Category: Projects

Key Takeaways:

• Work building the dam portion of the Site C project in B.C. has wrapped up.
• When signed in 2015, the civil works contract was worth $1.75 billion. 
• In total, more than 16 million cubic metres of material was used in its construction.
• The entire project is expected to be completed in 2025. 

The Whole Story:

ACCIONA and its partners in the Peace River Hydro Partners consortium (PRHP) have completed the construction of the Site C dam, in B.C. Awarded in 2015 for $1.75 billion, it is one of ACCIONA’s largest projects in Canada.

At 60 meters high and approximately 500 meters wide, the dam stretches more than one and a half kilometers along the Peace River. Officials say it is the largest dam of it’s kind in the country.

The dam fill works began in 2021. In total, more than 16 million cubic metres of material was used in its construction which was 100% self-performed by PRHP. Most of the material was obtained from the site while the remaining seven million tons was moved on a five-kilometer-long conveyor belt, avoiding CO2 emissions from vehicle haulage.

During construction, ACCIONA and its partners achieved records placing the roller-compacted concrete (RCC) foundation. The team reached daily RCC placement peaks of over 9,460 cubic metres per day.

To divert the river, the PRHP excavated two twin tunnels 800 meters long and 11 meters diameter with road-headers. The tunnels were then lined with concrete. In total, more than 100 cubic metres of earth was moved.  In addition, half a million tons of rip-rap rock protection for the dam was produced and transported by rail from a local quarry. 

The construction of the Site C dam was built in compliance with international and Canadian safety practices, enabling it to withstand natural disasters.

The PRHP construction of the earthen dam, the roller-compacted concrete dam and the diversion tunnels are part of the Site C Clean Energy Project, one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in Canada. 

Once completed in 2025, the project will provide energy to a population equivalent to 450,000 homes or 1.7 million electric vehicles per year.

Key Takeaways:

• bp Gas Marketing has a total firm LNG offtake for the project of 1.95 million tonnes per annum.
• Work on the project is scheduled to start this month and operations are expected to start in 2027.
• Officials say it will be the world’s first LNG export facility targeting net-zero carbon emissions.

The Whole Story:

All of Woodfibre LNG’s offtake has been spoken for.

The B.C. LNG project, set to begin construction this month, announced it has now committed all of its offtake for sale to bp Gas Marketing Limited (BPGM), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of bp p.l.c., with a total firm LNG offtake of 1.95 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and the remainder on a flexible basis. 

Woodfibre LNG Limited Partnership has signed a third LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with BPGM for the delivery of LNG from the Woodfibre LNG export facility. Under the terms of this SPA, BPGM will receive an additional 0.45 MTPA of LNG over 15 years on a free on board (FOB) basis. 

“Canada, and particularly British Columbia, is uniquely positioned to take the lead on exporting lower-carbon LNG overseas as part of the global energy transition. Today’s announcement demonstrates there is demand for lower-carbon energy today and well into the future,” said Christine Kennedy, president of Woodfibre LNG. “We look forward to working with BPGM as the offtaker from the Woodfibre LNG project to deliver Canadian LNG from one of the lowest carbon intensive LNG export facilities in the world. The global demand for lower carbon energy makes Woodfibre LNG a supplier of choice in the energy transition,” said Ratnesh Bedi, Pacific Energy president.

Woodfibre LNG is scheduled to begin construction this month in Squamish and operations are expected to begin in 2027. Officials say it will be the world’s first LNG export facility targeting net-zero carbon emissions.

“As a leader in the energy transition and partner in the Woodfibre LNG Project, Enbridge is pleased with today’s announcement. Woodfibre LNG will play an important role in providing global LNG markets with a safe, secure and sustainable source of natural gas produced by one of the lowest emission LNG facilities in the world,” said Cynthia Hansen, Enbridge Executive Vice President and President of Gas Transmission and Midstream.

Key Takeaways:

• The CHF is a $3.3-billion investment to build more than 20,000 affordable rental homes for people with moderate and low incomes by 2031-32.
• Proposals for the CHF are managed by BC Housing and will be accepted until mid-November 2023.
• Projects will be prioritized based on several criteria, including prioritized populations and the effect the project would have in addressing the community’s affordable rental housing need.

The Whole Story:

B.C. announced it will fund thousands of new homes through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund (CHF).

“We are in a housing crisis, and this new round of CHF funding will ensure more people have access to an affordable place to live by creating approximately 3,500 homes,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. “This is a significant step toward our goal of 20,000 CHF-funded homes by 2032, as our province increases its housing stock faster than ever so people have the homes they need now and into the future. Together, with our many partners, we’re making progress, but we know there’s much more work to be done.”

Proposals for the CHF are managed by BC Housing and will be accepted until mid-November 2023. The project proposals will be evaluated and projects totalling approximately 3,500 units are expected to be announced in early 2024.

Non-profit organizations, housing co-operatives, municipalities, First Nations and Indigenous-led societies are encouraged to submit their housing proposals and apply for funding.

“We welcome this response to the desperate and growing need for more safe, secure, affordable housing for British Columbians,” said Thom Armstrong, CEO, Co-operative Housing Federation of British Columbia. “Help is on the way for 3,500 more households that are struggling to make ends meet in this overheated housing market. This government continues to lead the way in Canada by making new affordable housing supply a priority.”

Projects will be prioritized based on several criteria, including prioritized populations and the effect the project would have in addressing the community’s affordable rental housing need. Project-development funding will also be available for projects that require further development to prepare them for the next CHF funding call.

