Author: Russell Hixson

Key Takeaways:

• The Manitoba Jobs Agreement ensures contractors give priority to Manitoba workers on major public infrastructure projects, starting with four new schools.
• The deal sets standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions, and includes apprenticeship targets to support workforce development.
• The agreement establishes a model for all provincial projects over $50 million, aiming to keep work on time, on budget, and built to high standards.

The Whole Story:

The Manitoba government has signed its first jobs agreement with Manitoba Building Trades, a deal aimed at ensuring local workers are front and centre on major public projects, starting with the construction of four new schools.

Premier Wab Kinew announced Tuesday that the Manitoba Jobs Agreement will apply to all contractors and workers involved in the projects, setting standards for wages, benefits and working conditions. It also includes targets for apprenticeship hours to support training and workforce development.

“Manitoba workers are the driving force of our economy,” Kinew said. “We’re creating Manitoba jobs for Manitobans, by making sure our province is built with good, family-supporting jobs in the trades.”

The agreement, which applies to projects worth $50 million or more, is intended to become a template for future provincial infrastructure work. Kinew said the policy is designed to keep projects on time and on budget while giving Manitoba workers priority access to jobs.

Tanya Palson, executive director of Manitoba Building Trades, called the deal “a win for Manitoba workers and for our entire industry.”

The four new kindergarten-to-Grade 8 schools will be built in Winnipeg’s Devonshire Park and Prairie Pointe neighbourhoods, in West St. Paul’s Meadowlands area and in southwest Brandon.

The wait is over.

The 2025 winners of Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction have officially been revealed. The complete list of honourees, along with biographies showcasing their career milestones and impact, is now available here.

Representing some of Canada’s top construction companies, this year’s class includes leaders from PCL, Metrolinx, EllisDon, Axiom Builders, Sterling Floor & Tile, Amrize, Bird Construction, and Modern Niagara, among others. From managing multi-billion-dollar megaprojects to pioneering digital tools, sustainability initiatives, and innovative construction techniques, these honourees are making a measurable impact across Canada’s built environment.

“These leaders are redefining what’s possible in construction,” said Russell Hixson, editor of SiteNews. “Their vision, dedication, and innovation aren’t just building projects—they’re building communities, careers, and the future of Canada’s industry.”

The Class of 2025 demonstrates the breadth of opportunity in construction. Honourees combine technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to innovation to deliver meaningful impact on projects, teams, and the sector at large.

Selecting this year’s 40 was no easy task. A panel of industry judges reviewed hundreds of nominations to identify the young professionals who best exemplify leadership, achievement, and potential in Canadian construction.

On-Site Magazine and SitePartners, the organizers of the program, congratulated the Class of 2025, recognizing the next generation of leaders who are shaping the Canadian construction landscape with ambition, skill, and forward-thinking vision.

See the class of 2025 and be sure to congratulate all the winners.

Key Takeaways:

• Element5 opened a $107-million expanded mass timber facility in St. Thomas, doubling its plant size and production capacity with a new Glulam production line
• The expansion will create 150 new jobs, growing the workforce to over 325 and strengthening Ontario’s forestry supply chain
• Element5’s mass timber products reduce construction timelines, costs, and carbon emissions while supporting Canada’s need for climate-friendly, modular, and affordable housing

The Whole Story:

Element5, a leading North American mass timber manufacturer, officially opened its expanded St. Thomas facility on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the growth of Canada’s advanced wood construction sector.

The $107-million project includes a new state-of-the-art glued-laminated timber (Glulam) production line and expands the plant from 130,000 square feet to more than 350,000 square feet. Ontario is contributing $8 million through the Invest Ontario Fund to support the expansion, which is expected to create 150 new jobs, bringing the company’s workforce to over 325 employees.

“This expansion represents a bold step forward for Element5, our partners, and the mass timber industry in Canada,” said Chris Latour, president of Element5. “We are proud to provide innovative, sustainable building solutions that help address Canada’s urgent need for affordable, climate-friendly housing and infrastructure.”

Element5, founded in 2015, has delivered more than 300 projects across Canada and the United States, including student residences, luxury condominiums in New York City, arts centres, Indigenous community projects, libraries, offices, and multi-residential housing. The company has also developed a flexible, mass-timber design for multi-unit housing that reduces costs, shortens construction timelines, improves quality, and cuts carbon emissions.

The St. Thomas plant is Ontario’s first certified manufacturer of cross-laminated timber (CLT), and the expansion doubles the facility’s production capacity from 50,000 cubic metres to 100,000 cubic metres annually. When the plant first opened in 2020, it employed just 15 workers; today, the workforce has grown to 175 highly skilled professionals.

Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli said the expansion will strengthen the province’s forestry supply chain and create new opportunities for workers. “Ontario’s forestry and wood manufacturing sectors support tens of thousands of jobs across the province,” Fedeli said. “Element5’s expansion will bolster the wood manufacturing supply chain, increase the forestry sector’s competitiveness, and unlock new opportunities for workers, builders, and homeowners.”

The expansion includes a new 57,000-square-foot lumber sorting building equipped with MiCROTEC’s “Goldeneye” multi-sensor quality scanner, a two-storey, 18,000-square-foot front office built with CLT produced on-site, and large Glulam beams up to 80 feet long and 9 feet deep sourced from Element5’s parent company, Austria-based HASSLACHER group. In total, the materials used in the project sequester 625 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

“The opening of our new site in Canada marks a major milestone — for Element5 as well as for the entire HASSLACHER group,” said Christoph Kulterer, CEO and owner of the HASSLACHER group. “Canada offers the perfect conditions: access to high-quality raw materials, a growing market, and a clear commitment to sustainability. We have come here with a long-term vision — to stay, and to help shape the future of building with wood.”

Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario, said the project supports Ontario’s priorities in affordable housing. “This project advances that focus by supporting a homegrown mass timber supplier that is instrumental in meeting the growing demand for affordable, modular construction,” he said.

With mass timber increasingly recognized as a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional building materials, the expansion positions Element5 as a leader in Canada’s growing advanced wood construction sector.

Project proponents are lining up to get the support of Canada’s recently launched Major Projects Management Office (MPMO).

The MPO was created under Canada’s Building Canada Act, which came into force on June 26, 2025, and was officially launched on August 29, 2025, with Dawn L. Farrell appointed as its first Chief Executive Officer. Its mandate is to accelerate planning, regulatory approvals, and financing for nation-building projects that are in Canada’s national interest, with a goal of reducing review timelines to a maximum of two years via a “one project, one review” approach.

Among the first projects referred to the MPO are LNG Canada Phase 2 in Kitimat, British Columbia (doubling LNG production); the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Bowmanville, Ontario (small modular reactors); the Contrecœur Terminal Container Project in Québec (expanding the Port of Montréal’s capacity by 60 %); the McIlvenna Bay Foran Copper Mine in Saskatchewan (copper/zinc, critical minerals); and the Red Chris Mine expansion in northwest British Columbia (increasing copper output, extending mine life).

Here are some of the major projects that are looking to get the fast-track treatment as well:

Offshore Wind in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s government is strongly pushing for massive offshore wind projects—sometimes described as up to 50–60 gigawatts—to become part of the MPO’s next wave. The vision is to power domestic needs while exporting clean energy to the U.S. Northeast. Ottawa has signalled interest, but so far these wind farms were left out of the first five designated projects. Industry and provincial leaders continue to frame them as nation-building opportunities for Atlantic Canada.

Highway 401 Expansion and Tunnel Proposal

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been publicly lobbying for federal support to expand and reconfigure Highway 401 through the GTA, potentially with new tunnel or expressway segments. Ford argues the project is essential for easing congestion and strengthening trade corridors. Though the MPO’s first projects didn’t include it, the premier has hinted he’s confident it will eventually get designated.

Port of Churchill and Northern Trade Corridor

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew wants to elevate the Port of Churchill from a seasonal shipping option into a four-season export hub for prairie commodities like grain, energy products, and critical minerals. The vision includes new rail, road, and icebreaking capacity. Kinew has pitched it as a strategic counter to U.S. tariffs by giving Western Canada direct access to European and global markets. Ottawa has acknowledged it as an early-stage MPO candidate.

Toronto–Québec City High-Speed Rail (Alto)

The long-discussed high-speed rail project linking Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City is seen as a transformative national infrastructure initiative. The Cadence consortium is working on proposals, and Ottawa has signalled the project is under active development. While it wasn’t among the MPO’s first tranche, media and industry coverage consistently place it on the shortlist of “next” projects.

Alberta Carbon Capture & Storage Network

The Pathways Alliance and Alberta government are advocating for a province-wide carbon capture and storage (CCS) network. The project would serve as critical backbone infrastructure for oil sands and heavy industry to meet emissions reduction targets. While new oil pipelines were excluded from the initial MPO list, CCS has been flagged as a likely future candidate, fitting Ottawa’s emphasis on industrial decarbonization.

