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.
British Columbia Institute of Technology is incorporating collaborative robots (cobots) into their welding and metal fabrication programs.
Students will learn to use cobots for simple tasks like pipe and structural joint welding, but critical hand skills remain essential for certification.
Cobots can free up welders for complex tasks, potentially making BC’s manufacturing sector more competitive and creating new jobs through onshoring opportunities.
The Whole Story:
The largest trades training provider in Western Canada is introducing collaborative robots into its welding and metal fabrication programs.
The British Columbia Institute of Technology is incorporating “cobots” into the Welding and Metal Fabrication programs. A collaborative robot, or cobot, is a type of lightweight robot arm that can safely share workspaces with humans, while performing automated tasks without the use of complex programming codes.
Mathew Smith, Director of the Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy, says the cobot shows students how easy it is to implement welding automation in their everyday work.
“Students don’t need to know anything about computer programming to be able to set the system up. Learning how to use this technology will allow them to go out into the work environment and know where and how a collaborative robot could be used,” Mathew explains.
Cobots are commonly used to support manufacturing and assembly tasks. The lower cost, smaller size, and ease of use without specialized programming expertise make the cobot more favourable than traditional robots. The main difference between a traditional robot and a cobot is that the latter can detect human presence and adjust its behaviour accordingly.
“If you’re working around a cobot, it will detect you and stop if you get on its way – making it safer to work around, whereas traditional robots don’t work that way because they have already been programmed to perform a specific task regardless of the circumstance,” explains Mathew.
Students will be able to automate common tasks including the welding of pipe and structural joints, including groove and fillet welds. A camera has also been mounted on the robot arm to allow students to monitor the welding in real time.
The cobot will be used to supplement the training already provided in these programs and will not replace the learning of critical hand skills required to become a certified welder in British Columbia. For example, faculty in metal trades programs are looking to introduce a project where students will build a lifting lug using as much automation as possible. The components of the lug will be cut from steel using an automated plasma table that the students will program. The lug will then be welded together using the cobot.
“Currently, only a minimal amount of the welding work carried out in BC incorporates the use of automation,” explains Mathew. “Access and knowledge in using cobots to support the work of welders has the potential to make BC’s manufacturing environment more competitive.”
He adds, “Workers will be able to use cobots to perform simple and repetitive welding tasks, freeing up time to work on more complex welding problems. This will allow BC to expand its manufacturing base, which will ultimately create more jobs as we become able to onshore manufacturing that is currently completed outside of the country.”
Key Takeaways:
The Holdom Overpass project aims to address two main goals: increasing rail capacity for the Port of Vancouver and improving traffic flow and safety for the Burnaby community.
The overpass will create safer and more reliable travel options for pedestrians, cyclists, commuters, and emergency responders. It will also improve connections to the Holdom Skytrain station and greenway areas south of the rail tracks.
The rail corridor moves more than 40 million metric tonnes of export cargo, accounting for more than 40% of the port’s total international exports in 2023.
Work will begin later in late 2024.
The Whole Story:
Work will soon begin on a $200-million overpass project in Burnaby, B.C.
The Port of Vancouver announced that the construction of a new four-lane overpass crossing the rail lines at Holdom Avenue in Burnaby will begin in late 2024. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is delivering the Holdom Overpass project in partnership with the City of Burnaby, CN, and the Government of Canada.
The overpass will extend Holdom Avenue south over the rail corridor and Still Creek, connecting it with Douglas Road. Once complete, there will be an increase of rail capacity for Port of Vancouver terminals, supporting the reliable movement of goods through the region, and improved traffic flow and safety for the Burnaby community.
“By investing in projects like the Holdom Overpass, we’re addressing current transportation needs, supporting our supply chains to make life cost less for Canadians, and also building the infrastructure to support vibrant, growing communities that are great places to work, live, and raise a family,” said Pablo Rodriguez, minister of transport.
The rail corridor through Burnaby is the only rail connection to transport goods and commodities to and from port terminals located in North Vancouver, a vital link in the national supply chain that connects Canadian products like grain and fertilizer to global markets. The rail corridor moves more than 40 million metric tonnes of export cargo, accounting for more than 40% of the port’s total international exports in 2023.
The City of Burnaby identified the Holdom Overpass as an important solution to provide better access and improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians, commuters, and first responders as part of its transportation plans. The Holdom Overpass active transportation facilities will improve connections to the Holdom Skytrain station, which is a main hub for cyclists and pedestrians, making travel from the Skytrain station to areas south of the rail tracks — such as the Central Valley Greenway — safer, faster, and more reliable.
Canada’s trade through the region is growing, and the project is designed to mitigate the impacts of trade on those who live, work and commute in Burnaby. It will provide significant community benefits, including improved safety and traffic flows, reduced greenhouse gas emissions from less idling traffic at the existing crossing, better community access by creating more reliable travel times, and better emergency response options.
The project will add to the rail improvements completed by CN in 2022, which included updates to the Thornton Tunnel to reduce the time between trains travelling through the tunnel and a new rail siding track running from Willingdon Avenue to Piper Avenue.
The port authority has previously completed two phases of public engagement and continuous First Nations consultation, and input from these efforts has helped shape the overpass design. Public space surrounding the overpass will include First Nations cultural recognition, public art, and improved landscaping in the Still Creek and Beecher Creek areas.
The road enhancements are part of the Burnaby Rail Corridor Improvements Project, a series of road and rail improvements to increase transportation efficiency and trade capacity through Port of Vancouver terminals on the North Shore. The Burnaby Rail Corridor Improvements Project is funded by the Government of Canada, through its National Trade Corridors Fund, the port authority, and CN.
A great idea isn’t worth much if you don’t have the resources to make it a reality.
That’s a problem venture capital firms solve. They invest in young companies with high growth potential, and often can provide guidance to help them succeed. Recent years have seen many firms rise up with a specific focus on fostering innovation in the construction sector, highlighting how much opportunity exists.
Be sure to take note of the companies on this list as there is a decent chance construction’s next big tech breakthrough comes from one of them.
Ironspring Ventures
Based in Austin, Texas, Ironspring Ventures focuses on companies across the industrial supply chain, including construction, manufacturing, transportation & logistics, and alternative energy. Founded in 2020, they’ve raised over $160 million across two funds to invest in Seed and Series A rounds. They look for companies with the potential to improve productivity and solve challenges in these industries through automation and technology. They partner with their portfolio companies by leveraging their network of industrial experts and strategic investors.
Notable investments:
ICON
Fast Radius (Exited)
Harbinger
Plus One Robotics
OneRail
Assignar
Brick & Mortar Ventures
Brick & Mortar Ventures is a venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. They focus on investing in early-stage companies that develop innovative software and hardware solutions for the industries that make up the built world. This includes Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facilities Management (AEC/FM). They aim to disrupt the traditional methods used in these industries by backing entrepreneurs who are creating new technologies. Brick & Mortar Ventures has a notable track record with past investments in companies like PlanGrid, BuildingConnected, and BuildZoom. Their funding comes from institutional investors, and they have a dedicated team with experience in both venture capital and the AEC/FM industries.
Notable investments:
PlanGrid
BuildingConnected
BuildZoom
Fieldwire
Levelset (formerly Zlien)
Rhumbix
Builders VC
Founded in 2014, Builders VC is another San Francisco venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. They target tech startups aiming to modernize established industries (construction included). Builders VC focuses on Seed and Series A funding rounds, but also participates in later stages. Their sweet spot lies in Enterprise Applications and high-tech solutions, although they also invest in sectors like healthcare, sustainability, and food & agriculture technology. For their efforts in the construction world, they have brought on venture partners with deep construction industry experience. Steve Dell’Orto, formerly a senior executive at Clark Construction, joined Builders VC to leverage his expertise and guide construction investments.
