Russell Hixson is an award-winning investigative journalist who spent the early parts of his career doing crime and courts reporting in the U.S. before stumbling into covering Canada’s construction sector. He spent eight years writing for the Journal of Commerce where he became well versed on the industry and its issues. He’s covered the federal budget from Ottawa and documented the early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while locked down in his bedroom.
Hixson has developed a passion for the construction industry and seeks to convert others by sharing its stories through SiteNews. When he’s not writing stories, the East Vancouver resident enjoys kayaking, skateboarding and avoiding the neighbourhood skunks.
Loblaw Companies Limited plans to install Canada’s largest rooftop solar system at its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, north of Toronto.
The 7.5-megawatt system will span 435,000 square feet — more than seven football fields — and generate 8.5 million kWh of clean power annually, meeting up to 25% of the facility’s electricity needs.
The project, set to be operational in 2026, is a partnership with Great Circle Solar and supports Loblaw’s goal of net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040.
The Whole Story:
Loblaw Companies Limited says it is installing Canada’s largest rooftop solar power system at its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, a move the grocer calls a major step in its renewable energy strategy.
The 7.5-megawatt system will cover roughly 435,000 square feet of rooftop space — about the size of seven football fields — and is expected to generate more than 8.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The power will supply up to a quarter of the facility’s total electricity consumption.
“From the moment we began construction on our East Gwillimbury distribution centre, we knew we needed to take full advantage of the rooftop space to generate clean, renewable energy for the facility,” said Tom Marson, Loblaw’s vice-president of building technology and energy. “This solar installation will work alongside several other sustainable features at the DC, including fully electric shunt trucks and advanced building energy management systems.”
The system is slated to begin operations in 2026. Loblaw will partner with Great Circle Solar, which will develop, own and operate the installation. The two companies have collaborated on more than 90 energy projects across Canada since 2012.
“This marque project will be operational in 2026. It is by far the largest of its kind ever contracted in Canada and one of the largest on a single rooftop in North America,” said Clarke Herring, president of Great Circle Solar. “For over a decade, we’ve worked side by side to bring renewable energy solutions to communities across Canada. Loblaw’s continued leadership and long-term commitment to clean renewable energy is consistent and evident.”
The company says the solar array is part of a wider effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, Loblaw reported a 16% cut in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from its 2020 baseline and invested more than $40 million in 500 carbon reduction projects. Loblaw is targeting net-zero emissions for its enterprise operating footprint by 2040.
Key Takeaways
The First Nations Bank of Canada has announced its largest financing deal to date, supporting the Lílwat Nation’s Tseqwtsúqum development in Whistler, B.C.
The Indigenous-led project will deliver commercial space and workforce housing in the Function Junction area.
The initiative marks a significant step in economic reconciliation, Indigenous self-determination, and long-term employment for the region.
The Whole Story
A major Indigenous-led development in Whistler has received a significant financial boost through a partnership between the First Nations Bank of Canada and the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
The Lílwat Business Group (LBG), the economic arm of the Lílwat Nation, is receiving funding for the Tseqwtsúqum (pronounced Chek-choo-koom) project—an ambitious new village development in Function Junction that will include commercial space and workforce housing.
The financing marks the largest deal to date under the First Nations Bank’s Indigenous Land Development Loan Program, created to support Indigenous communities by lowering financial barriers to land development.
“This kind of Indigenous-led development is exactly what economic reconciliation looks like, empowering Nations to lead, build, and thrive on their own terms,” said Bill Lomax, president and CEO of First Nations Bank of Canada.
The first phase of Tseqwtsúqum is intended to help address pressing infrastructure and housing needs in the Whistler region, while generating long-term employment opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.
Rosemary Stager, CEO of the Lílwat Business Group, called the project a “major milestone” for the Nation.
“Tseqwtsúqum is the largest project to date for LBG and exemplifies our commitment to building a strong, self-sustaining future that honours our cultural values,” said Stager. “This is more than a financial transaction. It’s a step toward reconciliation, opportunity, and self-determination.”
Canada Infrastructure Bank CEO Ehren Cory said the project aligns with its broader mission of supporting Indigenous infrastructure.
“In addition to supplying housing to a region with high demand, Lílwat Nation businesses and community members across generations will benefit through long-term employment and cultural revitalization opportunities,” Cory said.
The Lílwat Business Group operates across several sectors, including retail, forestry and construction, and aims to grow a sustainable economy for the Lílwat Nation while reinforcing cultural presence in traditional territories such as Pemberton and Whistler.
Key Takeaways:
Alberta is investing $114.6 million in 86 infrastructure projects to support roads, bridges, airports, and water systems in small and rural communities across the province.
Major grants include $8.9 million for Brooks’ new wastewater plant, $3.6 million for a bridge near Innisfail, and $3.5 million for a rail extension in Coaldale.
Officials emphasize the importance of rural infrastructure for economic growth, community resilience, and long-term sustainability.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government is investing $114.6 million in transportation and water infrastructure projects across rural parts of the province, aiming to boost economic development and support growing communities.
The funding, announced Friday, will support 86 projects in municipalities through three programs: the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP), the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP), and the Water for Life program. These grants will fund local roads, bridges, community airports, water supply systems and wastewater treatment facilities.
“Rural Alberta is the backbone of our province, driving economic growth, feeding the world and strengthening our communities,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “We’re investing in the infrastructure rural communities need to grow and thrive.”
Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said Budget 2025 includes targeted investments to ensure effective rural infrastructure that supports long-term prosperity.
Of the 86 approved projects, 51 fall under STIP and will receive $41 million in total. Notable projects include:
$2.6 million for Range Road 150 in Newell County, west of Brooks, to help develop a key truck route.
$2.5 million for runway upgrades at the Lac La Biche CYLB airport.
$3.6 million for replacing a bridge over the Little Red Deer River near Innisfail.
$3.5 million for a rail extension project in Coaldale, allowing local producers to export agrifood goods more efficiently.
Another $73.6 million will go toward 35 water and wastewater projects in small and rural municipalities.
The largest single grant, $8.9 million, will go to the City of Brooks to construct a mechanical membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant, replacing the community’s aging lagoon system.
“This project will help us meet the needs of a growing population, support economic development and ensure long-term sustainability,” said Brooks Mayor John Petrie.
Other highlights include:
$2.4 million for improvements to the Wabasca Water Treatment Plant.
$923,000 for new water wells in Sylvan Lake to increase supply and ensure access to clean drinking water.
$14.8 million for the Darwell Lagoon Commission to expand wastewater capacity and protect local watersheds.
$1.6 million to connect reservoirs in Didsbury and Carstairs to a regional water supply for both residential use and firefighting.
Kara Westerlund, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, welcomed the investments.
“Rural municipalities are the backbone of Alberta’s economy,” she said. “We look forward to building on this progress through sustained, collaborative partnership.”
