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.
See what’s on the agenda for one of construction’s biggest events of 2025.
Speakers and panels have been released for SiteSummit, a two-day conference designed to equip high-level construction leaders with the knowledge they need to own the moment. Some of SiteSummit’s featured speakers include Turner Construction VP and General Manager Amit Patel, Conwest Developments Partner and COO Ben Taddei, Senior Vice President of Marketing for EllisDon Paul Trudel, EllisDon Chief Information Officer Brandon Milner, Stack Modular President Jim Dunn, BC Builds, Kindred Construction President Bryan Reid, Executive Lead Lisa Helps and many others. Even more industry titans and event features will be announced soon.
Here just a few of the panels planned for the two-day event:
Beyond the hype: Using AI + technology to drive jobsite success
Innovation is moving so fast it’s hard to keep up. These experts can help you sort through it all and find the signal through the noise. Because if technology isn’t improving efficiency and safety on the jobsite, it’s just hype. We’ll show you how AI can deliver real, measurable results in a time we need it the most.
Meet the client: What owners want from builders in 2025
It’s everything you wanted to know, but were afraid to ask. Building more projects faster is one of the greatest challenges of our time and developers are the the front lines. With massive investments on the way, learn what developers are looking for, how they plan their projects and their biggest concerns.
C-Suite Roundtable: What lays ahead
Hear from some of the construction sector’s most accomplished leaders about how they are steering their organization through unprecedented times. And If you have any burning questions about how a large, sophisticated company approaches construction, the Q&A portion is the opportunity to ask.
Housing: Conquering Canada’s biggest crisis
It’s an issue that is impacting entire generations of workers and families and a top priority of government. Let’s chat with some of the country’s most innovative thinkers about what we face and how to approach it. How big of a challenge are we facing? How do we actually start to work to solve this problem. What do builders need to do?
The event will take place May 26-27 at North Vancouver’s iconic Polygon Gallery. Designed by renowned local architects Patkau Architects, the 25,000 square foot building features a modern, open-concept design with a focus on sustainability and natural light.
Why are we doing SiteSummit? SiteNews’ team aims to breathe new life into the typical industry event format with a scenic venue, creative networking opportunities and targeting panel sessions. In addition to carefully curated learning opportunities, SiteSummit will feature dynamic networking, including a Beer Crawl that explores the local breweries along Metro Vancouver’s North Shore.
Space is limited, so get your tickets to SiteSummit here before it sells out.
Bird Construction has been awarded five projects with a combined value of over $650 million across its infrastructure, industrial and buildings businesses.
Here’s what they won:
Defence Construction Canada has awarded Bird a modified design-build contract to design and construct 200 new residential housing units in Ontario. Managed by the Canadian Forces Housing Agency, this project is part of the Residential Portfolio Capital Investment Plan initiative that aims to provide suitable housing solutions for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families. It is also part of a broader $1.4 billion investment over 20 years to enhance housing for CAF members while alleviating local housing demands.
Bird was selected for a new contract award as part of Dow’s Path2Zero Program in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta to build the world’s first net zero integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives site with respect to scope 1 and 2 emissions. This new contract falls under the Utilities & Power Infrastructure group within the hydrocarbon production area and supports Dow’s commitment to sustainable and low-emission operations. Bird’s scope of work includes civil, mechanical, structural, piping, electrical and instrumentation, buildings and insulation works.
Bird was awarded a construction management contract for the multi-phase expansion and renovation of the Cottonwoods long-term care (LTC) facility in Kelowna, B.C. The initial phase of the project involves constructing a new four-storey, 234-bed LTC facility on the existing site, including all LTC support services and an operations centre for managing facilities across seven Interior Health locations. Phase 2 will involve demolishing the 1975 portion of the site and constructing a new one-storey mass timber amenity space, linking the new building with the remaining 1985 structure. This project will significantly modernize the existing facility, providing substantial benefits to the Kelowna community.
Further to the recently announced projects to support Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) nuclear work program, Bird, through Indigenous-led joint venture Makhos Bird Joint Venture (MBJV), was awarded additional contracts for the design and construction of four projects that will support ongoing nuclear operations and refurbishment activities.
Bird, as part of a 50/50 general partnership, has executed a contract extension for early site development works at the Woodfibre LNG project. The agreement facilitates the site development, infrastructure, and foundations for the new LNG export facility, which is set to be the world’s first net-zero facility of its kind. This state-of-the-art facility will produce 2.1 million tonnes of LNG annually, supporting global energy transition efforts by supplying Canadian natural gas to international markets seeking cleaner fuel alternatives.
“These new project awards underscore the continued demand in our infrastructure, industrial and buildings businesses in economically resilient sectors, and highlight our consistent presence in defence, chemicals, long-term care, clean power generation, energy and mining. Notably, the majority of these projects are with long-standing clients, an endorsement of the strong relationships we’ve forged through our consistent performance and collaboration,” said Teri McKibbon, President and CEO of Bird. “We also continue to increase our work program on large capital investment projects strengthening our risk-balanced combined backlog and further increasing our visibility to future additional scopes of work.”
B.C. is honouring builders who go above and beyond to cultivate a positive culture for the industry. As part of Construction and Skilled Trades Month, the BC Construction Association has announced its Builders Code 2025 Champion Award Winners, recognized for making a positive difference in advancing the culture of BC’s construction industry.
Officially proclaimed by the BC provincial government and now in its 8th year, Construction Month is a time when British Columbia’s construction industry celebrates the hard work and commitment of the 28,000+ businesses and 250,000+ British Columbians who work in the sector.
“We want to extend a special thank you to all the hard-working individuals who make BC’s construction industry the powerhouse it is,” said Chris Atchison, President of the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA). “This month, and every month, we celebrate the incredible efforts of the businesses and builders who make the development and growth of our province possible.”
Here are the BCCA Builders Code 2025 Champion Award Winners and Honorable Mentions:
For more information about Construction & Skilled Trades Month, visit constructionmonth.ca
SiteNews is proud to announce the annual awards program, Construction’s Most Influential People, is back to honour outstanding individuals who are impacting the construction sector.