Notable investments:
Fieldwire
Modumate
Camino Technologies
DOZR
Mercator.ai
Foresight
Bowery
HOLT Ventures
As the investment arm of HOLT Cat, the largest Caterpillar tractor and engine dealer in the U.S., HOLT Ventures aims to be an engine that powers construction innovation. in early-stage technology companies that can benefit the industrial and manufacturing sectors, particularly those that can optimize and improve the services offered by Holt CAT. This includes areas like construction technology, manufacturing process improvement, rental/distribution solutions, business productivity software. Their team primarily focuses on Seed and Series A funding rounds. They look for companies with innovative solutions that address challenges faced by their parent company, Holt CAT, and its customers. They also have active partnerships with many others on this list, including Ironspring, Building Ventures and Blackhorn Ventures
Notable investments:
Document Crunch
Skillit
PLNAR
Streamline
Suppli
RodRadar
Voze
Camp Six
Document Crunch
Fifth Wall
Fifth Wall is one of the world’s leading venture capital firm dedicated to propelling the real estate industry forward through technology. Based in Los Angeles, they focus on innovative companies tackling critical challenges that impact the built environment. Climate change, aging infrastructure, inaccessible housing markets, and unreliable supply chains are just a few areas they address. Fifth Wall is backed by a global mix of more than 100 strategic limited partners from more than 15 countries, including BNP Paribas Real Estate, British Land, CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Hilton, Host Hotels & Resorts, Kimco Realty Corporation, Lennar, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Marriott International, MetLife Investment Management, MGM Resorts, Related Companies, Starwood Capital, Toll Brothers, and others.
Notable investments:
Aurora Solar
ICON
SPAN
VTS
SOLARCYCLE
NZero
SPAN
Soly
Pacaso
MetaProp
Founded in 2015, MetaProp’s investment team has invested in over 150 technology companies across the real estate value chain. They claim to be the world’s largest early-stage PropTech portfolio. The firm manages funds for both financial and strategic real estate investors that represent a pilot- and test-ready sandbox of 20+ billion square feet across every real estate asset type and global market. Their partners include construction gians like Bosa Properties and Altus Group. They also run the MetaProp Bridge at Columbia University program. Each year, between six and eight of the best technology-driven real estate industry ideas are selected to participate in intensive education, mentorship, and growth hacking programs, culminating in exclusive Graduation Defense panels, Roadshows, and Demo Days for partners, investors, VCs, and media.
Notable investments:
Skillit
Briq
AirWorks
Trestle
BuildOps
OnsiteIQ
TracFlo
Urbint
Mapped
Kwant
Building Ventures
Building Ventures is a venture capital firm with a specific focus on the built environment. More specifically, they target companies that develop solutions that impact how we design, build, operate, and experience our physical surroundings. This could include anything from construction technology to sustainable building materials. Building Ventures doesn’t just want cookie cutter companies. They say they prioritize companies that have the potential to create a transformative impact.
Notable investments:
Work & Mother
SmartPM Technologies
Dandelion Energy
Measurabl
Built Robotics
Mosaic
SKILLIT
SmartPM
Blokable
Formwork Labs
Formwork Labs, a collaborative accelerator program, has a simple goal: to be the foundation for entrepreneurship and innovation for the construction industry. Their team focuses on nurturing early-stage startups in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Launched by Brick & Mortar Ventures and BuiltWorlds in 2022 as the first accelerator of its kind, they provide funding, mentorship, and industry connections to help these young companies refine their products and go-to-market strategies. Recently, they announced the launch of their third cohort, selecting five promising startups from a pool of over 70 applicants.
Current cohort:
Flowlly
MatBook
Pivla
Silo-in
TerraScape AI
EllisDon ConTech Accelerator
EllisDon’s ConTech Accelerator acts as a launchpad for innovative construction technology startups. The program identifies promising young companies with solutions that address challenges in the construction industry. These startups receive mentorship, potential funding, and industry connections from EllisDon to help them refine their ideas and develop go-to-market strategies. Successful participants may even collaborate with EllisDon on real-world construction projects to test and improve their solutions, accelerating their growth and impact on the industry.
2023 program finalists:
SiteLink
The Link
Provision
Blackhorn Ventures
Founded in 2017 in Denver, Colorado, Blackhorn Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies using software solutions to improve efficiency and decarbonize industrial sectors like energy, construction, and transportation. They target companies that leverage digital tools to minimize resource use and environmental impact while aiming for strong financial returns. Just this month they announced the close of their third fund, Blackhorn Ventures Industrial Impact Fund II, LP (IIF II) which garnered $150 million in new commitments. The fund’s focus is seed and Series A stage investments into capital-efficient software solutions, vertical SaaS companies, and AI applications that address the urgent need for industrial resource efficiency and decarbonization at scale.
Notable investments:
Aperia Technologies
EcoWorks
Briq
Agorus
Amperon
Circuit Mind
Datch
QuoteToMe
Hyperframe
Shadow Ventures
Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 2017, Shadow Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on seed-stage startups that bring innovation to the built environment. They target companies using technology to tackle challenges in real estate and construction, with a specific interest in sustainable solutions. Their investments aim to transform how we design, build, and operate buildings. They recently announced their new $34 million Seed Fund II. This fund aims to continue their mission of financing ambitious entrepreneurs with frontier technologies for the global infrastructure sector.
Notable investments:
Okibo
Constructn.ai
BotBuilt
jet.build
Green Badger
Ecobot
billy
Rabbet
Aren
ICON
Konstru
Hummingbird Kinetics
Energize Capital
Formerly Energize Ventures, this firm wants to make the world a healthier place. A leading climate software investor, Energize Capital partners with with innovators to accelerate the sustainability transition. Their team has decades of experience in the climate technology space, and they leverage that deep industry and operational expertise to guide a research-based, proactive and thorough investment approach. They support companies at various stages of maturity by helping them scale and realize their full potential, from early commercialization to the public markets. They have several areas of focus: renewable energy, industrial operations, electrification/mobility, infrastructure resilience and decarbonization
Notable investments:
Amperon
Urbint
Sitetracker
Aurora Solar
Handle
PVcase
SINAI
Key Takeaways:
PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. and Parkin Architects Western Ltd. have signed a single target outturn cost alliance development agreement to deliver the project.
The total cost of Phase 2 is approximately $1.7 billion.
Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment includes the construction of the Keith and Betty Beedie Acute Care Tower.
The tower will feature 160 private rooms to support general medicine, medical oncology, cardiac telemetry, intensive care and high-acuity patients, a new medical imaging department with two CT scanners, a spiritual-care suite, public spaces and hospital support services.
Burnaby is the province’s third-largest city, and the number of patients requiring hospital care there is expected to increase by approximately 60% by 2036.
The Whole Story:
Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority have selected the preferred proponent team for Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment project.
The multi-party contract, known as a single target outturn cost alliance development agreement, involving PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. and Parkin Architects Western Ltd., was signed and approved on June 21, 2024. This alliance agreement means the owner, builder and designer team up for full project delivery.
“The vision to redevelop the Burnaby Hospital has always been to allow more people to have access to modernized acute-care services, such as life-saving cancer care, within their community,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “With Phase 1 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment project well underway, Fraser Health is taking more major strides. I’m excited that we’ve reached this milestone because it means we are closer to beginning design and construction for Phase 2.”
Phase 2 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment includes the construction of the Keith and Betty Beedie Acute Care Tower, which will feature 160 private rooms to support general medicine, medical oncology, cardiac telemetry, intensive care and high-acuity patients, a new medical imaging department with two CT scanners, a spiritual-care suite, public spaces and hospital support services.
“We are grateful to our partners, staff and medical staff for their agility and dedication to our patients, families and communities as we make space for construction needs,” said Dr. Victoria Lee, president and CEO, Fraser Health. “This redevelopment project is not just about building a new facility, it’s about fostering hope, enhancing patient care and shaping a healthier future for everyone in Burnaby.”
The new tower will also be home to the new BC Cancer – Burnaby McCarthy Centre, which will include 54 ambulatory-care rooms, 31 chemotherapy chairs, space for five linear accelerators, space for two PET/CT scanners, an oncology pharmacy, and clinical trials and research space.
Phase 2 also includes the demolition of the West Wing building, expansion of the emergency department to 104 treatment spaces, and renovations to the endoscopy and laboratory components. Construction is expected to start in late 2025 and be ready for patients in 2030. The total cost of Phase 2 is approximately $1.7 billion with funding from the Province, Burnaby Hospital Foundation and BC Cancer Foundation.
“As a key funding partner, we are thrilled to contribute to this pivotal phase of our hospital’s transformation,” said Kristy James, president and CEO, Burnaby Hospital Foundation. “Our steadfast commitment to enhancing patient care and community health in Burnaby, East Vancouver and the surrounding areas remains unwavering. This redevelopment initiative mirrors our dedication to advancing medical excellence and innovation, setting a new standard in health-care delivery.”
In April, a Phase 1 construction milestone was reached with the removal of two cranes from the site. Phase 1 of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, undertaken by design-builder EllisDon, includes the construction of the new health-care pavilion, which features maternity, neonatal intensive care, mental-health in-patient and medical in-patient units. The estimated completion date for the new pavilion is 2025.