“The City of Vancouver is focused on delivering more affordable housing and will continue to do what it takes to lead the region in new housing approval and secure attainable housing in the city,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “We appreciate our partners in the provincial government who understand that we need more housing for the people who call this city home. We will continue to work hand in hand to build the housing Vancouverites need.”

The CHF is a $3.3-billion investment to build more than 20,000 affordable rental homes for people with moderate and low incomes by 2031-32. Approximately 9,000 of these homes are open or underway throughout the province. Additional CHF proposal calls will be issued during the next four years to allocate funding for the remaining units.

“With rents rising faster in B.C. than anywhere else in the country, the homes funded through the Community Housing Fund could not come at a more critical time,” said Jill Atkey, CEO, BC Non-Profit Housing Association. “Non-profit housing providers have been eagerly anticipating this call, and the affordable developments they bring forward will impact the lives of thousands of individuals and families for decades to come.”

Key Takeaways:

• The sites include Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill north of Quesnel and Blackwater Road at Knickerbocker Road.
• Crews at both sites are completing geotechnical investigations and environmental investigations to inform the ultimate project design.
• Construction is scheduled to begin next year. 

The Whole Story:

B.C. has approved $538 million worth of road improvement projects for the Cariboo.

Officials say the projects will improve highway safety and reliability with two restoration projects that will stabilize roads located on historic landslide sites. 

“Restoring safe and reliable highways and roads in the Cariboo supports vital services and connections for people in the region,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure. “With weather patterns changing as part of our new climate reality, building infrastructure that withstands extreme weather in the long term will keep people safe and maintain critical goods movement corridors across the province.”

On Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill north of Quesnel, a segment of highway affected by a significant slow-moving landslide will be stabilized. Highway 97 is a north-south artery that provides crucial access between communities in the region and is vital to the province’s economy.

On Blackwater Road at Knickerbocker Road, a road segment affected by landslides will undergo realignment and reinforcement, as well as measures to help prevent future slides in the project area.

Crews at both sites are completing work, such as geotechnical investigations, which includes collecting soil and water samples to inform the project designs, and environmental investigations. Construction is scheduled to begin next year. 

These are the first two projects within the Cariboo Road Recovery Projects program to move to construction. Both are being designed with a focus on resilience to changing weather patterns while addressing stability issues and building infrastructure for the long term.

The province has approved $538 million in funding for these projects. This includes $334.6 million for the Highway 97 at Cottonwood Hill project and $203.4 million for the Blackwater Road at Knickerbocker Road project.

The federal government announced that $500 million in low-interest, repayable loans will help deliver more than 1,100 purpose-built rental homes in Vancouver. These loans were made possible by the Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFi).

“We must increase the supply of housing,” said Sean Fraser, minister of housing. “Doing so requires an all-hands-on-deck commitment from all levels of government. The federal government will continue to make strategic investments through programs like the RCFi and the Housing Accelerator Fund, while also working with our provincial and municipal partners so that all Canadians have a safe place that they are proud to call home.”

The loans were announced by Fraser at 5728 Gray Avenue, a project that will be providing residential housing to faculty, staff, and other campus community members of the University of British Columbia (UBC). There will be 150 residential homes within this six-storey building, offering a mix of studio, 1,2,3, and 4-bedroom units.

The project will also have easy access to public transit, car and bike share systems within the neighbourhood. In addition, a minimum of 10% of the project’s units will be prioritized for occupancy by the elderly, youths, students, individuals in need of assistance, or individuals whose eligibility is dependent on them being members of UBC’s faculty or staff.

Key Takeaways:

• Rogers Sugar plans to embark on a $200M expansion of its Montreal plant. 
• This will increase its capacity by roughly 20%
• Work includes adding new equipment, building a new bulk rail loading section, and expanding logistics and storage capacity. 

The Whole Story:

Quebec is about to get a lot sweeter. 

Rogers Sugar announced it will increase the production capacity of its Montreal plant by approximately 20%, or 100,000 metric tonnes. The total investment for this project is estimated at approximately $200 million, and includes investments in sugar refining technology and equipment, as well as logistical infrastructure at Lantic’s Montreal sugar refinery and in the Greater Toronto Area to serve the Ontario market. 

The Montreal component will take advantage of available space in the existing refinery buildings and site, allowing production to continue with minimal disruption. By using existing facilities, Rogers aims to minimize construction impacts to the surrounding community.

“This project is good for our customers, our shareholders and our communities, as we add

production to serve rising demand, invest in Canadian manufacturing and create jobs,” said Mike Walton, resident and CEO of Rogers Sugar and Lantic. “Our sugar volumes are steadily increasing, and these investments will enable us to serve future demand growth, support the domestic food-processing industry and improve efficiency within our operations.”

The project is made up of three key components:

• Expansion of refining capacity with the addition of new sugar refining equipment at the Montreal plant.
• Construction of a new bulk rail loading section in Montreal to serve increased shipments to the Ontario market.
• Expansion of logistics and storage capacity in the GTA.

The company noted that the demand for industrial high-quality, reliable bulk sugar has steadily increased over the last few years, especially in Eastern Canada where the food-processing industry is expanding. 

The growth in demand is directly associated with an increase in the production of sugar containing products in the food manufacturing sector. Rogers stated that investment will support such growth and further position the company to serve those food-processing customers and to benefit from additional long-term demand for bulk sugar.

Over the last few years, the demand for Canada’s refined sugar has steadily increased in Eastern Canada to meet growing production of sugar-containing food products for Canadian and export markets. The company currently meets the increasing demand of the industrial market by transporting bulk sugar produced at its Vancouver plant to its eastern-based customers. By expanding refining capacity closer to its customer base, Rogers says it will reduce freight costs, drive improved margins, and leave more Western Canadian capacity available for alternative sales opportunities, including export outside of Canada.