Alberta-to-Prince Rupert Pipeline Concept

Premier Danielle Smith has promoted the idea of a new crude oil pipeline connecting Alberta’s resources to tidewater at Prince Rupert, B.C. This would diversify export routes beyond the U.S. market. However, federal officials avoided including oil pipelines in the first MPO wave, making this a politically charged but still actively lobbied concept.

Prairie Economic Gateway (Calgary)

The City of Calgary, led by Mayor Jyoti Gondek, has asked Ottawa to designate the Prairie Economic Gateway logistics hub as a project of national interest. The proposal would create a rail-served, industrial logistics super-hub to expand prairie trade capacity and strengthen national supply chains. While not yet formally adopted by the MPO, the lobbying effort underscores municipalities’ interest in tapping into the program.

Key Takeaways:

• Ottawa has cleared the Ksi Lisims LNG project to proceed to the permitting stage, marking the first approval under the amended Impact Assessment Act and the first to incorporate the Nisga’a Final Agreement.
• Backed by the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG and Western LNG, the $10-billion terminal near the Nass River is expected to create jobs, generate revenues for Indigenous and regional communities, and expand Canada’s LNG exports to Asia.
• While the review found limited but significant adverse effects, the project must meet strict, legally binding conditions to mitigate impacts on fish, birds, Indigenous health, cultural heritage and marine ecosystems.

The Whole Story:

The federal government has given the green light for the Ksi Lisims LNG project in northern British Columbia to advance to the permitting stage, following a joint environmental review led by the province and the Nisga’a Nation. Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin announced Monday that while the project is expected to have some adverse effects in areas of federal jurisdiction — including on fish, birds and Indigenous rights — those impacts are considered limited with mitigation measures and justified in the public interest.

The $10-billion proposal, located near the Nass River estuary on Nisga’a territory, calls for the construction of a natural gas liquefaction and marine terminal facility. Backed by the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG Limited Partnership and Western LNG LLC, the development would process natural gas delivered by pipeline from northeastern B.C. and ship it to markets in Asia. Proponents say the project could generate thousands of construction jobs and significant revenues for Indigenous and regional communities, while helping diversify Canada’s trade.

“There’s never been a more critical time to diversify our economy and reduce reliance on the U.S., and B.C. is leading the way in Canada, with clean electricity, skilled workers and strong partnerships with First Nations,” said B.C. Premier David Eby. “I want to congratulate Nisga’a Nation and their partners on this important project milestone and the opportunity it represents for the Nisga’a people and local communities.”

Under the terms of the minister’s decision, the companies must comply with binding conditions to reduce environmental damage, safeguard Indigenous health and cultural heritage, and establish monitoring programs to ensure the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Ottawa says the project sets a precedent as the first to be approved under the amended federal Impact Assessment Act, and the first to incorporate requirements from the Nisga’a Final Agreement, B.C.’s first modern treaty.

The decision comes as Canada looks to expand its liquefied natural gas sector to strengthen its position as a reliable global energy supplier. But the project has also drawn scrutiny, with Indigenous groups raising concerns about the broader impacts of increased marine traffic along B.C.’s north coast. Federal officials say those issues will continue to be addressed in consultation with affected communities.

From turning wrenches as a young heavy-duty mechanic to leading the Western Canadian operations of one of the country’s largest rental providers, Justin Wharton’s career has been shaped by a deep passion for the equipment rental industry. Now Director of Operations – Canada West at Cooper Equipment Rentals, he has overseen remarkable growth in the region while helping contractors adapt to evolving challenges—from technology adoption and safety demands to labour shortages and trade uncertainty. In this Q&A with SiteNews, Wharton reflects on his journey, the trends shaping construction, and how Cooper is supporting customers, workers, and communities across Western Canada.

SiteNews: Tell me a bit about how you found yourself in the construction sector and equipment rentals. Is this where you thought your career would take you?

Justin Wharton: I started out as a heavy-duty mechanic and, by the time I was 22, was a service manager for a local rental company. A few years later, I built and sold a business in the automotive sector, but I knew I wanted to get back to the rental industry – it’s where I’d always felt the strongest pull. That path led me to co-found Alberta Lift, a rental company specializing in aerial equipment, serving southern Alberta.

In 2017, we were acquired by Cooper Equipment Rentals. It felt like a natural fit. Our approach to customer service and company values really aligned, which was something that mattered a lot to us when looking for a partner.

After the acquisition, I stayed on to help grow Cooper’s presence in Western Canada. Back then, we only had 11 or 12 branches in the region. Today, we’ve grown to 23 and we’re still expanding. The goal is to continue increasing our reach, improve equipment availability, and offer even more flexibility and support for customers throughout Alberta and across Western Canada.

You have been with Cooper Equipment Rentals for more than eight years, focusing on the company’s western operations. What sort of trends have you seen evolve over those years?

Today’s industry is shifting toward efficiency and intelligence. Leaders are looking for innovative ways to optimize budgets and make strategic decisions. With tariffs always on the horizon, building resilience and foresight has never been more critical.

One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen over the years is in technology. It’s not just about how far the tech itself has come, but how we’re actually using the data from our equipment. It’s opening doors we wouldn’t have imagined before. Data-driven insights are becoming a must-have for our customers.

As rental providers, we’ve come a long way in figuring out what information really matters and how it can help our customer’s business – whether it’s improving jobsite efficiency, winning more bids, hitting deadlines, or creating safer work environments. But it’s not without its challenges. Keeping that data accurate, complete, and up to date is a big task across the industry.

Another major trend we’re seeing is growth in the rental equipment market overall. More contractors are realizing the benefits of renting equipment for specific projects. It gives them the flexibility they need without the commitment and cost of owning equipment. Our specialty divisions like heating, pump & power, and trench safety have been growing too. We’ve now got 3 stand alone climate branches in Western Canada, and more and more customers are turning to our team for help to plan jobs, stay compliant, and keep their crew safe.

What are the biggest issues impacting your customers right now?

Our Western Canada customers are no strangers to adversity. Just as the industry began to recover from supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and productivity challenges brought on by COVID … a whole new set of pressures have emerged. This is the reality of doing business today – it demands strength, resilience, and adaptability from the whole industry. Of course the growing uncertainty around tariffs and trade relations are making everyone uneasy. This isn’t just a concern in Western Canada – it’s being felt nationwide. These tensions are causing disruptions across supply chains and we’re seeing some customers delay projects. Safety is also top of mind for all our customers. Recent accidents on jobsites across Alberta have put a spotlight on safety practices and promoted a push for more stringent regulations. Our customers are actively seeking support and solutions to ensure the safety of their workers is the number one priority.

Cooper Equipment Rentals has been adamant about focusing on building up local communities and supporting local businesses, especially Indigenous ones. What are some ways Cooper is doing this in Western Canada?

We’re proud to partner with a number of Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada. For us, it’s about so much more than just checking a box and sharing revenue. We want to build long term relationships and actually make an impact in the communities – through employment, B2B partnerships, and broader economic prosperity.

This approach really reflects our values – it just makes sense. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s smart business. We’ve seen how job creation can make a big difference in Indigenous communities, especially for young people who want to stay close to home instead of having to move to bigger cities. We’re also working on scholarships and collaborating with recruiters to help increase Indigenous representation within our company and the wider industry. In Kamloops, our branch is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. While this location came to us through an acquisition, its presence has underscored the importance of understanding what it means to operate on Indigenous lands and the responsibility that comes with it.

Our focus is on listening, showing up, and building trust with communities. To support this commitment, we’re currently developing our Canada-wide Reconciliation Action Plan, which includes specific calls to action for the construction industry. It’s going to guide our efforts in 2025 and beyond and help us stay focused on doing things the right way.

Labour has long been a challenge for the construction sector. How has this impacted your operations and what strategies have been successful for you when it comes to filling key roles?

The labour market is tough right now. Everyone’s feeling the pressure. If we want to build a workforce that’s ready for the future, we’ve got to invest in training, development, and keeping good people around for the long haul.

That means more than just filling roles. It’s about building skills, keeping workers safe, and giving folks real opportunities to grow. When we focus on those things, we start to close the talent gap and create teams that are more capable and flexible.

But attracting talent is only half the battle. To keep the right people around, the industry needs to work on building the right culture – one built on open communication, regular feedback, good coaching, mentorship, and showing people that there’s a real career path ahead. People need to feel supported if we want them to stick around.

At Cooper, we’ve leaned into foreign worker programs to help fill some of those gaps, and in many of our branches, it’s worked really well. We’ve brought in skilled labour from overseas, and it’s been one of our most successful strategies.

That said, not every market is the same. Downtown Vancouver is one of the hardest places to recruit. The cost of housing is so high, it makes it incredibly difficult to attract and keep workers in the area. It’s a big challenge, and one we’re still working to solve.

