Modular fabrication will be used to construct North America’s first grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR).
Aecon has formed a teaming agreement with E.S. Fox to jointly fabricate steel components offsite at Aecon’s fabrication facility in Cambridge and E.S. Fox’s Port Robinson facility.
The SMR will deliver 300 MW of electricity, which is enough to power 300,000 homes.
The companies plan to utilize modular fabrication to construct North America’s first grid-scale small modular reactor (SMR) through Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP).
Aecon is the provider of all construction services for the DNNP, including project management, construction planning and execution as part of an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) partnership with OPG, GE Hitachi and SNC-Lavalin. E.S. Fox is currently completing early site preparation work at the DNNP location. Through the IPD partnership, Aecon has formed a teaming agreement with E.S. Fox to jointly fabricate steel components offsite at Aecon’s fabrication facility in Cambridge and E.S. Fox’s Port Robinson facility.
These components will be welded into sub-assemblies and shipped to the DNNP project site where they will be built into larger modules on-site and used to construct the primary steel structure of the reactor building. Leveraging a modular approach to help build the BWRX-300 SMR, a new class of nuclear reactor, will contribute to achieving reduced construction costs.
The Darlington Darlington Nuclear Generating Station meets about 20 per cent of Ontario’s electricity needs, enough to serve a city of two million people. – Ontario Power Generation
“This modular fabrication partnership is a made-in-Ontario solution, illustrating the strength of Ontario’s robust nuclear supply chain – a network that is critical to deploying the future of nuclear in Ontario and beyond,” said Thomas Clochard, executive vice president, nuclear and civil, Aecon. “Aecon is playing an important role in delivering the next generation of nuclear plants. We look forward to combining the collective capacity and expertise of Aecon and E.S. Fox to execute this important fabrication scope while working with our project partners to ensure the supply of clean, reliable and affordable electricity to support local communities and global net-zero goals.”
According to Aecon, the DNNP could create approximately 2,500 jobs.
“E.S. Fox is excited to work with Aecon on this important and initial scope for this first-of-a-kind project,” said Pat Cimek, vice president, construction and fabrication services, E.S. Fox. “With the experience of both companies, we look forward to building large sections of the structure at the two facilities leveraging a modular approach and shipping them to the DNNP project site – helping reduce field labour and equipment costs, improving the overall project schedule, and supporting high-paying skilled jobs in Niagara Region.”
The new SMR at Darlington will be Ontario’s first nuclear reactor build in a generation. It will deliver 300 MW of electricity, which is enough to power 300,000 homes. The province currently has 15 nuclear reactors in operation – and three reactors under refurbishment – at three sites, providing over 50 per cent of the province’s clean electricity.
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
The province of B.C. wants to know your thoughts on changes to the building code.
Officials are asking residents in a province-wide survey for their input on future building construction, including cooling requirements and accessibility standards in the BC Building Code.
“Our government is committed to more accessible, safer and more climate-resilient buildings for people, now and in the future,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. “That is why we are updating the BC Building Code to ensure that buildings and spaces across the province reflect the needs of everyone. We look forward to reviewing feedback from experts and the public to ensure that the changes we are proposing will provide benefits in the years to come.”
The proposed changes to the BC Building Code are based on the 2020 National Model Codes with some B.C.-specific variations to reflect the province’s geography, climate, local government needs, industry practices and provincial priorities, such as accessibility.
A four-week public review invites interested parties to review and comment on a variety of proposed building code changes, including:
accessibility and adaptable dwellings
cooling requirements
mass timber construction
earthquake design
radon safety, and
ventilation in houses
Those interested in participating can find more information through the province’s online survey.
The survey is open until June 16.
Topical summaries of draft code language are provided for review. In addition, the survey provides draft accessibility code language that was informed by early engagement with the public and industry on opportunities to increase accessibility in new buildings and homes.
“Eliminating barriers to accessibility is a core motive in our efforts to making our province a safe and barrier-free place to live in,” said Susie Chant, parliamentary secretary for accessibility. “We are taking action on what we have heard in our engagements with British Columbians, especially people living with disabilities. That is why we are updating the standards in our building code to support everyone in their day-to-day activities.”
The Ministry of Housing will review and consider all feedback in drafting the updated building code.
The province anticipates adopting the updated BC Building Code this year and bringing it into force this December. Officials stated that the transition period will give local governments, the construction industry, education providers and others governed by the code time to adjust their practices and training materials.
Key Takeaways:
Crews are scheduled to work on more than 17,000 metres of roadway length and 11 bridges.
Residents will see work continue on new and existing LRT lines in 2023.
The city’s $7 billion 2023-26 Capital Budget includes more than $1.7 billion in infrastructure renewal.
The Whole Story:
The city of Edmonton is embarking on another busy construction season with more than 200 projects already on the go or set to get started.
“We are building Edmonton with purpose,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “As we become a city of two million people over the coming decades, we strive to be an inclusive and compassionate community of communities. Every single infrastructure project in the 2023 season is a step toward that future.”
According to Edmonton officials, the construction projects will directly employ more than 4,600 people from the Edmonton region, support the local economy, build climate resilience, contribute to a healthy city and help prepare for future population growth.
officials noted that LRT expansion will continue to be a critical component of its integrated mass transit network and residents will see work continue on new and existing LRT lines in 2023.
“In 2022, ETS buses and trains travelled more than 46 million kilometres, which is the equivalent of 1,711 trips around the world,” said Adam Laughlin, deputy city manager, integrated infrastructure services. “Investing in LRT expansion and Bus Rapid Transit will ensure green modes of transportation continue to get Edmontonians where they need to go.”
A rendering shows part of the Valley Line Southeast LRT project. – Province of Alberta
Construction on major road projects such as the Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion and the Terwillegar Drive Expansion also continues this year. Yellowhead Trail and Terwillegar Drive are key arterial routes connecting Edmontonians across the city. The projects also include active transportation upgrades, such as new shared pathways.
Crews are scheduled to work on more than 17,000 metres of roadway length and 11 bridges in 2023.
Through the Neighbourhood Renewal Program, more than 100 kilometres of residential roads and sidewalks and 23 kilometres of alleys will be renewed in 17 neighbourhoods across the city.
The 124 Street streetscape project is set to start the second and final year of construction this spring, with upgrades to the road, lighting and street lights, and drainage systems to the area. The project also adds more than 150 trees and planting areas to the street. Officials noted that this is part of city’s goal to provide 30 per cent canopy coverage.
