. The 215 new condo sales in the City of Toronto in Q1 fell to its lowest level since 1990.
“The new condo market is currently working through its most challenging period to date, which has become further impacted by the uncertainty and cost escalations caused by the trade conflict with the U.S. With the Toronto region relying on condos for more than one-half of its total housing development, the magnitude of this slowdown will result in severe supply repercussions,” said Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation.
Only two projects launched for presales in Q1-2025 totaling 275 units. Since the beginning of 2024, 28 presale projects totaling 5,734 units were either put on hold, cancelled, placed in receivership, or converted to purpose-built rental, including four projects totaling 1,042 units in Q1-2025.
Unsold new condominium inventory totaled 23,918 units, increasing 6% from a year ago and 58% higher than the 10-year average. Unsold inventory was equal to 78 months of supply based on the pace of sales averaged over the last 12 months, a record-high that was approximately seven times greater than a balanced level of 10-12 months of supply.
Unsold inventory was made of up 10,934 unsold units in pre-construction projects, 11,073 unsold units in under construction projects, and 1,911 unsold units of standing inventory in completed projects. The number of completed and unsold units more than doubled compared to a year ago to reach its highest level since Q1-1993. Completed and unsold inventory is expected to continue rising this year as an additional 2,411 unsold units are currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. This is in addition to any presold units that ultimately fail to close.
Of the new condo sales that occurred in Q1-2025, selling prices averaged $1,151 psf, down 7% from a year ago when units were selling for an average of $1,232 psf. Furthermore, of the projects generating sales activity, incentives were heavily employed, including significant cash back credits at closing, rental guarantees, and extended deposit payment schedules. Overall, asking prices for unsold inventory averaged $1,339 psf, a 2% decline from a year ago. This illustrates the large gap between prices that buyers demand versus prices that most developers need to sell for in order to build.
A total of 497 condominium units started construction in the GTHA during Q1-2025, dropping 79% from a year ago and 88% below the 10-year average to reach its lowest quarterly total since 1996. While condo completions decreased 16% from the record high last year to 9,495 units in Q1-2025, they remained 67% higher than the 10-year average. Condo completions are projected to total 31,396 units in 2025, surpassing last year’s record of 29,671 units, before falling to 17,487 units in 2026. As of Q1-2025, there were 69,042 condo units under construction in the GTHA, a decline of one-third over the past two years.
Key Takeaways:
Since 2021, Canada’s population has grown at a historically unprecedented rate, driven largely by immigration, but new housing construction has not kept up. The report shows that this imbalance is one of the primary reasons behind the worsening housing affordability crisis.
The report finds that, since the 1970s, there has been a general decline in the rate of housing starts per capita — especially pronounced in Ontario and British Columbia. This suggests that even before the recent surge in population, Canada was already underbuilding relative to demand.
The mismatch between population growth and housing starts is especially severe in Ontario and B.C., where affordability has deteriorated the most. Meanwhile, provinces like Alberta have seen higher rates of construction relative to population increases, helping to moderate housing pressures.
The Whole Story:
The annual number of new homes being built in Canada in recent years is virtually the same as it was in the 1970s, despite annual population growth now being three times higher, finds a new study published today by the Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think tank.
“Despite unprecedented levels of immigration-driven population growth following the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has failed to ramp up homebuilding sufficiently to meet housing demand,” said Steven Globerman, Fraser Institute senior fellow and co-author of The Crisis in Housing Affordability: Population Growth and Housing Starts 1972–2024.
Between 2021 and 2024, Canada’s population grew by an average of 859,473 people per year, while only 254,670 new housing units were started annually. From 1972 to 1979, a similar number of new housing units were built—239,458—despite the population only growing by 279,975 people a year.
As a result, more new residents are competing for each new home than in the past, which is driving up housing costs.
“The evidence is clear—population growth has been outpacing housing construction for decades, with predictable results,” Globerman said. “Unless there is a substantial acceleration in homebuilding, a slowdown in population growth, or both, Canada’s housing affordability crisis is unlikely to improve.”
Colliers moves to buy Triovest
Colliers has reached an agreement agreement to acquire Triovest Inc., a major Canadian commercial real estate services firm, from Coril Holdings. Upon closing, Triovest will rebrand as Colliers, merging operations to create Canada’s largest commercial real estate services provider with over 3,000 professionals, 95 million square feet under management, and $15 billion in development projects. The acquisition, expected to close in Q2 2025, strengthens Colliers’ asset and development management capabilities. Triovest, founded in 1995, generated $70 million in 2024 revenue and will now gain access to Colliers’ global resources and client base.
The addition of Triovest cements our position as the largest real estate services firm in Canada, while strengthening our capabilities in asset and development management
Brian Rosen, President and CEO, Colliers Canada
Stantec expands U.S presence
Edmonton-based Stantec has agreed to acquire Page, a Washington, DC-based architecture firm with 1,400 staff across 20 offices in the U.S. and Mexico. The acquisition will expand Stantec’s U.S. buildings practice by 35% and increase its U.S. headcount to 13,500, strengthening its North American presence and global market reach. Page, founded in 1898, brings expertise in architecture, engineering, interior, and urban design, with notable projects like the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Stantec will fund the deal using existing funds and credit facilities.
Structural Group acquires Vector
Structural Group, Inc. (SGI) has acquired Vector Construction / Restoration (Vector), which includes nine branch locations in the United States and Canada. The move supports SGI’s vision of continued growth in North America by adding valuable resources and capabilities in both countries.
We are pleased to join forces with SGI, the largest concrete repair contractor in North America. Our common mission is focused on preserving, repairing and extending the service life of the built environment. Together we’ll be able to achieve more, helping clients to solve complex concrete infrastructure challenges.