The company expects the incremental production and logistic capacity to be in service in approximately two years. The financing plan will include funding from debt and equity or equity like instruments sources. The project is expected to receive support from the Quebec Government in the form of loans from Investissement Quebec to the Company’s operating subsidiary, Lantic, for up to $65 million.

Key Takeaways:

• The project was made possible by a combined effort from stakeholders to raise $97M in funding.
• It will be a mixed-use development across two concrete towers. 
• Construction on Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum is expected to be complete in late 2025.

The Whole Story:

Construction is underway on an Indigenous-led and focused development in Vancouver that will bring nearly 170 mixed-use homes and 80 shelter beds to the Downtown Eastside.

Government and industry stakeholders announced a combined investment of more than $97 million to fund the 248 new spaces.

“This expansive new development will provide a variety of housing options that will help meet the diverse needs of the Downtown Eastside community,” said Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing. “I look forward to seeing the lasting positive impacts I know these homes will have for so many residents, including families and elders. Our government will continue to work to build projects like this to provide new opportunities, security and peace of mind for British Columbians.”

Located at 1015 East Hastings St., the building is named Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum, which means “to gather, good spirits.” It will be a mixed-use development across two concrete towers and will include 143 low- to moderate-income rentals, 25 supportive housing units and 80 shelter beds. All the homes and shelter spaces will be operated by VAFCS.

The development will prioritize Indigenous residents and will incorporate design elements to foster culture and community. This will include larger family-oriented homes, gathering and ceremonial areas, and space allotted for Indigenous artwork and installations.

Two social enterprise spaces are being planned and will feature a café and Klatawa Bike Shop, both of which will be operated by the VAFCS. The project will also include courtyard access, a rooftop multi-purpose room with a shared kitchen and landscaped area, and a multi-level day centre with a range of services available, such as lounge areas, a library, an art studio and counselling spaces.

The project is a result of a partnership between the province, through BC Housing, the federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indigenous Services Canada, the city of Vancouver, the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, and VAFCS. Development support has also been provided by Western Canadian Properties Group and M’akola Development Services.

“I would like to thank our many project partners, including the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, the City of Vancouver and the federal government for coming together on such a diverse new building,” said Joan Phillip, MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant. “I look forward to seeing the doors open on these new homes so Indigenous families, elders and individuals can stay close to their community where their families and friends surround them.”

Construction on Ho’-kee-melh Kloshe Lum is expected to be complete in late 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• The objects were discovered during work on the southern half of Sea Island.
• A certified archaeology and heritage lab is assessing them.
• As part of its Sustainability and Friendship Agreement, Musqueam and YVR identify and protect archeological resources.

The Whole Story:

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has voluntarily suspended construction activities on the southern half of Sea Island, encompassing its South Airfield, following the discovery of what are believed to be Musqueam artifacts on the site.

At the time of finding, YVR suspended further work and notified Musqueam Indian Band. The artifacts have been sent to a certified archaeology and heritage lab for technical assessments.

“YVR is located on Sea Island, which is the traditional, unceded, and continuously occupied territory of Musqueam. This archaeological discovery demonstrates the longstanding and continued tie between Musqueam people and their ancestral territories,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at Vancouver Airport Authority. “For this reason, finding these artifacts is not unexpected and something we plan for together with Musqueam. We are committed to the protection of these artifacts and will continue to work with Musqueam to inform our current and future actions.”

As part of its Sustainability and Friendship Agreement, Musqueam and YVR identify and protect archeological resources. This includes using historic and recent maps of Sea Island to safeguard key areas of archaeological interest and outline protocols for chance finds and how they will be handled.

“Musqueam – our elders, knowledge holders, and staff – will work together with YVR to do the right thing. We recognize this is an important process and are committed to continuing to walk this path together with YVR,” said yəχʷyaχʷələq, (Chief Wayne Sparrow), Musqueam Indian Band.

Key Takeaways:

• The 12-storey structure will add more health capacity for the region, including 469 single patient bedrooms.
• EDIH (EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare) secured the $3.6-billion contract to design, build, finance, and maintain the hospital.
• Work is expected to wrap up in 2028.

The Whole Story:

Crews have broken ground on 1.3-million-square-foot South Niagara Hospital in Ontario. 

“Today’s groundbreaking event for the new South Niagara hospital brings us one step closer to connecting the people of the growing Niagara region to more convenient care close to home for generations to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Right across the province, we’re investing nearly $50 billion over the next 10 years to support more than 50 major hospital projects. When it comes to your health, we’re building a healthcare system that all Ontarians deserve.”

The South Niagara hospital, strategically located at the intersection of Montrose and Biggar roads, is poised to bolster regional healthcare capacity. Its design aims to meet the burgeoning demands of Niagara’s aging population, encompassing centers of excellence dedicated to complex care, aging wellness, and stroke care.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones called it a “historic milestone” for the residents of the Niagara Region.

Lynn Guerriero, president and CEO of Niagara Health had this to say: “Niagara residents have been planning, wishing, and waiting for this hospital for more than 10 years. I am thrilled that today we have officially broken ground on this exciting new facility. The hard work, planning, fundraising, and dedication from our teams and the community is making this dream a reality. We are one step closer to building a state-of-the-art hospital that will transform how we deliver healthcare in the region and allow Niagara residents to get the care they need right in our own community.”