The three-year William Hawrelak Park renewal project that will see the replacement of 50-year-old underground utilities, transportation networks, open spaces and facility infrastructure is now underway.
Residents will soon see construction around the Edmonton-Strathcona Footbridge, as the city works with Strathcona County and the River Valley Alliance to improve access and connectivity to the trail systems in the River Valley.
“As we assess and plan for these construction projects, we look for opportunities to balance investment in new infrastructure while caring for what already exists,” said Laughlin. “We’re working on the roads, bridges and pathways Edmontonians need and use every day to move around the city.”
The $7 billion 2023-26 Capital Budget includes more than $1.7 billion in infrastructure renewal.
Toronto has more than a billion dollars of work scheduled for this construction season.
Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie says the city’s 2023 construction season has more than $1.14 billion of work planned for roads, bridges, expressways, TTC tracks, sewers and watermains. McKelvie explained that the work ensures that Toronto’s infrastructure remains in a state of good repair and meets the needs of Toronto residents both now and in the future.
“The city of Toronto is committed to renewing and upgrading our infrastructure and we are investing more than $1.14 billion this year in these vital projects,” said McKelvie. “The 2023 construction season is going to be busy and we continue to actively coordinate this work to minimize disruption as best as possible. However, with so many projects happening this year, we’re encouraging everyone to plan their travel in advance. We appreciate your patience while we deliver this important and necessary work.”
How the money will be spent
$426 million for rehabilitation and improvements to transportation infrastructure including:
$156 million on bridges, culverts and other transportation infrastructure in the municipal right-of-way
$65 million on major roads
$72 million on local roads
$68 million on expressways including the F.G. Gardiner Strategic Rehabilitation
$42 million on sidewalks and cycling infrastructure
$23 million on Vision Zero infrastructure and the Road Safety Plan
$4.6 million to fix potholes
Approximately $713 million will be invested in water infrastructure, including:
$278 million on watermain and water services
$117 million on local sewer replacement and rehabilitation and forcemains
$225 million on basement flooding protection
$93 million on storm water management projects including the Don River and Central Waterfront
Some of the major upcoming projects planned this year include:
Coxwell Avenue and Gerrard Street East/Eastwood Road streetcar track replacement and watermain replacement
Broadview Avenue from Gerrard Street East to Danforth Avenue watermain rehabilitation and streetcar track replacement
Bloor Street West from Avenue Road to Spadina Avenue Road reconstruction, pedestrian safety improvements, permanent raised cycle tracks and intersection improvements
Adelaide Street from York Street to Victoria Street streetcar track installation
University Avenue from Queen Street West to College Street watermain replacement and road resurfacing
Ossington Avenue from Queen Street West to Argyle Street Road resurfacing
The Queensway from South Kingsway to Ellis Avenue sewer replacement and forcemain renewal
Bloor Street West over Elmcrest Creek bridge rehabilitation
Fairbank Memorial Park to Black Creek and various local streets Fairbank Silverthorn tunnel and storm sewers for basement flooding protection
Rowanwood Avenue, Thornwood Road, Chestnut Park and Roxborough Street replacement of a 100-year-old watermain
O’Connor Drive from Glenwood Crescent to Bermondsey Road sewer upgrades, new public plaza and green infrastructure improvements
Martin Grove Road from Rexdale Boulevard to Westhumber Boulevard watermain replacement
Fenmar Drive from Steeles Avenue West to Weston Road and Kemar Drive from Fenmar Drive to Weston Road watermain rehabilitation
Keele Street from Steeles Avenue West to Sheppard Avenue West watermain replacement
Bathurst Manor area including Sheppard Avenue West and Bathurst Street sewer and watermain
Westgate Avenue and other local streets sewer and watermain upgrades and road resurfacing
Bathurst Street south of York Downs and other local streets sewer and watermain upgrades
Victoria Park and Sheppard Avenue East sewer and watermain upgrades
Allen Road under Lawrence Street West bridge rehabilitation
Albion Road Bridge, over Humber River bridge rehabilitation
Jane Street north of Wilson Road upgrading the storm and sanitary sewers
Bayview Avenue from Lawrence Avenue East to Eglinton Avenue East Road resurfacing and watermain replacement
Martin Grove Road from Rexdale Boulevard to West Humber Trail watermain replacement
McCowan Road Bridge over West Highland Creek bridge rehabilitation
Key Takeaways:
Crosslinx Transit Solutions is taking the province to court over the $12.81-billion transit project.
The consortium alleges that Metrolinx has failed to officially retain an operator for the line, causing major delays and costs.
Metrolinx has fired back saying it plans to defend itself and called the move a “delay tactic” when the team should be focused on delivering a detailed schedule for completing the project.
The Whole Story:
As the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project in Toronto nears completion, the consortium tasked with delivering and maintaining the line announced its plans to take Metrolinx to court.
This month Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS) said in a statement that it has filed a notice of application with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice aimed at Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario. The consortium alleges that Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency, has failed to retain an operator for the unfinished transit line, causing significant delays and costs.
“CTS has been forced to take this step after months of engagement with Metrolinx about the challenges to the project as a result of Metrolinx having no signed Operating Agreement with the TTC (despite having a decade to do so),” wrote CTS in a statement.
The consortium – which includes ACS-Dragados, Aecon, EllisDon and SNC-Lavalin – explained that it is seeking to be treated fairly so the nearly completed project can wrap up.
The notice is asking the court to find that Metrolinx has an obligation to enter into a contract with the TTC as the intended operator of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and bind the TTC to a contract consistent with the project agreement.
A detailed map shows the route and stations for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project. – Metrolinx
“At this late stage of the Eglinton Crosstown project, with construction more than 98% complete, and testing, training and commissioning underway, the TTC is able to make requests and provide input at any time, including at a late stage, that go beyond CTS’ contractual responsibilities,” said CTS. “Metrolinx has refused to manage or take ownership over these late changes requested by the TTC despite the undeniable continual impact on the project schedule. This has resulted in delays to the project outside our control and significant cost overruns which the CTS has continued to incur.”
Phil Verster, Metrolinx president and CEO responded to the filing calling it “another unacceptable delay tactic” and said CTS should instead be working on submitting a credible project completion schedule.
“While Metrolinx is driving and supporting CTS to complete the project, CTS is looking for new ways to make financial claims,” said Verster, adding that CTS’s behaviour “continues to be disappointing.”
