The Ontario government is assuming responsibility for the maintenance of the Thousand Islands Parkway, relieving the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) of associated costs. This allows the SLPC to focus resources on improving parks, trails, campsites, and other amenities for residents, commuters, and tourists.
Ontario is investing $27.5 million to resurface 17 kilometers of Highway 401 between Mallorytown and Brockville, including culvert repairs, lighting upgrades, and underpass rehabilitation. These improvements prepare for the future widening of Highway 401 and enhance safety and efficiency in the region’s infrastructure.
The Thousand Islands Parkway and Highway 401 improvements ensure continued support for eastern Ontario’s tourism and transportation needs, accommodating significant daily traffic and facilitating access to the region.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is taking over direct responsibility for annual maintenance and rehabilitation of the Thousand Islands Parkway to protect local communities from the rising costs of upkeep and ensure the 40-kilometre scenic parkway remains in good repair.
The transfer of additional maintenance responsibilities and costs from the St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is intended to free up critical resources and funds.
“The Thousand Islands Parkway is a landmark destination that countless families, businesses, and tourists rely on to see the best of eastern Ontario,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “That is why we are stepping up our support for the St. Lawrence Parks Commission so that they can focus more of their resources on restoring trails, campsites, and other amenities, improving the visitor experience for everyone.”
Under an expanded memorandum of understanding (MOU), MTO will cover maintenance and infrastructure costs and conduct a full review of the Parkway, providing SLPC with recommendations to improve management of the corridor. In addition, the province is working with SLPC on an agreement to provide support for managing the Long Sault Parkway, located between Ingleside and Long Sault.
“I am very pleased with the expanded agreement between the Ministry of Transportation and the St. Lawrence Parks Commission,” said the Honourable Bob Runciman, chairperson of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “This agreement will markedly improve the maintenance and operational oversight of the Thousand Islands Parkway and Long Sault Parkway. The enhanced agreement ensures the safety and efficiency of our road infrastructure while enabling the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to reinvest in our parks and historic attractions, benefiting both residents and visitors to our region.”
Additionally, the Ontario government is investing $27.5 million to resurface nearly 17 kilometres of Highway 401 between Mallorytown and Brockville. The investment will also include culvert repairs and replacements, new lighting at the County Road 2 ramp terminals, and rehabilitation of the Mallorytown Road underpass to accommodate the future widening of Highway 401.
“Today’s announcement ensures the Thousand Islands Parkway will remain a vital link connecting visitors to one of Ontario’s most renowned tourist destinations – the world famous 1000 Islands,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “This will allow the St. Lawrence Parks Commission to focus resources on its parks, campgrounds, and other attractions that play an important part in our region’s tourism economy and the quality of life our residents enjoy. I also welcome today’s investment of $27.5 million for improvements to Highway 401 as we continue to prepare for the future expansion of the highway.”
The eastern corridor of Highway 401 accommodates approximately 120,000 vehicles and 10,000 trucks carrying $380 million in goods each day. Ontario recently finished work on the Highway 49 Bay of Quinte Skyway Bridge and awarded a contract to resurface sections of Highway 401 near Kingston.
A 19-kilometer tramway network with 29 stations is planned for Quebec City, connecting key areas like Parliament Hill and Université Laval. The $7.6 billion project aims to improve transit quality, reduce travel times, and boost economic growth through increased productivity, real estate development, and job creation.
Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2027, with the tramway opening to the public in 2033. The project is part of the broader CITÉ Plan, which envisions 100 kilometers of transit corridors and significant housing and employment opportunities.
CDPQ Infra has issued a procurement notice to ensure fair and transparent participation of local and international companies, with progressive design-build (PDB) as the project delivery model. An information session will be held on February 19, 2025, in Quebec City.
The Whole Story:
CDPQ Infra has announced the publication of a procurement notice as part of the TramCité project to enable the industry to properly prepare for the various phases of the procurement processes of the major project.
The TramCité project is a modern tramway initiative planned for Quebec City, featuring a 19-kilometer network with 29 stations that will connect key areas such as Le Gendre, Sainte-Foy, Université Laval, Parliament Hill, Saint-Roch, and Charlesbourg.
With an estimated cost of $7.6 billion, construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2027, with the tramway expected to open to the public in 2033. The project aims to enhance public transit quality in busy areas, reduce travel times, optimize traffic flow, and stimulate real estate development, ultimately boosting productivity and employment in the region.
It is anticipated to generate significant economic benefits during its construction phase. TramCité is part of the larger CITÉ Plan, which envisions creating 100 kilometers of public transit corridors in three phases and is expected to facilitate the development of over 15,000 housing units along its route while creating approximately 4,000 direct and indirect jobs over at least five years.
CDPQ Infra invites local and international companies to learn about the procurement processes for this project, which will be developed in progressive design-build (PDB) mode. Construction shall begin in 2027, with commissioning in 2033.
Procurement process governance and requirements will comply with industry best practices and with CDPQ Infra’s procurement policies in order to ensure fair, transparent and impartial treatment of all stakeholders. An information session will be held in Québec City on February 19, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
For more information on the TramCité project and to read the procurement notice, visit CDPQ Infra’s website at this link.
How much easily developable land is right under our nose? Researchers like Rudrasen Sheorey are trying to find out. The urban analyst and his collegues have been digging into the potential of publicly owned land and how much of a dent it could make in Canada’s housing crisis. Sheorey and his collegues at the University of British Columbia found that a handful of cities have enough underused land owned by federal, provincial and municipal governments to build homes for more than one million people.
We caught up with Sheorey to learn more about his analysis of publicly owned land and what could be done to activiate it.
SiteNews: Give us an idea of how much potential housing could be built on Canada’s public land currently.