Bob Spriggs, CEO, Vector Construction
Bird Infrastructure expands services
Bird Infrastructure has announced the launch of its new Facilities Management Department, expanding its service offerings to include a full suite of facility operations and property management services such as leasing and tenant relations. Benett Hallas has been promoted to Manager, Facility Services, and will lead the new team, which is already managing 11 facilities across Ontario and Nova Scotia. With this expansion, Bird Mechanical now provides end-to-end infrastructure solutions encompassing mechanical, service, civil, structural steel, and facility management.
Relay merges with Fort Capital
Relay Transition Partners, founded nearly three years ago as an affiliate of Fort Capital Partners to serve small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners in the sale of their companies, has announced its merger with Fort Capital. Since its launch in June 2022, Relay has grown from two partners and one associate to a four-partner team with a strong track record of successful SMB transactions across Canada. This merger formalizes their close working relationship, unifies ownership, and enhances access to Fort Capital’s platform, while preserving Relay’s dedicated focus on businesses valued between $5 million and $50 million.
Alltrade rebrands to Barton Malow
Alltrade Industrial Contractors, a Canadian leader in energy, automotive, and industrial projects and part of the Barton Malow Family of Companies, has rebranded as Barton Malow Canada Ltd. The rebrand aims to strengthen integration between U.S. and Canadian teams while leveraging Barton Malow’s legacy and Alltrade’s growth in the renewable sector. The change will not affect the entity’s legal status or existing contracts. Acquired by Barton Malow in 2019, the Canadian team now includes over 100 members across offices in Ontario and Alberta, with a project portfolio exceeding 2 GW of renewable energy, 1,360 MWh of BESS, and over 4 million SF of EV battery manufacturing facilities.
Indigenous developer recognized for CSR efforts
Squamish Nation’s Nch’ḳaẏ Development Corporation has been named one of the most innovative companies in corporate social responsibility by Fast Company. Sen̓áḵw, a landmark development led by the Nch’ḳaẏ with Westbank, is transforming Vancouver’s coastline with 6,000 rental units across 11 high-rise towers on ancestral Squamish land. Exempt from city zoning rules, the project blends cultural revival, sustainability, and housing innovation, aiming to become Canada’s first large-scale net zero community.
Augmenta raises $10M in seed funding
Toronto-based Augmenta, an AI-powered design platform for the built environment, has raised $10 million in Seed funding led by Prelude Ventures, with participation from Montage Ventures. The funding will support the expansion of its Electrical System Design (ESD) agent, accelerate the development of Mechanical and Plumbing agents, and grow its sales and support teams. Led by CEO Francesco Iorio, Augmenta automates complex MEP/S design processes for the AEC industry, reducing errors, rework, and costs while enhancing sustainability. The raise follows a strategic partnership with BIM leader ENG to advance automated electrical design modeling for subcontractors.
Dillon partners with FBM
Dillon Consulting, headquartered in Toronto, has formed a partnership with FBM, a Halifax-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm. Established in 1917, FBM is one of Atlantic Canada’s leading design firms, with a team of over 55 employees. Dillon, founded in 1946 in London, Ontario, is an employee-owned firm. The partnership will allow both firms to support clients nationwide, with FBM continuing to operate independently as FBM Architecture. The collaboration builds on nearly two centuries of combined experience in resilience, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with their shared commitment to community and design excellence.
Ramudden adds safety companies
Ramudden Global has signed an agreement to acquire Curtin Co and Carolina Traffic Devices, expanding its leadership in road and urban safety infrastructure across the Southeast U.S. Based in Charlotte, NC, both companies provide traffic control solutions for contractors and government agencies, including products like temporary barriers, impact attenuators, portable traffic signals, and more. This acquisition aligns with Ramudden Global’s mission to enhance road safety solutions in North America, providing Curtin Co and Carolina Traffic Devices with additional resources for growth while maintaining their commitment to excellence, service, and innovation.
Universal Group acquires Airmaster
CAI Capital Partners announced that its portfolio company, the Universal Group, through its subsidiary Barricades and Signs Ltd., has successfully acquired Airmaster Sales Ltd., a manufacturer of traffic control signs based in Winnipeg, Man. Airmaster will expand Barricades’ capabilities. The acquisition was supported by equity co-investment partners BDC Capital, Roynat Equity Partners, and Frind Enterprises.
Graham Group merges with XL Industries
Graham Group has merged with XL Industries (XLI), a leading northern California construction firm, to expand delivery capacity in key growth sectors and strengthen Graham’s U.S. presence. With over $1.4 billion (USD) in project backlog, the merger immediately boosts Graham’s annual revenues and service offerings. XLI, which includes XL Construction and other subsidiaries, will join Graham’s U.S. Buildings group but retain its brand and leadership.
By joining forces, we’re growing our market presence and bringing even more innovation to the industry. XL Industries is known for its reliability and commitment to quality, just like us, making this partnership a great fit for both teams. There is no question that our combined strength, talent and innovation will grow our leadership in the industry.
Andy Trewick, CEO of Graham
PTAG to acquire Construct-X
PTAG Inc. has announced its agreement in principle to acquire 100% of Construct-X, a Houston-based leader in Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) and digital project execution. This strategic move unites two industry leaders known for collaborative contracting and innovative project delivery in industrial and infrastructure sectors. With a shared vision and history of partnership, PTAG and Construct-X aim to redefine capital project execution by offering integrated, data-driven solutions that enhance efficiency, predictability, and performance. The acquisition will be spotlighted at the Canadian Nuclear Association Annual Conference, highlighting their unified approach to transforming project delivery on a global scale.
Ottawa supports east coast mass timber industry
The Canadian government is investing $500,000, with a potential additional $10 million in conditional funding, to support MTC Mass Timber Company in building a high-tech manufacturing plant in Nova Scotia that will utilize under-valued eastern spruce. Touted as Canada’s first large-scale, clear-span timber manufacturing facility, the project will make MTC the first vertically integrated mass timber manufacturer in Atlantic Canada, with a capacity to construct 2.5 million square feet annually.