The annual program was created to shine a spotlight on Canadians having a massive positive impact on the built environment and the construction process. They are thought leaders, innovators, wizened veterans, young disruptors, politicians, legal masters, inventors, trades advocates and more.
The criteria and process are simple. Winners will be those in any industry, position or discipline whose efforts are generating a positive impact on the construction sector. SiteNews will be soliciting nominations from the industry and winners will be chosen by a panel of SiteNews staff.
This includes SiteNews co-founders Andrew Hansen and Brett Rutledge, and SiteNews Editor Hixson, who have spent their careers saturated in the construction sector in a wide range of roles. Not sure what it takes to win? Check out who made the list last year. It included:
Green building CEOs
Association presidents
Safety advocates
Trades educators
Female entrepreneurs
Government officials
Technology experts
Architects
Homebuilders
Workforce developers
And many more!
“Some competitions limit by age, sector or other criteria,” said Hixson. “Ours is only limited by impact. What are you doing to make the industry better? These are the kinds of people we think should be celebrated and that’s what we are going to continue to do with this year’s program.”
Canadian construction sites are undergoing a technological transformation, with innovations enhancing safety and efficiency across the industry. From AI-driven cameras monitoring worksites to smart machinery reducing human-machine interaction, cutting-edge tools are providing new ways to identify hazards and prevent incidents before they occur. We spoke with some of the industry’s top experts to see the biggest safety tech trends happening right now and what is on the horizon.
1. Eyes in the skies
Builders now have a new set of eyes to view jobsites with. These ubiquitous cameras, when paired with sophisticated analyses, are quickly becoming a powerful combination.
Structural engineer Dr. Tony Yang, a professor of civil engineering and lead researcher of the Smart Structures lab, explained that surveillance technology now means jobsites can be monitored for safety hazards and compliance.
“It can autonomously identify workers without proper gear, like if they are not wearing a hard hat,” said Yang. “The ability to auto-identify things and document them is available right now.”
Shawn Gray, founder and CEO of advisory firm ConstructIQ, noted that it goes beyond just recognition of safety violations.
“In live jobsite scenarios, it can detect a failure to follow safety protocols or a scenario of high likelihood for a safety incident to occur,” he said.
Gray noted that some of the industry’s largest construction firms have fully scaled out technologies like this, giving supervisors much greater visibility.
“Most jobsites these days have some time of video surveillance in place and this is giving you the ability to tap into that and put some more intelligence behind what you are seeing,” he said. “Are you wearing the right PPE, did a public vehicle just enter your transportation project’s workspace, anything like that. It has legs in all different avenues. The sky’s the limit.”
2. Smart machines
Workers getting struck by machines is far too common.
According to CNESST, in Quebec alone, 27 workers have died in the past five years after being hit by a heavy vehicle. And at least 577 are believed to have suffered injuries due to a collision with a heavy vehicle.
But technology is working to prevent this by coordinating human-machine interaction.
“Technology is being developed and has started working ultimately towards a machine that can avoid you and moves away,” said Yang. “It’s an active technology to help equipment stay away from workers and keep them from contacting machines. Those technologies were designed to prevent injury when workers are in a construction area where a machine is working.”
Yang and his team have been working to create smart construction robots that, in addition to performing jobsite tasks, can make autonomous decisions such as navigating around obstacles or instantly stopping work to protect a worker who is in danger.
“You also have more basic technology where beacons on hardhats and vests track where everyone is on site,” said Yang.
What’s even safer is having humans physically separated from machines completely. Yang noted that as robotics improves, more tasks can become automated, particularly ones that place people in danger.
“If we get more and more things automated, workers not interfering with machines, then of course in that situation less injury will likely happen,” he said. “If jobs can be fully autonomous and humans and machines are completely separate, then safety will be increased.”
Finally, Yang highlighted active monitoring technology, which can determine the condition of equipment, like cranes, which require regular inspections and maintenance to be safe.
“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” said Yang. “If you have active monitoring technology, it can be useful to prevent failure.”
3. Big data and AI
Construction is collecting more data than ever. But tools are starting to catch up and put this information to work making sites safer.
“Safety was one of the first major areas where we saw the most significant use of technology and the first instance where we saw mass data sharing between major competition organizations,” said Gray. “Safety was the beachhead where these things took off.”
Much of this data, for insurance and legal reasons, involves providing documentation of safety protocols and procedures, and if they are being followed.
“But that doesn’t really prevent incidents,” said Gray. “The evolution has been that we have all this data, let’s use some analytics.”
Gray explained that in the past five years, firms have been digging into their data to find where the highest areas or risk are and addressing potential incident scenarios at the source before they happen.
“That’s what a lot of groups are working on with predictive AI capabilities,” said Gray.
AI also presents a big opportunity to solve the productivity and efficiency challenges in construction.The administrative and paperwork burden around safety processes is a problem ripe for solving.
“There is still a huge amount of time wasted manually entering safety information. Everyone is excited about predictive analytics, as are we, however the highest value to teams right now is time back in the field on high-leverage work. Powering-up safety workflows to speed up data capture is a big focus of ours right now,” Ben Leach, CEO of HammerTech, a construction-specific safety intelligence and compliance software provider.
Looking ahead, getting to a point of reliable and valuable predictive analytics for safety is going to require a new and more rigorous view of software capabilities.
“In addition to efficiency, [contractors] will want to look for solutions that produce reliable, credible data and support codified connected safety processes. These are needed for the application of AI to produce predictive analytics,” said Leach.
“Connected could look like worker profiles and certifications connecting to equipment pre-start inspections and hazard analysis. This gives you a 360 view of process interactions. We have always prioritized connectivity because it will provide far more useful preventative insights. You can imagine the multiplier effect of this with AI – the insights that we are going to see for safety are about to move the industry leaps and bounds ahead.”
4. Software consolidation
Software is nothing new for the construction sector. But as more solutions have entered the fray and technology has become more sophisticated, consolidation is happening.
