Month: August 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario is adding $1.6 billion to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, nearly doubling it to $4 billion to support housing-enabling projects like roads, bridges and water systems.
• The investment is part of the province’s $200-billion capital plan, which includes $33 billion this year alone for transit, highways, hospitals, schools and housing infrastructure.
• Municipal leaders say the funding will not only unlock new housing but also create jobs and strengthen local economies across Ontario.

The Whole Story:

Premier Doug Ford says the Ontario government will inject an additional $1.6 billion into municipal infrastructure in a bid to speed up housing construction and support local economies.

The funding, announced Monday at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference, nearly doubles the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to $4 billion. The program helps municipalities and Indigenous communities pay for the roads, bridges and water systems needed to support new housing developments.

“We’re making record investments in housing and infrastructure so we can keep workers on the job and help families across the province find a home that meets their needs and their budgets,” Ford said.

Launched in 2024, the program has supported the construction of 800,000 homes across Ontario. It works alongside the province’s $1.2-billion Building Faster Fund, which rewards municipalities that meet or exceed their housing targets.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said the new funding will ensure communities can move projects forward despite economic headwinds. “In the face of unwarranted U.S. tariffs, our government is doubling down on our plan to build,” she said, noting Ontario’s $200-billion capital plan includes more than $33 billion in spending this year alone.

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said the investment builds on recent legislative efforts to cut costs and reduce barriers to housing. “For far too long, too many families, first-time homebuyers, and seniors have been priced out of the market,” he said.

Association of Municipalities of Ontario president Robin Jones welcomed the announcement, saying investments in local infrastructure not only unlock housing but also create jobs and support long-term economic growth.

The province says the new investment is part of the largest capital plan in its history, aimed at expanding transit, highways, hospitals, schools and housing-related infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• Windsor Regional Hospital has selected EllisDon as construction manager for the enabling works of the new Fancsy Family Hospital, with the first phase expected to take about three years.
• Phase one will include an administration centre, a multi-level parking garage with covered access to the hospital, and essential site infrastructure to support future construction.
• Major construction on the state-of-the-art acute care facility is expected to begin by early 2026, following a separate tender process later this year.

The Whole Story:

Windsor Regional Hospital has selected EllisDon as construction manager for the enabling works of the newly named Fancsy Family Hospital Project, marking what officials call a major step forward in transforming health care in the region.

The first phase of work will include an administration centre with an auditorium, simulation training centre, classrooms and office space for support staff; a multi-level parking garage with covered access to the new hospital; and essential site infrastructure for future phases of the build.

Hospital officials say enabling works will take about three years to complete, with major construction on the state-of-the-art acute care facility expected to begin by early 2026.

“This announcement is another exciting and tangible step toward delivering the new state-of-the-art hospital our community has been waiting for,” said Karen Riddell, the hospital’s acting president and CEO. “By selecting EllisDon, we are partnering with a team that has a proven track record in delivering complex healthcare infrastructure.”

EllisDon was awarded the contract through a competitive procurement process. The company has previously worked on major hospital projects including Brampton Civic Hospital, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, and is currently involved in the South Niagara Project and the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital.

“It is a privilege for EllisDon to lead the first phase of the new Windsor Regional Hospital project,” said Randy Reymer, a senior vice-president with the firm. “Our team is inspired by Windsor Regional Hospital’s vision and grateful for the trust placed in us.”

Diamond Schmitt Architects, selected earlier this year to lead planning and design for the enabling works, has been working with hospital staff to create spaces that promote collaboration and innovation.

Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones said the project reflects the province’s “historic investments” in health care, promising the new hospital will make it “faster and easier” for Windsor and Essex County residents to access world-class care.

A separate tender for the hospital’s main build is expected later this year, in line with Infrastructure Ontario’s project schedule.

Pipelines are among the most critical components of Canada’s energy and industrial infrastructure. Spanning thousands of kilometres, these systems transport crude oil, natural gas, refined fuels, and increasingly, carbon dioxide and hydrogen — connecting resource basins to refineries, ports, manufacturing hubs, and domestic markets.

Behind every kilometre of pipeline laid is a complex, capital-intensive process that requires highly specialized construction contractors. These firms not only deliver the physical infrastructure but also help enable economic activity that supports entire regions.

Surerus

Surerus is a leading Canadian pipeline contractor, particularly active in Western Canada. Operating since 1969, it has installed over 8,000 km of pipeline across challenging terrain, including large-diameter installations and integrity programs. Recently, Surerus (as Surerus Murphy) was named the prime contractor for the Cedar Link Project, which leverages existing Coastal GasLink infrastructure to support the Cedar LNG project.

O.J. Pipelines

O.J. Pipelines focuses on large-diameter, cross-country transmission pipelines and has been active in Canada since 1989. The company is known for executing technically complex builds under extreme weather and terrain conditions. O.J. Pipelines has contributed to key national projects such as the Trans Mountain Expansion and has worked with major pipeline operators including TC Energy and Enbridge. It operates as part of the Canam Group and also provides specialized welding and coating services.

Michels Canada

Michels Canada offers a wide range of pipeline construction services, including trenchless installations (horizontal directional drilling and Direct Pipe), as well as open-cut pipeline builds. They have been active in both traditional oil and gas pipelines and emerging sectors such as carbon capture and hydrogen infrastructure. Michels was a key contractor on the Coastal GasLink project and has also worked on the Trans Mountain Expansion. As of 2025, the company continues to expand its presence in clean energy transmission projects.

Ledcor

Ledcor is a diversified construction company with extensive experience in pipeline construction, particularly in oil and gas sectors. The company provides pipeline installation, maintenance, and facility construction services. It has completed projects for clients such as Suncor, TransCanada (now TC Energy), and Enbridge. Ledcor was involved in several oil sands infrastructure expansions and continues to work on pipeline and energy transition projects across Alberta and British Columbia.

