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.
Manitoba has introduced the “Housing Starts Here” online portal, streamlining the application process for a new $26-million capital grant program aimed at helping non-profits, Indigenous governments, and municipalities develop affordable housing.
The program allows for forgivable loans to repurpose or construct housing units and includes rent supplements and funding for support services, addressing housing affordability and the needs of those at risk of homelessness.
The Manitoba government increased the PDF to $5 million, providing non-profits with grants and loans to cover professional services and support projects from the proposal stage to financing, boosting the capacity to develop affordable housing.
The Whole Story:
The Manitoba government is making it easier for organizations to secure funding to build affordable housing so more Manitobans can find a home.
“Manitoba is growing, and the affordable housing challenge we face today calls for a fresh new approach and the ability to quickly respond to the needs of our partners in the non-profit housing sector including Indigenous governing bodies and municipalities,” said Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith. “By focusing on new investments and program enhancements, our government is accelerating the creation of more affordable housing options for Manitobans who need them.”
The new Housing Starts Here online portal is simplifying the application process for a new $26-million capital grant program for non-profit organizations, Indigenous governments and municipalities, which will support the development of 350 social housing units in 2024-25, noted the minister.
Through the new ongoing intake application portal, interested organizations can apply for forgivable loans to acquire existing buildings that could be renovated into new social housing units, renovate derelict stock or construct new units. The portal will also include applications for rent supplements to ensure rents remain low and funding for support services to ensure people experiencing or at risk of homelessness have access to the services they need to stay housed, the minister noted.
“The new portal, along with the increase in funding, will make it easier for non-profits such as Westminster Housing to meet the need for deeply affordable housing in our communities,” said Brian Pincott, chair, Westminster Housing Society. “This program not only provides more funding, but it facilitates processes that work for the housing providers, giving us the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities as they arise to help meet the growing need for safe, secure and affordable housing.”
In addition to the $26 million for Housing Starts Here portal, the province is also increasing the Proposal Development Fund (PDF) to $5 million for non-profit organizations to access capital grant funding. PDF loans assist organizations to engage professional services to help bring their affordable housing proposals to the financing stage. Grants of up to $250,000 will be available through the fund, which will also offer repayable loans of up to $50,000.
Key Takeaways:
The Site C project has successfully completed its reservoir filling, raising water levels by approximately 43 meters over 11 weeks.
BC Hydro has conducted over 1,000 inspections and collected over a million data points to ensure safety, with key structures like the dam, powerhouse, and spillways performing well.
Treaty 8 First Nations cultural monitors have observed the reservoir filling, and ongoing environmental monitoring will track the impact on wildlife and fish.
The Whole Story:
Reservoir filling for the Site C project has been safely completed after 11 weeks, with the water level at the dam site increasing by about 43 metres.
While reservoir filling is complete, BC Hydro continues to strongly urge the public to stay out of the reservoir area for at least the next year. This is due to potential hazards on the reservoir, such as the surrounding land continuing to stabilize, floating vegetation debris and ice.
BC Hydro says ithas conducted more than one thousand inspections and collected more than one million instrumentation readings to ensure the safe operation of the dam since reservoir filling began. Key project structures such as the earthfill dam, powerhouse, spillways and approach channel are performing well.
A timelapse video shows the reservoir filling. – BC Hydro
Slope stability instrumentation monitoring has been occurring daily, along with weekly visual inspections. Reservoir shoreline and slope changes have been within the expected range during filling. Engineers will continue with shoreline and slope stability monitoring over the operating life of Site C.
Since mid-August, cultural monitors from Treaty 8 First Nations have monitored the reservoir filling process throughout the reservoir area. Environmental monitoring, including of wildlife and fish, will continue during operations of the dam.
With the first generating unit on Site C now in operation, testing and commissioning work on the second generating unit continues. The Site C project remains on-track to have all six generating units in service by fall 2025.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is progressing with the second phase of the Gardiner Expressway reconstruction ahead of schedule, driven by a $73 million investment and a 24/7 construction schedule. The full project is set to complete one year earlier than planned.
The project involves rehabilitating 700 meters of elevated roadway between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, including structural reinforcement, new streetlights, and an upgraded traffic management system.
By accelerating the project, the government expects to save Ontario’s economy $273 million by reducing gridlock sooner, facilitating faster movement of people and goods across the province.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is marking the start of the second phase of construction on the Gardiner Expressway four months ahead of schedule. Officiacls say the early milestone is the result of the government’s $73 million investment in the project on the condition that construction work may be allowed to proceed 24/7.
“We’re making real progress on our government’s plan to fight gridlock and keep drivers moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re not only getting it done on the Gardiner Expressway, we’re also bringing common sense changes to bike lanes through new legislation and speeding up construction of priority highway projects like Highway 413, Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway bridge, to help get drivers across the province out of gridlock.”
With two eastbound lanes on the Gardiner Expressway now rehabilitated and reopened, crews will begin the demolition and reconstruction of two centre lanes, before completing work on the remaining two westbound lanes. The full project is expected to be finished one year ahead of schedule and includes revitalizing 700 metres of elevated roadway from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, reinforcing support structures, installing new streetlights and upgrading the traffic management system.
Once construction is complete, the 140,000 drivers who rely on the Gardiner every day will save up to 22 minutes per trip. Accelerating construction is expected to save Ontario’s economy $273 million by getting drivers and goods out of gridlock earlier than originally planned.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is investing $3 million over three years in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to help 650 active and former Canadian Armed Forces members transition to civilian careers in the construction sector, addressing both veteran needs and a skilled labor shortage in Ontario.
The investment will allow Helmets to Hardhats Canada to expedite skills training and offer safety and specialized certifications for in-demand construction roles, with specific outreach for racialized and Indigenous veterans, as well as veterans with disabilities.
Including previous contributions, Ontario’s total support for Helmets to Hardhats exceeds $4.7 million, alongside the newly introduced Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, which emphasizes the province’s commitment to supporting veterans and commemorating their service.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is investing $3 million over three years in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to help 650 active and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members transition to civilian life by training them for careers in Ontario’s construction sector.
Officials say this investment will help fill a gap in Ontario’s employment and training resources, while addressing the unique needs and experiences of our military veterans.
“We owe our veterans, who have put their lives on the line in defence of our freedom, safety and values, a debt that we can never fully repay,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s announcement is just one way our government is working to give back, so veterans can transition from the armed forces to rewarding careers in the skilled trades with the support and training they need. This week, we also introduced the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, to ensure we always remember the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.”
With this investment, Helmets to Hardhats Canada will be able to expand job-ready skills training to more veterans and accelerate their pathways from active military service to apprenticeships in construction by two to three months. Helmets to Hardhats Canada will also be able to deliver access to critical safety training and specialized certifications for in-demand careers and expand their outreach programs for racialized and Indigenous veterans and those with disabilities.