Sheorey: It’s important to understand potential for housing has to be quantified. If we wanted to, we could build anywhere on open lands far away from major centers. This study focused on lands that have development potential, (ie have servicing, built next to existing infrastructure). The analysis across 10 major cities showed that of the about 3971 properties 856 were developable. These sites could accommodate about 35,999,336 sqm of built area that could house about 1,061,712. OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE.
Tell me about how you and the other researchers developed the method to determine housing yields.
To determine housing yields, we developed a systematic seven-step methodology to evaluate and prioritize the development potential of government-owned land parcels across Canadian cities. This approach involved analyzing key factors such as site size, proximity to infrastructure, and current utilization levels to effectively assess and classify parcels.
Site Size Classification: Government-owned land parcels were grouped by size to enable consistent and comparable analysis.
Amenity Score Classification: Amenity scores were assigned based on the proximity of sites to key existing infrastructure and services.
FSR Calculation: Floor Space Ratio (FSR) values were calculated using a Comparable Building Database. This database included projects from major cities that demonstrated high standards of livability and served as benchmarks for appropriate density on well-serviced parcels.
Correlation of FSR with Amenity Scores: Derived FSR values were correlated with amenity and density scores to quantify the development potential of parcels based on their amenity levels.
FSR Matrix Development: An FSR Matrix was created to link site size and amenity scores to achievable FSR values. This matrix was applied to calculate the total gross floor area (GFA) for all parcels, enabling the classification of sites into priority tiers based on their suitability for development.
Using data from the Housing Assessment Resource Tools (HART) project at UBC, we focused on federal land data from cities including Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa. By integrating parcel characteristics, amenity scores, and calculated FSR values, we quantified potential residential floor space and estimated the number of homes and individuals each site could accommodate.
What are some of the advantages of utilizing public land?
These lands offer a significant opportunity for housing development as they are publicly owned and can be repurposed more efficiently than acquiring private land. Acquiring private land typically involves negotiating a purchase at market value with the landowner, who must also be willing to sell that specific parcel or parcel. An example of using public lands for affordable housing has recently been demonstrated by the Federal Lands Initiative where the federal government has provided land at no cost to organizations that can build affordable housing on these lands. Here are some advantages that public lands provide.
Zoning: The government can often expedite public lands and bypass municipal bottlenecks. This is because governments can directly develop these lands. An example we can see is the setting up of Special Planning areas in Halifax where the province can directly make decisions related to zoning in these areas.
Location: These lands are often located in prime locations, with access to existing transit and public infrastructure making them ideal for adding density. This also means that local infrastructure would require little to no upgrades, enabling development to proceed with fewer barriers.
Maximizing underutilization of land: Many of these lands contain existing buildings that underutilize the true developable potential of the site. For example, the post office located at 2405 Pine Street in Vancouver is on the Broadway corridor where similar land parcels are being developed to a height of 30 stories, while the post office building is just three stories. There are several such sites located in prime locations in Vancouver and Toronto that could be developed into housing that currently only have one- or two-storey buildings located on them.
Cost of Land: With the government using land that they already own, they can roll in land at no cost to mitigate inflated land costs and enable these savings to be reflected in delivering more affordability.
What prompted you to start investigating the potential of public land?
When exploring solutions for affordable housing, a key discussion emerged around placing appropriate densities in neighborhoods that already have established services and amenities. A particularly striking example is the Cambie Corridor along the Canada Line in Vancouver.
I examined the buildings near King Edward Station, which are capped at a maximum height of 6 to 8 stories, compared to the Marine Gateway area, where 30-story towers dominate the skyline. Both locations benefit from similar levels of infrastructure and amenities, yet Marine Gateway houses significantly more people for the same level of public investment in infrastructure.
This disparity, coupled with rising land prices, sparked a conversation about leveraging publicly owned land for housing development to address the current housing crisis. As private land development becomes increasingly expensive and challenging to secure, the need to investigate the potential of public land for affordable housing came into the conversation.
Define what you and your colleagues mean when you call property “lazy”.
As highlighted above, a key factor in addressing housing challenges is maximizing the potential of available land. Taking the example of King Edward Station, it is evident that instead of limiting development to 5 or 6 stories, these land parcels could support greater density without straining existing infrastructure.
In examining public land parcels, we focused on identifying those that are underutilized, or what we refer to as “lazy land.” Lazy land is defined as land that fails to make the most of its developable potential. For instance, the post office located at 2405 Pine Street in Vancouver sits on the Broadway Corridor, where nearby parcels are being developed into 30-story buildings. Yet, the post office remains a mere three stories.
There are numerous government-owned land sites like this, often located in the heart of dense urban neighborhoods. These sites are typically characterized by low-density developments and large, underutilized parking lots. This underutilization highlights their status as “lazy land,” demonstrating a significant opportunity to unlock their potential for higher-density housing and better land use.
I understand that you were unable to get land data from some parts of the country. Could the potential of public land actually be even higher?
This study focuses on 10 cities in Canada, but it’s important to note that provincial land data was unavailable for Calgary and Edmonton. If all developable government-owned land parcels were included, the potential number of homes could be significantly higher.
The current estimate of housing for 1 million people is based solely on parcels that already have access to servicing and infrastructure. It excludes parcels with very limited service or infrastructure access, which represents additional untapped potential.
This highlights the need for increased investment in infrastructure developments such as water, sanitation, and transportation—not only to unlock the potential of underutilized public land but also to make private land more viable for development. Expanding infrastructure access is key to addressing housing challenges on a larger scale.
What makes a public piece of land most suitable for housing development?