Bantrel

Bantrel is an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm with significant experience in heavy industrial infrastructure. The company has supported pipeline projects as part of broader energy facility construction, including oil sands extraction and processing. While not a pure-play pipeline constructor, Bantrel plays a major role in integrated project delivery, especially in early-phase engineering and execution planning. The firm has been involved in carbon capture, hydrogen, and petrochemical infrastructure developments as of 2025.

Aecon Group

Aecon is one of Canada’s largest publicly traded infrastructure companies and operates across energy, utilities, transportation, and industrial sectors. The company’s Aecon Industrial division handles oil, gas, and utility pipeline systems, including pipeline fabrication and facility tie-ins. While Aecon is more active in civil and energy infrastructure, it has contributed to several utility corridor and station upgrade projects connected to broader pipeline systems. In 2024–25, Aecon has increased its involvement in energy transition projects, including hydrogen-ready infrastructure and district energy systems.

AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis provides engineering and project management services across global infrastructure markets, including energy and mining. The company has played a role in pipeline-related work through front-end engineering design (FEED) and EPCM (engineering, procurement, and construction management) services. While not a direct pipeline construction firm, AtkinsRéalis has contributed to environmental assessment, route planning, and regulatory compliance for energy infrastructure in Canada. In 2025, the company is increasing its presence in low-carbon infrastructure, including support for carbon pipelines and hydrogen networks.

Key Takeaways:

• The BC 2026 Budget Committee formally recommended accelerating the implementation of Prompt Payment laws, marking a significant step toward aligning BC with other provinces and addressing chronic late payments in the construction industry.
• The report calls for increased capital infrastructure spending, expanded funding for construction-related education and training, and a review of BC’s mandatory paid sick leave policy to better support industry needs.
• Recommendations include improving public sector procurement through fairer tendering, clearer contracts, and better alignment across ministries and Crown corporations.

The Whole Story:

The BC construction industry is welcoming a formal recommendation to accelerate Prompt Payment legislation, included in the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services’ Report on the 2026 Budget Consultation. The recommendation responds to longstanding calls from the BC Construction Association (BCCA) and industry leaders seeking improved payment timelines, workforce support, and procurement reform.

The BCCA’s president, Chris Atchison, presented to the committee earlier this year, emphasizing a set of core priorities: improving public sector procurement, increasing investment in infrastructure, and addressing workforce challenges in construction. All three areas were directly acknowledged in the committee’s final report.

The headline recommendation—formally urging government to “accelerate the implementation of Prompt Payment legislation”—was supported by multiple submissions and recognized as a critical step to improve payment certainty across the sector . BCCA praised the inclusion, noting that “payment certainty will have a real and positive impact on the industry and the hardworking women and men who make it all possible.”

In addition to Prompt Payment, the report included recommendations to:

• Increase capital infrastructure investments to drive economic growth;
• Expand funding for construction-related education and training programs;
• Review and potentially restructure BC’s five-day mandatory paid sick leave policy, which has raised concerns in some industry submissions ;
• Improve procurement practices, including fairer tendering, contract clarity, and alignment across ministries and Crown corporations .

In a statement, BCCA welcomed the report’s alignment with industry priorities and said it looks forward to continuing work with the provincial government to advance critical reforms.

“Now is a critical time for BC to build — and the construction industry has a key and leading role to play,” the association said. “The report’s reference to the industry’s priorities, areas of focus, and pressure points is an important acknowledgement of the work and initiative required by the provincial government to keep BC strong and resilient.”

The report will inform the province’s 2026 budget development, expected in early next year’s legislative session.

Ontario was the first province to pass prompt payment and adjudication rules under the Construction Act, which came into force in 2019. Since then, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia have enacted similar legislation, creating statutory timelines for payment and introducing dispute resolution mechanisms to speed up conflict resolution.

Quebec has operated a pilot project for prompt payment on public projects, while Manitoba passed legislation in 2023 but has yet to bring it into force. Federally, the Prompt Payment for Construction Work Act applies to contracts with the Government of Canada, and regulations came into effect in late 2023.

In contrast, B.C. has consulted on the issue for years but has not passed legislation—making the 2026 Budget Committee’s formal recommendation a notable turning point in aligning BC with other provinces that have already moved to address chronic late payments in the construction sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Starlight Investments has broken ground on Harris Green Village, the city’s largest multi-family housing project, which will add more than 1,500 rental homes, including 80 affordable units.
• The three-phase development will feature public plazas, green spaces, shops, restaurants and a variety of housing types, aiming to integrate urban living with community connection.
• City officials and business leaders say the project reflects Victoria’s commitment to purpose-built rental housing and signals investor confidence in the downtown core.

The Whole Story:

Construction has begun on the first phase of Harris Green Village, a three-phase, mixed-use development that will add more than 1,500 rental homes to downtown Victoria.

Developer Starlight Investments says the initial phase will deliver 526 rental suites, including 80 affordable units, along with commercial and retail space. When complete, the project will include 100,000 square feet of shops and services.

Howard Paskowitz, Starlight’s vice-president of development and public affairs, said the company designed the project with the needs of the local community in mind. “We are thrilled to begin construction on this transformational mixed-use community that is set to become a lively focal point in the city,” he said in a statement.

The first phase will feature a mix of townhomes, studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Plans call for public plazas, landscaped courtyards, rooftop social areas, pet amenities and children’s play spaces, along with easy access to transit, trails and the waterfront.

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto called Harris Green Village an example of the city’s “forward-thinking approach” to purpose-built rental housing. “This is exactly the kind of vibrant, community-driven growth we can expect as the City continues to create more opportunities for housing and community spaces in the downtown core,” she said.

Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, said the project represents the biggest single investment in purpose-built rental in the city’s history. “Starlight is bringing much-needed rental housing into our core,” he said.

Starlight says it is one of Canada’s largest developers of purpose-built rentals, with 17 projects underway in B.C.’s Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. The company’s portfolio includes more than 70,000 multi-residential suites and over seven million square feet of commercial space.

Key Takeaways:

• Second tunnel launch shaft for the Ontario Line breaks ground near the future Gerrard Station, enabling three kilometres of twin tunnels under Pape Avenue.
• Major transit expansion will connect Exhibition Place to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT in 30 minutes or less, adding 15 stations and over 40 connections while easing TTC crowding.
• Transit-oriented development around Gerrard Station will include 2,400 new homes, retail and office space, and support hundreds of jobs.

The Whole Story:

Construction has begun on a second tunnel launch shaft for the Ontario Line near the future Gerrard Station, a step the province says will cut commute times and expand rapid transit access to thousands more Toronto residents.

“The Ontario Line will introduce all-new rapid transit to the Gerrard and Carlaw community and surrounding neighbourhoods, part of our nearly $70 billion investment to deliver the largest transit expansion in North America,” Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said Wednesday. “In the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty, we are protecting Ontario’s economy by building the next generation of subway service that will create thousands of good-paying jobs and fuel long-term economic growth.”

The new shaft will allow tunnel boring machines to dig three kilometres of twin tunnels north under Pape Avenue. It will eventually serve as a portal where Ontario Line trains move from above-ground to underground. Gerrard Station, just south of the site, will put nearly 12,000 people within walking distance of the line and is expected to handle more than 3,000 rush-hour passengers daily.

Once complete, the 15.6-kilometre Ontario Line will connect Exhibition Place to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road in 30 minutes or less, compared to the current 70-minute trip. It will include 15 stations and more than 40 connections to TTC subways, buses, streetcars and regional trains, with the province estimating it will reduce crowding on the busiest stretch of Line 1 by up to 15% during peak periods.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said the project will also support new developments around the station. “We are seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build two transit-oriented communities at the future Gerrard Station,” she said. “These will include nearly 2,400 new homes, new retail and office space to support approximately 685 jobs.”

Metrolinx president and CEO Michael Lindsay said the tunnels will directly connect to Pape Station, reducing crowding on Line 2 by 21% during rush hour. “To put it another way, there will be 6,000 fewer people at Bloor-Yonge Station during the busiest travel hour of the day thanks to the Ontario Line,” he said.

Key Takeaways:

• A $75M investment from the federal government and City of Calgary will convert a 16-storey downtown office tower into 166 rental units for new immigrants, students and young couples.
• The redevelopment features include 17 accessible units, modern amenities, and proximity to parks, transit, and shopping, with completion expected in late 2027.
• A public-private partnership between Dream Office REIT, CMHC and the city aims to address housing shortages while revitalizing Calgary’s downtown core.

The Whole Story:

The federal government and the City of Calgary are investing more than $75 million to convert a downtown office tower into 166 rental units aimed at new immigrants, students and young couples.

Parliamentary secretary Corey Hogan, speaking on behalf of Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, joined Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek on Wednesday to announce the project at the former Barclay Centre at 606 4 Street SW.

The 55-year-old, 16-storey office building will be redeveloped into a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with 17 accessible units. Amenities will include a fitness centre, co-working space, two common lounges, and an outdoor patio with a barbecue.

Located across from Courthouse Park and Harley Hotchkiss Gardens, and steps from two CTrain stations and the CORE Shopping Centre, the project is set to open in late 2027. Officials say it is part of a broader push to revitalize downtown Calgary and increase the supply of affordable, sustainable housing.

Hogan said the investment shows what’s possible when governments and the private sector work together to boost housing supply and bring down costs.

Gondek credited years of strategic planning and public-private partnerships for helping reshape the city’s core while driving economic growth.

Dream Office REIT, which owns the building, is partnering with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the city on the redevelopment. Chief financial officer Jay Jiang said the project demonstrates how underused office space can be transformed into “vibrant residential communities” in the heart of the city.

Key Takeaways:

• The world’s largest Indigenous housing project using onsite robotics at Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.
• The arc-shaped, culturally inspired design merges Horizon Legacy’s automated construction technology with Two Row Architect’s Indigenous architectural expertise.
• Scalable model for future housing aims to address severe shortages in Indigenous communities and demonstrate how robotics can deliver rapid, high-quality, multi-storey housing across Canada and beyond.

The Whole Story:

A groundbreaking Indigenous housing project billed as the largest in the world to use onsite robotics is planned for the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation.

Horizon Legacy and Two Row Architect have partnered on the development, named Eh ni da se — meaning “new moon” in Cayuga — which symbolizes new beginnings. The first phase will see a three-storey, arc-shaped residential complex with up to 30 units, designed to reflect the moon’s form. A second phase could expand the project further.

The initiative pairs Horizon Legacy’s automated building construction technology with Two Row Architect’s expertise in Indigenous architecture and community engagement. The goal is to deliver culturally rooted, high-quality housing quickly on reserve, while demonstrating that robotics can produce multi-storey and low-rise housing with distinctive designs.

“This partnership is about more than building homes — it’s about claiming our power and sovereignty through innovation and designs that respect Indigenous values and identity,” said Brian Porter, principal architect at Two Row, which has worked with more than 50 Indigenous communities in Canada and the U.S.

Nhung Nguyen, CEO of Horizon Legacy, said the project proves robotics can create “organic, architecturally distinctive, and culturally meaningful designs” beyond the repetitive forms common in factory-built housing.

Indigenous communities across Canada face some of the country’s most severe housing shortages, often dealing with overcrowding, aging infrastructure and limited new construction. The partners say Eh ni da se will serve as a model for scaling automated construction to meet housing needs in First Nations and beyond.

