Walters Group supplied and erected approximately 12,000 tons of structural steel and 1.07 million square feet of metal deck for the main tower and podium.
The building offers a total floor area of approximately 1.25 million square feet, over 12,000 square feet of retail space, a four-storey summit platform, and four levels of below-grade parking for 324 cars and bike storage for 507 bikes.
Construction completion is set for December 2023.
The Whole Story:
PCL just topped off a 47 storey project in downtown Toronto.
But this building has a twist. The design of Cadillac Fairview’s 160 Front Street West commercial office tower called for a curved steel beam to create a new and iconic addition to the city’s skyline.
“Constructing a steel office tower is unique in the Toronto market and we’re proud to have reached the top as we build Cadillac Fairview’s vision for their newest landmark building in Toronto, along with our talented construction and design partners.” said Monique Buckberger, vice president and district manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. “Placing the final steel beam is a significant milestone for all those involved. Thank you to the hundreds of men and women who have contributed to building this project with safety and quality top of mind.”
Unique Steel Structure
PCL explained that 160 Front Street West’s curved profile applies both form and function, offering a distinctive shape to the city’s skyline and functionality for wind resistance. Structural steel was used in conjunction with a concrete core to help evenly distribute the weight throughout the building, maximizing floor space. PCL noted that in addition to its durability, the use of structural steel allowed the tower to be built efficiently within the confines of a busy urban environment.
“We are proud to be a part of such an iconic project,” said Tim Verhey, executive vice president, engineering & operations, Walters Group. “Being brought into this team as a Design-Assist partner at the very early stages of the project was an incredibly rewarding experience. Having all stakeholders present to work through tough design challenges resulted in practical, cost-effective solutions that did not sacrifice architectural intent. Now that we’ve safely topped off, we extend our congratulations to CF, PCL and everyone involved in this project, and most importantly to the dedicated men and women ironworkers for safely reaching this milestone.”
Ironworkers pose with the final steel beam of Cadillac Fairview’s 160 Front Street West commercial office tower. – PCL
Concrete Beginnings
Following groundbreaking in 2019, the team demolished part of an existing six-story heritage building on site, while keeping its façade intact to incorporate into the new structure. A self-climbing formwork system was utilized to construct the tower’s concrete core, consisting of a top and bottom deck, two trailing decks and two levels that wrapped around the exterior of the core, enabling it to climb up the core as one unit. Completion of the above-grade concrete structure enabled the structural steel partners to move forward in completing the tower’s iconic crown.
To make sure that trade partners who were integral to the core completion were honored before leaving the project, PCL’s 160 Front Street West project team hosted a team barbecue in August, 2022. To commemorate this milestone, all workers received a photobook capturing the progress of the build.
“Our trade partners have been paramount in reaching this significant milestone,” said Ed Sceviour, PCL General Superintendent at the time. “As the concrete core phase of construction wrapped up, a large portion of the crew moved on to other projects, so the celebration was our small way of showing the team our gratitude for getting us to that point.”
With the steel structure topped off, the next steps for the build include finalizing the structure, removing the tower crane from the building that was primarily used for the structure, completing the building envelope, followed by interior finishes.
Construction completion is set for December 2023.
Topping-Off Tradition
PCL explained that topping-off is typically celebrated when a building reaches its maximum height. In the case of a steel structure, celebrating the placement of the last beam is considered a major milestone for ironworkers, the construction team, and owners involved erecting the building.
Traditionally, the final beam is signed by ironworkers and adorned with a small evergreen tree which is symbolic of the structure safely reaching the sky, along with good luck and prosperity for the new tenants of the building. The beam is also accompanied by a flag or banner representative of the workforce.
Beam Signing
Earlier in March, the beam was signed during an event hosted by Cadillac Fairview for future tenants TD Bank and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. Representatives from PCL, Walters Group and consultants key to the steel program also signed the beam prior to placement.
“As long-standing collaborative team with PCL, we’re proud to mark this significant construction milestone of our newest landmark building in Toronto,” said Wayne Barwise, executive vice president, development, Cadillac Fairview. “This milestone brings us closer to opening this brand-new building that will further connect the downtown core and we’re proud to see this project come to life.”
TransLink and PCI Developments (PCI) are announcing a new partnership to build a proposed mixed-used development near the future Arbutus SkyTrain Station, on West Broadway and Arbutus.
Located next to the future terminus of the Broadway Subway, an incoming bus loop, and the Arbutus Greenway mixed-use walking and cycling path – this is the first development under TransLink’s Real Estate Development Program.
Officials say the transit-oriented development will improve people’s access to sustainable transportation options, generate new long-term funding for transit services, and provide much-needed housing options.
“This partnership will help us build a new transit-oriented community, where people can more easily take transit, walk, or cycle,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “This program will generate much-needed long-term revenue to expand and improve vital transit services, while aligning with local and provincial government goals to increase housing supply.”
TransLink and PCI own adjacent plots of land on the southeast corner of Arbutus and Broadway and have entered an equal development partnership. The proposed development would include:
30 storeys of mixed-use residential and commercial space
Street-level retail and over 200 residential rental units, 20 per cent of which will be rented at below market rates and secured for moderate-income households
Community space that will serve as the future home of the Ohel Ya’akov Community Kollel, a Jewish cultural, education, and neighbourhood centre
“We are honoured to be partnering with TransLink on this significant transit-oriented, mixed-use development,” said PCI Developments president Tim Grant. “We are similarly excited about partnering with The Kollel in delivering their new community and worship premises – all in conjunction with desperately needed market and below-market rental housing in a sustainable development adjacent to Arbutus Station and the Arbutus Greenway.”
The province of B.C. announced that two teams have advanced to the next stage of procurement to design and build stations for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain.
The teams that have been invited to participate in the RFP stage are:
The work also includes constructing cycling and walking paths around the new stations. The province anticipates the preferred proponent will be announced in early 2024.
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is a 16-kilometre extension of the Expo Line from King George Station to Langley City Centre, the first rapid transit expansion south of the Fraser River in 30 years.
Once complete, the project will provide transportation for people in Surrey, Langley and across Metro Vancouver. Major construction on the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is expected to begin in 2024.
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is being delivered through three separate contracts. On Jan. 3, 2023, the RFP for the first contract, which includes the elevated guideway, roadworks and utilities, and active transportation paths along the extension, was issued to two shortlisted teams. The contract award is expected in late 2023.
The third contract, for the design and installation of SkyTrain track work as well as the design, installation, and integration of electrical systems is in the RFQ stage. The list of shortlisted firms to advance to the RFP stage will be announced later this spring.
Surrey Langley SkyTrain station renderings:
Key Takeaways:
The program originally focused on office to residential conversions.