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, (left) meets with workers.
“We have a social contract with our military servicemen and women who protect our country and preserve our freedoms, which means we have a responsibility to ensure they have a civilian life to transition to when their service is complete,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With around 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members released from service every year, our government is proud to work with Helmets to Hardhats and unions to deliver job-ready training to veterans that leverages their expertise and experience, and lands them in a new career. Because a career in construction is more than a paycheque – it offers a stable future and a community of workers who have your back.”
The government also supports Helmets to Hardhats Canada through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream, investing over $915,000 to open new pathways to 105 participants into Ontario’s unionized construction sector and develop customized training for senior cadets. This brings Ontario’s total investment in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to over $4.7 million.
Key Takeaways:
Umicore has decided to continue the pause on its new battery materials plant in Ontario, prioritizing the maximization of capacity at existing facilities before expanding further.
Umicore has outlined significant cost-saving initiatives, including a potential impact on 260 positions across the company, workforce reductions in its China battery materials plant, and restructuring of R&D activities to enhance efficiency.
These measures are projected to save approximately $60 million annually by 2025.
The Whole Story:
Belgian materials technology company Umicore has announced a continued pause on the construction of its new battery materials plant in Loyalist, Ont. as part of an ongoing strategic review of its battery materials business. The decision comes as the company aims to maximize capacity utilization of existing plants before pursuing further expansion.
Strategic Realignment
Officials say the pause in construction was made in close alignment with Umicore’s customers. The company’s long-term supply agreement with AESC for high-nickel cathode active materials for the North American market will now be fulfilled from Umicore’s plant in Cheonan, Korea.
Umicore has not drawn on the incentives offered by the Canadian and Ontario governments for the Loyalist plant. Should construction resume in the future, the company will retain access to these incentives under the same conditions, including employment commitments.
Cost-Saving Measures
In addition to the construction pause, Umicore has unveiled details of its cost-saving initiatives:
Approximately 260 positions may be impacted across select parts of the organization
Workforce resizing in the Battery Materials production plant in Jiangmen, China
Downsizing of Group Corporate Functions
Restructuring of R&D activities for improved efficiency and customer focus
Transfer of Heavy-Duty Diesel R&D work to Hanau, Germany, and discontinuation of R&D activities in Hørsholm, Denmark.
These measures are expected to generate approximately $60 million in annualized savings by 2025.
Industry Challenges
Bart Sap, CEO of Umicore, acknowledged the challenging environment facing the company: “Umicore is navigating a complex transitioning of the automotive industry towards electric mobility. Serving our North American customers out of Korea is now clearly the most effective use of our assets.”
Umicore has begun consultations with trade unions and works councils representatives to ensure support for affected employees. In Belgium, where approximately 100 positions may be impacted, the company has initiated the information and consultation process in accordance with legal requirements.
The company’s decision to pause the Canadian plant construction and implement cost-saving measures reflects the broader challenges facing the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Earlier this year, Umicore had already lowered its 2024 outlook for the Battery Materials Business Group due to a sharp slowdown in EV demand growth.
Transformational health-care facilities dominated the 2024 National Awards for Innovation & Excellence in P3s today, with winners announced in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ontario.
Presented by the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP), the seven award winners also included an all-season highway in the Northwest Territories, a new courthouse in downtown Toronto and a school bundling project now serving 7,000 students in Alberta.
The winners were announced today at the P3 National Awards Gala Luncheon, held on the final day of P3 2024, Canada’s Infrastructure Conference.
“We had a tremendous group of 10 nominees this year, showcasing the vitality and variety of P3s delivering critical services to Canadians in communities across the country. In particular, the projects we celebrated this year showcase the long-term nature of P3 agreements and the strong spirit of partnership required to deliver quality services to our communities for decades,” said Brad Nicpon, Chair of the Awards Selection Committee and Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP.
“These project teams are collaborating together to find innovative ways of providing better care and experiences for patients, students and families, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower ongoing operational costs, and in being more inclusive to welcome, represent and benefit Canada’s diverse communities.”
Created in 1998 by the Council, the awards celebrate and recognize Canada’s cutting-edge infrastructure projects involving public sector entities like governments and educational institutions partnering with the private sector.
Last year, the awards committee retooled the project award categories to better reflect the changing dynamics of Canada’s P3 infrastructure pipeline and to highlight the need to create better, more resilient and longer lasting infrastructure for our communities. This included added categories recognizing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and P3 Service Delivery.
Here are this year’s winners:
Gold Award – P3 Design & Construction
Western Memorial Regional Hospital (Newfoundland and Labrador)
The new 600,000 sq. foot hospital, which opened to the public in spring 2024, has 164-bed acute beds and incorporates several new services, including state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities so that cancer patients from remote and rural areas in the west of the province no longer need to travel to St. John’s for the care they need. The facility is also home to Canada’s largest geothermal system. The geothermal field is approximately 183 metres below the hospital’s parking lot and provides 100 per cent of the ground source geothermal heating for the hospital – the largest solution of its kind for a health-care facility in North America. The project uses a design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM) P3 model.
Partners: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Western Regional Health Authority and Corner Brook Health Partnership (Plenary Americas; PCL Constructors Canada Inc.; Marco Services Limited; B+H Architects; Parkin Architects Ltd.; and Johnson Controls)
Gold Award – P3 Service Delivery
Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road (Northwest Territories)
The 96-kilometre highway, which opened to traffic in November 2021, connects the Tłı̨chǫ community of Whatì to the Northwest Territories’ all-weather Highway 3, located approximately 170 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife. The gravel highway replaced a seasonal winter road that was becoming increasingly difficult to construct and maintain due to climate change. The project includes one of the first ever equity investments in a P3 project by an Indigenous government in Canada. The project also implemented an innovative climate change risk sharing mechanism and was delivered on-budget and ahead of schedule, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since opening, 100 per cent of the project’s operations and maintenance labour have been undertaken by Indigenous personnel. The project uses a design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) P3 model.
Partners: Government of Northwest Territories and North Star Infrastructure GP (Kiewit Canada Development Corp. and Tłı̨chǫ Government)
Gold Award – P3 Service Delivery
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre – Ontario
The Royal was the first public hospital in Ontario to use the design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM) P3 model. The project marked a significant milestone in the evolution of a prestigious mental health care institution, ushering in a new era for a facility with roots dating back a century. This transformative redevelopment project created a state-of-the-art 188-bed facility, designed to meet the modern demands of mental health care and research. The site includes a three-storey building for both inpatient and outpatient services, a seven-storey research tower, a 200-seat auditorium, an education center, and a parking facility with more than 500 spaces. Now, in the 18th year of the operations phase of its 20.7-year P3 service contract, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre stands out as a remarkable project for its facility management due to its exceptional integration of advanced health-care services with seamless operational management.