Northstar Clean Technologies has secured a follow-on Canadian patent for Stage 3 of its proprietary asphalt shingle reprocessing technology, specifically covering the asphalt recovery process, with protection lasting until 2042. This patent strengthens Northstar’s intellectual property portfolio as it prepares to launch commercial production at its Calgary facility in mid-2025. Already holding patents in the U.S. and Canada, the company is actively pursuing additional protections internationally to solidify its leadership in the emerging asphalt shingle recycling industry.
See what’s on the agenda for one of construction’s biggest events of 2025.
Speakers and panels have been released for SiteSummit, a two-day conference designed to equip high-level construction leaders with the knowledge they need to own the moment. Some of SiteSummit’s featured speakers include Turner Construction VP and General Manager Amit Patel, Conwest Developments Partner and COO Ben Taddei, Senior Vice President of Marketing for EllisDon Paul Trudel, EllisDon Chief Information Officer Brandon Milner, Stack Modular President Jim Dunn, BC Builds, Kindred Construction President Bryan Reid, Executive Lead Lisa Helps and many others. Even more industry titans and event features will be announced soon.
Here just a few of the panels planned for the two-day event:
Beyond the hype: Using AI + technology to drive jobsite success
Innovation is moving so fast it’s hard to keep up. These experts can help you sort through it all and find the signal through the noise. Because if technology isn’t improving efficiency and safety on the jobsite, it’s just hype. We’ll show you how AI can deliver real, measurable results in a time we need it the most.
Meet the client: What owners want from builders in 2025
It’s everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. Building more projects faster is one of the greatest challenges of our time and developers are the the front lines. With massive investments on the way, learn what developers are looking for, how they plan their projects and their biggest concerns.
C-Suite Roundtable: What lays ahead
Hear from some of the construction sector’s most accomplished leaders about how they are steering their organization through unprecedented times. And If you have any burning questions about how a large, sophisticated company approaches construction, the Q&A portion is the opportunity to ask.
Housing: Conquering Canada’s biggest crisis
It’s an issue that is impacting entire generations of workers and families and a top priority of government. Let’s chat with some of the country’s most innovative thinkers about what we face and how to approach it. How big of a challenge are we facing? How do we actually start to work to solve this problem. What do builders need to do?
The event will take place May 26-27 at North Vancouver’s iconic Polygon Gallery. Designed by renowned local architects Patkau Architects, the 25,000 square foot building features a modern, open-concept design with a focus on sustainability and natural light.
Why are we doing SiteSummit? SiteNews’ team aims to breathe new life into the typical industry event format with a scenic venue, creative networking opportunities and targeting panel sessions. In addition to carefully curated learning opportunities, SiteSummit will feature dynamic networking, including a Beer Crawl that explores the local breweries along Metro Vancouver’s North Shore.
Space is limited, so get your tickets to SiteSummit here before it sells out.
Bird Construction has been awarded five projects with a combined value of over $650 million across its infrastructure, industrial and buildings businesses.
Here’s what they won:
Defence Construction Canada has awarded Bird a modified design-build contract to design and construct 200 new residential housing units in Ontario. Managed by the Canadian Forces Housing Agency, this project is part of the Residential Portfolio Capital Investment Plan initiative that aims to provide suitable housing solutions for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families. It is also part of a broader $1.4 billion investment over 20 years to enhance housing for CAF members while alleviating local housing demands.
Bird was selected for a new contract award as part of Dow’s Path2Zero Program in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta to build the world’s first net zero integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives site with respect to scope 1 and 2 emissions. This new contract falls under the Utilities & Power Infrastructure group within the hydrocarbon production area and supports Dow’s commitment to sustainable and low-emission operations. Bird’s scope of work includes civil, mechanical, structural, piping, electrical and instrumentation, buildings and insulation works.
Bird was awarded a construction management contract for the multi-phase expansion and renovation of the Cottonwoods long-term care (LTC) facility in Kelowna, B.C. The initial phase of the project involves constructing a new four-storey, 234-bed LTC facility on the existing site, including all LTC support services and an operations centre for managing facilities across seven Interior Health locations. Phase 2 will involve demolishing the 1975 portion of the site and constructing a new one-storey mass timber amenity space, linking the new building with the remaining 1985 structure. This project will significantly modernize the existing facility, providing substantial benefits to the Kelowna community.
Further to the recently announced projects to support Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) nuclear work program, Bird, through Indigenous-led joint venture Makhos Bird Joint Venture (MBJV), was awarded additional contracts for the design and construction of four projects that will support ongoing nuclear operations and refurbishment activities.
Bird, as part of a 50/50 general partnership, has executed a contract extension for early site development works at the Woodfibre LNG project. The agreement facilitates the site development, infrastructure, and foundations for the new LNG export facility, which is set to be the world’s first net-zero facility of its kind. This state-of-the-art facility will produce 2.1 million tonnes of LNG annually, supporting global energy transition efforts by supplying Canadian natural gas to international markets seeking cleaner fuel alternatives.
“These new project awards underscore the continued demand in our infrastructure, industrial and buildings businesses in economically resilient sectors, and highlight our consistent presence in defence, chemicals, long-term care, clean power generation, energy and mining. Notably, the majority of these projects are with long-standing clients, an endorsement of the strong relationships we’ve forged through our consistent performance and collaboration,” said Teri McKibbon, President and CEO of Bird. “We also continue to increase our work program on large capital investment projects strengthening our risk-balanced combined backlog and further increasing our visibility to future additional scopes of work.”
B.C. is honouring builders who go above and beyond to cultivate a positive culture for the industry. As part of Construction and Skilled Trades Month, the BC Construction Association has announced its Builders Code 2025 Champion Award Winners, recognized for making a positive difference in advancing the culture of BC’s construction industry.