The suitability of land for development is determined by using amenity scores, which measure access to key services and infrastructure. These scores are derived from the Proximity Measure Database (Statistics Canada) and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), assessing factors like proximity to childcare, schools, healthcare, parks, grocery stores, public transit, and more.
The scoring system assigns up to 20 points based on walking distance to these amenities:
Childcare (1)
Primary schools (1)
Secondary schools (1)
Healthcare (2)
Pharmacies (2)
Parks (3)
Grocery stores (4)
Public transit (4)
Libraries (1)
Community & recreation services (1)
The higher the amenity score, the greater the site’s suitability for development. Sites with higher scores leverage existing infrastructure more effectively, allowing for additional housing with minimal upgrades to current systems. This approach maximizes the potential of underutilized “lazy land.” Public land sites were categorized into three Amenity Score Classes based on their scores.
High Amenity (16–20 points): Well-served by public transit and multiple amenities, ideal for higher-density development.
Medium Amenity (11–15 points): Served by several public amenities but may lack high-frequency transit or abundant grocery access.
Low Amenity (1–10 points): Limited access to critical amenities, making them less suitable for development.
For this study, only High and Medium Amenity sites were considered, as they are best positioned for immediate development potential.
Did anything surprise you or jump out to you when you began to get the results of this research?
One of the most surprising takeaways from the study was the enormous housing potential that exists on government-owned lands across Canada. In just 10 cities, we identified the capacity to house 1 million people. This striking figure highlights the untapped opportunity for the government to introduce policies and measures that could unlock a significant portion of these lands for development.
The scope and quality of the opportunities make this discovery particularly compelling. Many of these properties are owned by institutions like Canada Post and the Canada Revenue Agency, and a substantial proportion, around 40%, are in high-amenity areas with existing public infrastructure. These are precisely the kinds of locations where new housing can have the greatest impact, as they are already well-connected and equipped to support thriving communities.
The findings underscore the importance of elevating this discussion around utilizing government lands for housing. By focusing on properties classified in Priority Classes 1 to 4—those with medium to high amenity scores—the research demonstrates a valid and realistic pathway for addressing Canada’s housing supply challenges. Seeing the scale and potential of these opportunities has been truly eye-opening and underscores the critical need to act on this untapped resource.
The Government of Canada launched the Canada Public Land Bank in August 2024 as part of its Public Lands for Homes Plan. Give me your analysis of the government’s efforts to utilize these public properties. Could more be done to unlock them?
The Government of Canada’s launch of the Canada Public Land Bank under the Public Lands for Homes Plan in August 2024 is a commendable initiative that recognizes the significant potential of public properties for addressing Canada’s housing crisis. Measures such as 99-year leases with affordability requirements and the creation of a federal property registry for potential development are steps in the right direction. However, several challenges and areas for improvement remain:
Key Challenges and Recommendations:
Zoning Clarity and Predictability A lack of clear and consistent zoning plans for public lands often hampers their development potential. For private developers, this creates uncertainty and financial risk, as zoning conditions may change mid-project, leading to delays and cost overruns. To address this:
Clear zoning frameworks and development conditions should be established upfront for all properties.
Priority should be given to projects with significant upzoning potential and clearly defined density targets, making these projects financially viable and attractive to private developers.
Inter-Agency Coordination Many high-potential development sites are managed by federal agencies like Canada Post and the CRA. These agencies require transitional plans to maintain operations while housing developments proceed.
Collaboration across federal departments is essential to create actionable strategies that allow agencies to maintain core functions during and after the redevelopment process.
Solutions such as allocating space for ongoing agency operations within redeveloped properties should be integrated into development plans.
Financial Feasibility and Developer Incentives While rolling in land costs through leasing models is a positive step to lower development barriers, land cost is only one factor in the larger development equation. Construction costs, regulatory delays, and insufficient density allowances remain significant hurdles.
Governments must introduce transparent and streamlined permitting processes to reduce delays.
Incentives, such as grants or tax abatements, should be offered to private developers willing to include affordable housing or family-oriented units.
Collaboration with the private sector should focus on creating a balanced financial model, acknowledging developers’ economic realities to ensure scalability and sustainability.
Expanding the Scope of Public Land Development While the current registry lists some promising sites, expanding the scope of lands available for housing, especially underutilized urban properties like post offices, is critical. Proactively identifying more federal, provincial, and municipal properties for redevelopment will further boost the potential impact of the program.
What do you think is the biggest takeaway from your research for Canadians and the construction sector?
The key takeaway for the sector is that significant housing density can be added to existing Canadian cities without overburdening current infrastructure and public amenities. The most surprising finding was the immense housing potential: over 1 million people could be accommodated using just a small fraction of public land in major cities.
This highlights the urgent need for targeted policy measures to unlock these public lands for development, positioning them as a vital, untapped resource to address Canada’s housing crisis. Public lands, unlike private lands, face fewer challenges—particularly in terms of zoning—making them a more straightforward solution to a public issue like housing shortages.
For the construction industry, a major emerging focus will be on mixed-use, multifamily, and higher-density developments. Building more homes within existing urban centers, while optimizing the use of current infrastructure, will be a crucial strategy moving forward.
This research is a step in the right direction, demonstrating that solutions to Canada’s housing crisis are there and it underscores the critical role the government and the private construction sector will play in building these homes, providing much-needed housing for millions of Canadians
Key Takeaways:
Calgary officials estimate the revised Green Line LRT alignment would cost $7.5 billion, $1.3 billion more than Alberta’s $6.2 billion estimate due to additional costs and risks identified by the city.
The project faced significant hurdles, including the Alberta government withdrawing its $1.53 billion funding commitment in September 2024, citing concerns over rising costs and a reduced project scope. This forced the city to temporarily wind down the project, with associated costs estimated at $2.1 billion.