“As we start talking about the consolidation of all these platforms, a big frustration for contractors is the integration piece,” explained Leach. “You are working on all these projects and putting project information into all the different systems. There isn’t a “nirvana” one system solution – construction processes are incredibly specialized making it unlikely one provider can solve everything well.”
He noted that contractors are using fewer solutions that are purpose-built for a subset of workflows or stakeholders, like field teams underpinned by great integrations.
HammerTech itself has integrations with Autodesk, Procore, CMiC and others so information can flow between the office and the jobsite.
“We would have liked to have built everything, but it’s impossible to be able to do that,” said Leach. “Instead, we are coming together with other partners to provide a holistic ecosystem.”
Key Takeaways:
EllisDon Community Builders has introduced Base Design, a scalable and licensable template system aimed at speeding up affordable housing projects across Canada. It streamlines the process for non-profits, Indigenous groups, and government agencies by reducing design time, lowering costs, and minimizing project risks.
Base Design supports multi-unit buildings up to ten storeys and bridges the gap between low-rise and high-density housing. It meets CMHC Affordable Housing Fund requirements for energy efficiency, emissions, and accessibility, while also being adaptable to regional housing needs
A new free proforma tool on EllisDon’s website complements Base Design, offering housing providers early-stage technical and financial insights. This helps them build stronger funding proposals and make more informed development decisions
The Whole Story:
EllisDon Community Builders has launched Base Design, an innovative solution to address the urgent need for rapid housing development across Canada. This licensable, scalable ‘kit-of-parts’ template is designed to expedite the creation of affordable housing.
The adaptable templates of Base Design lay the groundwork for multi-unit developments up to ten storeys high, effectively filling the void between low-rise buildings and high-density residences.
Aiming to abbreviate the design process for non-profits, Indigenous groups, and government agencies, Base Design enhances their ability to execute housing projects more efficiently. By utilizing standardized designs, housing providers and their development partners can now complete projects with greater speed, lower costs, and less risk.
“Bringing Base Design to the affordable housing sector is an important milestone,” said Nick Gefucia, Senior Vice President, EllisDon Community Builders. “As part of our suite of development services, it is the head start housing providers need to tackle Canada’s huge supply gap and will make a meaningful impact on communities nationwide.”
Fully compliant with Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Affordable Housing Fund criteria, Base Design meets the high standards required for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and accessibility. It also accommodates specific regional housing needs. Gaining recognition for its potential, Base Design was a finalist in CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge and has garnered endorsements from housing providers across Canada.
As part of EllisDon Community Builders’ comprehensive development services, Base Design is complemented by a new, free proforma tool on the company’s website. This tool generates a swift, accurate assessment of the viability of affordable housing projects. Housing providers can use the tool to gain early clarity on technical and financial aspects of their projects, enabling them to present well-founded proposals to funders and stakeholders.
Key Takeaways:
Lafarge Canada has received provincial approval in Alberta to operate hydraulically steered concrete delivery trailers, following a successful pilot program. This marks a significant update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act and showcases effective collaboration between industry and government.
The new rear-steer axle trailers allow for a 30% increase in concrete carrying capacity—up from 8.5 to 11 cubic metres—while improving maneuverability. This innovation reduces the number of trucks needed, lowers emissions, and enhances both safety and delivery reliability.
Lafarge’s success has sparked national interest, with other provinces preparing similar pilot programs in 2025. The company plans to deploy more of these advanced trailers as part of its broader Transportation Roadmap focused on modernizing logistics and reducing environmental impact.
The Whole Story:
Lafarge Canada has received provincial approval to operate trailers equipped with hydraulically forced steering axles for concrete delivery in Alberta, marking a significant milestone in transportation innovation and regulatory modernization. This advancement follows a successful multi-year pilot in Calgary and Edmonton and marks an update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, intended to benefit all sectors involved in the transportation of goods.
“This approval showcases how innovative technologies can revolutionize logistics and deliver real benefits to our customers by boosting efficiency,” said David Schmidt, fleet manager, Lafarge Canada. “With rear-steer axle trailers, we’re able to transport more materials with better maneuverability, resulting in smarter, safer, and more reliable service.”
Conventional mixer trucks carry 8.5 cubic metres of concrete. While trailers have been used for some time to carry 11 cubic metres, maneuverability concerns have limited their adoption. With the introduction of these new trailers, Lafarge has effectively removed these barriers and can capture a 30% increase in capacity across all fleets. This improvement enables the company to reduce the number of trucks on the road, cut emissions, and enhance both efficiency and safety.
Lafarge stated that this achievement reflects a collective effort between industry and government. David Schmidt and Andrew Barnes from the Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA) guided the regulatory process, engaging Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the province’s Transport Engineering group. With formal endorsement from the Minister of Transportation and Economic Coordinators, Devin Dreeshen, and the support of Andrew Pillman’s team at Alberta Transportation, the initiative obtained legislative approval.
While the regulations were being shaped, Lafarge worked closely with technical experts to bring the pilot project to life. Precision Mixers assembled the specialized trailers, Simard Suspensions holds exclusive rights to the forced steering axle technology, and VSE delivered the steering control system.
Over an 18-month trial in real-world conditions, Lafarge validated the system’s performance with the help of Calgary-based driver Ron Labine and Edmonton-based driver Volodymyr Dushenko. The success led to municipal approvals in Calgary and Edmonton before the province-wide green light.
Though the approval is Alberta-specific, Lafarge’s leadership in this space has sparked interest across Canada. Additional provinces are preparing pilot programs in 2025, signaling strong potential for broader adoption.
As part of its Transportation Roadmap, Lafarge will introduce two more rear-steer trailers this year, with further investments planned to support modernized equipment, emissions reduction, and high-performance delivery solutions.
“This project is a prime example of what’s possible when industry and government work together with a shared focus on innovation,” said Ian Paine, director, Ready-Mix Performance, Lafarge Canada. “It’s a win for logistics, infrastructure, and most importantly, the communities we serve.”
Caring is a competitive advantage.
It’s easy to say, but as attendees to our first ever Industry Icebreaker learned, it’s much more difficult in practice when a $100-million company is on the line as well as hundreds of jobs.