The project also builds on Horizon Legacy’s research partnership with McMaster University’s Faculty of Engineering, where teams are developing tools to integrate onsite robotics into Canadian building codes and standards.

A movement is growing across Canada amongst developers to relax foreign buyer rules.

They say that this will jumpstart housing projects during a historic slowdown, as these buyers are critical for creating cash flow that gets shovels in the ground.

Where it’s hurting: The housing market slump has been shocking. Condo sales across Canada have sharply declined, with Toronto experiencing a 75% drop and Vancouver a 37% decrease between mid-2022 and Q1 2025, according to CMHC. 

Here’s how Urbanation President Shaun Hildebrand summed it up: “The market has entered a phase of the downturn that is really starting to wreak havoc. Project cancellations are mounting, construction starts are collapsing, jobs are being lost, buyers are losing a lot of money, and developers are facing difficulties with closings. 

What developers want: A coalition of developers and industry groups warns that Canada’s federal foreign homebuyer ban and local policies like B.C.’s provincial foreign buyer tax are not helping and noted that foreign investors—who account for about 10% of buyers in the new condo market—are often key to meeting pre-sale thresholds that secure construction financing. 

Behind the ban: The ban was implemented to curb soaring home prices. The federal government argued that foreign money has been coming into Canada for years to buy up residential real estate, increasing housing affordability concerns in cities across the country, and particularly in major urban centres. 

When the ban was extended to 2027, Chrystia Freeland, the Minister of Finance at the time, said this:  “By extending the foreign buyer ban, we will ensure houses are used as homes for Canadian families to live in and do not become a speculative financial asset class. The government is intent on using all possible tools to make housing more affordable for Canadians across the country.”

Academic disagreement: A coalition of Vancouver-based urbanists, planners, architects, developers, and academics argued in their own letter that Canada’s housing crisis is fundamentally about affordability, not just supply. They contend that simply building more homes—particularly high-density market units—has failed to curb prices. They conclude that instead of bailing out speculative developments or reintroducing foreign capital to boost demand, government should use the current market correction to invest in non-market housing; preserve existing rental stock, and tie public subsidies to long-term public benefits. 

Here’s what other data and experts are saying:

• A UBC study found that after B.C. introduced its 15% Foreign Buyers Tax, single-family home prices in neighbourhoods with above-average foreign buyer activity fell about 6% more than in other areas. But multifamily prices were unaffected and researchers concluded that housing affordability is a complex problem with no quick fixes.
• According to the Real Estate Institute of Canada, the issue is nuanced, and foreign capital has had localized effects. In luxury segments of Vancouver and Toronto, foreign buyers likely inflated prices at the margin as they often paid higher than both non-investors and domestic investors.
• The institute added that they believe the real culprits for extreme prices have been low interest rates, domestic speculation, dual-income households, and underbuilding.
• Real estate analysts argue that the ban has not made much difference in terms of house prices or availability, noting that foreign investors often focus on the luxury market. They believe that prolonging the ban will not make housing more accessible.
• According to the 2022 data from Statistics Canada’s Canadian Housing Statistics Program (CHSP), foreign owners held just 2% to 6% of all residential properties across Canada. But developers say they make up roughly 10% of new condo buyers.  

Finding consensus beyond Canada: Developers in Canada have cited Australia as an example of finding a middle ground. Down Under, foreign buyers are temporarily banned from purchasing existing homes but are encouraged to invest in new housing, with the aim of directing capital into supply creation. This is reinforced by supply-side supports like tax incentives for build-to-rent, government-backed pre-sale finance guarantees, and dedicated funding for modular construction.

Key Takeaways:

• North Vancouver’s Manor House apartment building underwent a deep energy retrofit that is projected to cut overall energy use by 55%, natural gas consumption by 69% and greenhouse gas emissions by 68%.
• The work, led by FortisBC, the Pembina Institute and Metro Vancouver Housing, modernized insulation, windows, roofing, heating and ventilation systems while keeping rents stable and residents in place.
• Manor House is the first completed project under the Reframed Initiative and FortisBC’s deep retrofit pilot, which is testing whole-building efficiency upgrades in homes and commercial properties across B.C. to inform future rebate programs.

The Whole Story:

A 1970s-era apartment building in North Vancouver has undergone a major energy retrofit aimed at cutting natural gas use, slashing emissions and making homes more comfortable for residents.

FortisBC Energy Inc., the Pembina Institute, Metro Vancouver Housing and local officials marked the completion of the upgrades at Manor House, a 50-unit non-market rental complex, earlier this month.

The project, part of FortisBC’s deep energy retrofit pilot program, added triple-glazed windows, new insulation, an upgraded roof, gas heat pumps, in-suite heating and cooling systems, and heat recovery ventilation units. Control systems were also modernized.

Preliminary modelling estimates show the work will reduce the building’s overall energy use by 55%, cut natural gas consumption by 69% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 68%.

“This project is a great example of how a high-performance gas retrofit can achieve gas and emissions savings on our path to support a lower carbon energy future,” said Joe Mazza, FortisBC’s vice-president of energy supply and resource development.

The Manor House overhaul was carried out under the Reframed Initiative, led by the Pembina Institute, which aims to transform how multi-unit residential buildings are retrofitted to boost efficiency, safety and climate resilience.

Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s Minister of Infrastructure and MLA for North Vancouver–Lonsdale, toured the building to see the upgrades firsthand.

Pembina Institute senior director Monica Curtis said deep retrofits are a “practical solution” to ensure homes are affordable to heat and cool while protecting residents during extreme weather.

Metro Vancouver Housing board chair Mike Hurley said the work extends the building’s lifespan by 50 years without displacing tenants or raising rents.

