Author: Russell Hixson

Key Takeaways:

• Bio Graphene Solutions’ graphene-enhanced concrete admixture reduces cement content by 10% in standard commercial mixes.
• The pilot concrete pour, completed in collaboration with EllisDon Corporation and Tomlinson Ready Mix, demonstrated their product in a real-world construction setting, validating lab results and showcasing its potential for broad industry adoption.
• BGS says its mixture is the only solution capable of reducing cement content by up to 20% without compromising performance.

The Whole Story:

Bio Graphene Solutions has completed a pilot commercial concrete pour with EllisDon Corporation, a global construction services and technology company, and Tomlinson Ready Mix, one of Ottawa’s largest concrete providers and part of the Tomlinson Group of Companies.  

The company’s proprietary graphene-enhanced admixture was integrated seamlessly into the operational flow of a Tomlinson Ready Mix 32MPa-C-2 sidewalk concrete pour at an active construction project managed by EllisDon’s Ottawa team. The biographene-enhanced concrete mix utilized 10% less cement than the control mix design without sacrificing the fresh properties of the concrete.

Bio Graphene stated that the pilot testing is a critical milestone in demonstrating the in-situ performance of the biographene-enhanced mix, validating lab trials which have shown that the concrete achieves the 28-day targeted strength of 32MPa by 7 days. Their team added that the real-world applicability and benefits of the biographene-enhanced admixture are many, providing measurable material cost savings and significant embodied carbon reductions – as much as 280kgCO2e¹ per average concrete truckload.

“EllisDon strives to be at the forefront of how sustainability is changing the face of construction and what’s expected for the future of the industry,” dsif Jolene Mclaughlin, Vice President of Climate and Sustainability of EllisDon. “The implementation of innovative and new technologies, like BGS’s graphene admix solution, is a great example of how material science can drive meaningful change in embodied carbon reductions. Implementing innovations like these on our worksites can enable our company to develop some of the most sustainable concrete structures in Canada, in collaboration with our subtrade partners. We look forward to the successful completion of this project with BGS and our other partners.”

In 2023, BGS announced the development of a 100% “green” graphene-enhanced admixture for commercial concrete mix designs. Developed primarily to tackle the removal of cement (the binding material in a concrete mix that also contributes to more than 8% of the global CO2 emissions), the Company’s graphene-enhanced admixture can remove up to 20% of the cement content in concrete without sacrificing the compressive strength performance of the overall concrete product. BGS believes its product is the only admixture solution in the market that can facilitate the removal of cement and still provide significant cost and CO2 savings to its potential customers in non-specialized commercial concrete mix designs (30MPa to 50MPa mixtures).

“We are extremely fortunate to have the ability to work with partners like EllisDon and Tomlinson who support innovative and new technologies,” said David Fisher, CEO of BGS. “In a market that’s typically resistant to change, it’s important to highlight that there are sustainable and cost-effective solutions, like our graphene admixture product, that can provide meaningful value to the construction supply chain in a non-invasive manner. We look forward to the success of this pilot project and further working with EllisDon and Tomlinson in supporting commercial adoption of BGS’s graphene products overtime.”

Estimator – Burnaby, B.C. – NorLand Limited

Sr. Project Coordinator – Aecon Group – Delta, B.C.

Civil Construction Project Manager – Bracebridge, Ont. – Fowler Construction

Construction Manager – Squamish, B.C. – Pomerleau

Western Operations Manager – Vancouver, B.C. – Nucor Rebar

Manager, Construction – Montreal, Que. – Aecon

Construction Site Manager – Canmore, Alta. – Highpoint Developments

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta’s government is conducting a provincewide study of over 100 potential sites for dams, reservoirs, and other infrastructure to address growing water demands from communities and industries, as well as mitigate risks of droughts and floods.
• The study will assess hydrology, dam design, environmental, social, and cultural impacts, as well as the costs and benefits of water storage infrastructure to ensure responsible and cost-effective solutions.
• This initiative, alongside feasibility studies for specific reservoirs and a $125 million Drought and Flood Protection Program, is part of Alberta’s broader effort to modernize its water management system and ensure long-term water security.

The Whole Story:

Alberta’s government is undertaking a provincewide review of potential sites for dams and other infrastructure to help meet future water needs.

Officials explained that as Alberta’s population and economy grow, demand for water from communities and industry increases at the same time. Due to the province’s prairie geography and climate, the amount of precipitation received varies a lot from season-to-season and year-to-year. Creating more dams, reservoirs and other infrastructure is one way to potentially help capture and store more water.

Alberta’s government has now begun a provincewide study looking at more than 100 locations across the province. This study will be used to help the government plan long-term ways to maximize Alberta’s water supply and reduce the risk of future droughts and floods.

Dams, reservoirs and other water storage infrastructure play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security, flood protection, and supporting a healthy environment. At the same time, they can be costly to build and affect local ecosystems and environments.

The provincial study will identify, review and assess potential locations where water storage infrastructure could be most effectively developed to help meet the province’s long-term water needs. Various sites will be assessed based on new and existing information regarding hydrology, dam design, environmental, social and cultural impacts, and the potential costs, benefits and risks or uncertainties for each site.

Water is a precious resource and one that is essential for agriculture. Our government is always prepared to help ensure our producers and processors have the water they need to help put food on the tables of Albertans and others around the world. Now, more than ever, we need to do more with the water we have. Identifying potential opportunities for new reservoirs will help continue to grow our province and ensure our agriculture industry has the water it needs.

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

The Water Storage Opportunities Study is expected to be completed in 2025. Alberta’s government will use the results to help identify the most effective options to improve water storage in a responsible and cost-effective way. Some of the top-ranked sites may be selected to undergo a full feasibility study in the future. 

This study is part of the Alberta government’s work to modernize the province’s water system and make every drop count. Along with this study, the province has feasibility studies in progress for the Ardley reservoir and Eyremore dams, launched the $125 million Drought and Flood Protection Program, and is currently engaging on potential ways to increase water availability and improve the water management system in Alberta.

There’s no need to hold your applause any longer.

After sifting through hundreds of submissions and combing through our past year of coverage, the SiteNews team has released this year’s list of winners for the 25 Innovators in Construction program.

Check out the entire list of winners here.

Now in its second year, the 25 Innovators in Construction award has become a coveted SiteNews honor, recognizing the industry’s most forward-thinking companies. This prestigious award celebrates organizations that are pushing the boundaries of construction through risk-taking and innovation.

This year’s winners exemplify groundbreaking advancements that are transforming the industry. From CarbonCure Technologies’ carbon-saving concrete innovations to Pomerleau’s integration of robotics on job sites, these organizations showcase a commitment to sustainability, technology, and efficiency.