Verster explained that Metrolinx and the TTC have been working collaboratively for years to get the Eglinton Crosstown LRT ready for customer service, but now require a schedule that describes how they will complete the testing, commissioning, safety and quality rectifications of the rail line.
CTS fired back saying they were disappointed with the characterization of their actions as a “delay tactic”.
CTS stated that rather than cause delays, their action seeks to remove existing barriers to completion.
“Every single day our team at CTS continues to work diligently, despite the many challenges to deliver a safe and reliable system to the people of our city,” officials said.
“It is not tenable for CTS to continue working towards shifting standards, requirements and goalposts of project completion.”
Crosslinx Transit Solutions
CTS noted that it has not suspended or stopped any work on the project, however, they are asking the courts to find that CTS is not obligated to continue working on the project while the issues between Metrolinx and the TTC are resolved.
“It is not tenable for CTS to continue working towards shifting standards, requirements and goalposts of project completion,” they said.
Verster said that Metrolinx plans to defend itself in cour and that the cost of CTS’s delays are for CTS to bear.
“Metrolinx is already withholding significant payments for poor performance,” said Verster. “We will continue to hold CTS to account and examine every remedy under the Project Agreement to ensure the project is delivered to a high quality and that it is safe and reliable to open.”
Key Takeaways:
The joint venture includes Chandos and Bird Construction.
The facility is being built using the Integrated Project Delivery model.
This facility, built on a 14-acre site at Jennett Avenue, will provide the utility greater efficiency.
The Whole Story:
Halifax Water has chosen Bird-Chandos Joint Venture as the successful proponent for its new facility’s first phase (design validation) in Burnside Business Park.
Halifax Water’s selection process included assessing each proponent’s approach to designing a new facility, their health, safety, and environmental record, and an assessment of earlier work.
“The selection of the Bird-Chandos Joint Venture as the successful proponent for the Burnside Operations Depot is a significant step for Halifax Water,” said Louis de Montbrun, acting general manager and CEO of Halifax Water. “This is an exciting project that, once complete, will provide our staff with modern facilities and enhance services for our customers.”
The contract utilizes Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) with multiple partners, including Bird-Chandos Joint Venture, Group2 Architecture, FBM, CBCL, and Atlantica Mechanical Contractors.
“We look forward to collaborating with our partners to deliver this important project for Halifax Water. Bird has a reputation for successful project delivery within the IPD framework, and we are committed to ensuring that this facility meets the highest standards,” commented Teri McKibbon, president and CEO of Bird Construction. “Our clients are at the forefront of everything we do, and we are proud of our history and reputation for successfully delivering projects that benefit and serve the community.”
Halifax Water explained that the IPD process involves all participants through all design, fabrication, and construction phases. The objectives are to increase productivity, efficiently use resources, and avoid overruns or conflicts during construction.
“Collaborative construction enables the right conditions for project teams to identify and deliver best-value outcomes for owners,” said Tim Coldwell, president of Chandos Construction. “We’re thrilled to be part of the IPD team selected by Halifax Water. We look forward to working alongside Bird Construction and the other IPD partners to deliver the Burnside Operations Depot for the customers and employees of Halifax Water,” says
Halifax Water stated that by consolidating its operations facilities with the technical services group, the utility can better serve customers. This facility, built on a 14-acre site at Jennett Avenue, will provide greater efficiency by bringing operations currently in four operations depots at Mann Street, Neptune Crescent, Park Avenue, and Bissett Road into one location. Three of these locations are nearing the end of their useful life and must be replaced.
The utility noted that it has been engaging impacted staff on the project for the past year. The goal is to allow employees to provide insight and feedback before the facility’s design. They added that this includes improving functionality, optimizing the layout, and identifying desired features that reflect and enhance a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.
*Update: Workers have returned to the site after improvements to the weather. However, officials are prepared to evacuate if wildfire conditions change.
The Site C Dam project, a $16-billion hydroelectric project in northern B.C., has halted work due to wildfires.
The project near Fort St. John is over 70% completed and is expected to wrap up next year.
BC Hydro gave the following statement on twitter Tuesday morning:
“We are closely monitoring the Stoddart Creek wildfire. The Site C project is currently under an evacuation alert. As a precaution, we have suspended work at the dam site and are prepared to evacuate if necessary.”
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has already issued a series of evacuation orders for people in the area.
On Monday the PRRD issued combined evacuation orders and alerts for the Stoddart Creek and Red Creek wildfires, and a State of Local Emergency is declared for some areas.
“This is a very dangerous situation, and we’re here to support our communities, but we need residents leave immediately when an Evacuation Order is issued as it is not safe to stay behind,” said Mike Watkins, PRRD emergency operations centre director. “It is critical for residents in Evacuation Order areas to leave immediately.”
According to the latest workforce numbers from the project team, Site C has roughly 4,415 people working at the site. With an estimated value of $16 billion, it is one of the largest construction projects in the province.
*Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Key Takeaways:
Bruce Power is the world’s largest operating nuclear facility
With this new contract, Shoreline Power Group will execute Fuel Channel and Fuel Replacement work on all six of Bruce Power’s Major Component Replacement projects.
Bruce Power’s refurbishment projects are expected to wrap up in 2033.
The Whole Story:
Shoreline Power Group has been awarded a $1.3-billion contract by Bruce Power.
Shoreline Power Group – a joint venture between Aecon, SNC-Lavalin and AECOM Fuel – will work on the Fuel Channel and Feeder Replacement (FCFR) projects for its remaining Major Component Replacement (MCR) projects in Units 4, 5, 7 and 8.
The announcement comes just days after Bruce Power achieved substantial completion on its Unit 6 MCR project on-time and on-budget. Shoreline Power Group completed the FCFR for Unit 6 and had previously been awarded the Unit 3 MCR project which began March 1. With this new contract, Shoreline Power Group will execute FCFR work on all six of Bruce Power’s MCR project (Units 3-8), helping to extend the life of the site to 2064 and beyond.
“We’re pleased to be able to partner with Shoreline Power Group for the entirety of our Major Component Replacement project over the next decade to perform the major component replacement portion of our Life Extension Program,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power president and CEO. “Part of Shoreline’s commitment is to deliver the next two MCRs more efficiently and cost-effectively than the previous one leveraging our lessons learned and best practices. Our Life Extension program when completed will provide clean energy for the people of Ontario and lifesaving medical isotopes to the world.”