In October 2024, Calgary and Alberta’s government reached an agreement to proceed with Phase 1 of the Green Line, focusing on a segment from 4th Street S.E. to Shepard, highlighting ongoing efforts to advance the project despite earlier challenges.
The Whole Story:
Calgary officials say the province’s revised Green Line LRT alignment would cost $7.5 billion, $1.3 billion more than Alberta’s estimate.
The city has conducted an analysis of costs and risks for its Green Line Project included in the confidential report provided by the Province of Alberta, on their new elevated downtown alignment, from the Elbow River to 7 Avenue S.W.
Based on the $6.2 billion rough order of magnitude estimate provided by AECOM, the province’s external consultant, the city says it has identified $1.3 billion in known costs and risks that were not included in their work.
At $7.5 billion, this exceeds the $7.2 billion cost estimate, based on the city’s 60% design for the Shepard to Eau Claire tunneled alignment, presented in July 2024.
As the report remains confidential, the details of the analysis will be included as part of further negotiations and decisions within the Reimagined Green Line Working Group.
The alignment is only one component of the due diligence that the city needs to undertake before making a decision on a reimagined Green Line.
The city says it remains committed to working collaboratively with the Province of Alberta towards a solution that delivers for Calgarians.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek stated on Tuesday that AECOM’s report lacks critical details about costs that have already been invested in the project. She emphasized that Calgarians must understand the province’s proposal before council can agree to the new plan, noting that downtown residents and businesses remain unaware of the potential impact of the revised alignment.
“We’ve been very clear that risk is a very real issue for our city, and we’ve been very clear that we think there’s some errors with the numbers,” Gondek said.
“We’re trying to be as transparent as we can in indicating what it is that we need to discuss further. If the province chooses to walk away now, if they choose to take their funding and kill this project for a second time, that’s on them. We’re still here.”
Initially proposed as the city’s largest infrastructure project, the Green Line was meant to be a significant expansion of Calgary’s public transit system. However, it has faced numerous challenges, especially regarding its financing. The project’s costs have escalated over time.
In September 2024, the situation reached a critical point when Alberta decided to withdraw its $1.53 billion funding commitment. This decision was based on concerns about the project’s rising costs and reduced scope, with Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen calling it a “multibillion-dollar boondoggle”.
The funding withdrawal left the City of Calgary unable to afford the project, forcing the city council to vote for winding down the Green Line. The wind-down costs were estimated to be at least $2.1 billion, including $1.3 billion already spent and an additional $850 million needed to wrap up the project.
In October it was announced that the City of Calgary and Alberta’s Government had reached an agreement to move ahead with Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT project, extending the line from 4th Street S.E. to Shepard.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government has awarded a contract for tree clearing along the planned west section of the Bradford Bypass. This preparatory work will streamline utility relocations and pave the way for further construction.
Gridlock in Ontario costs the economy $56 billion annually and significantly affects commuters’ quality of life. The 16.3-kilometre bypass, connecting Highways 404 and 400, is expected to save commuters 35 minutes per trip, improve travel times, reduce congestion, and support economic growth with up to 2,200 jobs annually during construction and a $286 million contribution to Ontario’s GDP
Recent milestones include awarding design and construction management contracts, building a connecting lane on Highway 400, and completing a bridge at Simcoe County Road 4.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is advancing work on the Bradford Bypass through the award of a contract for tree clearing, which is now underway. Crews are clearing a path along the planned route for the highway’s west section, marking another milestone in the province’s plan to tackle gridlock and give drivers across York Region and Simcoe County more time to spend with their families each day.
“Gridlock is not only increasing the prices of items on store shelves – it’s dramatically impacting the quality of life for families, workers and millions of people across Ontario, which is why it’s so important to build critical new highway projects like this one,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Over the past year, we’ve made major progress in our plan to build the Bradford Bypass, including historic legislation that will help prioritize this project, along with key construction and design milestones. We’re going to get it done so we can get drivers out of traffic once and for all.”
Crews have begun removing trees between Highway 400 and Simcoe County Road 4, with work expected to be completed in the new year. This work will help streamline utility relocations and clear a path as work continues on the Bradford Bypass.
A new report from the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis finds gridlock in Ontario is significantly impacting commuters’ quality of life and costing the economy $56 billion a year, further emphasizing the need to move forward on the province’s $28 billion plan to build, repair and upgrade critical highway and road infrastructure projects like the Bradford Bypass.
“The Bradford Bypass is a much-needed addition to Ontario’s transportation network,” said James Leduc, Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury. “This new route will ease congestion, improve travel times, and provide a safer, more efficient way for drivers to navigate our growing region. By streamlining travel for residents of Simcoe County and cottage-goers alike, the bypass will improve access to key destinations, benefiting both local communities and visitors.”
Earlier this year, the province awarded a contract for the detail design of the west section of Bradford Bypass, as well as a contract for a construction manager to join the existing design team to help ensure quality control, safety and delivery of the west section of the bypass. In July, crews began building a lane on Highway 400 that will connect to the future Bradford Bypass. A new bridge was recently completed at Simcoe County Road 4 to keep traffic moving in West Gwillimbury while Bradford Bypass is under construction.
Once complete, the 16.3-kilometre Bradford Bypass will connect Highway 404 in the east to Highway 400 in the west and will help save commuters 35 minutes of driving each way. During construction, the project is expected to support up to 2,200 jobs annually and contribute up to $286 million to Ontario’s GDP.
Quartier Molson will transform the former Molson brewery site into a vibrant neighborhood featuring nearly 5,000 housing units, including social, affordable, and family housing. The development prioritizes sustainable urban living with green spaces, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and integration into Montreal’s public transit network.