Companies like RJC Engineers and Multiplex Canada lead in reducing carbon footprints, while HammerTech and Hoylu are redefining safety and collaboration through software. Meanwhile, innovators like Fettback & Heesterman and Vestacon are streamlining operations with proprietary tools and digital solutions. These pioneers are not only addressing critical challenges such as labor shortages, emissions, and project efficiency but are also reshaping the future of construction with visionary solutions and lasting impacts.

We are so proud to highlight this list of innovative companies. Some of them are large organizations you have heard of, but others are small businesses that only recently burst onto the scene. Our goal, as always is to elevate the construction sector. We hope this list plays a role in encouraging others to push the industry forward. Not only does innovation help the industry itself, it helps Canada solve some of its largest challenges.

SiteNews Editor Russell Hixson

The winners were chosen by SiteNews staff who assessed companies based on five criteria: 

• Technological innovation
• Trailblazing
• Workforce development
• Sustainability and environmental impact
• Collaboration and partnerships 

In addition to now having the honour of being named one of Canada’s most innovative companies in construction, this year’s 25 Innovators are also invited to attend an exclusive winners event. If you want to rub shoulders with the companies on this list, grab your tickets here.

Key Takeaways:

• Canada’s first-ever NIA aims to guide long-term infrastructure planning by analyzing critical data and making evidence-based investment decisions. The focus will be on infrastructure essential for housing development and addressing challenges like population growth and climate change.
• An 11-member expert advisory body, serving part-time until March 2027, will collaborate with stakeholders across sectors, including Indigenous governments and municipal authorities, to ensure the NIA’s relevance and effectiveness for all communities.
• Initially announced in 2021, the NIA is backed by $22.6 million over four years. The initiative stems from extensive public engagement and includes recommendations outlined in the 2021 report, “Building Pathways to 2050,” emphasizing sustainable and resilient infrastructure planning.

The Whole Story:

Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, has announced the new Canadian Infrastructure Council, an expert advisory body that will deliver the country’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment (NIA).

The NIA will support Canada’s long-term infrastructure planning and decision-making by compiling data and evidence and conducting the research and analysis needed to make informed investments.

The focus will be on the core infrastructure communities need in place to support housing development over the long term – including water and wastewater, public transit, active transportation and waste management – as well as the impact of population growth and climate change on them.

Officials say the first NIA will be a critical piece in ensuring Canada can build the infrastructure needed to alleviate housing pressures and support the continued growth of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive communities. 

In support of this work, the Canadian Infrastructure Council – composed of 11 experts in relevant infrastructure sectors across the country – will engage key partners and stakeholders from industry, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments to seek their knowledge and expertise and ensure that the NIA is useful for communities across Canada.

The Canadian Infrastructure Council includes eleven experts from infrastructure-related fields from across the country who bring varying experience and perspectives on the challenges facing infrastructure in Canada. Each member will serve on the Council on a part-time basis until March 31, 2027.

The NIA was first announced in March 2021 when Canada launched an engagement process to shape the country’s first-ever NIA. The initiative aimed to assess Canada’s infrastructure needs and establish a long-term vision for the future. Following public engagement with over 300 organizations and individuals, the government released “Building Pathways to 2050: Moving Forward on the National Infrastructure Assessment” on July 29, 2021, which outlined key recommendations for the NIA’s design. The government allocated $22.6 million over 4 years to improve infrastructure planning and committed to establishing an independent advisory body to carry out the assessment.

Membership of the Canadian Infrastructure Council

• Jennifer Angel (Chair): Angel is the CEO of Evergreen Canada, an organization that brings private, public and community capacity, ingenuity and investment together to build inclusive, sustainable public places that attract people and investment, support climate adaptation and mitigation, and contribute to well-being for all.
• Peter Weltman (Vice-Chair): Weltman serves as Director and Employee Owner at data analysis and cost engineering company, Technomics Inc. Previously, he was Ontario’s Financial Accountability Officer from 2018 to 2023, where he and his office produced reports on the state of the province’s economy, fiscal position, and a first-of-its-kind analysis of the cost of climate change impacts on publicly-owned infrastructure. 
• Sara Brown: Brown is Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC), where she leads a diverse team in supporting and advocating on behalf of member communities in the Northwest Territories.
• James Dunn: Dunn is Associate Dean of Research, Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. His research investigates the health and social impacts of housing, urban form, and income policies and programs. He is the Senator William McMaster Chair in Urban Health Equity, and Director of the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative.
• Joanna Eyquem: Eyquem is Managing Director of Climate-Resilient Infrastructure at the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, focusing on practical measures to reduce flooding, erosion and heat risk, in particular working with nature and the financial sector. In this role, Joanna is leading national efforts to develop and mobilise guidance and standards to accelerate climate adaptation, and mainstream nature-based solutions across Canada. 
• Graham Gagnon: Gagnon is Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning and is the Director and Professor in the Centre for Water Resources Studies at Dalhousie University.
• John McKendrick: McKendrick is a former senior executive and consultant offering strategic and planning advice for building and infrastructure projects. He brings over 25 years of experience in project delivery, financing, and management of over 75 projects.
• Doug McNeil: McNeil is a professional engineer with 36 years of public service to the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Doug has been involved in most aspects of water resources planning, operations and management, including hydraulics, hydrology, storm water management, and water control structures.
• Catherine Morency: Morency is a civil engineer and full professor at Polytechnique Montréal, where she holds the Mobility Research Chair, focused on assessing and implementing sustainability in transportation. She also holds the Canada Research Chair inMobility of People.
• Ren Thomas: Thomas is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP), an Associate Professor at the School of Planning at Dalhousie University, and a Founding Fellow of the MacEachen Institute of Public Policy and Governance. Ren conducts research in housing policy and transportation policy and planning. 
• Judy Whiteduck: Whiteduck recently retired after 23 years with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) as a Senior Director for the Economic Development and Infrastructure Branch, and the Rights and Justice Branch.

Key Takeaways:

• The average tax burden on a newly constructed home in Ontario has risen to 36% of the purchase price, up from 31% just three years ago, driven largely by increased development charges. For an average new home costing $1,070,000, this translates to a tax burden of nearly $381,000, a 16% increase since 2021.
• The escalating tax burden significantly affects housing affordability, disproportionately impacting first-time buyers and lower-income households. For homes priced at $450,000—aligned with median household incomes—the tax burden rises sharply to 45.2%. RESCON says these high costs deter developers from investing in new projects, exacerbating Ontario’s housing crisis.
• RESCON says the data underscores the need for federal and provincial governments to provide more funding for municipal infrastructure to reduce reliance on development charges.

The Whole Story:

The average tax burden on a newly constructed home in Ontario has jumped to almost 36% of the purchase price, up from 31% just three years ago, a report commissioned by the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) has revealed.