Bruce Power is the world’s largest operating nuclear facility, in addition to producing power, it helps create lifesaving medical isotopes. The company and its partners will refurbish Units 3-8 between 2020 and 2033, a privately funded investment that they expect to generate billions in annual economic benefits in communities throughout the province. According to Bruce Power, It directly and indirectly supports 22,000 jobs annually and inject $4 billion into the province’s economy.
“This contract award underscores the success of our long-term partnership with Bruce Power and we are proud to achieve substantial completion on Unit 6,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and CEO of Aecon Group Inc., on behalf of Shoreline Power Group. “The success of the Unit 6 refurbishment is a testament to the incredible work of our dedicated teams and trades. We look forward to working with our partners to execute the remainder of this critical project with an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, schedule and cost performance. This work supports a net-zero future, creates economic benefits and helps ensure the supply of clean and reliable electricity to meet Ontario’s growing energy demands.”
Todd Smith, Ontario minister of energy, applauded the partnership which says will keep the facility producing clean, reliable and affordable energy.
“We are proud and fortunate to have a world-class nuclear supply chain that is the envy of the world,” he said.
Key Takeaways:
Officials are changing city rules to allow multiplex developments in any neighbourhood.
The city noted that supply of low-rise housing, such as multiplexes, has not kept up with the demand
The city will alter its Official Plan and zoning bylaw to allow the new developments.
The Whole Story:
Toronto is changing its policies to allow for multiplex developments city-wide.
The city’ council’s adopted recommendations will result in amendments to the city’s Official Plan and city-wide zoning bylaw to enable the development of multiplexes – low-rise housing with two, three or four units in a single building – in all neighbourhoods throughout Toronto.
The recommended changes aim to permit more housing in all low-rise neighbourhoods while largely maintaining their built form and landscape amenities.
“Multiplexes have a long history in some Toronto neighbourhoods, providing desirable housing for many different types of households,” said Gregg Lintern, chief planner and executive director, city planning. “Our recommendations to permit multiplex housing across all neighbourhoods will enable property owners to create housing for extended families or rental units for tenants. This is an important step to removing exclusionary zoning and will contribute to the city’s housing goals.”
This initiative is one component of the city’s 2023 Housing Action Plan, which seeks to increase the housing supply within complete, inclusive and sustainable communities with critical infrastructure to support growth.
Officials noted that while there has been housing growth through mid- and high-rise apartment buildings concentrated in densely populated areas of the city, the supply of low-rise housing, such as multiplexes, has not kept up with the demand.
To remove barriers and enable the creation of more low-rise housing, the adopted report recommends an Official Plan Amendment to permit multiplexes in residential areas across the city and a Zoning Bylaw Amendment to implement these permissions in all residential zones. The report also recommends a monitoring program to track uptake and identify issues related to achieving multiplex housing.
The amendments were informed by feedback received through public consultation, including comments submitted to the city in response to the draft amendments.
The full Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods: Multiplex Study – Final Report is available on the city’s website.
Key Takeaways:
Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto.
grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to each of the buildings to offset the incremental design and construction costs required to achieve maximum emissions reductions.
participants are currently finalizing their designs.
Once complete, the city will develop and publicly release comprehensive case studies.
The Whole Story:
Toronto has revealed the eight buildings participating in the Deep Retrofit Challenge (DRC), a competition-style program with up to $5 million in funding up for grabs.
Through the DRC, grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to each of the buildings, seven of which are privately-owned, to support deeper-than-planned energy retrofits. The grants will offset the incremental design and construction costs required to achieve maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions.
“Reducing emissions from buildings across Toronto is a critical piece of the City’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and something we must do quickly to address the climate crisis,” said Jennifer McKelvie, deputy mayor. “Through the Deep Retrofit Challenge, we are accelerating emissions reductions and creating pathways for other buildings to follow. Reducing emissions to net zero will require significant community-wide action and investments by other levels of government.”
Launched in 2022, the DRC aims to accelerate emissions reductions from buildings in Toronto and identify pathways to net zero that can be replicated in other buildings across the city. The retrofits are intended to advance the goals of the TransformTO Net Zero Climate Action Strategy, including the city’s target to reduce community-wide emissions to net zero by 2040, and serve as a catalyst to accelerate deep energy retrofits.
Officials noted that Toronto’s community-wide emissions must be cut in half in the next seven years – by 2030 – to reach the trajectory needed to reach net zero by 2040. Buildings are the largest source of GHG emissions in Toronto today, generating approximately 58 per cent of community-wide emissions, primarily from the burning of natural gas for heating and hot water. The City controls only about five per cent of community-wide emissions directly through its own buildings and operations, making a community-wide effort essential to reaching net zero emissions.
DRC participants are currently finalizing their designs. The process includes an integrated design workshop, energy modelling, the final selection of energy conservation measures and payback calculations. To remain eligible for funding, participants must deliver a final design to the city that verifies that their proposed projects will meet all DRC program requirements, including:
Minimum 50 per cent reduction in the building’s GHG emissions.
Minimum 50 per cent reduction in total energy use intensity.
Payback period of 20 years or less.
Retrofits will be completed by early 2025. Once complete, the city will develop and publicly release comprehensive case studies on completion of the retrofits, including the retrofit designs, utility savings, project costs and lessons learned.
Applications for the DRC were accepted from Aug. 26 to Oct. 31, 2022. The city received 14 applications and accepted 11 conditionally, with eight building owners now fully committed.
More information about participants and their projects is available on the city’s Deep Retrofit Challenge webpage. To receive updates about the projects, residents can ask to be added to a mailing list by emailing drc@toronto.ca.