At the end of the day, every worker should go home to their family, safe and sound. What safety issues have you seen in your market and what steps is Cooper Equipment Rentals taking to ensure new workers feel safe when they decide to enter the industry?

Construction safety has come a long way over the past couple of decades. We’ve seen major improvements in regulations, equipment, and training – but there’s still work to do. One of the biggest challenges the industry still faces is breaking away from that old “tough guy” mentality. If we’re serious about protecting people, we need to keep pushing for a culture shift. Cooper continues to grow because we’re committed to helping our customers stay safe and compliant. Internally, we run team based reward programs that highlight great safety performance, and our “Take 10” initiative reminds workers to pause and assess their surroundings before starting any task. We’ve found taking just 10 seconds can make all the difference.

We’re also leveraging tech – especially when it comes to onboarding new team members and managing safety programs. Tools like fleet monitoring and digital compliance tracking are helping us make smarter and more proactive decisions.

Looking ahead, we expect to see tighter enforcement of safety bylaws at both municipal and provincial levels. Recent trench accidents have drawn media attention and put the spotlight back on our industry. That pressure is pushing everyone to step up, and stricter enforcement is likely on the horizon. If we want a strong, sustainable construction industry in Canada, safety has to be a top priority. We can’t thrive without it. It’s on all of us – companies, workers, and government to work together and make sure safety is a top priority.

Builders are often asked to do more with less. What are some ways that the industry can boost productivity and what are some of the biggest barriers to getting projects completed, particularly when it comes to housing?

If we want to move the needle on productivity, we’ve got to tackle the bigger roadblocks: labour shortages, safety, zoning delays, and approval processes that take way too long. Looking ahead, there’s reason to be optimistic. Both 2025 and 2026 are shaping up to be strong years for infrastructure investment. We’re already seeing signs of momentum on government-led projects like LRT lines, hospitals, data centres, and energy facilities – projects that create steady demand and long-term stability for the whole sector.

One big development to watch is the new Building Canada Act (Bill C-5). It could be a real game changer. The “one project, one review” concept aims to simplify and speed up the approval process for national projects by cutting down on overlapping reviews between federal and provincial governments. If it works as intended, it’ll mean faster, more predictable timelines, less red tape, and more investment flowing into the projects that matter.

How has the escalating trade war impacted Cooper Equipment Rentals and its western customers and what are some ways the industry can insulate itself against these issues?

Canada can’t afford to keep leaning so heavily on one market. Just as we saw in the early days of the pandemic, uncertainty with the U.S. means projects can slow, contracts can pause, and confidence can waver. For our customers, that creates real pressure. At Cooper, our role is to stand beside our customers and help them navigate whatever comes next. But we can’t just react – we need to build for the long term. For us, that’s meant doubling down on Canadian suppliers and investing in strong, lasting relationships here at home. Manufacturers like Skyjack—A Canadian company—are proof that when we spend locally, we keep value in our own economy. We’ve also been working closely with government leaders in B.C., Alberta, and across the country to ensure future infrastructure spending supports Canadian businesses, strengthens supply chains, and creates durable local jobs.

If there’s one lesson we’d share with the industry, it’s this: know where your money’s going. Not every company that calls itself Canadian truly is. Now’s the time to shorten supply chains, rethink contracts, and build partnerships that back Canadian workers and businesses. The road ahead won’t be easy, but the opportunity is right in front of us. We already have the people, the resources, and the expertise. The challenge—and the opportunity—is to picture a future where we rely less on others and more on ourselves, then put in the work to build it.

What is the best part of your job and why?

For me, it’s having the freedom to make decisions that really reflect the needs of our customers here in Western Canada. I grew up in the B.C. interior, so I understand the unique challenges this region faces. Even though Cooper is based in Ontario, they get that every market is different and they trust us to do what makes sense locally.

But honestly, what I enjoy most is helping people. It’s not just about renting out equipment – it’s about supporting customers as they build their businesses, grow their teams, and invest in their communities. That kind of impact is really rewarding. And being able to do all of this at a 100% Canadian-owned company….that just makes it even better.

ICBA Innovation Summit – Oct. 2-3

The 2025 ICBA Construction Innovation Summit is scheduled for Oct. 2–3, 2025, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. This two-day conference will bring together professionals to explore cutting-edge developments in construction technology, leadership, and business strategy. Attendees will hear from more than 35 thought leaders, including Chris Gower, President and CEO of PCL Construction, Jason Schroeder, author and construction expert, and Kevin Bieksa, former NHL player and leadership speaker. A highlight of the summit will be a keynote by Shawn Kanungo on “Strategy in a World of Disruption,” examining how rapid technological advancements and shifting customer expectations are reshaping the construction industry.

P3 2025

P3 2025, hosted by the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships, is Canada’s premier infrastructure conference, taking place October 27–28, 2025 in Toronto. The event convenes leaders from government, construction, finance, and legal sectors to discuss the future of large-scale project delivery, investment, and innovation. In addition to high-level panels and networking opportunities, the conference features the National Awards Gala, celebrating the country’s most impactful P3 projects and partnerships. Widely regarded as a must-attend gathering for builders and policymakers alike, P3 2025 sets the tone for Canada’s infrastructure agenda heading into 2026.

VRCA Awards of Excellence

The VRCA Awards of Excellence is the premier annual gala in BC’s construction sector, celebrating outstanding projects, leadership, and innovation. The 36th edition, on Sept. 19, 2025 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, will recognize winners across Gold and Silver levels, after nominations opened earlier in the year. In 2025 there were 96 project submissions (75 pre-qualified) spanning 18 categories, totaling approximately $4.9 billion in project value. New this year are categories focused on inclusion and accessibility, reflecting evolving industry priorities. Silver Award winners are shortlisted finalists for the top Gold Awards presented at the gala.

COAA AGM & Annual Conference

The Construction Owners Association of Alberta will host its annual AGM and conference, Nation Builders 2025, on November 4–5 in Calgary. This event brings together owners, contractors, and industry leaders in heavy industrial construction to explore best practices in project performance, safety, and workforce development. Known as one of Alberta’s most important construction forums, the conference is designed to spark collaboration and innovation across the province’s energy and infrastructure projects.

ACSA 2025 Conference

Taking place November 5–6, 2025 at Calgary’s BMO Centre, the Alberta Construction Safety Association’s annual conference focuses on building a strong safety culture across the industry. The event combines keynote speakers, technical sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at equipping safety leaders with the tools and strategies to improve workplace outcomes. It is a cornerstone event for companies prioritizing occupational health and safety in Alberta’s construction sector.

Wood Solutions Conference: Calgary 2025

On November 21, 2025, The Westin Calgary Airport will host the Wood Solutions Conference, a major industry gathering dedicated to advancing wood design and construction. The event offers architects, engineers, and builders technical insights into mass timber, sustainable building practices, and innovative wood applications. Organized by the Canadian Wood Council, it’s a key opportunity for professionals interested in low-carbon construction solutions.

BUILDEX Alberta 2025

BUILDEX Alberta returns October 22–23, 2025 at Calgary’s BMO Centre, bringing together thousands of professionals from construction, architecture, engineering, property management, and related fields. The trade show and conference features educational seminars, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities that span the full building industry. As one of Alberta’s largest events of its kind, BUILDEX is a hub for learning about emerging technologies, regulations, and market trends.

BC Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association Annual Fall Conference 2025

From September 14–16, 2025, the BC Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association will hold its Annual Fall Conference in Whistler. The event convenes contractors, suppliers, and government representatives from across the province to discuss infrastructure investment, policy issues, and industry priorities. Renowned for combining business sessions with high-level networking, it serves as a major touchpoint for BC’s heavy construction sector.

RESCON Housing Summit 5.0

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) will hold its fifth annual Housing Summit virtually on September 24, 2025. The free, one-day event brings together government officials, housing advocates, and industry professionals to debate Ontario’s housing challenges and explore solutions to boost supply. As affordability remains a central issue in the province, the summit offers timely insights and policy discussions for builders and developers.

The Buildings Show

The Buildings Show 2025 is a large trade and educational event for the built-environment sector, running December 3-5, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It features over 700 exhibitors, more than 120 educational sessions and workshops, and expects upwards of 18,000 attendees. It spans both the North and South Halls and includes multiple sub-shows: Construct Canada; PM Expo; Homebuilder & Renovator Expo; World of Concrete (Toronto Pavilion); and a new component, IMPEX Canada. Among new additions are a collaboration called WoodWorks at The Buildings Show, an expanded schedule with content on Friday, speed-networking, and exclusive Friday building tours around Toronto.