On the average price of a new home in Ontario, which is about $1,070,000, that means consumers are now paying nearly $381,000 in income taxes, corporate, sales and transfer taxes, and development charges and fees. The new number is a 16% increase over 2021 and highlights a troubling trend.

“These taxes are out of control and pushing the cost of new housing beyond the reach of most working families,” says RESCON president Richard Lyall. “The tax burden is significantly raising the price tag of a new home and directly contributing to the housing crisis we are facing by affecting the ability of developers to invest in new housing projects. This escalation presents substantial challenges to housing affordability and economic stability.

“The situation simply can not be allowed to continue. The huge increases have occurred over the last decade in large part because municipalities have hiked their development charges to pay for municipal infrastructure. The findings of this research indicate a critical need for the federal and provincial governments to get more involved in funding public infrastructure at local levels to support growth and ease the tax burden on housing in Ontario.”

The report, called Increasing Tax Burden on New Ontario Homes: 2024, was done by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis. Research revealed that the tax and fee burden on new homes continues to be more than twice that of the rest of the economy and governments now derive nearly four times more revenue from the sale of a new home than builders, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the residential construction sector.

According to the research, the tax and fee burden is significantly higher because of recent surges in development charges and the escalation presents considerable challenges for market stability. Of the total tax and fee burden on new housing, 70% consists of direct fees on the home, such as development charges and other fees, while the remaining 30% arises from indirect taxes paid during the development process, including income and corporate taxes paid during the ordinary course of a residential construction business.

Across the province, the tax burden varies by dwelling type and municipality. Rates in some jurisdictions are higher than the provincial average. In the GTA, excluding Toronto, the average tax and fee burden on a new home is 35.9%, a large apartment is 37%, and a small apartment is 36.9%. In Toronto, the average tax and fee burden on a new home is 35.1%, a large apartment is 34.2%, and a small apartment is 35.3%.

The system disproportionately affects first-time buyers and lower-income households. For homes priced at $450,000, an amount which aligns with what many households could afford based on median pre-tax household incomes, the average tax burden rises sharply to 45.2%. 

The report calls for immediate reform of the taxation and fee structures affecting new housing and notes there is a critical need for the federal and provincial governments to take a more active role in funding municipal infrastructure.

“Much of our economic success depends on a robust housing supply so it is critical that we address the tax burden,” says Lyall. “Municipalities lack the revenue streams to fund the infrastructure necessary for new housing and end up loading the cost onto new homeowners via development charges. This must change if we are to incentivize more homebuilding.”

The 43-storey Alberni tower project’s distinctive shape commands attention in Vancouver, even among the other iconic towers that make up the city’s skyline. 

This striking profile is achieved by chiselling two emphatic scoops out of its sides to form deep balconies. Rather than remaining static, its silhouette is always changing, creating illusionary profiles of arching cantilevers. 

It’s technical feats like this that have become synonymous with engineering firm Glotman Simpson.

While structures like these win award after award and splash the covers of magazines, they only showcase one part of the firm’s true agility. Glotman Simpson’s team also has been busy tackling industrial rendering facilities, an Olympic Cauldron, remote hospitals, seismic upgrades in downtown Los Angeles and much more. 

Their ability to utilize a wide range of materials on a wide range of project scopes in locations across the globe is rare but no accident. It has been carefully trained. 

“Glotman Simpson is a team of excellent generalists and excellent specialists at the same time. This is very unique and comes from diverse experience and exposure,” said Omar AlHarras, an Associate at the firm.

For AlHarras and Glotman Simpson, agility in engineering is expressed in three key areas: operational agility, technical agility, and agility in scale and geography.

Operational Agility: Ryan Nikiforuk, Director, Institutional Projects, highlighted the firm’s ability to respond quickly to unexpected challenges within projects. This agility is rooted in a holistic engineering approach that emphasizes collaboration across disciplines and prioritizes the success of a project as a whole. 

“We focus on integrating our designs seamlessly with other disciplines, proactively addressing challenges that may impact a project. By staying engaged and responsive throughout the design and construction process, we adapt quickly and work with our partners to develop the best solutions for a project.”  

Technical Agility: Glotman Simpson’s tool box is robust. The firm prides itself on being material-agnostic, selecting construction materials and methods when they are most appropriate. The firm’s Chinatown 7 project, which utilized concrete, structural steel, and mass timber to meet specific architectural and structural requirements, is a prime example of this approach. 

Agility in Scale and Geography: It’s not just about big downtown steel skyscrapers. The firm’s portfolio showcases a wide range of project types and sizes, from massive multi-tower developments like the Oakridge project to small-scale, complex structures like the Checkmate Winery.

“If you look at our portfolio, we have projects ranging in scale from multiple tower developments to bespoke custom projects that require very complex engineering,” noted Nick Maerkl, an Associate at Glotman Simpson. “Being able to move between these different projects and service them well is a key aspect of our agility.”

Geographical agility is another strength. While maintaining a strong West Coast presence, Glotman Simpson has successfully delivered projects across Canada and the United States, adapting to different regulations, soil types, and market needs.

“We’re delivering multiple very large-scale projects in Kelowna with technical constraints, completely different soil typologies, and different market needs,” said Harrison Glotman, Principal and third-generation leader at the firm. “Operating in multiple regions helps us avoid sticking to ‘bread-and-butter’ solutions and allows us to be more creative and open to new ideas.”

Cultivating Agility

Unlike other firms in the space, Glotman Simpson has no internal department for towers, residential projects, hospitals or any other type of structure. 

That’s on purpose. 

The firm fosters agility by intentionally avoiding silos. Engineers at Glotman Simpson are exposed to various types of projects, enhancing their ability to adapt and innovate.

“Our design team gets exposure working on all these different projects all at once,” AlHarras explained. “The more exposure you have, the stronger designer you’ll be, and the more you’ll be able to service clients.”

This agility provides significant benefits, particularly when tackling complex projects with diverse needs.

“Agility allows us to merge ideas and come up with innovative solutions. It’s about bringing value to the client by being flexible and responsive to their unique challenges,” said AlHarras. “We can zoom out to work on a very high level, providing a ton of options and brainstorming ideas, but also dive deep to give that artisanal service on a micro level.”

AlHarras’s own experience reflects the firm’s commitment to agility. Since joining Glotman Simpson nearly a decade ago, he has worked on a multitude of projects across different sectors and regions, which he credits for his development as a well-rounded engineer.

“I definitely got fortunate in that regard,” he said. “We take ownership of the project from concept design all the way through construction completion, which is the most important thing for experience and creating a well-rounded engineer.”

Looking Ahead

As Glotman Simpson continues to expand, including recent growth into Eastern Canada and additional U.S. markets, agility remains at the forefront of its strategy.