Additional work underway in Phase 1 includes a comprehensive upgrade of the Jim Pattison Surgery Centre, now with a total of 10 new or upgraded operating rooms, as well as renovations to the emergency department and other support areas as part of the expansion and renovation of the Support Facilities Building.
Commonly used in Australia and the UK, alliance agreements are an equitable and collaborative model that is well-suited for large-scale, complex projects where a high-level of co-operation and flexibility is required.
Burnaby Hospital opened in 1952 and provides a range of acute-care services, including emergency care, critical care, surgery, maternity, neonatal intensive care, palliative and adult mental-health and substance-use services.
Burnaby is the province’s third-largest city, and the number of patients requiring hospital care there is expected to increase by approximately 60% by 2036.
*Editor’s Note: Emails, video calls, regular calls, paperwork, site visits—most construction professionals don’t have hours to go through press releases and news articles detailing the latest business deal in the industry. But we do. Each month we distill all that information into a pure, concentrated syrup called Business Moves. This month was big for sustainable companies, Indigenous partnerships, tech funds and more.
Buffalo River Developments LP has acquired majority interest in Threeosix Industrial Services Inc. The groups reached an agreement where Buffalo River Dene Nation, via its development corporation Buffalo River Developments LP, completed a significant investment in Threeosix in exchange for a majority stake in the group of companies. Threeosix is a multi-discipline industrial solutions provider based in Saskatoon, Sask. Buffalo River Developments is the wholly-owned economic development corporation of the Buffalo River Dene Nation.
Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems Inc. have formed joint venture to promote, develop and further accelerate the commercialization of the high pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology—a fuel system used to reduce CO2 in long-haul trucking and other high-load and off-road applications.
Parity, a remote HVAC optimization as a service company for multifamily buildings and hotels, announced today the successful closing of its USD $19M Series B funding round. Parity aims to limit energy waste and maximizes demand response performance by remotely operating existing heating, ventilation, and cooling systems in real-time. The round was completed by Idealist Capital, joining existing investors ArcTern Ventures, Wyse Meter Solutions Inc., and RET Ventures.
The Hillcore Group, an independent Canadian investment firm, successfully completed the acquisition of CEDA, which has been majority-owned by OMERS since 2005. CEDA specializes in providing industrial maintenance, turnaround and environmental services to clients in the oil and gas, pipeline, power, pulp and paper, chemical, mining, municipal and steel markets.
Schneider Electric, a global digital energy management and automation company, is transforming its Digital Buildings business in Canada with the launch of the SMART Buildings Division. The company stated that this evolution marks a strategic move to deliver comprehensive solutions and services that support building owners and operators in achieving their decarbonization and sustainability goals.
Through our SMART Buildings division in Canada, we’re set to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort. Our goal is to empower building owners and operators to create smarter, more efficient spaces for a sustainable future
Emily Heitman, President of Schneider Electric Canada
Backwoods Energy Services, one of the largest and most sophisticated Indigenous-owned contractors in Western Canada, has formed a strategic partnership with Kihew Fabco, an Indigenous-owned fabrication shop in Saskatchewan. The partnership is poised to strengthen the capacity of both organizations through the creation of employment opportunities, training programs, and revenue streams that directly contribute to community initiatives.
Canada-based companies Stantec and WSP have both made Time Magazine’s first list of the world’s 500 Most Sustainable Companies. The top spot on the list went to a company previously mentioned in this month’s edition of business moves, Schneider Electric, which is based in France. Stantec ranked 14th and WSP ranked 54th.
Electrical distributor EECOL Electric announced that it has acquired Independent Electric Supply of Toronto. Independent, with its 40 team members, has been serving customers in the Toronto area market since 1921. Officials said the acquisition underscores our dedication to serving customers across Canada with unparalleled service and top-quality products from hundreds of premier manufacturers
Pembina Gas Infrastructure Inc. (PGI), a gas processing entity in Western Canada jointly owned by Pembina and KKR, has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Whitecap Resources Inc. to acquire a 50% working interest in Whitecap’s 15-07 Kaybob Complex as well as executed an agreement to support the future infrastructure development for Whitecap’s Lator growth area. Gross proceeds related to the transaction are $420 million ($252 million, net to Pembina).
Aecon Utilities, a subsidiary of Aecon Group, has acquired a majority stake in Xtreme Powerline Construction, a Michigan-based electrical distribution utility contractor, for $73 million. The acquisition will allow Aecon Utilities to expand its U.S. presence and services offered, particularly in repairing and upgrading electrical grids. Xtreme’s management will retain a minority ownership and leadership roles, while Aecon Utilities gains access to Xtreme’s expertise and client relationships.
Blackhorn Ventures has announced the close of its third fund, Blackhorn Ventures Industrial Impact Fund II, LP (IIF II). With $150M in commitments towards the new fund, Blackhorn says its team is exceptionally well-positioned to partner with world-class founders. Its focus is seed and Series A stage investments into capital-efficient software solutions, vertical SaaS companies, and AI applications that address the urgent need for industrial resource efficiency and decarbonization at scale.
Ironspring Ventures has announced $100 million in new funds to continue partnering with early-stage founders who are creating change and catalyzing innovation across the industrial supply chain. Ironspring officials stated that there’s never been a better time to invest in these critical industrial industries. They added that infusion of new capital will fuel their ability to back the entrepreneurs and teams who are revolutionizing the way the world designs, builds, distributes, and operates in the physical world.
Ramudden Global has announced the acquisition of RSG International, a group of road safety businesses based in Toronto. With this acquisition, Ramudden Global surpasses $1.74 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 employees in 12 countries.
I see this as a breakthrough for our business and a great opportunity for our staff to embark on an exciting journey. Combining forces enables us to gain the strength needed to realize our expansion plans. By combining European and North American expertise, we aim to bolster our offerings and deliver superior infrastructure safety solutions in our region
Lisa Laronde, President or RSG
Steelhead LNG, a Vancouver-based developer in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, announced the recent award of patents in the U.S. and South Korea in relation to its proprietary near-shore floating LNG production facility system. The patents cover pivotal aspects of Steelhead’s approach to liquifying natural gas for export and are in addition to the patents already issued to Steelhead LNG in Canada, Australia and Mexico.
Pennsylvania-based infrastructure product provider JENNMAR has acquired Dumotech Industrial Products in Quebec. JENNMAR said that Dumotech complements JENNMAR’s offering of infrastructure products and specialized services to the civil, solar, mining and construction industries, and strengthens its presence in Quebec through an expanded product range and local proximity to the region’s mines.
DC Equipment has opened a new manufacturing facility in Prince George, B.C. marking the return of Madill equipment production to B.C. The first machines to be produced at this facility will be the Madill 3000B Log Loaders.
Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR), announced it has entered into an agreement with Nucor Rebar Fabrication, Inc. (Nucor), North America’s largest fabricator and installer of rebar. This partnership will introduce cutting-edge technologies into Nucor’s operations.
Key Takeaways:
The CIB is providing a $100 million loan to finance sustainable building retrofits.
GDI’s subsidiaries Ainsworth and Énergère will provide turnkey design/build retrofit services.
Each building is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 30% annually, for an average of 37% across the project portfolio.
The work is expected to support approximately 500 jobs in the trades sector.
The Whole Story:
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has reached financial close on a $100 million investment with GDI Integrated Facility Services Inc. (GDI). The financing supports deep energy retrofits in aging buildings across Canada to help reduce their environmental impact.
GDI has formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to finance the capital costs of the retrofits which will include the CIB’s investment with the remainder funded through an equity investment by GDI and third parties. GDI’s wholly owned subsidiary Ainsworth (Ainsworth) and its subsidiary, Énergère will source energy projects and provide complete turnkey design/build services. The companies will offer initial energy audits, energy modelling, system design, installation, commissioning, measurement and ongoing energy management, data analytics and energy optimisation.
Ainsworth, GDI’s technical services business segment, alongside Énergère, an energy services company have the capacity and experience to provide their clients with tangible solutions to accelerate the decarbonization of buildings.
Each project carried out by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will vary in scale and approach. Ainsworth’s turnkey energy services will provide their clients with deep energy retrofit solutions to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. Carbon reduction measures include fuel switching, HVAC upgrades, transitioning to clean and renewable power sources like solar generation, electrical vehicle charging and energy storage facilities.
Once all retrofits are complete, it is estimated that approximately 44,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) will be reduced per year. In addition, the projects are expected to support approximately 500 jobs in the trades sector.