The province says the funding reflects its broader commitment under Budget 2025 to meet the infrastructure needs of a growing population while supporting health care, education, and job creation.
Key Takeaways:
U.S. raises anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.56%, drawing sharp criticism from B.C. officials and industry leaders who say the move threatens jobs and economic stability.
B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar and COFI condemned the tariffs, with Parmar blaming Donald Trump and COFI urging immediate provincial action to restore harvest levels and keep mills operating.
The forestry sector is calling for urgent reforms, including fast-tracking permits, increasing timber sales, and improving coordination with First Nations to stabilize and strengthen the industry at home.
The Whole Story:
The United States has sharply increased anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.56%, escalating a long-standing trade dispute and prompting fierce condemnation from British Columbia’s government and forestry sector.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s final decision, announced this week, more than doubles the previous anti-dumping duty rate of 7.66% for most Canadian producers. Additional countervailing duties are expected to follow, potentially pushing total tariffs above 30%.
B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar blasted the move as a direct attack on working families and accused former U.S. president Donald Trump of undermining Canada’s economy.
“U.S. President Donald Trump has made it his mission to destroy Canada’s economy, and the forestry sector is feeling the full weight of this,” Parmar said in a statement. “We will not stand by while Donald Trump tries to rip paycheques out of the hands of hard-working people in B.C.”
Parmar said Premier David Eby is coordinating with federal and provincial counterparts on a national response. B.C. has also reactivated its Softwood Lumber Advisory Council and appointed former deputy minister Don Wright as a strategic advisor to guide the province’s strategy.
The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) also condemned the U.S. decision, calling it “unjustified and punitive.”
“These trade actions continue to harm workers, families, and communities across British Columbia and Canada—and have gone unresolved for far too long,” COFI said in a statement. “We call on the Government of Canada to make resolution of the softwood lumber dispute a top national priority. But this latest escalation also underscores a hard truth: we cannot wait for the U.S. to act.”
COFI urged the provincial government to urgently strengthen the conditions for domestic success by treating forestry as a major project, with a goal of restoring harvest levels to 45 million cubic metres. That includes fast-tracking permits, releasing ready-to-sell BC Timber Sales volumes, expanding salvage and thinning operations, and supporting First Nations in expediting land use decisions.
“The best way to support forest workers is to keep mills operating and people working,” the council stated. “We want to retain forestry workers, not retrain them.”
Canada has long denied that its producers are unfairly subsidized and is expected to challenge the U.S. decision through international trade bodies, including the World Trade Organization and the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement dispute resolution mechanisms.
Meanwhile, B.C.’s forest sector continues to grapple with additional pressures, including declining timber supply, wildfires, mill closures, and complex permitting delays. Parmar said the province remains committed to building a more sustainable and resilient forest economy.
“This is about more than lumber — it’s about people and place,” he said.
Canada’s mining sector is in the midst of a transformative boom, with record investments powering some of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the country. As global demand accelerates for critical minerals—nickel, copper, potash, lithium, and more—Canadian mining companies and their construction partners are advancing multi-billion dollar projects from coast to coast. The past year has seen major groundbreakings, timely completions, and crucial permitting milestones, reflecting Canada’s central role in the future of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable resource development.
Led by BHP, the Jansen project represents the world’s largest potash mine under construction and Canada’s biggest private sector investment. Located 140 kilometers east of Saskatoon, this massive development will produce 8.5 million tonnes of potash annually once fully operational. The project has faced cost overruns, with Stage 1 now estimated at $7-7.4 billion compared to the original $5.7 billion. Key partners include Worley, for construction services including fabrication, modularization, and field construction programs. BHP is also working with George Gordon First Nations to provide socio-economic benefits and Indigenous participation.
Seabridge Gold KSM Project – B.C. ($7.2B+)
The Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell (KSM) Project is one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold projects, containing 47.3 million ounces of gold and 7.3 billion pounds of copper in proven and probable reserves. Located in BC’s Golden Triangle, the project has a 50+ year mine life and has received environmental assessment approval. Seabridge has invested over $997 million in exploration, engineering, and environmental work since 2001. The company received “substantially started” status in July 2024, allowing the environmental certificate to remain valid permanently.
Vale Voisey’s Bay Expansion – Newfoundland and Labrador ($4B)
Completed late last year, this major project transitioned Voisey’s Bay from open pit to underground mining, developing two underground mines (Reid Brook and Eastern Deeps). The expansion, advanced by Vale Base Metals, increases nickel production to 45,000 tonnes per year, plus 20,000 tonnes of copper and 2,600 tonnes of cobalt annually. The project represents one of the largest mining investments in recent Canadian history and will supply critical minerals to global markets, including defense manufacturing and battery electric vehicles. Employment at Voisey’s Bay increased to 1,100 direct employees from 600 pre-expansion. Full project ramp-up is expected next year.
Teck Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension – B.C. ($2.1-2.4B)
Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper expansion, approved in July 2025 at a cost of $2.1–2.4 billion, extends BC’s biggest copper mine’s life to 2046, supporting 1,500 permanent jobs and generating 2,900 construction jobs while greatly increasing copper output to 132,000 tonnes a year. Permitting is complete and engineering is well advanced, with construction starting August 2025.
Canada Nickel’s $3.375 billion Crawford Project, located near Timmins, is set to be among the world’s largest new nickel producers, having wrapped up front-end engineering in 2025 and now awaiting its final permits. With engineering and construction support from Mattagami First Nation and major financial partners, the mine will also require extensive rail and highway building.
Generation Mining’s $1.445 billion Marathon Palladium-Copper Project, northwest of Thunder Bay, is fully permitted and seeking financing after final provincial approval in spring 2025. Set to yield over 2.12 million ounces of palladium and 517 million pounds of copper over 13 years, it’s expected to break ground in 2025.
Wyloo Metals is progressing the Eagle’s Nest nickel-copper-PGM project in Ontario’s Ring of Fire, with costs estimated at $822 million (up from the earlier $609 million USD feasibility study). Construction is planned for 2027, pending the completion of vital access roads, and includes a proposed downstream processing facility in Sudbury.
Alamos Lynn Lake Gold Project – Manitoba ($853M)
Alamos Gold’s Lynn Lake project—at $853 million—will be the largest new mine launched in Manitoba since 2014. Construction will start in 2025, producing an average of 176,000 ounces of gold per year from two open pits, with Stantec as the primary environmental engineering services partner.
Artemis Gold Blackwater Mine – British Columbia ($730–750M)
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Artemis Gold’s Blackwater Mine, southwest of Prince George, reached commercial production in May 2025 after a rapid 22-month build costing around $750 million. Sedgman Canada led much of the construction, with the project notable for Indigenous participation and an impressive safety performance.