The project blends the site’s industrial heritage with modern eco-conscious design by preserving iconic elements such as the Molson Tower and chimney while pursuing LEED and Zero Carbon Building certifications. This approach honors the site’s history while emphasizing sustainability.
Beyond housing, the development will include offices, shops, restaurants, and event spaces, boosting the local economy. It aims to create a community-centered district with public amenities like parks, courtyards, and a potential community center, enhancing Montreal’s social and cultural fabric.
The Whole Story:
MONTONI and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ have unveiled an ambitious vision for the redevelopment of the former Molson brewery, a sprawling site along the St. Lawrence River. Dubbed Quartier Molson, the project aims to create a model of sustainable urban living with nearly 5,000 housing units, public parks, and vibrant mixed-use spaces.
“This master plan is the result of several years of work with our partners at the Fonds immobilier and our architectural firm Sid Lee, combined with active collaboration with the City of Montreal,” said Dario Montoni, President of MONTONI. “We wanted to preserve the soul of this unique place to make it a truly mixed, sustainable and lively neighbourhood. We sincerely hope that it will please the Montreal community, honour the rich history of the site and the Molson family, and become a source of pride for those who love our city.”
Martin Raymond, Chairman and CEO of the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ, emphasized the significance of the project. “It is a privilege for us to be co-owner of this emblematic site and to actively contribute to its development with our partners. We firmly believe that this new district will be exemplary with nearly 5,000 households moving there to live, while being resolutely turned towards the future thanks to the integration of sustainable practices.”
Sustainable Living on the Waterfront
Central to the Quartier Molson vision is a network of public green spaces, including the nearly 150,000-square-foot Sohmer Park, which will offer stunning views of the river, Sainte-Hélène Island, and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. The park will pay tribute to the area’s recreational past while creating new pathways connecting the site with surrounding neighborhoods.
The development will include social, affordable, and family housing, adhering to Montreal’s Regulation for a Mixed Metropolis. Public courtyards, gardens, and pedestrian-friendly pathways will foster community and encourage sustainable mobility, with integration into Montreal’s public transit and active transportation networks.
Revitalizing a Historic Landmark
Iconic elements of the former Molson brewery—such as the Molson Tower, chimney, clock, and sign—will be preserved and celebrated as central landmarks within the district. Developers aim to blend the site’s industrial heritage with a modern, eco-conscious urban design.
The project also incorporates sustainable development goals, with plans for LEED and Zero Carbon Building certifications, energy-efficient technologies, and potential energy loops.
Economic and Community Impact
In addition to residential spaces, the site will host offices, shops, restaurants, hotels, and event venues at L’Îlot des Voltigeurs, enhancing the Old Port’s recreational and tourist corridor. Community services, including a potential community centre, will be tailored to local needs.
Next Steps
Public consultation meetings will be held on Dec. 12 and 13 at the brewery site to present the project and gather citizen feedback. Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with initial phases focusing on the development of L’Îlot des Voltigeurs and social and affordable housing.
The developers hope Quartier Molson will become a beacon of sustainability and inclusivity while honoring Montreal’s rich history.
Key Takeaways:
Stantec has been selected as the Owner’s Engineer/Technical Advisory Services for Section 4 of Toronto’s F.G. Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project, a critical corridor undergoing extensive upgrades to extend its lifespan amidst heavy use and aging infrastructure.
The project involves complex work in the city’s downtown core, including the replacement of 2.2 kilometers of elevated roadway, structural modifications, and bridge rehabilitation, with a $24 million contract value for Stantec.
Stantec’s recent acquisition of Morrison Hershfield has bolstered its transportation expertise, enabling the firm to take on high-profile projects.
The Whole Story:
Stantec has been selected by the City of Toronto for Owner’s Engineer/Technical Advisory Services (OETA) for the delivery of the F.G. Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project Section 4.
Stantec will provide multidisciplinary engineering consulting services through planning and preliminary design, procurement, design-build, and post construction. Early in 2024, Stantec announced its acquisition of Morrison Hershfield, which doubled its transportation staff in Ontario and strengthened its presence in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Gardiner Expressway is one of Canada’s busiest corridors, with 140,000 vehicles traveling it daily. Age, heavy use, weather, and salt have necessitated a multiyear rehabilitation to extend its life. The expressway runs along established neighborhoods and the city’s downtown core, making it an extremely complex project.
“The Gardiner Expressway is a critical corridor for the city,” said Susan Walter, executive vice president of Infrastructure at Stantec. “We have been working with the City of Toronto’s on its multiyear Strategic Rehabilitation Plan to support the safe operation and increase the life of this 60-year-old expressway since 2019.”
Section 4 of the rehabilitation will replace 2.2 kilometers of elevated roadway from Grand Magazine Street to York Street. It is in the heart of the City of Toronto and includes 91 bridge spans and 5 on- and off-ramps. The rehabilitation strategy will include structural modifications, deck replacement, structural steel girder repairs or replacement, and substructure rehabilitation and associated works. Stantec’s contract on Section 4 is valued at $24 million.
Stantec has previously completed significant work for the City of Toronto on the Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Plan, including of the ongoing Section 2 deck replacement from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, contract administration for Section 1 from Jarvis Street to Cherry Street, and preliminary design for Section 5 from Cherry Street to the Don Valley Parkway.
“Since 1979, we have completed extensive work for the City of Toronto on the Gardiner Expressway,” said Jim Weir, transportation regional growth leader for Canada at Stantec. “We will be working closely with the City to safely upgrade Section 4 from the earliest stages until construction completion.”
Several weeks ago, the province announced the start of the second phase of construction on the Gardiner Expressway four months ahead of schedule. Officials stated that the early milestone was 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.”