It has been expanded to help convert empty office space to hotels, schools and performing arts spaces.
The city is also streamlining the program’s approval process by increasing the internal approvals threshold from $10 million to $15 million.
Two new incentive programs have also been created, supporting office conversion to post-secondary institutions as well as office demolition for buildings that are not suitable for conversion or reuse.
The program now also provides grants to building owners who would like to convert empty office space to hotels, schools and performing arts spaces. Two new incentive programs have also been created, supporting office conversion to post-secondary institutions as well as office demolition for buildings that are not suitable for conversion or reuse.
City Council approved the expansion in order to encourage a more diverse mix of amenities and services downtown. Officials said the three incentive programs will support the revitalization of downtown through the creation of new housing, amenities, services and outdoor public spaces.
“What happens downtown has a direct impact on our city’s livability and economic success in terms of revenue, tax base and ability to provide services,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “The Downtown Development Incentive Program has been incredibly successful so far and we are already one-third of the way to our 10-year goal of removing six million square feet of empty office space. As the demand for urban living remains high, the natural next step is to expand the program to develop both more residential units as well as projects that create amenities and services for residents close by.”
The conversion inventive program is being broadened to include conversion projects for hotels, schools and performing arts spaces. The city is also streamlining the program’s approval process by increasing the internal approvals threshold from $10 million to $15 million. Officials explained that this speeds up the approval process for larger projects (up to 200,000 square feet) by removing the need for Council approval. Increasing this threshold reduces risk for applicants and speeds up project approvals.
The Downtown Post-Secondary Institution Incentive Program
This program has been created to provide financial incentives for post-secondary institutions to establish a greater presence downtown. This would bring an influx of students downtown, which would support downtown’s vibrancy during all hours of the day, support existing businesses and would encourage new businesses to be established. City Council approved $9 million in November 2022 for a pilot project to support the conversion of vacant office space to house the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL). The Downtown Post-Secondary Institution Incentive Program follows this pilot project and sets out program criteria for applicants, approvals process and funding sources for future office to post-secondary conversions.
The Downtown Office Demolition Incentive Program
This new program incentivizes the demolition of buildings that are deemed “end-of-life” and are not suitable for conversion or reuse. The program will support non-office redevelopment and the creation of new public amenity space. Currently, $3 million in funding exists for this program, and additional funding sources may be identified in the future pending grant interest and demand.
“The Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program was created to remove excess office space from downtown, support downtown vibrancy and ultimately support The City’s fiscal sustainability by restoring downtown property values,” said Natalie Marchut, manager, development & strategy for the city’s downtown strategy. “Supporting post-secondary institutions will bring more students downtown, breathing new life, activity and innovation into our downtown. Creating new public amenity space through demolition of empty buildings supports the initial intent of the program, making downtown more livable, vibrant, and more attractive for both residents and visitors.”
The Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program is a key initiative of The City’s Downtown Strategy. To date, 14 office-to-residential conversion projects are under consideration for program funding. Should all 14 projects proceed, they will remove two million square feet of empty office space from our downtown and create more than 2,000 homes. That’s one-third of the way to The City’s 10-year goal of removing six million square feet of empty downtown office space.
Alberta is investing $30 million to expand the Red Deer Regional Airport, clearing the way to develop a national transportation logistics hub in central Alberta.
“Alberta’s airports play a critical role in strengthening and diversifying our economy by expanding access to markets, as we don’t have direct access to tidewater,” said Devin Dreeshen, minister of transportation and Economic CorridorsThis investment will allow additional aviation cargo and logistics services, which will not only provide new travel options and get more products to market but also create jobs and help attract new investment to central Alberta.”
The expansion will support the growth of rural communities in central Alberta while enhancing the safety of local residents and airport users by creating an additional emergency access to the airport and the Hamlet of Springbrook. This new funding builds on a $7.5-million grant from Alberta’s government in 2022-23 for the airport to repair and upgrade its runway.
Funding through Budget 2023 will support north end road construction and civil works, including water sanitation, stormwater and fibre optics, to Township Road 374 to support new business opportunities for the north end land development. The development of the north end road will also create additional emergency access to the airport.
“The city and county recognize the Red Deer Regional Airport as an economic catalyst,” said Ken Johnston, Red Deer mayor. “The city, as a joint appointer for the airport with the county, is working together to be a key logistics hub based on our prime location. Thank you to the Province of Alberta for their investments in central Alberta.”
Key Takeaways:
2Nations Bird is a partnership between Bird, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation’s Willow Cree Developments General Partner Inc. and Fishing Lake First Nation’s Development Corporation, FLFN Ventures.
The partnership was formed to ensure that Indigenous communities and businesses are given opportunities for training and employment during the project.
Officials expect roughly 3,500 jobs to be created at during the entirety of the Jansen Stage 1 project.
2Nations Bird will self-perform concrete foundations work for four main non-process buildings at Jansen.
2Nations Bird also won a three-year site services agreement contract.
The Whole Story:
The 2Nations Bird joint venture is taking flight in Saskatchewan.
The venture announced it has been awarded two contracts by BHP for works on the Jansen Stage 1 Potash Project.
2Nations Bird is a partnership between Bird, Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation’s Willow Cree Developments General Partner Inc. and Fishing Lake First Nation’s Development Corporation, FLFN Ventures.
“We are honoured to be chosen as a key partner for BHP’s Jansen project and are committed to delivering exceptional results through our 2Nations Bird partnership over the next three years. Together, our shared values of respect and collaboration will be instrumental in creating positive and sustainable impacts in the region,” said Teri McKibbon, president and CEO of Bird. “As a service provider in this vital sector of the Canadian economy, working on BHP’s world-class, sustainable potash project is an exciting opportunity.”
Impacting First Nations communities
The venture explained that the 2Nations Bird partnership is rooted in culture, respect, collaboration and providing sustainable, positive impacts for the communities. It was formed to participate in BHP’s Jansen project, providing a full scope of construction and maintenance services. The partnership is focused on procuring goods and services from local Indigenous businesses and aims to maximize employment opportunities for local Indigenous people. Venture officials believe opportunities for specific training and employment programs will support long-term career employment and advancement opportunities.
We held a shareholder question and answer session today and our CEO, Mike Henry, spoke about the importance of our Jansen potash mine and how it is on track for first production in 2026.
2Nations Bird will self-perform concrete foundations work for four main non-process buildings at Jansen, a contract valued at approximately $62 million. The partnership was also awarded a three-year site services agreement where 2Nations Bird has responsibility for general site services during the execution of Jansen Stage 1, as well as maintenance of a variety of facilities currently in operation to service the site. The three-year service agreement is valued at over $110 million.