“With diverse experience and familiarity with different building codes and requirements, we’re ready to hit the ground running,” AlHarras remarked. “Being an agile firm means we’re prepared to provide good service anywhere in North America.”

B.C.

Mission Group’s 40-storey tower on St. Paul Street approved 

Stabilization work on Highway 97 begins in 2025

Vancouver luxury tower ditches social housing component

Ontario

Early work begins for Civic Campus project

Eglinton project reaches concrete pouring milestone

Provincial fund to build trades training centres open

Northstar Clean signs LOI for planned facility in Hamilton

Rental tower would replace mid-century office building

Tesla opens largest Service Center in Canada

Brockville selects design option for new main pump station

Construction work starts on LTC homes

Alberta

Next stage of Imagine Jasper Avenue project to begin next year

Edmonton opens new Stony Plain Road bridge

Saskatchewan

$52 million worth of construction under way in Moosomin

Maritimes/Atlantic

Designs for $600-million Moncton science centre released

Charlottetown’s Simmons Sports Centre opens to the public

Stratford high school cost jumps by $11M

Key Takeaways:

• The new Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace, B.C., has opened ahead of schedule, providing a state-of-the-art health-care facility more than twice the size of the previous hospital.
• It includes 82 beds, private rooms, advanced emergency and trauma care facilities, four operating rooms, and cutting-edge diagnostic equipment.
• Upgraded to serve as a Level 3 trauma center, the hospital aims to reduce the need for patient transfers to other facilities by offering advanced services locally.

The Whole Story:

Terrace B.C.’s new state-of-the-art Ksyen Regional Hospital is now open to the public ahead of schedule.

“People in Terrace had been asking for an upgraded health-care facility for years, and our government recognized the need and took action to make sure it happened,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “British Columbians deserve access to health care in modern, cutting-edge facilities and we are excited to be able to provide this to the community. We will continue to invest in capital health projects around the province.”

The new hospital is more than twice the size of the previous facility and has 82 beds, private rooms, a bigger emergency department space, including two trauma bays, six stretcher bays, pediatric care space and four operating rooms, as well as the latest diagnostic imaging equipment.

The hospital opened ahead of schedule. Initially, construction was anticipated to be complete in 2025.

“People in Terrace and throughout the province expect health care they can rely on when they or their loved ones need it,” said Debra Toporowski, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “With the new Ksyen Regional Hospital, we’re strengthening local care so fewer people will have to travel for services they need and more people can receive care in their own community.”

Work is underway to have the new hospital serve as a Level 3 trauma centre, upgraded from its current designation as Level 4, to support communities in northwestern B.C. by providing immediate assessment, resuscitation, surgery and intensive care. This new certification will allow more patients to be cared for locally without needing to be transported to another facility.

The new hospital will also include a Tier 3 neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery, which will provide community-based antenatal and postnatal services, education and parenting support to pregnant individuals, especially those at a higher risk of pregnancy complications compared to Tier 1 and 2 services.

The project cost of $633 million is being shared between the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the North West Regional Hospital District, which is contributing $120.2 million.

Work has been completed or is underway throughout B.C. to plan, build or upgrade 30 hospitals or health facilities, 11 long-term care centres and four cancer centres.

The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, a suite of proposed measures intended to protect the health and wellbeing of workers, bring more people into the skilled trades and keep costs down for Ontario workers.

Officials say the package would support workplace safety by cracking down on bad actor employers, with mandatory minimum fines of $500,000 for corporations convicted of repeated offences within a two-year period under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The government is also proposing to expand existing roadside safety laws under the Highway Traffic Act to require motorists to slow down and move over for roadworkers, such as highway maintenance workers.

“As our government continues to bring back better jobs and bigger paycheques to Ontario, we are keeping workers healthy and safe no matter where they work: On a highway, a job site, or the shop floor,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government’s proposed sixth Working for Workers bill will introduce game-changing measures to grow Ontario’s workforce by bringing more women into the trades, cracking down on bad actors who exploit newcomers and harm workers, and introducing nation-leading cancer protections for firefighters.”

Here are some of the changes that could impact the construction sector:

Health & Safety

• Supporting health and safety for tradespeople on construction projects by enhancing the dialogue and transparency between workers and employers through Worker Trades Committees, which the Minister can order to create.
• Bringing clean washrooms from Bay Street to Main Street through a new regulation for washroom cleaning records that covers what records must be posted and where. This is in direct response to advocacy from tradeswomen and other sector stakeholders who have cited better washroom facilities as a key policy to encourage more women to join the building trades.
• Bringing more women into the trades and growing Ontario’s trades workforce by explicitly requiring properly-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women, and all workers with diverse body shapes. This expands on the requirement for properly fitting PPE for women and diverse body shapes in the construction sector that was included in the Working for Workers Act, 2023 to include all sectors.
• Cracking down on bad actor employers that harm workers by imposing mandatory minimum fines of $500,000 for corporations convicted of repeat offences under the Occupational Health and Safety Act within a two-year period, which resulted in the death or serious injury of one or more workers.
• Creating a new 27-week long-term illness leave for employees unable to work due to a serious medical condition as defined by a medical practitioner, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s. If passed, this would be one of the longest provincial leaves in Canada and would ensure workers with a serious medical condition have the time away from work they need to get treatment and recover, without risking their jobs.
• Unlocking $400 million to invest in health and safety programs for workers and employers developed by the WSIB, focusing on mental health, preventative and chronic injury care and recovery to ensure workers have the supports they need to return to work safely and quickly. This will include expanding the WSIB’s mental health care programming to partner with 11 public hospitals and their networks of community-based service providers across Ontario to ensure workers have the care they need, when and where they need it.
• Launching a new Safe Business Bonus with an additional $1,000 bonus to eligible employers who create a new workplace health and safety action plan approved through the WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program, starting in 2025. Over 4,600 businesses are currently enrolled in the WSIB Health and Safety Excellence program. Since the program’s launch in 2019, members have received total rebates of over $68 million, including $15 million in additional incentives for smaller businesses that participated in 2023-2024.
• Creating a new parental leave for parents through adoption and surrogacy, with a 16-week job protected leave under the Employment Standards Act for adoptive parents and parents through surrogacy, to ensure they have adequate time to meet the demands of the adoption or surrogacy process, attach and welcome their child into their new home. This would also align with upcoming federal changes to create employment insurance (EI) benefits for adoption.