FortisBC is testing similar retrofits in four commercial buildings and 20 homes across the province, with the goal of refining future rebate and incentive programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Build Canada Homes would target major affordable housing projects — 300+ units or portfolios — instead of many smaller builds, using federal financing, land, and development capacity to accelerate delivery.
• The program aims to speed timelines and cut costs by promoting modular, prefabricated, low-carbon, and net-zero building methods, with a preference for Canadian-made materials.
• Success hinges on collaboration with provinces, municipalities, Indigenous governments, and private partners, with public funding tied to measurable housing outcomes and shared financial risks.

The Whole Story:

The federal government has released new details on its flagship Build Canada Homes program, outlining a national plan to rapidly increase the supply of affordable housing while modernizing construction methods.

In a market sounding guide published this week, the government describes Build Canada Homes as a new federal entity that would finance and build affordable homes, act as a single-window partner for large-scale projects, and push the sector toward faster, more efficient building techniques. Feedback on the proposal is being sought until Aug. 29.

The program’s stated objectives include building affordable housing “at scale” for groups underserved by the private market — such as working families, students and seniors on fixed incomes — and “building faster, better and smarter” by promoting modular, prefabricated and low-carbon construction.

Under the proposal, Build Canada Homes would focus on a small number of large deals, such as projects with 300 or more units or portfolios of developments, rather than dispersing funds across many smaller builds. It could finance projects through low-interest loans, equity investments, contributions, and loan guarantees, while also acting as a developer or facilitator by bringing together land, financing, and partners.

The investment approach would tie the level of federal support to housing outcomes, with higher contributions for projects that deliver more units or deeper affordability. The plan also calls for sharing financial risks and rewards with private partners, prioritizing Canadian-made materials, and leveraging public dollars to attract private and philanthropic capital.

Partnerships with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments, and private sector players are described as critical to success. The guide also signals an intent to coordinate with local governments to speed up permitting and servicing, and to align with existing provincial and territorial housing programs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has promoted Build Canada Homes as a signature policy aimed at tackling the country’s housing shortage. The initiative is framed as a response to rising construction costs, capacity constraints, and the need for climate-resilient, net-zero housing.

Written submissions on the proposed design can be sent to the government until late August. The final structure of Build Canada Homes is expected to be shaped by the feedback received.

In the race to solve Canada’s housing shortage, one growing idea is actually about subtraction: removing the requirement for a second staircase in certain residential buildings.

Known as single-egress stair design, this approach allows buildings to be constructed with just one exit stairwell, provided other fire safety measures—like sprinklers and fire-rated materials—are in place. Proponents argue it’s a way to increase floor efficiency, reduce construction costs by up to 11%, and unlock more options for small urban sites.

B.C. led the charge, becoming the first province to officially permit single-egress buildings in its Building Code. Ontario is also exploring the idea, and Edmonton has created a guide to help developers pursue SES through alternative compliance pathways.

But the proposal has hit resistance in some quarters. Vancouver city staff and fire officials have rejected the concept, citing safety concerns and a lack of sufficient risk data. In a staff report, the city manager warned that “the lack of available data to quantify the relative risk of single-egress stair construction represents a significant constraint on evaluation.”

Instead, the city is encouraging safer space-saving options like scissor stairs or external staircases.

The conversation comes at a critical moment. While evidence suggests that modern mid-rise buildings with SES can be safe under current fire protection standards, researchers are still working to understand how these designs perform across a range of scenarios.

Watch our full explainer below for a step-by-step breakdown of the movement, including where it’s gaining ground and why some want to pump the brakes:

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario is investing $135 million in Niagara Region and Leamington for water and irrigation projects to boost housing, protect farmland, and support the agri-food sector.
• Niagara will receive $94 million for water system upgrades and irrigation pipelines, while Leamington will get $41 million to improve wastewater treatment for greenhouse operations.
• The funding is part of the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, which has so far enabled about 800,000 new homes and invested $2.3 billion in housing-related infrastructure.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government is committing $135 million to water and irrigation infrastructure in Niagara Region and the Municipality of Leamington, saying the investment will help build more homes, protect farmland and support the province’s agri-food economy.

Niagara Region will receive about $94 million, including $53 million for six water system projects aimed at unlocking up to 14,000 new homes through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund. Another $41 million will go toward irrigation pipelines to supply water to hundreds of farms and agricultural businesses.

Leamington will get $41 million to improve wastewater treatment services, a move officials say will help protect thousands of acres of greenhouse operations and bolster domestic food production.

“In the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty, our government is investing in the future for the people of Ontario by doubling down on our plan to build,” said Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma in a statement.

Agriculture Minister Trevor Jones called the projects a way to “safeguard food security” and give Ontario farmers the tools to compete and succeed. Leamington is home to one of the largest greenhouse hubs in North America, while Niagara produces most of Ontario’s tender fruit and grape crops.

The Niagara water projects are part of $400 million in previously announced MHIP funding, which supports housing-related infrastructure. This round will fund 50 new water projects in 55 municipalities to help enable up to 86,000 new homes provincewide. The province says the program has so far helped make way for about 800,000 new homes, with $2.3 billion invested to date.

Officials say the agriculture-focused projects in Niagara and Leamington will improve crop yields, quality and drought resilience, while conserving water and enhancing long-term farm sustainability. In Leamington, nutrient-heavy wastewater will be treated to improve water quality and allow for community and greenhouse expansion.

The investments are part of Ontario’s more than $200-billion capital plan, which also includes building and upgrading transit, highways, hospitals, schools and other public infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• Fluor Corp. and JGC Corp. have been awarded a contract to update engineering and design for a potential Phase 2 expansion of the LNG Canada terminal in Kitimat, B.C.
• LNG Canada, backed by major global energy companies, is Canada’s first large-scale LNG export facility with a capacity of up to 14 million tonnes annually; Phase 2 would further boost processing, storage and shipping.
• A final investment decision on Phase 2 has not yet been made, despite the recent completion and first shipment from Phase 1.