The 12-storey structure will add more health capacity for the region, including 469 single patient bedrooms, eight operating suites, 42 hemodialysis stations, and two MRI machines. Its services will span emergency, critical care, diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical domains.

The South Niagara hospital aspires to become the first WELL-certified hospital in Canada, with design features prioritizing the health and well-being of hospital users, including staff and physicians. This approach aims to create a more positive workplace environment. 

Additionally, the hospital will feature an Indigenous healing space and garden, designed with input from Indigenous partners to foster culturally safe and welcoming areas for Indigenous Peoples.

EDIH (EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare) secured the $3.6-billion contract for designing, building, financing, and maintaining the hospital back in February. Teams have been collaborating with Niagara Health staff, physicians, and patient and community partners to ensure the hospital design addresses the complex requirements of this state-of-the-art healthcare facility. 

The project team has chosen to prioritize the engagement of local sub-contractors and workers to bolster the local economy, generating multi-year economic benefits and fostering employment and community growth in the Niagara region. EDIH has already been awarding early sub-contracts to local entities and labor unions.

Decew Construction (Rankin Construction) has commenced site work, preparing for the installation of the construction trailer complex, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Excavation is scheduled to commence by the end of the summer, and the entire construction process is estimated to take five years, with the hospital slated to officially open its doors in the summer of 2028.

Key Takeaways:

• The RFP is expected to launch in September.
• The project would connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Trois-Rivières and Québec City with electrified and dedicated tracks that extend over 1,000 km.
• The procurement process is being overseen by a fairness monitor.

The Whole Story:

The Government of Canada has announced the next stage of its High Frequency Rail project, the country’s largest infrastructure project.

Following the the launch of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in February, officials have invited following groups to move to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage:

• Cadence (CDPQ Infra, SNC-Lavalin, Systra Canada, Keolis Canada)
• Intercity Rail Developers (Intercity Development Partners, EllisDon Capital, Kilmer Transportation, First Rail Holdings, Jacobs, Hatch, CIMA+, First Group, RATP Dev Canada, Renfe Operadora)
• QConnexiON Rail Partners (Fengate, John Laing, Bechtel, WSP Canada, Deutsche Bahn) 

The project aims to connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Trois-Rivières and Québec City with electrified and dedicated tracks that extend over 1,000 km. Travelling speeds could eventually reach 200 km per hour.

Once the RFP launches this September, participants will be asked to present their proposal, including a technically and commercially feasible solution, a business plan and a management plan for the co-development, construction, and operations phases of the project. Officials say that this approach will incentivize respondents to identify and prioritize the benefits to Canadians in their proposals, while also providing them with the flexibility to take innovative approaches to meet or exceed the desired project outcomes.

Budget 2022 provided Transport Canada and Infrastructure Canada with close to $400 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, to continue advancing key project activities and undertake the procurement phase of the project.

The entire procurement process is being overseen by a fairness monitor. This fairness monitor is an independent consultant that acts as an objective, third-party observer, who monitors the procurement process and ensures that it is conducted in a fair manner.

Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a priority for Ottawa, and officials stated that this is why early engagement with Indigenous communities is already underway. As part of the RFQ process, respondents were required to demonstrate their capacity to work with the government to create mutually beneficial, socio-economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous reconciliation is critical to the success of the HFR project and will be integrated in all phases of the project.

National security and related risks will also be assessed throughout the project, along with measures to address such risks. Selection of the chosen private developer partner will depend on several conditions, including national security.

High Frequency Rail is expected to change how Canadians travel in southern Ontario and Québec.

“I am thrilled that High Frequency Rail — the largest infrastructure project —is advancing to the next stage of the procurement process,” said Omar Alghabra, minister of transport. “This exciting initiative will require strong collaboration between Transport Canada, VIA HFR, and the selected private developer partner to create a sustainable foundation for the design and development of the project. I look forward to the next phase of this project.”

Currently, passenger rail service represents only 2% of all trips in the region; cars account for 94%. 

Canadian investment and advisory firm Hillcore continues to make major moves in the construction space this year.

Just weeks after purchasing Alberta-based Thompson Construction Group, Hillcore announced it has acquired Ruskin Construction Ltd.

Founded in 1989, Ruskin Construction has worked for 34 years with construction service clients across North America. Ruskin specializes in temporary resource bridges, as well as permanent and highway structures, a variety of foundation options, marine construction, railway refurbishment, aerial pipeline installation and heavy civil construction.

Ruskin currently employs over 250 professionals and provides construction services to the oil and gas, forestry, transportation, and mining industries. They have locations in Delta, Prince George, and Mill Bay, B.C., as well as in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Ruskin currently has partnerships with several First Nations in Northern BC, including the Haisla Nation, Saulteau, and Tsimshian Nations.

Hillcore invests predominantly in the life sciences, real estate, seniors living, financial, industrial, logistics, forestry, and energy sectors. they have offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary. Through its various groups and portfolio companies, they employ more than 5,000 people throughout Canada. The firm says that entities under its management have an asset value in excess of $5 billion.

Artemis Gold is working on plans to resume normal construction operations at its Blackwater Mine after evacuating due to an uncontrolled B.C. wildfire.

As the fire approached, Artemis Gold took proactive measures to temporarily reduce the number of non-essential staff and contractors early last week and all company staff and contractors are safe and accounted for.

The company said that the Blackwater Mine site infrastructure remains intact, including the construction camp, process plant area, construction fleet and contractors’ fleets. Damage to property has been minimal.