Partners: Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group and The Healthcare Infrastructure Company of Canda Inc. (EllisDon Capital; EllisDon Facilities Services; Parkin Architects Ltd. and Adamson Associates Architects; Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects Inc.; Carillion Canada, EllisDon Corp.; Borealis Infrastructure; Plenary Americas; and Fiera Infrastructure)
Gold Award – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Glen site – Quebec
The MUHC is one of Canada’s largest hospitals. The campus-style teaching hospital/medical complex was formed through a merger of five teaching hospitals. The facility is now 10 years into its service delivery phase, which is in place under the design-build-finance-maintenance (DBFM) P3 agreement until 2044. MUHC generates savings of approximately $2.5 million a year because of energy efficiency measures implemented during construction. In fact, energy consumption is 35 per cent lower than the average Canadian hospital. The site is LEED Gold Certified for New Construction (2016) and LEED Gold Certified for Existing Buildings (2019). With a view to continuous improvement, the MUHC team and its partners are currently working to maintain the hospital’s LEED Gold certification at the next renewal, which is scheduled for later in 2024.
Partners: McGill University Health Centre and McGill Healthcare Infrastructure Group (AtkinsRéalis/BBGI, part of AtkinsRéalis Infrastructure Fund, and Innisfree)
Silver Award – P3 Transaction
CAMH Phase 1D Waverley House Secure Care & Recovery Project (Ontario)
This new facility, which started construction in March 2024, is continuing to deliver on CAMH’s mandate to change the way people with mental health needs are treated in Ontario, providing a design that is holistic with the neighbourhood and ensuring a dignified and compassionate place for people to come for help. The seven-storey 800,000 sq. foot building will include space for 214 core patient beds, with an additional 20 beds to help with provincial surge requirements, clinics for patients receiving care in the community, recovery-based therapeutic spaces, a secure outdoor space for treatment and underground parking. Enhanced collaboration allowed the project team to advance the design further than other design-build-finance (DBF) projects, resulting in greater certainty and more competitive pricing from the trade community.
Partners: Infrastructure Ontario, CAMH and PCL Partnerships (PCL Investments Inc., PCL Constructors Canada Inc., Diamond Schmitt Architects & Architectural Resources; Modern Niagara; Symtech; Smith + Andersen; Entuitive; and TD Securities)
Silver Award – P3 Design & Construction
P3 Schools Bundle #2 (P3SB2) – Alberta
The $300.3-million project is the first ever P3 schools bundle in Alberta comprised exclusively of high schools. The state-of-the-art schools, which opened earlier this fall, are serving almost 7,000 students in the municipalities of Blackfalds, Edmonton, Leduc and Langdon. In addition, using a design-build-finance-maintain P3 is saving an estimated $114.5 million over the 30-year life cycle of the project compared to a traditional build contract. The ability of the project to progress from procurement to financial close during the pandemic as well as deliver Value-for-Money for taxpayers showcases the benefits and value of a P3 bundling approach to delivering schools. The design-build-finance-maintenance (DBFM) project is notable for the early engagement with school jurisdictions enabling them to directly inform the design process. The uniqueness of each high school breaks the stereotype of P3s delivering “cookie cutter” facilities.
Partners: Alberta Infrastructure and Concert-Bird Partners (Bird Construction; Bird Capital; Wright Construction; Ainsworth; Concert Infrastructure; Manulife Financial; ATB Financial)
Award of Merit, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Ontario Court of Justice – Toronto
Ontario’s first high-rise courthouse, which opened in 2023 in Toronto’s downtown core, amalgamated six Ontario Court of Justice criminal courthouse locations in one new, accessible location. Along with its 63 courtrooms and 10 conference rooms, the 17-storey facility weaves Indigenous engagement and inclusion within the built environment and site. This is highlighted by two of the Gladue courtrooms, featuring circular tables built to reflect the collaborative nature of many Indigenous proceedings. The mechanical systems for these courtrooms also specially accommodate traditional smudging ceremonies. On the ground floor, there is also an Indigenous Learning Centre. The facility, which uses a design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM) P3 model, also offers a barrier-free environment that enables all visitors and occupants to travel throughout the building with ease. Accessibility features were informed by consultation with an Accessibility Advisory Group, and accessibility consultants Gensler and Human Space.
Partners: Infrastructure Ontario, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and EllisDon Infrastructure (EllisDon Capital Inc., EllisDon Design Build Inc., Renzo Piano Building Workshop, NORR Limited, EllisDon Facilities Services Inc. and SNC-Lavalin O&M Inc.)
Key Takeaways:
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) argues that Toronto’s current proposal to expand incentives for purpose-built rental housing is insufficient. They believe it won’t effectively jump-start the tens of thousands of stalled rental and condominium units, thereby failing to address the larger housing crisis.
BILD points out that the city’s plan is narrowly focused and primarily benefits city-led Housing Now projects or those receiving federal subsidies through programs like the Apartment Construction Loan Program. This means that the vast majority of private rental and condo projects—estimated between 29,000 to 37,000 units currently stalled—will not qualify for the proposed incentives.
BILD is urging the City of Toronto to collaborate with higher levels of government to develop a more comprehensive housing strategy. They emphasize the need to address the financial viability of sidelined housing projects to prevent a worsening housing shortage in the next 3-5 years and are willing to work with all parties to create the necessary housing solutions.
The Whole Story:
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) is calling for a more robust approach to address housing needs in Toronto.
The group made its case this week in a deputation before the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee, arguing that the City’s current proposal, “Expanding Incentives for Purpose-Built Rental Housing”, is too limited and will not jump start the tens of thousands of stalled new rental and condominium units currently sidelined. The group explained that the lack of a comprehensive solution is threatening the city’s pipeline of future housing supply and setting up conditions to make the housing crisis worse in the years ahead.
“While the current proposal acknowledges the challenges posed by rising cost to build, it represents a limited solution to a much larger problem,” said Dave Wilkes, President and CEO of BILD. “If the city’s own housing projects, built on city land, with federal subsidies cannot proceed without development charge and tax relief, it is no wonder that market units are struggling with costs to build, which is in turn acting as a barrier to adding the housing Toronto requires.”
BILD stated that the specifications of the proposed solution are narrowly defined and would only be applicable to the city’s own Housing Now projects or projects that have received a federal subsidy through its Apartment Construction Loan Program.
According to BILD, the vast majority of rental and condominium projects, including the 29,000-37,000 units that are currently stalled in the development pipeline, will not qualify. They believe that such a niche solution means that as the crop of new buildings currently under construction are completed, very little new residential construction activity will be able to commence, greatly diminishing new housing supply in the region over the next 3-5 years.