Officially proclaimed by the BC provincial government and now in its 8th year, Construction Month is a time when British Columbia’s construction industry celebrates the hard work and commitment of the 28,000+ businesses and 250,000+ British Columbians who work in the sector.
“We want to extend a special thank you to all the hard-working individuals who make BC’s construction industry the powerhouse it is,” said Chris Atchison, President of the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA). “This month, and every month, we celebrate the incredible efforts of the businesses and builders who make the development and growth of our province possible.”
Here are the BCCA Builders Code 2025 Champion Award Winners and Honorable Mentions:
For more information about Construction & Skilled Trades Month, visit constructionmonth.ca
SiteNews is proud to announce the annual awards program, Construction’s Most Influential People, is back to honour outstanding individuals who are impacting the construction sector.
The annual program was created to shine a spotlight on Canadians having a massive positive impact on the built environment and the construction process. They are thought leaders, innovators, wizened veterans, young disruptors, politicians, legal masters, inventors, trades advocates and more.
The criteria and process are simple. Winners will be those in any industry, position or discipline whose efforts are generating a positive impact on the construction sector. SiteNews will be soliciting nominations from the industry and winners will be chosen by a panel of SiteNews staff.
This includes SiteNews co-founders Andrew Hansen and Brett Rutledge, and SiteNews Editor Hixson, who have spent their careers saturated in the construction sector in a wide range of roles. Not sure what it takes to win? Check out who made the list last year. It included:
Green building CEOs
Association presidents
Safety advocates
Trades educators
Female entrepreneurs
Government officials
Technology experts
Architects
Homebuilders
Workforce developers
And many more!
“Some competitions limit by age, sector or other criteria,” said Hixson. “Ours is only limited by impact. What are you doing to make the industry better? These are the kinds of people we think should be celebrated and that’s what we are going to continue to do with this year’s program.”
Canadian construction sites are undergoing a technological transformation, with innovations enhancing safety and efficiency across the industry. From AI-driven cameras monitoring worksites to smart machinery reducing human-machine interaction, cutting-edge tools are providing new ways to identify hazards and prevent incidents before they occur. We spoke with some of the industry’s top experts to see the biggest safety tech trends happening right now and what is on the horizon.
1. Eyes in the skies
Builders now have a new set of eyes to view jobsites with. These ubiquitous cameras, when paired with sophisticated analyses, are quickly becoming a powerful combination.
Structural engineer Dr. Tony Yang, a professor of civil engineering and lead researcher of the Smart Structures lab, explained that surveillance technology now means jobsites can be monitored for safety hazards and compliance.
“It can autonomously identify workers without proper gear, like if they are not wearing a hard hat,” said Yang. “The ability to auto-identify things and document them is available right now.”
Shawn Gray, founder and CEO of advisory firm ConstructIQ, noted that it goes beyond just recognition of safety violations.
“In live jobsite scenarios, it can detect a failure to follow safety protocols or a scenario of high likelihood for a safety incident to occur,” he said.
Gray noted that some of the industry’s largest construction firms have fully scaled out technologies like this, giving supervisors much greater visibility.
“Most jobsites these days have some time of video surveillance in place and this is giving you the ability to tap into that and put some more intelligence behind what you are seeing,” he said. “Are you wearing the right PPE, did a public vehicle just enter your transportation project’s workspace, anything like that. It has legs in all different avenues. The sky’s the limit.”
2. Smart machines
Workers getting struck by machines is far too common.
According to CNESST, in Quebec alone, 27 workers have died in the past five years after being hit by a heavy vehicle. And at least 577 are believed to have suffered injuries due to a collision with a heavy vehicle.
But technology is working to prevent this by coordinating human-machine interaction.
“Technology is being developed and has started working ultimately towards a machine that can avoid you and moves away,” said Yang. “It’s an active technology to help equipment stay away from workers and keep them from contacting machines. Those technologies were designed to prevent injury when workers are in a construction area where a machine is working.”
Yang and his team have been working to create smart construction robots that, in addition to performing jobsite tasks, can make autonomous decisions such as navigating around obstacles or instantly stopping work to protect a worker who is in danger.
“You also have more basic technology where beacons on hardhats and vests track where everyone is on site,” said Yang.
What’s even safer is having humans physically separated from machines completely. Yang noted that as robotics improves, more tasks can become automated, particularly ones that place people in danger.
“If we get more and more things automated, workers not interfering with machines, then of course in that situation less injury will likely happen,” he said. “If jobs can be fully autonomous and humans and machines are completely separate, then safety will be increased.”
Finally, Yang highlighted active monitoring technology, which can determine the condition of equipment, like cranes, which require regular inspections and maintenance to be safe.
“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” said Yang. “If you have active monitoring technology, it can be useful to prevent failure.”
3. Big data and AI
Construction is collecting more data than ever. But tools are starting to catch up and put this information to work making sites safer.
“Safety was one of the first major areas where we saw the most significant use of technology and the first instance where we saw mass data sharing between major competition organizations,” said Gray. “Safety was the beachhead where these things took off.”
Much of this data, for insurance and legal reasons, involves providing documentation of safety protocols and procedures, and if they are being followed.
“But that doesn’t really prevent incidents,” said Gray. “The evolution has been that we have all this data, let’s use some analytics.”
Gray explained that in the past five years, firms have been digging into their data to find where the highest areas or risk are and addressing potential incident scenarios at the source before they happen.
“That’s what a lot of groups are working on with predictive AI capabilities,” said Gray.
AI also presents a big opportunity to solve the productivity and efficiency challenges in construction.The administrative and paperwork burden around safety processes is a problem ripe for solving.
“There is still a huge amount of time wasted manually entering safety information. Everyone is excited about predictive analytics, as are we, however the highest value to teams right now is time back in the field on high-leverage work. Powering-up safety workflows to speed up data capture is a big focus of ours right now,” Ben Leach, CEO of HammerTech, a construction-specific safety intelligence and compliance software provider.