Key Takeaways:

• Ottawa has launched Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency with $13 billion in initial funding to accelerate affordable housing construction, using federal lands and streamlined approvals.
• The agency will emphasize factory-built, modular and mass timber construction to cut timelines by up to 50% and costs by 20%, while applying a new Buy Canadian policy to boost domestic industries.
• Ana Bailão, former Toronto deputy mayor, has been appointed as CEO, with initial projects including 4,000 homes on six federal sites and programs to protect rental housing and expand supportive housing.

The Whole Story:

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the creation of a new federal agency tasked with building affordable housing at scale, saying it will be central to tackling Canada’s housing crisis.

The agency, called Build Canada Homes, will focus on building transitional and supportive housing, community housing for low-income households and affordable homes for middle-class families. It will also work with provinces, municipalities and Indigenous communities.

Carney said the new body will be capitalized with $13 billion and given access to federal lands through the transfer of Canada Lands Company. The portfolio includes 88 properties spanning 463 hectares across the country.

The initiative is designed to double housing construction, reduce homelessness and restore affordability. Build Canada Homes will emphasize modular, factory-built and mass timber construction, with the aim of cutting building times by half and lowering costs by as much as 20 per cent.

“Build Canada Homes will transform the way government works with the private sector to build,” Carney said in a statement. “We will create an entirely new housing industry using Canadian technology, Canadian workers and Canadian resources.”

The agency will also adopt a “Buy Canadian” policy, prioritizing the use of domestic lumber, steel, aluminum and other building materials.

Ana Bailão, a former Toronto city councillor and deputy mayor, has been appointed as the agency’s first chief executive officer. Bailão previously spearheaded Toronto’s Housing Now program and most recently worked in the private sector on affordable housing projects.

Initial projects include six federal land sites in Dartmouth, Longueuil, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg and Edmonton. The sites are expected to support 4,000 factory-built homes, with additional capacity for up to 45,000 units.

The agency will also oversee a $1.5-billion rental protection fund to help community groups purchase at-risk apartment buildings, as well as a $1-billion program to build transitional and supportive housing. In Nunavut, it will partner with the territorial housing corporation to develop more than 700 new units.

Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the program is about “building better and building bolder,” while Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne called it “an ambitious step” that will also create skilled jobs.

Build Canada Homes will operate initially as a special agency within the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities department, before becoming a standalone entity next year.

The images of the Tataskweyak Transition Centre still standing after wildfire tore through Split Lake were dramatic on their own. But the real story begins once the smoke cleared — in understanding why this building performed differently than so many others in fire-prone regions.

The answer lies in choices made long before flames appeared on the horizon. Prefabricated panel assemblies closed the building faster and reduced exposure points. Magnesium cement sheathing resisted ignition, held its strength under extreme heat, and released steam instead of toxic smoke, helping safeguard structures and air quality during fire events. Together, these details turned a vulnerable construction site into a resilient community facility.

ZS2 Technologies flagship product is TechPanel® — a Canadian-manufactured system that combines framing, insulation, and a highly fire-resistant magnesium cement sheathing. Unlike conventional stick framing or poured concrete, TechPanel® arrive manufactured to spec, with openings pre-cut for windows, doors, and mechanical systems. Crews can take a project from foundation to full enclosure in less time, with fewer people and less waste than traditional methods. The system combines the benefits of material science with the performance of prefabrication — delivering a continuous envelope that resists mold, water, fire, and pests while providing exceptional thermal performance in the harshest climates.

At the core of that performance is magnesium cement technology. “As an element, magnesium oxide is one of the most stable elements at high heat known to man,” said Scott Jenkins, ZS2 CEO. “It doesn’t just avoid ignition; it doesn’t add fuel to the fire. What mattered in Split Lake was pairing that science with a tight, fast, panelized assembly.”

The 9,766 sq. ft. Transition Centre was built with a full TechPanel® envelope — roof, walls, and floors. SEKO Construction, a design-build firm trusted across northern and Indigenous communities, led the full execution of the Transition Centre. From the foundation to the installation of the TechPanel® roof, walls, and floors, the team ensured the detailing and finish required for long-term performance. The result was a facility enclosed quickly, with precise connections and no gaps.  The footage speaks for itself — when wildfire swept through Split Lake, the facility stood virtually unscathed.

“In northern remote communities, fire and mold resiliency are huge issues,” said SEKO Vice President Peter Shoulak. “ZS2’s system ticks those boxes, and when products perform, it’s easy for us to direct our design team to use them.”

In an upcoming webinar on Sept. 18,ZS2  will detail the project from both the material innovation side and the builder execution side.

“You’ll get a chance to ask some thought provoking questions about how we are currently building and how we should be building and how that can be integrated with other technologies, whether it’s residential, commercial, industrial.” said Jenkins. “We didn’t create cold fusion. We made a better cement, and that cement makes better building materials”

“When we find partners that are good partners, when we find products that are good products, it’s easy for us to dictate to our design team that they use those products,” said Shoulak. 

SEKO and ZS2 have gone on to partner on numerous projects, including a daycare building for the Yellow Quill First Nation, a hockey arena at the Cote First Nation and the Blue Sky Healing Centre at the Pine Creek First Nation.

Construction at Split Lake meant navigating extremes — from installing panels in –30°C winter conditions to withstanding wildfire heat months later. While the wildfire case is extreme and dramatic, the more mundane benefits are equally impressive.Offsite manufacturing made the system rapid and deployable in a remote setting.

Through collaboration, ZS2 provided the resilient shell and SEKO delivered the execution — together ensuring faster builds, fewer delays, and predictable logistics in a challenging environment. Energy performance was just as critical. Lytton, B.C. tragically was devastated by wildfire flames but few know about the region’s ongoing energy crisis. 

“The year after B.C. had its hottest summer on record it had its coldest winter on record,” said Jenkins. “Community members had $1,000 energy bills to heat their homes.”

ZS2’s rigid insulation dramatically brings these costs down while also increasing disaster performance.

Jenkins also foresees that ongoing extreme weather events are already creating a challenge for insurance companies that climate resilient technology can address. Insurance providers in North America are already pulling out of disaster-prone regions. 

“The industry is going to be forced to change because people won’t live in a home that can’t be insured,” said Jenkins. “It will be a massive paradigm shift.”

The facility’s survival came down to details: fire resistant sheathing, tight panel connections with no gaps, and a gravel lot line that slowed the spread of flames. Together, those choices added up to resilience. The bigger picture is clear. This wasn’t luck — it was the result of specifying the right materials and systems from the start. If it can work in a remote northern community facing climate swings and wildfire threats, it can work anywhere.

Cities and communities are demanding high-performance solutions that are faster, safer, and stronger — and the right builders with the right materials can deliver them.

He and Shoulak encouraged builders and owners to attend the webinar to get a deep dive into the technology that saved the Tataskweyak Transition Centre, the lessons learned, and what this project means for the future of climate-resilient construction.

Key Takeaways:

• Teck and Anglo American will merge to form Anglo Teck, headquartered in Vancouver, which will rank among the world’s top five copper producers with more than 70% copper exposure.
• The merger is expected to generate US$800 million in annual synergies within four years and an additional US$1.4 billion in annual EBITDA from 2030–2049 through expanded Chilean copper production.
• Anglo Teck has committed $4.5 billion in Canadian investments over five years, including life-extension and critical-minerals projects, while maintaining jobs and honouring Indigenous agreements.

The Whole Story:

Teck Resources Ltd. and Anglo American PLC have agreed to merge in an all-share, at-market transaction that will create “Anglo Teck,” a Canada-headquartered mining company the partners say will be a top-five global copper producer with more than 70% exposure to the metal.

Under the arrangement, each Teck class A common share and class B subordinate voting share will be exchanged for 1.3301 Anglo American ordinary shares. Eligible Canadian Teck shareholders may elect exchangeable shares in a Canadian subsidiary with the same economic and voting rights. On closing, Anglo American shareholders are expected to own about 62.4% of Anglo Teck and Teck shareholders about 37.6 per cent.

Anglo American’s board intends to declare a special dividend of about US$4.5 billion (approximately US$4.19 per share) to its shareholders ahead of completion, subject to customary conditions.

The companies said the combined group will be headquartered in Vancouver with corporate offices in London and Johannesburg. Duncan Wanblad will serve as chief executive, Teck’s Jonathan Price as deputy CEO, and John Heasley as chief financial officer. Sheila Murray is to chair the board. Each company will nominate half of the non-executive directors.

Anglo Teck is expected to list in London as its primary market and maintain listings on the Johannesburg and Toronto stock exchanges. A New York presence is planned via American depositary receipts, all subject to exchange approvals.

The partners said the merger is backed unanimously by both boards and is expected to close in 12 to 18 months, pending shareholder, court and regulatory approvals, including under the Investment Canada Act and competition reviews in several jurisdictions.