“Safety is our top priority, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the proactive, organized approach our team took to reduce non-essential workers at our mine site days before the wildfire reached our site. Our second priority was securing the asset, and our emergency services teams implemented very effective protective measures across the site,” said Steven Dean, Artemis Gold Inc. chairman and CEO.

The company said it is now focused on plans to ramp back up to normal construction activities in the short term, subject to provincial regulation. Artemis Gold does not anticipate the incident will have a material impact on the Blackwater Mine construction schedule, and the Company continues to target first gold pour in H2 2024.

The project is located in centralB.C., approximately 160 km southwest of Prince George and 446 km northeast of Vancouver. It is accessible by major highway and access/service roads.

According to the B.C. Wildfire Service there have been 1192 fires so far this year. These fires have burned 13,900 square kilometres of land, breaking the record of just over 13,500 square kilometres set in 2018.

Key Takeaways:

• To win the work, Ledcor created a limited partnership with construction and engineering firm Dragados Canada, under the name Bowmanville Construction Partners.
• The project will extend the Lakeshore East GO Line nearly 20 kilometers to Bowmanville in Clarington, Ontario.
• In the coming months, Ledcor and Dragados will support the design process, provide construction advice, identify risks as well as opportunities to streamline major civil works, obtain more accurate cost and schedule estimates, and more.

The Whole Story:

Ledcor’s Infrastructure team has been awarded a $1 billion to build the Bowmanville Extension transit project.

The project will extend the Lakeshore East GO Line nearly 20 kilometers to Bowmanville in Clarington, Ontario. With nearly 17,000 daily trips expected by 2041, the extension will connect more of Durham Region to fast two-way, all-day rail service. This project includes new track signal infrastructure, seven new bridges (including a new rail alignment over Highway 401), bridge reconstruction and existing bridge modifications, utility relocations and at-grade crossing upgrades.

The Bowmanville Extension is a complement to the larger GO Expansion program, which is transforming the GO rail network into a modern two-way all-day, rapid transit system.

Ledcor attributed the award of the contract to Ledcor’s trusted relationship with its repeat client, Metrolinx. Ledcor’s recent projects with Metrolinx include the Barrie Rail Corridor and Lakeshore Packages B/C transit project.

To deliver this extension, Ledcor created a limited partnership with construction and engineering firm Dragados Canada, under the name Bowmanville Construction Partners. 

“During a competitive bidding process, our combined expertise helped secure this contract, and reflects Ledcor’s position as a leader within the infrastructure industry,” said Ledcor in a press release. 

Now that Bowmanville Construction Partners (BCP) has been awarded the contract, the next step is the development phase. During this phase, BCP will support the design process, provide construction advice, identify risks as well as opportunities to streamline major civil works, obtain more accurate cost and schedule estimates, and more.

Those who grew up before the rise of Amazon, Ebay and even Craigslist likely spent many hours hanging out at the mall with friends. Without cell phones or the internet, what else was there for a teenager to do?

These spaces weren’t just a place to shop. They were a social hub. But even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many shoppers were already shifting to online purchases.

With many of these aging malls now decades old, developers have seen a massive opportunity to completely reimagine these sites or augment them with a new vision.

During the past few years, this trend has been particularly strong in Ontario. Though, as evidenced by projects like the 4.3 million square-foot redevelopment of Vancouver’s Oakridge Centre, it is not confined to the East.

Nevertheless, this week, we are zooming in on the wave that is happening in Ontario. Let’s explore the most significant mall and shopping center redevelopment projects currently planned or in progress across the province.

Sherway Gardens Mall

In 2021, developers revealed a master plan to redevelop the 30-acre Sherway Gardens site at The Queensway and The West Mall in Etobicoke. Mall owner Cadillac Fairview joined forces with real estate developer DiamondCorp to propose over 6,200 residential units in 15 new buildings ranging in height from 17 to 45 storeys, as well as over 14,000 square metres of new retail and office uses.

Scarborough Town Centre

The Scarborough Town Centre is the fourth largest mall in Canada and developers have been working since 2016 on plans to transform the site. Oxford Properties Group and Urban Strategies proposed initially building two towers, each taller than 50 storeys. Later phases would transform the site’s 21 blocks of mostly parking into mixed-use buildings.

Square One Shopping Centre

A contender for the largest redevelopment on this list, Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga launched in 2020. Oxford Properties‘ multi-decade plan calls for the creation of the Square One District which would create 18,000 residential units and keep the mall intact. It includes 37 towers (nope, that’s not a typo) which essentially would create a downtown core for the city.

Galleria Mall

The Yelp reviews for the Galleria aren’t exactly flattering and BlogTO has called it the city’s “most derelict mall”. The space is set to get a major refresh. Almadev is working with Hariri Pontarini Architects on the redevelopment of the Galleria Mall, starting with a rebuilt community centre and two new mixed-use towers. The entire project is expected to take 10 years and produce a total of eight towers.

Yorkgate

SmartLiving, a subsidiary of SmartCentres REIT, has crafted a plan with Petroff Partnership Architects, to replace an under-utilized portion of the Yorkgate Mall’s surface parking lot with a 22-storey tower. SmartLiving eventually hopes to build out the entire Yorkgate Mall site over the next decade.

Jane Finch Mall

The Finch West LRT isn’t just bringing transit. It’s transforming a Toronto community. The Jane Finch Mall and its owners have begun the planning process for the future of the site, exploring options that could include a mix of housing, retail, and community amenities.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Oxford Properties has something massive brewing at Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Plans include 19 towers ranging from 12 to 50 storeys in height. If approved, the project create 7,935 units of housing, three public parks and a multi-purpose amenity space.