Here are the challenge participants:
350 Bay Street (Dream Office REIT) Building type: Commercial Office Year built: 1928 Number of storeys: 13 Number of units: 12 Gross Floor Area (m2): 5,406 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 53% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 73% Total DRC incentive: $500,000
723 Bloor Street West (Dream Unlimited) Building type: Multi-unit residential Year built: 1920 Number of storeys: 4 Number of units: 16 Gross Floor Area (m2): 1,604 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 72% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 53% Total DRC incentive: $229,384.75
88 College Street (The Governing Council of the University of Toronto) Building type: Commercial office Year built: 1882 Number of storeys: 2 Number of units: N/A Gross Floor Area (m2): 1,748 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 95% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 72% Total DRC incentive: $285,326
1-15 Field Sparroway; 2-10 Tree Sparroway (Toronto Community Housing) Building type: Multi-unit residential Year built: 1973 Number of storeys: 3 Number of units: 175 Gross Floor Area (m2): 17,414 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 82% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 50% Total DRC incentive: $500,000
633 Northcliffe Boulevard (Northcliffe Inc.) Building type: Multi-unit residential Year built: 1968 Number of storeys: 11 Number of units: 86 Gross Floor Area (m2): 6,973 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 76.5% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 52% Total DRC incentive: $500,000
177 St. George Street (Dream Unlimited) Building type: Multi-unit residential Year built: 1963 Number of storeys 8 Number of units: 65 Gross Floor Area (m2): 3,902 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 54% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 74% Total DRC incentive: $500,000
145 Woodward Avenue (145 Woodward Ave Inc.) Building type: Multi-unit residential Year built: 1955 Number of storeys: 3 Number of units: 11 Gross Floor Area (m2): 870 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 80% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 57% Total DRC incentive: $151,750
61 Yorkville Avenue (Minto Apartment Limited Partnership) Building type: Mixed-use (multi-unit residential and retail commercial) Year built: 2003 Number of storeys: 18 Number of units: 181 Gross Floor Area (m2): 19,490 Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reduction: 82% Estimated total energy use intensity reduction: 51% Total DRC incentive: $383,750
Key Takeaways:
The work is split into two contracts that total $615 million.
The scope of work includes the construction of additional lanes, seven new bridges, and improvements to ramps and interchanges.
Since the road’s initial construction in the 1970s, Calgary’s population has doubled
The Whole Story:
Aecon has been selected to upgrade Alberta’s busiest highway.
The company announced that Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors chose them to deliver the Deerfoot Trail Improvements project in Calgary under two contracts with an aggregate value of $615 million.
The company has been selected as the preferred proponent for the $595 million design and construction of improvements to Deerfoot Trail from Douglasdale Boulevard to north of Glenmore Trail. The scope of work includes the construction of additional lanes, seven new bridges, and improvements to ramps and interchanges.
The job is expected to last until the fourth quarter of 2027.
Aecon has also been awarded a $20 million contract for the construction of improvements at Beddington Trail Northwest and 11th Street Northeast, including adding an additional lane in the north and southbound directions, and constructing a ramp to connect 11th Street with Deerfoot Trail North and Beddington Trail.
“We look forward to bringing our experience delivering large scale transportation projects to improve the safety, mobility and capacity of this important corridor,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and CEO of Aecon Group. “This project will benefit growing communities and we are pleased to expand our relationship with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.”
Since the road’s initial construction in the 1970s, Calgary’s population has doubled, more people have access to vehicles, and traffic volumes have continued to increase.
According to the province, 2019 saw the average weekday traffic volumes were 93,000 vehicles/day at Stoney Trail SE and 190,000 vehicles/day at Memorial Drive. Improvements are needed to bring the road’s capacity closer to the current and projected traffic demands, as well as improve the safety and reliability of the transportation corridor.
Key Takeaways:
The design team includes Indigenous design firm Two Row Architect to incorporate Indigenous architectural form.
The team plans to include green building practices, including mass timber, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, geothermal energy, renewable building materials and green roofing.
Demolition of current facilities is slated for winter this year, with an estimated building completion in 2026.
The Whole Story
DIALOG and Two Row Architect have unveiled the design of multi-million-dollar health and wellness complex for Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto.
The architects say the project will be infused with Indigenous design, sustainability and inclusion.
Drawing inspiration from the medicine wheel, the health and wellness Centre will be a destination for students and employees to support their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness.
On the pre-design of the building, Seneca is working with DIALOG, an integrated design practice, and Indigenous design firm Two Row Architect to incorporate Indigenous architectural form.
“The Health and Wellness Centre will be the heartbeat of Seneca,” said Erik Skouris, Two Row Architecture, design lead. “The outcome of this circular design signifying a drum demonstrates that the Centre will provide a holistic healing approach within the lives of the students based on Indigenous ways of seeing, understanding and being in the world that extends beyond the mere act of drumming.”
Established in 1992 by principal Architect Brian Porter (OnΛyota’a:ka), the name Two Row Architect was chosen to reflect the unique nature of the firm. The firm is a 100% native-owned business operated from the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation and Tkaronto.
The design includes a central drum courtyard with fire pit. – DIALOG
Skouris explained that many teachings across Turtle Island use the circle to represent balance and equality, wholeness, and connection. The circle is unbroken and made of equal, connected and infinite points.
“The Creator is at the centre of the courtyard, around which all living things – including students, engage,” he said. “All programs radiate from this centre and have a special and direct connection to it. The drum voices our connection to all creation when we move and strengthens our bonds to each other when we drum together.”
Seneca’s vision is to transform the decades-old Sport Centre at the east end of Newnham Campus into a dynamic multi-storey health and wellness complex that includes traditional medicines, counselling, recreation and varsity sports facilities. The centre will also incorporate a new home for the Seneca Student Federation (SSF).
Funding for the Centre is coming from Seneca, the SSF and the Student Athletic Association (SAA). The SSF and SAA contributions have been funded through capital fees contributed by students over many years.
According to the school, the centre will represent the next phase of development at Newnham Campus, complementing the award-winning LEED Gold-certified Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship, known as CITE, and the award-winning Odeyto Indigenous Centre.
Landscaped outdoor space surrounding the Centre will provide opportunities to engage with nature. Highlights include a central drum courtyard with fire pit, an extensive arrangement of native plants and trees, regenerative forest, earth mounds and a teaching and leisure rooftop terrace.
The team plans to include green building practices, including mass timber, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, geothermal energy, renewable building materials, green roofing, and designing for resilience and operational sustainability.
Subject to approval by the provincial government, demolition of current facilities is slated for winter this year, with an estimated building completion in 2026.
Spring has sprung and construction work is in full swing all across the country. Shots that caught our staff’s eye this month included safety training, trash pickups, traffic control, rainbows, ospreys and more.
The Construction Foundation of B.C. welcomed rebar worker Oleh Marchyshyn and his family to Victoria. The family recently moved to B.C. from Ukraine and Oleh was quickly able to find work in the construction industry.
Lafarge workers clean up trash near the company’s Innovation Hub in Edmonton.
Peak Construction Group
Elder Dennis Joseph shares a song and prayer with Peak Construction Group’s teams at the Sen̓áḵw site for National Day of Mourning.
