Author: Russell Hixson

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta has established the Sand and Gravel Task Force to review and streamline regulatory processes for sand and gravel pits on private land, aiming to reduce approval times and improve efficiency.
• While the task force seeks to speed up project timelines, members from municipalities and industry stress the importance of maintaining environmental standards and protecting farmland and infrastructure.
• The task force includes MLAs, municipal representatives, and industry stakeholders, with a mandate to deliver actionable recommendations within six months to strengthen Alberta’s aggregate supply chain.

The Whole Story:

Alberta has launched a new task force aimed at reducing regulatory delays and red tape in the province’s sand and gravel sector, a move the government says will improve access to critical construction materials without compromising environmental protections.

The Sand and Gravel Task Force will review provincial regulations governing privately owned sand and gravel pits and deliver recommendations within six months. The goal, according to the government, is to speed up approval timelines for new projects while addressing long-standing concerns from landowners and industry operators.

“Sand and gravel are foundational for building and maintaining a strong economy,” said Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock and co-chair of the task force. “From road infrastructure to industrial uses or residential housing, these resources are essential. Our government is determined to ensure the regulatory process around sand and gravel pits recognizes the need for efficiency and clarity.”

Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont and fellow co-chair, added that streamlining the process could unlock significant development potential. “With more than 1,000 sand and gravel pit registrations on private land, streamlining the applications and approvals will bring significant development benefits,” he said.

The task force includes representatives from rural and urban municipalities, as well as industry associations. Among them is Amber Link of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, who highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental and agricultural priorities.

“Rural municipalities are on the front lines of balancing the economic value of aggregate extraction with the need to protect farmland, infrastructure and the environment,” she said. “This is an important step toward ensuring that the voices of rural communities are not only heard but meaningfully integrated into decision-making.”

Tara Elwood, representing Alberta Municipalities, also expressed support for the initiative, noting its potential to benefit the association’s 264 member communities. “I look forward to finding ways to streamline and accelerate the regulatory process for sand and gravel extraction, while upholding Alberta’s commitment to environmental excellence,” she said.

While industry groups have welcomed the initiative, the task force’s focus will be limited to aggregate operations on private lands, which are regulated under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. The government has emphasized that any proposed changes must still meet existing environmental standards.

Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz described the initiative as part of a broader effort to modernize Alberta’s regulatory systems.

“It’s time to stop graveling under bureaucracy and start building Alberta’s future,” Schulz said. “MLA van Dijken and MLA Lunty will leave no stone unturned as they dig into this important work.”

The task force is expected to deliver its recommendations by the end of 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario is investing nearly $38 million in the “Destination Wasaga” initiative to transform Wasaga Beach into a world-class tourism destination, which includes revitalizing the downtown core, improving beach access, and redeveloping historic sites to attract visitors and stimulate regional economic growth.
• Key components of the funding include $25 million for the redevelopment of Nancy Island Historic Site—home to War of 1812 artifacts—and nearly $11 million for critical infrastructure upgrades to support over 3,000 new homes and enhance accessibility to tourist areas.
• The initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Ontario government and the Town of Wasaga Beach, aiming to preserve cultural heritage, create jobs, and ensure public beach access while promoting sustainable tourism and economic development in the region.

The Whole Story:

Ontario is investing nearly $38 million to build Destination Wasaga, a premier tourist destination that includes beaches, a revitalized downtown area and important historic sites, in partnership with the Town of Wasaga Beach.

“Wasaga Beach is a world-class tourist destination, with the longest freshwater beach in the world and an incredible history, including at Nancy Island,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re helping bring this important part of Ontario’s history back to life and we’re working with the municipality to revitalize the downtown, create jobs and welcome tourists from across Ontario and around the world.”

Ontario’s investments in support of Destination Wasaga, which are intended to preserve local heritage, create jobs, boost tourism and support economic growth across the region, include:

• $25 million to support the redevelopment of Nancy Island Historic Site, along with the proposed transfer of administrative responsibility for the site from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming (MTCG)
• Nearly $11 million through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support the reconstruction of the Wasaga Beach Area roadways project, providing critical infrastructure that will support more than 3,000 new homes and improve access to Wasaga Beach’s tourist areas
• $2 million for the Town of Wasaga Beach to support tourism planning work in the redevelopment of its downtown area.

Ontario will soon begin the process of transferring a portion of the provincially owned beachfront in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park to the town in order to support its integration into the broader development of Destination Wasaga, under the condition that the beach remains public.

“This investment is part of our government’s ongoing plan to protect Ontario by supporting the people, places and local economies that make our province strong,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By preserving the unique character of Wasaga Beach, we’re helping to protect a valued part of Ontario’s heritage while promoting long-term economic growth in the region.”

Nancy Island is the site where the HMS Nancy fought against three American schooners during the War of 1812, with support from the Anishinaabe-Ojibwe and French-Canadian voyageurs. Although the HMS Nancy  was lost during the conflict, two of the attacking American ships were soon captured by the Nancy’s crew, stopping their advance and protecting Canadian territory. The current site tells the story of the War of 1812 and houses substantial artifacts, including the charred hull of the HMS Nancy. A theatre, museum and replica lighthouse are also located on the island.

“The revitalization of the beachfront and Nancy Island Historic Site will help transform Wasaga Beach into a premier, world-class tourism destination and draw more visitors to local attractions, restaurants, accommodations and main street businesses,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our government’s investments in Wasaga Beach are part of our plan to protect workers and businesses in the tourism industry across Ontario by driving visitation and economic growth, while preserving critical pieces of Canadian culture and history.”

This project builds on the government’s continued efforts to protect Ontario’s economy and the workers who depend on our tourism sector by promoting tourism across Ontario. It also preserves an important part of Ontario and Canada’s heritage at a time when Ontario’s economy is being directly targeted by American tariffs.

“I want to thank Premier Ford and his entire team for this historic investment in the Town of Wasaga Beach, and in Nancy Island Historic Site,” said Brian Smith, Mayor of Wasaga Beach. “Today, we are celebrating a new partnership — one where the town and province will work together to ignite tourism, breathe new life into our town’s main commercial area along Beach Drive at Beach Area 1 and transform Wasaga Beach into a truly unforgettable, iconic Ontario destination.”

Key Takeaways:

• Construction has begun on a 50-unit public housing multi-plex in downtown Yellowknife, backed by $20.8 million in funding from CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative. The project will serve families, seniors, and individuals in need of affordable housing.
• The building will feature mass timber construction and biomass heating for energy efficiency, with 25 barrier-free bachelor suites and 25 two-bedroom units to meet diverse housing needs. It also includes space for Housing NWT and Yellowknife Housing Authority offices to enhance local services.
• This project highlights collaboration between territorial, municipal, and federal governments, and supports the National Housing Strategy by increasing accessible housing, improving sustainability, and alleviating pressure on Yellowknife’s private rental market. Completion is expected by Fall 2026.

The Whole Story:

The Government of Northwest Territories, in collaboration with the City of Yellowknife, PCL Construction, Stantec, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced that begun work on a new 50-unit public housing multi-plex in downtown Yellowknife.

Substantial construction work will begin soon. This development received $20.8 million in funding through CMHC’s Rapid Housing Initiative.

“This 50-Unit Multi-Plex project demonstrates our commitment to improving housing accessibility for residents across the territory and providing more homes for Northerners,” said Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Housing NWT. “These new units will provide a safe and sustainable environment for residents. The project shows the GNWT’s commitment to advancing affordable housing solutions in partnership with the federal government.”

The project, located on 50th Street, will provide much-needed housing for families, seniors, and individuals in need of affordable homes. The new building will feature sustainable design elements, including mass timber construction and biomass heating, helping to support Housing NWT’s ongoing commitment to energy-efficient housing solutions that meet northern climate challenges.