Centrepoint Mall

It might be best to zip down to Centrepoint Mall’s while you still can. It’s days may be numbered. Plans have been submitted to transform the site into a 40-building community. Morguard Corporation‘s vision for the North York mall would create 18 towers, four mid-rise towers and 16 low-rise structures. Towers would range from 22 to 50 storeys.

Dufferin Mall

Toronto’s storied Dufferin Mall, lovingly teased by locals as “The Dirty Duff”, could soon see some massive changes. Primaris Management is partnering with Quadrangle Architects and Urban Strategies to create a master-planned community that will extend the existing mall and introduce new uses to the site. It would add four residential towers, the tallest reaching up 36 storeys.

Atrium on Bay

Atrium on Bay Expansion is a proposed 34-storey mixed-use rental building designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects and Adamson Associates Architects for KingSett Capital. The proposal was presented to the Toronto Design Review Panel in March, 2023. It would replace a portion of the decades-old Atrium on Bay complex which has office and retail tenants.

Agincourt Mall

North American Development Group is currently working with Toronto officials to progress their plans to massively transform the Agincourt Mall in Scarborough. The first phase of the multi-phase plan includes two towers while future phases include eight more towers, retail and parks.

Key Takeaways:

• Stantec will acquire Environmental Systems Design (ESD) which specializes in mission critical facilities and data centre design.
• Stantec, which already maintains three offices in Chicago, will now have a total of five in the state of Illinois.
• The acquisition is expected to conclude at the end of June.

The Whole Story:

Alberta-based engineering firm Stantec has announced its agreement to acquire Environmental Systems Design, Inc. (ESD), an engineering firm based in Chicago.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Stantec, as it strengthens the company’s expertise in the field of mission critical facilities and data center design. The firm noted that mission critical facilities have emerged as a rapidly growing sector, involving purpose-built infrastructure that demands heightened levels of reliability. 

These facilities, which span across various major industries, are specifically designed to ensure the continuity of essential functions such as building infrastructure maintenance, emergency dispatch, data storage, and more, even in the face of adverse weather conditions and utility outages. The design of data centers, including hyperscale facilities, requires specialized considerations to guarantee resilience, necessitating teams with unique qualifications and regular exposure to the evolving needs of large-scale companies.

Stantec officials explained that the acquisition of ESD presents a significant expansion of its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and structural engineering practice in the U.S., bolstering it by 40 percent. The firm stated that the addition of these resources enhances its smart building engineering capabilities, aligning it with the future trends of decarbonization, building repositioning, and adaptive reuse.

“Merging talent with ESD positions Stantec as one of the top integrated design firms in the US market,” said Leonard Castro, the executive vice president and business operating unit leader for Buildings at Stantec. “Our expanded services in data center, smart building design, and high-performance buildings will offer our clients the flexible and stable facilities that meet their operational needs into the future.”

Raj Gupta, the executive chairman at ESD, echoed Castro’s comments.

“Stantec is a top-tier firm that shares our vision to improve society through the built environment,” he said. “ESD has increased the depth and breadth of its services in recent years. Joining Stantec expands our offering globally and creates exceptional career growth opportunities for our employees.”

ESD’s project portfolio includes data center design services for various leading technology clients. Notably, ESD was recently entrusted by a confidential client to provide peer review and hyperscale data center design services, leading to engagements in multiple hyperscale data centers across the U.S. 

Additionally, ESD has been involved in MEP and mission critical engineering for the United Airlines Network Operations Center in Chicago. 

The firm also contributed its MEP and fire protection engineering expertise to the massive 1.4-million-square-foot expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers globally. 

ESD’s work extended to the field of healthcare with its MEP and fire protection engineering and energy modeling contributions to Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois. Designed to meet future demands, the 201-bed hospital was modeled to achieve LEED Silver Certification. 

Stantec, which already maintains three offices in Chicago, will now have a total of five in the state of Illinois. ESD, with a significant employee presence in Chicago, operates additional offices in New York City, San Francisco, and Phoenix. This acquisition will expand Stantec’s influence in Chicago, bringing its employee count in the city to nearly 600 and in the broader U.S. North Central region to over 2,050, covering a total of 12 states.

The acquisition is anticipated to conclude on June 30, 2023.

Key Takeaways:

• Crews are halfway done Coquihalla repairs stemming from the 2021 atmospheric river event. 
• New bridges are being built on pile footings to withstand extreme weather events. 
• Crews are on track to complete all six permanent bridge replacements by the end of 2023.

The Whole Story:

A fourth permanent bridge has opened on B.C.’s Coquihalla Highway, passing the halfway point for the reconstruction project.

“Getting to this stage this quickly is a testament to the dedication and skill of B.C.’s world-class road builders and the contractor, unions and ministry staff working on restoring the Coquihalla,” said Rob Fleming, minister of transportation and infrastructure. “Making sure there are reliable, climate-resilient roads and bridges for residents, industry and emergency services will keep British Columbians and their supply chains safer and more connected during extreme weather.”

The new southbound Juliet Bridge, 55 kilometres south of Merritt, which opened Friday, July 7, 2023, is built to a higher standard of climate resiliency. Other new bridges on the Coquihalla include the northbound Bottletop Bridge, 50 kilometres south of Merritt, and the southbound Jessica Bridge, 20 kilometres north of Hope, both of which opened in early June. The northbound Juliet Bridge opened December 2022.

All the new bridges are built on pile footings to withstand high water levels and feature longer spans than the previous bridges to reduce the effects of erosion from changing water paths over time, further improving the long-term resiliency of the Coquihalla to extreme weather events. The remaining two bridges are expected to be completed later this year.