SiteNews, in partnership with the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), hosted Surepoint Group co-founder and former CEO Trevor Muir for an evening of high-level lessons and high-level hockey at the Oilers Hall of Fame in Rogers Place.
After he and the other Surepoint Owners sold a majority stake in the company to a private equity firm, they were flush with cash the future looked bright. Despite this, something felt wrong.
“I had everything everybody believed they wanted to make them happy,” said Muir. “A wife, kids, friends, family. I had a fancy acreage. Lots of money. I even had a sports car in the garage. But my life started to spiral out of control. When I had the most of everything, I felt the absolute worst.”
After growing up on a farm in rural Alberta near Grand Prairie, Muir was on a rocketship of success, but he found himself fighting an immense mental health battle that had him contemplating suicide.
Muir is not alone in his struggles.
During the discussion, Mike Martens, President of ICBA Alberta, noted that as a benefits provider for more than 300,000 construction industry workers, they have seen claims for mental health related services rise. In response, the group has funded a Wellness Program to provide a variety of mental health supports and hired NHL star Corey Hirsch to be a mental health advocate for the industry.
After he sought help and began to work on his mental health challenges, Muir was tasked with saving Surepoint Group when financial struggles, an eroded corporate culture and multiple global crises threatened to bring it all crashing down.
He spoke honestly with workers, vendors, customers and anyone else involved in the business about the challenges it faced and the sacrifices that needed to be made to save it. The leadership team took substantial pay cuts to avoid layoffs, asked for patience from its partners and was able to make it through.
“I wanted to prove that caring is a competitive advantage—in life, in business and certainly in our industry,” said Muir. “And when we started to grow, I was told you can’t have the same culture. I think that’s a lazy answer. It’s harder, and it’s not exactly the same, but you can build an amazing culture and I wanted to prove that.”
Following Muir’s stirring words about normalizing mental health conversations and transparent, honest leadership, the crowd headed to the Sky Lounge at Rogers Place to watch the Oilers take on the Los Angeles Kings. While the Oilers were beaten back to a 5-0 loss, attendees lingered right to the end, discussing Muir’s insights and enjoying refreshments.
“We feel this event was a rousing success,” said SiteNews editor Russell Hixson. “The Industry Icebreaker aims to be the perfect balance of professional development, networking and fun. What an exceptional night and thank you to Trevor for making the time to chat with us.”
If you missed this Icebreaker, don’t worry.
Because the event sold out in weeks, SiteNews is announcing that the Industry Icebreaker will continue as an annual event featuring a different Canadian NHL teams. To be part of the next SiteNews event, secure your spot at SiteSummit, taking place in North Vancouver this summer.
Key Takeaways:
The University of Calgary is converting an underused downtown office tower into 180,000 square feet of academic space, making it the first project of its kind in the region. The new facility will house the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL), offering design studios, research labs, and public engagement spaces.
Supported by $9 million from the City of Calgary’s Downtown Post-Secondary Institution Incentive Program, the project aims to revitalize Calgary’s downtown west end by reducing office vacancy, increasing economic activity, and creating a more vibrant and safer urban environment.
The expansion will bring 1,200 students into the downtown core—400 graduate and 800 new undergraduate SAPL students.
The Whole Story:
The University of Calgary and The City of Calgary have announced a new partnership to convert an underused office tower (801 7 Ave. S.W.) into active academic, teaching, and research space.
It is the first project of its kind in the region.
This expansion to the university’s downtown campus will transform 180,000 square feet into the new home for the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL) that includes design studios, classrooms, research spaces, a robotic fabrication workshop, an exhibition gallery, and a community-facing design justice lab. The recently renovated building atrium will be regularly used by SAPL for public lectures and events focused on city building.
“The expansion of the University of Calgary’s downtown campus is a key part of revitalizing our city’s core,” said Calgary Mayor, Jyoti Gondek, “This project breathes new life into underused office space, bringing more than a thousand students into the west end and transforming it into a vibrant, dynamic area. By strengthening ties between post-secondary institutions and businesses, we’re driving economic growth, while making downtown a safer and more active place for all.”
801 7th Avenue SW. – Colliers
This project is supported by up to $9 million in funding from The City of Calgary’s Downtown Post-Secondary Institution Incentive Program (PSI Program). Calgary City Council created the PSI Program as part of the broader Downtown Strategy to increase the overall economic activity, vibrancy and safety in the greater downtown area while also reducing downtown office vacancy.
The University of Calgary downtown campus expansion allows for the relocation of all 400 current SAPL graduates and 800 new undergraduates — 1,200 students total — into Calgary’s core. Located next to the CTrain’s 8th Street station, an active transportation corridor, Century Gardens Park and housing, the project is one of several current City of Calgary initiatives that are strengthening the west end of downtown including streetscape improvements to 8 Street S.W. and 8 Avenue S.W. and four office-to-residential conversion projects within two blocks. This project’s proximity to UCalgary’s existing downtown campus across the street at 8th and 8th creates a new campus atmosphere in the downtown west end.
“Through this first of its kind investment, the University of Calgary will be able to further grow the local economy by educating the workforce of tomorrow,” said Ed McCauley, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Calgary. “This will create 1,200 new student spaces downtown offering students a unique, real-world learning experience while freeing up 800 vital spaces on campus for in demand programs. We are grateful to the City of Calgary for this important investment in post-secondary learning.”
Key Takeaways:
The Attorney General of British Columbia has directed her Ministry to prepare Prompt Payment legislation, signaling a major step forward in ensuring timely payments in the construction sector.
The BC Construction Association (BCCA) is advocating strongly for the legislation, emphasizing its importance for industry stability, workforce retention, and economic growth.
According to a BCCA survey, 91% of B.C. construction employers experienced late payments in the past year, with 69% not being paid at all at least once.
The Whole Story:
The province of B.C. just got one step close ensuring timely payment in the construction sector.
The BC Construction Association (BCCA) announced that Attorney General Niki Sharma has directed her Ministry to prepare Prompt Payment legislation. The announcement comes in the midst of the eighth annual Construction and Skilled Trades Month and follows BCCA’s annual Day at the Legislature in Victoria.