The investment is part of the CIB’s Building Retrofits Initiative which has committed over $1.2 billion towards financing sustainable retrofits. Buildings account for around 18% of Canada’s total GHG emissions. Investments from the CIB help to prioritize and accelerate building retrofits to help meet Canada’s climate change goals.
“No one can reduce the environmental impact of aging buildings across the country on their own,” said Sean Fraser, minister of housing. “This requires the public and private sectors coming together. We are proud to announce this agreement today that is a shining example of such a partnership, and is one that will help Canada reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Key Takeaways:
The company said this second phase this will significantly increase their ability to process natural gas and extract valuable natural gas liquids (NGLs).
The NGL North Phase Two expansion is expected to cost $1 billion and be in-service in 2027.
The increased NGL production is secured by long-term agreements with Alberta’s petrochemical companies, providing them with a reliable source of key materials.
The Whole Story:
Calgary-based energy company Wolf Midstream has announced a positive final investment decision to proceed with its NGL North Phase Two project, which will significantly increase the natural gas liquids (NGL) production capacity of Wolf’s existing NGL North System (NGL North), which was successfully commissioned in 2023.
Once completed, the expanded system will have the ability to recover NGL from approximately 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas and produce over 90,000 barrels per day (bpd) of NGL, including over 60,000 bpd of ethane. The vast majority of this production is committed under long-term agreements with Alberta’s growing petrochemical industry. NGL North Phase Two is an incremental investment in Alberta of approximately $1 billion, supported by Wolf’s shareholder, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments).
“NGL North Phase Two includes Wolf Recovery Facility 2 which will recover higher carbon natural gas liquids prior to combustion at downstream oil sands production facilities,” said Kevin Jagger, president, Wolf NGL. “Additionally, the project includes a 125-kilometre pipeline lateral, a material expansion of the Wolf Feedstock Separation facility in Sturgeon County, a new unit train rail terminal and large-scale salt cavern storage.”
The entire NGL North project is a Wolf proprietary NGL recovery, transportation, and separation system capable of producing approximately 70,000 barrels per day of NGL including ethane, propane, butane and condensate.
It has three main components:
Recovery: an NGL recovery facility with an ultimate capacity of approximately one billion cubic feet per day, located in Northeast Alberta that recovers higher carbon NGL prior to downstream combustion;
Transportation: an NGL transportation system that includes approximately 100 kilometres of new-build pipeline to connect to Wolf’s existing 16-inch pipeline to transport recovered NGL from Wolf Recovery Facility I to the Wolf Feedstock Separation complex; and
Separation: an NGL separation complex located in Sturgeon County, Alberta and immediately proximate to Wolf’s existing Sturgeon Terminal and Alberta Carbon Trunk Line origin point. Wolf Feedstock Separation will have an ultimate capacity to produce approximately 70,000 barrels per day of NGL including ethane, propane, butane, and condensate.
“This is a very exciting opportunity,” said Bob Lock, president and chief executive officer of Wolf, “along with pre-investment for future phases, this expansion continues to build out NGL North’s ultimate potential of processing nearly 3 Bcf/d and recovering 170,000 bpd of NGL, creating a critical source of incremental, reliable feedstock supply for a new wave of downstream market development in Western Canada.”
The NGL North Phase Two expansion is expected to be in-service in 2027.
More and more companies and municipalities are realizing the benefits of social procurement.
David LePage, who passed away this summer, was a key figure in promoting social procurement in Canada. His work helped to develop the concept and encourage companies to adopt social procurement practices.
By opening up opportunities for underrepresented groups, social procurement can help to bring more talent into the industry.
The Whole Story:
Advocates for social procurement have had a bittersweet year.
The movement to utilize construction spending to benefit local communities has gained traction among some of the nation’s largest construction companies and on some of its largest projects. Buy Social Canada, one of the main forces behind the movement, celebrated its tenth year and was preparing to reflect on its growth.
But then Buy Social Canada’s founder and a champion for ethical and impactful construction spending, David LePage, suddenly passed away after a brief illness.
“It’s almost impossible to say in words the impact that David had,” said Elizabeth Chick, Buy Social Canada CEO. “He was really instrumental in driving forward both the social enterprise ecosystem and the work that’s been achieved there in the last decade and the social procurement movement in Canada.”
Chick stated that his legacy will be as someone who was able to make progress in these efforts while understanding what these concepts should look like in practice.
“The fruits of that labor are the social outcomes that we are seeing across the country,” said Chick. “And there are folks not just across Canada, but globally who want to thank David for the work that he’s done to drive social enterprise forward.”
David LePage
Part of that legacy is helping companies like Delnor Construction Managers, which implemented social procurement policies on the kihcihkaw askî (Sacred Land) project in Edmonton. The city partnered with various Indigenous organizations for the project and there were requirements to ensure Indigenous people and businesses could participate in the work.
“That was the beginning of our journey,” said Delnor Construction corporate project development manager Jason Deboski. “We worked with Buy Social to develop a social procurement framework.”
Delnor did internal surveys with their vendors, trained employees and explored the concept of social procurement in construction.
“I feel that construction can bee a tool to have a social impact in our communities,” said Deboski. “Barriers to entry are fairly low. You can start as a labourer and build a great career for yourself.”
Deboski added that learning about the impact Delnor can have on the Edmonton community, especially with underrepresented groups like Indigenous people, has been a game changer.
“It’s super important to me to be able to build a career for myself and the people that I work with,” he said. “But to be able to have a positive social impact in this community and see others getting to follow in the path I’ve been fortunate to walk down, it’s incredibly exciting and rewarding. Construction has given me so much. I am halfway through my career. I’ve learned a lot. To be able to give to others what has been given to me is the biggest draw in all this.”
The kihcihkaw askî-sacred land project in Edmonton. – Reimagine Architects
LePage’s efforts have also reached some of the nation’s biggest, most sophisticated contractors. Early on, it was just Chandos, led by longtime social procurement advocate Tim Coldwell, who has since left Chandos to continue social procurement advocacy at Énska, Canada’s first Indigenous real estate advisory and project governance practice.
“I’ve known David for nearly a decade and worked closely with him advocating for social procurement across Canada,” said Coldwell. “David’s vision for a more inclusive society lives on through the work that Elizabeth Chick and her team at Buy Social Canada do every day. Through his work, David impacted the lives of thousands and thousands of people across Canada and he will be remembered for that.”
During the last decade the list of companies looking integrate social procurement into the business has steadily grown.
“When I started at Buy Social Canada, we were just working with Chandos. Now we are working with Chandos, Delnor, PCL, Bird Construction, Clark Builders and a lot of these general contractors,” said Chick.
She noted that many builders are starting to realize that social procurement isn’t just good for communities. It’s good for business.
“We are having conversations with these contractors and they are saying that it used to be, and still is, a value add, but now they are starting to realize and quantify the work they are losing by not doing this because it is becoming a requirement,” said Chick. “Municipalities across the country—Edmonton, Calgary, Wood Buffalo, Peterborough, Brampton, Toronto—All them them are starting to ask in bids what are you doing for inclusive employment, if you practice social procurement.”
With the nation facing a critical shortage of skilled construction workers, Chick believes that social procurement could be a great way to unlock talent from underrepresented groups.
“We’re talking about opening up a pipeline of people and businesses that you may not have encountered before and so really this is an opportunity as the industry is facing a skill shortage, as we’re experiencing these supply chain issues,” she said. “These are people and businesses that are ready to serve you and work with you on that project to ensure that you are both successful and we are really seeing that.”
Chick explained that Buy Social Canada offers education and training on what social procurement is and provides the tools that are needed to put it into practice. They also do consulting and partnerships with the public and private sector and then help put that into practice on the ground.
One of the key tools Buy Social Canada has produced to aid these efforts has been a guide to community benefits and construction. The group also plans to release an updated guide to social enterprise this September.
Those looking for a way to remember LePage and his legacy have been asked to consider donating to the Social Enterprise Policy Fund which he established.
Rain City Industrial’s strategy for Western Canada is anything but generic. They have built a team of specialists.
The west coast-based industrial design-build firm has managed to carve out their own place in warehousing/logistics, cold storage, agritech & food processing, manufacturing, and life science markets. We caught up with Brett Jeffrey, president, CEO & partner, Rain City Industrial, to chat about how they zeroed in on their niches, what it takes to be a successful industrial builder and how their team is overcoming workforce shortages, high costs and other challenges the industry faces.
SiteNews:Tell me a bit about Rain City, its team and the regions that you build in.