“Today’s costs to build are out of sync with the ability of the market to absorb. As a result, new rental projects can’t pencil and pre-construction sales for condominiums have plummeted to less than 25% of the 10-year average levels,” added Wilkes. “Housing starts are declining and without a comprehensive solution this slide will continue – putting Toronto on the cusp of a very large housing shortfall by 2027-2030.”
BILD is encouraging the city to urgently seek the involvement and assistance of higher levels of government to expand its solution and develop a comprehensive housing strategy that addresses the financial viability of the sidelined housing projects.
“There is a window to take action today and avert a housing crisis of tomorrow,” said Wilkes. “We stand ready to work with the City of Toronto to encourage all levels of government to come to the table and create the comprehensive housing package the City needs.”
Toronto’s plan is to unlock 20,000 new rental homes by 2030, including the immediate support of 7,000 new rental homes, comprising 5,600 purpose-built rental units and at least 1,400 affordable rental homes. To incentivize development, the city will introduce a 15% property tax reduction for new purpose-built rental projects over a 35-year period and defer development charges for eligible developments as long as they remain rental properties. These measures are estimated to represent a municipal investment of over $325 million.
Acknowledging the limitations of acting alone, the city is also calling on the provincial government to establish a $1 billion “Build More Homes Rebate” to cover development charges and provide further property tax reductions for an additional 10,400 purpose-built rental homes. The city is also requesting the federal government allocate $7.3 billion in low-cost financing to support the construction of these homes.
City officials stressed that without immediate and coordinated action from all levels of government, the housing shortage will worsen. They warned of increased housing instability, a deepening staffing crisis in essential services, and economic challenges as businesses struggle to attract the workforce needed to thrive.
Key Takeaways:
The proposed amendments will align prompt payment rules for all construction projects in Alberta, extending the 2021 Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act (PPCLA) rules beyond private sector projects to include public projects.
The amendments introduce clear deadlines for payments and define “proper invoice” guidelines. This ensures timely payments from contractors to subcontractors and suppliers, fostering financial stability across all levels of construction projects.
The bill includes updates to the Condominium Property Act, such as creating a Condominium Dispute Resolution Tribunal, simplifying voting processes, and protecting against structural defects in new condos.
The Whole Story:
Alberta has tabled amendments to strengthen prompt payment for construction projects and improve governance in condominium communities
Amendments would result in all construction projects following the same set of prompt payment rules, which were established in legislation in 2021. Before now, Alberta’s government always prioritized prompt payment for government contracts, but the rules in the PPCLA only applied to private sector projects.
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) stated that it is optimistic about the recently proposed amendments, saying the changes represent a promising step toward strengthening fairness and efficiency in Alberta’s construction sector.
In a press release the group said that the amendments introduce clearer definitions for payment deadlines and adjudication processes, fostering a smoother payment cycle across all project levels. Specifically the CCA noted that the revisions will enable prompt payment from contractors to subcontractors and suppliers, enhancing cash flow and stability throughout the industry. The CCA added that it is pleased to see the addition of “proper invoice” guidelines for public works projects, which sets a consistent and timely payment schedule, allowing contractors to focus on delivering high-quality work rather than navigating lengthy payment disputes.
The CCA stated that by committing to timely payments on public projects, Alberta is setting an example and fostering a more equitable construction landscape. They believe this shift signals a dedication to providing consistent and reliable payments, ensuring that the public sector maintains the same accountability expected in the private sector.
“Reliable, timely payments are essential to maintaining a thriving construction industry,” says Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “These amendments signify Alberta’s commitment to supporting our construction workforce and ensuring they can focus on building the infrastructure that our province relies on.”
The changes also drew comment from the Edmonton Construction Association, which urged legislators to support them.
“Our industry is built on folks who honour their words. We committed to members that this issue would be a priority. The Government of Alberta committed the same to us, and it kept its promise. We’re grateful for the change, and we want to recognize all of those in government who listened to our concerns and proposals for solutions, including many members of Cabinet and senior civil servants,” said ECA President David Johnson. “This is a testament to the value of collaboration with government, and with our provincial association. These amendments are a critical step toward ensuring the Government of Alberta remains a preferred customer for our members, by ensuring equitable treatment for businesses and the skilled trades workers we rely on.”
Key Takeaways:
Canada’s economic activity growth slowed slightly by 0.01 per cent during the second quarter of 2024, with GDP increasing by 0.5%.
In August, inflation dropped to 2%, reaching the Bank of Canada’s target for the first time since 2021.
The industry contracted during the second quarter of the year, driven by another significant downturn in residential construction.
During the second quarter of 2024, the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI) rose by 2.6%,while the Building Construction Price Index (BCPI) increased by 1.1%.
Even with a rising population, sector growth, and higher energy consumption, emissions per capita from energy and material use have declined. This reflects improved efficiency and the wider adoption of sustainable practices.
The Whole Story:
The Canadian Construction Association’s Fall 2024 Construction Quarterly report presented a nuanced outlook for the construction industry, shaped by a mix of economic moderation, material cost shifts, and significant policy developments. Key insights from the report revealed both growth areas and challenges, reflecting broader economic conditions and the sector’s adjustments to evolving market demands.
Economic Performance and Monetary Policy Shifts
Canada’s economy saw modest growth in the first half of 2024, with GDP increasing by 0.5% in the second quarter. This slight expansion has led to decreased inflation, reaching the Bank of Canada’s 2% target by August, prompting three successive interest rate cuts. The Bank of Canada’s overnight rate now stands at 4.25%, and further cuts are anticipated, potentially stimulating new investment across sectors, including construction.
Construction Sector Dynamics: Residential Weakness, Engineering Resilience
The construction industry contracted in the second quarter due to a significant downturn in residential construction, down 1.9%, while engineering construction saw a positive uptick, continuing its post-pandemic growth. Non-residential construction, on a 10-quarter streak of increased investment, grew 2.2%, supported by multi-residential developments and institutional projects. However, sectors such as commercial and industrial construction showed some declines.
Material Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Material costs have started to stabilize, with price indices reflecting lower increases than those during the pandemic. The Industrial Product Price Index rose by 2.6%, and the Building Construction Price Index saw a 1.1% increase, mainly driven by energy products and non-ferrous metals. Greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the construction sector have trended downward due to efficiency improvements and increased adoption of sustainable practices. However, sector-wide emissions rose with overall industry growth, particularly in energy use for transportation and heavy machinery.
Labour Market Pressures and Regional Variations
Labour conditions in the construction industry remain tight despite a slight employment dip in the second quarter. Approximately 18,400 jobs were lost, with Ontario seeing the largest reduction. Yet, provinces like Quebec and B.C. reported gains, showcasing regional employment disparities. The industry’s unemployment rate rose to 5.7% but remains below historical averages, underscoring steady demand for skilled labour amid continued infrastructure projects and multi-residential developments.