Incorporating a mix of unit sizes and layouts, the building is designed to accommodate a wide range of housing needs. The building will feature 25 barrier-free bachelor suites for seniors and singles and 25 two-bedroom units for small families. Housing NWT’s North Slave District Office and the Yellowknife Housing Authority will be co-located in commercial service spaces on the ground floor, enhancing client-centered services.

The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2026, contributing to Housing NWT’s growing housing portfolio and freeing up units in Yellowknife’s private housing market. This aligns with the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy to provide safe, affordable homes to more Canadians.

Housing NWT is committed to addressing the housing needs of residents across the Northwest Territories through sustainable, energy-efficient, and affordable housing solutions. Working with Indigenous governments and organizations, and private sector partners, Housing NWT is dedicated to fostering community well-being and addressing the unique challenges of housing in northern communities.

Key Takeaways:

• TotalEnergies has signed a 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement to buy 2 million tons of LNG annually from the future Ksi Lisims LNG facility, strengthening its North American LNG portfolio and supporting long-term supply commitments to Asian markets.
• TotalEnergies has acquired a 5% stake in Western LNG, the project’s developer and future operator, with the option to increase its ownership to approximately 10% upon final investment decision, reinforcing its integrated strategy in the LNG value chain.
• Ksi Lisims LNG, a floating LNG export plant co-developed by the Nisga’a Nation, aims to achieve net zero emissions within three years of operation through renewable energy use and carbon offsets, while delivering economic and social benefits to Indigenous and local communities.

The Whole Story:

TotalEnergies has signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Ksi Lisims LNG for the purchase of 2 million tons of LNG for 20 years from the future liquefaction plant, subject to the final investment decision of the project.

In parallel, TotalEnergies acquires a 5% stake in Western LNG, the developer, shareholder, and future operator of the Ksi Lisims LNG project. This acquisition grants TotalEnergies the option to increase its stake in Western LNG and/or take a direct stake in the plant up to approximately 10% when the final investment decision is made.

“This purchase of LNG from the future Ksi Lisims LNG plant will allow us to diversify our LNG portfolio in North America and benefit from competitive LNG supply in Western Canada to better serve our Asian customers, with whom we are developing a significant portfolio of long-term supply contracts”, said Stéphane Michel, President of Gas, Renewables & Power at TotalEnergies. “As part of our integrated strategy, we are also pleased to partner with Western LNG to support the development of this very low CO₂ emission liquefaction plant project.”

Ksi Lisims LNG is a proposed floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility located on Nisga’a Nation treaty lands at Wil Milit, on the northern tip of Pearse Island near Gingolx, British Columbia. Jointly developed by the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG, and Western LNG, the project is designed to produce up to 12 million tonnes of LNG per year, receiving 1.7 to 2.0 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily via a pipeline from northeastern British Columbia, with commercial operations targeted for late 2028 or 2029.

The facility aims to set a new environmental standard by achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions within its first three years of operation, primarily through the use of renewable BC Hydro power, energy efficiency measures, and carbon offsets. Ksi Lisims LNG is expected to provide significant economic and social benefits, including jobs, training, and business opportunities for Indigenous and local communities, while contributing to global emissions reductions by supplying lower-carbon LNG to Asian markets as an alternative to coal and oil.

Key Takeaways:

• Stantec will lead architecture, engineering, and project management for a multiyear AI data center initiative by Beacon AI Centers, spanning six sites across five Alberta municipalities
• The project is set to create thousands of construction jobs and approximately 1,200 permanent positions, supporting Alberta’s strategy to become a leading AI and data center hub.
• Alberta’s government is aiming to draw up to $100 billion in private investment through its “Powering the Future of Artificial Intelligence” strategy, focusing on scalable power, sustainable cooling, and economic growth.

The Whole Story:

Stantec has been selected to provide architecture, building engineering, sustainability, transportation, civil, environmental, geomatics, and project management for an AI data center development program from Beacon AI Centers, a data center development company backed by Nadia Partners. The multiyear program will span Alberta with six sites across five municipalities.

“With our 70-year history in the province, we are proud to play a critical role in helping position Alberta as a leading global hub for data-driven AI innovation,” said Leonard Castro, Stantec’s executive vice president for Buildings. “Our team will combine global expertise with regional knowledge to help Beacon realize their initial program and meet the growing capacity demand.”

Each campus will span hundreds of acres and is projected to include multiple AI data center buildings. The new facilities are expected to generate thousands of construction jobs and approximately 1,200 permanent jobs in Alberta. Design and permitting began in 2024 and construction will commence in 2025.

“Beacon AI is redefining the data center development industry to meet the growing demands of the AI era,” said Josh Schertzer, CEO of Beacon AI Centers. “By working with exceptional partners like Stantec, we can deliver ambitious projects quickly, at the scope and scale hyperscaler demand requires.”

Beacon’s campuses will join the portfolio of mission critical facilities designed by Stantec, including a nationwide program of hyperscale data center campuses for a global technology client; many multi-tenant data center campuses for regional and global operators; greenfield data center campuses for leading cloud providers; and the redevelopment and retrofit of legacy facilities.

The province has set its sights on the data centre market as a new economic driver. Last year the Alberta government has launched an ambitious strategy to establish the province as North America’s premier destination for AI-driven data centres, aiming to attract up to $100 billion in private investment over the next five years. Central to this effort is the “Powering the Future of Artificial Intelligence” strategy, built on three pillars: scalable power capacity, sustainable cooling, and economic growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is a nation-building marine container terminal project at the Port of Vancouver, expected to support over $100 billion in annual trade, create 18,000 construction jobs, and generate $3 billion in annual GDP with 17,000+ permanent jobs once operational.
• The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority will use a progressive design-build procurement model, aiming for greater flexibility, collaboration, and cost/schedule certainty. The request for qualifications (RFQ) will be issued in July 2025, with construction expected to begin in 2028.
• The project has received consent from 27 Indigenous groups and passed federal/provincial environmental assessments. A Species at Risk Act-compliant Fisheries Act application is under review, with a decision expected by October 2026—a key milestone before major construction begins.

The Whole Story:

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority announced it is issuing a request for qualifications in July 2025 for a construction partner to deliver the landmass and wharf component of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project.

Port officials said the new marine container terminal at the Port of Vancouver is a transformational, nation building project that will support Canada’s economic security and trade resilience, enabling the trade of more than $100 billion in goods annually once fully operational.

More than 18,000 jobs will be created during construction, and once operational the new terminal is anticipated to generate more than 17,000 well-paying, long-term jobs and add more than $3 billion in GDP annually.

Based on ongoing discussions with industry, the port authority will pursue a progressive design-build procurement model. Officials say this approach will allow for greater flexibility in the design process, strengthen collaboration, and enhance cost and schedule certainty.

The contract will include the delivery of a marine terminal landmass; wharf structure and berth pocket; widened causeway; expanded tug basin; and environmental mitigation and offsetting projects. Procurement opportunities for other components of the project will be available in the coming years. Twenty-seven Indigenous groups have provided consent for the project to proceed.

In 2023, the federal and provincial governments approved the project following a rigorous environmental assessment process. In 2024, the port authority submitted a Species at Risk Act-compliant Fisheries Act Authorization application to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, with a joint commitment with government and regulators for a decision no later than October 2026.  

Construction mobilization and early works are expected to occur in 2027, with major land reclamation works expected to begin in 2028. Terminal operations are set to begin in the mid-2030s.  

To select a construction partner, the procurement process will include:  

• A request for qualifications for construction partners who have a strong record in the collaborative delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects in marine environments with similar technical, logistical, environmental, and regulatory requirements, and demonstrated experience developing and delivering on commitments to First Nations
• At the conclusion of the request for qualifications process, three qualified construction partners will be invited to participate in a request for proposals for a design and early works agreement (DEWA) that outlines the activities and requirements for the development phase to inform the final investment decision  

The selected construction partner will collaborate with the port authority, First Nations, and regulators throughout the DEWA to develop the construction logistics, work planning, costs, schedule, and early works opportunities.  