The companies forecast pre-tax recurring annual synergies of about US$800 million by the end of year four after closing, with roughly 80 per cent realized by the end of year two. They also outlined additional average pre-tax annual underlying EBITDA uplifts of about US$1.4 billion from 2030 to 2049 by optimizing two adjacent Chilean copper operations, Collahuasi and Quebrada Blanca, working with joint-venture partners. That integration is expected to add about 175,000 tonnes of potential annual copper production over that period.

Anglo Teck’s copper portfolio will include Collahuasi and Quebrada Blanca in Chile, Quellaveco and Antamina in Peru, Los Bronces in Chile and Highland Valley Copper in B.C. The group will also retain premium iron ore operations in South Africa and Brazil and the Red Dog zinc mine in Alaska, along with Teck’s Trail metallurgical complex in B.C.

As part of commitments offered under the Investment Canada Act, the companies said Anglo Teck will keep its global headquarters in Canada, maintain Canadian employment levels with no net reduction tied to the merger, and invest at least C$4.5 billion over five years. Planned spending includes the Highland Valley Copper life-extension project, upgrades at Trail — including potential increases in germanium and other critical-minerals output — and advancing copper projects such as Galore Creek and Schaft Creek in northwestern B.C. The group also plans at least C$300 million for Canadian critical-minerals exploration and technology and will honour existing agreements with Indigenous governments, communities and unions.

Anglo American said it remains committed to its portfolio simplification, including separating De Beers and completing planned divestitures of steelmaking coal and nickel.

Teck separately noted it is conducting a comprehensive operations review to conclude by October 2025 and continues to advance a “QB Action Plan” at Quebrada Blanca to support a return to full production.

Transcript: Hello, everyone. Welcome back to Digging In from SiteNews. We are going through the week’s biggest construction headlines. And man, we have some major breaking news that broke late this week. So we have four top stories. First, nation building project list leaks. Second up, Bird construction is taking to the high seas. Third, PCL has completed a historic digital consolidation project. And finally, Quebec has pulled the plug of support on a $7 billion EV project. And of course, stick around for the end. You can listen to our bonus story, which is about protecting ancient graffiti and Canada’s role in that. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

So one of our top stories, there’s been a leaked draft of 32 potential projects that might qualify under Ottawa’s New Building Canada Act. So these are major infrastructure, energy, mining projects, and they could be fast-tracked for approvals. So the list was obtained by the Globe and Mail. It’s not final, but it kind of offers one of the clearest looks at some of the projects that Mark Carney is looking at. I mean, we’ve had bits and pieces here and there, but this is the most fulsome view we have. Of projects that could be subject to the Building Canada Act. So let’s rattle off some of them that made this leaked preliminary list. So first, we have the Northwest Coast Oil Pipeline from Alberta to BC. We have LNG Canada Phase 2, which I believe we wrote about this recently because a major kind of early works contract was awarded for this. You also have KSI, LISMS, LNG, and KSI. So these are the Nisga’a nations LNG project. Port expansions at Churchill, in Quebec, St. John, and also Vancouver’s Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project. So a lot of port projects, although I believe Carney mentioned some of these recently. Ring of Fire mining projects, Darlington small modular reactors. As people in Ontario know, most of Ontario’s power is nuclear, and they’re trying to expand that. Bay de Nord offshore oil project, and just a bunch of others. So it’ll be really interesting to see if that list becomes pared down. And maybe this was purposely leaked just to get the public’s reaction to see if there’s any kind of hot button projects that they might want to avoid or nix from it.

Next up, Bird Construction has acquired FRPD. So Fraser River Pile and Dredge. So they are Canada’s largest marine land foundation and dredging company. And the transaction is valued at about $82.3 million. So this company is headquartered in New Westminster, BC, right on the Fraser River. And FRPD was founded in 1911. So that’s before World War One. And they employ about 300 people. So Bird said the purchase is expected to strengthen its infrastructure portfolio by adding national marine construction and land foundation expertise. While also enhancing their profit margins. So on a pro forma basis, they expect this new new company to generate about $160 million in revenue. So why is this interesting? Exactly about one year ago, Bird acquired Jacob Bros for 135 million. So this is kind of a continuation of Bird’s aggressive acquisition strategy in these large purchases. And this is also during a kind of an uncertain period of time. So they’re trying to build a new company, and they’re trying to build a certain economic time. So it’s really interesting to see Bird kind of double down on the strategy, despite some of the geopolitical challenges that we’re facing right now, and just kind of the confidence that they have in the current market.

So next up, PCL, one of the largest construction companies in Canada. I think it’s the largest construction company in Canada. So they’ve just completed a sweeping digital transformation, consolidating 26 separate enterprise resource planning systems into one single company. So they’re going to be building a new company, one single Microsoft Azure cloud platform. And this was completed by Syntax Systems. And they say that this is one of North America’s largest ever ERP consolidations. It was a multi year project that unified kind of decades of fragmented payroll and operations infrastructure across, you know, more than 370 financial entities. And it migrated all that data, it streamlined all those workflows. This was just like a massive, massive, massive, massive, massive, massive, massive, massive, massive lift, you know, at an $8 billion contractor. And so they say it’s going to provide greater agility for their finance, payroll, supply chain and project execution. So why do we care about this? Why does this matter? Well, I think in my experience, from what I’ve seen, during my coverage of the sector, what’s often what often happens that kind of these large, sophisticated contractors and is proven out amongst them can trickle down into smaller ones. And this is also just kind of the largest, or sorry, the latest rather large digitization effort in the construction sector. I know Graham had a major one in the past few years. I’m sure many others have done similar things. And the question is why? Well, one, I think that digitization is just the future of being an efficient company of any kind. But also, you know, the buzzword of all buzzwords, artificial intelligence. So if you do not have structured data, if you don’t have structured data, if you do not have clean, good, organized data for AI to comb through and interface with, it’s like having a digital Word document compared to something scrawled on a piece of paper and crayon. You know, AI can’t do much with that. And so to utilize the tools of the future, I’m guessing that PCL needs to do something like this to make sure that their housekeeping is in order. And so tools that might not even exist today, they will be able to do something like this. And so I think that’s a take advantage of later because they’ve done this heavy lifting.

So next up, we are moving to Quebec. So Quebec Superior Court has declared Northvolt Batteries North America insolvent. So this places it under creditor protection. And this is just after the provincial government withdrew its funding for the company’s $7 billion battery plant that they plan to build near Montreal. I remember them announcing this. It was hailed as just a humongous economic win for the region. So this ruling follows Quebec’s effort to recover about $260 million that is owed by the firm, of which I think nearly $2 million has already been seized from frozen accounts. And Northvolt, which laid off about 50 of its employees this week, they accused the government of just abruptly abandoning the project despite attempts to find investors. But Northvolt, did say would not contest these proceedings. Now, provincial officials say that the company failed to present a plan that met Quebec’s interests. I think this is particularly indicative of the times that we’re in. There have been other struggles in Canada’s EB sector, and other major projects have stalled or been delayed or even abandoned or shelved due to rising costs and trade pressures. You know, I think a lot of things that are outside of these companies are going to be delayed or even abandoned or shelved due to rising costs. Unfortunately, I mean, I think that this is just disappointing to see. I know there were tens of billions of dollars tied up in this industry. And a lot of people were really looking forward to it putting food on their tables for years to come. However, I would say this, I think that we saw years and years of the LNG sector struggle, particularly in BC after it was touted as this huge economic driver. And I think a lot of people had given up on that. Industry or didn’t think that it might happen anytime soon. And look at us now. We have LNG Canada, Wood Fibre LNG, Cedar LNG, the list goes on. We definitely thought we had missed the window in LNG, and that didn’t turn out to be the case. So, you know, I think there’s still hope. And, you know, hopefully in the future, you know, the EV and vehicle plant and battery manufacturing sector can experience a resurgence. And I think that’s going to be a big part of the resurgence after some of these difficult economic times come to a close.

Well, dear listener, you’ve made it to the end of the podcast. And we have the bonus story. Think twice before getting upset at graffiti artists defacing your job site, because it could one day become very cherished history. Because right now, Canada is playing a key role in trying to document ancient graffiti along Asia’s famed Silk Road before it’s gone. So there’s a new dam being built in Pakistan that threatens to erase some of these centuries old carvings that have been left by traders and travelers, missionaries, pilgrims, armies that pass through the region in the route, leaving their mark. This dam, which is set to be complete in about five years, is going to flood the entire region. And so most of this route and most of these carvings will be destroyed. But they’re hoping… to live on thanks to researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. And so what they’re doing is they’re part of an international team that is in the region right now, and they’re using high-tech equipment to do digital scanning of every single rock, every little patch of dirt that has some of these ancient carvings, this ancient graffiti. And so even after this massive dam covers up all this stuff, people are still going to be able to digitally tour it. There’s going to be a 3D model of each rock, so you can walk through these places, and researchers can check it out, and the public can check it out. And this graffiti will live on long after it’s destroyed. So that is this week’s episode. Thank you so much for joining us. If you want more stories and insights, go to readsightnews.com. And of course, once you’re there, you know, give our free newsletter a check and sign up. And we will see you next week. Who knows what major news stories might break, but we will be there to cover them. Goodbye for now.