Glenbow Museum
Workers watch as new exterior panels are placed on the Glenbow Museum in Calgary. The panels are made from Cloudcrete, a fibreglass concrete mix that allows for unique shapes while maintaining their strength.
ETRO Construction
ETRO Construction’s team gives a crane-high view of work on the Brightside Community Homes Foundation’s Passive House project.
Metrolinx
The first passenger trails roll over the new Davenport Diamond Guideway, an elevated track that allows GO Trains to travel above traffic and freight trains in the Greater Toronto Area.
An osprey tends to its nest at Kelowna’s William R. Bennett Bridge. The BC Ministry of Transportation assisted the birds after their nest toppled during a wind storm.
Key Takeaways:
The Bow Transit Connectors team will work with the Green Line to design, build and finance the project.
During the development phase the two groups will collaborate on design, costs and scheduling before a project agreement is signed.
The project is expected to cost $5.5 billion, making it the largest in Calgary’s history.
The Whole Story:
A development partner has been chosen for Calgary’s Green Line project.
Following a successful procurement, the Green Line Board has approved the development phase agreement and selected Bow Transit Connectors (BTC) as Green Line’s development partner. BTC brings together Barnard Constructors of Canada, Flatiron Constructors Canada Ltd, and WSP Canada Inc, along with their financial advisor EllisDon Capital. Collectively they will bring shared expertise in underground, above-ground structures, and LRT design and construction to deliver Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT Project.
“The selection of our development partner and launch of the development phase is an important milestone as we move forward with BTC to design, build and finance the Green Line LRT. The Green Line Board has confidence in BTC and their ability to work collaboratively as we collectively ensure we balance costs and risks with the long-term city shaping benefits of Green Line” said Don Fairbairn, Chair, Green Line Board.
Officials explained that the development phase will allow for collaboration, design progression, and agreement on project costs, risks, and overall schedule between Green Line and BTC, before signing a project agreement. As part of negotiations, Green Line agreed to extend the Development Phase from approximately 12 months to 16 months to allow for greater design progression and cost certainty. The implementation phase remains on track to begin in 2024.
In addition to the lead construction and design team, BTC are proposing their subconsultants, which, to date, include: Delve Underground, Platinum Engineering, Egis, IBI, GEC Architecture and Architecture 49. “As part of the Bow Transit Connectors team, we look forward to bringing our expertise in delivering large scale transportation projects to the Green Line LRT Project. We are proud to share the trust of the City of Calgary as we significantly improve mobility for Calgarians” said Ken Tanner, VP of operations for Flatiron Constructors.
Green Line officials stated that they plan to share updates as additional agreements are finalized with the local contracting community.
“This is a crucial project for Calgary’s future. As a partner of Bow Transit Connectors, we will work collaboratively with the City of Calgary and local communities to deliver this exciting and important city-shaping project” said Dan Schall, VP at Barnard Construction Company.
At 18-kms, Phase 1 is the longest LRT project and largest infrastructure investment in Calgary’s history. Officials expect it to create almost 20,000 jobs throughout construction, $2.2 billion in long-term city-shaping benefits and more than $6 billion in property value uplift by 2040.
The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Vancouver has unveiled the design of a new, state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheatre with a capacity of approximately 10,000.
It will be one of the largest free-span timber roof structures in the world. The non-profit explained that the new facility will be nestled in the heart of the park with panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains.
“This world-class open-air venue will provide much needed mixed-use venue space for top-tier concerts, arts and culture programming, community events, esports events, and more,” said the group.
The team is expecting to finalize the design this year and start construction in 2024. The facility is scheduled for completion in 2026.
By the numbers:
Maximum capacity of approx. 10,000
Estimated annual attendance 340,000+
Projected 75+ performances per year
24 Commercial Shows
22 Community, Arts, and Culture Shows
14 Corporate Shows
15 PNE Fair Shows (Summer Night Concerts)
The PNE added that the facility feature covered seating, hospitality suites, banquet/lounge space, common areas, and fully integrated premium catering options. They plan to use sustainable products and design, and build to Passive Haus, LEED, and Salmon-Safe certification standards.
“The crown jewel of the PNE and Hastings Park, the new PNE Amphitheatre will enable us to showcase and celebrate BC’s talent, diversity, and enthusiasm for live events,” said Shelley Frost, PNE president and CEO.
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have released a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the Advance Tunnel Contract package for the Yonge North Subway Extension.
The Yonge North Subway Extension (YNSE) will extend the TTC’s Line 1 subway service approximately eight kilometres from the existing terminus at Finch Station into the city of Richmond Hill.
The project runs through the Toronto and York Region, including sections within Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. It will include an approximately 6.3-km tunnelled segment as well as an above-ground segment that will run along the existing rail corridor in the northern section of the route.
The RFQ outlines the scope of work to design, build and finance the tunnels. This includes the following:
Approximately 6.3 km of tunnelling works.
Design and construction of launch and extraction shafts, tunnels, as well as headwalls for stations and support of excavation for emergency exit buildings.
Design, procurement, and supply of tunnel boring machines and tunnel liner segments.
Reinforcing and improving soil and works necessary to facilitate tunnelling under and next to the CN Railway tracks and the York Durham Sewage System.
Construction of CN right-of-way separation barriers to expedite safe corridor access and construction.
Officials stated that the RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select teams to deliver the YNSE advance tunnel contract for the project. Companies interested in bidding on this contract must register with www.merx.com to download the respective RFQ.
It’s no wonder bridges make great metaphors. They connect two places, help thousands overcome major obstacles and often stand for decades.
They are some of the most vital pieces of infrastructure and are relied upon by millions to move goods and services through the country. But they don’t stay standing without some help. Here are 10 major bridge projects that aim to repair, replace or create new crossings in Canada.
The Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project -Surrey, B.C.
Built for $4 million in 1937, the Pattullo Bridge is a key connection between the communities of Surrey and New Westminster. But it’s reaching the end of its life and is being replaced by a new four-lane bridge that includes modern, wider lanes, separated by a centre median barrier for safety. The new bridge is scheduled to open in 2024. Once the new bridge is open, the existing bridge will be removed.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge – Windsor, Ont.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge – named after the late Red Wings legend – will connect Windsor, Ont. and Detroit, Michigan, south of Historic Fort Wayne in southwest Detroit. Running one-and-a-half miles in length and spanning six-lanes, the project will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. It is on track to be completed in 2024. Recent drone footage showed off construction progress so far.