Once works under the DEWA have sufficiently advanced—and following a successful final investment decision by the port authority—a target price design-build agreement will be executed with the selected construction partner and the construction phase will begin.

Here is a project timeline:

• Request for qualifications issued: July 2025
• Request for qualifications submission deadline: Fall 2025
• Request for proposal issued to three shortlisted construction partners: Late 2025
• Request for proposal submission deadline: Spring 2026
• Final investment decision and early works: 2027
• Construction start—land reclamation: 2028

Key Takeaways:

• VEERUM secured $12 million in Series B funding, led by Veriten and Emerson Ventures, to enhance its reality-based visual operations platform. This funding will support platform improvements, client scalability, and increased adoption of digital reality technologies.
• VEERUM’s VisOps platform enables remote visualization, collaboration, and decision-making by turning reality capture data into actionable insights. It aims to expand access from 5–10% of industry workers to over 90%, reducing costly unplanned events and improving safety and efficiency
• With the digital twin market projected to reach $150 billion by 2032 and 80% of enterprises adopting reality capture technology in 2025, VEERUM is well-positioned as a leader in operationalizing reality capture across energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors.

The Whole Story:

VEERUM, a Calgary-based provider of visual operations for industrial assets, announced today that it has successfully closed its Series B funding round, raising a total of $12 million. The round closed on March 26, 2025 and was led by energy-tech investors Veriten and Emerson Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of industrial technology leader Emerson, with additional participation from existing investors BDC Capital and Evok Innovations.

“VEERUM is setting a new standard for how industrial asset owners access and contextualize their critical operations and engineering data,” said Thurston Cromwell, head of Emerson Ventures and vice president of development and innovation at Emerson. “Its innovative approach to delivering reality-based visualizations and supporting the digital asset management ecosystem is transforming the way people work and collaborate. As a global automation leader, we are excited to support their growth and vision.”

VEERUM CEO David Lod adds, “Our newest investors share the passion in creating this category of visual operations, and they are selecting the strongest companies with the most potential to make these changes in the world. This funding will allow us to enhance our platform’s capabilities, optimize delivery for clients of all sizes, and scale our offering to meet the growing demand for operationalizing digital reality.”

“Currently, only 5-10% of industry workers have access to reality capture. It’s VEERUM’s goal to make that 90%+ across client organizations, and make it common practice across all industries. By having access to current site conditions, we are de-risking unplanned events for industrial asset owners. Events like mechanical or equipment failures, severe weather, and sensor failures, result in hours, days, or weeks of lost production, costing asset owners millions of dollars in lost production each year,” says Rob Southon, CTO at VEERUM.

VEERUM stated that the digital twin market is experiencing rapid growth, with market analysts indicating a 30% to 40% annual growth over the next few years, reaching up to $150 billion by 2032. Furthermore, 80% of enterprise businesses currently use, or are expected to adopt reality capture technology in 2025.

“As an investor focused on accelerating digital transformation across the energy sector and other asset-heavy industries, we’re excited to support VEERUM in this latest funding round,” said Maynard Holt, CEO of Veriten.

He explained that VEERUM’s platform allows organizations to remotely visualize and interact with their operations in ways that were previously unimaginable. Construction teams can virtually walk through job sites before setting foot on location, dramatically improving safety and reducing field exposure. Maintenance crews can inspect assets and plan work from anywhere, cutting down on unnecessary travel. He added that by structuring and sharing reality capture data, VEERUM makes it easier for teams to collaborate, manage information, and drive smarter decisions in real time.

“We’ve seen first-hand how these capabilities deliver meaningful cost savings and efficiency improvements across the energy community,” said Holt. “As a firm deeply committed to long-term energy innovation, we believe VEERUM is leading the way in operationalizing reality capture data at scale — and we’re proud to support them on that journey.”

VEERUM’s team says they have made the world’s first VisOps platform, helping industrial teams turn reality capture data into a scalable advantage. The platform consolidates reality capture data and transforms it into actionable insights. VEERUM removes data silos by providing a central location to upload, visualize, and analyze complex data sets, reducing site visits and enabling better decision-making from anywhere. VEERUM is purpose built for asset owners, operators, and data capture companies in heavy industries like energy, mining, and infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

• Nominations are now open for people to submit themselves or their peers for the awards.
• Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, now in its 6th year, recognizes young construction leaders and their industry accomplishments.
• Nominations must be submitted by June 16. Winners will then be chosen by a diverse panel of industry experts.

The Whole Story:

Now in its 6th year, Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction is back and ready to once again recognize up-and-coming leaders in the construction sector. Nominations are officially open and can be submitted right now using this link.

The program’s organizers, On-Site Magazine and SitePartners, are looking for top young professionals from all corners the construction industry. Previous years have featured individuals who have made an impact on the industry, rising through the ranks of their companies throughout their 20s or 30s.

Honourees have included: Architects, contractors, designers, engineers, equipment operators, estimators, executives, occupational health & safety managers, project managers, quantity surveyors, site supervisors, superintendents, tradespersons, and many more in the consulting, law, finance, and technology communities that support the industry.

How to nominate

All eligible nominees—construction professionals who are 39 years or younger, a resident of Canada and currently working in Canada—must have their name and details submitted through the official Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction form. This form must be completed in full. It may take up to 15 minutes or longer to complete. You may preview the list of the nomination questions that you will be required to fill out here, but only nominations that have been submitted through the official online form will be eligible.

You may choose to either nominate yourself or someone else. If you choose to nominate yourself, you must attach an endorsed Letter of Support from a current or former supervisor, colleague, client, or vendor. You may submit nominations for more than one person, but those submitting on behalf of companies or organizations are asked to limit their nominations to five individuals.

If you have won in the past, you can’t win again. But those who were nominated last year but did not win are encouraged to reapply. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59pm PST on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024.

Choosing the winners

In considering each candidate, a panel of judges will refer to the following weighted system:

• 50% – Professional Achievement
  Significant business or project accomplishments.
  Track record of outstanding work in the office or field.
  Professional designations, memberships, or licences.
  Educational development and qualifications.
• 40% – Innovation, Leadership, and Influence
  Professional innovation and industry disruption.
  Team leadership.
  Roles in key decision making.
• 10% – Business / Community Involvement
  Participation in professional mentorship programs.
  Participation in charitable or volunteer initiatives.

Make sure to Nominate someone today for Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction before the deadline runs out. And be sure to check out all the construction professionals who won last year.

Key Takeaways:

• Enwave Energy Corporation is launching a new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, set to begin construction in fall 2025 and become operational by 2028. This facility will replace the aging district energy plant and is designed to process up to 46,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually using advanced thermal conversion technology.
• The new plant will handle 90% of PEI’s black cart residential waste, reducing landfill dependence and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It will also reduce the use of fuel oil for heating while enhancing energy reliability for more than 145 buildings in Charlottetown, including major institutions like hospitals and universities.
• The project represents a major collaboration between Enwave, the PEI government, and the MMJV Partnership (led by Maple Reinders), emphasizing scalable, low-carbon infrastructure. It highlights how public and private sectors can jointly address growing waste challenges and carbon reduction goals.

The Whole Story:

Enwave Energy Corporation plans to build a new waste processing facility in Prince Edward Island, beginning this fall. The facility will be in operation by 2028 and will replace the existing end-of-life system.

The MMJV Partnership, led by managing partner Maple Reinders, has been selected as the design-builder for the facility. The project will replace the existing district energy plant and play a central role in advancing the province’s sustainability goals.