Rio Tinto Complexe Jonquière Aluminum Expansion – Quebec ($1.1B)
Rio Tinto’s $1.1 billion expansion at Complexe Jonquière (Saguenay) will increase aluminum smelter capacity by 160,000 tonnes. Currently under construction with AtkinsRéalis and GE Vernova as key contractors, the project creates up to 1,000 construction jobs, supported by $113 million from the Quebec government.
Key Takeaways:
A $386-million BC Cancer centre is under construction in Kamloops, bringing radiation therapy and expanded oncology services to patients closer to home by 2028.
The facility at Royal Inland Hospital will house three linear accelerators, a CT simulator, MRI, and space for 16,500 treatments annually, reducing long-distance travel for up to 1,200 patients a year.
EllisDon is leading construction, with costs shared by the province and Thompson Regional Hospital District, and additional upgrades planned for Royal Inland’s existing oncology clinic and pharmacy by 2029.
The Whole Story:
Construction has begun on a $386-million BC Cancer centre in Kamloops that will bring radiation treatment and expanded oncology services to the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region, reducing the need for patients to travel to Kelowna or the Lower Mainland for care.
Located at the Westlands site at Royal Inland Hospital, the facility will feature three linear accelerators for radiation therapy, a CT simulator, diagnostic MRI, ambulatory care space, and an interfaith sacred space for patients and families. Once operational in 2028, the centre is expected to provide about 16,500 radiation treatments annually to 1,200 patients and handle 7,500 consults and follow-up appointments.
“This new BC Cancer centre in Kamloops is the single largest capital investment into the expansion of cancer care in the region,” said Infrastructure Minister Bowinn Ma, noting it will “help more people have access to high-quality cancer care closer to home.”
The project, led by EllisDon Corp., also includes upgrades and expansion to Royal Inland’s community oncology clinic and pharmacy, scheduled for completion in 2029. Costs are being shared by the province and the Thompson Regional Hospital District, and the facility will be operated by BC Cancer in partnership with Interior Health.
Key Takeaways:
Pomerleau has enlisted Abitibi Connex and Pinnacle Logistics to coordinate materials for the $1.8‑billion WAHA Redevelopment Project, which will deliver new health care facilities in Moosonee and Moose Factory by 2030.
The project will use a redeveloped paper mill site in Iroquois Falls as a logistics hub, with Ontario Northland Rail upgrading 11.5 km of track to move roughly 3,000 rail cars of materials north over three years.
The effort will create about 120 jobs during peak construction while bringing modern, culturally tailored health care closer to remote James Bay and Hudson Bay communities.
The Whole Story:
Pomerleau has tapped Abitibi Connex and Pinnacle Logistics Solutions Ltd. to coordinate material deliveries for the $1.8-billion Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA) Redevelopment Project, a major health care initiative serving Ontario’s James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts.
The project, set for completion in 2030, will include a 36-bed hospital and long-term Elder Care Lodge in Moosonee, along with an ambulatory care centre in Moose Factory. The new facilities will provide emergency, acute, and specialty care designed to reflect local culture and reduce the need for residents to travel hundreds of kilometres for treatment.
Material transfers began this month through Abitibi Connex, a former paper mill in Iroquois Falls redeveloped by BMI Group and Dutch investors Business-EQ. Ontario Northland Rail is upgrading an 11.5-kilometre rail spur to link the hub with the Cochrane junction, where materials will be transported north.
The logistics operation is expected to handle roughly 3,000 rail cars over three years and create about 120 jobs at peak construction. Pinnacle Logistics said the centralized hub is key to delivering infrastructure to such a remote region.
“This partnership demonstrates the complex logistics coordination needed for major northern development, and the success partnerships like this bring to them,” said Frank Devries, principal and general manager of Pinnacle Logistics Solutions.
John Veldman, chief operating officer of BMI Group, said repurposing the former mill site for the project highlights how existing infrastructure can be leveraged to unlock development in Canada’s near north and Arctic regions.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of Abitibi Connex will be held on July 25 in Iroquois Falls.
Key Takeaways:
Teck Resources will invest between $2.1 and $2.4 billion to extend the life of Highland Valley Copper in B.C., keeping Canada’s largest copper mine operating until 2046.
The project will sustain about 1,500 existing jobs, create 2,900 construction jobs, and generate roughly $935 million in GDP during construction and ongoing operations.
Indigenous governments, including the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, will play a central role in oversight and decision-making, setting a new precedent for major project development in Canada.
The Whole Story:
Teck Resources Ltd. says it will spend up to $2.4 billion to extend the life of British Columbia’s Highland Valley Copper mine, a move that will keep Canada’s largest copper operation running until 2046 and support thousands of jobs in the province.
The Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension project, approved by Teck’s board this week, will extend production by nearly two decades and is billed as the largest critical minerals investment in B.C.’s history. The mine, which employs about 1,500 people and contributes roughly $500 million annually to provincial GDP, is expected to maintain those operations while creating an additional 2,900 jobs and $435 million in GDP during construction.
“This extension of Canada’s largest copper mine is foundational to our strategy to double copper production by the end of the decade,” said Jonathan Price, Teck’s president and CEO. “With strong demand for copper as an energy transition metal, this project will secure access to this critical mineral for the next two decades and continue the economic and community benefits Highland Valley Copper brings.”
Teck says the mine will produce an average of 132,000 tonnes of copper annually over the life of the project. Construction is set to begin in August, with engineering nearly 70 per cent complete and major permits already secured. The capital investment, expected between $2.1 and $2.4 billion, will cover infrastructure upgrades, mine fleet expansion, grinding circuit improvements, and enhanced power, water and tailings facilities.
B.C. Premier David Eby called the expansion a major boost for the provincial economy. “This multi-billion dollar project represents 2,900 new jobs and a $500 million increase to GDP,” he said. “It’s just one example of how British Columbia can drive our country’s economy forward even in challenging times.”
Indigenous leaders say the project reflects a new model for development. Christine Walkem, chair of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly and chief of the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, said the eight participating bands have embedded their laws and governance into the project’s environmental assessment and oversight. “Our communities are not bystanders to development — we are decision-makers,” she said. “Our laws must continue to guide the process, and our people must share in the benefits now and for generations to come.”
The federal government also hailed the investment as a way to solidify Canada’s role as a global supplier of critical minerals. “By extending the life of Canada’s largest copper mine, we are strengthening our critical minerals sector here at home and becoming the international supplier of choice,” said Tim Hodgson, minister of energy and natural resources.
The Highland Valley Copper operation, wholly owned by Teck, will move through three mining phases, starting with existing pits through 2027, followed by development of satellite orebodies and a major pushback of the Valley pit between 2028 and 2033, before transitioning to high-grade ore from the Valley pit through 2046.
Teck says capital spending will be staged from the second half of 2025 through 2028, with detailed production and spending guidance to be updated in January 2026.