The new bridges were completed by KEA5, a joint venture between Kiewit and Emil Anderson Construction (EAC). KEA5 also completed the new Juliet Bridge. Crews are on track to complete all six permanent bridge replacements by the end of 2023.

The Coquihalla was closed to regular vehicle traffic on Nov. 14, 2021, due to damage caused by extreme rain and flooding. More than 20 sites between Hope and Merritt were damaged. Workers were able to get the Coquihalla re-opened in 35 days.

Work will continue throughout 2023 to complete the permanent repairs to the Coquihalla. The area remains a construction zone and drivers are reminded to slow down and drive to conditions. Drivers can expect to see on-going speed and traffic pattern changes.

Key Takeaways:

• Work will happen in two phases. The first will wrap in 2026 and the second in 2029. 
• The project’s estimated budget is $336.5 million. 
• The redevelopment plan includes a three-storey addition and extensive renovations to the existing facility.

The Whole Story:

The Cariboo-Chilcotin region is set to witness a major boost in healthcare services as the long-awaited redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital enters its construction phase. The upgraded facility aims to improve access to care for residents of Williams Lake and the surrounding area, including the First Nations communities of the Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot’in, and Dãkelh Dené.

With an estimated project budget of $366.5 million, the redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital marks a significant investment in the health and well-being of the Cariboo-Chilcotin communities. The initiative, a collaborative effort involving the province, Interior Health, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, was officially celebrated this month.

Health Minister Minister Dix expressed his excitement about the commencement of construction, emphasizing the project’s potential to enhance the hospital’s capacity and create a modern working environment.

 “The redevelopment of the Cariboo Memorial Hospital represents a significant investment in the Cariboo-Chilcotin communities’ health and well-being, now and into the future,” said Dix. “That is why it is so exciting to be with the community today to celebrate the start of construction that will increase the hospital’s capacity and provide a modern working environment.”

The redevelopment plan includes a three-storey addition and extensive renovations to the existing facility. The hospital’s bed capacity will see a substantial increase, with the addition of 25 new beds, bringing the total to 53. Among the enhancements are a new medical/surgical inpatient unit with 36 beds, a mental-health and substance-use inpatient unit featuring eight single-occupancy rooms, a patient-seclusion room, and an expanded ambulatory-care and oncology unit with 16 renovated treatment spaces.

One of the most crucial components of the project is the establishment of a new emergency department, which will feature 23 treatment spaces, two trauma-treatment bays, a seclusion room, an ambulance carport, and a separate public entrance. Furthermore, the expansion will include an upgraded maternity and women’s health unit with four single-occupancy rooms for maternity care, two nursery rooms, and two women’s health beds in private rooms, allowing parents to stay with their newborns until they are ready to go home.

Apart from the enhanced clinical areas, the redevelopment plan incorporates several ancillary facilities. The pharmacy will undergo expansion, providing additional space for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. The addition of an interfaith sacred space will enable traditional cultural and healing practices, while the provision of 71 new parking stalls aims to alleviate parking constraints.

The importance of improved healthcare accessibility in rural and remote regions was highlighted by Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health.

“Our government is taking action to help people who are facing challenges accessing care in rural and remote areas,” said Rice. “This fully redeveloped hospital will provide expanded access to a state-of-the-art facility for people in Cariboo-Chilcotin to help them get the services they need.”

The construction of Cariboo Memorial Hospital will occur in two phases. The first phase, including the three-storey addition, is expected to conclude in 2026. Subsequently, Phase 2 will commence, encompassing further renovations, and is slated for completion in 2029.

Susan Brown, President and CEO of Interior Health, expressed her appreciation for the involvement of First Nations partners in the design process. “Beginning construction on the redevelopment of Cariboo Memorial Hospital is a significant milestone. I know the people of Williams Lake and surrounding communities are looking

A city’s skyline – the shape, size, and arrangement of its towering buildings – is part of its character. And anytime a new significant tower goes up, those features change. They also represent one of the ways Canada’s growing cities can densify: going up. Here are ten examples of major tower projects under construction or in development that are transforming our urban centres.

The One

Currently under construction, The One is vying to be Canada’s tallest building. Situated at Yonge and Bloor Streets in Toronto, the 85-storey tower will combine seven levels of retail and restaurants, a 175-room hotel and a roughly 60-floor stack of condo apartments with multilevel penthouses. However, the team is asking the city to let them go to 94 storeys. The owner, Mizrahi Developments, explained that the design scheme pushes the structure to the edges of the building. On each of its four sides are two “mega-columns,” as the architects call them, with diagonal bracing that extends up the façades, suspending a series of rectangular blocks within. The project team includes architect Foster + Partners, Clark Construction Management, Walters Group and RJC Engineers.

Senákw

Sen̓áḵw is a development project on 10.5-acres of Squamish Nation land located on Kits Point adjacent to Vanier Park in Vancouver. It is taking place on lands under the governance of the Squamish Nation.It includes 11 towers around the south end of the Burrard Street Bridge with the largest tower set to be 58 storeys. There will be around 6,000 rental units and Khelsilem said about 250 of those will be earmarked for Squamish Nation members, though that figure could change.

Forma

Superstar architect Frank Gehry is returning to his roots with Forma, a mixed-use development, located at Downtown Toronto’s 266-284 King Street West. The project will feature two residential towers – one will be 73 stories and the other will be 84 stories with a total of 2034 condominiums – commercial and retail spaces and a new space for OCAD University. It will be Gehry’s most substantial work in his birthplace. 