Working with First Nations subcontractors
2Nations Bird has engaged with KDM Constructors, as the designated subcontractor. KDM has been involved with the project with BHP for over seven years, providing contract services for the Jansen site. As a First Nations-owned industrial construction and maintenance service provider, KDM brings together Kawakatoose, Day Star and Muskowekwan Nations along with the Saskatchewan-based SECON Group of Companies. George Gordon Developments Ltd, the economic development arm of the George Gordon First Nation will also be a subcontractor on the site services agreement.
“Indigenous and industry partnerships, such as 2Nations Bird Construction, create economic and employment opportunities for our Nation and its members. It allows us to develop capacity, learn from one another, and grow in tandem,” said Chief Edwin Ananas, Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation. “More importantly, these types of relationships are critical to advance economic reconciliation which allows us to develop long-term, meaningful, and sustainable outcomes,”
Jansen to be one of the largest potash mines
BHP is investing $7.5 billion to build Jansen Stage 1, which will be one of the world’s largest and most sustainable potash mines and is located 140 km from Saskatoon. Jansen Stage 1 is expected to produce approximately 4.35 million tonnes of potash per annum, with the first production planned for late-2026.
Jansen is 100 per cent owned by BHP. The group stated that its large resource endowment provides the opportunity to develop the project in phases. Jansen Stage 1 is the first of four potential phases. Officials expect roughly 3,500 jobs to be created at the peak of construction.
“BHP is delighted to announce the partnership with 2Nations Bird and we look forward to building strong working relationships,” said Simon Thomas, president Potash, BHP. “The award of these contracts is a significant milestone for Jansen Stage 1 and one that will have positive impacts for the local community. We are committed to upholding the opportunity agreements we have with the six First Nations surrounding Jansen and to working with other Indigenous communities to help ensure Indigenous Peoples gain from our presence in the region.”
Major work is being done to transform how Ontario residents move around the province and power their homes. Nearly all of biggest projects revolve around transit and two projects on this list are significant nuclear power upgrades that will impact the region for decades. Keep reading to see how the lives of Ontario residents are set to change in the coming years.
11. Ottawa LRT (Stage 2) – $4.6 billion
The nation’s capital will soon have 44 kilometres of rail and 24 new stations for its LRT system. Last year saw stations taking shape, rail installation advancing, and trains on track for testing. However, it hasn’t been without some snags. Reports to the city show the project is running a year-and-a-half behind schedule because of labour and cement shortages and is now expected to be delivered in late 2026. Construction is being carried out by Kiewit and Vinci. Design engineering services is being provided by WSP Canada Inc. and Hatch Ltd.
10. Eglinton Crosstown West Extension – $4.7 billion
The extension of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will run 9.2 kilometres from the future Mount Dennis LRT station to Renforth Drive and will operate mainly underground. Once complete, it will create a continuous rapid transit line that stretches from Scarborough, through midtown Toronto, and into Mississauga. In 2021, officials awarded a fixed-price contract of $729.2 million to West End Connectors (Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Dragados Canada Inc., Ghella Canada Ltd.) to design, build and finance the tunnels. Last month these tunneling efforts reached the halfway mark. plans are also being explored to extend the line to Pearson International Airport.
9. Centre Block Rehabilitation – $5 billion
Centre Block; House of Commons Foyer; Graham Forster assesses condition of stone frieze; Masonry Conservator; Capital Conservation Services (CCS); iPad.
Following an Auditor General’s report that predicted the Centre Block would experience “total failure” sometime between 2019 and 2025, officials embarked on the largest, most complex heritage rehabilitation project ever seen in Canada. The design lead is CENTRUS and the construction management is being done through a partnership between PCL and EllisDon. According to the latest progress report, the team aims to complete construction between 2030 and 2031. The Centre Block will reopen about one year later.
8. Hurontario LRT – $5.6 billion
Once in service, the 18-kilometre Hazel McCallion Line (Hurontario’s name once it is completed) will bring a new method of transportation to a rapidly growing region. The new transit system will feature 19 stops, travel through two urban growth centres and connect to major transit systems including GO Transit (Milton and Lakeshore West lines), the Mississauga Transitway, Brampton Transit, ZUM and MiWay. The Hazel McCallion Line will operate in its own dedicated lane. Mobilinx, a consortium of local and international companies, was awarded the contract to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the system. Major construction began in spring 2020 and the expected completion is fall 2024.
7. Gordie Howe International Bridge – $5.7 billion
This January was an epic month for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, marking the beginning of the stay cable installation. In total, the bridge will feature 216 stay cables, 108 on each side. The structure will be a six-lane crossing of the Detroit River connecting Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ont. When completed, the 1.5-mile crossing will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, with a main span of .53 mile. The bridge will also feature a nearly 12-feet-wide pedestrian/cycling path. The project also includes building new ports of entry that will connect to both the American and Canadian bridge termini, as well as onward connections to I-75 in southwest Detroit. The project is being delivered by a consortium that incldues ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc., Fluor Canada Ltd. and Aecon Concessions.
6. GO Expansion Projects (Early Works) – $10.5 billion
While the main work on the GO Expansion has yet to begin, over $11 billion of early works and off-corridor projects are already underway, including station renovations, expansions and improvements, grade separations, bridge and tunnel expansions and maintenance facilities.
5. Ontario Line – $10.9 billion
There is a strong argument that this project should be further down this list. While its original cost estimate is $10.9 billion, Infrastructure Ontario believes it could be much closer to $19 billion. Last fall, two massive contracts were awarded for the line: a $9 billion contract to the Connect 6ix team to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Ontario Line rolling stock, systems, operations and maintenance (RSSOM) package; a $6 billion package to Ontario Transit Group package to deliver the rail project’s tunnel, seven stations and other rail infrastructure. The subway line will bring 15 new stations to the city and will run from Exhibition Place, through the heart of downtown, all the way to the Ontario Science Centre.
4. Eglinton Crosstown LRT – $12.5 billion
This work will create a midtown connection between east and west Toronto. With 25 stations along the dedicated route, officials say it will make getting across town will be up to 60 per cent faster. In 2016 Crosslinx Transit Solutions began work. The group has a $9.1 billion, 30-year alternative financing and procurement (AFP) contract to finance, build, and maintain the line. Its team includes EllisDon, Aecon, Dragados, SNC-Lavalin, IBI Group and many others.