Looking ahead, getting to a point of reliable and valuable predictive analytics for safety is going to require a new and more rigorous view of software capabilities.
“In addition to efficiency, [contractors] will want to look for solutions that produce reliable, credible data and support codified connected safety processes. These are needed for the application of AI to produce predictive analytics,” said Leach.
“Connected could look like worker profiles and certifications connecting to equipment pre-start inspections and hazard analysis. This gives you a 360 view of process interactions. We have always prioritized connectivity because it will provide far more useful preventative insights. You can imagine the multiplier effect of this with AI – the insights that we are going to see for safety are about to move the industry leaps and bounds ahead.”
4. Software consolidation
Software is nothing new for the construction sector. But as more solutions have entered the fray and technology has become more sophisticated, consolidation is happening.
“As we start talking about the consolidation of all these platforms, a big frustration for contractors is the integration piece,” explained Leach. “You are working on all these projects and putting project information into all the different systems. There isn’t a “nirvana” one system solution – construction processes are incredibly specialized making it unlikely one provider can solve everything well.”
He noted that contractors are using fewer solutions that are purpose-built for a subset of workflows or stakeholders, like field teams underpinned by great integrations.
HammerTech itself has integrations with Autodesk, Procore, CMiC and others so information can flow between the office and the jobsite.
“We would have liked to have built everything, but it’s impossible to be able to do that,” said Leach. “Instead, we are coming together with other partners to provide a holistic ecosystem.”
Key Takeaways:
EllisDon Community Builders has introduced Base Design, a scalable and licensable template system aimed at speeding up affordable housing projects across Canada. It streamlines the process for non-profits, Indigenous groups, and government agencies by reducing design time, lowering costs, and minimizing project risks.
Base Design supports multi-unit buildings up to ten storeys and bridges the gap between low-rise and high-density housing. It meets CMHC Affordable Housing Fund requirements for energy efficiency, emissions, and accessibility, while also being adaptable to regional housing needs
A new free proforma tool on EllisDon’s website complements Base Design, offering housing providers early-stage technical and financial insights. This helps them build stronger funding proposals and make more informed development decisions
The Whole Story:
EllisDon Community Builders has launched Base Design, an innovative solution to address the urgent need for rapid housing development across Canada. This licensable, scalable ‘kit-of-parts’ template is designed to expedite the creation of affordable housing.
The adaptable templates of Base Design lay the groundwork for multi-unit developments up to ten storeys high, effectively filling the void between low-rise buildings and high-density residences.
Aiming to abbreviate the design process for non-profits, Indigenous groups, and government agencies, Base Design enhances their ability to execute housing projects more efficiently. By utilizing standardized designs, housing providers and their development partners can now complete projects with greater speed, lower costs, and less risk.
“Bringing Base Design to the affordable housing sector is an important milestone,” said Nick Gefucia, Senior Vice President, EllisDon Community Builders. “As part of our suite of development services, it is the head start housing providers need to tackle Canada’s huge supply gap and will make a meaningful impact on communities nationwide.”
Fully compliant with Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Affordable Housing Fund criteria, Base Design meets the high standards required for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and accessibility. It also accommodates specific regional housing needs. Gaining recognition for its potential, Base Design was a finalist in CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge and has garnered endorsements from housing providers across Canada.
As part of EllisDon Community Builders’ comprehensive development services, Base Design is complemented by a new, free proforma tool on the company’s website. This tool generates a swift, accurate assessment of the viability of affordable housing projects. Housing providers can use the tool to gain early clarity on technical and financial aspects of their projects, enabling them to present well-founded proposals to funders and stakeholders.
Key Takeaways:
Lafarge Canada has received provincial approval in Alberta to operate hydraulically steered concrete delivery trailers, following a successful pilot program. This marks a significant update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act and showcases effective collaboration between industry and government.
The new rear-steer axle trailers allow for a 30% increase in concrete carrying capacity—up from 8.5 to 11 cubic metres—while improving maneuverability. This innovation reduces the number of trucks needed, lowers emissions, and enhances both safety and delivery reliability.
Lafarge’s success has sparked national interest, with other provinces preparing similar pilot programs in 2025. The company plans to deploy more of these advanced trailers as part of its broader Transportation Roadmap focused on modernizing logistics and reducing environmental impact.
The Whole Story:
Lafarge Canada has received provincial approval to operate trailers equipped with hydraulically forced steering axles for concrete delivery in Alberta, marking a significant milestone in transportation innovation and regulatory modernization. This advancement follows a successful multi-year pilot in Calgary and Edmonton and marks an update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, intended to benefit all sectors involved in the transportation of goods.
“This approval showcases how innovative technologies can revolutionize logistics and deliver real benefits to our customers by boosting efficiency,” said David Schmidt, fleet manager, Lafarge Canada. “With rear-steer axle trailers, we’re able to transport more materials with better maneuverability, resulting in smarter, safer, and more reliable service.”
Conventional mixer trucks carry 8.5 cubic metres of concrete. While trailers have been used for some time to carry 11 cubic metres, maneuverability concerns have limited their adoption. With the introduction of these new trailers, Lafarge has effectively removed these barriers and can capture a 30% increase in capacity across all fleets. This improvement enables the company to reduce the number of trucks on the road, cut emissions, and enhance both efficiency and safety.
Lafarge stated that this achievement reflects a collective effort between industry and government. David Schmidt and Andrew Barnes from the Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA) guided the regulatory process, engaging Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the province’s Transport Engineering group. With formal endorsement from the Minister of Transportation and Economic Coordinators, Devin Dreeshen, and the support of Andrew Pillman’s team at Alberta Transportation, the initiative obtained legislative approval.
While the regulations were being shaped, Lafarge worked closely with technical experts to bring the pilot project to life. Precision Mixers assembled the specialized trailers, Simard Suspensions holds exclusive rights to the forced steering axle technology, and VSE delivered the steering control system.