Limberlost Place pedestrian bridge – Toronto, Ont.
Crews lift a pedestrian bridge into place in downtown Toronto. – PCL
A two-story mass timber pedestrian bridge has been installed at Limberlost Place, marking a major milestone for the Toronto project. PCL announced that the bridge was erected 65 feet above street level, connecting level five of Limberlost Place to level six of the college’s Daphne Cockwell Centre for Health Sciences at George Brown College (GBC). Because the bridge was prefabricated off site, installation only took one day.
Groat Road Bridges – Edmonton, Alta.
Crews use gantry cranes to keep bridges open during work.
When Edmonton’s Groat Road Bridges and Road Renewal Project needed traffic to keep flowing while work was being done, Graham rose to the challenge. The team used two mobile gantries mounted in tandem to complete work on several bridges while not interrupting the more than 40,000 drivers who use the route daily. They were able to complete the work on-budget at $45.6 million and within the 33-month schedule.
Nisutlin Bay Bridge – Teslin, Yukon
A rendering shows the design of the new bridge. – Yukon Government
Graham Infrastructure LP is working to replace an aging bridge in the Yukon. The $160-million Nisutlin Bay Bridge project is the largest capital project in the territory’s history. The original bridge was built in 1953 and traffic along the Alaska highway has increased. The new bridge was planned with input from the community and in collaboration with the Teslin Tlingit Council. Indigenous art is being incorporated into the design. Work is expected to wrap in 2026.
Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge project – Montreal, Que.
The existing Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge has already undergone reinforcement work to prolong its life.
Quebec officials recently announced they have finalized the selection process for work on the new Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge reconstruction project. The $2.3 billion project will have two separate structures and accommodate three lanes of traffic each way, a multi-purpose lane and wide shoulders for buses. Officials plant to gradually put the new infrastructure into service near the end of 2026.
Saint John’s Harbour Bridge – Saint John, N.B.
The project to rehab this New Brunswick bridge is entering its fourth and final phase. Work includes deck rehabilitation of both ramps located on the east end and replacement of bearings and pier repairs on the underside of the bridge. It’s expected to be completely refurbished by 2026.
St. Vital Bridge Upgrades – Winnipeg, Man.
Crews began working on St. Vital Bridge improvements in Winnipeg earlier this year. The $52-million upgrades include a bridge surface to extend the structure’s lifespan by 50 years, a widened multi-use pathway on each side, improvements to the pedestrian tunnel under the bridge and more. Work is expected to wrap next year.
Granville Bridge Upgrades – Vancouver, B.C.
A rendering shows upgrades being done to Vancouver’s Granville Bridge. – City of Vancouver
The Vancouver bridge work is part of the Granville Connector project, which includes converting two west-side travel lanes on the bridge to separated walking, rolling, and cycling routes, similar to the protected lanes on the nearby Burrard Bridge. Additional improvements include the installation of new traffic signals, wayfinding signage, and the creation of a pedestrian and bicycle connection to the Arbutus Greenway at the south end of the bridge. Work is scheduled to wrap in fall 2024. The contract is being carried out by Pomerleau.
Wildlife Overpass – Canmore, Alta.
Last year crews broke ground on a 17.5-million wildlife overpass east of Canmore. It is the first wildlife overpass to be built outside of Banff National Park. Officials say it will greatly improve safety as there are an average of 69 vehicle-wildlife collisions annually on the Trans-Canada Highway between Banff National Park and Highway 40.
Key Takeaways:
City administration will begin formal discussions on definitive agreements with all parties, which is expected to be underway through spring and summer 2023.
The project includes an event centre, community rink, potential commercial development parcels, gathering spaces, street improvements and more.
Work on an events centre was set to start in 2022, but the deal was terminated over budget disputes.
The Whole Story:
A $1.22-billion deal has been struck to develop Calgary’s Rivers District and create a new event centre.
The city has reached agreements, in principle, with the province, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) and Calgary Stampede to proceed with a significant phase of the Culture + Entertainment District in downtown Calgary.
The area will feature a suite of public amenities and public infrastructure, including a new community rink, improvements to public spaces and connections to the district, and commercial opportunities, all of which will be anchored by a new publicly-owned modern event centre.
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) stated that the new development will not only enhance the entertainment options in the area but also provide significant economic benefits for the construction industry through jobs and follow-on investment in the Rivers’ District.
“The construction industry is poised to play a major role in bringing this new facility to life, and we are proud to support this project,” said the group. “Our association is committed to working closely with all stakeholders as an advisor to ensure that this project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest level of quality.”
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek said the project is another signal to the market that Calgary is making strong investments in its future.
“The partnership approach we have taken accomplishes two things: we are building an event centre, and we are also creating the public amenities needed within the Rivers District to build community and enhance quality of life for all Calgarians,” she said.
Premier Danielle Smith stated that the new arena and event centre will be at the heart of Calgary’s sports, entertainment and cultural scene for generations, and will result in billions of dollars of economic activity and a higher quality of life for millions of Albertans.
A map shows the layout of plans to develop the Rivers District. – City of Calgary
“The memories experienced here by families and friends will contribute invaluably to the fabric and spirit of this city for decades,” she said. “Calgary is a vibrant world class city deserving and in need of world class facilities. Along with Edmonton’s Rogers Place, Alberta will now have two of the best and most modern event centres in all the world.
She noted that one of her first actions as Premier was to publicly encourage all parties to return to the negotiating table and to appoint MLA Ric McIver along with her office’s executive director to work with the city and CESC to get a deal done.
“Six months later, we have results and I am grateful to the city, CESC, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, MLA McIver and everyone else involved who came together to get this job done,” she said. “I can’t wait to get the project started.”
This project includes a number of improvements to the area:
New mobility connection: A new 4-lane underpass under the CP train tracks with wide sidewalks at 6th Street S.E., providing pedestrian, wheeling, and vehicle connections.
Community rink: Shared facility for public booking and training facility for CSEC teams with seating for 1,000.
Outdoor and indoor gathering spaces: More opportunity for community events onsite and in The District.
Event centre: New city-owned building, capable of accommodating “A-class” events and additional hosting space on a 10-acre parcel of land.
Street and public realm improvements: Improvements to 5 Street S.E and 15, 17 and 25 Avenues S.E.