Looking Ahead: Economic and Policy Implications
The outlook for the remainder of 2024 is cautiously optimistic. As interest rates potentially decline further, borrowing conditions for construction projects could improve, fueling growth across multi-residential and non-residential construction. However, concerns over labour shortages and geopolitical uncertainties, particularly related to U.S.-Canada trade dynamics and international conflicts, present ongoing risks. Political developments, such as potential changes in Canada’s legislative landscape and the upcoming U.S. elections, may also influence construction supply chains and market stability.
The report suggests the construction industry is well-positioned to benefit from a stabilized economy and reduced borrowing costs, though challenges remain in meeting labour demands and managing cost pressures.
Quickly, an early payment solutions provider for the construction industry, has announced the launch of its integration with Sage, an accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology company for small and mid-sized businesses. The integration is now available on the Sage Intacct Marketplace and enables construction businesses to automate early payments, streamline payables, and improve cash flow management.
Following its successful integration with Sage 300, Calgary-based Quickly is expanding its partnership with Sage, bringing its early payment platform to an even larger base of customers. According to Quickly, construction businesses can approve and schedule early payments to suppliers more efficiently, unlocking up to 2.5% in discounts while maintaining their usual payment terms by automating the payables process. Suppliers also gain faster access to funds, improving their cash flow and strengthening contractor relationships.
“Our integration with Sage brings even more value to construction businesses,” said Kyle Friedman, Co Founder & CEO of Quickly. “By simplifying payables and automating early payments, we’re helping general contractors improve their cash flow while supporting their suppliers with faster, more flexible payments.”
A screenshot shows Quickly’s digital platform. – Quickly
The integration syncs bill data between Sage and Quickly’s platform, allowing construction finance teams to manage early payments more efficiently while maintaining real-time visibility into cash flow. The solution also includes comprehensive reporting features, giving businesses the insights they need to optimize their financial operations.
Dennis Stejskal, Head of Strategy at Sage Construction & Real Estate, added: “Quickly streamlines efficiency by offering subcontractors faster payment options with no risk to general contractors. It’s a win-win, improving cash flow for subcontractors and boosting overall project success.”
The integration is now live on the Sage Intacct Marketplace and is available to construction businesses in the U.S. and Canada.
Last year Quickly announced it had raised $10 million in debt and equity during its seed financing round to expand its early payment platform. Led by Thin Air Labs with participation from Plug and Play and ATB Financial, the funding was intended to support Quickly’s U.S. expansion, recruiting, and continued product development.
Key Takeaways:
The BCCA’s Fall 2024 report highlights a 5% decrease in the value of proposed major infrastructure projects since Spring 2024 and nearly a 20% drop over the past five years.
The industry struggles with persistent workforce shortages, high labor costs, and payment uncertainties, which are exacerbating difficulties in meeting demand. The BCCA emphasizes the need for policies that support workforce development and establish payment certainty to stabilize the construction sector.
With commitments from political leaders during the recent election campaign, the BCCA urges them to deliver on promises to support the construction sector by facilitating infrastructure investments, improving project approval processes, and providing stronger industry support mechanisms.
The Whole Story:
Statistics in the BC Construction Association’s (BCCA) Fall 2024 Construction Industry Stat Pack demonstrate that while the value of existing projects continues to grow, the threat of poor industry support and declining investments in major projects is alarming.
The association noted that the industry faces intense pressure to meet the current demand due to persistent workforce shortages, high labour costs, and lack of payment certainty.
According to the BCCA, the issue facing the industry is two-pronged. Firstly, the construction industry seeks increased investments in major infrastructure projects. Since Spring 2024, the value of proposed major infrastructure projects has decreased in value by 5% and nearly 20% over the past five years, which makes the future of the industry look problematic as current major projects begin to wind down with no guarantee of being adequately replaced.
“British Columbia’s construction industry will be paramount to building our province’s critical infrastructure and alleviating the housing crisis,” said Chris Atchison, President of the BC Construction Association. “During the election campaign, B.C.’s political party leaders committed to supporting the construction industry. Now that the results have been finalized, we need the government and opposition caucuses to work together to implement policies geared towards payment certainty and workforce development to ensure the construction industry can meet the current and future demand to build BC better.”
Atchison noted that the province is in high demand for major infrastructure projects. Hospitals, schools, multi-unit housing, bridges, and supporting infrastructure across the province must be built. He believes the decreasing value of proposed construction projects suggests that the province is not invested in making these a reality.
The association stated that this decrease in investments is coupled with the concurrent need for more robust support mechanisms to ensure that said projects can be delivered. The underlying factors of payment uncertainty, workforce shortage, and high labour costs pose significant strains on the construction industry, which need to be addressed by political leaders.
The association conluded that despite the need for major infrastructure investments and commitments from every party in that regard during this recently completed election, British Columbians cannot wait and need our political leaders to work together to recommit advancing major projects, attracting external investment, and creating more favourable conditions for significant projects to get approved.
“With the election now behind us, it’s time to get B.C.’s political leaders back to the legislature and to work with industry on the pressing issues impacting construction and the building of B.C.,” said the association.
Construction is the No. 1 employer in B.C.’s goods sector.
B.C.’s construction industry accounts for 10% of the province’s GDP. A 16% increase over the past 5 years.
243,000 people rely directly on B.C.’s construction industry for a paycheque.
Number of workers in trades jobs: 167,300, an increase of 3,400 since Fall 2023 but still a 5-year trend decrease of 7%
The number of women in construction trades is 9,536 (5.7%), an increase of over 2,100 since Fall 2023 and a 5-year trend increase of nearly 15%.
Number of construction companies in B.C.: 28,065, an increase of over 200 since Fall 2023.
The average yearly wage of BC construction employees is $72,200 ($17.5B cumulative annual wage), a slight decrease since Spring 2024 but a 5-year trend increase of 17%.
Value of proposed construction projects in B.C.: $166 billion, a decrease of $4 billion since Spring 2024.
The estimated value of current major construction projects underway in B.C.: $170 billion, an increase of $10 billion since Spring 2024 and a 5-year trend increase of nearly 50%.
Number of construction jobs in B.C. that will be unfilled due to labour shortages by 2033: 6,600, an increase of 600 compared to 2032 forecasts made in Fall 2023.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government has awarded a contract to Miller/Brennan to manage the design, quality control, safety, and delivery of the Bradford Bypass expressway’s west section.
Once complete, the Bradford Bypass will enhance connectivity for communities in York Region and Simcoe County, supporting over 2,000 jobs annually during construction and contributing up to $286 million to Ontario’s GDP, benefiting local residents and businesses alike.