Working in close collaboration with Enwave Energy Corporation and other stakeholders, the MMJV Partnership will deliver a modernized, expanded facility designed to process up to 46,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per year. The new plant will operate continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week using advanced thermal conversion technology to generate reliable energy from waste.

The existing district energy plant converts municipal solid waste and biomass — scrap wood from forest harvesting operations — to energy and provides that energy to its customers through the interconnected district energy network. After nearly thirty years of operation, the plant is approaching end-of-life and will be replaced with the new, expanded facility. Since 2017, the Province of Prince Edward Island and Enwave have collaborated on this project with a united goal to reduce waste and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions at a time when sustainable waste solutions are needed more than ever.

This new, state-of-the-art facility is capable of processing 90% of the province’s total black cart residential waste, significantly reducing landfill waste. The expansion of this critical facility will significantly replace the use of fuel oil for heating while providing further reliability and redundancy to more than 145 connected buildings in Charlottetown, the province’s capital city, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the University of Prince Edward Island, schools and residences. 

“This project represents a bold step forward in sustainable energy for Prince Edward Island, and we are honoured to be entrusted with bringing it to life. At Maple Reinders, we are committed to delivering infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but is built to serve generations to come. Our team is ready to deliver a facility that sets a new standard for performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility in partnership with Enwave Energy,” says Reuben Scholtens, National Vice President, Maple Reinders.

Enwave stated that they believe leveraging waste-to-energy technology provides a real solution and tangible option for communities around the country to reduce the need for additional landfills and help to meet carbon emission reduction targets. With global waste forecasted to increase 70% by 2050, this project is a testament to scalable and sustainable pathways that directly address concerns of rising waste.

“We are very grateful for the support and confidence of the government of PEI and the people of this province, enabling us to make this long-term commitment as a critical energy partner,” says Carlyle Coutinho, CEO of Enwave Energy Corporation. “The eight-year journey to get to this point has seen many hurdles, however both Enwave and the province have remained committed to making this expansion a reality. This project is an example of how governments and private companies can work together to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions at scale through a shared purpose, creating a better world for today and generations to come.”

The MMJV Partnership, made up of Maple Reinders and Marco Group Limited, stated that it is proud to support Enwave and the Province of PEI in realizing their shared vision for a resilient, low-carbon future through innovative, sustainable infrastructure.

As the construction industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, a wave of Canadian manufacturers is stepping up with innovative, sustainable building materials. From carbon-negative concrete alternatives to hemp-based insulation and self-healing infrastructure, these companies are reshaping how we build—and what we build with. Here are some of the trailblazers leading the charge toward greener, smarter construction solutions.

Hemp Block Canada

Hemp Block Canada offers the nation’s only interlocking, load-bearing hempcrete block system. Made from hemp, lime, and water, these blocks are carbon-negative, fire-resistant, and provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. They can reduce construction time by up to 60% and are suitable for various building types, including homes, schools, and offices.

AtlantisFiber

Developed in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, AtlantisFiber’s self-healing concrete incorporates specialized fibers that intercept cracks, acting like internal band-aids. This technology enhances durability, reduces maintenance costs, and is being piloted in projects like the Chawathil First Nation’s parking lot and approach road.

CarbonCure

Halifax-based CarbonCure Technologies has pioneered a method to inject captured CO₂ into concrete during mixing, where it becomes permanently embedded. This process not only strengthens the concrete but also significantly reduces its carbon footprint. Their technology has been utilized in major projects, including Amazon’s HQ2 and General Motors’ manufacturing plant.

Canadian Greenfield Technologies

Canadian Greenfield developed NForce-Fiber , the world’s only ASTM/CSA-compliant hemp reinforcement fiber for concrete. It chemically bonds with the concrete matrix, enhancing strength and reducing plastic shrinkage cracking. Used in over 100 commercial projects, including the 2022 Beijing Olympics, it’s a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers.

Hempcrete

Hempcrete specializes in hempcrete construction, offering services from consultation to contracting. They have developed hempcrete blocks compatible with standard North American framing and have been instrumental in projects like Alberta’s first code-inspected commercial hempcrete building.

Giatec Scientific

Ottawa-based Giatec Scientific Inc. is a technology leader in smart concrete solutions, with a strong focus on self-healing technologies. Their flagship product, Smart Concrete, incorporates advanced sensors and healing agents that activate when cracks appear, enabling both real-time structural monitoring and automatic self-repair. This approach significantly improves the durability and lifespan of concrete structures while delivering valuable data for proactive maintenance. Giatec’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions its self-healing concrete solutions at the forefront of addressing the demands of modern construction.

Pultrall

Pultrall Inc., based in Thetford Mines, Quebec, is a leading manufacturer of composite materials for the construction industry, specializing in fiberglass and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) rebar under the V-ROD brand. In collaboration with Canadian researchers, Pultrall has played a key role in advancing corrosion-resistant, high-strength reinforcement for concrete structures, including bridges and parking garages. Their partnership with the University of Waterloo led to the integration of the FiberLoc anchoring system, enabling wider use of CFRP tendons in pre-stressed concrete.

Battle Lake Design Group

Battle Lake Design Group is an Edmonton-based design firm renowned in Western Canada for its expertise in straw bale building design and construction, alongside other sustainable materials. The firm has modernized straw bale techniques for both rural and urban applications, adapting them to the region’s challenging climate and integrating them with conventional building systems. Their approach emphasizes energy efficiency, durability, and moisture protection, earning recognition for advancing sustainable, climate-appropriate architecture in Alberta and British Columbia.

HempWorks Canada

Located in Kelowna, B.C., HempWorks Canada supplies construction-grade hemp hurd, binders, hemp batts, flooring, and lumber. They also offer rental equipment and consulting services, supporting projects from conception to completion.

Northstar Clean Technologies

Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. is a Canadian clean technology company specializing in the sustainable recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles, with headquarters in Vancouver and commercial operations in Calgary. Founded in 2015, Northstar has developed a proprietary process that extracts liquid asphalt, aggregate, and fiber from discarded or defective asphalt shingles-materials that would otherwise end up in landfills-and repurposes them for use in new hot mix asphalt, construction products, and other industrial applications. 

Asinikahtamwak

Asinikahtamwak is an Indigenous-owned company based in Elk Point, Alberta, producing environmentally sustainable bio-fibre concrete blocks made from cement, water, and natural fibres such as hemp. Their blocks are lightweight, mold- and fire-resistant, and designed to provide durable, affordable housing solutions that support the vision of “seven-generation homes.” Operating from a 13,000-square-foot facility, Asinikahtamwak aims to scale production from 250 blocks per day to 1,000, using locally sourced natural fibres and waste materials.

University of Manitoba

A research team at the University of Manitoba, led by Professor Mercedes Garcia-Holguera, is pioneering the use of mycelium-the root-like structures of fungi-as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. By growing mycelium in agricultural waste substrates, the team produces biodegradable bricks and insulation panels, aiming to address supply challenges in remote and Indigenous communities. Their research focuses on testing mycelium’s resilience to harsh Canadian winters and scaling the technology for practical, environmentally responsible construction applications.

ZS2 Technologies

ZS2 Technologies, headquartered in Calgary, is a North American leader in advanced magnesium cement technology, pioneering the development of next-generation, low-carbon building materials for the construction industry. Their patented process transforms waste into high-performance, climate-resilient cement products that are fire-resistant, water-resistant, non-toxic, and mold-resistant, offering a robust alternative to traditional gypsum and oriented strand board.