The Whole Story:

Fluor Corp. says its joint venture with Japan’s JGC Corp. has been awarded a contract to update the front-end engineering and design for a proposed second phase of the LNG Canada export terminal in Kitimat, B.C.

The U.S.-based engineering firm did not disclose the value of the deal, which it recorded in the second quarter of 2025. The award comes shortly after the first LNG shipment left the facility, marking the completion of Phase 1. The JGC-Fluor partnership has worked on the project since 2018, handling engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning for the initial build.

Located on the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation on B.C.’s north coast, LNG Canada is the country’s first major liquefied natural gas export facility. The plant has an annual capacity of up to 14 million tonnes and access to abundant, low-cost natural gas from northeast B.C., as well as an ice-free deepwater port. Backed by a 40-year export licence, the facility aims to supply Asian markets with LNG as a lower-carbon alternative to coal, potentially reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

The project is a joint venture between Shell, Petronas, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corp., and Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS).

The first phase involved the construction of two LNG processing units (“trains”). This initial stage also included a new marine terminal, storage tanks, and the Coastal GasLink pipeline, which transports natural gas from northeastern B.C. to the facility

Phase 2, if approved, aims to double the plant’s capacity by adding two more LNG trains, as well as expanding related storage and shipping infrastructure. Future expansion is contingent upon environmental assessments, market demand, and investment decisions.

“We’ve been a proud partner of LNG Canada through Phase 1 and we look forward to contributing to the next chapter in the construction of this world-class facility,” said Mike Alexander, Fluor’s president of energy solutions, in a statement.

Fluor has operated in Canada for more than 75 years, working on large-scale oil, gas, mining, power and infrastructure projects.

Key Takeaways:

• BC Hydro has fully commissioned all six generating units at the Site C dam, adding over 1,100 megawatts of capacity and increasing B.C.’s electricity supply by about eight per cent.
• The project, which began construction in 2015, will provide enough clean power for roughly 500,000 homes annually and is expected to operate for the next 100 years.
• Remaining work includes completing infrastructure, restoring the surrounding area, and keeping the public away from the reservoir until at least spring 2026 due to safety hazards.

The Whole Story:

BC Hydro has fully commissioned the sixth and final generating unit at its $16-billion Site C hydroelectric project, marking a major milestone nearly a decade after construction began.

With all units now in service, the dam on the Peace River can produce more than 1,100 megawatts of electricity — enough to power about 500,000 homes a year — boosting the province’s total electricity supply by roughly eight per cent. Officials say the increase will help meet B.C.’s growing demand for clean energy.

“This is another step forward to securing B.C.’s clean energy future,” said Energy Minister Adrian Dix, who thanked the thousands of workers involved since construction began in 2015.

The first generating unit came online in October 2024, with the rest brought into operation over the following 10 months. BC Hydro president and CEO Charlotte Mitha called the completion “a proud moment,” saying Site C will operate for the next century and play a key role in keeping the power system stable and reliable.

Remaining work on the project includes finishing the powerhouse and generating station, paving access roads, final equipment testing and closing out deficiencies. Crews are also backfilling tunnels used to divert the Peace River and restoring areas disturbed by construction.

BC Hydro is warning the public to stay away from the Site C reservoir and nearby slopes due to hazards such as floating debris and unstable shorelines. Public boat launches are not expected to open until spring 2026 at the earliest.

Canada’s roadbuilding and paving industry is dominated by contractors who have shaped the country’s transportation infrastructure for decades. These companies combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver everything from small municipal road projects to multi-billion dollar highway systems. Here are the industry’s most significant players, each with their own unique history and specializations.

Dufferin Construction Company

Founded in 1912 by Italian immigrant James F. Franceschini, Dufferin Construction Company stands as Canada’s largest paving contractor and has built much of Ontario’s highway infrastructure over more than a century. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, the company has contributed to major projects including the construction of portions of the Alaska Highway in the 1940s, Highway 401, Highway 407 East, and numerous airport runways across Canada. As a business unit of St. Lawrence Cement Inc. (part of the Holcim Group), Dufferin claims it operates its own hot-mix asphalt plants and is recognized as both the largest paving and concrete contractor in Canada, with capabilities spanning from roadways and bridges to tunnels and marine construction.

The Miller Group (Colas Canada)

The Miller Group, now part of Colas Canada, traces its roots back to 1917 and has been a cornerstone of Canadian road construction for over a century. Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, with operations extending into New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Miller provides comprehensive transportation infrastructure services including paving, construction, maintenance, and materials supply through numerous subsidiary companies like Brennan Construction, Georgian Paving, and Miller Paving. The company has built hundreds of highways across Canada and recently secured major contracts including the western section of Ontario’s Bradford Bypass project. With expertise spanning from routine highway maintenance to complex public-private partnerships, Miller operates asphalt plants, aggregate quarries, and ready-mix concrete facilities while maintaining long-term highway maintenance contracts across multiple provinces.

Emil Anderson Construction

Emil Anderson Construction began in 1938 when founder Emil Anderson started a small highway construction company in Fort William, Ontario, before relocating to B.C. in 1942 to help build the Alaska Highway during World War II. Now based in Chilliwack and Kelowna, BC, the family-owned company has evolved into a multi-disciplinary contractor specializing in civil construction, road building, land development, and infrastructure maintenance across Western Canada. EAC has contributed to major BC highway projects including large portions of the Coquihalla Highway, the Hope-Princeton Highway rebuild, and the complex Kicking Horse Canyon phases.

Aecon Group Inc.