In 2016, after years of detailed planning and preparation, Ontario Power Generation’s team shut down the first of four Darlington reactors scheduled for refurbishment over the next 10 years. Officials say the project continues to progress on time and on budget. The refurbishment and the subsequent 30 more years of station operation are expected to generate a total of $89.9 billion in economic benefits for Ontario, create 14,200 jobs per year, and boost personal income by an average of $1.6 billion on an annual basis. Work on the first four units is expected to wrap in 2026. Darlington will also be the site of a historic small modular reaction project.
2. Bruce Power Refurbishment – $13 billion
Another upgrade to the province’s nuclear infrastructure, this project will overhaul all eight of the units of the 6.2GW Bruce Nuclear Generating Station. The largest plant of its kind in the country, Bruce was originally constructed by Ontario Hydro between 1970 and 1987. Early project work began in 2016 and the refurbishment of unit 6 is expected to wrap in 2024.
GO Expansion (On-Corridor Works) – $15.5 billion
The On Corridor Works project is the largest capital infrastructure project in Ontario’s GO Rail Expansion program. On Corridor work includes all works that facilitate train service, such as track, civil infrastructure, signalling, electrification infrastructure and electric vehicles, as well as the operations and maintenance of the GO rail network. Last April, the project contract was awarded to ONxpress, a group that includes Aecon, ALSTROM, FCC Construction S.A, and DB International Operations. ONxpress is responsible for designing, building, operating and maintaining all GO Rail infrastructure and trains for 25 years.
Key Takeaways:
Michelin is planning a $300M facility expansion in Nova Scotia to produce tires for electric vehicles.
Michelin will receive a tax credit of about $61.3 million over five years for the project.
The project will also receive up to $44.3 million in federal funding .
The Whole Story:
Michelin, one of Nova Scotia’s largest employers, is moving forward with a major expansion of its manufacturing facility in Bridgewater with the help of a recently enhanced provincial tax credit.
“Nova Scotia is an amazing place to do business and Michelin’s decision to modernize and expand its operations here speaks volumes about our business environment,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Michelin’s strong commitment to greening their operations aligns with our government’s plan for a clean and green economy, where the environment and Nova Scotians can thrive, and no one is left behind.”
Michelin will modernize and expand its operation in Bridgewater, enabling the plant to produce energy efficent tires for the electric vehicle market and larger rim size tires.
In October, the province expanded the Capital Investment Tax Credit. The tax credit rate increased from 15 to 25 per cent, the cap from $30 million to $100 million for all applicants and extended the time period from 2025 to 2029.
A video explains the unique tire needs of electric vehicles. – Michelin
Michelin will receive a tax credit of about $61.3 million over five years based on eligible capital investments of $302.7 million to be used in Nova Scotia.
The Government of Canada, through the Strategic Innovation Fund, is also contributing up to $44.3 million in federal funding toward Michelin’s expansion, pending a final agreement.
“Companies understand the excellence of Canada’s workers and auto sector – and today’s announcement is a testament to that,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “Here in Nova Scotia, we are once again seeing that when we invest in our workers, we build communities and an economy that works for everyone, while leaving a stronger, healthier future for our kids.”
The Capital Investment Tax Credit is a refundable corporate income tax credit that provides credit for capital costs of new equipment used primarily in manufacturing or processing goods for sale or lease, farming or fishing, logging, storing grain or harvesting peat.
Michelin employs more than 3,600 Nova Scotians at their manufacturing plants in Bridgewater, Lunenburg Co., Waterville, Kings Co. and Granton, Pictou Co.
Key Takeaways:
Cedar LNG has received its Environmental Assessment Certificate from B.C.
The project has also signed a memorandum of understanding with ARC Resources Ltd. for a long-term liquefaction services agreement
A final investment decision for the project is anticipated in the third quarter of 2023.
It would be the largest First Nations majority-owned infrastructure project in Canada.
The Whole Story:
Cedar LNG has received its Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) and signed a long-term liquefaction services agreement.
The Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corporation announced that the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office has issued the project its EAC. The project has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ARC Resources Ltd. for a long-term liquefaction services agreement.
Cedar LNG is a proposed floating liquified natural gas facility located on Haisla Nation-owned land in Kitimat, B.C. with the capacity to export three million tonnes per year of LNG. It is estimated to cost roughly $3.3 billion.
“The receipt of our EAC is the culmination of more than a decade of work by the Haisla Nation and marks a significant milestone for the Cedar LNG project and the Haisla Nation’s journey towards economic self-determination,” said Crystal Smith, chief councillor for Haisla Nation. “With Cedar LNG, we are setting a new standard of responsible and sustainable energy development. Together with our partner, Pembina, we are committed to advancing an LNG project that protects the environment, respects Haisla Nation values, and meets the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility.”
Pembina president and CEO Scott Burrows stated that the project will benefit Pembina and its customers, the Haisla Nation, and all of Canada, while meaningfully contributing to the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
“Pembina is proud of its long history of safe and reliable operations, and we look forward to contributing our expertise as we work together to bring Canadian LNG to the world,” he said.
Project officials noted that Cedar LNG made several innovative design decisions to minimize its environmental footprint and ensure it is one of the lowest-emitting LNG facilities in the world. This includes deciding to power the facility with renewable electricity from BC Hydro.
In addition, the choice of site location allows the project to leverage existing LNG infrastructure, including the Coastal GasLink pipeline, with which Cedar LNG has a long-term transportation agreement, a deep-water port, roads, and other infrastructure.
A map shows the different components of the Cedar LNG project. – Cedar LNG
Cedar LNG also received its first permit from the BC Energy Regulator for the approximately 8.5 kilometre pipeline that will connect the Project into the Coastal GasLink pipeline.
The project team added that a major part of its success to date has been the strong support of neighbouring Nations. They explained that this has been achieved through years of collaboration and constructive engagement with these Nations.
Cedar and Arc are working towards finalizing a definitive agreement for 1.5 million tonnes of LNG per year, equivalent to approximately 200 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas, or approximately half of Cedar LNG’s production.
“We are pleased to partner with Cedar LNG on this important infrastructure project for Canada. Through responsible development, innovation, and collaboration, we can advance the export of more Canadian energy to global markets,” said Terry Anderson, president and CEO, ARC Resources. “This agreement is an important step forward in delivering our low-cost, low-emission natural gas to key demand markets, and increasing ARC’s exposure to LNG-linked natural gas prices.”
Cedar LNG added that it continues to progress commercial discussions with other potential customers, all of which are investment grade counterparties, for long-term volume commitments.
The province also plans to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Haisla Nation to help the project achieve climate objectives, including exploring ways to enhance environmental performance and lower emissions to near zero by 2030.