The group stated that payment certainty will have profoundly positive impacts on the industry, economy, and lives of hard-working British Columbians. BCCA urged the provincial government to prioritize the development and implementation of this critical legislation and commit to collaborating with the construction industry as partners in this important work.
“We’re pleased to see the BC government take steps toward ensuring payment certainty for the construction industry,” said Chris Atchison, President of the BCCA. “This legislation is absolutely crucial to support, attract, and retain the investment and workforce our province and economy need to keep growing, and keep growing strong.”
The group noted that provincial government’s delay in passing Prompt Payment Legislation has had significant and devastating consequences for BC’s construction industry and infrastructure development. They argued that by taking swift action now, legislators can show their support for this critical sector, improve cash flow for British Columbians across the province, strengthen the economy, and ensure that BC remains competitive on national and global stages.
“Prompt Payment legislation must be informed by the perspectives and needs of those impacted — the construction industry must always have a seat at the table,” emphasized Atchison. “From homes to hospitals, BC depends on its construction industry to get the job done. Now, let’s get this done for the industry.”
BCCA is committed to working with the provincial government to advance the timely implementation of this critical legislation and stand strong for BC’s construction industry. The time for payment certainty in BC is now. For more information, check out promptpayment.ca.
According to the latest BCCA survey, 91% of construction employers in B.C. reported being paid late for completed work in the past year, and 69% reported not being paid at least once during the same period.
Here’s a breakdown of prompt payment legislation in other provinces:
Ontario
Ontario led the way with the introduction of its Prompt Payment and Adjudication provisions under Bill 142, the Construction Act (effective October 1, 2019). Key features include:
Mandatory timelines for payment (28 days for owners to pay contractors, 7 days for contractors to pay subcontractors).
An adjudication process for resolving payment disputes quickly.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan implemented Prompt Payment legislation under The Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, effective March 1, 2022. It includes:
Payment deadlines similar to Ontario’s model (28 days for owners, 7 days for downstream payments).
Statutory adjudication for dispute resolution.
Alberta
Alberta enacted Prompt Payment legislation through Bill 37, the Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, effective August 29, 2022. Key provisions include:
28-day payment deadlines.
Mandatory adjudication for payment disputes.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s Prompt Payments in the Construction Industry Act came into force on February 1, 2024. It mirrors legislation in other provinces by:
Establishing timelines for payment.
Creating an adjudication process for disputes.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia introduced Prompt Payment legislation through Bill 37 in 2019, with the regulations fully implemented by December 2024. It incorporates:
Deadlines for payments within the construction pyramid.
Adjudication processes.
Quebec
Quebec has proposed Prompt Payment laws and is piloting adjudication processes, although full implementation is still in development as of 2025.
Northland Power Inc. announced that the Jurassic Battery Energy Storage System project in southern Alberta has achieved financial close, securing all necessary financing as it prepares to begin construction.
Jurassic BESS is an 80 MW, 2-hour (160 MWh) battery storage system that is part of Northland’s growth pipeline in Alberta. The project recently signed construction contracts and will benefit from a 15-year fixed price contract for capacity. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in late 2026.
“Building on the success of our Oneida Battery Storage Project, which is nearing operations, today’s announcement represents another great milestone for Northland Power. We are delivering needed battery storage as one of the ways we provide energy solutions in Canada and around the world,” said Christine Healy, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This BESS project will enhance the stability and reliability of Alberta’s energy grid, expand our footprint in Canada, and diversify our asset base. It highlights the growth potential of our multi-technology approach.”
The project cost is approximately $120 million. Construction costs will be funded by non-recourse project-level financing, existing cash and available liquidity. Once fully operational, Jurassic BESS is expected to contribute approximately $15 million of annual Adjusted EBITDA.
Key Takeaways:
Nearly 30,000 single-family homes have been demolished in Metro Vancouver since 2012, with projections showing another 15,000 will be torn down in the next five years due to upzoning. This translates to about 300 million pounds of lumber headed to landfills.
Erick Serpas Ventura, founder of VEMA Deconstruction, advocates for dismantling homes to salvage and repurpose high-quality lumber, particularly Douglas fir, for new builds.
VEMA is collaborating with academic institutions and industry partners to grade reclaimed wood and manufacture prefabricated wall panels from 70% salvaged lumber. These panels are already being used in new builds and retrofits.
The Whole Story:
Mountains of lumber from crushed and ripped-up B.C. homes sit in a Delta landfill, with birds circling above. For some, it’s a sign of progress as demolition is making way for new housing, but for deconstruction experts like Erick Serpas Ventura, it’s a massive missed opportunity that he is working to unlock.
“It’s brutal,” said Ventura, who recently visited the landfill to truly take in how much construction material is being dumped. “I don’t want to leave this for my kids. This is our legacy; we’re only here once, and this is what we leave them? It’s not great. I feel like people don’t know in this picture that it’s their house. They think it’s gone, and then who cares?”
New research found that nearly 30,000 single-family homes were demolished in Metro Vancouver between 2012 and 2023 to make way for higher-density developments, with demolitions expected to increase by 35% over the next decade due to upzoning policies.
“We’re looking at about 15,000 homes that will be demolished in the next five years,” said Ventura. “We calculated that is about 300 million pounds of lumber that will go to the landfill. And that’s a lost opportunity.”
Through his company, VEMA Deconstruction, Ventura is working to not only salvage material. He wants to come full circle, championing efforts to use historic lumber harvested from aging homes to build new structures. For him, Vancouver’s character homes are part of his own story. His family moved to the region when he was just 3 and a half years old, and he grew up in a three-storey character home in the Riley Park neighbourhood in Vancouver, which helped him feel connected to the Canadian experience.
“You were able to weave yourself into the fabric of Canada, which was great as an immigrant,” he said, remembering the smell of the lumber and getting his first Nintendo under the Christmas tree. “A drunk driver went right through the basement of that house when I was six or seven years old. Because of that strong Douglas fir, it didn’t collapse.”