Newly released before-and-after footage from the June 2025 Split Lake, Manitoba wildfire shows a nearly completed community building still standing after flames passed. As Canada prepares for longer, more dangerous wildfire seasons, the videos offer a clear, real-time look at what fire-resilient construction can mean on the ground.

The Tataskweyak Transition Centre — a 10-room short-term living facility built by SEKO Construction with ZS2 Technologies’ fire-resilient prefabricated TechPanel® system — was in its final stages of construction when the wildfire reached the site. The first clip, originally shared by TikTok user T.R.A.V., shows the fire advancing; the second, filmed by a member of the on-site construction crew, captures the aftermath with the structure virtually unscathed. Together, the footage underscores how material and design choices can determine outcomes when fire strikes.

“We chose ZS2’s panels for their durability, speed of installation, and climate resilience,” said Peter Shoulak, Vice President and Partner at SEKO Construction. “In this case, that decision helped protect a critical piece of infrastructure — and more importantly, our crew. We’ve now seen that choice pay off in the most important way.”

The SEKO on-site team remained on the ground as long as safely possible to support evacuation efforts, helping ensure everyone cleared the area before the wildfire advanced. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the project site.

Built for one of Canada’s harshest and most remote environments, the facility uses ZS2 TechPanel® — a Canadian-manufactured system that combines framing, insulation, and a highly fire-resistant magnesium cement sheathing. The panelized assembly does not ignite, does not produce toxic smoke, and remains stable under extreme heat, helping safeguard structures and air quality during fire events.

“This is what climate resilience actually looks like,” said Scott Jenkins, CEO and Co-Founder of ZS2 Technologies. “The footage speaks louder than anything we could ever say. It is one thing to evaluate in a lab — it is another to survive a wildfire.”

The panels withstood winter installation temperatures of -30°C and fire-related surface heat estimated above +80°C. ZS2’s proprietary magnesium cement technology is also resistant to moisture, mold, and degradation, making it a long-term solution for resilient housing in vulnerable regions. This 10-room transitional living project, offering flexible one- to three-bedroom suites with shared communal spaces, was designed to address diverse family needs.

As wildfires continue to burn across Canada — with New Brunswick facing new threats and smoke from the Prairies triggering ground stops as far away as Boston’s Logan Airport — the footage underscores the urgent need for building systems that are both fast to deploy and built to endure. In this context, the survival of Split Lake’s transition centre isn’t just remarkable, it’s essential. Standing in a remote forest community, still under construction when flames closed in, the facility endured. It shows that fire resilience is not only about flame resistance, but about the synergy of materials, design, and execution working together to protect people and property. Above all, it’s a reminder that resilience is a construction choice made long before the first shovel hits the ground.

Key Takeaways:

• Ottawa is creating a new Major Projects Office to accelerate approvals for housing, energy and industrial developments, while Build Canada Homes will aim to double the pace of residential construction over the next decade.
• A new Buy Canadian policy will require federal projects and Crown corporations to prioritize local suppliers, creating stronger demand for Canadian-made materials and services.
• Expanded loans for small and medium-sized firms, a $5-billion Strategic Response Fund, and reskilling programs for 50,000 workers are designed to give the construction and development sector more capital and skilled labour to deliver projects.

The Whole Story:

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a sweeping package of measures designed to insulate Canadian workers and industries from mounting U.S. tariffs and a rapidly shifting global trade order.

The plan, billed as the most comprehensive suite of trade resilience measures in Canadian history, aims to reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States by strengthening domestic industries, boosting consumer demand at home and broadening international partnerships.

Speaking Thursday in Ottawa, Carney said the world economy has entered a period of profound disruption, with the United States retooling its trade relationships in ways that have shaken global supply chains and injected uncertainty into investment decisions.

“We cannot control what other nations do. We can control what we give ourselves – what we build for ourselves,” Carney said. “Canada is building the strongest economy in the G7, one that is less reliant on foreign powers and more resilient in the face of global shocks.”

$5B response fund and new reskilling package

The centrepiece of the announcement is a new $5-billion Strategic Response Fund that will provide flexible financing to firms in industries hit hardest by tariffs. The government says the money will help companies retool their production lines, diversify their products and expand into new markets.

Workers are also a key focus of the package. Ottawa will launch a reskilling program for up to 50,000 Canadians, extend Employment Insurance benefits for those facing layoffs, and create a digital jobs and training platform with private-sector partners to connect people with new career opportunities.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said the initiatives are aimed at ensuring Canadians can adapt to a rapidly evolving economy. “Canadian workers are the foundation of our economic strength,” she said. “By investing in skills, training, and resources, workers will be ready to adapt to today’s challenges and lead in tomorrow’s economy.”

Buy Canadian policy and business support

The government is also introducing a new Buy Canadian Policy that will require federal departments and Crown corporations to prioritize domestic suppliers. Where Canadian suppliers are unavailable, the policy will mandate local content requirements and extend similar standards to federal funding streams.

Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound said the approach will help secure Canadian supply chains and spur growth. “Through the new Buy Canadian Policy, we are leveraging our purchasing power to strengthen domestic supply chains and drive prosperity,” he said.

Small and medium-sized businesses will see the maximum loan size through the Business Development Bank of Canada rise to $5 million. Larger firms will gain access to more flexible financing through a revamped Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility.

For the auto industry, Ottawa is offering temporary relief by waiving Electric Vehicle Availability Standard requirements for 2026 model-year vehicles and launching a 60-day review aimed at cutting costs.

Fast-tracking major projects

In addition to immediate support, the government announced the creation of a Major Projects Office intended to fast-track “nation-building” infrastructure projects. Officials said the office will be central to speeding up approvals for housing, energy and industrial developments that are key to Canada’s long-term resilience.

Future initiatives will include a Defence Industrial Strategy, a new Trade Diversification Strategy and the launch of Build Canada Homes, a government entity tasked with doubling the pace of residential construction over the next decade.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly described the moves as a turning point. “Canadian industry is the backbone of our country’s economy,” she said. “Our government is investing strategically in our workers and our industries to build the most resilient economy in the G7.”

Responding to U.S. tariffs

The measures come as Canada faces mounting pressure from a wave of U.S. tariffs and trade disputes that have touched sectors ranging from steel and softwood lumber to agriculture and autos.

Dominic LeBlanc, minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, said the government will not hesitate to act when Canadian interests are threatened. “Our government understands the uncertainty and concerns many Canadians are feeling as a result of the tariffs imposed by the U.S.,” he said. “That is why we remain committed to continue using every tool at our disposal to support Canadians and Canadian businesses.”

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne echoed that message, saying the plan will give companies the resources to withstand global turbulence. “These measures will ensure businesses have the liquidity to adapt, workers have the skills to lead, and our economy is built to thrive in a more self-reliant, diversified future,” he said.

Building strength at home

Carney said the government’s goal is to ensure Canadian prosperity is not overly dependent on any one trading partner. “In the face of uncertainty around the world, we are ensuring that our workers and businesses will prosper by building Canada’s strength at home,” he said.

While Canada continues to maintain what officials describe as the “best deal” of any U.S. trading partner, Carney said the country cannot afford to assume that relationship will remain stable. Instead, he argued, the economy must be built on the “solid foundation of strong Canadian industries, robust domestic demand and diverse trade partnerships.”

With global uncertainty discouraging private-sector investment, Carney said Ottawa had no choice but to step in with major public support. “By supporting our workers and industries, we will build Canada strong,” he said.

Transcript: Hello everyone. Welcome back to Digging In the podcast from SiteNews, where we dig into the biggest construction headlines of the week. I’m your host, SiteNews editor in chief, Russell Hixson, and we have some massive news for you all. First up, our first headline, Canada has officially launched its Major Projects Office. After that, number two, we’re going to be looking into big tech as they eye the construction sector for optimization. And our third headline is a trio of humongous project updates in Ontario. And for our fourth story, Westbank has sold their entire stake in the Sen̓áḵw project, so we’re going to be discussing that, and stick around to the end for our bonus story, we’re going to be talking about how minerals are so nice we’re trying to mine them twice. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

So first up, we have some massive news out of Ottawa. Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially launched the major projects office, and it’s opening its headquarters in Calgary, and there are plans for satellite offices in other cities. So what is it? Well, it’s going to act as a single point of contact for companies and governments that are pursuing large scale projects, kind of nation building projects, as they’ve said, these would be ports, railways, energy corridors, critical mineral developments and clean energy initiatives. Kearney has also kind of signaled that some of the first projects that Canada is eyeing are ports. So yeah, they say that this office is going to streamline environmental and regulatory reviews, and they’re trying to get project approval timelines down to no more than two years. And we already know who’s going to be leading this effort. It’s going to be Don Farrell. So they are the former head of the Trans Mountain Corporation and Transalta, and so, yeah, they’re going to be the CEO. And so why does this matter? Well, rather than navigating kind of this patchwork of federal departments and agencies, proponents are going to be able to deal with one entity. And also the government’s been very explicit that they want to prioritize projects of national significance. And so that’s, I think these projects are going to be evaluated in a bit different of a light. So that’s going to be very interesting to see how it rolls out. And, you know, some of the other cities that are going to get these offices.