“This decision was carefully made after considering all environmental impacts and comes with 16 legally enforceable conditions that Cedar must follow over the lifespan of the project, in addition to other oil and gas emission control regulations which government is developing,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy. “This project will take all possible measures currently available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the MOU between Haisla Nation and the province will explore ways to have the project work toward reaching near-zero emissions by 2030. With these measures in place, I have concluded that the project can fit within B.C.’s climate targets and goals.”
A final investment decision for the project is anticipated in the third quarter of 2023.
Aecon Group has entered into an agreement with Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. (GIP) to sell its Aecon Transportation East (ATE) roadbuilding, aggregates and materials businesses in Ontario for $235 million in cash.
ATE provides roadbuilding infrastructure solutions throughout Ontario to the provincial government, municipalities, and private clients through a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees.
In 2022, ATE’s revenue represented approximately 7% of Aecon’s consolidated revenue as part of the Construction segment.
“Aecon’s efforts are increasingly focused on helping meet its clients’ sustainable infrastructure needs and harnessing the opportunities that are expected to come from the transition to a net zero economy through decarbonization,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and chief executive officer, Aecon Group Inc. “This transaction is consistent with Aecon’s goal of targeting prudent balance sheet leverage and liquidity and also reduces the overall capital intensity of Aecon’s business.”
Upon closing of the sale, Aecon and GIP will enter into a strategic cooperation agreement for certain major projects and pursuits in Ontario that leverage both Aecon’s heavy civil construction services and GIP’s roadbuilding capabilities.
Upon closing, Aecon expects to use the net proceeds from the transaction to pay down debt on its revolving credit facility. Aecon plans to maintain a disciplined capital allocation approach focused on long-term shareholder value.
Key Takeaways:
The 17-storey tower features 63 courtrooms and 10 conference settlement rooms.
The team included NORR, RPBW, EllisDon, Infrastructure Ontario and more.
The project is now the largest courthouse in Ontario.
The Whole Story:
Work is adjourned for the Ontario Court of Justice.
The facility is now preparing to open to the public in the coming weeks.
According to the project’s architectural team, the facility represents a new standard in the evolution of courthouse facilities, providing a unique mix of specialized courtrooms, support facilities and enhanced accessibility features.
They argue that it solves the challenge of the high-rise courthouse through a welcoming light-filled facility that integrates carefully into the important civic context.
The project is the largest courthouse in Ontario amalgamating a number of Ontario Courts of Justice facilities into one location at the judicial center of Toronto’s downtown civic realm. The 17-storey tower features 63 courtrooms, 10 conference settlement rooms, along with associated support facilities. Specialty courts include drug, mental health, Indigenous and youth courts.
A rendering shows the inside of the new Ontario Court of Justice. – NORR Architects and Engineers
“The design concept is defined by a desire to reimagine the institutional building and the courthouse in particular as an integral civic component within the city that is accessible, dignified and independent,” said NORR in its announcement of the project’s completion. “The project is intentionally compact, staying well below the maximum allowable height, maintaining a respectful relationship to Osgoode Hall, a National Historic Site, and Toronto City Hall while having a presence of its own. At the lower levels the bulk of the building is pushed as far north as possible, maximizing exterior public space.”
The architecture team added that the design expresses a clear image with a simple form that is both legible and transparent. The transparency of the lower levels, in particular a 20-meter-tall atrium surrounded by a minimal cable façade, allows for a relationship to exist between the institution and the city.
A 90-meter-tall architectural mast marks the judicial precinct and aligns to the East portico of Osgoode Hall, and the northern terminus of York Street. The envelope of the tower is characterized by a layering of embossed metal panels, wood frames and low iron glass generating a materiality that is dynamic and in constant flux and is capped by a significant photovoltaic array.
“As a team we have been able to create a facility that acknowledges the significant history of the site while also looking to the future,” stated NORR.
Key Takeaways:
Maple Reinders will design and build the $270-million Royal BC Museum Collections and Research Building in Colwood, B.C.
The 15,200-square-metre building’s design will feature mass timber and energy efficient components.
Construction on the project is set to begin in the coming months, with completion expected in 2026.
The Whole Story:
Maple Reinders has been chosen to build the Royal BC Museum Collections and Research Building in Colwood, B.C.
The $204.8-million contract award came after an extensive procurement and partnering process with the province, Royal BC Museum, and Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
The new $270-million facility will be an advanced, sustainable, and culturally sensitive building that will serve as a community and learning hub for the region. Once complete, the new facility will house the Royal BC Museum’s collections, research departments, learning spaces and the BC Archives. Mass timber construction will be used extensively and the building will meet CleanBC energy efficiency standards, and target LEED Gold Certification.
The project is meant to protect the collection of more than seven million artifacts and the BC Archives. Some of the items are at risk from flooding. They include: archival books and manuscripts; rare and priceless artworks, including watercolours from the 1700s; several paintings by Emily Carr; and early provincial maps.
Key areas of the Collections and Research Building will be open to the public, facilitating community access to the collections and to museum staff. Visitors will be able to interact with displays and artifacts that shed light on the history of the province and observe researchers at work in person and online in the media centre.
“We are humbled to have been chosen to design and construct this important cultural facility,” said Reuben Scholtens, vice president of major projects at the Maple Reinders Group. “Our team is committed to delivering a world-class facility that will not only serve as a community and learning hub but will reflect and pay respect to the deep cultural connections the local Indigenous peoples have to the place where the facility will stand. There is a vibrant and compelling story to be told and we are enthused at the prospect of being able to assist in its telling.”
Construction on the project is set to begin in the coming months, with completion expected in 2026.
Key Takeaways:
PCL won the award for Lakeridge Health’s new long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens, in Ontario
For PCL it was building a six-story long-term care home in 13 months during a global pandemic.
The award recognized the strategy and outcomes achieved delivering Lakeridge Health’s new long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens, in Ontario. It was the first project to be completed under Infrastructure Ontario’s Accelerated Build Pilot Program.
The Toronto Construction Association Best of the Best Innovation Award recognizes companies whose achievements set a precedent in the industry. Winners are selected based on their ability to create innovative approaches to improve performance and create cost effective solutions, while maintaining schedule and quality.
PCL officials explained that the Accelerated Build Pilot Program, which leverages hospital-owned land and accelerated construction techniques to get shovels in the ground quickly, was key to delivering the 320 bed, six story long-term care home in record time. They noted that rapid procurement, design/schedule innovation, lean principles and a modular kit-of-parts approach were crucial to bringing Lakeridge Gardens to life years faster than a traditional build.