Land: Potential commercial development parcels.
“We are excited to be part of the announcement of a new event centre and community rink that will both be home for the Calgary Flames, Calgary Hitmen, Calgary Roughnecks and Calgary Wranglers. And this announcement will help us put Calgary and the Province back on the map for all major North American concerts,” said CSEC President and CEO John Bean. “We would like to thank Premier Smith, Mayor Gondek, Councillor Sharp and CEO Cowley for their leadership in helping to create the vision for this project and the environment for it to proceed.”
The city stated that the agreements position the event centre to be a complementary anchor to the BMO Centre Expansion and together, these two modernized facilities will work with other improvements in the area, such as 17 Avenue S., Victoria Park Station, Central Library and Studio Bell, as well as the Arts Commons Transformation, to support and contribute to Calgary’s downtown recovery. It will be a place where visitors and a whole new generation of Calgarians will make lifelong memories.
The city of Calgary’s contribution is 44% of the total cost with the province of Alberta and CSEC contributing the remaining 56%. For every $1.00 invested by the city, the province and CSEC together will invest $1.28. CSEC, in addition to their event centre investment, will continue to make community sports payments, to the tune of $1.5 million annually.
Calgary Stampede will support land exchanges and transactions to ensure the district can grow and develop as planned in the Rivers District Master Plan.
City administration will begin formal discussions on definitive agreements with all parties, which is expected to be underway through spring and summer 2023. The project team is preparing to begin the design and development of the event centre, as well as the supporting infrastructure in the area.
Key Takeaways:
B.C. is spending $20 million to fix the aging Science World building in Vancouver.
Work includes replacing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical systems. Crews will also repair the buildings iconic dome, which is leaking.
The funding is part of a larger effort to repair and upgrade tourism infrastructure in the province.
The Whole Story:
Vancouver’s iconic Science World building is getting repaired.
Repairs to the dome are part of $50-million worth of tourism infrastructure upgrades the province is helping fund.
“If you live in B.C., you have a couple special places you love to visit with family and friends. For my family, Science World is one of those spots,” said Premier David Eby. “If you’re visiting B.C. you know how much there is to see – but all this doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we’re building a strong tourism sector where visitors can experience all our province has to offer and British Columbians can enjoy their favourite places as well as the benefits of a strong, diverse economy.”
Critical systems housed in Science World’s dome are at the end of their life, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical systems, and repairs to these systems must be addressed. The dome is also leaking, rendering the theatre unusable.
The province is investing $20 million in Science World to support priority infrastructure repairs and improvements to its dome and other parts of the building. Updates will include new electrical energy efficiencies and other critical infrastructure upgrades.
Science World under construction in the 1980s. – Science World
“The past three years have been incredibly difficult for people in the tourism industry,” said Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport. “Our government is proud to invest in the tourism sector to support the people who work in it and to support its sustained recovery. By supporting Science World, we are ensuring families throughout B.C. and all our visitors can continue to create lifelong memories together.”
Science World first opened for Expo 86 and has been welcoming more than 860,000 visitors each year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also a learning institution for students and teachers throughout B.C., highlighting careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and math (STEAM) and preparing students with skills for the future.
“This funding will allow us to continue to make critical infrastructure updates to the iconic dome,” said Tracy Redies, CEO, Science World. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Province to ensure we can keep welcoming millions of visitors from B.C., Canada and around the world for another 35 years.”
The province is also providing $30 million to enhance existing tourism infrastructure throughout the province, foster globally competitive destinations, strengthen a year-round visitor economy, and to support sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. Projects include new tourism attractions, campground developments, incorporating Indigenous culture and language, accessibility improvements, and climate change adaptations.
Key Takeaways:
The Canadian Construction Association says Ottawa Hospital’s project labour agreement is unfair to non-union employers.
They cited a new report that suggests the approach could lead to large budget increases.
They believe it is part of a larger trend of unfair public sector procurement practices happening across the country.
In a press release the group stated that Ottawa Hospital’s $2.8 billion Civic Campus project will likely cost taxpayers hundreds of millions more and leave a majority of Ottawa-area construction workers ineligible to work on the vital project.
The CCA explained that an exclusive project labour agreement (PLA) between the hospital and the Unionized Building and Construction Trades of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec prohibits contractors and workers who are not affiliated with these specific unions from bidding on, or even participating in building, the hospital’s new $2.8 billion Civic Campus.
The group cited a report by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) that concluded the Ottawa Hospital’s restrictive PLA will stifle competition, escalating project costs by between $168 million and $525 million by 2028. The authors of the report find it unacceptable for a public entity to make taxpayers pay more by granting exclusivity to a specific group of affiliated workers.
“Not only are a large number of talented workers — many from small and medium-sized firms — barred, but, as the MEI points out, the projects are likely to cost taxpayers more than necessary as a result,” said Mary Van Buren, CCA president.
The CCA stated that the Ottawa Hospital project is the latest in a series of concerning examples, like B.C.’s Pattullo Bridge, where public sector procurement is “falling short on fair and open practices”.
The CCA added that an even more concerning issue is the labour requirements attached to the newly introduced federal clean tax credits established in Budget 2023, which again exclude non-unionized construction workers.
Union workers pose in front of the Pattullo Bridge replacement project in B.C. the CCA says it is another example of non-union workers getting excluded. – Province of B.C.
“The Canadian Construction Association takes issue with these examples and others that either categorically exclude or strongly disadvantage one group of workers,” said Van Buren. “We would take a similarly forceful position if the reverse had happened and union workers had been excluded or disadvantaged.”
When the agreement was announced in January, officials argued that it would be a positive move for the project.
“The Ottawa Hospital wants to do all we can to create a positive and safe work environment for the thousands of workers that will be on site every day during construction of our new campus,” said Cameron Love, president and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with trades unions on this landmark agreement that will help keep the project on schedule and avoid costs and delays associated with work stoppage.”
According to the hospital, the agreement sets out the terms and conditions that will apply to all employers and all trades working on the project. The hospital believes that agreement sets a high safety standard for working conditions for all building and trades workers on the site, increasing safety and job stability, while still following Ontario’s requirements for an open and competitive procurement process.
Officials explained that the agreement ensures compliance with bargaining rights and that all workers on the site are properly trained and certified and will create apprenticeship opportunities for populations underrepresented in the construction trades, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, women, and diverse and at-risk youth. The agreement lasts for the duration of the project.