Brett Jeffrey: Rain City Industrial is Canada’s premier design-build firm specializing in industrial workspaces and specialty construction. At Rain City Industrial, we specialize in the integrated design and construction of industrial workspaces including distribution, manufacturing, cold storage and food processing facilities. Our team of experts in workspace planning, design, project management, construction, and real estate delivers tailored solutions for our industrial clients. We operate primarily in the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, Vancouver Island, and Alberta, leveraging our regional expertise to drive successful projects and provide innovative industrial spaces.
What are some of the niches that Rain City caters to and what sort of clients do you serve?
Rain City Industrial specializes in a variety of unique industrial projects tailored to specific market needs. We focus on high-density storage facilities, including logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing, as well as specialized facilities requiring precise environmental controls, including food processing, cold storage, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, agritech, and data centres. Our clients range from large corporations seeking expansive warehousing and distribution centres to smaller enterprises needing customized manufacturing and storage solutions. Our in-house, all-inclusive, design-build approach allows us to meet the unique demands of each project, delivering tailored, high-quality industrial workspaces. This method ensures seamless integration of all components, facilitating smooth and efficient operations for our clients.
What sort of trends are you seeing in industrial space requirements?
In the industrial real estate sector, there’s a growing preference for properties strategically located in core markets close to essential logistics, skilled workforces, and amenities. This choice not only optimizes operations and attracts top talent but also focuses on designing facilities with future expansions in mind. By prioritizing scalability and adaptability, businesses ensure their spaces can evolve to meet changing demands, making location a crucial factor for long-term competitiveness and growth. With space at a premium, companies are also maximizing their industrial workspaces vertically. Vertical storage solutions like multi-level racking and automated systems are becoming increasingly popular, allowing businesses to efficiently use every cubic foot of their facilities. This shift enhances storage capacity and operational efficiency, which is crucial for managing inventory in constrained spaces.
What are some of the unique challenges that emerge when trying to create temperature-controlled environments?
Creating temperature-controlled environments presents several unique challenges. These include ensuring precise temperature regulation, managing humidity levels, and integrating specialized insulation and heated floors. Additionally, the need for temperature-controlled fire suppression systems and customized racking designs can complicate the process. At Rain City Industrial, our all-inclusive approach is pivotal to our success in addressing these challenges. We ensure seamless coordination of all project components by integrating specialized design and construction expertise in-house, along with company-owned vertically integrated trades such as refrigeration and racking. This integration facilitates a streamlined workflow, enhancing the efficiency and coherence of every project. Our comprehensive design-build process tackles the unique challenges and risks of misaligned project designs and fragmented schedules. By streamlining the entire process from design and permitting to construction, we ensure a unified and efficient execution, promoting efficiency on the construction site and overcoming the complexities associated with temperature-controlled environments.
What sort of projects or clients require these kinds of facilities?
These facilities are required for various projects and clients, including cold storage warehouses, refrigerated distribution centres, food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical storage facilities, data centres, laboratories and research facilities, food processing plants, cleanrooms for manufacturing, and medical storage rooms (used to store vaccines and biological samples).
How were you and your team able to develop the skills needed to specialize in this area?
We have developed the skills needed to specialize in this area by hiring experts in industrial workspaces, temperature-controlled environments, racking and storage, and specialty construction. Our in-house specialists actively manage our industrial designs, ensuring projects are built on practical and sound construction methodologies. Our senior leadership team trains our new generation of professionals through active participation in all aspects of the industrial design-build process. This mentorship and hands-on experience ensure continuity of expertise, ultimately maintaining our high standards in creating efficient, high-quality industrial spaces.
I understand that Rain City is the only design-build contractor in Canada with a warehouse racking and storage dealership. What prompted Rain City to develop this capability and what benefits does it provide?
Racking is a critical component in most industrial workspaces, essential for maximizing space utilization and enhancing operational efficiency. At Rain City Industrial, our unique capability to manage racking design and construction in-house as part of our warehouse racking and storage dealership allows for the seamless integration of storage solutions within the overall project design. This coordination extends through all phases of the project, including design, permitting, and construction. By incorporating racking systems directly into the workspace design, alongside considerations for lighting and fire suppression, we create a cohesive and safe environment that significantly boosts efficiency and aligns with our clients’ broader project goals.
Where do you see the major areas (geographically) of growth and opportunity in the industry project sector?
The Lower Mainland is a key area for industrial growth, particularly in e-commerce logistics, port-related infrastructure, and high-tech industries. Constrained land supply and rising demand are driving the need for large, well-located industrial spaces near major transportation hubs. Okanagan’s focus on agriculture and agritech, as well as Vancouver Island’s renewable energy and marine industries, also present significant opportunities for industrial development. In Alberta, diversification beyond oil and gas is leading to growth in advanced manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy sectors. Cities like Calgary and Edmonton are becoming hubs for these industries, driving demand for new industrial spaces to support this evolution.
What sort of kinds of builds are you seeing in high demand right now and where do you see that demand going in the future?
Currently, the highest demand for industrial builds is centred around core markets with strong workforce pools, excellent transportation links, and comprehensive amenities. These areas are highly desired by businesses focusing on industrial manufacturing and logistics due to their strategic locations. Due to rising property costs, there is also a high demand for industrial builds that maximize warehouse cubic square footage. Owners and occupiers seek efficient workspace designs that utilize vertical storage through advanced racking systems and compact automation solutions. This trend is driven by the need to optimize space and enhance operational efficiency. Looking forward, the emphasis on smart technologies and scalable designs will grow as businesses aim to future-proof their facilities and improve productivity.
The construction industry is facing high costs, labour shortages and many other challenges. What sort of approach to construction have you found to be most successful in mitigating project risks?
In today’s construction industry, marked by rising costs and labour shortages, having a strong workforce and strategic industry alliances is key to mitigating project risks. Aligning with expert trades and consultants enhances project execution, maintaining timelines and budgets by leveraging specialized knowledge. Additionally, owning critical design-build trades like refrigeration and racking allows for tighter integration and control in the construction process. This not only streamlines operations but also minimizes delays and cost overruns, enabling efficient adaptation to the dynamic construction landscape and significantly reducing project risks.
Key Takeaways:
The project represents a significant advancement in ATCO’s and Alberta’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The captured CO2 from industrial facilities will be permanently stored underground.
The facility is designed as a multi-phase project with initial storage capacity secured by Shell’s existing carbon capture project. Future development will cater to the needs of ATCO and Shell, with additional space available for other industrial emitters in the region.
The Atlas Hub will leverage the experience and technology from Shell’s Quest CCS project.
The Whole Story:
ATCO EnPower and its partner Shell Canada Limited have decided to proceed with the first phase of the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub.
ATCO stated that the investment in this multi-phase, open-access carbon storage hub is a major milestone in its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The facility will be located east of Edmonton and able to store industrial emissions from the Alberta Industrial Heartland region.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward in Alberta’s energy transition. Carbon capture and storage is a critical component of our successful energy future,” said Bob Myles, chief operating officer, ATCO EnPower. “ATCO EnPower is actively working across all aspects of the energy transition value chain, and collaborative efforts with government, our partners and local communities have been instrumental in advancing this initiative.”
ATCO EnPower and Shell are 50/50 partners in the Atlas Carbon Storage Hub, which is located in the middle of Alberta’s energy and petrochemical sector. The first phase of the Atlas project is planned to be operational by 2028, anchored by CO2 volumes from Shell’s Polaris carbon capture project.
Future development of Atlas, which is subject to a future investment decision, will be aimed at meeting both ATCO EnPower and Shell’s carbon storage needs, with remaining capacity available for third-party emitters through open access.
A C02 pipe at the Quest CCS facility near Edmonton. – Shell Canada
The Atlas Carbon Storage Hub is integral to ATCO’s decarbonization and ESG targets. The facility is expected to provide a resource for emitters in the Alberta Industrial Heartland to reduce both their carbon emissions and carbon tax liability.
The Atlas Hub plans to leverage the lessons learned from Quest CCS, which was built and is operated by Shell at the Scotford upgrader near Edmonton. The Quest project originated as a collaboration between Shell Canada, other oil sands producers, and the Canadian and Alberta governments. Following construction, the Quest facility achieved mechanical completion in February 2015
Quest has safely stored over nine million tonnes of CO2 since it began operations in 2015. The project exceeded expectations by capturing and safely storing over 1 million tonnes of CO2 by September 2016, ahead of schedule. Additionally, Shell has made the project’s design and learnings publicly available to promote wider CCS adoption.