Cutting costs for businesses

• Returning $2 billion in surplus funds to Ontario businesses through the WSIB. Eligible employers will receive their one-time rebate starting in February 2025 if they are a safe employer, which includes not having been convicted more than once under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act or Occupational Health and Safety Act since 2020. For a small construction business with 50 employees, this could mean receiving $46,000.
• Cutting the average premium rate for Ontario businesses from $1.30 to $1.25 per $100 of insurable payroll through the WSIB starting in 2025, without reducing benefits. This is the lowest rate in half a century and will save Ontario businesses about $150 million annually starting in 2025 when compared to the 2024 rate. Over the past decade, the WSIB has cut the average premium rate by more than 50 per cent, resulting in cumulative savings for businesses of approximately $18.6 billion since 2017.
• Removing the $150 fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification exam, making it easier for more people to start their career in the skilled trades. When combined with other fee reductions and removals that the province has implemented since 2019, Ontario is saving each apprentice at least $330, putting almost $3.6 million back into the pockets of nearly 11,000 apprentices. 
• Enabling implementation of a new accelerated framework for the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) that employers can apply for in order to access more efficient, streamlined processes, pending further regulatory changes.

Growing the workforce

• Training over one million workers through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF), including launching the second round of the SDF Capital Stream on November 29, with over $74 million in available funding to build, expand and retrofit training facilities for workers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing, technology and health care.
• Proclaiming April 2, 2025, as the date on which certain functions, including exam administration, will be transferred from the province to Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) under STO’s new Chief Executive Officer, Candice White.
• Opening access to apprenticeship opportunities to more people by creating alternative criteria for individuals who cannot meet the current academic standards to register as an apprentice.
• Accelerating registration timelines for internationally trained applicants in regulated professions by having the time limit reduced for regulatory bodies to make their decision from six to three months, enabling internationally-skilled newcomers to work in Ontario faster.
• Streamlining and accelerating processes and removing barriers for internationally trained workers by requiring regulated professions to have a plan for enabling multiple registration processes to take place concurrently, allow for alternative documents, concurrent processing of registration documents, and minimum requirements for assessing qualifications.
• Honouring workers by creating a new Skilled Trades Week during the first week of November each year.

Jared Seida has started a new position as Vice President, Construction Services at Synergy Group of Companies. Seida is an experienced operations manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry.

Donna Grant is BC 1 Call‘s new President. Grant has extensive marketing experience and background in the construction sector, including her role as President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA).

Wayne Ferguson has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Services Division, at EllisDon. His 27-year journey with EllisDon has seen him lead and expand company operations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and most notably in Ottawa, where he has played a pivotal role in redefining the brand and driving growth.

Brandon Pinch has been promoted Vice President, Service, and Andrew Rowland has been promoted to Vice President , Speciality Trades & Support Services at Bird Mechanical.

Al Boissonneault has joined CMIA+ as Director, Greater Sudbury – Resource & Industry markets. Boissonneault’s new role is a critical piece of the firm’s expansion into Northern Ontario. Boissonneault’s resume includes work at Wesdome Gold Mines in Wawa, Barrick Gold , Python Mining Consultants, Kovit Engineering/Outotec (now Metso) and Vale.

Candice White will be the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Skilled Trades Ontario (STO), effective November 25, 2024. White brings over a decade of executive level experience, including serving as the Chief Administrative Officer for multiple municipalities, most recently the Municipality of Port Hope, and on boards of provincial agencies.

Harold Reinders has been appointed Chair of the League of Champions. The league is a distinguished organization dedicated to promoting safety champions and advocating for a strong health and safety culture within the construction industry. 

Jesse Unke has wrapped up his time as president and CEO of Maven Consulting. He thanked his colleagues at Maven for the opportunity and is excited for his next steps. But before that, he intends to attend an auto show in Las Vegas with his father. 

Ben Martin is Ledcor Industries’ new Senior Vice President, Finance and Risk Management. Martin has more than 15 years of industry experience. 

Nathan Sikkes is McElhanney’s new Energy and Resources Market Sector Vice President in B.C. and Warren Lippitt is their new Prairies South Regional Vice President.

Appointing Warren and Nathan were no-brainers for our firm. Warren’s understanding of the region and our clients’ needs, combined with Nathan’s deep knowledge of the energy and resources market, position McElhanney to better tackle our clients’ challenges as our own

Jennifer Price, McElhanney President & CEO

Steve Chapman is Rain City Industrial’s new VP of Construction. Chapman has over 30 years of experience in industrial, heavy industrial, and commercial construction. Part of his role will be to lead the company’s newest division, Rain City Heavy Industrial, as it expands the firm’s capabilities into the oil and gas, mining, chemical processing, power generation, and heavy manufacturing industries.

Scott Miller, P.Eng., has been appointed General Manager of Associated Engineering’s General Manager for Saskatchewan and Manitoba operations.

Chris Paszkat is now President of Inscan Contractors. Paszkat is a longtime veteran of the company, having spent more than 21 years there.

Roman W. Loehnert has accepted a new role as Operations Manager for Modern Niagara. Loehnert is an experienced superintendent & project manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. His skills include AutoCAD, hydronic systems, value engineering, project management and plumbing code knowledge.

Jim Weir and Stan McGillis, bother formerly of Morrison Hershfield, have accepted post-acquisition roles at Stantec. Weir has been named regional growth leader for transportation (Canada). McGillis has been appointed infrastructure sector leader for program management and construction management (Canada).

Paul Whelan is now Manager, Project Delivery, for the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement for the Government of Saskatchewan.

After 6+ amazing years at Westridge Construction Ltd., it was time for a new challenge. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most dedicated, hardworking people who’ve made the growth of Westridge possible over the last 6 years. The growth and success have been a result of the hard work, teamwork, and passion that each individual brought to the table.

Paul Whelan, Manager, Project Delivery, SaskBuilds

David Bianchi is now Vice President, Real Estate and Development, for Tim Hortons, after holding a similar position at Canadian Tire Corporation.

Brynn Nheiley is now Executive Director for Sustainable Buildings Canada. Previously, Nheiley worked for the City of Burlington.

Luke Schauerte is now CEO of Woodfibre LNG. Schauerte brings more than 20 years of experience in the Canadian and global energy industry. He comes to Woodfibre LNG from LNG Canada where he served as Vice President, Asset.

Robert Wong is celebrating 25 years with Prism Construction. Wong is one of only two people who can say they’ve been part of every single project Prism has built.

Shannon Fitzsimmons is MAKE Projects’ new Regional Director for Edmonton. Fitzsimmons has more than five years of experience in facility planning, design, construction, and capital program development.

Roger Halbgewachs has been promoted to Director of Sales at Western Archrib. With 35 years of experience in the glulam industry, he brings deep industry knowledge, a strong understanding of engineering, and proven problem-solving skills.

Lucie Audlauer has announced her retirement from Subterra Renewables. The CEO led the company to become Canada’s fastest growing company in 2024. She plans to spend more time with her family.