After spending a decade in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Ventura sought a new way to give back to his community. He began preparing for a career in passive house construction, but after learning about deconstruction, he was hooked.
“I felt I could have a better environmental impact, and I always looked to give back to my city, which has accepted me and my family,” he said.
He believes the deconstruction sector has massive potential to divert material from landfills and build new affordable homes. While reclaimed wood has been chiefly used to create architectural elements and furniture, Ventura envisions remixing these old materials to build entire structures.
“We are one of the few provinces with a different type of lumber used to build homes in the past: Douglas fir,” explained Ventura. “95% of Canada used SPF to build homes in the past, so what we have is very special. It’s old growth forest material that is 2,000 years old, but it’s gone and unavailable to use anymore.”
First, these woods have to be categorized and tested. 1920s and older is called first growth era material. From 1920 to 1945 is Antique and 1945 to 1990 is Vintage lumber containing Douglas fir lumber. Anything from 1990 onwards is Modern lumber SPF.
“The first-growth era lumber is great for architectural elements, hobbies, crafts, furniture,” said Ventura. “Then the vintage is the right dimension for building homes for their characterisation that its 1.5×3.5 dimensions and a lot of the lumber comes with a grade stamp suited, especially well for prefab and modular builds.”
Not only is VEMA working with the National Lumber Grading Association and university researchers from UBC and the University of Alberta to officially grade reclaimed lumber. They have partnered with Kiwi Innovation and Footprint Design to create prefabricated wall panels made from 70% deconstructed lumber.
Ventura explained that this reduces construction costs, speeds up builds, and keeps these storied materials in the built environment rather than tossing them aside.
“We’re changing an industry, disrupting it and professionalizing it,” said Ventura. “It’ll come to the point one day where it will just be deconstruction doing tendering on bids. And only if it cannot be deconstructed will demolition be allowed to bid.”
It’s not just theoretical. VEMA and its partners are using the prefab panels to build a 3,700-square-foot, net-zero energy-ready, carbon performance EL-4 home in North Burnaby. They are also working with Best Builders to retrofit a 1908 character home and infill the rear of the property to build a new home out of reclaimed material panels.
“There’s a lot of support from the community,” said Ventura. “I just think right now what’s lacking is education. People don’t know that after their home is crushed, it goes to the landfill. And deconstruction doesn’t cost more, and it doesn’t take longer.”
Key Takeaways:
Ontario has broken ground on the final tunnel segment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, a nine-kilometre line that will add seven new stations and connect Scarborough to Mississauga, enhancing the region’s transit network.
The project will create over 4,500 jobs, supporting a range of roles from engineering to heavy equipment operation, while contributing to long-term economic growth and infrastructure resilience.
Once complete, the extension will link with major regional transit systems (UP Express, GO Transit, TTC, MiWay) and cut commute times by up to 24 minutes, offering more seamless and affordable travel for Greater Toronto Area residents through the province’s “One Fare” program.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has broken ground on the final tunnel segment of the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, marking another significant milestone in the province’s plan to deliver a new transit line from Scarborough to Mississauga. Once complete, the nine-kilometre line will connect seven new stations to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
“Premier Ford and our government have a plan to tackle gridlock and shorten commutes for drivers and public transit users in the Greater Toronto Area,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “As President Trump’s tariffs continue to threaten Ontario workers and our economy, it has never been more important to invest in transportation infrastructure. We will do whatever it takes to protect Ontario jobs and build for the future.”
The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will create more than 4,500 jobs from engineers to construction workers, crane, and heavy equipment operators. Crews have now started excavating the twin 500-metre tunnels under Eglinton Avenue West, from Jane Street to the future Mount Dennis Station.
“Better public transit means Torontonians can get to work, school and appointments faster. The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension will make life easier for residents of Etobicoke, York and Midtown Toronto – meaning thousands of people will enjoy faster commutes,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “The city’s strong partnership working together with the province is building more transit for the people of Toronto.”
The new transit line will connect riders to regional transit services, including the UP Express, GO Transit, TTC and MiWay, where they can benefit from the province’s “One Fare” program and transfer for free. Combined with the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, the extension will cut commute times between popular destinations like Yonge and Eglinton and Square One by up to 24 minutes per trip.
Key Takeaways
DP World’s Duke Point Terminal expansion will nearly double berth length and increase cargo capacity to 280,000 TEUs annually, allowing it to accommodate larger international vessels and strengthen trade links, especially with Asia.
The project is built on meaningful partnerships with Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo, featuring sustainable upgrades like electric quay cranes and a new covered storage facility for pulp products.
The expansion is backed by a 50-year lease agreement and substantial funding, including $46.2M from the federal government and $15M from B.C., reflecting strong support for regional economic growth and trade infrastructure.
The Whole Story
DP World, a global logistics and supply chain company, officially launched construction of the Duke Point Terminal expansion in B.C., aimed at enhancing Vancouver Island’s connectivity and trade resilience with global markets. Representatives from the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Port of Nanaimo, and DP World marked the occasion with a ceremonial land blessing and sod-turning event.
With support from Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Port of Nanaimo, DP World’s Duke Point Terminal project will significantly increase operational efficiency and handling capacities. Once completed, the terminal’s berth length will nearly double from 182 metres to 325 metres, while cargo-handling capacity will expand to 280,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
This will enable Duke Point Terminal to serve larger international vessels, provide improved services for importers and exporters, and facilitate smoother regional and international trade. Additionally, the project establishes a robust short-sea shipping connection between Nanaimo and Vancouver, improving trade routes to key Asian markets.
The terminal expansion will also feature additional storage capacities designed to accommodate a wider array of cargo, including a dedicated 26,000 square-foot covered storage area for pulp products. DP World is also replacing the existing diesel-powered quay crane with two fully electric cranes.
The project is supported by Snuneymuxw First Nation’s free, prior and informed consent, and is supported by a 50-year lease agreement between DP World and the Port of Nanaimo, both of which were important first steps in the planned terminal expansion. The project was funded through combined public and private investments, including $46.2 million from the federal government’s National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) and $15 million from the Province of British Columbia under the Regional Port Enhancement Program, part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan.