So next up, we’re going to talk about big tech continuing to turn its gaze towards the construction sector. So Procore and Amazon have signed a multi year strategic collaboration agreement. So it’s going to be aimed at accelerating digital transformation in construction using artificial intelligence analytics and data driven tools. So the two companies say they’re going to co invest in product development and market of marketing market initiatives and also procores construction platform is now available in the Amazon Web Services marketplace. They say that the collaboration will be used to advance the use of AI to streamline project delivery, improve decision making and reduce risk. Obviously, Amazon famously disrupted, you know, brick and mortar stores all bookstores by selling books online. And they’re not the only ones, I think, recently, about a week ago, field AI, which is backed by Nvidia and Bill Gates, they they write programs that control models, that control robotics worldwide that, you know, are used in sectors like construction, energy, logistics, and you know, they’re they’re wanting to use them on construction sites. They raised about $400 million I think they’re valued at $2 billion and so why does this matter? Well, you know, that says it all. The tech industry has a ton of money to throw around. Obviously, Amazon and Nvidia are the biggest companies in the entire world, and if they’re looking at construction, they have vast amounts of capital to disrupt. And it’ll be really interesting to see what Amazon comes up with, and in the coming years, you know what big tech is going to do when it comes to construction, then, you know, they may have a more outside perspective and be able to, you know, come at these problems in in a different way. And obviously, construction is facing a lot of labor challenges. It’s facing a lot of productivity challenge. It challenges. So it could be really fascinating to see what comes from some of these gigantic tech companies.

Finally, it was a big week for Ontario builders. So Ontario is moving forward on several major infrastructure projects. We got some huge updates. So first they awarded a. Uh, the contract for the 9.2 kilometer westward extension of Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT to Trillium rail partners, and so this will add seven new stations and fully integrate rail signaling and communication systems. So also you had Infrastructure Ontario and North York General Hospital issue an RFP for a new patient care tower, and that will add over 300 private rooms and nearly 100 acute care beds and underground parking. And so that’s a major health care project. Also, the province has awarded the first contracts for highway 413, which is a long planned route that’s expected to significantly ease gridlock in Toronto. So for all our Toronto listeners, you know what it’s like to be sitting in that that traffic. And so this is also expected to create 6000 jobs annually during construction and contribute more than $1 billion to Ontario’s GDP. So this could be just a massive impact for Ontario.

So for our fourth and final story, Westbank, a Vancouver based developer, a major developer, has sold its entire ownership stake in the first two phases of the massive Sen̓áḵw housing development right in the heart of Vancouver, and they’ve sold it to OPT Trust, which is the Canadian pension fund manager as a result. So now the Squamish nation and op t trust are equal ownership partners for phase one and two, while the nation has secured full ownership of phases three and four. So why are we talking about this? Well, Westbank hasn’t publicly commented on why they did this, but I suspect a lot of developers, and again, this is not confirmed, but a lot of developers are face facing issues right now with the slump in the condo market. You know, I suspect that west bank wants a bit of liquidity. So, you know, a lot of developers have been selling off assets and trying to get their affairs in order to kind of make it through this challenging time in the development sector. So this could be one way that Westbank is trying to weather current economic conditions, is just get that cash flow going.

All right, for our bonus story, it’s very apt for digging in as we’re digging into mining. That’s right, we’re going back to the mines, as are many others. It seems that the mining industry is facing mounting pressures to meet soaring demand for copper and other critical minerals that are needed for our energy transition, particularly with electric vehicles, solar panels, all those different things. But we have declining ore grades. There’s very long project timelines and waste challenges. So according to a 2020, research paper, the entire world dug up about Sif, 650 million metric tons of copper, between 1910 and 2010 but about 100 million tons never even made it to market, and so experts argue that all that metal is just still sitting there laying in tailings tailings ponds, and it’s potentially Just a massive resource waiting for the right technology to unlock it. So companies are increasingly turning to innovation to try and pick up these table scraps, these crumbs that have fallen by remining tailings, they’re trying to improve grinding and leaching processes and exploring bioengineering solutions to get more value from existing resources, because digging a new mine is dirty, it’s expensive, takes a long time, and it just puts us kind of back in the same situation. So why not go back to places that have already been mined and using modern technology and slurp up those crumbs? That’s what people are doing. And obviously, you know from the top, we explain why this matters. We’re in the midst of a major energy transition. We want to drive electric vehicles. We want to shift our energy over to more sustainable sources. And a lot of these things require these critical minerals, and that’s why I think Canada and a lot of other countries have developed a critical mineral strategy. And yeah, that does it for this week. Thank you so much for joining us. If you want more stories and insights, go to readsite news.com and subscribe to our industry leading newsletter. Until next week, I’m your host, Russell Hixson, we’ll see you in a bit.

Key Takeaways:

• Bird Construction is acquiring Fraser River Pile & Dredge (FRPD) for $82.3 million, a move expected to close in late 2025 pending regulatory approval.
• FRPD brings over a century of expertise in marine construction, dredging, land foundations and environmental remediation, strengthening Bird’s infrastructure portfolio and expanding its self-perform capabilities.
• The deal is expected to boost Bird’s adjusted earnings per share by about 7%, with further growth potential from cross-selling opportunities and operational synergies.

The Whole Story:

Bird Construction Inc. has struck a deal to acquire Fraser River Pile & Dredge (FRPD), Canada’s largest marine infrastructure, land foundation and dredging company, in a transaction valued at $82.3 million.

The acquisition, announced Wednesday, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval under the Competition Act and other customary conditions.

Headquartered in New Westminster, B.C., FRPD was founded in 1911 and employs more than 300 people. The company is the leading provider of marine construction and dredging services in Canada and is also active in land foundation work and marine environmental remediation. Its operations are divided into two business lines: construction and dredging.

The construction division is primarily marine-focused but has also expanded into land foundations, supported by specialized equipment and skilled personnel. The dredging division, meanwhile, maintains shipping routes in the lower Fraser River for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and has carried out complex dredging projects in the North.

Bird said the purchase will strengthen its infrastructure portfolio by adding national marine construction and land foundation expertise, while also enhancing profit margins through more specialized, self-performed work. On a pro forma basis, FRPD is expected to generate about $160 million in revenue and $20 million in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).

“This acquisition is expected to be a catalyst for future growth,” Bird president and CEO Teri McKibbon said in a statement. “FRPD’s expertise complements Bird’s ability to deliver complex projects across industrial, infrastructure and building sectors.”

FRPD president and CEO Sarah Clark said joining Bird marks “a pivotal part” of the company’s 115-year history. “We look forward to leveraging our combined strengths to create additional opportunities across our client bases,” she said.

Bird plans to finance the deal with a new term debt facility. The company also amended its syndicated credit facility, extending its maturity to 2028 and replacing existing term loans with a $215.6-million loan that will help cover the acquisition and other debt repayments.

Bird said the transaction is expected to boost adjusted earnings per share by about seven per cent on a full-year basis compared with 2025 consensus estimates, with potential for further growth through cross-selling opportunities and operational synergies.

The move follows another major acquisition from mid-2024. Bird Construction completed its acquisition of Jacob Bros Construction for approximately $135 million. The deal—consisting of roughly $97.2 million in cash, $38.1 million in equity (via 1.49 million common shares), and the assumption of equipment debt—was finalised on August 1, 2024. Bird’s purchase of the Surrey, B.C.–based civil infrastructure specialist, with over 350 employees, immediately enhanced its scale and diversification in Western Canada’s high-demand infrastructure market.

Key Takeaways:

• Fermeuse Energy Ltd. plans to build a $12–15 billion LNG liquefaction hub at the Fermeuse Marine Base, aiming to export gas from Newfoundland’s Jeanne d’Arc Basin to Europe.
• The project is expected to create thousands of construction jobs and more than 500 permanent positions, with strong support from the Town of Fermeuse.
• The development aligns with provincial and federal goals of using natural gas as a transition fuel and could position Newfoundland and Labrador as a major global LNG supplier.

The Whole Story:

Fermeuse Energy Ltd. has unveiled plans for a massive liquefied natural gas hub on Newfoundland’s east coast, a project the company says could turn the province into a major exporter of LNG to Europe.