Carbon Upcycling

Carbon Upcycling, based in Calgary, is at the forefront of circular decarbonization solutions for heavy industry, transforming industrial CO2 emissions and solid waste into new, low-carbon cementitious materials for construction. Their proprietary technology enhances the reactivity of industrial byproducts-such as legacy coal ash, steel slags, and clays-by infusing them with captured CO₂, producing high-performance supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that can replace a significant portion of traditional clinker in cement. This process not only permanently sequesters carbon but also results in stronger, more durable concrete, achieving up to 60% emissions reduction and 50% clinker replacement compared to conventional blends.

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta’s government is investing $25 million as part of a larger $63 million initiative to expand the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College, enhancing apprenticeship and dual-credit trades training.
• The expansion will add over 440 seats for trades programming and 100 for dual-credit programs, with upgraded facilities including new equipment like overhead cranes and vehicle lifts to improve hands-on learning.
• This investment aligns with Alberta’s strategy to meet labour market demand by strengthening its skilled trades workforce and creating more career opportunities through improved apprenticeship education.

The Whole Story:

Alberta’s government is supporting apprenticeship training with an investment of $25 million for the expansion of the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College.

The funding is part of a $63 million total investment over three years beginning in 2024. Upon completion, this project will add more than 440 new seats for trades programming, as well as 100 seats for dual-credit trades programs, including Agricultural Equipment Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, Welder and Landscape Horticulturist.

“The expansion of the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College will strengthen apprenticeship training and provide new learning opportunities in Alberta,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education. “By investing in apprenticeship education, we’re creating more career opportunities for Albertans, strengthening our workforce and growing our economy while meeting labour market demand.”

Officials say the expansion will increase apprenticeship learning opportunities for students by enhancing student spaces, ensuring more Albertans are equipped with the skills and training needed to meet the workforce demands of tomorrow.

Since 1971, the W.J. Elliott building has served as a home to trades programming at Olds College. The renovations will include new collaborative student and staff spaces as well as adding lifting equipment, such as overhead cranes and vehicle lifts equipped with highway tractor alignment systems and wheel dynamometers, to improve trades programming. Construction is set to begin early this summer and is expected to be complete by spring 2027.

Alberta has 59 designated trades, 47 of which have associated apprenticeship education programs regulated under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act.  

Key Takeaways:

• Corbell Private Capital has acquired a majority stake in RWC Systems, aiming to support the company’s strategic growth beyond Western Canada into a national presence, particularly targeting Eastern markets.
• RWC’s existing leadership team, including CEO Larry Robertson and his brother Rod, RWC director, will remain in place. Both companies are aligned on maintaining RWC’s strong culture, customer-first approach, and long-standing employee loyalty while scaling operations.
• Corbell brings not only capital but also operational expertise and a national network of trade partners. This partnership positions RWC to tap into rising demand in the residential and commercial construction sectors across Canada.

The Whole Story:

RWC Systems Inc. and Corbell Private Capital, a Toronto-based private equity firm, have announced a new partnership as Corbell acquires a majority stake in RWC Systems. 

It represents a special moment for RWC, which was started by Garth Robertson 47 years ago in a shed. It also is the beginning of RWC’s ambitous plans to expand far beyond Western Canada. 

“This is a huge milestone and it’s setting the business up for success,” said Larry Robertson, Garth’s son and RWC Systems CEO. “To get to this milestone has been a lot of hard work and it was done very strategically over the last 3 to 4 years. And it’s a big reward, but I think there’s a need in the market for what our vision is and we’re going to make sure we fill that gap and can offer our customers the RWC experience on the East Coast and all across the country.”

Headquartered in B.C., RWC Systems is known for its expertise in delivering large-scale drywall and interior systems for commercial, institutional, and healthcare clients. Past projects include Mills Memorial Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, The Stack in Vancouver, Amazon’s Vancouver headquarters, LNG Canada and Oakridge Centre.

Over the last few years, the company has expanded throughout B.C., doing projects in the Okanagan and Northern B.C. They are also currently doing a major project in Saskatchewan, the new Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.

“RWC has built an outstanding business under Larry and Rod’s leadership, with a reputation for excellence, a highly regarded management team, and a proven ability to scale,” said Eric Persi, Managing Partner at Corbell Private Capital. “We’re proud to invest in RWC, and we’re excited to collaborate closely with the existing management team, customers, and suppliers. Our goal is to support RWC’s national growth and strengthen its capabilities—while staying true to the company’s core values and customer-first approach.”

Larry, his brother, RWC Director Rod Robertson, and their leadership team will remain with RWC as it collaborates with Corbell on a growth strategy. 

“We will probably be a bit more strategic with what our leadership team is focused on as well as deepening those customer relationships and transferring them down to other members of the team,” said Larry. “We have people who have worked for us for 27 years and a lot of our top lead site leadership have been with us for 15 years or more … I think we’ve been a big promoter of recognizing people and what they accomplish and what they do for your business and then also giving them the autonomy to do something in your business and cutting those mooring lines with people and just letting them loose to do it. It’s amazing what can happen.”

Corbell Private Capital will provide strategic support, capital resources, and operational expertise to help accelerate RWC’s expansion, particularly into Eastern Canada, where growing demand for residential and commercial construction presents new opportunities. Corbell’s investment also brings access to a network of trade partners across the country.

“They have a vision for RWC that very importantly was the same vision Rod and I had,” said Larry. “We were kind of looking at a mountain going, how are we going to climb this? There’s a need. We’re both relatively young and we still have fire in the belly.”

Together, RWC Systems and Corbell are aligned in a shared vision to become the most distinctive and efficient commercial wall and ceiling company in all of Canada. RWC stated that the partnership ensures continuity for existing clients while unlocking new potential to deliver on a larger scale, without compromising the quality and service RWC is known for.

“We built a legacy and the most important part of it too is that Corbell recognizes that and they just want to build on that,” said Larry. “So, how we go about expanding Eastern Canada, we haven’t quite figured out yet, but we will.”

Key Takeaways:

• The Act aims to reduce housing costs and accelerate construction by standardizing and simplifying development charges, building standards, and approval processes across Ontario’s 444 municipalities—addressing long-standing delays and inconsistencies
• Ontario is injecting an additional $400 million into the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Fund (MHIP), bringing the total to nearly $2.3 billion over four years, to support housing-related water and infrastructure projects that enable the construction of hundreds of thousands of new homes.
• The legislation reflects extensive consultations with municipalities and industry stakeholders like the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, which applauds the focus on reducing development charges and permitting delays—two major contributors to high housing costs in Ontario.

The Whole Story:

Ontario is introducing the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 to help speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure, including by streamlining development processes and reducing costs in close partnership with municipalities.

The province is also increasing its investment in housing-enabling infrastructure by adding $400 million in immediate funding to the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) and Municipal Housing Infrastructure Fund (MHIP) for a total of nearly $2.3 billion over four years across the HEWSF and the MHIP.

“We are taking bold action to protect Ontario in the face of economic uncertainty by speeding up construction so we can lower housing costs and keep workers on the job,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The legislation we’re tabling today responds to recommendations and requests from municipal leaders, and will help build the homes and infrastructure Ontario needs.”

The Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, if passed, and related actions would:

• Spur new construction by simplifying and standardizing development charges based on measures that were developed in consultation with municipalities, including measures that some municipalities have already implemented.
   
• Remove barriers for Canadian manufacturers who want to introduce innovative materials, systems and building designs that could reduce construction costs and expedite projects.
   
• Streamline and improve planning and delivery for transit-oriented communities, creating more jobs and housing options near transit.
   
• Reduce costs and speed up project approvals with consistent building construction standards across Ontario municipalities.
   
• Significantly speed up getting shovels in the ground to build major transit projects by extending measures in the Building Transit Faster Act, 2020 to all provincial transit projects.
   
• Simplify, streamline and bring consistency and transparency to development applications, land use planning approvals, and contents of municipal official plans. These changes would make it easier and faster to build residential, commercial and industrial buildings within and across Ontario’s municipalities.
   