Key Takeaways
The Government of Alberta has awarded a Public-Private Partnership (P3) contract to the EllisDon Infrastructure consortium to design, build, finance, and maintain six new schools across the province, serving an initial capacity of 5,550 students.
The schools—ranging from K-5 to 7-12—will feature flexible, durable designs to accommodate Alberta’s rapidly growing population and evolving educational needs, with locations in Airdrie, Blackfalds, Calgary, Chestermere, Edmonton, and Okotoks.
EllisDon’s vertically integrated approach brings together capital, construction, and long-term maintenance services, involving a broad team of architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure quality and long-term performance of the facilities.
The Whole Story:
EllisDon Infrastructure has reached financial close on the P3 Schools Bundle #5 project (“P3SB5”), Alberta’s latest P3 to deliver public education infrastructure. The Government of Alberta awarded EllisDon’s consortium to design, build, finance, and maintain six schools in various regions of Alberta.
“It is so rewarding to deliver projects that benefit children’s education in Alberta, said Joey Comeau, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, EllisDon Capital. “Alberta is one of the fastest growing regions in North America. The future-proof designs for these schools are adaptable, flexible and durable to accommodate the changes we expect to see in decades to come. I trust that our integrated capital, construction, and maintenance services will fulfil Alberta’s vision for these six communities.”
The new builds, in six communities, will feature one kindergarten to grade 5 (K-5) school, four kindergarten to grade 9 (K-9) schools, and one grade 7 to 12 (7-12) school. Together, the schools will have the initial capacity to accommodate 5,550 students.
The Government of Alberta again chose a Public-Private Partnership approach to deliver schools to the communities that need them.
Schools included in P3SB5:
Airdrie: Grade K-8 school, The Rocky View School Division.
Blackfalds: Grade K-5 school, Red Deer Catholic School Division.
Calgary – Nolan Hill: Grade K-9 school, The Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division.
Chestermere: Grade K-9 school, The Calgary Roman Catholic Separate School Division.
Edmonton – Glenridding Heights: Grade 7-12 school, The Edmonton School Division.
Okotoks: Grade K-9 school, The Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate School Division.
The EllisDon Infrastructure consortium consists of:
Project Lead: EllisDon Capital Inc. Financing: EllisDon Capital Inc., Fengate Capital Management Ltd. Design and Build: EllisDon Construction Services Inc., GEC Architecture, Smith + Andersen, Entuitive Corporation, Grade Consulting Inc., Scatliff + Miller + Murray Inc., Footprint, FFA Consultants Maintenance: EllisDon Facilities Services Inc.
According to the BCCA survey, 91% of construction employers in B.C. reported being paid late for completed work in the past year, and 69% reported not being paid at least once during the same period.
The BCCA attributes these issues to the provincial government’s failure to implement Prompt Payment Legislation, which the association says is contributing to increased financial risk on construction projects.
Payment uncertainty is a primary concern for those in the construction sector, followed by labour shortages and economic instability. These concerns have intensified in early 2025 due to factors such as international tariffs and broader economic conditions.
The Whole Story:
The BC Construction Association (BCCA) is raising red flags regarding new data on payment certainty. BCCA’s newly released spring Stat Pack and Annual BC Construction Industry Survey report found the issue is a top concern, with 91% of employer respondents reporting being paid late at one time this past year for completed work and 69% having not being paid at least once at all for work completed in the past year.
The association stated that B.C. government’s failure to pass Prompt Payment Legislation means critical construction projects carry additional risk and payments are not being made for completed work.
“From tariffs and lack of prompt payment to labour shortages and faltering public sector standards on permits, contracts, and procurement, hard-working British Columbians are struggling with excessive and unnecessary uncertainty,” said Chris Atchison, BCCA President. “The provincial government must deliver on strategies and initiatives that better support construction in BC.”
The group explained that from small to large companies to individual employees, everyone is burdened by this unnecessary uncertainty. They noted that overwhelmingly, people working in construction reported that the lack of payment certainty keeps them up at night, followed by concerns with workforce shortages and economic turbulence. The association added that anxieties have sharpened since the beginning of 2025, as Canada grapples with the Trump administration’s threats and tariffs. B.C. construction is not immune, given 35% of the province’s international imports come from the U.S.
“At a time when supporting domestic and local industries to strengthen our province and economy is more important than ever, payment certainty is absolutely critical,” added Atchison. “Fixing the prompt payment problem will improve cash flow for British Columbians and support contractors in managing their staff, evolving supply chains, and onerous regulatory regimes without taking on extra debt and financial expenses amidst an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The B.C. Government has the tools to solve this challenge but chooses not to.”
According to the BCCA, construction contributes 10% of B.C.’s GDP annually and will deliver $331 billion in value via major projects to the province over the next few years. They argued that the industry is one of B.C.’s greatest assets in driving economic growth through a trade war scenario.
Key stats from the latest BCCA Stat Pack:
Construction is the No. 1 employer in BC’s goods sector.
BC’s construction industry accounts for 10% of the province’s GDP. A 12% increase over the past 5 years.
251,000 people rely directly on BC’s construction industry for a paycheque.
Number of workers in trades jobs: 191,200
The number of women in construction trades is 10,133 (5.3%), an increase of over 2,750 over the past year.
Number of construction companies in BC: 28,096, an increase of over 200 companies over the past year.
The average yearly wage of BC construction employees is $81,555 an increase of 13% over the past year and 38% over the past 5 years.
Value of proposed construction projects in BC: $172.5 billion, an increase of 4% since fall 2024.
The estimated value of current major construction projects underway in BC: $158 billion, a decrease of 7% since fall 2024, and a 41% increase over the past 5 years
Current job vacancies in BC construction is 11,555
Number of projected construction jobs in BC that will be unfilled due to labour shortages by 2034: 14,100
Multi-unit residential construction starts (6 month rolling average): 35,346
Number of tower cranes currently erected in BC: 400
Key Takeaways:
BC 1 Call launched its 2025 Awareness Campaign to remind homeowners, businesses, and contractors to click or call before digging to prevent damaging underground infrastructure and ensure public safety.