“Thank you to the Toronto Construction Association for recognizing our collaborative team with the Best of the Best Innovation Award. The successful outcome of Lakeridge Gardens reflects the culmination of efforts to optimize modular solutions coming together at the right time, with the right team including Lakeridge Health, Infrastructure Ontario, G Architects, Parkin Architects, all levels of the government, the workforce and all partners,” said Marc Pascoli, senior vice president and district manager of PCL Toronto. “While the means and methods utilized on this project certainly stand out, the culture and level of collaboration cultivated on this extremely fast-tracked project is something incredible. We couldn’t be more proud of what we built, and who we built it with and for.”
PCL covered the project’s journey through the COVID-19 pandemic in this documentary:
EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare (EDIH) has reached financial close on the South Niagara Hospital project. The consortium was selected by Infrastructure Ontario and Niagara Health to design, build, finance, and maintain the South Niagara hospital as part of a $3.6 billion fixed-price contract.
The contract reflects the payments made during construction, the substantial completion payment and the monthly service payments before inflation adjustments.
“It was with tremendous efforts put forth by a great deal of people to reach this milestone,” said Joey Comeau, executive vice president and chief operating officer of EllisDon Capital. “EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare is excited to reach commercial and financial close and we are looking forward to delivering this monumental project for the communities of South Niagara.”
The 1.2 million square foot, 11-storey modernized facility, will consolidate and expand acute care services across the region. In addition to emergency, critical care and surgical services, the South Niagara Hospital will feature several centres of excellence specializing in stroke, complex care, geriatrics and geriatric psychiatry, and wellness in aging.
In addition to being LEED Silver certified, the South Niagara Hospital is working towards being the first WELL-certified hospital in Canada, incorporating design elements that promote health and well-being for everyone who uses it. These improved spaces will prioritize the mental health and well-being of staff, patients and visitors.
The hospital will also feature an Indigenous healing space and garden. Indigenous partners provided input into the design. The spaces were incorporated to create culturally safe and welcoming areas for Indigenous Peoples.
EDIH expects to begin construction this summer. The hospital will take five years to build, with occupancy planned for 2028.
Key Takeaways:
The project allows Centerm to handle 60% more containers by increasing the terminal footprint by 15%.
Work is ongoing to optimize operations to deliver the full capacity increase at Centerm. The full capacity gains are expected to be realized later this year.
Canada’s west coast marine container terminals are forecast to hit capacity by the mid-to-late-2020s, following a decade of 5% average annual growth from 2011 to 2021.
The Whole Story:
Construction on the Centerm Expansion Project at the Port of Vancouver is now complete.
The expansion project—delivered in partnership with terminal operator DP World—focused on innovative ways to make best use of the limited trade-enabling industrial land available and allow Centerm to handle 60% more containers by increasing the terminal footprint by 15%. Work completed includes expanding the terminal footprint to the west and east, reconfiguring and expanding the container yard, building state-of-art truck gates, expanding the intermodal yard, building a new operations facility, and marine habitat improvements.
“We’re incredibly proud of our work leading this award-winning terminal expansion, which adds to our proven track record of delivering top-tier sustainable infrastructure to support Canada’s growing trade,” said Cliff Stewart, vice president of infrastructure at the port authority, the federal agency mandated to enable Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver. “The expanded Centerm terminal is an important addition to the Port of Vancouver as we continue to work to deliver the container capacity Canadians and Canadian businesses need to thrive now and into the future.”
Optimization work will continue
While construction of the terminal improvements is complete, work is ongoing to optimize operations to deliver the full capacity increase at Centerm. The full capacity gains are expected to be realized later this year, increasing the terminal’s container handling capacity by two-thirds from 900,000 20-foot equivalent unit containers (TEUs) to 1.5 million TEUs.
“The completion of the Centerm Expansion Project marks a new chapter in the 100-year history of our DP World operations in Vancouver,” said Maksim Mihic, chief executive and general manager, DP World (Canada) Inc. “By using new technologies and reconfiguring the terminal–we have been able to increase throughput capacity by 60% with only a 15% increase in the terminal footprint. This project is a great example of how we are innovating to create the sustainable trade infrastructure of tomorrow. We are providing access to new market opportunities for Canadian businesses while making the global supply chain more resilient. I want to thank everyone involved in this project who worked tirelessly to get us to today.”
Improving trade infrastructure
According to the port, the Centerm terminal expansion will play an important role meeting demand in the short-term.
In line with its public interest mandate, the port authority is leading several projects to enable Canada’s growing trade. This includes:
Partnering with industry and government on projects to reduce bottlenecks and enhance road and rail links to the port while delivering community benefits.
Leading digitization and optimization initiatives to help drive efficiency and capacity across the port, including the Active Vessel Traffic Management and West Coast Supply Chain Visibility programs.
Planning to support Canada’s forecast growth in container trade and long-term needs via the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project.
Canada’s west coast marine container terminals are forecast to hit capacity by the mid- to late-2020s, following a decade of 5% average annual growth from 2011 to 2021.
Growing responsibly
“Trade through the Port of Vancouver is growing and we’re working to ensure infrastructure projects are designed and delivered in a way that protects the environment and benefits local communities while enhancing the safe movement of cargo through the region,” said Stewart.
On the Centerm Expansion Project, this includes environmental protections like reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating wait times for vehicles at train crossings, adding capacity for container ships to connect to electrical shore power, upgrading some yard cranes from diesel to electric, and building to LEED and Envision certification sustainability standards.
A map gives a detailed layout of the Centerm project. – Port of Vancouver
Public consultation on the project was based on two-way communication and open dialogue with stakeholders, the public and Indigenous groups during planning and construction. As part of the port authority’s community investment for the project, a $500,000 Centerm Community Fund was developed to help thank the local community for its patience during construction. The fund was part of a $2 million contribution to community initiatives in East Vancouver from the port authority and Centerm terminal operator DP World, and was distributed between 2019 and 2021 to 41 organizations working to enrich the lives of those living and working in the area as well as supporting local conservation efforts.
Key Takeaways:
Fluor has been awarded a contract to do FEED and EPCM work on the world’s first net-zero carbon emissions ethylene cracker and derivatives complex.
The Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. facility will convert cracker off-gas into hydrogen as a clean fuel to be used in the production process.
Dow selected the Fort Saskatchewan site as the region offers a highly competitive energy and feedstocks position. The region also features access to available third-party CO2 infrastructure.
The Whole Story:
Fluor has been awarded a reimbursable contract by Dow for work on the world’s first net-zero carbon emissions ethylene cracker and derivatives complex.
Flour will provide front-end engineering and design (FEED) and engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for the project in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.
Fluor stated that it will book the initial FEED award in the first quarter and anticipates the additional EPCM scope will be awarded throughout 2023 pending a final investment decision by Dow’s board of directors.
“We commend Dow for its leadership and commitment to decarbonize its global footprint, and we are pleased to work together with the company on this important project,” said Jim Breuer, group president, Fluor’s energy solutions business. “Fluor’s expertise in energy transition is helping clients across industries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency.”