Canderel acquires Taligent
Canderel, one of Canada’s largest property managers and developers, has acquired Taligent, a building technology infrastructure and systems integration consulting leader. The strategic acquisition enhances Canderel’s ability to deliver technology-forward solutions across its national portfolio, adding expertise in smart building integration, multimedia systems, IT networks, and digital infrastructure. Taligent’s approximately 50 employees will continue operating under their existing brand while benefiting from Canderel’s scale and multidisciplinary capabilities, strengthening the company’s end-to-end real estate solutions platform.
Seaspan and Algoma Steel MOU
Seaspan has signed a memorandum of understanding with Algoma Steel to explore opportunities for collaboration in marine transportation and logistics services. The partnership aims to leverage Seaspan’s extensive marine capabilities and Algoma Steel’s steel production expertise to enhance supply chain efficiency and support Canada’s industrial sector. The strategic alliance represents a significant step toward strengthening domestic steel transportation networks and fostering innovation in marine logistics solutions across the Great Lakes region.
Maple Reinders sells AIM to Convertus Canada
Maple Reinders Group has completed the sale of its majority-owned subsidiary AIM Group Ltd. to Convertus Canada, a full-cycle organic waste treatment provider. The strategic divestiture marks a significant milestone for Maple Reinders, which had partnered with AIM for over two decades to deliver advanced environmental solutions across Canada. Together, the companies designed, built, operated and maintained more municipal organics facilities than any other firm in Canada, processing approximately 10% of the country’s residential organics waste.
DIALOG merges with RPK in Edmonton
DIALOG and Rockliff Pierzchajlo Kroman Architects have merged their design teams in Edmonton. The strategic consolidation brings together two established firms to strengthen their collective capabilities in the Alberta market. The merger combines DIALOG’s multidisciplinary expertise with Rockliff Pierzchajlo Kroman’s architectural specialization, positioning the unified team to better serve the region’s growing infrastructure and development needs while maintaining both firms’ commitment to innovative design solutions.
Allies and Morrison opens Toronto studio
Allies and Morrison, a UK-based urban design firm, has opened its first Canadian studio in Toronto after nearly a decade of working in the country. Led by Partner Angie Jim Osman and supported by Partner Alfredo Caraballo, the new office will build on the firm’s established Canadian portfolio including projects like Beltline Yards, 2150 Lake Shore, and Ookwemin Minising. The Toronto studio, located at 517 Wellington Street West, will be staffed by Directors Neil Shaughnessy and Ross Carter-Wingrove, combining international expertise with local market knowledge to deliver high-density neighbourhood developments.
Brookfield acquires Shangri‑La Vancouver
Brookfield Asset Management has acquired the Shangri-La Vancouver hotel from developers Westbank and Peterson for an estimated $150-200 million. The 119-room luxury hotel, located within a 62-storey mixed-use tower in downtown Vancouver, is being rebranded as Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni and will undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation before becoming the city’s first Park Hyatt in 2026. The acquisition includes both the hotel and retail parcels, with the property continuing operations throughout the transition.
Brandt becomes John Deere dealer in Australia
Regina-headquartered Brandt has been appointed as the new Deere Construction and Forestry dealer across three Australian states—Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania—effective August 1. The Saskatchewan-based company, which began with a single John Deere construction dealership in 1992, now operates the world’s largest John Deere dealer group with 56 stores in Canada and 13 in New Zealand’s north island. Brandt first entered the Australian market in 2021 and has since invested in local agriculture, golf, and compact construction equipment dealership networks.
Northstar Clean secures EDC LOI
Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. has received a non-binding Letter of Interest from Export Development Canada for potential financial support of up to C$12.5 million for its first planned asphalt shingle reprocessing facility in the United States, with potential funding for three additional facilities. The project financing would support Northstar’s expansion into the U.S. market, where the company plans to reprocess discarded asphalt shingles into reusable components including liquid asphalt, aggregate, and fiber, addressing waste management while creating valuable construction materials.
CGC Inc. to Acquire Imperial Building Products
CGC Inc., a leading Canadian manufacturer of gypsum-based building materials, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Imperial Building Products Ltd. (IBP), a manufacturer of steel framing components and drywall accessories. Based in Richibucto, New Brunswick, IBP operates five manufacturing facilities across Canada and specializes in steel framing, drywall trims, and proprietary structural solutions. The acquisition expands CGC’s product portfolio and strengthens its national supply chain, positioning the company as a comprehensive building solutions provider while supporting Canada’s housing and infrastructure development goals.
Englobe Acquires Cambium Inc.
Englobe Corp. has announced its acquisition of Cambium Inc., a specialized environmental consulting firm based in British Columbia. The acquisition strengthens Englobe’s environmental services capabilities on Canada’s West Coast, adding Cambium’s expertise in environmental assessment, remediation, and regulatory compliance to its national portfolio. Cambium brings established client relationships and technical expertise in contaminated site assessment and remediation, complementing Englobe’s existing environmental consulting services across Canada.
MacLean and Sika strategic partnership
MacLean Engineering and Sika have announced a strategic collaboration targeting the underground mining and civil construction sectors. The partnership combines MacLean’s shotcrete spraying equipment and advanced technology offerings with Sika’s complementary product lines, focusing on shotcrete application, chemical admixtures, and system integration.
Ontario prefab builder raises funds
CABN, a Canadian prefabricated home builder, has secured a strategic investment round led by Active Impact Investments to expand its Brockville, Ont., manufacturing facility and scale production of net-zero residential and commercial buildings. The funding will support robotics, 3D LiDAR, and a patent-pending wood scanning technology aimed at boosting output and reducing waste, enabling the plant to produce 552,000 square feet of sustainable housing annually.
U.S. REIT launches Canadian IPO
GO Residential REIT, a U.S.-based owner of five luxury rental towers in Manhattan, is launching a US$410-million IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange, potentially growing to US$500 million with cornerstone investor Cohen & Steers. Co-founded by Joshua Gotlib and Meyer Orbach, the REIT aims to use proceeds to reduce its high debt load and is targeting a US$2.225-billion enterprise value.
SolarBank rebrands to PowerBank
SolarBank Corporation will rebrand as PowerBank Corporation on July 28, 2025, to reflect its broader focus on power and energy solutions beyond solar, while retaining its existing stock symbols on NASDAQ, Cboe Canada, and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The name change, approved by shareholders, will not affect the company’s share structure, rights, or outstanding certificates, and requires no action from investors. Trading under the new name will begin on the effective date, when the company’s website will transition to www.powerbankcorp.com.
Key Takeaways:
Osisko Development has secured US$450 million in financing from Appian Capital Advisory to advance its fully permitted Cariboo Gold Project in British Columbia.
An initial US$100 million draw will support early construction activities, repay existing debt, and fund infill drilling and underground development.
Appian receives 5.6 million warrants as part of the deal, signaling a long-term strategic partnership and confidence in the project’s potential.
The Whole Story:
Osisko Development Corp. has secured a US$450-million project loan from Appian Capital Advisory to fund development of its Cariboo Gold Project in central British Columbia.