Striking buried utilities can disrupt critical services like power and gas, not just for one home but entire neighborhoods. BC 1 Call’s free service helps identify underground infrastructure before digging begins, making accidents avoidable.
Safe Digging Month was officially recognized by the B.C. Legislature, with support from multiple stakeholders across construction, energy, and public safety sectors calling for stronger regulations, increased awareness, and broader adoption of safe digging practices.
BC 1 Call stated that extensive critical infrastructure exists just beneath the surface and the public is at far greater risk than they may know. BC 1 Call connects the digging community with the owners of underground infrastructure for free—but only if they click or call before they dig.
As a public safety service from April to September, BC 1 Call is conducting its 2025 Awareness Campaign to amplify the importance of clicking or calling before digging, including three different television spots, radio ads and digital.
“Who hasn’t taken safety for granted? We’ve all stood too high on a ladder or neglected to put on safety glasses thinking it’s ok just this once. Unfortunately, when we dig before contacting BC 1 Call, we risk cutting off critical services not just to our own home or business but to all those around us. Do you want to be the one responsible for cutting off power to your neighbourhood during a big game or air conditioning during a heat dome? It happens far more than it should, plus our service is free. There are no good excuses,” BC 1 Call president Donna Grant said.
Provincial Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix announced the start of Safe Digging Month on April 3 in the B.C. Legislature’s first session of its 43rd Parliament. Representatives from BC 1 Call, BC Common Ground Alliance, FortisBC, BC Municipal Safety Association, Public Works Association of BC, WorkSafeBC, BC Construction Association, BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, and other stakeholders met with MLAs from both parties to emphasize the need for safe digging regulations and legislation along with broader awareness.
Once a homeowner, business or construction project requests a free locate online or by calling 1-800-474-6886, BC 1 Call uses its mapping system to identify the relevant owners of underground infrastructure who are also BC 1 Call members. Each member is notified so they can provide critical information to those about to disturb the ground.
Key Takeaways:
Between 2012 and 2023, nearly 30,000 single-family homes in Metro Vancouver were demolished, and upzoning policies are expected to increase demolitions by 35% over the next decade.
Research suggests that 20% of these homes could be relocated to non-urban areas, while 40-60% could be deconstructed for material reuse, reducing unnecessary waste.
Renewal Development and Light House urge municipalities to implement pre-demolition assessments, refundable deposits, and green removal permits to encourage relocation and deconstruction, aligning with sustainability goals.
The Whole Story:
Between 2012 and 2023, 29,888 single family homes were bulldozed in Metro Vancouver to make way for higher density development. According to a report released today, provincial and municipal upzoning policies will contribute to a 35% increase in demolitions over the next ten years.
The report was co-authored by Renewal Development and Light House, leaders in providing sustainable solutions to the construction and development industry. Through their research, they estimate that 20% of homes that are leveled can be rescued and relocated to non-urban centres. Another 40-60% can be deconstructed with the materials salvaged and reused.
“There is still so much life in many of these homes and we are just throwing them away,” says Renewal Development CEO Glyn Lewis. “Municipalities have a social and fiscal responsibility to be part of the solution.”
Renewal Development and Light House are calling on municipalities to enact bylaws to reduce waste and protect affordable housing. Among their recommendations:
Establish pre-demolition assessment that requires all pre-1970 single-family homes slated for demolition to determine whether the home can be relocated or deconstructed.
Impose a refundable deposit where relocation or deconstruction is deemed feasible.
Create a separate ‘green removal’ permit, granting relocation and deconstruction companies adequate time to salvage homes and materials before demolition.
“Metro Vancouver can lead by example by making sure these rules apply to all city-owned buildings,” says Gil Yaron, Light House’s Managing Director of Circular Innovation. “Home relocation and deconstruction is a win-win for municipalities – stimulating local economic activity and helping achieve net zero carbon goals.”
They believe there is precedent for these calls to action:
The City of Victoria imposes a $19,500 refundable deposit that requires 3.5kg of wood be salvaged per square foot of finished floor space on homes older than 1940.
Parks Canada requires government-owned buildings slated for demolition to be pre- assessed for building relocation or deconstruction.
BC Housing requires construction, renovation and demolition waste reduction and diversion from landfills for all projects that receive the majority of funding from BC Housing.
“The demolition first paradigm must end. There are responsible alternatives to conventional demolition, be it home relocation or home deconstruction,” adds Lewis.
Key Takeaways:
The Canadian government is investing over $369.5 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to improve essential infrastructure that will support housing development and increased density.
The funding will help build or enhance the infrastructure necessary to facilitate the construction of more than 110,230 new homes across Canada, benefiting municipalities and Indigenous communities.
Projects funded under this initiative will enhance drinking water access, wastewater capacity, stormwater management, and solid waste solutions—removing barriers to housing development while improving public health and environmental sustainability. Applications for funding remain open until March 31, 2025 (general communities) and May 19, 2025 (Indigenous applicants).
The Whole Story:
Ottawa has announced a federal investment of over $369.5 million through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) direct delivery stream to build or improve the essential infrastructure needed to promote new housing supply and increase density across the country.
In total, these investments are expected to enable the construction of over 110,230 housing units.
Funding through the direct delivery stream of CHIF is provided to support pressing infrastructure projects in municipalities and Indigenous communities across Canada. These projects will provide the foundation for future housing growth – from coast to coast to coast.
These projects will provide crucial infrastructure, improve and expand access to potable and reliable drinking water, establish new water supplies, increase wastewater capacity, support and strengthen sustainable stormwater management, find new solid waste management solutions, and remove infrastructure barriers to developing new homes while improving public health and providing environmental benefits.
The intake for the CHIF direct delivery stream remains open, and applications will be accepted until March 31, 2025 for communities of all sizes across Canada, and until May 19, 2025, for Indigenous applicants.
“These strong partnerships and investments in critical housing enabling infrastructure will go a long way to get more homes built, faster,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