Over an 18-month trial in real-world conditions, Lafarge validated the system’s performance with the help of Calgary-based driver Ron Labine and Edmonton-based driver Volodymyr Dushenko. The success led to municipal approvals in Calgary and Edmonton before the province-wide green light.
Though the approval is Alberta-specific, Lafarge’s leadership in this space has sparked interest across Canada. Additional provinces are preparing pilot programs in 2025, signaling strong potential for broader adoption.
As part of its Transportation Roadmap, Lafarge will introduce two more rear-steer trailers this year, with further investments planned to support modernized equipment, emissions reduction, and high-performance delivery solutions.
“This project is a prime example of what’s possible when industry and government work together with a shared focus on innovation,” said Ian Paine, director, Ready-Mix Performance, Lafarge Canada. “It’s a win for logistics, infrastructure, and most importantly, the communities we serve.”
Caring is a competitive advantage.
It’s easy to say, but as attendees to our first ever Industry Icebreaker learned, it’s much more difficult in practice when a $100-million company is on the line as well as hundreds of jobs.
SiteNews, in partnership with the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), hosted Surepoint Group co-founder and former CEO Trevor Muir for an evening of high-level lessons and high-level hockey at the Oilers Hall of Fame in Rogers Place.
After he and the other Surepoint Owners sold a majority stake in the company to a private equity firm, they were flush with cash the future looked bright. Despite this, something felt wrong.
“I had everything everybody believed they wanted to make them happy,” said Muir. “A wife, kids, friends, family. I had a fancy acreage. Lots of money. I even had a sports car in the garage. But my life started to spiral out of control. When I had the most of everything, I felt the absolute worst.”
After growing up on a farm in rural Alberta near Grand Prairie, Muir was on a rocketship of success, but he found himself fighting an immense mental health battle that had him contemplating suicide.
Muir is not alone in his struggles.
During the discussion, Mike Martens, President of ICBA Alberta, noted that as a benefits provider for more than 300,000 construction industry workers, they have seen claims for mental health related services rise. In response, the group has funded a Wellness Program to provide a variety of mental health supports and hired NHL star Corey Hirsch to be a mental health advocate for the industry.
After he sought help and began to work on his mental health challenges, Muir was tasked with saving Surepoint Group when financial struggles, an eroded corporate culture and multiple global crises threatened to bring it all crashing down.
He spoke honestly with workers, vendors, customers and anyone else involved in the business about the challenges it faced and the sacrifices that needed to be made to save it. The leadership team took substantial pay cuts to avoid layoffs, asked for patience from its partners and was able to make it through.
“I wanted to prove that caring is a competitive advantage—in life, in business and certainly in our industry,” said Muir. “And when we started to grow, I was told you can’t have the same culture. I think that’s a lazy answer. It’s harder, and it’s not exactly the same, but you can build an amazing culture and I wanted to prove that.”
Following Muir’s stirring words about normalizing mental health conversations and transparent, honest leadership, the crowd headed to the Sky Lounge at Rogers Place to watch the Oilers take on the Los Angeles Kings. While the Oilers were beaten back to a 5-0 loss, attendees lingered right to the end, discussing Muir’s insights and enjoying refreshments.
“We feel this event was a rousing success,” said SiteNews editor Russell Hixson. “The Industry Icebreaker aims to be the perfect balance of professional development, networking and fun. What an exceptional night and thank you to Trevor for making the time to chat with us.”
If you missed this Icebreaker, don’t worry.
Because the event sold out in weeks, SiteNews is announcing that the Industry Icebreaker will continue as an annual event featuring a different Canadian NHL teams. To be part of the next SiteNews event, secure your spot at SiteSummit, taking place in North Vancouver this summer.
Ontario’s new Scarborough school utilizes mass-timber and a modular “kit-of-parts” for rapid, sustainable construction, also seen in Quebec’s WSP’s airport success. This innovative method aims to address school backlogs and inspire wider infrastructure development. Watch the full story below.
Key Takeaways:
The University of Calgary is converting an underused downtown office tower into 180,000 square feet of academic space, making it the first project of its kind in the region. The new facility will house the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL), offering design studios, research labs, and public engagement spaces.
Supported by $9 million from the City of Calgary’s Downtown Post-Secondary Institution Incentive Program, the project aims to revitalize Calgary’s downtown west end by reducing office vacancy, increasing economic activity, and creating a more vibrant and safer urban environment.
The expansion will bring 1,200 students into the downtown core—400 graduate and 800 new undergraduate SAPL students.
The Whole Story:
The University of Calgary and The City of Calgary have announced a new partnership to convert an underused office tower (801 7 Ave. S.W.) into active academic, teaching, and research space.
It is the first project of its kind in the region.
This expansion to the university’s downtown campus will transform 180,000 square feet into the new home for the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL) that includes design studios, classrooms, research spaces, a robotic fabrication workshop, an exhibition gallery, and a community-facing design justice lab. The recently renovated building atrium will be regularly used by SAPL for public lectures and events focused on city building.
“The expansion of the University of Calgary’s downtown campus is a key part of revitalizing our city’s core,” said Calgary Mayor, Jyoti Gondek, “This project breathes new life into underused office space, bringing more than a thousand students into the west end and transforming it into a vibrant, dynamic area. By strengthening ties between post-secondary institutions and businesses, we’re driving economic growth, while making downtown a safer and more active place for all.”
801 7th Avenue SW. – Colliers
This project is supported by up to $9 million in funding from The City of Calgary’s Downtown Post-Secondary Institution Incentive Program (PSI Program). Calgary City Council created the PSI Program as part of the broader Downtown Strategy to increase the overall economic activity, vibrancy and safety in the greater downtown area while also reducing downtown office vacancy.