Chris Gardner, President and CEO of the ICBA, has announced his addition to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s board of directors.

Jorden Solecki is Navajo Stone’s new Managing Partner. Solecki has an extensive history in the wall and roofing sector.

Josh Kaufman announced he is co-founding InnoDev Partners. The real estate development company launched this month with a focus on medium density, sustainable housing.

Brandon Losse is Caliber Projects’ new Director of Business Development.

It is an honour to give back to the Lower Mainland, the place I’ve always called home and where so many core memories have been made. I’m looking forward to supporting the development community as we tackle exciting projects in our ‘sandbox’ and to connecting or reconnecting with many of you in the weeks and months ahead.

Brandon Losse, Director of Business Development, Caliber

Kaveh Boromand has joined Turner & Townsend’s Canada Infrastructure team as its new Director – Head of Scheduling. Boromand has more than 20 years of experience in scheduling and project controls in Canada, Australia, and the Middle East and has worked in a variety of industries including rail, hydro, and real estate.

Niilo Edwards, CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, has been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders in Business.

Scott Foran is now President of 505-Junk. Foran co-founded the company with Barry Hartman.

Reflecting on the past 13 years since the inception of our business alongside my esteemed business partners, Barry Hartman and Alex Elsey, fills me with gratitude. Our journey has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by growth, resilience, and invaluable partnerships.

Scott Foran, President, 505-Junk

Tim Ferwerda, current managing director of Finning UK and Ireland, will transition to the role of president of Finning Canada. David Primrose, current president of Finning Canada, will assume the role of executive vice president and chief development officer.

Neil Arnold is now Director of Construction at Kerkhoff. Arnold has 24 years of industry experience and has spent the past 6 years at the company in a variety of roles.

Peter Hennig is EBC’s new Vice President, Major Projects, Tunnel & Underground Group. With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and leading-edge expertise in tunnelling and underground work, Hennig has successfully completed numerous large-scale, complex projects across Canada and internationally.

Dale Beard has been hired as Procore’s Sr. Director, Solutions Engineering. Beard has a history of working in the information technology and services industry. He was the CEO and Co-Founder of Intelliwave which was recently acquired by Procore.

Doug Flynn has officially transitioned from CEO and President of Flynn Group of Companies’ to serving as one its board members. Doug began his career with Flynn Canada in 1982 working in the field in Western Canada. He advanced through the organization taking on roles in estimating, project management, and various other positions.

Aidan Connell is now VP, Excavation, Shoring & Foundations at Hall.

Taylor Archer has rejoined Beedie as its Vice President of Leasing. Archer previously worked at Beedie as Senior Leasing Manager.

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta is committing up to $50 million from the TIER program to establish Canada’s first open-access, technology-agnostic drilling test site. This initiative aims to leverage Alberta’s advanced drilling expertise to accelerate the development of innovative energy technologies.
• Initial studies have demonstrated the economic and environmental viability of the Alberta Drilling Accelerator, which could fast-track advancements in geothermal, helium, critical minerals, and carbon capture technologies. Industry interest is strong, with companies like Eavor Technologies, Tourmaline Oil Corp, and Halliburton expressing interest as anchor tenants.
• The accelerator is a key part of Alberta’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By fostering innovation in energy technologies and creating jobs, it sets the stage for sustainable development in industries critical to reducing emissions and diversifying Alberta’s economy.

The Whole Story:

Alberta plans to invest up to $50 million from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program to support Canada’s first test site to advance energy technologies.

Alberta officials explained that the province has some of the most advanced and skilled drilling expertise in the world. Yet, unlike the United States, Japan and other countries, Canada does not currently have an open-access test site, which is critical for spurring innovation and leading-edge drilling technologies, such as geothermal, lithium, oil and natural gas.

To help fill this gap, Alberta’s government says it will invest up to $50 million from the industry-funded TIER program to support the Alberta Drilling Accelerator through a public-private partnership model. Funding will help create Canada’s first open-access, technology-agnostic, industry-led hub, leveraging Alberta’s drilling expertise to develop the technologies needed to reduce emissions, create jobs and deliver energy to the world.

“What we’re doing here today is setting the stage for innovation and prosperity far into the future,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “The Alberta Drilling Accelerator means big things for oil and gas exploration in our province, but also for industries that will be vital for achieving our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. We are setting the stage for innovation and prosperity, pushing Alberta’s drilling expertise to places it’s never been before.” 

In April, Alberta’s government invested $750,000 to help kick-start this project, supporting a feasibility study facilitated by Calgary-based Eavor Technologies in partnership with the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors and Canadian Geothermal Energy Association. 

The initial findings suggest that creating an industry-led Alberta Drilling Accelerator is both economically and environmentally viable. The accelerator would allow companies to test and develop drilling techniques and technologies, accelerating geothermal, helium, critical minerals, carbon capture and other industries relying on the drilling sector.

Notably, several industry leaders have already expressed strong interest in serving as anchor tenants, including Calgary-based Eavor Technologies, Tourmaline Oil Corp and international oilfield service supermajor Halliburton. While no binding contracts have been signed, the province says tens of millions of dollars in private sector capital investment could potentially be secured.

The Alberta Drilling Accelerator could potentially start drilling in 2026, or sooner. Once operational, the Alberta Drilling Accelerator could help speed up the development of geothermal, helium, critical minerals, carbon capture, utilization and storage and other technologies and commodities that rely on Alberta’s drilling expertise.

Key Takeaways:

• The joint venture between AECOM and Jacobs Consultancy Canada will provide preliminary engineering services to upgrade the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves 750,000 residents and processes 200 billion liters of wastewater annually. The upgrade aims to meet regulatory requirements, improve water quality, and align with regional sustainability and carbon neutrality objectives.
• AECOM plans to leverage its expertise in advanced water treatment technologies to enhance the facility’s environmental standards, operational efficiency, and climate resilience.
• AECOM says it brings extensive experience in tackling Metro Vancouver’s unique environmental challenges, having collaborated on complex projects like the Stoney Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade and the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Whole Story:

AECOM announced that its joint venture with Jacobs Consultancy Canada has been selected by Metro Vancouver to provide preliminary engineering services for the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. The project seeks to upgrade the existing facility to meet regulatory requirements and ensure protection of public health and the environment in a growing region.

“As Metro Vancouver continues to invest in its water treatment facilities, we’re ready to support them as the industry’s top Water design firm,” said Beverley Stinson, chief executive of AECOM’s global Water business. “Aligned with global trends toward investment in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including in solving global water supply challenges, our team is excited to apply our expertise in advanced water treatment technologies to the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring it meets the highest environmental standards and supports regional sustainability.”