The project is still subject to approval by Dow’s board of directors and various regulatory agencies. According to Dow, the project would decarbonize approximately 20 percent of its global ethylene capacity while growing its polyethylene supply by about 15 percent and supporting approximately $1 billion of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) growth across the value chain by 2030.
The additional project scope to be awarded in 2023 includes integrated project management team services for the entire Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero program and EPCM services for the ethane cracker and associated utilities, power and infrastructure.
The production process at Fort Saskatchewan will convert cracker off-gas into hydrogen as a clean fuel to be used in the production process, and carbon dioxide that would be captured onsite to be transported and stored by adjacent third-party CO2 infrastructure.
The products produced at the site will be used across the globe to help deliver low- to zero-carbon emissions solutions. Dow stated it is focused on serving high growth markets that support human well-being, drive industrial efficiency, and enable the world’s energy transition.
Dow added that it selected the Fort Saskatchewan site as the region offers a highly competitive energy and feedstocks position. The region also features access to available third-party CO2 infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
Albion Building Consultant Inc. lost its licence to build and sell homes after failing to enrol homes in a warranty program.
It is the most severe action that the Home Construction Regulatory Authority can take against a licensed builder.
The company now owes $206,250 in fines.
The Whole Story:
A homebuilder in Ontario has had its licence to construct and sell homes stripped by regulators after failing to enrol new homes with warranty coverage.
Albion Building Consultant Inc. received the punishment from the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). It is the most severe action that the group can take against a licensed builder.
The HCRA explained that revoked the builder’s licence following Albion’s prior convictions in the Ontario Court of Justice for failing to enrol new homes in the warranty program with Tarion – a not-for-profit consumer protection organisation established by the Ontario government to administer the province’s new home warranty program. The regulator stated the builder has a long history of non-compliance with provincial rules and laws.
“Enrolling a home is essential to ensuring consumer protection,” said Wendy Moir, the HCRA’s CEO and registrar. “Licensed home builders must act in accordance with the law, and with integrity and honesty – or face serious consequences.”
Last year, Albion Building Consultant Inc. was convicted of failing to enrol new homes in the warranty program with Tarion. The convictions stemmed from an investigation concluding that Albion had built 11 new homes without first enrolling them with Tarion. Albion was sentenced to a fine of $15,000 plus a $3,750 victim fine surcharge for each of the 11 counts, bringing the total fine amount to $206,250.
In addition, Albion’s managing director Zamal Hossain was convicted of acting as an officer and director of a company that failed to enrol new homes. Company co-founder Farida Haque was convicted of acting as a vendor of a new home without being licensed.
The HCRA noted that even prior to these convictions, Albion and its officers and directors had a history of non-compliance for building homes without registering as a builder and for failing to enrol new homes in the Greater Toronto Area, including convictions in 2016 and 2019.
In light of these convictions, the HCRA notified Albion, through a formal notice of proposal, of its intention to deny Albion’s licence renewal application. Albion unsuccessfully appealed this decision at the Licence Appeal Tribunal in January.
The HCRA added that Albion may continue to complete homes that were already under construction – upon completion of these homes Albion’s licence will be immediately revoked. The Ontario Builder Directory will subsequently be updated to officially recognize Albion’s licence status as revoked.
“Revocation is the most severe consequence for a licensee,” said Moir. “Following the completion of the remaining homes, Albion will no longer be able to do business, and we sincerely hope this is a rare occurrence – but we will use it to send a clear message to the industry and ensure that consumers are protected.”
*Editor’s Note: SiteNews has reached out to Albion for comment and will update the story accordingly.
Key Takeaways:
SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a five-year contract to provide project and construction management consultancy services for THE LINE.
THE LINE is a linear smart city under construction in Saudi Arabia in Neom, Tabuk Province, which is designed to have no cars, streets or carbon emissions.
Project officials say the first residents could be moving in by 2030.
The Whole Story:
Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin will be working on a massive, linear city under construction in Saudi Arabia.
The Canadian engineering and construction firm has been appointed as a delivery partner organization for THE LINE at NEOM. According to SNC, the enormous project represents a civilizational revolution that will have no roads, cars or carbon emissions.
The linear city development is designed to be 170-kilometres long and 200 metres wide on a 34-square-kilometre site. The design also features 100 per cent clean energy to accommodate nine million residents. The project also plans to ensure that 95% of the surrounding NEOM region will be protected for conservation.
SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a five-year contract under a framework agreement for consultancy services on THE LINE. In collaboration with NEOM and other delivery partner organizations, SNC-Lavalin will provide project and construction management consultancy services for the design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of the project, together with the management of the critical interfaces that the linear city shares with adjacent NEOM projects and logistics. The firm stated that the project has adopted a highly collaborative delivery model in response to its scale, complexity, supply chain and requirements for innovation.
“With a vision for engineering a sustainable society, SNC-Lavalin is committed to helping governments and the private sector meet their Net Zero targets by providing our global expertise and world-class sustainability solutions,” said Ian L. Edwards, president and CEO of SNC-Lavalin. “THE LINE is a central component of NEOM, which itself is one of the largest projects under Saudi Vision 2030. The linear, cognitive city will play a significant role in helping NEOM accelerate the Kingdom’s economic diversification agenda by redefining the urban living experience, boosting tourism, and creating job opportunities for the people of Saudi Arabia.”
The project’s approach to city design includes layering city functions vertically while giving people the possibility of moving seamlessly in three dimensions to access them. Officials called this concept “zero gravity urbanism”. The development’s infrastructure will be embedded with sustainable, smart technology containing essential utilities and transportation services, generating car-free communities and public realms.
“THE LINE is a truly ground-breaking, world-first project and we are proud to have the opportunity to bring our global engineering, digital and Net Zero expertise to help create a lasting legacy for the Kingdom and its people,” said Philip Hoare, president, engineering services, UK and Europe, Middle East, India and Canada, SNC-Lavalin. “As a delivery partner organization, we will work closely with NEOM and our partners to seamlessly connect people, data and technology to drive innovation, value, efficiency and certainty on the project. Our combined intent is to radically transform the way major infrastructure projects are delivered and THE LINE, with its vision and complexity, provides a great opportunity to demonstrate what our industry can achieve.”
Globally, SNC-Lavalin has developed the Engineering Net Zero (ENZ) program, which focuses on leading the engineering industry to achieve Net Zero Carbon as rapidly as possible, by helping clients manage climate risks and build climate resilience.