Shell’s Quest facility captures carbon dioxide emissions from an oil sands upgrader using a chemical solvent. The captured CO2 is then compressed and transported via pipeline to a deep underground rock formation where it’s safely stored, permanently preventing its release into the atmosphere.
Key Takeaways:
Aecon and Coastal GasLink settled their dispute over the construction of sections 3 and 4 of the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
Officials noted that the settlement avoids the costs and uncertainties of arbitration. It also doesn’t affect Aecon’s cash flow but does result in a $127 million accounting charge.
This charge reflects the additional costs Aecon incurred building those sections of the pipeline.Aecon expects additional charges of $110 million related to three other large construction projects.
More details of the settlement will be released later this month as part of Aecon’s second quarter 2024 financial results.
The Whole Story:
Aecon Group and Coastal GasLink have reached a settlement over a pipeline construction dispute.
SA Energy Group, a general partnership of Aecon Construction Group Inc. and Robert B. Somerville Co. Ltd., and Coastal GasLink Pipeline Limited Partnership, by its general partner Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd., have reached an amicable and mutually agreeable global settlement to resolve their dispute fully and finally over the construction of Sections 3 and 4 of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project in B.C.
“The Coastal GasLink settlement allows Aecon to close the chapter on one of the most technically and financially challenging projects in its history, and represents continued progress in reducing the uncertainty associated with Aecon’s four legacy projects,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and chief executive officer, Aecon Group Inc. “We are proud of our team and thank them for delivering this project safely and with incredible resiliency through to completion.”
Aecon officials stated that the settlement agreement is not an admission of liability by either party and the parties have mutually released their respective claims in the arbitration, thereby avoiding the expense, burden and uncertainty associated with arbitration.
The terms of the settlement agreement are expected to result in no cash impacts to Aecon. From an accounting perspective, Aecon expects an approximately $127 million, non-recurring charge relating to the construction of Sections 3 and 4 of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project to be reflected in Aecon’s financial results for the second quarter of 2024.
Further, as part of its ongoing review of critical accounting estimates in respect of the remaining three large fixed price legacy projects now nearing completion and being performed by joint ventures in which Aecon is a participant, Aecon currently anticipates additional charges of approximately $110 million in aggregate to be reflected in its second quarter 2024 results.
Servranckx added the additional impacts from the remaining legacy projects anticipated in the second quarter reflect the ongoing progress towards driving these remaining legacy projects to completion.
Further details respecting the settlement and the review of the remaining three large fixed price legacy projects noted above will be provided as part of Aecon’s second quarter 2024 financial results to be released on Wednesday, July 24 after market close.
The Coastal GasLink Project is a 670-kilometre pipeline designed to transport natural gas from northeastern British Columbia to the LNG Canada facility in Kitimat, B.C. Work began in 2012 and crews achieved mechanical completion in early November of 2023, ahead of its year-end. LNG Canada is entering its startup phase and its owners, a consortium of international fossil fuel companies, expect to start shipping in 2025.
Key Takeaways:
Digital twins are virtual models that can help identify and solve problems before construction begins on critical infrastructure projects like hospitals, highways, and transit.
By using digital twins to map underground utilities, the province hopes to reduce delays, cost overruns, and accidents during construction.
Ontario is partnering with various organizations like universities and municipalities to learn from their experience with digital twins and explore wider applications of this technology.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government plans to spend $5 million testing the application and benefits of digital modelling technology, known as digital twins, to help deliver key infrastructure projects such as hospitals, highways and transit.
“Our government is exploring innovative new technologies to help build critical infrastructure faster and more cost-effectively,” said Kinga Surma, minister of infrastructure. “From start to finish, digital twins will help ensure that project partners involved in the building process have access to timely, accurate and state-of-the-art data to advance the delivery of Ontario’s infrastructure for our growing communities.”
Digital twins are virtual models of existing and planned assets that when mapped for construction projects, can be used to help identify and resolve problems before work begins. Using a digital twin for underground utilities, for example, can help reduce the risk of delays and cost overruns on projects.
The province has selected the Trillium Health Partners’ Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital redevelopment, the Ontario Place rebuild and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension to test the digital modelling technology.
Officials noted that these projects were chosen because of their complex utility systems such as existing and planned electrical, water, gas and wastewater services. By identifying and mapping the location of these underground utilities in a virtual model, the province can help avoid costly and dangerous utility conflicts, which will help improve worker safety, save money and ensure projects are completed on time.
They aren’t the only ones:
Infrastructure Ontario is partnering with local and global organizations, including Toronto Metropolitan University and the United Kingdom’s Geospatial Commission, to leverage their experience with digital twins and explore solutions.
The City of Toronto and York Region are using digital twins to monitor wear and tear on water infrastructure in real-time to support better decision-making and allocation of public resources.
The City of Ottawa is leveraging aerial data collection and 3D mapping technology which could be used in digital modelling to enhance its urban planning and asset management programs.
Digital twins have seen some adoption outside the province. Last year, SNC Lavalin (now AtkinsRéalis) announced it had built a digital twin of Vancouver’s Canada Line transit system. They use it determine what future work needs to be done and to avoid future issues. This is particularly important as the track runs 21 hours a day and repairs can only be done during a brief window.
Key Takeaways:
The milestone signifies the start of preparatory work to get the site ready for construction of the new hospital. This includes demolition of existing buildings, relocating utilities, and building temporary roads.
The project involves collaboration between several entities including ED+PCL Healthcare Partners, Infrastructure Ontario (IO), Trillium Health Partners (THP), and the Ministry of Health.
The new hospital will be a modern facility with advanced technology and will cater to the growing needs of the Mississauga community. It is planned to be the largest hospital in Canada and the first women and children hospital in Ontario.
The Whole Story:
ED+PCL Healthcare Partners announced that the Trillium ED/PCL JV partnership has begun executing the enabling works for the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital project. These works will prepare the site for the new Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital project. PCL noted that This is a significant milestone in the project, indicating the progress towards the construction of the hospital.
“In connection with the innovative Development Phase Agreement, Enabling Works encapsulates all the preparatory work required for the site to be ready for construction to take place,” said Andrew Anderson, senior vice president & area manager, Toronto, EllisDon. “This is a significant step forward in the development of this new state-of-the-art facility that will service the growing needs of the community of Mississauga. ED+PCL Healthcare Partners, as well as our consortium partners, are thrilled with the progress to date, and look forward to continuing to build on the success of our collaborative efforts and support THP and IO to bring this vital hospital to fruition.”
A large and essential undertaking, enabling works will bring substantial changes to the project site before excavation and construction. Along with the systematic demolition of three buildings throughout the next several months, there will be major efforts made to remove and relocate site utilities, realign site roads, and create new temporary construction roads to prepare the site’s footprint for the next phase of construction.
“As we progress through the Development Phase, the Trillium ED/PCL JV partnership is thrilled to begin Enabling Works, preparing the site to advance critical work on the new Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital,” said Marc Pascoli, Senior Vice President and District Manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. “Reaching this major milestone is a result of the outstanding commitment and collaboration between THP, IO, EllisDon, PCL and our expert health care design and construction consultants. We look forward to the next stages of our partnership to help bring THP’s vision for this important healthcare project to life.”
Under the Development Phase Agreement, ED+PCL Healthcare Partners are working alongside Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Trillium Health Partners (THP) and the Ministry of Health to collaboratively develop the project requirements, design, pricing, schedule, and risk management for The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital.
The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital will allow THP to better respond to future health care challenges and will feature modern hospital facilities and technology that reflect the latest standards in infection prevention and control. Set to fully replace the existing Mississauga Hospital and planned to become the largest hospital in Canada, the new hospital is intended to be Ontario’s first women and children hospital. It will include advanced diagnostic imaging facilities, a new pharmacy and clinical laboratory as well as an expanded emergency department; slated to be one of the largest in the province.
Blackline Site Works
Crews with Blackline Site Works, a civil construction company based in Surrey, prep a site.
Graham hosts a group lunch to celebrate the significant milestone of completing the Arena structure at the Southeast Event Centre in Manitoba.
Wildstone Construction Group
A Wildstone superintendent snapped a shot of an arctic fox, taken on Banks Island in Canada’s Inuvik Region.
Clark Builders
Clark Builders crews support Little Warriors Be Brave Ranch by building therapy sand tables. The six tables will play a vital role in play therapy, helping children express their emotions and heal through creative play.
Ventana’s team takes a break to smile for the camera at its Sohkeya site in Surrey.