Pointe-Saint-Charles legion fundraises to replace roof
Key Takeaways:
Alberta’s government is conducting a provincewide study of over 100 potential sites for dams, reservoirs, and other infrastructure to address growing water demands from communities and industries, as well as mitigate risks of droughts and floods.
The study will assess hydrology, dam design, environmental, social, and cultural impacts, as well as the costs and benefits of water storage infrastructure to ensure responsible and cost-effective solutions.
This initiative, alongside feasibility studies for specific reservoirs and a $125 million Drought and Flood Protection Program, is part of Alberta’s broader effort to modernize its water management system and ensure long-term water security.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government is undertaking a provincewide review of potential sites for dams and other infrastructure to help meet future water needs.
Officials explained that as Alberta’s population and economy grow, demand for water from communities and industry increases at the same time. Due to the province’s prairie geography and climate, the amount of precipitation received varies a lot from season-to-season and year-to-year. Creating more dams, reservoirs and other infrastructure is one way to potentially help capture and store more water.
Alberta’s government has now begun a provincewide study looking at more than 100 locations across the province. This study will be used to help the government plan long-term ways to maximize Alberta’s water supply and reduce the risk of future droughts and floods.
Dams, reservoirs and other water storage infrastructure play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security, flood protection, and supporting a healthy environment. At the same time, they can be costly to build and affect local ecosystems and environments.
The provincial study will identify, review and assess potential locations where water storage infrastructure could be most effectively developed to help meet the province’s long-term water needs. Various sites will be assessed based on new and existing information regarding hydrology, dam design, environmental, social and cultural impacts, and the potential costs, benefits and risks or uncertainties for each site.
Water is a precious resource and one that is essential for agriculture. Our government is always prepared to help ensure our producers and processors have the water they need to help put food on the tables of Albertans and others around the world. Now, more than ever, we need to do more with the water we have. Identifying potential opportunities for new reservoirs will help continue to grow our province and ensure our agriculture industry has the water it needs.
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
The Water Storage Opportunities Study is expected to be completed in 2025. Alberta’s government will use the results to help identify the most effective options to improve water storage in a responsible and cost-effective way. Some of the top-ranked sites may be selected to undergo a full feasibility study in the future.
This study is part of the Alberta government’s work to modernize the province’s water system and make every drop count. Along with this study, the province has feasibility studies in progress for the Ardley reservoir and Eyremore dams, launched the $125 million Drought and Flood Protection Program, and is currently engaging on potential ways to increase water availability and improve the water management system in Alberta.
B.C.
Mission Group’s 40-storey tower on St. Paul Street approved
The new Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace, B.C., has opened ahead of schedule, providing a state-of-the-art health-care facility more than twice the size of the previous hospital.
It includes 82 beds, private rooms, advanced emergency and trauma care facilities, four operating rooms, and cutting-edge diagnostic equipment.
Upgraded to serve as a Level 3 trauma center, the hospital aims to reduce the need for patient transfers to other facilities by offering advanced services locally.
The Whole Story:
Terrace B.C.’s new state-of-the-art Ksyen Regional Hospital is now open to the public ahead of schedule.
“People in Terrace had been asking for an upgraded health-care facility for years, and our government recognized the need and took action to make sure it happened,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “British Columbians deserve access to health care in modern, cutting-edge facilities and we are excited to be able to provide this to the community. We will continue to invest in capital health projects around the province.”
The new hospital is more than twice the size of the previous facility and has 82 beds, private rooms, a bigger emergency department space, including two trauma bays, six stretcher bays, pediatric care space and four operating rooms, as well as the latest diagnostic imaging equipment.
The hospital opened ahead of schedule. Initially, construction was anticipated to be complete in 2025.
“People in Terrace and throughout the province expect health care they can rely on when they or their loved ones need it,” said Debra Toporowski, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “With the new Ksyen Regional Hospital, we’re strengthening local care so fewer people will have to travel for services they need and more people can receive care in their own community.”
Work is underway to have the new hospital serve as a Level 3 trauma centre, upgraded from its current designation as Level 4, to support communities in northwestern B.C. by providing immediate assessment, resuscitation, surgery and intensive care. This new certification will allow more patients to be cared for locally without needing to be transported to another facility.
The new hospital will also include a Tier 3 neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery, which will provide community-based antenatal and postnatal services, education and parenting support to pregnant individuals, especially those at a higher risk of pregnancy complications compared to Tier 1 and 2 services.
The project cost of $633 million is being shared between the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the North West Regional Hospital District, which is contributing $120.2 million.
Work has been completed or is underway throughout B.C. to plan, build or upgrade 30 hospitals or health facilities, 11 long-term care centres and four cancer centres.
Key Takeaways:
The joint venture between AECOM and Jacobs Consultancy Canada will provide preliminary engineering services to upgrade the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves 750,000 residents and processes 200 billion liters of wastewater annually. The upgrade aims to meet regulatory requirements, improve water quality, and align with regional sustainability and carbon neutrality objectives.
AECOM plans to leverage its expertise in advanced water treatment technologies to enhance the facility’s environmental standards, operational efficiency, and climate resilience.
AECOM says it brings extensive experience in tackling Metro Vancouver’s unique environmental challenges, having collaborated on complex projects like the Stoney Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade and the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Whole Story:
AECOM announced that its joint venture with Jacobs Consultancy Canada has been selected by Metro Vancouver to provide preliminary engineering services for the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. The project seeks to upgrade the existing facility to meet regulatory requirements and ensure protection of public health and the environment in a growing region.
“As Metro Vancouver continues to invest in its water treatment facilities, we’re ready to support them as the industry’s top Water design firm,” said Beverley Stinson, chief executive of AECOM’s global Water business. “Aligned with global trends toward investment in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including in solving global water supply challenges, our team is excited to apply our expertise in advanced water treatment technologies to the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring it meets the highest environmental standards and supports regional sustainability.”