The introduction of the Building Highways Faster Act in October 2024 highlights the government’s commitment to prioritizing projects like the Bradford Bypass, Highway 413, and the QEW Garden City Skyway bridge twinning, aiming to accelerate approvals and streamline construction timelines on critical infrastructure projects.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has awarded a major contract to oversee the design, quality control, safety and delivery of the west section of the Bradford Bypass expressway to Miller/Brennan. Officials noted that the contract marks a significant milestone in the province’s plan to relieve gridlock, save commuters time and keep goods moving across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
“Our government is making real progress on our plan to build critical highways, including the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413, that will get Ontario drivers out of gridlock,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “With new measures like our proposed Building Highways Faster Act, which will speed up the building and approvals process on priority highway projects like this one, along with our nearly $28 billion investment in roads and highways throughout Ontario, we’re getting it done for drivers across the province.”
Early project work for the Bradford Bypass is already underway, with crews recently completing a new bridge at Simcoe County Road 4 that will help keep traffic moving in West Gwillimbury. Construction is also underway on a Highway 400 southbound lane that will connect to the future expressway.
“Residents across York-Simcoe have been waiting decades for the Bradford Bypass to finally be built,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York Simcoe. “Our government is making consistent progress on this project which will get farmers’ crops to market and more people moving across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
Once complete, the Bradford Bypass will be a vital link for communities in York Region and Simcoe County, providing better connections to jobs and housing. During construction, the project will support over 2,000 well-paying jobs annually and contribute up to $286 million to Ontario’s gross domestic product.
This October, the province introduced the Building Highways Faster Act which, if passed, would designate the Bradford Bypass a priority highway project along with Highway 413 and the QEW Garden City Skyway bridge twinning project.
The project has a complex history that dates back to 1978 when it was initially proposed as an eastern extension of Highway 89 along Ravenshoe Road. This proposal was shelved in 1986, leading to collaborative studies between the province and affected municipalities. A refined plan for the Bradford Bypass emerged in 1989, followed by an environmental assessment (EA) that began in 1993 and was completed in 1997.
Michael Fedchyshyn has been appointed the inaugural chief executive officer of the Building Ontario Fund board of directors. Fedchyshyn brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in strategic corporate development, infrastructure investing, structured finance and public-private contracting.
Aubrey Tucker has joined McElhanney as Design Technology Manager where he will lead design technology for the organization and implement digital strategy.
I’m so honored to be joining a piece of Canadian history and being one more person in this great firm with over 114 years of continuous service.
Aubrey Tucker
Anthony Minniti is now President of CGI Constructors. Minniti intends to drive innovation using the best-in-class technology while ensuring that CGI continues to provide value to its clients.
During its annual general meeting (AGM) earlier this month, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada announced Jérôme Pelletier, P.Eng. as the new Chair of its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term. Pelletier is president and CEO of consulting engineering firm BBA, where he has more than 20 years’ experience.
Mike Stone is rejoining rcs Construction as its Director of Construction for Nova Scotia. Stone most recently served as Director of Construction for Eastern Canada at Canadian Tire, where he gained valuable insight from both the contracting and client perspectives.
rcs construction’s team is working on the Millennium Eye Surgery Centre. – rcs
Corey Bainerman has started a new position as Vice President, People Operations (fractional) at Bridgit. He is an award-winning HR executive with 15 years of experience and a passion for startups and HR advisory.
Sean Kelly has been appointed President of EMCO (Canada), effective January 1, 2025. With nearly 30 years of progressive leadership within EMCO, Kelly has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success. Rick Fantham will transition to the role of Chairman.
Harvie Buitelaar is now president of the BC Construction Roundtable. Buitelaar stated that after joining the board of directors in 2018, he has seen firsthand the meaningful role the group has in facilitating conversations that matter, bringing together contractors, owners, consultants and many other stakeholders for informative programming and valuable networking.
Octavio Flores has joined the major projects committee with the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association.
This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the sucessful growth and development of the construction industry in Alberta. By collaborating with other industry leaders and government officials we aim to help shape policies, share best practices, and address the challenges facing our industry.
Octavio Flores, Infrastructure Sponsor, Kiewit
Don Wightman is now board chair for the BC Construction Association. Based in Coquitlam, B.C., Wightman is the president of PML Professional Mechanical Ltd., a company he founded in 1995. He has served on the BCCA board since 2018, most recently as treasurer.
Alain MacNair has joined ETRO Construction as its new field operations manager. In this role, MacNair will be supporting field operations and working closely with ETRO teams on the ground to ensure smooth execution on all projects.
Glen Furtado has been elected to Concrete BC’s board of directors. Furtado is the senior director of engineering and stakeholder relations, western region, for the Cement Association of Canada.
Rob Fiorvento, Beedie’s managing partner of residential development, is celebrating 20 years at the company. The company stated that Fiorvento has played a major role in its growth, helping create and manage Beedie Living while inspiring young professionals.
Kelly Sorensen is being recognized for spending 35 years with PCL Construction where he currently works as a superintendent. Over his career Sorensen has developed an in-depth of knowledge of all build-types.
Over his career Kelly has developed an incredible depth of knowledge in all build-types. He leads with confidence but is always eager to collaborate. Kelly’s unwavering commitment and ability to crack a joke at the perfect time make him a fantastic team player that all of us are grateful to work with.
Mitch McMaster, Manager, Special Projects, PCL Construction
Jason Parravano will succeed Michael Zakuta as President & Chief Executive Officer of Plaza, effective January 2, 2025. Parravano, currently serving as the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, joined Plaza on January 8, 2024 and has provided leadership and vision in overseeing all of the company’s day-to-day activities.
I’m looking forward to working with such an innovative team that’s focused on delivering sustainable, high-quality structural steel buildings to the Multifamily, Hospitality, Student, and Senior Housing sectors. It’s an exciting time to be in the modular construction industry, and I’m eager to contribute to the company’s growth and success as we take on new challenges and opportunities in both Canada and the USA.
Andy Berube, Vice President, Sales and Strategic Partnerships, BECC Modular
Luiza Lima has been promoted to Senior Marketing Manager at Orion Construction. Lima is a well-versed marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the construction, real estate, and hospitality industries.
John Brennan has started a new role as Executive Director, Digital Projects at WSP. Brennan is an IT leader who is passionate about delivering solutions that empower users. Prior to this role he spent more than 13 years working for the City of Kelowna.
B.C.
Pritchard water, sewer system upgrades in the works
Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt improvements complete
Northcrest Developments launched an international competition inviting cross-disciplinary teams to redesign the historic Downsview Airport’s 2-km airstrip into a pedestrian-friendly public corridor connecting seven new communities.
The Runway at YZD aims to create a vibrant, inclusive space with public amenities, recreation, and community-focused areas for 55,000 residents and 23,000 workers, enhancing Toronto’s cultural and social landscape.