Sideros Ironworks
The Sideros team is in process of crowning the Icon Tower at Southgate in Burnaby.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Alberta officials celebrate the opening of the expanded BMO Centre. The project required over two million construction hours and contributions from nearly 5,000 tradespeople, including demolition crews, steelworkers, drywall installers, and electrical and mechanical teams.
Priestly Demolition
Priestley crews burn the midnight oil on a demolition project.
Gerry Ens Contracting
A worker lays down a weld on a four-storey Hocking Avenue Business Centre in Chilliwack.
Trans Mountain
Trans Mountain crews work in front of a snowy mountain backdrop.
Victoria Mancinelli – LiUNA
LiUNA Members and workers mark a historic morning as ironworkers and operating engineers in Canada and the U.S. completed the installation of the final two edge girders for the Gordie Howe Bridge deck.
Norland Limited
Kids experience construction up close at IUOE Local 115’s 25th Annual Heavy Equipment Rodeo in Maple Ridge. The event welcomes everyone from children to young adults beginning their careers in the trades to get hands-on experience with operating heavy equipment.
Zach Melezr / Benedict Pipeline
Benedict Pipeline in Alberta lines up their machinery for maintenance and cleaning.
Miguel Hernandez Arrese / Votorantim Cimentos
Crews are hard at work on the Parliament Centre Block revitalization project in Ottawa. It is the largest, most complex rehabilitation of a heritage asset in the nation’s history. PCL Construction and EllisDon are working together on the project. CBM (Canada Building Materials) is supplying ready mix concrete.
Stormtec’s team assists with repairing a broken water main in Calgary. The damaged main caused widespread water restrictions in the city which are now in the process of being lifted.
Key Takeaways:
Officials in Vancouver have voted to eliminate minimum parking requirements, city-wide, for all land uses.
This makes Vancouver the fourth Canadian city (after Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal) to remove these requirements.
Officials also adopted new by-laws to establish transit-oriented areas. The by-laws are accompanied with a rezoning policy which provides guidance on rezoning conditions.
“This is a major milestone in our commitment to expanding housing choices for all Vancouver residents,” said Mayor Sim. “By integrating housing diversity with transit accessibility, we are paving the way for a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant city. These measures will help us meet the housing needs of our residents while fostering complete, connected communities.”
Officials say the actions align with requirements under the Province’s TOA (Bill 47) legislation. Introduced in November 2023, Bill 47 aims to promote the development of more diverse housing and the creation of walkable, transit-friendly neighbourhoods.
Transit-Oriented Area Designation By-law
The city’s new TOA By-law designates 29 TOAs and adopts the following minimum densities:
Rapid Transit (SkyTrain) Station: Within 200 metres, up to 20 storeys; within 400 metres, up to 12 storeys; within 800 metres, up to 8 storeys.
Bus Exchange: Within 200 metres, up to 12 storeys; within 400 metres, up to 8 storeys.
The TOA By-law is accompanied with a rezoning policy which provides guidance on rezoning conditions, but is not itself a rezoning. Property owners will need to apply to rezone their property if they would like to increase height and/or density above what is currently allowed. The city is progressing through other work plans to proactively zone these and other areas, which will come forward to Council for future decisions.
Minimum Parking Requirements for all land-uses eliminated city-wide
Council also voted today to eliminate minimum parking requirements, city-wide, for all land uses. This action goes beyond the province’s legislation for Transit Oriented Areas TOAs and Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) and makes Vancouver the fourth Canadian city (after Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal) to remove these requirements.
Prior to this decision, minimum parking requirements had already been eliminated in the downtown peninsula (2018) and in the West End and Broadway Plan areas.
Removing this requirement city-wide will advance the city’s objectives to simplify regulations and accelerate permit approval times as well as move us ahead on our transportation and climate emergency goals. Part of this work includes simplifying Vancouver’s Parking By-law that will be reduced from 33 to 17 pages and 63 unique parking rates will be deleted.
Accessible spots for people with disabilities, visitor spaces, bike parking spaces, and loading spaces will continue to be required.
Eliminating minimum parking requirements allows developers to provide the right amount of parking that their project needs. Staff do not anticipate significant impacts to on-street parking, however, tools such as time limits, pay parking or permit parking could be introduced to manage any impacts. Residents and businesses can request changes to parking regulations by contacting the city via 311.
City Council also passed amendments to the Zoning and Development By-law last week, aligning it with the Province’s SSMUH legislation (Bill 44) External website, opens in new tab. Multiplex homes are now permitted in five additional restricted zones: First Shaughnessy District, RT-7 District, RT-9 District, and two CD-1 zones (371 and 463). This builds on the City’s previous work to enhance housing diversity, including the consolidation of nine residential zones into the R1-1 zone, allowing up to six units per standard lot, with additional capacity for rental housing. This means the vast majority of Vancouver’s single family zones are now eligible for multiplexes.
Hasan Youssef has joined Infrastructure BC as a senior associate. Youssef brings experience in project management and engineering, having recently served as an assistant project manager at Pomerleau.
Diamond Schmitt has announced the appointment of two new principals, five new senior Associates, seven new associates, and one new director, along with two administrative promotions, strengthening the firm’s leadership team. See all the changes here.
Nadine Fullarton has started a new position as CEO at Housing Hub of New Brunswick. Fullarton previously served as CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton and as a director on the Canadian Construction Association’s board.
Cavin Green has been promoted to chief operating officer at Cedar Coast. Green says he looks forward to providing continued support to the Cedar Coast team, its investors as well as other business partners.
Javier Sevilla Roca has been promoted to CEO of Flatiron Construction. Roca will continue guiding the company as it focuses on emerging growth markets while continuing to strengthen its broad leadership in heavy civil construction. Prior to joining Flatiron in 2013 as chief operating officer, Javier was CEO of Pulice Construction.
Mike Lamontagne has been promoted to director of construction at Westridge Construction. He has been with the company for nearly 20 years. Westridge officials stated that he has been a cornerstone of the company’s success. Beyond his professional achievements, Lamontagne recently received the Volunteer of the Year (South) Award for Hockey Saskatchewan, highlighting his commitment to giving back to the community.
Lisa Prime is Diamond Schmitt’s new director of sustainability. Prime brings over 30 years of experience in community planning, progressive green building design, and developing performance-based solutions at an urban scale, including master plans for Toronto’s waterfront, the City of Markham, and Halton Hills; and has developed sustainable strategies and climate policies for municipalities across the Greater Toronto Area and Winnipeg Region. Lisa will guide Diamond Schmitt’s sustainability approach, driving strategy, education, and analysis of benefit on projects across all sectors.
Loraleigh Kovacik has started a new position as RAM’s vice president of business development. Kovacik brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight from her extensive career in building and transforming businesses and leading high-performance teams in the energy, telecommunications, and IT industries. She has previously held leadership positions for ATCO Infrastructure Services, Rogers Communications and Sprint Canada.
Kirk Fisher, CEO of Lark Group, is celebrating 35 years with the company. Officials say Fisher has been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory for decades. His journey began at the King George Mobile Home Park and continued as he played a pivotal role in establishing the Health and Technology District and the HealthTech Connex group of companies.
Multiple Canadian construction professionals have been shortlisted for EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Pacific Region). They include:
Jennifer Price is McElhanney’s new president and CEO. She is taking over for Allan Russell, who served in the role since 2013. Her previous roles include CEO, US of Buro Happold, and executive and senior leadership positions at AECOM, CH2M, and GHD.
Jennifer’s strategic mindset and leadership skills have consistently yielded success in her previous endeavors. She will empower her strong management team while mirroring the personal attributes that reflect McElhanney’s valued culture.
We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our team. Her extensive knowledge of the provincial political landscape and communications expertise will be instrumental in advancing the interests of our members, particularly during this pivotal moment within the construction industry as we grapple with issues around investments, growth, and workforce development.
Patrick McManus, executive director of OSWCA and GTSWCA
Carly Guilcher has joined Trico Homes as its new director of construction management. She previously spent seven years serving in various roles at Clark Builders, including director of preconstruction solutions and director of project development.
Michael Lines, area manager for Emil Anderson Construction, has received the company’s Frank Jacobs Operational Excellence Award. The award is in honour of Frank Jacobs, who served as vice president and director of operations. The company says Jabobs was an exceptional leader whose contributions were immeasurable.
Dave Cassidy, the former president of Unifor Local 444, has been appointed as skilled trades special advisor to Ontario’s minister of labour. He will assess the workforce needs in Ontario’s skilled trades, focusing on the manufacturing and automotive industries, including electric vehicles (EV).