Built in 1963, the plant serves approximately 750,000 residents and processes about 200 billion liters of wastewater annually. Through the plant upgrades, Metro Vancouver aims to ensure the project will improve water quality, support the region’s carbon neutrality objectives and enhance climate resilience. The joint venture will provide preliminary engineering services, including design and project planning oversight. The project intends to provide significant and sustainable improvements to the treatment facilities whilst minimizing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency.
“We’re proud to serve as a trusted partner on this critical upgrade, which builds on several recent water and wastewater treatment projects our teams are delivering for Metro Vancouver,” said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region. “Our deep understanding of the region’s unique environmental challenges and our experience on local projects will be instrumental in enhancing Metro Vancouver’s wastewater treatment capabilities and protecting the natural environment.”
The redevelopment of 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. will create a mixed-income, mixed-use community with 873 purpose-built rental homes, including 290 affordable units, along with retail, public spaces, and a Toronto Paramedic Services hub.
The project integrates adaptive reuse of the heritage Toronto Coach Terminal, sustainable features like a geothermal energy system, and a design inspired by Indigenous principles, aiming to exceed Toronto’s Green Standards and achieve Zero Carbon Building Certification.
Partnerships with the University Health Network, Hospital Workers’ Housing Co-operative, and community organizations will provide housing for essential workers, while additional features like a public plaza and organ repair center underline the development’s community-centric approach.
The Whole Story:
The City of Toronto and CreateTO have announced the Kilmer Group and Tricon Residential (Kilmer-Tricon) as the preferred proponents for the redevelopment of the City-owned sites at 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. – home to the decommissioned Toronto Coach Terminal.
The properties will be redeveloped into a mixed-income, mixed-use development including affordable housing, a new Toronto Paramedic Services hub and employment opportunities with a focus on innovative uses that take advantage of the unique location within the city’s Discovery District. The redevelopment will also include the adaptive reuse of the existing heritage building as well as streetscape improvements.
“We need to build more affordable homes in Toronto,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “That’s why I am so pleased that this project will transform the former Toronto Coach Terminal into not only new rental and affordable housing, but a thriving hub with healthcare facilities and space for small business to start and grow. This project sets a high bar for how we can build more homes, while celebrating our City’s history and embracing Indigenous knowledge as we build new communities.”
Consisting of two towers with residential, retail and public space, the development will be a 100% purpose-built rental project, delivering 873 new homes including 290 affordable rental homes.
The design vision for the site, led by award-winning architectural firms Studio Gang, architects-Alliance and Smoke Architecture, with landscape design by CCxA, is rooted in the Indigenous principle of the Seven Directions. The goal is to create a complete community that puts people first, invigorates the surrounding area and creates tree-lined public spaces that connect the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Additional project features include:
adaptive reuse of the heritage Toronto Coach Terminal and bus bays
a new 23,000-square-foot Toronto Paramedic Services Hub that will provide vital emergency support to surrounding communities
a partnership with University Health Network which intends to operate a state-of-the-art organ repair centre for heart, lung, kidney and liver transplants
affordable housing partnerships with the University Health Network, and the Hospital Workers’ Housing Co-operative to provide housing options for essential hospital workers and their families, as well as Woodgreen Community Services, the March of Dimes and Wigwamen
a new public plaza positioned between the two buildings, which will create an urban oasis and incorporate a series of ‘outdoor rooms’
a geothermal district energy system and sustainable building design, exceeding the requirements of the Toronto Green Standard and the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Certification.
Completion of construction and leasing of rental homes at 610 Bay St. is expected in first quarter of 2029 and in Q1 2030 for 130 Elizabeth St.
The properties at 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. were selected for redevelopment through the ModernTO program adopted by Toronto City Council in October 2019 and are part of eight high-value City-owned sites identified as being currently underutilized, with opportunities to unlock value and address City needs.
More information about this project can be found on the CreateTO website .
The Anahim Lake Solar Project, led by the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC), is set to reduce diesel dependency in the remote Anahim Lake community by approximately 64%, contributing to BC’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals.
The project leverages partnerships with Wildstone Construction, SkyFire Energy, and local stakeholders, emphasizing First Nations collaboration, skills development, and long-term economic benefits for the Ulkatcho First Nation.
Supported through federal and provincial funding programs, including the Green Infrastructure Stream and CleanBC Communities Fund, the project also features partnerships with prominent entities like ATCO, Hatch, and Hitachi Canada, showcasing a model for clean energy initiatives in remote communities.
The Whole Story:
Canada’s largest off-grid solar project has officially entered the construction phase with Penticton-based Wildstone Construction as the principal contractor.
When completed near Lake Anahim, B.C, the Anahim Lake Solar Project it is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by approximately 64%. The Ulkatcho First Nation is off-the-grid, and power is currently entirely diesel generated.
The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) has announced that Duz Cho Construction LP has completed the civil earthworks for the Solar Plant site. UEC is transforming the industrial land of an old sawmill owned by Yun Ka Whu’ten Forestry (a Member of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies) for the project. The project also includes the construction of a new access road, a solar control and monitoring facility, fire management, and other related property upgrades.
The UEC says it has made significant strides in the construction process with the recent selection of Wildstone Construction Ltd. as the principal contractor, following a competitive process.
“Wildstone is proud to be involved in this groundbreaking initiative along with our solar partner, SkyFire Energy,” said Mark Melissen, CEO Wildstone Construction Ltd. “This project not only marks a significant step toward sustainable energy for the Ulkatcho First Nation in Anahim Lake, but also offers long-term economic benefits, supporting local growth and energy independence for future generations.”