The financing includes an initial US$100-million draw that will support early construction activities, repay a US$25-million term loan with National Bank of Canada, and fund infill drilling, detailed engineering and underground development. The remaining US$350 million is available in additional tranches over the next three years, contingent on key project milestones and approvals.
The credit facility marks a major step forward for the Montreal-based gold developer, which aims to advance the fully permitted, 100%-owned Cariboo project toward production. Osisko Development said the funding provides the financial flexibility to maintain momentum as it works toward a formal construction decision.
“This is a significant endorsement of the Cariboo Gold Project and a major milestone in advancing it towards a construction decision,” said Osisko CEO Sean Roosen. “Appian is the leading investor in the mining space and has a successful track record of identifying and supporting the development of high-quality assets.”
Appian, a London-based private capital fund focused on the mining sector, described Cariboo as a strong fit with its investment strategy. “It is situated in a stable jurisdiction, boasts a robust existing minerals base with clear upside potential, and is being led by an experienced management team,” said Appian founder and CEO Michael Scherb.
The loan is structured as a senior secured facility through Osisko’s wholly owned subsidiary, Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. It matures in 2033, or in 2028 if Osisko does not access any of the follow-up tranches. Interest on the initial draw is set at SOFR plus 9.5%, with partial payment-in-kind options available in the first year. Later draws will be charged at a lower rate.
As part of the deal, Appian will receive 5.6 million non-transferrable warrants to purchase Osisko common shares at $4.43, exercisable over the next three years.
Advisors on the deal included GenCap Mining Advisory, Maxit Capital LP, Bennett Jones LLP and Torys LLP.
The Cariboo project is Osisko’s flagship asset, located in a historic gold mining camp in B.C.’s interior. The company also holds projects in Utah and Mexico.
Key Takeaways:
Ontario has signed memorandums of understanding with British Columbia and the three territories to reduce trade barriers, streamline labour mobility and boost interprovincial commerce.
The deals make Ontario the first province to secure internal trade agreements with 10 provinces and territories, building on legislation to strengthen cross-country commerce and resist U.S. trade pressures.
Leaders say the agreements will cut costs for businesses, open new opportunities for workers and connect northern and western markets more closely to the rest of Canada’s economy.
The Whole Story:
Ontario has signed new agreements with British Columbia and Canada’s three territories to reduce trade barriers, improve labour mobility and strengthen economic cooperation, Premier Doug Ford announced Monday.
The two memorandums of understanding, signed alongside B.C. Premier David Eby, Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok, are aimed at cutting red tape, lowering business costs and creating freer movement for skilled workers.
“With President Trump’s ongoing threats to our economy, there’s never been a more important time to boost internal trade to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy,” Ford said. “By signing these MOUs and working together, we’re helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential and standing shoulder to shoulder to protect Canadian workers across the country.”
The agreements make Ontario the first province to secure internal trade deals with 10 provinces and territories. The government says the deals build on its recent Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which reinforces the province’s ability to expand cross-country commerce and shield its economy from U.S. trade actions. Ontario remains the only jurisdiction to eliminate all party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
Eby said the B.C. agreement would benefit more than half of Canada’s population by opening economic pathways between the provinces, while the three northern premiers highlighted opportunities for greater connectivity, streamlined certification and new business prospects across the territories.
Ford is hosting Canada’s premiers and their delegations this week for the Council of the Federation’s summer meeting in Toronto.
Key Takeaways:
Manitoba and Saskatchewan have signed a five‑year deal with Arctic Gateway Group to expand the Port of Churchill and boost exports of Prairie commodities such as grain, minerals and energy.
The agreement will see investments in port and rail upgrades, a longer Hudson Bay shipping season, and federal funding efforts to improve northern trade connectivity.
The deal is positioned as a step toward diversifying Canada’s trade routes, strengthening Arctic sovereignty, and generating benefits for Indigenous and northern ownership communities.
The Whole Story:
Manitoba and Saskatchewan have signed a five-year agreement with Arctic Gateway Group to expand infrastructure and boost exports through the Port of Churchill, Canada’s only deepwater Arctic port.
The memorandum of understanding, announced Tuesday by premiers Wab Kinew and Scott Moe at the Council of the Federation’s summer meeting, aims to transform Churchill into a key trade corridor for Prairie commodities such as grain, minerals and energy.
Under the deal, Arctic Gateway Group will invest in port and rail upgrades and work to lengthen the Hudson Bay shipping season. Saskatchewan will engage commodity producers and exporters through its trade offices and industry networks, while Manitoba will lead efforts to secure federal funding and regulatory support to improve northern connectivity.
“Churchill presents huge opportunities when it comes to mining, agriculture and energy,” Kinew said. “Through this agreement with AGG and Saskatchewan, we are going to unlock new opportunities for businesses in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to get goods to market.”
Moe said streamlining access to Churchill will help Prairie exporters reach new and emerging international markets, while AGG CEO Chris Avery called the agreement a “clear signal” that the Arctic corridor will play a central role in Canada’s trade and transportation strategy.
The partnership, which includes annual progress reviews, is also framed as a boost to Arctic sovereignty and reconciliation, with profits from the port returning to AGG’s Indigenous and northern ownership communities.
Key Takeaways:
Bird Construction Inc. has been awarded the contract to design and build modular expansions at three Ontario correctional facilities, adding about 150 beds across Thorold, Milton, and Sudbury.
The $180‑million project will improve staff safety, increase correctional capacity, and provide more space for programming, education, and health services, with construction beginning in 2026.
Modular construction and a streamlined procurement process are expected to accelerate completion, with the Sudbury site repurposed as an adult facility by 2028.
The Whole Story:
Bird Construction Inc. has been awarded a contract to design and build modular expansions at three Ontario correctional facilities, Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of the Solicitor General announced July 16.
The company will add approximately 150 beds across the Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold, the Vanier Centre for Women in Milton, and the Cecil Facer Youth Centre in Sudbury, which will be repurposed to accommodate adult inmates.
The expansions, part of a more than $180-million provincial investment, are intended to improve safety for front-line staff, boost correctional capacity, and enhance programming, health and rehabilitation services. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the modular builds will help bring more beds online faster to “hold criminals accountable and ensure that inmates serve their sentences in secure, modern spaces.”
Each site will see roughly 50 beds added, along with multi-use programming areas, outdoor yards — including cultural spaces at Vanier and Cecil Facer — and dedicated areas for education, literacy and technology training.
Bird Construction was selected through Infrastructure Ontario’s Request for Qualifications and Standing Offer process. Officials said the streamlined approach, combined with modular construction, will accelerate timelines compared with traditional projects.
Bird president and CEO Teri McKibbon said the company is building on its experience delivering similar modular expansions in Kenora and Thunder Bay in 2022.
By 2028, the repurposed Cecil Facer site in Sudbury is expected to function as an adult correctional facility to help meet growing demand in northern Ontario.