• Ontario’s road building standards can differ across the province’s 444 municipalities, causing unnecessary cost and delays. The province will consult with municipalities and stakeholders by fall 2025 on framework legislation for greater harmonization and clarified governance of municipal standards.

“We are pulling out all the stops to protect and build up Ontario during this time of economic uncertainty,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Our expanded investments will ensure we can build even more homes, create more jobs and protect the most critical infrastructure that people depend on every day.”

Through HEWSF, the province has already allocated nearly $1.3 billion for water and waste-water infrastructure projects that will enable the construction of approximately 600,000 homes. Ontario has also invested approximately $700 million in MHIP. Combined with the new $400 million ($315 million for HEWSF and $85 million for MHIP) this brings the new total investment to nearly $2.3 billion.

“I applaud Premier Ford, Minister Flack, and the Government of Ontario for taking bold and creative action to address the housing crisis,” said Steven Del Duca, Mayor for the City of Vaughan. “The status quo simply isn’t working, and families across Ontario — including mine — deserve to see real change. I want my kids to have the opportunity to own a home in the city where they grew up. In Vaughan, we’re doing our part by reducing development charges by 50 per cent and using every tool available to get more homes built, faster. I welcome the province’s leadership in cutting red tape, standardizing approvals, and building a more efficient, affordable future for all Ontarians.”

Through the Building Faster Fund, the government has also provided municipalities with $286.8 million for community and housing-enabling infrastructure last year, along with $120 million dedicated for small, rural and Northern municipalities without housing targets which is being delivered through the HEWSF and MHIP. This is in addition to the $1 billion in flexible loans for housing-enabling water infrastructure projects available to municipalities through the Infrastructure Ontario Loan Program.

“I’m grateful for the province’s leadership in introducing these much-needed measures to address the housing crisis,” said Carolyn Parrish, Mayor for the City of Mississauga. “Municipalities cannot tackle this challenge alone — we need support like this to cut red tape, streamline approvals, and create the conditions for faster, more affordable housing development. Mississauga’s Housing Task Force has demonstrated that bold reforms and innovative policies can drive real progress, and these provincial measures will encourage cities across Ontario to accelerate their own housing initiatives. This kind of collaboration across all levels of government is critical to meeting the urgent housing needs of our residents and building a more sustainable future for residents all over Ontario.”

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) responded to the announcement, say they were optimistic about the legislation. The group noted that it targets two of the most significant drivers of high housing costs: development charges and permitting and approval delays. Builders across Ontario have long advocated for action on these barriers, which in many cases add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of a new home.

The bill comes after months of consultation with OHBA representatives and other industry experts who
shared data-driven evidence on the impact of development charges and delays.

“I’m very pleased by the level of engagement and representation from industry that was part of this process,” said Andison. “We need all hands on deck to tackle the housing crisis, and I’m happy to know that Minister Flack understands that and sees value in having industry be part of the conversation. This legislation is a strong step towards boosting supply, restoring affordability, and protecting jobs in the residential construction sector.”

In particular, the bill aims to stimulate new home construction by implementing policies developed with municipalities to standardize development charges. Currently, government fees and taxes account for roughly 30-35% of the cost of a new home, making the government at different levels the biggest financial beneficiary of a new home purchase.

Development charges account for about half of that cost and have increased dramatically over the last decade. The Greater Toronto Area has the highest development charges in North America, which have risen 176% since 2011, continuing to rise while we face the worst housing crisis the province has ever seen. Builders have long called for provincial action to reduce them

The bill also looks to streamline the permitting and approval process for new developments by bringing consistency to a process that varies across the 444 municipalities in Ontario. This includes standardizing how local roads are designed and built to speed up construction and reduce costs for builders and home buyers. Like development charges, delays at the municipal level have a tangible impact on house prices, adding thousands of dollars per day to project costs.

“Ontario’s current housing framework is failing to meet the needs of average households, with homeownership increasingly out of reach and younger generations leaving the Greater Toronto Area in search of attainable living options,” said Kirstin Jensen, Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Relationships at OHBA. “The legislative package introduced by Minister Flack represents a strong and necessary advancement toward restoring attainable housing in the province. Continued leadership of this nature—anchored in evidence-based policy and strong government-industry collaboration—will be critical to meaningfully addressing Ontario’s housing supply and affordability challenges.”

Key Takeaways:

• Clark Builders has been awarded the contract to construct four new CASA House facilities in Fort McMurray, Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton, as part of a $110 million project to significantly expand youth mental health services across Alberta.
• The Government of Alberta is contributing $47 million in capital grants as part of a larger $75 million commitment, with additional community fundraising planned to ensure services remain fully funded and free for families.
• The facilities will be built using a trauma-informed, standardized design through an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, promoting early collaboration among all stakeholders and aiming to quadruple CASA House bed capacity to serve over 300 youth annually.

The Whole Story:

Clark Builders has been awarded the contract to lead the CASA Mental Health Capital Expansion project, a transformative initiative that will expand mental health services for children and youth across Alberta. Commissioned by CASA Mental Health—Alberta’s second-largest provider of community-based youth mental health care—the project will establish four purpose-built CASA House facilities in Fort McMurray, Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton.

With a total project budget of $110 million, the expansion is backed by the Government of Alberta through $47 million in capital grants in Budget 2025. This funding is part of a broader $75 million capital commitment between 2023 and 2026 to increase access to youth mental health services and relocate the current Sherwood Park CASA House to Edmonton.

The expansion is a key milestone in CASA’s five-year strategic roadmap to enhance adolescent day treatment and live-in programming. CASA focuses on the “missing middle”—youth aged 3 to 18 who require specialized mental health care that falls between primary community care and acute hospital treatment.

Each new CASA House will be over 30,000 square feet and designed with trauma-informed principles informed by feedback from families, patients, and mental health professionals. Construction will follow a standardized base-building model to streamline delivery and cost-efficiency. The Calgary and Fort McMurray facilities are slated to open in 2027, followed by Medicine Hat and Edmonton in 2029. Once fully operational, these facilities will quadruple CASA House bed capacity across Alberta to approximately 80 and serve more than 300 young Albertans annually.

Clark Builders, who previously delivered the CASA Centre in Edmonton in 2016, will lead the construction using an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model. This approach emphasizes early collaboration between the owner, design team, and builder to foster innovation, transparency, and shared responsibility. Key project partners include Reimagine Architects, SMP Engineering, WSP Canada Inc., Eng-Spire, Canem Systems Ltd., Dee-Jay Plumbing & Heating Ltd., and Collins Steel.

Alberta’s government emphasized the importance of the expansion as part of its Alberta Recovery Model, which integrates prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery. CASA House programs provide live-in and day treatment for youth aged 12 to 18 with complex mental health challenges. Services include individual, group, and family therapy, on-site schooling, life skills training, and active caregiver participation in care planning and therapy.

“This facility will help children receive quality mental health care close to home,” said Brian Jean, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche. Local MLAs Tany Yao and Justin Wright echoed the importance of bringing specialized youth mental health supports to underserved communities.

CASA Mental Health is working to secure final land agreements and will launch a community fundraising campaign to supplement the capital investment. The organization remains committed to ensuring all services are fully funded and accessible, with no out-of-pocket costs for families.

Key Takeaways:

• The development includes a 1,033-foot hotel tower that, if approved, would become the tallest building in British Columbia.
• The project proposes gifting an entire 402-foot tower to the City of Vancouver, providing 378 social housing units, artist residences, childcare space, and an Indigenous art gallery.
• The development includes a large public plaza, a rooftop observation deck, and Indigenous-led cultural features, with design input from Musqueam artist Susan Point and consultant Gordon Grant.

The Whole Story:

Inspired by the glass sea sponge, Holborn’s latest development is looking to change the Vancouver skyline by proposing the province’s tallest building.