Canada Earth Tower

Although there are no current plans to build, a team has been researching and testing how to build taller with mass timber. Using a mass timber hybrid technique, the team designed a concept for a 40-storey mixed-use tower that—if built—would be the tallest of its kind in the world. The concept employs Passive House principles and targets zero-emissions, refraining from consuming fossil fuels in its operation. Designed to improve livability in tall urban buildings, the team integrated generous social spaces and gardens that offer an immediate connection to nature.

Pinnacle One Yonge

Pinnacle One Yonge is a mixed-use development rising in Toronto. The plans call for six skyscrapers ranging in height. The building known as the SkyTower aims to be Canada’s tallest building once built at 95 storeys but the project team is asking the city to let them take it to 105 storeys. 

Union Park

At 4.3-million square feet, Oxford Properties’ Union Park will be one of the largest mixed-use developments in Toronto history. It includes two new office towers, 200,000 square feet of retail, 800 family-oriented rental units across two buildings, as well as a three-acre urban park built over the Union Station rail corridor. One of the office towers will be over 300 metres tall. 

Niagara 77

The name says it all: a 77-storey tower in Niagara Falls, Ont. The project is looking to claim the title of tallest condo building in Canada. Fudzi International Group’s plans for the tower were approved earlier this year. The design of the building comes from Chamberlain Architects. 

Maestria

Maestria is bringing things together. It’s the largest mixed-use residential project in Quebec and includes the highest residential tower in Montreal. The project includes a 58 and 61-storey tower joined by the province’s highest ever skybridge. The team says the design was inspired by the architecture in the largest cathedrals of the Renaissance.

Jericho Lands

The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation (collectively the MST Partnership), who own the site in a joint venture partnership with Canada Lands Company (CLC), recently unveiled new plans for Vancouver’s Jericho Lands. The mega project concept features many towers over 20 storeys and three that are 49 storeys. The city and developers are currently gathering feedback on the plans from residents. 

Library Parcel

These two Ottawa towers – 31 and 36 storeys – will create a transit-oriented, mixed-income, mixed-use and sustainable community. The design is being led by Perkins&Will and KPMB Architects, and supported by Two Row Architect and Purpose Building. There will be a focus on making sure a significant portion of rental units are affordable. Construction is expected to begin this year.

Key Takeaways:

• Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital in B.C. 
• Construction is expected to begin in July 2023, with substantial completion in fall 2026. The new hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2027.
• The existing hospital will remain operational during construction. Future use of the current site will be determined after the new hospital is in operation.

The Whole Story:

Graham Design Builders LP has been named the preferred proponent for the new Dawson Creek and District Hospital in B.C. 

Northern Health and Infrastructure BC have tasked Graham Design Builders LP with completing the design and building the new $590-million hospital. Construction is expected to start next month. 

“Our government has reached an important milestone with the Dawson Creek and District Hospital with the selection of the preferred proponent and the signing of the Design Build Agreement,” said Adrian Dix, minister of health. “People in the community and the region should expect to see work at the site in the weeks and months ahead as construction begins on the new and expanded hospital in Dawson Creek, and this is fantastic news.”

Construction is expected to begin in July 2023, with substantial completion in fall 2026. The new hospital is expected to be ready for patients in 2027.

“We are taking action to improve access to health care for every person in B.C., no matter where they live,” said Jennifer Rice, parliamentary secretary for rural health. “This new hospital means that when people in Dawson Creek and surrounding communities need care they can access quality services without travelling long distances.”

The new building will be approximately 24,500 square metres (263,000 square feet) and have 70 beds, an increase of 24. The emergency department is also doubling in size. Treatment spaces are increasing from 10 to 15. The facility will continue to provide a range of surgical services, as well as chemotherapy, ambulatory care, radiology, clinical support and pharmacy services.

There will also be space for a laboratory, diagnostic imaging, as well as physical rehabilitation. New parents and families will be supported by a perinatal unit, including labour, delivery, recovery and post-partum rooms, and a nursery. Mental-health service delivery will be brought up to modern standards with a new inpatient suite and an increase of beds from 15 to 18.

“This announcement is wonderful news and an important investment for Dawson Creek and the network of communities served by the Dawson Creek and District Hospital,” said Colleen Nyce, chair of Northern Health’s board of directors. “This new facility will strengthen and improve health-care services for residents in the region, as well as the physicians and staff who provide care in this hospital.”

The hospital will be built in Treaty 8 territory, the ancestral home of the Beaver, Cree, Saulteau, Sicannie (Sikanni), and Slavey. The hospital serves the communities of Blueberry River First Nation, Doig River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, communities of Kelly Lake, Prophet River First Nation, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations; as well as Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous populations within the Peace region of Treaty 8 territory.

Local First Nations are being consulted throughout the project to ensure that the new facility is culturally safe, welcoming, respectful and relevant. The new facility will include a spiritual room for use by people of all cultures and faiths. There is also work being done to further the inclusion of Indigenous people within the facility and project, pending input and feedback from the committees and working groups.

The project cost is approximately $590 million, which will be shared between the Province through Northern Health, and the Peace River Regional Hospital District. The district will contribute a maximum of $177 million.

“This announcement is exciting news. The new hospital will provide a modern care facility for the residents of the Peace region for years to come,” said Leonard Hiebert, chair, Peace River Regional Hospital District. “The Peace River Regional Hospital District is a proud supporter of this new facility and we look forward to the start of construction on this very important project.”

The existing hospital will remain operational during construction. Future use of the current site will be determined after the new hospital is in operation.