Aecon Group Inc., with roots dating back to 1877, has grown into one of Canada’s largest construction companies with extensive road and highway construction capabilities through its Infrastructure division. Based in Toronto with operations across Canada, Aecon has built iconic transportation projects including portions of Highway 401, the CN Tower’s supporting infrastructure, and major highway rehabilitation projects. The company combines traditional roadbuilding expertise with advanced technology, including precision paving systems for projects requiring exceptional smoothness standards, and has established permanent asphalt plants to support major projects like those near Calgary. Aecon’s transportation portfolio spans from municipal road construction to major multi-lane highway developments, supported by their integrated approach to project delivery and materials supply.

Kiewit Canada Group Inc.

Kiewit Canada began operations in 1941 and has since become one of the country’s most respected transportation contractors. The company has delivered some of Canada’s most complex infrastructure projects, including the massive $2.5 billion Port Mann/Highway 1 improvement project featuring the 10-lane cable-stayed Port Mann Bridge—one of the world’s widest bridges. Based with major operations across Canada, Kiewit specializes in large-scale highway construction, complex interchange projects, and design-build delivery methods, with recent projects including the $32.6 million Dewdney Bridge replacement and various highway reinstatement projects following natural disasters. The company’s expertise extends from simple rural highways to complex multi-level interchanges, with a strong focus on safety, innovation, and collaborative project delivery methods.

Ledcor Group of Companies

Founded in 1947 by William Lede, Ledcor has grown into one of North America’s most diversified construction companies with over 6,000 employees and extensive highway construction capabilities. Headquartered in Vancouver, Ledcor’s Infrastructure division has constructed and maintained thousands of kilometers of roadway since its founding, specializing in complex design-build projects across challenging terrains and weather conditions. The company maintains highway contracts covering thousands of kilometers in Alberta, B.C., and Ontario, while also delivering major new construction projects and bridge work. Ledcor has made significant investments in environmental sustainability, including state-of-the-art asphalt plants that exceed emission standards and eliminate water usage through innovative particle recycling technology.

Terus Construction (Colas Western Canada Inc.)

Terus Construction operates as an integrated group of road construction and materials companies throughout British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, with a network of 29 decentralized operating companies and approximately 580 employees completing over 1,000 projects annually. The company specializes in road paving and construction projects ranging from major highway work to remote community infrastructure, supported by 17 concrete plants, 59 gravel pits and quarries, and comprehensive aggregate production capabilities. Recent major projects include the $7 million Highway 22 resurfacing project through Trail and Castlegar, complex night-shift paving through high-traffic urban cores, and specialized work in remote locations like the Masset Paving Program on Haida Gwaii. Terus offers innovative paving solutions including hot-mix and warm-mix asphalt, polymer-modified mixes, and full-depth reclamation services, while also providing ready-mix concrete and aggregates supply.

BA Blacktop (VINCI Construction Canada)

BA Blacktop, a subsidiary of VINCI Construction Canada, was founded in B.C. in 1956 and has evolved into a major general contractor and design-builder with over 300 personnel and 390 pieces of mobile equipment. Operating through BA Blacktop Ltd., BA Blacktop Infrastructure Inc., and Coquitlam Ridge Constructors Ltd., the company specializes in transportation infrastructure including major design-build projects like the Lickman Interchange and Highway 1 corridor improvements. The company recently secured a significant contract as part of a consortium to upgrade and widen a 4.5-kilometer section of Highway 1 in British Columbia, worth $94 million CAD, demonstrating their capability to handle large-scale highway modernization projects. BA Blacktop’s expertise spans from municipal road rehabilitation and paving services to complex multi-span bridge construction and innovative concrete structure solutions.

Mainroad Group

The Mainroad Group is an employee-owned company with over 30 years of experience, operating as a leader in highway maintenance and infrastructure services across B.C. and Alberta. The company manages extensive highway maintenance contracts covering thousands of kilometers of provincial highways, including major infrastructure like the Port Mann Bridge, Alex Fraser Bridge, and George Massey Tunnel through various regional subsidiaries. Mainroad provides comprehensive services from routine maintenance and snow removal to major construction projects, bridge rehabilitation, and traffic management services. With headquarters and operations centers strategically located across Western Canada, the company combines traditional maintenance expertise with construction capabilities, handling everything from ACROW bridge installations to specialized highway construction projects.

N.P.A. (Colas Western Canada Inc.)

N.P.A., a division of Colas Western Canada Inc., stands as one of Western Canada’s largest paving contractors, providing comprehensive road construction and materials services throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories from its Edmonton headquarters. The company offers an integrated suite of services including aggregate production and gravel sales, granular placement, asphalt paving, underground utilities, concrete and ready-mix supply, plus airport and highway construction through its group of operating companies including E-Construction, G&C Asphalt, NWT Construction, and Wapiti Gravel Suppliers.

Superior Asphalt Paving Ltd.

Superior Asphalt Paving Ltd. represents the success story of family-owned businesses in Canada’s paving industry, founded by Kuldeep Singh Lalli in 1975 starting with just one man in a pickup truck. Based in British Columbia, the company has expanded to become one of the largest paving companies in the province, with over 40 years of experience and more than 1 million miles paved. Superior specializes in residential, commercial, agricultural, and municipal paving projects, covering everything from farm roads and driveways to highways and parking lots throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond.

Volker Stevin Canada

Volker Stevin Canada specializes in civil construction and rehabilitation, highway maintenance, civil works, and bridge construction across Western Canada and the northwestern United States. The company has established productive partnerships with local and regional groups throughout Western Canada, serving municipalities requiring construction and civil works, companies needing infrastructure development, and major highway projects of all sizes. Known for exceptional employee retention in an industry with typically high turnover rates, Volker Stevin takes pride in having employees who have stayed with the company for many years, with some exceeding 50 years of service.