Henriquez Partners Architects has submitted a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver on behalf of the Holborn Group for a large mixed-use development spanning three sites at 501 and 595 West Georgia and 388 Abbott Street.

“We are incredibly proud to bring forward this generational project — one rooted in community need, extraordinary architectural innovation and reconciliation,” said Joo Kim Tiah, President, Holborn Group. “This project is designed not only to meet today’s challenges, but to inspire future generations.”

The proposed project includes four towers ranging in height from 402 to 1,033 feet (122 to 315 metres). If approved, the tallest structure — a hotel — would become the tallest building in British Columbia. The development would add 1,939 residential units, a 920-room hotel, over 70,000 square feet of conference space, and new public amenities.

One of the four towers, located on Abbott Street, is proposed as a gift to the City of Vancouver. It would contain 378 social housing units, including three artist-in-residence suites for the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. This building would also include a childcare facility and a 5,150-square-foot Indigenous art gallery and community space.

Henriquez Partners Architects designed the towers with visual references to the glass sea sponge reefs found in the Pacific Northwest. Structural elements, such as a diagrid exoskeleton for the hotel, were developed in collaboration with engineering firm Arup. The structural system is intended to allow for open interior layouts while reducing material use.

The residential towers would incorporate sculptural balconies and patterned screens. The podium and interior spaces are designed with stone finishes referencing local materials and buildings, including the adjacent Randall Building and Christ Church Cathedral.

The proposed public realm improvements include a 17,000-square-foot plaza on West Georgia Street, pedestrian pathways, and retail and restaurant pavilions. A rooftop observation deck on the hotel tower, accessible to the public, would provide views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Landscape design for the public areas is by PFS Studio.

Musqueam artist Susan Point has been invited to create work for the plaza, and the overall cultural program is being guided by Indigenous consultant Gordon Grant. The project includes three artist residences for MST Nations and a gallery to showcase Indigenous art.

The development is designed with a focus on low-carbon construction and targets net-zero operational carbon and a 50% reduction in embodied carbon, according to the project team.

In total, the project includes:

• 1,288 market condominium units
• 273 market rental units, including family-sized homes
• 378 social housing units
• A 920-room hotel (640 short-stay and 240 long-stay units)
• 70,130 square feet of conference and event space
• 64,000+ square feet of retail
• A public rooftop observation deck
• Direct connection to the SkyTrain

The proposal is currently under review by the City of Vancouver.

Key Takeaways:

• The province has approved construction of the first of four SMRs at the Darlington site, marking a historic milestone as the first SMR project in a G7 country. Once complete, the four reactors will generate enough clean electricity to power 1.2 million homes.
• The SMR project is expected to create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and contribute $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over 65 years, with 80% of project spending targeted for Ontario-based companies.
• With Ontario’s electricity demand projected to rise by at least 75% by 2050, SMRs are being positioned as a low-emissions, reliable baseload solution to bridge the anticipated power gap and support long-term energy security.

The Whole Story:

Ontario is set to make history with the launch of Canada’s—and the G7’s—first small modular reactor (SMR), as the province moves aggressively to secure its energy future and meet a projected 75% surge in electricity demand by 2050.

The full project scope includes the construction of four small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington nuclear site.

Once complete, this SMR will be the first of its kind in the G7, producing enough electricity to power the equivalent of 300,000 homes, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs across the province and helping secure Ontario’s energy supply for decades to come.

The construction of the four units will support the government’s plan to protect Ontario’s workers and economy by creating up to 18,000 Canadian jobs and injecting $500 million on average annually into Ontario’s economy. The construction, operation and maintenance of the four units are expected to add $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years. Officials say they are working with OPG to ensure that 80% of project spending goes to Ontario companies and that construction and operations will protect Ontario workers and jobs by sustaining an estimated 3,700 highly-skilled, good-paying jobs for the next 65 years.

“This is a historic day for Canada as we start construction on the first small modular reactor in the G7, creating 18,000 jobs for Canadians,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “This nation-building project being built right here in Ontario will be led by Canadian workers using Canadian steel, concrete and materials to help deliver the extraordinary amount of reliable and clean power we will need to deliver on our ambitious plan to protect Ontario and unleash our economy.”

The BWRX-300 is a small-scale nuclear reactor that uses commercially available uranium to generate power. The four SMRs will be vital to powering new homes, historic investments to build Ontario and fuel a thriving economy. Once complete, they will produce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power the equivalent of 1.2 million homes, to help bridge a power gap that could emerge in the early 2030s in the absence of net-new baseload power sources added to the grid.

More than eighty Ontario companies have already signed agreements with OPG to deliver this first-of-a-kind project, establishing themselves as leaders in the growing domestic and global markets for new nuclear technologies. The government has also negotiated additional commitments from GE Hitachi that will create jobs in Ontario, that will soon be unveiled.

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) concluded that the Darlington New Nuclear Project is the best option to meet growing demand in terms of costs and risks, when compared against non-emitting generation alternatives. This, combined with OPG’s track-record on the Darlington Refurbishment Project, factored into the government’s decision to support the Darlington New Nuclear Project.

Within Canada, the Ontario government and OPG are collaborating with power companies in Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick as they work towards the deployment of SMRs in their jurisdictions. Around the world, the government has helped secure job-creating agreements that deploy Made-In-Ontario components to build SMR’s for the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta’s government is investing over $141 million into Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE) to support infrastructure upgrades, new facility construction, and demolition of outdated buildings, aiming to expand and modernize mental health and addiction services.
• The funding includes $38 million for the 75-bed Edmonton Recovery Community (opening 2027) and over $90 million for the 150-bed Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre (opening 2029), both focused on long-term addiction treatment and intensive intervention care.
• The project will increase Edmonton’s addiction treatment capacity by 225 beds while maintaining AHE’s existing 460 treatment beds, ensuring continuous care during construction and future improvements in service delivery.

The Whole Story:

Alberta’s government is putting forward more than $141 million for new construction and facility improvements at Alberta Hospital Edmonton.

The capital funding will go towards site improvements and new infrastructure at the Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE) campus. AHE has been delivering mental health services for more than 100 years, first opening its doors in 1923.

“Alberta Hospital Edmonton has provided psychiatric care to Albertans for more than 100 years,” said Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. “Adding new addiction treatment facilities to the campus is a step forward in building mental health and addiction system capacity. This investment will ensure Alberta Hospital Edmonton is helping Albertans pursue recovery for years to come.”

The capital funding will support upgrades for campus infrastructure, unit renovations and demolition of vacated buildings at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. This investment will also support building the Edmonton Recovery Community and the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre on the AHE campus. Overall, the capital investment will help maintain important hospital infrastructure for the existing 460 treatment beds and outpatient psychiatric services while also increasing addiction treatment capacity within Edmonton by 225 beds.

Construction of both the Edmonton Recovery Community and the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre is expected to begin in 2026.

“For many years, the Alberta Hospital Edmonton has played an important role supporting Albertans with complex mental health issues,” said Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure. “We are proud to support a modernization project that will not only enhance this facility but also ensure that the most advanced and effective care is available for those in need.”

Edmonton Recovery Community

A capital investment of $38 million will go towards building the Edmonton Recovery Community, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. The 75-bed facility will provide residents with holistic, long-term addiction treatment for up to one year.

Recovery communities focus on mental health and well-being, individual and group therapy, development of healthy habits and social skills, employment training and other supports that put residents on a pathway to success. The goal is for every participant to leave the program not only drug free, but as healthy members of society with strong connections to the community.

Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre

More than $90 million in capital funding will go towards building the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre, which is expected to be completed in 2029. This new 150-bed centre will provide patients with access to a full spectrum of mental health and addiction supports to address their complex health needs. The centre will include spaces for intake assessments, medically supported detox, counselling, individual and group therapy and more for those receiving care under the proposed Compassionate Intervention Act.