Key Takeaways:
Biidaasige Park, Toronto’s largest new park in over a generation, officially opened on the newly created island Ookwemin Minising as part of a $1.4-billion flood protection and waterfront revitalization project funded by federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
The park features Indigenous-inspired art, recreational amenities like ziplines and water access, and supports future mixed-use development expected to house over 15,000 residents and create nearly 3,000 jobs.
The broader waterfront revitalization aims to create 100,000 new homes and stimulate economic growth, with an additional $975 million committed in 2025 to accelerate housing and destination development on Ookwemin Minising and Quayside.
The Whole Story:
Toronto’s newest island, Ookwemin Minising, officially welcomed visitors Friday with the opening of Biidaasige Park, the largest new park to open in the city in more than a generation.
The 50-acre greenspace, located at the mouth of the Don River, is part of a $1.4-billion tri-government investment in flood protection and waterfront renewal led by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Another 10 acres of parkland, along with the Lassonde Art Trail, is scheduled to open in 2026.
Biidaasige — an Anishinaabemowin word meaning “sunlight shining toward us” — features picnic areas, playgrounds with ziplines, large animal sculptures inspired by Indigenous traditions, recreational trails, and water access for non-motorized boats. The park also includes two dog off-leash areas and spaces designed to support fishing, birdwatching, and cycling.
Officials say the park and the newly naturalized Don River represent an innovative approach to flood protection that unlocks land for future development, including mixed-use neighbourhoods planned to house more than 15,000 residents and create nearly 3,000 jobs.
The revitalization project, which began more than 20 years ago, is part of a broader plan that will see the eastern Toronto waterfront home to 100,000 people once complete. In January, the three governments agreed to contribute an additional $975 million to accelerate housing and destination development on the island and nearby Quayside.
Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said the park is a symbol of what governments can achieve when working together to build resilient and vibrant communities.
“Biidaasige Park is more than a park — it’s a transformation of Toronto’s waterfront that ensures critical flood protection and lays the foundation for future housing and public spaces,” Dabrusin said.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow highlighted the partnership with Indigenous communities in the project, noting the importance of placekeeping in the revitalized space.
“This is a historic day for Torontonians,” Chow said. “Thanks to collaboration with Indigenous partners, we have advanced $2.4 billion to support a new community that honours the land and builds a city within a city.”
The island, whose name means “place of the black cherry trees,” blends natural flood protection features with green spaces and urban development. It is designed to showcase sustainable development practices and provide new recreational and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
It was also a celebration of female construction leaders. While women represent approximately 5% of the construction workers on-site and 12% of the entire workforce, their impact is far bigger. They made up roughly one-third of this year’s list and are responsible for tens of billions of dollars in construction projects. Here are some of the incredible women helping push the industry forward.
Angela Coldwell – Founder, Honour the Work
Angela Coldwell founded Honour the Work to reframe how young Canadians view skilled trades. A former award-winning teacher, she launched the organization to position trades as a first-choice career path. Starting with a pilot in Ontario, it now brings hands-on, curriculum-linked learning to classrooms across Alberta. The program uses STEAMS Kits—hands-on, curriculum-aligned resources integrating science, technology, engineering, math, and skilled trades—to spark interest in trades careers early, addressing the skilled trades labour shortage.
Bowinn Ma – Minister of Infrastructure, Province of BC
Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s first Minister of Infrastructure, blends engineering expertise with policy leadership to drive resilient, inclusive infrastructure. She’s led record investments while advancing climate adaptation, transit-oriented development, and equitable project delivery across the province. Also, Ma is no stranger to construction. She is a licensed professional engineer with a degree in civil engineering, a master’s degree from the UBC Sauder School of Business, and is a certified project-management professional.
Angela Clayton – CEO, Infrastructure Ontario
Angela Clayton leads Infrastructure Ontario’s $100B project portfolio, bringing over 25 years of experience in strategic planning and execution. A CPA and advocate for women in infrastructure, she drives public-private success and contributes widely to industry initiatives. Her work at IO impacts all parts of society. Just this month, it awarded a $14B contract to finance, build and maintain the province’s first women’s and children’s hospital.
Deanna Brown – Principal, Architect, Stantec
As a specialist in healthcare design, Deanna Brown has played an integral role on a range of health and wellness projects across rehabilitation, palliative, seniors’ living, complex continuing, ambulatory, and acute care settings. She’s also been a key contributor to multiple planning design and compliance (PDC) and proponent teams for alternative finance and procurement (AFP) projects. As a Stantec Principal and RAIC Fellow, she mentors emerging architects and champions equity through Women@Stantec while curating healing environments that serve diverse communities.
Irene Kerr – President & CEO, BC Infrastructure Benefits
Irene Kerr leads BCIB, connecting local, diverse trades to major public projects in B.C. Under her leadership, over 5,000 workers—including hundreds of apprentices—have been mobilized. She’s a trusted voice in inclusive labour delivery and advises several workforce-focused boards. She also serves as a board member for SkillPlan, a nationally recognized leader in workforce development. Irene has been named to Business in Vancouver’s BC500 list three times.
Jen Hancock – VP, Collaborative Construction, Chandos
Jen Hancock is transforming construction culture as VP at Chandos and the Edmonton Construction Association’s first female Board Chair. With nearly 20 years of experience (17 of them at Chandos), she promotes collaborative delivery, sustainability, and mentorship across Alberta’s building sector. Prior to Chandos, Hancock says she was a former teacher working at an engineering firm but was seeking a job where she could be challenged and continue to grow and learn. She applied for an entry-level project assistant position and worked her way up the ladder.
Jennifer Price – CEO, McElhanney
Jennifer Price is CEO of McElhanney Ltd., leading one of Canada’s largest employee-owned engineering firms. With global executive experience and a focus on equity, she drives innovation, strategic growth, and professional development in engineering and geomatics.
Lisa Helps – Executive Lead, BC Builds
Lisa Helps spearheads project origination at BC Builds, helping deliver middle-income housing across B.C. A former mayor of Victoria and housing advisor in the Premier’s Office, she remains focused on inclusive, systems-level urban transformation. BC Builds’ impact has recently spread out east, with Toronto announcing Toronto Builds, a BC Builds-inspired agency to also deliver affordable housing.
Marie-Claude Dumas – CEO, WSP Canada
Marie-Claude Dumas leads WSP Canada and serves as the firm’s Global Inclusion and Diversity Leader. A seasoned engineer, she has overseen major infrastructure programs and champions growth through inclusive leadership and strategic innovation. A member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, Ms. Dumas has a proven track record as a global engineering and construction executive with over 20 years of multi-disciplinary management and consulting experience acquired with several multinationals.
Marie-France Venneri – Principal & Director, AME Group
Marie-France Venneri brings 20+ years of engineering expertise to AME Group, helping grow the firm to 200+ professionals. Known for her collaborative leadership on complex projects, she also supports diversity through her past board role with Canadian Construction Women.