The $12-billion to $15-billion development would see the Fermeuse Marine Base converted into a liquefaction hub to process offshore gas from the Jeanne d’Arc Basin. The company estimates the basin holds 9.7 trillion cubic feet of associated gas — more than three times the initial reserves found off Nova Scotia’s Sable Island.

Fermeuse Energy says the project will use advanced LNG technology and take advantage of the marine base’s nearly one kilometre of quayside, heavy-lift capacity and ice-free harbour. The company expects the hub to generate thousands of construction jobs and more than 500 permanent positions.

“This transformative project harnesses Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore gas reserves to create a sustainable energy future,” Fermeuse Energy CEO Swapan Kataria said in a statement Tuesday. “We’re not only building on local expertise to create jobs and economic resilience, but also contributing to Canada’s role in the global energy landscape.”

The Town of Fermeuse has endorsed the plan, with Mayor Jerome Kenny calling it “a tremendous opportunity for economic development” that would bring long-term stability to residents.

The project, which the company promoted ahead of the Gastech 2025 energy conference in Milan, is expected to deliver provincial royalties and align with both provincial and federal government goals of using natural gas as a transition fuel.

Fermeuse Energy is a Newfoundland and Labrador-based firm focused on energy infrastructure and offshore resource development. The company’s partner, Crown LNG Holdings Ltd., specializes in liquefaction and regasification terminals for harsh environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Quebec has officially scrapped the $7-billion Northvolt battery plant after the company failed to deliver a viable plan, leaving the province unable to recoup its $270-million equity stake following Northvolt’s bankruptcy in Sweden.
• Of the $510 million in taxpayer support, Quebec expects to recover only the $240-million loan, while Hydro-Québec will reallocate 352 megawatts of reserved power once earmarked for the plant.
• The failure underscores wider setbacks in Canada’s EV push, with multiple stalled or delayed projects raising questions about the long-term payoff of more than $50 billion in federal and provincial subsidies.

The Whole Story:

Quebec has pulled the plug on the Northvolt battery plant, ending a high-profile but troubled project once billed as a cornerstone of the province’s green industrial strategy.

Economy Minister Christine Fréchette announced Tuesday the government will no longer invest in Northvolt Batteries North America, saying the company failed to present a plan that met Quebec’s interests.

“This venture proved unsuccessful, and we are obviously disappointed,” Fréchette said in a statement, adding the province will seek to recover as much of its investment as possible.

The decision marks the collapse of Northvolt’s $7-billion plan to build a plant in Saint-Basile-le-Grand and McMasterville, south of Montreal. Quebec had backed the project with $510 million in public money, including a $240-million guaranteed loan and a $270-million investment in the Swedish parent company.

Fréchette said the $270 million is lost following Northvolt’s bankruptcy filing in Sweden earlier this year, but the government expects to recover the loan. Hydro-Québec had also set aside 352 megawatts of power for the facility, which will now be reallocated.

The plant was touted as a pillar of Premier François Legault’s “battery sector” strategy, intended to attract research, mining and manufacturing linked to electric vehicle production. Fréchette said other projects remain on track.

Opposition parties blasted the government, accusing the Coalition Avenir Québec of mismanagement. Liberal Leader Pablo Rodriguez called the project “a failure on the planning level and on the execution level.” Québec solidaire’s Ruba Ghazal said Quebecers may never see their money again, while Parti Québécois MNA Pascal Paradis called it “hundreds of millions of dollars … wasted by the CAQ government.”

Canada’s overall EV push has hit major roadblocks, with Honda shelving a $15-billion Ontario battery complex, BASF and Northvolt stalling projects in Québec, GM pausing BrightDrop van output in Ingersoll, and Ford delaying Oakville EV launches. Weakened demand, U.S. tariffs, and ballooning costs have raised doubts about whether Ottawa’s $50-billion bet on foreign-owned battery plants will pay off.

Key Takeaways:

• PCL Construction, working with Syntax Systems, migrated and unified 26 separate ERP systems into a single cloud-based platform on Microsoft Azure — one of the largest projects of its kind in North America.
• The new system integrates more than 370 financial entities and supports global payroll, finance, asset management, project execution and supply chain management, improving reporting accuracy, reducing duplication, and lowering IT risk.
• By moving decades of infrastructure to the cloud, PCL has built a scalable, secure foundation to streamline operations, enhance governance and support future digital initiatives across its $8-billion annual business.

The Whole Story:

PCL Construction has completed a multi-year digital transformation that overhauled its global payroll and operations systems, consolidating decades of fragmented infrastructure into a single cloud environment.

The Edmonton-based builder partnered with Syntax Systems to migrate and unify 26 separate enterprise resource planning (ERP) instances into one system hosted on Microsoft Azure. The project, billed as one of the largest ERP consolidations in North America, was finalized last month.

PCL chief information officer Mark Bryant said the work fundamentally changes how the 119-year-old company operates.

“Through close collaboration with Syntax, we’ve moved decades of fragmented infrastructure to the cloud,” Bryant said. “This not only streamlines how we operate but equips us with the agility and insights to support our long-term strategy.”

For decades, PCL’s operations grew across multiple regions and business units, each maintaining its own ERP system on legacy IBM AS/400 infrastructure. The decentralized setup made reporting difficult, limited scalability and introduced operational risks.

To address this, Syntax and PCL devised a phased roadmap. Early stages involved migrating the ERP environments to the Syntax Enterprise Cloud. The final consolidation on Microsoft Azure now supports core functions including finance, payroll, asset management, project execution and supply chain management.

“Consolidating our ERP environment on Azure marks a pivotal shift in how PCL operates financially across its global footprint,” said Glen Anderson, PCL’s vice-president of finance and commercial risk. “We’ve significantly improved reporting accuracy, eliminated duplication, and reduced risk — while building a flexible platform to scale with our business.”

Syntax CEO Christian Primeau said the transformation demonstrates how large, asset-intensive enterprises can simplify operations. “Together, we’ve delivered a customer-centric ERP model for enterprises looking to scale without complexity,” he said.

According to the companies, the project has integrated more than 370 financial entities into a single platform, migrated and validated two years of financial and payroll history, and streamlined workflows using Microsoft’s Power Platform to reduce errors and speed execution. Hosting on Azure also provides high availability, scalability and enterprise-grade security.

PCL, one of North America’s largest general contractors, completes more than $8 billion US in work annually. Company officials say the new platform will strengthen governance, improve data accuracy and reduce IT overhead, while better preparing the firm for future digital initiatives.

PCL leaders are scheduled to present details of the transformation at the JD Edwards INFOCUS 2025 conference in Denver this September.

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta will introduce a 2% levy on hardware for data centres of 75 MW or more starting Dec. 31, 2026, offset against corporate income taxes once facilities are profitable.
• The province is considering payment-in-lieu-of-tax and deferral programs to provide cost stability during construction and early operation.
• The measure is part of Alberta’s strategy to attract AI infrastructure investment, emphasizing cooling efficiencies, low-cost electricity, and a competitive tax system.

The Whole Story:

Alberta will introduce a 2% levy on computer hardware for large-scale data centres beginning Dec. 31, 2026, a move the province says will ensure the industry contributes fairly while maintaining its competitiveness.

The levy will apply to grid-connected facilities with power capacities of at least 75 megawatts. The province said the measure was developed following a six-week consultation with industry stakeholders.

To avoid additional costs once data centres become profitable, the levy will be fully offset against provincial corporate income taxes.

“Alberta’s government has a duty to ensure Albertans receive a fair deal from data centre investments,” said Nate Glubish, minister of technology and innovation. “This approach strikes a balance that we believe is fair to industry and Albertans, while protecting Alberta’s competitive advantage.”

Treasury Board president and Finance Minister Nate Horner said the government is also considering options to provide more cost stability, including a payment in lieu of taxes program to allow for predictable annual payments, and a deferral program to ease cash-flow pressures during construction and early operations.

“After working closely with industry, we’re introducing a fair, predictable levy that ensures data centres pay their share for the infrastructure and services that support them,” Horner said. “This approach provides stability for businesses while generating new revenue to support Alberta’s future.”

The province said qualifying data centres will be recognized as designated industrial properties, with property values assessed provincially. Land and buildings tied to these facilities will remain subject to municipal taxation, though municipalities will be permitted to offer incentives or deferrals of up to 15 years under the Municipal Government Act.

The new framework follows Alberta’s Artificial Intelligence Data Centre Strategy, launched in December 2024, which aims to position the province as a hub for AI infrastructure. Alberta touts its natural cooling advantages, relatively low-cost power, and tax regime as draws for investors.

According to industry projections cited by the province, the global AI data centre market could top $820 billion by 2030, with capacity demand expected to more than triple. AI alone is forecast to drive a 160% increase in global data centre energy use by the end of the decade.