Built in 1963, the plant serves approximately 750,000 residents and processes about 200 billion liters of wastewater annually. Through the plant upgrades, Metro Vancouver aims to ensure the project will improve water quality, support the region’s carbon neutrality objectives and enhance climate resilience. The joint venture will provide preliminary engineering services, including design and project planning oversight. The project intends to provide significant and sustainable improvements to the treatment facilities whilst minimizing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency.

“We’re proud to serve as a trusted partner on this critical upgrade, which builds on several recent water and wastewater treatment projects our teams are delivering for Metro Vancouver,” said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region. “Our deep understanding of the region’s unique environmental challenges and our experience on local projects will be instrumental in enhancing Metro Vancouver’s wastewater treatment capabilities and protecting the natural environment.”

AECOM has long history of collaboration with Metro Vancouver on some of its most complex water projects, including the Stoney Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade and North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Key Takeaways:

• The redevelopment of 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. will create a mixed-income, mixed-use community with 873 purpose-built rental homes, including 290 affordable units, along with retail, public spaces, and a Toronto Paramedic Services hub.
• The project integrates adaptive reuse of the heritage Toronto Coach Terminal, sustainable features like a geothermal energy system, and a design inspired by Indigenous principles, aiming to exceed Toronto’s Green Standards and achieve Zero Carbon Building Certification.
• Partnerships with the University Health Network, Hospital Workers’ Housing Co-operative, and community organizations will provide housing for essential workers, while additional features like a public plaza and organ repair center underline the development’s community-centric approach.

The Whole Story:

The City of Toronto and CreateTO have announced the Kilmer Group and Tricon Residential (Kilmer-Tricon) as the preferred proponents for the redevelopment of the City-owned sites at 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. – home to the decommissioned Toronto Coach Terminal.

The properties will be redeveloped into a mixed-income, mixed-use development including affordable housing, a new Toronto Paramedic Services hub and employment opportunities with a focus on innovative uses that take advantage of the unique location within the city’s Discovery District. The redevelopment will also include the adaptive reuse of the existing heritage building as well as streetscape improvements.

“We need to build more affordable homes in Toronto,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “That’s why I am so pleased that this project will transform the former Toronto Coach Terminal into not only new rental and affordable housing, but a thriving hub with healthcare facilities and space for small business to start and grow. This project sets a high bar for how we can build more homes, while celebrating our City’s history and embracing Indigenous knowledge as we build new communities.”

Consisting of two towers with residential, retail and public space, the development will be a 100% purpose-built rental project, delivering 873 new homes including 290 affordable rental homes.

The design vision for the site, led by award-winning architectural firms Studio Gang, architects-Alliance and Smoke Architecture, with landscape design by CCxA, is rooted in the Indigenous principle of the Seven Directions. The goal is to create a complete community that puts people first, invigorates the surrounding area and creates tree-lined public spaces that connect the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Additional project features include:

• adaptive reuse of the heritage Toronto Coach Terminal and bus bays
• a new 23,000-square-foot Toronto Paramedic Services Hub that will provide vital emergency support to surrounding communities
• a partnership with University Health Network which intends to operate a state-of-the-art organ repair centre for heart, lung, kidney and liver transplants
• affordable housing partnerships with the University Health Network, and the Hospital Workers’ Housing Co-operative to provide housing options for essential hospital workers and their families, as well as Woodgreen Community Services, the March of Dimes and Wigwamen
• a new public plaza positioned between the two buildings, which will create an urban oasis and incorporate a series of ‘outdoor rooms’
• a geothermal district energy system and sustainable building design, exceeding the requirements of the Toronto Green Standard and the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Certification.

Completion of construction and leasing of rental homes at 610 Bay St. is expected in first quarter of 2029 and in Q1 2030 for 130 Elizabeth St.

The properties at 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. were selected for redevelopment through the ModernTO program adopted by Toronto City Council in October 2019 and are part of eight high-value City-owned sites identified as being currently underutilized, with opportunities to unlock value and address City needs.

More information about this project can be found on the CreateTO website .

Manitoba

• Manitoba releases 2024-25 construction/supply tender schedule                                                        
• New facility complete at CentrePort Canada Rail Park                                                                 
• Omand’s Creek bridge needs to be replaced or removed                                                         
• Winnipeg natural gas phaseout proposal in limbo

Alberta 

• Hydrogen production/refuelling stations built in Alberta                                                        
• East village land sold to residential developer            
• MNALP awarded major civil project in the oilsands

Ontario 

• Development partners announced for Toronto Coach Terminal site                                            
• Flood protection plan hits a construction milestone                                                              
• 67-storey mixed-use tower proposed for Toronto                                                                           
• Ontario expanding mental health facilities in Burlington                                                                  
• Multiplex signs construction agreement for Wood Square development

B.C.

• Duck Island subject sf $90M foreclosure
• 21-storey housing tower proposed near future Arbutus SkyTrain station                                      
• PRGT pipeline permit under review to remain active
• Surrey awards contract for childcare centre
• AECOM joint venture selected for Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade

Key Takeaways:

• EllisDon and Impulse Partners have successfully completed the second round of their ConTech Accelerator program, selecting 30 top contenders from over 165 submissions. Eight finalists pitched their innovative ideas at EllisDon’s office in Mississauga, with significant participation from EllisDon’s senior leadership.
• The program emphasizes collaboration between startups and construction industry experts. Finalists like SALUS, EHAB, and Specter Automation were recognized for developing solutions that address critical industry needs, such as safety management, climate change adaptation, and project planning efficiency.
• Following the accelerator, EllisDon and Impulse Partners will continue working with the winning startups to refine their products and integrate them into the construction field, leveraging their industry expertise to help these technologies.

The Whole Story:

EllisDon Corporation and Impulse Partners have announced a successful second round of its ConTech Accelerator program. From over 165 submissions, 30 were selected as the top contenders. Following a series of interviews, representatives from the eight finalist startups traveled to EllisDon’s Mississauga office to pitch their innovative ideas in person.

“Building on the success of our inaugural accelerator, we’re thrilled to see even greater reception in this second year,” said Brandon Milner, CIO, Senior Vice President of Digital & Data Engineering, EllisDon.

During the three-day event, EllisDon provided a guided project tour as well as access to field teams, operations managers, and executives from the C-Suite who were present for the pitches and offered candid feedback on what they saw.

“The overwhelming response we’ve received this year—from our partners at Impulse to the startups who joined us in Mississauga—confirms we’re on the right track,” said Hammad Chaudhry, Vice President of Innovation & Construction Technology, EllisDon. “Our combined tech and domain expertise, allows us to drive innovation with a focus to benefit those in the field.”