SNC-Lavalin’s presence in the region has grown. It has regional offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, supporting clients in buildings and places, transportation, energy and water sectors. Some of the company’s key projects in Saudi Arabia include Diriyah Gate, Six Flags Qiddiya theme park, Riyadh Metro, and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Key Takeaways:
Metro Vancouver mayors say they need $250 million in emergency funding from Ottawa to help the region’s transit systems cope with growing ridership.
They also want to accelerate the delivery of the Permanent Transit fund by two years and Permanently double the Canada Community-Building Fund.
The mayors want to create a national commission with provinces, transit agencies and local governments to develop a new funding model for public transit.
The population of Metro Vancouver is estimated to increase by more than one million people by 2050.
The Whole Story:
Metro Vancouver mayors are asking the federal government for $250 million to help the region’s transit system sustain and expand services in the face of increasing ridership and ongoing post-pandemic financial challenges.
The TransLink Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation has made a formal request to the Federal Government to renew its partnership with the region and the province.
In a pre-budget submission to the Minister of Finance, the Mayors’ Council is specifically calling for emergency relief funding of $250 million – to be matched by the B.C. government – to help offset the ongoing financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The council added that the funds would also accelerate the delivery of the federal Permanent Transit Fund from 2026/27 to 2024/25, to keep TransLink’s new 10-year expansion plan, the Transport 2050 Ten-Year Priorities, on track.
“Our region is growing faster than ever and our transit system will struggle to keep up with forecasted population growth if we don’t act now to secure funding from senior governments,” said Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West, chair of the Mayors’ Council. “We just need to look at the new federal immigration targets to see that a record number of people will be settling here and adding to the demands on our transit network. This is a critical point to invest in Metro Vancouver’s long-term infrastructure needs and the Mayors’ Council is determined to make sure this message is being heard in Ottawa.”
The population of Metro Vancouver is estimated to increase by more than one million people by 2050. The council stated that the growth will be “supercharged by new federal immigration targets, critical to addressing Canada’s labour shortage and economic growth.”
It is estimated that 1.45 million people will immigrate to Canada between now and 2025, 1 of every 8 of whom are forecast to end up in Metro Vancouver.
The council stated that pressures on the transit system are compounded by the rapid ridership growth across Metro Vancouver, with transit boardings already at 82% of pre-pandemic levels – the highest among North America’s big cities. They added that overcrowding on the system, especially South of the Fraser and other fast-growing communities, is approaching levels not seen since before the pandemic when TransLink was struggling to keep up with surging demand.
A rendering shows one of the stations that will be part of an extension to the SkyTrain system.
The Mayors’ Council is calling on the federal government to:
Provide $250 million in Emergency Transit Relief Funding to TransLink, to be matched by the Government of BC, to protect existing transit service levels in 2023-25;
Accelerate the delivery of the Permanent Transit Fund (PTF) by two years from the original commitment of 2026/27 to 2024/25 to avoid delaying the transit service expansion needed to meet national and provincial GHG emission targets, respond to the housing affordability crisis and serve quickly growing ridership;
Permanently double the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund) as was done in 2019, 2021 and 2022, and increase its annual escalator to 3.5% to better reflect construction cost inflation; and,
Launch a tri-partite national commission together with provinces, transit agencies and local governments to develop a new funding model for public transit that is more resilient and equitable by avoiding overreliance on regressive sources such as transit fares and property taxes.
The 10-Year Priorities, the plan that was re-endorsed unanimously by the Mayors’ Council on January 26, 2023, includes doubling of bus service region-wide, nine new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines,
expansion of active transportation infrastructure, and SkyTrain service expansion to meet forecasted population growth and ensure more residents have easy access to transit.
“Strengthening transportation links between Metro Vancouver communities is a vital step towards a more prosperous, sustainable future for our region,” said Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver. “Metro Vancouver mayors are united in our determination to secure these important investments and we are excited about the positive impacts that they will have.”
Key Takeaways:
Shipping containers with the stadium pieces arrived this month and the facility is expected to be ready in May.
The stadium’s modern and improved modular design was partially inspired by Vancouver’s Empire Field which was a temp facility while construction was being done on BC Place.
The soccer-specific stadium, a first in the Lower Mainland, will offer as many as 6,560 seats for fans.
The Whole Story:
Soccer fans won’t have to wait long for a new Vancouver FC stadium in Langley.
Construction on the stadium will only take a few months thanks to prefabricated modular building techniques.
The first shipping containers housing the club’s flat pack stadium arrived at the Port of Vancouver on Wednesday. Work is underway to lay the concrete foundations and site services that will support the prefabricated modular structure.
“The modular stadium system dramatically reduces onsite construction time and allows municipalities to create professional and intimate soccer-specific venues for a fraction of the budget typically spent on arenas and concrete stadiums,” said Dean Shillington, managing partner of SixFive Sports & Entertainment, parent company of SixFive Stadium Experience and Vancouver Football Club.
The stadium’s modern and improved modular design is based on the likes of Empire Field. Empire was a multi-purpose stadium that stood at the Pacific National Exhibition site at Hastings Park. The temporary field was built to allow a new retractable roof to be installed at BC Place in 2010 and 2011. More recently, flat packed stadiums have been used for Olympic events as the stadium can be packed up and moved elsewhere once games are over.
The soccer-specific stadium, a first in the Lower Mainland, will offer as many as 6,560 local soccer fans an immersive game day experience during the club’s first season in 2023.
The stadium, located at Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre, is designed to grow with the club and its surrounding community, and is able to expand in capacity and amenities to serve its supporters now and in the future.
“We hope to create a true, authentic soccer destination for all,” said Shillington. “This stadium will become the heartbeat of the community for years to come and is a very flexible amenity that can expand as the sport of soccer continues to grow in Canada.”
Vancouver FC today revealed the first rendering of its new stadium ahead of the launch of ticket sales for the club’s inaugural season in the coming weeks. Vancouver is scheduled to host its inaugural home match on Sunday, May 7 at 4 p.m. PST against Cavalry FC.
“We are delighted to share our vision for our future home with our fans, who can expect a stadium to rise before their eyes in the coming months as we look ahead to hosting our first match in club history later this year,” said Rob Friend, president, Vancouver FC. “We are excited to provide a proper football experience for every fan that walks through our doors, and to see this stadium come to life in the near future.”
The south end of the stadium will be home to Vancouver’s supporters’ groups. The east grandstand will be home to a Cabana Club, while VIP dining and Tunnel Club-style experiences will be offered below the west grandstand.
Vancouver’s youngest fans will be entertained in the Family Zone, located at the north end of the stadium. There will be several entertainment plazas located throughout the stadium, including an area designated to house a mini food truck festival on each match day, offering a selection of eats from local businesses.