Mindy Wight – CEO, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation
Mindy Wight, CPA and Squamish Nation member, leads Nch’ḵay̓ in delivering Indigenous-led development. She’s guiding the Sen̓áḵw project in Vancouver, prioritizing community consultation, Indigenous hiring, and economic self-determination through reconciliation-focused development. The groundbreaking project is being hailed as a model for Indigenous-led economic development and reconciliation.
Nour Hachem – Founder & President, Build a Dream
Nour Hachem founded Build a Dream to break barriers for women and underrepresented youth in trades and STEM. Inspired by her mother’s journey, she now runs a national non-profit delivering hands-on programs and mentorship to thousands across Canada. She believes that limited access to training programs, deeply ingrained societal stereotypes, and pervasive biases within educational and workplace environments create challenges for women in the workplace. The organization has been going strong for more than ten years, working to break these barriers down.
Sabrina Fiorellino – CEO & Co-founder, Fero International
Sabrina Fiorellino transitioned from law to entrepreneurship, scaling a construction firm before co-founding Fero in 2020. Now leading Canada’s largest modular facility, she delivers fast, sustainable solutions in healthcare, housing, and education. She’s always looking for solutions. She became interested in modular construction to address postponed surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her solution was to create modular surgical units to provide relief to families.
Tania Johnston – CEO, Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada
Tania Johnston is the first woman to lead MCAC in its 100+ year history. She’s expanded its reach to 800+ firms and champions workforce development, mental health, and diversity, positioning the sector for a more inclusive future. Previously she served as the Executive Director of the Construction Education Council (CEC), and as Executive Director, Education and Special Projects for MCAC prior to taking on the role of CEO.
Congratulations to all these inspiring women and thank you for the work that you do. To check out our full list of this year’s winners, visit this link.
Key Takeaways:
The city has replaced complex floor area ratio (FAR) calculations with a simplified system that guides development using building height, making zoning easier to understand and speeding up approvals.
A 50-storey rental tower at 7135 Walker Avenue, part of the BC Builds program, is the first development to receive preliminary approval under the new framework.
The initiative is supported by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and praised by provincial officials and developers as a model for accelerating housing and cutting red tape.
The Whole Story:
The City of Burnaby is overhauling its approach to zoning in an effort to tackle the housing crisis, becoming one of the first cities in North America to replace complex regulations with a simplified, height-based framework aimed at accelerating new home construction.
The new system abandons traditional floor area ratio (FAR) calculations—commonly used to guide development density—in favour of maximum building heights measured in storeys. Officials say the shift will make development rules easier to understand for residents and builders, while cutting red tape and development timelines.
“Addressing the housing crisis in our region requires real leadership and a drive to innovate at every step of the development process,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “Switching to a height-based framework is part of our comprehensive approach to accelerating the number of homes we build in Burnaby – while also making it simple for everyone to understand how their neighbourhoods can develop.”
The city launched a Zoning Bylaw Rewrite in 2023 to modernize regulations that had become increasingly layered and inefficient since their adoption in 1965. Earlier this year, Burnaby collapsed 12 low-density zones into a single designation to support small-scale multi-unit housing.
The new height-based approach now applies to higher-density areas, including the city’s town centres. Officials say it provides clarity for residents, while allowing developers to focus more on design and form instead of negotiating complicated formulas.
Burnaby has already given preliminary approval to its first project under the new framework—a 50-storey rental tower at 7135 Walker Avenue, part of the BC Builds program. The project includes 384 market and 96 non-market rental units.
The Height-Based Development Framework is partially funded by the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, which supports initiatives that streamline development approvals.
Federal and provincial officials praised Burnaby’s leadership. “By equipping municipalities with the tools and flexibility to address local challenges, Burnaby is better positioned to meet the growing housing demands of its residents,” said Terry Beech, MP for Burnaby North–Seymour.
Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon added that Burnaby’s approach aligns with B.C.’s push for faster housing delivery. “It’s important to find new and innovative ways to get more homes built faster,” he said.
Industry leaders also welcomed the move. Anne McMullin, president and CEO of the Urban Development Institute, called the new framework a model for other municipalities. Developers including Gracorp and Intracorp said the system encourages innovation and design excellence while offering greater predictability.
Key Takeaways:
CMHC estimates eliminating interprovincial trade barriers could add over 30,000 housing starts annually, helping to close Canada’s supply gap.
Household incomes could rise by 6%, with rents increasing only half as much, easing rental market pressure.
Transportation costs, not regulation, are the main obstacle to cross-province construction material trade—prompting calls for infrastructure investment.
The Whole Story:
Could removing interprovincial trade barriers boost Canadian housing starts by 30,000 units?
New modelling by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation thinks so.
The federal housing agency says that number could push annual housing starts close to 280,000, helping to narrow Canada’s housing supply gap and improving access to homeownership and rentals over time.
CMHC’s analysis follows a major shift on Canada Day, when the federal government significantly reduced internal trade barriers. Several provinces — including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia — have also moved to cut red tape through new legislation or interprovincial agreements.
The agency says reducing these barriers could improve economic productivity, raise household incomes by about six per cent, and lead to 300,000 more households initially gaining access to homeownership. By 2035, that number is expected to level off to around 150,000 as increased demand pushes prices upward. Meanwhile, about the same number of rental units could become available to tenants upgrading their housing situation.
Still, CMHC notes that boosting supply alone may not make homeownership more affordable without addressing other bottlenecks, particularly in transportation. A Statistics Canada survey found nearly half of construction firms cite high transportation costs or long distances as the main reasons they don’t buy materials across provincial lines.
“Canada has ample domestic production of wood, aluminum, iron and steel,” the agency said, pointing to the country’s position as a net exporter of those core construction materials. “But unless we improve west-to-east transportation infrastructure — including rail, highways and remote seaports — these trade reforms won’t reach their full potential.”
While concrete, cement and machinery still rely heavily on imports, CMHC says better use of Canadian-made construction inputs combined with interprovincial trade liberalization could help meet the estimated housing supply needed to restore affordability to pre-pandemic levels over the next decade.
The agency characterized recent legislative moves as a nation-building opportunity, calling for long-term investment in domestic infrastructure to fully realize the economic and housing benefits of a more integrated Canadian market.
Key Takeaways:
Canada is tightening steel import rules by expanding tariff rate quotas and imposing a 25% surtax on steel products containing Chinese steel, aiming to protect the domestic market from cheap foreign imports and trade circumvention.
The federal government is investing over $1.5 billion through various programs—including the Strategic Innovation Fund, worker retraining, and small business financing—to help modernize the industry, support job retention, and boost competitiveness.
Federal procurement rules will now require contractors to use Canadian-made steel whenever possible, reinforcing demand for domestic production and discouraging reliance on foreign suppliers.