As part of the public health care system in Alberta, the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre will be operated by Recovery Alberta and provide intensive treatment to patients under a secure compassionate intervention care plan. The goal is to provide stabilization, assessment and treatment so Albertans can successfully transition to community supports, such as a recovery community or psychiatric treatment, to continue their recovery journey.

Alberta Hospital Edmonton revitalization

More than $13 million in capital maintenance and renewal funding will go towards updating the AHE campus infrastructure, including various mechanical upgrades, water main repairs, boiler repairs, roof replacements and unit renovations (building 8). Two vacant buildings, building 1 and building 11, will be demolished along with the water tower. Planning for the demolition of three more vacant buildings (buildings 2, 5 and 7) is also underway.

Since 1923, AHE has played an important role in caring for those with complex mental health needs. Today, the hospital continues to provide both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care to Albertans. This includes 460 treatment beds for forensic psychiatric care, adult psychiatric care and the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs program. Treatment beds for youth under mandatory treatment orders will eventually move to the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre upon completion, which will create more treatment space for adult care at AHE.

Patient care at AHE will not be impacted by the construction of the new buildings or the demolition of the vacant buildings.

Key facts:

• Alberta Hospital Edmonton opened in 1923 following the First World War, and was primarily focused on treating veterans with what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder.
• AHE has a strong history of mental health care with a focus on recovery-oriented care and addressing substance use challenges.
• In the 1970s and 80s, Alberta Hospital Edmonton was the province’s largest psychiatric treatment facility with about 650 treatment beds.
• Building 1 was the first dormitory on the hospital campus and contained the Highwood School until closing in 2006; building 11 was known as the Cottonwood building.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ontario government is expanding its Skills Development Fund (SDF) by nearly $1 billion over three years—bringing the total investment to $2.5 billion—to train and reskill workers, particularly those impacted by U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.
• The funding includes $705 million for the SDF Training Stream to provide hands-on training in key sectors like manufacturing and health care, and $150 million for the SDF Capital Stream to build and upgrade training facilities.
• This investment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ontario’s economic resilience, support job security, and maintain the province’s competitive edge by investing in its skilled workforce amidst global challenges.

The Whole Story:

As its latest response to U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty, the Ontario provincial government is expanding its Skills Development Fund (SDF) by nearly $1 billion over the next three years, for a total of $2.5 billion. This funding will help train and reskill Ontario workers, including those directly impacted by layoffs resulting from tariffs.

“We’re already seeing the impact of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty he has created on Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “My message to these workers and their families is clear: We’ll always have your backs. Today’s announcement of a further $1 billion in SDF funding is just the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario by investing in workers and making sure they have the support they need to succeed, no matter what comes our way.”

To help Ontario workers gain in-demand skills and practical hands-on experience, the government is expanding the Skills Development Fund by $955 million over three years starting in 2025–26.

This includes $705 million in new funding through the upcoming 2025 Ontario Budget to train more workers through the SDF Training Stream, building on the additional $100 million announced in January 2025. These funds will support more projects that will help build Ontario and protect workers and jobs in industries expected to face pressures from U.S. tariffs, including manufacturing and health care.

Through the upcoming 2025 Ontario Budget, the government is also providing $150 million over three years starting in 2025–26 to support increased demand in the SDF Capital Stream. This investment will help more organizations build, expand and retrofit their training facilities to deliver better training programs and help more workers get better jobs and bigger paycheques.

“Ontario’s prosperity is built with the hands of skilled workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the Skills Development Fund, our government is making historic investments in the training, tools and supports that workers need to succeed. Ontario’s greatest competitive advantage is our highly skilled, world-class workers and today’s investment strengthens their paycheques and ensures Ontario remains strong in the face of global uncertainty.”

These new investments through the Skills Development Fund brings the total SDF funding commitment to $2.5 billion, continuing to demonstrate the government’s support for major industries and sectors while training the workers needed to build and strengthen Ontario’s economy.

“Our government has a plan to protect and support the training of the province’s highly skilled and world class workforce against U.S.-imposed tariffs and for generations to come,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our government continues to demonstrate our commitment to invest in our greatest resource, our workers. With these investments through the Skills Development Fund streams, we are taking bold actions to support our workers and businesses, while ensuring the economic prosperity of the province.”

More information about the government’s plan will be included in the 2025 Ontario Budget, to be released on May 15, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• The province, in partnership with BC Hydro, is implementing a major clean-energy strategy that includes acquiring up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours of renewable power annually, developing firm electricity capacity, and advancing electrification across sectors to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• The plan emphasizes collaboration with First Nations and investment in made-in-B.C. clean-energy technologies, including $12 million in funding to support innovation and create sustainable jobs, while expanding First Nations ownership in new renewable projects.
• Alongside a $36-billion 10-year infrastructure plan, the strategy includes measures to streamline grid access for new developments, maintain stable electricity rates, and promote energy efficiency for homes and businesses to ensure affordability and support economic growth.

The Whole Story:

The Province, in partnership with BC Hydro, is launching an ambitious plan to harness clean electricity for economic growth.

“With this work, we are securing our energy and our economy for the future by expanding one of our greatest assets: abundant clean electricity,” said Premier David Eby. “We are boosting our clean-energy supply, powering our growing communities and industries, and creating thousands of family-supporting jobs – all while advancing reconciliation and reducing pollution. Perhaps most importantly, this will help build a strong foundation for our province and our country at a time of external threats to our sovereignty and prosperity.”

The Clean Power Action Plan aims to leverage B.C.’s clean-electricity advantage. With five transformative initiatives, the plan aims to accelerate economic growth, while securing long-term energy stability for generations to come:

• launching a second call for power to acquire a target of up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year of energy from large, clean and renewable projects in partnership with First Nations and independent power producers – enough to power 500,000 new homes. This builds on the success of the 2024 call for power, which resulted in 10 new renewable-energy projects, with First Nations asset ownership between 49% and 51%, capable of powering about 500,000 new homes;
• opening up the opportunity to explore B.C.’s power potential through a request for expressions of interest exploring capacity and firm, baseload electricity projects to deliver for peak demand periods and to provide back-up intermittent energy resources;
• ushering in an expanded era of energy efficiency by partnering with innovators through a request for expressions of interest to deliver market-ready demand-side management technologies that help people and businesses save energy and money;
• investing more than $12 million from the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) fund in a targeted three-year call for new, made-in-B.C. clean-energy technologies that will combat climate change and create sustainable jobs; and
• streamlining connections to B.C.’s grid to enable new homes and businesses to access clean electricity faster and less expensively.

“Uncertain times demand bold, decisive action, and we need to respond with urgency and with confidence and turn adversity into opportunity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Our commitment to strengthening energy security and building a resilient electricity system will unlock critical economic opportunities, foster innovation, deepen collaboration with First Nations and reaffirm B.C.’s leadership in climate action.”  

These initiatives build on actions underway, including setting BC Hydro rate increases at 3.75% for the next two years to provide stable, affordable rates, while enabling significant investments, offering new optional rates to help residential customers save, and implementing BC Hydro’s $36-billion 10-year capital plan to expand and reinforce electricity infrastructure throughout the province.

Beyond driving economic development and ensuring energy security, the Clean Power Action Plan also supports electrification – the transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity in homes, businesses, industry and transportation.

“Through collaboration with government, First Nations, and the clean-energy sector, BC Hydro is making significant investments and seeking new partnerships to secure B.C.’s clean-energy future,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “The initiatives in the Clean Power Action Plan will set the stage for an increased renewable, reliable and resilient energy supply to support our growing province in the years ahead. At the same time, we remain committed to affordability by offering customers more ways to save energy and money, while maintaining stable, predictable rates.”