The University of Calgary downtown campus expansion allows for the relocation of all 400 current SAPL graduates and 800 new undergraduates — 1,200 students total — into Calgary’s core. Located next to the CTrain’s 8th Street station, an active transportation corridor, Century Gardens Park and housing, the project is one of several current City of Calgary initiatives that are strengthening the west end of downtown including streetscape improvements to 8 Street S.W. and 8 Avenue S.W. and four office-to-residential conversion projects within two blocks. This project’s proximity to UCalgary’s existing downtown campus across the street at 8th and 8th creates a new campus atmosphere in the downtown west end.
“Through this first of its kind investment, the University of Calgary will be able to further grow the local economy by educating the workforce of tomorrow,” said Ed McCauley, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Calgary. “This will create 1,200 new student spaces downtown offering students a unique, real-world learning experience while freeing up 800 vital spaces on campus for in demand programs. We are grateful to the City of Calgary for this important investment in post-secondary learning.”
Key Takeaways:
The Attorney General of British Columbia has directed her Ministry to prepare Prompt Payment legislation, signaling a major step forward in ensuring timely payments in the construction sector.
The BC Construction Association (BCCA) is advocating strongly for the legislation, emphasizing its importance for industry stability, workforce retention, and economic growth.
According to a BCCA survey, 91% of B.C. construction employers experienced late payments in the past year, with 69% not being paid at all at least once.
The Whole Story:
The province of B.C. just got one step close ensuring timely payment in the construction sector.
The BC Construction Association (BCCA) announced that Attorney General Niki Sharma has directed her Ministry to prepare Prompt Payment legislation. The announcement comes in the midst of the eighth annual Construction and Skilled Trades Month and follows BCCA’s annual Day at the Legislature in Victoria.
The group stated that payment certainty will have profoundly positive impacts on the industry, economy, and lives of hard-working British Columbians. BCCA urged the provincial government to prioritize the development and implementation of this critical legislation and commit to collaborating with the construction industry as partners in this important work.
“We’re pleased to see the BC government take steps toward ensuring payment certainty for the construction industry,” said Chris Atchison, President of the BCCA. “This legislation is absolutely crucial to support, attract, and retain the investment and workforce our province and economy need to keep growing, and keep growing strong.”
The group noted that provincial government’s delay in passing Prompt Payment Legislation has had significant and devastating consequences for BC’s construction industry and infrastructure development. They argued that by taking swift action now, legislators can show their support for this critical sector, improve cash flow for British Columbians across the province, strengthen the economy, and ensure that BC remains competitive on national and global stages.
“Prompt Payment legislation must be informed by the perspectives and needs of those impacted — the construction industry must always have a seat at the table,” emphasized Atchison. “From homes to hospitals, BC depends on its construction industry to get the job done. Now, let’s get this done for the industry.”
BCCA is committed to working with the provincial government to advance the timely implementation of this critical legislation and stand strong for BC’s construction industry. The time for payment certainty in BC is now. For more information, check out promptpayment.ca.
According to the latest BCCA survey, 91% of construction employers in B.C. reported being paid late for completed work in the past year, and 69% reported not being paid at least once during the same period.
Here’s a breakdown of prompt payment legislation in other provinces:
Ontario
Ontario led the way with the introduction of its Prompt Payment and Adjudication provisions under Bill 142, the Construction Act (effective October 1, 2019). Key features include:
Mandatory timelines for payment (28 days for owners to pay contractors, 7 days for contractors to pay subcontractors).
An adjudication process for resolving payment disputes quickly.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan implemented Prompt Payment legislation under The Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, effective March 1, 2022. It includes:
Payment deadlines similar to Ontario’s model (28 days for owners, 7 days for downstream payments).
Statutory adjudication for dispute resolution.
Alberta
Alberta enacted Prompt Payment legislation through Bill 37, the Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, effective August 29, 2022. Key provisions include:
28-day payment deadlines.
Mandatory adjudication for payment disputes.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s Prompt Payments in the Construction Industry Act came into force on February 1, 2024. It mirrors legislation in other provinces by:
Establishing timelines for payment.
Creating an adjudication process for disputes.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia introduced Prompt Payment legislation through Bill 37 in 2019, with the regulations fully implemented by December 2024. It incorporates:
Deadlines for payments within the construction pyramid.
Adjudication processes.
Quebec
Quebec has proposed Prompt Payment laws and is piloting adjudication processes, although full implementation is still in development as of 2025.
Northland Power Inc. announced that the Jurassic Battery Energy Storage System project in southern Alberta has achieved financial close, securing all necessary financing as it prepares to begin construction.
Jurassic BESS is an 80 MW, 2-hour (160 MWh) battery storage system that is part of Northland’s growth pipeline in Alberta. The project recently signed construction contracts and will benefit from a 15-year fixed price contract for capacity. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in late 2026.
“Building on the success of our Oneida Battery Storage Project, which is nearing operations, today’s announcement represents another great milestone for Northland Power. We are delivering needed battery storage as one of the ways we provide energy solutions in Canada and around the world,” said Christine Healy, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This BESS project will enhance the stability and reliability of Alberta’s energy grid, expand our footprint in Canada, and diversify our asset base. It highlights the growth potential of our multi-technology approach.”
The project cost is approximately $120 million. Construction costs will be funded by non-recourse project-level financing, existing cash and available liquidity. Once fully operational, Jurassic BESS is expected to contribute approximately $15 million of annual Adjusted EBITDA.
Key Takeaways:
Nearly 30,000 single-family homes have been demolished in Metro Vancouver since 2012, with projections showing another 15,000 will be torn down in the next five years due to upzoning. This translates to about 300 million pounds of lumber headed to landfills.
Erick Serpas Ventura, founder of VEMA Deconstruction, advocates for dismantling homes to salvage and repurpose high-quality lumber, particularly Douglas fir, for new builds.
VEMA is collaborating with academic institutions and industry partners to grade reclaimed wood and manufacture prefabricated wall panels from 70% salvaged lumber. These panels are already being used in new builds and retrofits.