Dave Filipchuk, PCL president and CEO, has been elected a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. The honour celebrates Filipchuk’s distinguished achievements and career-long service in engineering.
Brian Shelton, a current independent board member of Graham Income Trust (GIT), has been appointed GIT chair of the board. In addition to 21 years of construction and engineering experience, he brings extensive knowledge in capital transactions in mergers and acquisitions in the global marketplace.
Dave Lindsay been re-appointed as chair of Infrastructure Ontario’s board of directors. With an extensive career in the Ontario Public Service and serving as a member of the board of directors for numerous other government agencies, Lindsay brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.
Mr. Lindsay’s experience and leadership have been fundamental to our success during a period of significant growth for our agency. Since his appointment in 2021, he has fulfilled an important advisory role for the government and ensured that the agency’s corporate governance continues to meet the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Michael Lindsay, president and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario
Sean Ennis will join Allnorth Consultants as the new operations leader in Vancouver and vice president of metals & minerals. Ennis has more than 30 years of mining experience spanning North and South America, Eastern Europe and Austral-Asia.
Lisa Grago has joined Cooper Equipment Rentals as its chief people officer. brings over 25 years of experience in human resources and Cooper says she is dedicated to fostering a culture of growth and inclusivity.
Curtis Scott is starting a new position as director development planning at City of Surrey. Before this role, Scott spent six years working for the City of Coquitlam as manager of land development and director of city lands & real estate.
Ben Temple, has joined the Wales McLelland team as its new business development manager. Temple is a former commercial real estate broker and acquisition manager with over 14 years of experience in a variety of real estate sectors. He will help Wales identify opportunities for new partnerships and continued growth, manage the development and execution of market plans, and work to successfully advance projects for clients.
Onne Van der Weijde is CarbonCure‘s newest board member. He is a veteran cement executive with 30 years of experience solving complex problems for construction materials companies. He currently serves as senior adviser to the CEO of CRH, one of the world’s largest vertically integrated materials and construction companies.
Onne’s extensive experience in the global construction materials industry — particularly cement manufacturing — combined with his proven ability to drive growth and operational excellence, will greatly enhance our mission to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that empower concrete producers worldwide.
Argon Robinson has joined the Fort Modular team as its new construction manager. It is a new role at the company intended to expand Fort’s capabilities and services. Working in tandem with Fort’s current team, Robinson will focus on site execution.
Mike McFarlane has started a new role at Avison Young as principal and director of its Toronto valuation and advisory team. Avison Young stated that McFarlane’s extensive experience in commercial property valuation and his leadership skills will be instrumental in expanding its capabilities and mentoring the next generation of appraisers.
Sean Lal is starting a new position as vice president – project commercial implementation – CPG Rapid Transit at Metrolinx. He will oversee all commercial elements of the LRT and Subway Extension projects under construction.
Key Takeaways:
CIBC is offering a new banking program specifically designed for skilled trades students and apprentices.
This program includes free everyday banking, a credit card with special offers,and a line of credit up to $80,000 to help cover the costs of training and tools.
There’s also contest open to registered apprentices who open a CIBC account. The grand prize includes a three-year truck lease and $10,000 worth of tools.
The Whole Story:
CIBC has announced a new banking offer for apprentices in skilled trades.
The bank says its goal is to support this underserved population at a time when skilled tradespeople are in high-demand across the country.
The CIBC Skilled Trades Banking solutions are the first of their kind in Canada and provide skilled trades apprentices with free everyday banking with CIBC Smart Account, access to special offers with the CIBC Dividend Platinum Visa credit card, and a CIBC Education Line of Credit of up to $80,000 to support training and tools. Specialized banking products and services are also available to skilled trades students and certified professionals.
CIBC’s Skilled Trades Banking solutions can currently be accessed by skilled trades students, apprentices and professionals during three distinct points in the skilled trades journey: while enrolled in an accredited trades college, throughout their registered apprenticeship program, and support extends to skilled trades professionals upon becoming a certified member of their respective trade association or union.
“CIBC recognizes the increasing importance that professionals in the skilled trades are bringing to the country and economy, and also understands that it takes an investment of time and money to become certified in a trade,” said Jeff Smith, senior vice-president, client segmentation and franchising, CIBC. “The Skilled Trades Banking solutions are unique and will help make career ambitions of skilled tradespeople more attainable – especially at a time when skilled trades workers are needed across the country.”
According to a recent survey conducted by CIBC, nearly half (45%) of skilled trades professionals don’t feel confidence in their financial situation. CIBC hopes to provide support to help apprentices successfully complete their training.
The bank also announced that it has partnered with the Skilled Trades College of Canada (STC) as their financial services title sponsor to ensure trades students have access to financial advice and products to succeed throughout their journey. The bank will be providing 15 $15,000 scholarships over the next three years to STC students.
“We are thrilled that CIBC is now the official banking partner of Skilled Trades College because a strong financial background is imperative to any successful tradesperson and entrepreneur,” says Mike Di Donato, chief operating officer, Skilled Trades College of Canada. “CIBC will provide our student base with financial advice and access to banking products and services, helping them on their path to be journeypersons and future business owners. In an effort to assist in addressing the skilled trades shortage CIBC has generously committed five, full-ride scholarships to STC students per year for the next three years, valued at $225,000.”
To further help support those who are considering a career in the skilled trades, CIBC will also be providing 15 $2,000 scholarships over three years to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and five, $2,000 scholarships to Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) for the 2024 academic year.
Registered apprentices who open a new CIBC account and/or product can enter the ‘Build your Future‘ contest by October 31, 2024 for a chance to win $35,000 towards a three-year truck lease and $10,000 in tools.
Key Takeaways:
The project has a total estimated cost of approximately $5.5 billion.
The floating liquefied natural gas facility is being designed and constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries and Black & Veatch, global industry leaders in marine construction and FLNG solutions.
Given the project will be a floating LNG facility, manufactured in the controlled conditions of a shipyard, it is expected that the project will have lower construction and execution risk.
The project is expected to create up to 500 jobs during peak construction and approximately 100 full-time jobs during operation.
The project is anticipated to be in service in late 2028.
The Whole Story:
Cedar LNG, the world’s first Indigenous majority-owned LNG project, is moving ahead.
The Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corporation, partners in Cedar LNG Partners LP, have announced a positive Final Investment Decision on the Cedar LNG Project, a floating liquefied natural gas facility with a nameplate capacity of 3.3 million tonnes per annum, located in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation, on Canada’s West Coast.
Cedar LNG is majority-owned by the Haisla Nation, in partnership with Pembina Pipeline Corporation, with 50.1% and 49.9% ownership, respectively.
“As a result of the Haisla Nation’s vision and determination, today we are demonstrating Canada’s ability to sustainably grow its LNG export sector to support the global clean energy transition,” said Doug Arnell, chief executive officer of Cedar LNG. “Moreover, the Haisla Nation and Pembina, as true partners, are demonstrating a new model for how industry and Indigenous communities can work together for mutual benefit.”
The project team believes it is strategically positioned to leverage Canada’s natural gas supply from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin to access global markets and is expected to achieve higher prices for Canadian producers and enhance global energy security.
The Cedar LNG team added that they made several innovative design decisions to minimize the project’s environmental footprint and ensure it is one of the lowest-emitting LNG facilities in the world. One of the most important decisions was to power the facility with renewable electricity from BC Hydro. In addition, the choice of site location allows the Project to leverage existing LNG infrastructure, including the Coastal GasLink pipeline, a deep-water port, roads, and other infrastructure.
Under a long-term transportation agreement with Coastal GasLink Pipeline Limited Partnership, the Cedar LNG facility will receive 400 million cubic feet per day of Canadian natural gas via the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
The project’s West Coast location provides one of the shortest shipping routes to key Asian markets. The Douglas Channel, leading to and from the site, offers an established, reliable shipping route and deepwater marine inlet, with year-round ice-free conditions.
“Together with our partner, the Haisla Nation, we are honoured to have made Cedar LNG a reality. This is a historic moment, and we are proud to be moving forward with a project that will deliver industry-leading, low-carbon, cost-competitive Canadian LNG to overseas markets and contribute to global energy security, while delivering jobs and economic prosperity to the local region,” said Scott Burrows, Pembina’s president and chief executive officer. “Cedar LNG aligns perfectly with our strategy and where we want to be as a company moving forward. The Cedar LNG Project will enhance the resiliency of Pembina’s business, provide much needed new egress and greater access to global markets for our customers, and reflects the Haisla Nation and Pembina’s shared values and commitment to supporting a more sustainable future.”