Key Takeaways:

• The study will explore the potential for new cross-Canada pipelines, a James Bay deep-sea port, and expanded refining capacity to improve domestic energy security and create jobs.
• Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan say the corridor could help protect against supply disruptions, unlock export markets, and support a more self-reliant national economy.
• The study will include an Indigenous engagement roadmap and consider infrastructure opportunities like all-season roads, broadband, and access to Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire region.

The Whole Story:

Ontario has issued a request for proposals to study the feasibility of a new energy and economic corridor stretching from Alberta to Southern Ontario and possibly to tidewater via James Bay.

The project under consideration includes the development of new oil and gas pipelines built entirely within Canada using Canadian and Ontario steel. The proposed corridor could also include a deep-sea port on James Bay and a new or expanded refinery along the route.

Premier Doug Ford said the initiative is a response to growing concerns over Canada’s energy security and reliance on infrastructure outside its borders.

“Canada can no longer rely on energy infrastructure that lies outside of our borders and can be shut down at a moment’s notice by another country,” Ford said in a statement Thursday. “It’s time for us to build cross-Canada infrastructure within our borders.”

The feasibility study will examine the technical and commercial viability of the corridor, as well as potential benefits to domestic energy security, job creation, and export capacity. It will also consider the establishment of a Canadian Strategic Petroleum Reserve — an emergency fuel stockpile that Canada currently lacks, unlike many International Energy Agency member countries.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said the study comes amid geopolitical instability and new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, arguing that cross-provincial collaboration on trade and energy is essential.

“We are seizing a generational opportunity to bring sustainable prosperity to our northern communities and strengthen both Ontario and Canada’s economy,” said Surma.

The governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan — both partners in a memorandum of understanding with Ontario — voiced their support.

“We are securing long-term energy access for families and businesses, creating thousands of jobs, and opening new doors for trade and investment,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said, calling it a “defining moment” for Canadian energy independence.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe added that energy and trade infrastructure like pipelines and rail are key to sustaining jobs and growing exports.

The study will also assess complementary development opportunities, including road access to Northern Ontario’s Ring of Fire mineral deposits, broadband infrastructure, and local social facilities.

Ontario says Indigenous consultation will be central to the process. The province will create an Indigenous engagement roadmap aligned with section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, ensuring meaningful consultation and consideration of Indigenous equity participation.

The proposed energy corridor builds on a recent agreement among the three provinces to collaborate on energy development, including nuclear and critical minerals, with the aim of strengthening national infrastructure and workforce resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Aecon expands U.S. presence with the acquisition of Bodell Construction, a non-union industrial contractor operating across the western and southern United States.
• Bodell’s leadership and 150-person team will remain in place and collaborate with Aecon’s industrial division to support growth in key U.S. sectors like oil and gas, mining, and power generation.
• The deal strengthens Aecon’s industrial capabilities and recurring revenue base while positioning the company to scale operations in the Mountain States and enter new geographic markets.

The Whole Story:

Aecon Group Inc. has acquired Utah-based Bodell Construction Company, a privately owned industrial contractor with operations across the western and southern United States, the company announced Thursday.

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Bodell employs roughly 150 people and specializes in projects in the oil and gas, mining, water and wastewater, and power generation sectors. The company operates as a non-union contractor.

Aecon said Bodell’s existing management team will remain in place and work closely with Aecon’s industrial division to lead the business and support the Canadian firm’s U.S. expansion strategy.

“This transaction strengthens our core industrial capabilities, increases recurring revenue, and positions Aecon for expansion in key U.S. sectors and target markets,” Aecon CEO Jean-Louis Servranckx said in a statement.

John Singleton, senior vice-president of industrial at Aecon, said the acquisition would allow the company to scale operations in the Mountain States region and beyond.

Bodell president and CEO Sean Davis said the deal would allow the company to grow more quickly while offering “expanded services” to its existing clients as part of the Aecon group.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Key Takeaways:

• MacKellar’s five-year, $2-billion extension in Queensland is the largest deal North American Construction Group has ever signed, adding about $800 million to the original 2022 agreement.
• The award pushes NACG’s total contractual backlog to a record $4 billion, with roughly three-quarters tied to Australian projects, giving the company clear revenue visibility through 2029.
• The amended contract introduces performance-based risk-and-reward provisions but requires no additional growth capital, as the mine will continue operating at its current run rate.

The Whole Story:

Alberta-based North American Construction Group Ltd. (NACG) has landed the largest contract in its 70-year history after its Australian subsidiary, MacKellar Group, secured a five-year extension worth about $2 billion at a coal mine in Queensland.

The amended agreement, which now runs to April 30, 2030, boosts NACG’s contractual backlog to a record $4 billion on a pro-forma basis, up from $3.2 billion at the end of the first quarter. Work in Australia accounts for roughly three-quarters of that total, giving the heavy-equipment contractor “full top-line visibility to 2029 at current levels,” the company said.

MacKellar’s new scope adds roughly $800 million to the original deal signed in 2022. NACG said the extension introduces risk-and-reward provisions tied to operational performance but does not require additional growth capital because the mine will continue at its current production rate.

“Signing the largest contract in our history is a testament to the consistent execution and trusted partnerships we’ve built,” chief executive Joe Lambert said in a statement. “With record-high backlog, including more than $3 billion from Australia alone, we have exceptional revenue visibility through the decade and a rock-solid foundation for long-term growth.”

Chief operating officer Barry Palmer called the extension “a tangible demonstration of the successful and productive relationship we’ve had with this customer since inception in 2022” and said the team is “aligned with this customer’s continued success.”

NACG entered the Australian market two years ago when it purchased MacKellar for about $395 million, expanding its earthmoving fleet and diversifying beyond Canada’s oil-sands sector. Operating since 1966, MacKellar specializes in heavy earthmoving equipment and has worked on major mining and civil projects across Australia.

Headquartered west of Edmonton, NACG provides heavy construction and mining services in Canada and Australia. Its shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol NOA.