The Whole Story:
Mountains of lumber from crushed and ripped-up B.C. homes sit in a Delta landfill, with birds circling above. For some, it’s a sign of progress as demolition is making way for new housing, but for deconstruction experts like Erick Serpas Ventura, it’s a massive missed opportunity that he is working to unlock.
“It’s brutal,” said Ventura, who recently visited the landfill to truly take in how much construction material is being dumped. “I don’t want to leave this for my kids. This is our legacy; we’re only here once, and this is what we leave them? It’s not great. I feel like people don’t know in this picture that it’s their house. They think it’s gone, and then who cares?”
New research found that nearly 30,000 single-family homes were demolished in Metro Vancouver between 2012 and 2023 to make way for higher-density developments, with demolitions expected to increase by 35% over the next decade due to upzoning policies.
“We’re looking at about 15,000 homes that will be demolished in the next five years,” said Ventura. “We calculated that is about 300 million pounds of lumber that will go to the landfill. And that’s a lost opportunity.”
Through his company, VEMA Deconstruction, Ventura is working to not only salvage material. He wants to come full circle, championing efforts to use historic lumber harvested from aging homes to build new structures. For him, Vancouver’s character homes are part of his own story. His family moved to the region when he was just 3 and a half years old, and he grew up in a three-storey character home in the Riley Park neighbourhood in Vancouver, which helped him feel connected to the Canadian experience.
“You were able to weave yourself into the fabric of Canada, which was great as an immigrant,” he said, remembering the smell of the lumber and getting his first Nintendo under the Christmas tree. “A drunk driver went right through the basement of that house when I was six or seven years old. Because of that strong Douglas fir, it didn’t collapse.”
After spending a decade in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Ventura sought a new way to give back to his community. He began preparing for a career in passive house construction, but after learning about deconstruction, he was hooked.
“I felt I could have a better environmental impact, and I always looked to give back to my city, which has accepted me and my family,” he said.
He believes the deconstruction sector has massive potential to divert material from landfills and build new affordable homes. While reclaimed wood has been chiefly used to create architectural elements and furniture, Ventura envisions remixing these old materials to build entire structures.
“We are one of the few provinces with a different type of lumber used to build homes in the past: Douglas fir,” explained Ventura. “95% of Canada used SPF to build homes in the past, so what we have is very special. It’s old growth forest material that is 2,000 years old, but it’s gone and unavailable to use anymore.”
First, these woods have to be categorized and tested. 1920s and older is called first growth era material. From 1920 to 1945 is Antique and 1945 to 1990 is Vintage lumber containing Douglas fir lumber. Anything from 1990 onwards is Modern lumber SPF.
“The first-growth era lumber is great for architectural elements, hobbies, crafts, furniture,” said Ventura. “Then the vintage is the right dimension for building homes for their characterisation that its 1.5×3.5 dimensions and a lot of the lumber comes with a grade stamp suited, especially well for prefab and modular builds.”
Not only is VEMA working with the National Lumber Grading Association and university researchers from UBC and the University of Alberta to officially grade reclaimed lumber. They have partnered with Kiwi Innovation and Footprint Design to create prefabricated wall panels made from 70% deconstructed lumber.
Ventura explained that this reduces construction costs, speeds up builds, and keeps these storied materials in the built environment rather than tossing them aside.
“We’re changing an industry, disrupting it and professionalizing it,” said Ventura. “It’ll come to the point one day where it will just be deconstruction doing tendering on bids. And only if it cannot be deconstructed will demolition be allowed to bid.”
It’s not just theoretical. VEMA and its partners are using the prefab panels to build a 3,700-square-foot, net-zero energy-ready, carbon performance EL-4 home in North Burnaby. They are also working with Best Builders to retrofit a 1908 character home and infill the rear of the property to build a new home out of reclaimed material panels.
“There’s a lot of support from the community,” said Ventura. “I just think right now what’s lacking is education. People don’t know that after their home is crushed, it goes to the landfill. And deconstruction doesn’t cost more, and it doesn’t take longer.”
Key Takeaways:
Ontario has broken ground on the final tunnel segment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, a nine-kilometre line that will add seven new stations and connect Scarborough to Mississauga, enhancing the region’s transit network.
The project will create over 4,500 jobs, supporting a range of roles from engineering to heavy equipment operation, while contributing to long-term economic growth and infrastructure resilience.
Once complete, the extension will link with major regional transit systems (UP Express, GO Transit, TTC, MiWay) and cut commute times by up to 24 minutes, offering more seamless and affordable travel for Greater Toronto Area residents through the province’s “One Fare” program.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has broken ground on the final tunnel segment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, marking another significant milestone in the province’s plan to deliver a new transit line from Scarborough to Mississauga. Once complete, the nine-kilometre line will connect seven new stations to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
“Premier Ford and our government have a plan to tackle gridlock and shorten commutes for drivers and public transit users in the Greater Toronto Area,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As President Trump’s tariffs continue to threaten Ontario workers and our economy, it has never been more important to invest in transportation infrastructure. We will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario jobs and build for the future.”
The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will create more than 4,500 jobs from engineers to construction workers, crane, and heavy equipment operators. Crews have now started excavating the twin 500-metre tunnels under Eglinton Avenue West, from Jane Street to the future Mount Dennis Station.
“Better public transit means Torontonians can get to work, school and appointments faster. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will make life easier for residents of Etobicoke, York and Midtown Toronto – meaning thousands of people will enjoy faster commutes,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “The city’s strong partnership working together with the province is building more transit for the people of Toronto.”
The new transit line will connect riders to regional transit services, including the UP Express, GO Transit, TTC and MiWay, where they can benefit from the province’s “One Fare” program and transfer for free. Combined with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the extension will cut commute times between popular destinations like Yonge and Eglinton and Square One by up to 24 minutes per trip.