The Whole Story:
The federal government is rolling out a sweeping package of trade measures and financial supports aimed at protecting Canada’s steel industry from foreign competition, surging imports, and U.S. tariffs.
With more than half of Canada’s steel exports heading to the U.S. and growing volumes of low-cost foreign steel threatening to flood domestic markets, the federal government says it’s acting to ensure the long-term strength of a sector it describes as vital to infrastructure, manufacturing and the clean economy.
Tariff measures to curb steel dumping
Starting August 1, Canada will expand its use of tariff rate quotas (TRQs)—which allow a set amount of steel imports at a lower tariff—to include countries with free trade agreements, excluding the U.S. and Mexico. Any imports above 2024 levels from these countries will face a 50 per cent surtax. Countries without a trade agreement with Canada will see their duty-free quotas halved, with the same surtax applied to volumes above that threshold.
In addition, a 25 per cent surtax will be imposed on steel imports from all countries (except the U.S.) that contain steel melted and poured in China, aimed at preventing trade circumvention and increasing transparency.
Billions in funding for innovation and stability
The federal government will invest up to $1 billion through the Strategic Innovation Fund to help steel companies modernize operations, pivot to new products, and strengthen domestic supply chains. The support is intended to boost competitiveness in defence and strategic sectors, and to encourage the development of steel products not currently made in Canada.
Another $70 million will be allocated through Labour Market Development Agreements over three years to retrain and reskill up to 10,000 steelworkers, with programs tailored in partnership with provinces, employers, and unions.
Support for businesses large and small
For small and medium-sized steel firms, the government is launching the Pivot to Grow fund, a $500 million program through the Business Development Bank of Canada offering flexible financing to help companies explore new markets and improve productivity.
Larger firms will benefit from changes to the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, originally announced in March. The $10 billion facility’s lending terms will be eased, including lower interest rates and smaller loan minimums, to make it more accessible to steel producers.
Additionally, up to $150 million of a previously announced $450 million Regional Tariff Response Initiative will be earmarked for steel sector SMEs impacted by tariffs.
Canadian content in procurement
The government also announced that federal contractors will be required to use Canadian-made steel wherever possible. Exceptions will only be granted in writing if the needed product is unavailable domestically or would significantly raise costs or cause unacceptable delays.
“Canada needs steel to build homes, transit, bridges—and the clean economy of tomorrow,” the Department of Finance said in a statement. “These measures will help ensure our industry is ready to meet that demand.”
Key Takeaways:
Oxford Properties has broken ground on Alta, a three-tower, 1,285-unit project at Scarborough Town Centre—marking the largest single-phase purpose-built rental development currently under construction in the city.
The project is backed by a $650 million construction loan from CMHC’s Apartment Construction Loan Program, the largest such loan approved in Toronto, enabling a significant boost in both market-rate and affordable rental housing.
Located steps from key transit hubs, the development will feature a mix of unit types, public amenities, a new park, and a geothermal energy system aimed at cutting emissions by 74%, all part of a long-term plan to add over 10,000 homes to the area.
The Whole Story:
Construction has begun on Scarborough’s first major purpose-built rental development in decades, a $650-million project backed by federal funding and aimed at easing Toronto’s housing crisis.
Oxford Properties Group, the real estate arm of pension fund OMERS, officially broke ground Wednesday on a three-tower development adjacent to Scarborough Town Centre. The project, known as Alta, will deliver 1,285 rental units—268 of which will be designated as affordable housing—making it the largest single-phase rental construction currently underway in the city.
“This generational project signifies a model we hope to replicate across Canada,” said Daniel Fournier, executive chair of Oxford Properties. “It shows what’s possible when we sustainably intensify transit-connected land to create mixed-use communities of the future.”
The federal government is supporting the project through a $650-million low-interest loan issued via the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Apartment Construction Loan Program. It marks the largest such loan CMHC has approved in Toronto to date.
“This project will create more much-needed rental homes for the people living and working in Scarborough,” said federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson. “It’s an example of what’s possible when government and the private sector work together.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also welcomed the development, noting the city’s involvement through its Rental Housing Supply Program. “We are stronger together,” she said, adding that the project will help meet the needs of a growing city.
Located on a 3.4-acre parcel on the west side of Scarborough Town Centre, the Alta complex will consist of three towers atop two seven-storey podiums with a mix of residential and retail space. Units will range from studio apartments to three-bedroom townhomes, with the development designed to accommodate a variety of income levels, age groups and family sizes.
The transit-oriented site is within walking distance of the Scarborough Centre TTC station, GO Transit, and the under-construction Scarborough Subway Extension.
Oxford says Alta will include wellness and community-focused amenities such as outdoor lounges, co-working spaces, a children’s playroom, fitness facilities and a 22,000-square-foot public park. The project will also incorporate a geothermal heating and cooling system designed to cut energy use by more than half and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 74%.
“This development not only puts our members’ dollars to work right here in Ontario,” said OMERS CEO Blake Hutcheson, “but it also helps improve housing choice in a community that so many of them proudly call home.”
Alta is the first project under Oxford’s new master plan for Scarborough Town Centre, which envisions more than 10,000 new residential units built over the coming decades across 89 acres. Construction on the Alta development is scheduled for completion in summer 2029.
Oxford says the project is part of nearly $2 billion in new activity it has announced across Canada in recent weeks, including acquisitions in Western Canada and redevelopment work at Canada Square in Toronto’s midtown.
The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) has revealed the 2025 Silver Award winners for its 36th Annual Awards of Excellence – a celebration of Lower Mainland construction excellence.
Association officials noted that winning projects stood out for their exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication to excellence in B.C.’s $29 billion construction industry.
A total of 96 projects were submitted for consideration this year, with 75 projects pre-qualified across 18 categories. The total combined value of the submitted projects topped an $4.9 billion.
“Behind every great building, there’s a team of great community builders,” said Jeannine Martin, President of VRCA. “Our Silver Award winners aren’t just putting up walls and beams – they’re creating legacies. Whether it’s through bold design, smart problem-solving, or meaningful community engagement, these teams are pushing the boundaries of what construction can achieve including making clear and commendable strides toward successful equity, accessibility, and inclusion across the industry.”
The Silver winners now advance as finalists for the Gold Awards, to be announced during the VRCA Awards of Excellence Gala, happening Friday, September 19, 2025, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
Here are all the Silver winners:
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Up to $5 Million
Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. – Serein
EllisDon Corporation – Decathlon Fit-Out – Metropolis at Metrotown
Govan Brown & Associates – Cushman & Wakefield New Vancouver Office
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – $5 Million to $12 Million
EllisDon Corporation – Vancouver City Centre Urgent Primary Care Centre – 188 Nelson
ETRO Construction Ltd. – Speeders Richmond
Novacom Building Partners – Colliers Vancouver Office Relocation Project
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Over $12 Million
Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. – YVR26: Premise B2
Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. – KABAM HQ