Based in Penticton, Wildstone brings a wealth of experience in executing projects within remote communities in BC, Alberta and Yukon, a strong commitment to collaborating with First Nations, use of local resources, and supporting long-term skills development for community members.
The UEC thanked all of its core funders and founding Technical Alliance Partners for all their support, noting that there is now a growing list of other collaborators assisting it in moving towards its objectives and eventual completion of project. This includes Strategies North Advisory and UGoC-DWB Consulting Services.
“This project marks a new path and a significant milestone for the Ulkatcho First Nation,” said Stephen James, CEO Ulkatcho Group of Companies. “Thanks to the unwavering support from BC Hydro and our Federal & Provincial Governments, the Anahim Lake Solar Project will greatly reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel. and will contribute to reducing BC’s GHG emissions. We value the opportunity to develop strong alliance partnerships in this Project, and look forward to working with Wildstone Construction Ltd.”
As the Anahim Lake Solar Project progresses, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation invites community members and stakeholders to stay informed. Future updates will be shared through the Ulkatcho First Nation website and social media channels.
The Anahim Lake Solar Project construction is expected to be completed by October 2025. On April 19, 2024, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation and BC Hydro signed a first-ever Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) for electricity generated through the Solar Plant.
The Anahim Lake Solar Project is being supported through blended funding including:
the Government of Canada through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Community Opportunity Readiness Program, and Natural Resources Canada
the Government of British Columbia through the CleanBC Communities Fund, and
the New Relationship Trust through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction and BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative programs.
The Founding Technical Alliance Partners include:
ATCO (Owner’s Representative)
Hatch (Engineering)
Bennett Jones (Legal Advisors)
Hitachi Canada (Major Equipment Supplier)
BMO Bank of Montreal (Everyday Banking)
Key Takeaways:
Excavation has begun on a 16-metre-deep launch shaft at Exhibition Station, which will serve as the starting point for tunnel boring machines digging six kilometers eastward. The Ontario Line subway is a major part of Ontario’s largest-ever subway expansion project.
Once completed, the Ontario Line will provide over 40 connections to other transit services, significantly reducing travel times—for example, cutting a cross-city trip from Exhibition Place to Don Mills Road from 70 minutes to under 30 minutes.
The Ontario Line is part of the Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has officially started excavating the launch shaft for the Ontario Line subway tunnels at Exhibition Station.
“It’s been more than 60 years since the first subway tunnels were built in downtown Toronto,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re getting the Ontario Line done to tackle gridlock and increase access to fast, reliable and affordable transit for millions of people across the GTA.”
The 16-metre-deep launch shaft will be the starting point for two tunnel boring machines that will dig six kilometres east, from Exhibition Station to the Don Yard, west of the Don River. Once tunnelling is complete, the launch shaft will be repurposed as a tunnel portal where Ontario Line trains will transition from above to below ground.
“The Ontario Line subway is part of one of the biggest partnerships to construct public transportation in Canadian history,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Work is progressing and today’s groundbreaking is another step toward affordable, reliable and quick public transit for Torontonians.”
Exhibition Station will be a vital transit hub, serving both the future subway and existing GO rail customers. A trip across the city from Exhibition Place to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road will take 30 minutes or less compared to the hour and 10 minutes it takes today. The Ontario Line will offer more than 40 connections to other subway, bus, streetcar and regional train services, bringing hundreds of thousands more people within walking distance of transit.
As part of the Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the government is delivering Ontario’s priority transit projects, which include the largest subway expansion in Canadian history – the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
Key Takeaways:
Barkerville Gold Mines has received an operating permit under the Mines Act for its Cariboo Gold Mine, marking the first project fully assessed under British Columbia’s updated 2018 Environmental Assessment Act.
The Cariboo Gold project, with a 16-year underground mining plan, represents a significant economic investment of over $1 billion, employing approximately 634 people during construction and processing 1.1 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore annually.
An additional permit under the Environmental Management Act is under review, aiming to regulate waste discharge and protect public health and the environment.
The Whole Story:
A provincial statutory decision-maker has granted Barkerville Gold Mines, owned by Osisko Development Corporation, an operating permit under the Mines Act for its Cariboo Gold Mine in Wells, in east-central B.C.
The permitting process for the project was completed in 13 months, following a rigorous technical review conducted by a qualified team of technical experts in collaboration with First Nations.
Cariboo Gold is an underground mine that will employ approximately 634 people during construction and see an initial investment of $137 million and another $918 million over the life of the mine. The project will have the capacity to process approximately 1.1 million tonnes per year of gold-bearing ore. It will include underground mining over 16 years, ore milling at the Quesnel River mine, approximately 58 kilometres southeast of Quesnel, storage of waste rock at the Bonanza Ledge Mine near Barkerville, and a transmission line from the Quesnel area to the mine.
A permit under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) for the Cariboo Gold project is under consideration with a statutory decision-maker in the Ministry of Environment and Parks. A decision is expected in the coming weeks. An EMA permit would provide authority for the company to introduce wastes into the environment while protecting public health and the environment. The EMA regulates industrial and municipal waste discharge, pollution, hazardous waste and contaminated site remediation.
This is the first project entirely assessed under the new 2018 Environmental Assessment Act that has been granted a Mines Act permit.
The Environmental Assessment Office completed its assessment of the mine project with extensive consultation from experts, First Nations, including the Lhtako Dené, Xatśūll, and Williams Lake First Nations, government agencies and the public.
The Environmental Assessment Act was modernized to enhance public confidence, transparency and meaningful participation, to advance reconciliation with First Nations, and to deliver stronger environmental protections, while supporting sustainable economic development.