The competition, chaired by urban designer Ken Greenberg, will proceed in two phases—starting with Expressions of Interest, followed by Requests for Proposals for shortlisted teams, with final design work set to begin in 2025.
The Whole Story:
Northcrest Developments has officially launched a global design competition for The Runway at YZD in Toronto.
Formerly home to the historic Downsview airport, YZD is among the most ambitious and significant city-building efforts in North America. The Runway at YZD Design Competition will task cross-disciplinary design teams with transforming the historic 2-km airstrip into the cornerstone of the future series of mixed-use communities across the 370-acre site.
Northcrest envisions The Runway at YZD as an unparalleled outdoor experience – a continuous, pedestrian-focused and publicly-accessible corridor that will become a destination, attracting people from across the globe to experience its creative public spaces and wide range of programming. Not only does Northcrest aim to connect the former airstrip to the seven complete communities at YZD, they intend for it also to be animated by community uses, public amenities, and recreation opportunities for the 55,000 residents and 23,000 workers.
A test airstrip, military base and centre for aerospace manufacturing and innovation for more than 100 years, the Downsview Airport was sold by Bombardier in 2018 and formally handed over to lead developer Northcrest this past spring.
Northcrest plans for YZD to critically stitch these industrial lands back into the city of Toronto. In tandem with the reimagining of The Runway, Northcrest is advancing its District Plan for its first neighbourhood, The Hangar District.
The Runway at YZD Design Competition will task design teams with developing a holistic set of design guidelines for The Runway. These guidelines will shape the future of The Runway and inform how it connects and interacts with the site’s neighbourhoods.
“This competition presents an extraordinary opportunity for design teams to make their mark by reimagining a cherished piece of Toronto’s industrial heritage into a world-class four-season public space,” says Kristy Shortall, Senior Vice-President of Development at Northcrest Developments. “The Runway is the heart of YZD. It will be the primary pedestrian corridor, and it embodies our ambitions of creating complete communities that are vibrant, sustainable and connected, prioritizing people at its core. We’re excited to see the level of talent and creativity that will emerge to help bring this vision to life.”
Award-winning urban designer, city-building advocate, and author Ken Greenberg will chair the competition jury, alongside other design, development and placemaking experts.
“The Runway at YZD will be an enabler of social and cultural life and the heart of the seven communities it traverses. It will be unlike anything else in Toronto, calling for an imaginative approach to create and implement a vision for The Runway’s evolving multi-decade, multi-party context,” says Greenberg. “The transformation of this centrepiece reflects a growing understanding that reusing urban infrastructure can become a great source of identity and uniqueness for successful neighbourhoods. YZD is an incredible city-building opportunity for not only Toronto, but North America, and The Runway will set the tone for much of what’s to come.”
The competition will consist of two phases. Phase one will see design teams submit Expressions of Interest. For phase two, Northcrest Developments will issue Requests for Proposals to shortlisted teams. Once selected by the jury, the winning team will begin work on The Runway Design guidelines in Q3 2025.
A community-first approach has grounded Northcrest’s approach from the start. For several years, Northcrest has implemented a comprehensive Meanwhile Use strategy, activating various areas of the site not immediately needed for development with free community-focused events, pop-ups, partnerships with local businesses and arts, and other cultural and recreation opportunities. These include the annual Play on the Runway, where thousands of visitors explore, roll, skate, bike and play on the vast Runway; Hangar Skate, an outdoor skating rink experience in the winter, as well as landmark attractions such as the Rogers Stadium, a seasonal outdoor venue that will help meet the growing demand for stadium-level tours.
“Our Meanwhile Use strategy has been instrumental in turning YZD into a vibrant community by opening this historically closed space and welcoming the public in. From our perspective, it’s a preview of the inclusive community we’re shaping, with The Runway poised to be a key magnet in the future. These activations are just the beginning of what YZD – and, critically, the future Runway – will offer as a destination for residents and visitors alike,” says Shortall.
Interested teams can find more details about The Runway at YZD Design Competition at yzd.ca/runwaydesign. Submissions for Expression of Interest are due at 11:59PM EST on November 22, 2024.
The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) rolled out the red carpet for construction this month, giving local builders the Hollyowood treatment.
The association announced the winners of the prestigious Gold Awards at the 2024 VRCA Awards of Excellence Gala, held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
In its 35th year, the VRCA Awards of Excellence continue to spotlight the exceptional work of the Association’s member companies. This year, 50 Silver Award winners were chosen across 17 diverse project categories, highlighting the best of industrial, commercial, institutional, infrastructure, multi-family residential, and special projects.
This year’s competition featured 91 submissions across 61 projects with a combined construction value of over $2.9 billion. In addition to the Gold Award winners, the VRCA honoured outstanding achievements in key categories such as Safety, Women in Construction, Young Construction Leader, and Education Leadership.
“This year’s Gold Award winners and Outstanding Achievement recipients have set a new standard for excellence. I also want to congratulate our Members of the Year ETRO Construction, Division 15 Mechanical, and Super Save Group for their commitment to the industry and VRCA’s mission,” said VRCA President Jeannine Martin. “A special congratulations to our newest Life Member and former VRCA Board Member, Dave Fettback, whose contributions have greatly promoted quality and professionalism. We are proud to honour all their achievements tonight.”
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Up to $5 Million
Project Name: Plenty of Fish
Value: $5,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd.
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Over $5 Million
Project Name: YVR26 The Post: Premises A1
Value: $150,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd.
General Contractors – Civil/Industrial Construction – Up to $25 Million
Project Name: Dicklands Biogas Plant
Value: $17,685,141
Location: Chilliwack, BC
Company: Smith Bros. & Wilson (B.C.) Ltd.
General Contractors – Civil/Industrial Construction – Over $25 Million
Project Name: BC Highway Reinstatement Program: Highway 5 – Category B Project
Value: $247,000,000
Location: Hope, BC
Company: Kiewit Infrastructure BC ULC
General Contractors – Up to $20 Million
Project Name: The Peak
Value: $18,304,726
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Edge Vancouver Construction Group Ltd.
General Contractors – $20 to $100 Million
Project Name: 411 Railway Commercial Build
Value: $54,524,845
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: ETRO Construction Ltd
General Contractors – Over $100 Million
Project Name: Vancouver Post Office Redevelopment
Value: $540,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
Trade Contractors – Up to $2 Million
Project Name: Capstan Station CM Services
Value: $1,399,016
Location: Richmond, BC
Company: Phoenix Glass Inc.
Trade Contractors – $2 to $12 Million
Project Name: YVR26 – The Post
Value: $10,117,884
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Crosstown Metal Industries Ltd.
Trade Contractors – Over $12 Million
Project Name: Site C Clean Energy Generating Station and Spillway
Value: $210,000,000
Location: Fort St. John, BC
Company: Nucor Rebar Fabrication
Mechanical Contractors – Up to $4 Million
Project Name: River Green 17
Value: $1,966,343
Location: Richmond, BC
Company: Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd.