EllisDon and Impulse Partners congratulated all eight finalists for making the decision a difficult one. The winners of the 2024 ConTech Accelerator are:

SALUS: A safety management software that integrates company safety programs into a comprehensive system to manage health and safety. By gathering data and information from the field, SALUS bridges the gap between the office and field operations, transforming how clients run their businesses.

EHAB: Helping the construction industry better understand the impacts of climate change on projects and plan accordingly. EHAB’s products assist construction companies, general contractors, designers, and clients in adapting to the climate crisis.

specter automation: The first and only 3D model look-ahead planning tool that helps teams build six-week look-ahead plans by visualizing data to better communicate to the field. Specter offers the most natural way to plan, document, and communicate on-site processes.

With the completion of this phase, EllisDon and Impulse Partners will now work with the winners to help develop their products, collaborate with them in the field, and deploy industry expertise where it is needed most—in helping the latest technologies find a place in one of the world’s oldest industries.

Key Takeaways:

• The Anahim Lake Solar Project, led by the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC), is set to reduce diesel dependency in the remote Anahim Lake community by approximately 64%, contributing to BC’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals.
• The project leverages partnerships with Wildstone Construction, SkyFire Energy, and local stakeholders, emphasizing First Nations collaboration, skills development, and long-term economic benefits for the Ulkatcho First Nation.
• Supported through federal and provincial funding programs, including the Green Infrastructure Stream and CleanBC Communities Fund, the project also features partnerships with prominent entities like ATCO, Hatch, and Hitachi Canada, showcasing a model for clean energy initiatives in remote communities.

The Whole Story:

Canada’s largest off-grid solar project has officially entered the construction phase with Penticton-based Wildstone Construction as the principal contractor.

When completed near Lake Anahim, B.C, the Anahim Lake Solar Project it is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by approximately 64%. The Ulkatcho First Nation is off-the-grid, and power is currently entirely diesel generated. 

The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) has announced that Duz Cho Construction LP
has completed the civil earthworks for the Solar Plant site. UEC is transforming the industrial land of an old sawmill owned by Yun Ka Whu’ten Forestry (a Member of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies) for the project. The project also includes the construction of a new access road, a solar control and monitoring facility, fire management, and other related property upgrades.

The UEC says it has made significant strides in the construction process with the recent selection of
Wildstone Construction Ltd. as the principal contractor, following a competitive process.

“Wildstone is proud to be involved in this groundbreaking initiative along with our solar partner, SkyFire Energy,” said Mark Melissen, CEO Wildstone Construction Ltd. “This project not only marks a significant step toward sustainable energy for the Ulkatcho First Nation in Anahim Lake, but also offers long-term economic benefits, supporting local growth and energy independence for future generations.”

Based in Penticton, Wildstone brings a wealth of experience in executing projects within remote communities in BC, Alberta and Yukon, a strong commitment to collaborating with First Nations, use of local resources, and supporting long-term skills development for community members.

The UEC thanked all of its core funders and founding Technical Alliance Partners for all their support, noting that there is now a growing list of other collaborators assisting it in moving towards its objectives and eventual completion of project. This includes Strategies North Advisory and UGoC-DWB Consulting Services.

“This project marks a new path and a significant milestone for the Ulkatcho First Nation,” said Stephen James, CEO Ulkatcho Group of Companies. “Thanks to the unwavering support from BC Hydro and our Federal & Provincial Governments, the Anahim Lake Solar Project will greatly reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel. and will contribute to reducing BC’s GHG emissions. We value the opportunity to develop strong alliance partnerships in this Project, and look forward to working with Wildstone Construction Ltd.”

As the Anahim Lake Solar Project progresses, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation invites community members and stakeholders to stay informed. Future updates will be shared through the Ulkatcho First Nation website and social media channels.

The Anahim Lake Solar Project construction is expected to be completed by October
2025. On April 19, 2024, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation and BC Hydro signed a first-ever
Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) for electricity generated through the
Solar Plant.

The Anahim Lake Solar Project is being supported through blended funding including:

• the Government of Canada through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the
  Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Community Opportunity
  Readiness Program, and Natural Resources Canada
• the Government of British Columbia through the CleanBC Communities Fund,
  and
• the New Relationship Trust through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction and
  BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative programs.

The Founding Technical Alliance Partners include:

• ATCO (Owner’s Representative)
• Hatch (Engineering)
• Bennett Jones (Legal Advisors)
• Hitachi Canada (Major Equipment Supplier)
• BMO Bank of Montreal (Everyday Banking)

• Assistant Superintendent – North Vancouver, B.C. – SiteTalent
• Design Director – Toronto, Ont. – Pomerleau
• Regional Manager – Calgary, Alta. – FLINT Corp.
• Senior Estimator, Infrastructure – Winnipeg, Man. – Kiewit
• Construction Site Manager – Toronto, Ont. – Formstructures 
• Construction Project Manager – Leostar Development – Markham, Ont. 
• Vice President, Construction – Vancouver, B.C. – Grosvenor
• Construction Project Manager – Kelowna, B.C. – Knowlton Concepts
• Director, Pre-Construction Design – Montreal, Que. – Devmont

Key Takeaways:

• Excavation has begun on a 16-metre-deep launch shaft at Exhibition Station, which will serve as the starting point for tunnel boring machines digging six kilometers eastward. The Ontario Line subway is a major part of Ontario’s largest-ever subway expansion project.
• Once completed, the Ontario Line will provide over 40 connections to other transit services, significantly reducing travel times—for example, cutting a cross-city trip from Exhibition Place to Don Mills Road from 70 minutes to under 30 minutes.
• The Ontario Line is part of the Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government has officially started excavating the launch shaft for the Ontario Line subway tunnels at Exhibition Station.

“It’s been more than 60 years since the first subway tunnels were built in downtown Toronto,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re getting the Ontario Line done to tackle gridlock and increase access to fast, reliable and affordable transit for millions of people across the GTA.”

The 16-metre-deep launch shaft will be the starting point for two tunnel boring machines that will dig six kilometres east, from Exhibition Station to the Don Yard, west of the Don River. Once tunnelling is complete, the launch shaft will be repurposed as a tunnel portal where Ontario Line trains will transition from above to below ground.

“The Ontario Line subway is part of one of the biggest partnerships to construct public transportation in Canadian history,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Work is progressing and today’s groundbreaking is another step toward affordable, reliable and quick public transit for Torontonians.”

Exhibition Station will be a vital transit hub, serving both the future subway and existing GO rail customers. A trip across the city from Exhibition Place to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road will take 30 minutes or less compared to the hour and 10 minutes it takes today. The Ontario Line will offer more than 40 connections to other subway, bus, streetcar and regional train services, bringing hundreds of thousands more people within walking distance of transit.

As part of the Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the government is delivering Ontario’s priority transit projects, which include the largest subway expansion in Canadian history – the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.