Mechanical Contractors – $4 to $10 Million
Project Name: 411 Railway Street
Value: $5,368,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Division 15 Mechanical Ltd.
Mechanical Contractors – Over $10 Million
Project Name: Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project (VAFD)
Value: $13,072,127
Location: Richmond, BC
Company: Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd.
Electrical Contractors – Up to $2 Million
Project Name: SAAM Towage – Port of Vancouver
Value: $1,200,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Fettback & Heesterman
Electrical Contractors – $2 to $10 Million
Project Name: Dicklands Biogas
Value: $3,635,202
Location: Chilliwack, BC
Company: Platinum Electric
Electrical Contractors – Over $10 Million
Project Name: YVR26 – The Post South Tower
Value: $13,882,025
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd.
Manufacturers and Suppliers
Project Name: Vancouver Centre II [VCII]
Value: $4,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Garibaldi Glass Industries, Inc.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is proposing its first-ever integrated energy plan, coordinating various energy sources like electricity, natural gas, and other fuels to ensure affordability and support its pro-growth agenda.
The Affordable Energy Act will emphasize nuclear energy as a key zero-emission source to meet rising energy demands, along with expanding other energy resources like wind, solar, and bioenergy.
The government plans to expand energy efficiency programs to help families save money and facilitate the growth of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by reducing regulatory barriers and connection costs.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is introducing legislation that would, if passed, enable the implementation of the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan which will ensure the entire energy sector is aligned behind the government’s pro-growth agenda.
The Affordable Energy Act would also prioritize zero-emissions nuclear energy as the province’s grid expands, support the government’s significant expansion of energy efficiency programs to help families save money, help get more electric vehicle (EV) chargers built and reduce “last-mile” connection costs for electricity infrastructure.
“Energy demand is increasing quickly and our government will deliver the province’s first integrated energy plan to ensure we build for the future, with a focus on keeping energy rates affordable,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “The Affordable Energy Act lays the groundwork for large-scale energy expansion, more affordable homes, expanded energy efficiency programs and more – all focused on saving families their hard earned money. That is why we have and will continue to vigorously oppose the punitive Carbon Tax.”
Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power outlines the challenges facing the province as demand for energy continues to rapidly grow, as well as the government’s all-of-the-above approach to meet this demand. The implementation of that vision starts with legislative changes through The Affordable Energy Act that would:
Establish the province’s first integrated energy plan: Introduce a new framework for integrated energy planning that would coordinate all energy resources, including electricity, natural gas and other fuels to ensure energy remains affordable.
Prioritize nuclear power in generation build out: For the first time in legislation the province will prioritize the role of reliable, affordable and zero-emissions nuclear power generation to meet future increases in demand.
Expand energy efficiency programs: Ahead of the government introducing a significant expansion of energy efficiency programs to save families and businesses money the government is expanding the mandate of the Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) so they can deliver programs to help even more customers reduce costs and emissions.
Get more EV chargers built: Supporting the adoption of EVs by providing EV charging companies with a regulatory environment that supports and enables further deployment of EV charging stations.
Reduce costs for last mile connections: Provide government with new regulation-making authority that would work to ensure more timely and cost-effective electricity system connection for new homes and industry.
According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75% by 2050 – the equivalent of adding four and a half cities the size of Toronto to the grid. There is also continued demand for other fuels including gasoline and natural gas, that currently play a critical role in powering vehicles, heating homes and attracting new jobs in manufacturing, including the automotive industry and agriculture.
“Over the past six years our government has restored our province’s clean and affordable energy advantage,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “This is enabling unprecedented investments from electric vehicle and battery manufacturing to critical minerals and green steel.”
The Affordable Energy Act and Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future build on significant initiatives already underway to meet the needs of the province for the next decade and beyond, including:
The largest competitive procurement in Ontario’s history – Advancing competitive procurement for new energy resources to meet Ontario’s growing energy needs.
New transmission infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmissions lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creators including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
Keeping costs down – Launching new energy efficiency programs that would build on the government’s $342 million expansion of existing energy efficiency programs which are helping families and businesses reduce their electricity use so they can save money on their energy bills.
Additional Competitive Procurements – A successful re-contracting of existing resources at about a 30 per cent discount and planning more competitive procurements for non-emitting electricity resources including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and bioenergy.
Key Takeaways:
The 40th annual Wood Design & Building Awards celebrated 33 projects globally, highlighting outstanding architectural work that emphasizes wood as a sustainable and versatile material for construction.
Patkau Architects and hcma architecture + design were prominent winners, with Patkau’s Arbour House receiving multiple awards and hcma’s projects being recognized for innovative uses of wood in community spaces.
Organizers say the awards reflect a growing interest in biomaterials and sustainable building practices, underscoring the importance of wood in creating low-carbon, high-performance structures that contribute to environmentally friendly construction.
The Whole Story:
The Canadian Wood Council has announced the winning projects of the 40th annual Wood Design & Building Awards program. The awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding work of architectural professionals from around the world who achieve excellence in wood design and construction.
“We’re proud to recognize leading innovators in wood design through our awards program,” says Martin Richard, Vice President of Communications and Market Development at the Canadian Wood Council. “This year’s submissions were remarkable in their scope, quality, and variety. They reflect a rising interest in biomaterials and highlight the importance of wood as a versatile, low-carbon, high-performance material, driving the next generation of sustainable buildings.”
Patkau Architects and hcma architecture + design were standout firms in the awards. Patkau, with their Arbour House project in Victoria, won multiple accolades, including an Honor award and recognition in the WoodWorks BC category. Meanwhile, hcma architecture + design won two awards in the WoodWorks BC category for the Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre and the təməsew̓tx Aquatic and Community Centre, highlighting their innovative use of wood in public spaces.
The jurors for the Wood Design & Building Awards were:
Marlon Blackwell, Principal at Marlon Blackwell Architects
Veronica Madonna, Director and Principal at Studio VMA
Alfred Waugh, Principal at Formline Architecture + Urbanism
A total of 19 winning projects from a diverse group of creators were selected from the impressive field of entries.
New this year, the regional WoodWorks program awards from Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta were integrated with the Wood Design & Building Awards.
The jurors for the WoodWorks awards were:
Duncan Bourke, Vice President of Development at Cityflats
Melissa Higgs, Principal at hcma
Steve Oosterhof, Partner and Structural Engineer at Dialog
Fifteen winning projects were selected, with five from each regional program. The creativity and talent of these winning teams, as well as the beauty and diversity of their wood projects, are transforming the built environment.
In total, 33 award winners from around the globe were celebrated for excellence in wood design at the Wood Design and Building Awards celebration hosted at the WoodWorks Summit on October 22, 2024.
