The federal government will contribute $1.4 billion to an Indigenous-led development in Vancouver. The funding will help create nearly 3,000 homes on traditional lands in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood as part of the Sen̓áḵw project. The funding agreement is the largest First Nations economic partnership and the largest loan from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in Canadian history.
Addressing the past
Sen̓áḵw is an on-reserve residential and commercial development project that will be owned and operated by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Sen̓áḵw, which means “the place inside the head of False Creek,” is located on land that was forcibly taken away from the Squamish Nation in the early 1900s and returned by the courts in 2003. The ancient Sen̓áḵw village, located on this land, was burned down and the people who lived there were forced to relocate.
“The Squamish Nation and the federal government’s partnership to support the residential development of Sen̓áḵw is a historic moment in Canada’s relationship with Indigenous communities,” said Squamish Nation Council Chairperson Khelsilem. “This economic partnership is the largest in Canadian history between a First Nation and the federal government. This investment will build many needed rental apartments and generate long-term wealth for Squamish People across many generations. The wealth generated from these lands can then be recirculated into our local economies and communities to address our people’s urgent needs for affordable housing, education, and social services.”
A rendering shows the site plan for the Sen̓áḵw development. – Squamish Nation
Indigenous-led design
The Sen̓áḵw development project was proposed by the Squamish Nation, Westbank Corporation, and OP Trust, under a joint venture, working with the Government of Canada.
In total, the Sen̓áḵw development project will create 6,000 homes when complete. The Government of Canada has committed to financing the first two of the four phases.
The project’s design features Coast Salish architecture and design across a ten-acre site, over half of which will be publicly accessible, with green spaces, parks, and plazas. Everyone in the community, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, will be able to live at Sen̓áḵw.
Existing with nature
The Nation stated that Sen̓áḵw’s vision will demonstrate how humanity and nature can co-exist, and the development aims to be the largest net-zero residential project in the country. This includes district energy and progressive, low carbon transportation options.
In addition to thousands of rental units, including affordable units, the project is expected to create hundreds of jobs and long-term economic opportunities for Indigenous people. Construction is already underway, with the first residents expected to move in in 2025.
“Everyone should have a safe place to call home,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who visited the project site for the announcement. “Today’s announcement not only builds more much-needed homes for Vancouverites, it supports the Squamish Nation’s vision for their traditional lands and their path to continued economic independence and self-determination. When we all work together as partners – federal and Indigenous governments, private sector, local communities – we innovate, and we find solutions to the challenges we face.”
Key Takeaways:
The new facility adds 28,000 square feet of sustainable dining space.
The $25 million facility is designed to up feed the projected 3,250 students who will be living on campus by 2035.
Dialog was the prime consultant for the project.
The Whole Story:
Order up! Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) new LEED Gold Dining Commons has been served to the public.
The new building, which sits at the Burnaby student residence entry, includes more than 10 new culinary stations.
“At SFU, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and welcoming campus community for our students—and that includes providing good, healthy food,” says SFU president Joy Johnson. “I can’t wait to see the new Dining Commons become a go-to destination for students to connect with each other, have a study session or simply enjoy a delicious meal.”
SFU’s Dining Commons features 28,000 square feet of sustainable dining space, including 500 indoor seats and large skylights that make use of natural light. The building further boasts a large outdoor patio and a mezzanine with a variety of seating configurations, including family-style tables, bistro, and bar seating.
“I want to congratulate Simon Fraser University for creating amazing spaces and services such as this, which will also serve the 386 students soon to be living on campus when the new student housing building opens early next year,” said Anne Kang, minister of advanced education and skills training. “Investing in dining facilities and student housing is a great way we can support students so they can focus on their studies, doing what they came to school to do.”
The Dining Commons will be open 24 hours a day during fall and spring terms and is available to students who live in residences and are on a meal plan, as well as to students, faculty, staff and visitors at posted meal rates. Similar to the existing dining hall, visitors have unlimited access to all food stations for their meals. The SFU community can also experience and learn from guest chefs, cooking demonstrations, theme nights and more.
The school explained that expanded dining space is critical in supporting the growing number of students living at SFU’s Burnaby campus through the university’s five-phase residence and housing masterplan. Phase 2 is currently underway and will provide an additional 350 students with on-campus housing by the end of 2023. Once completed, the master plan will see 3,250 students living on Burnaby campus by 2035.
Key Takeaways:
Graham Construction and Engineering LP has started work on a sports complex in Cloverdale, B.C.
The $13.4-million contract includes building two NHL-sized ice rinks and seating for 400 spectators.
It will be used for ice hockey, figure skating, public lessons, skating sessions, lacrosse and ball hockey.
The Whole Story:
Surrey has begun construction on a new sports complex in Cloverdale. Once complete, this new arena will increase Surrey’s overall ice capacity, while accommodating the need for an additional ice arena in Cloverdale.
Earlier this year the city awarded the $13.4 million contract to build the facility to Graham Construction and Engineering LP.
“I am thrilled to see construction get underway on the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex,” said Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum. “This new arena will not only provide additional ice to meet the needs of Cloverdale residents but will serve both city-wide and sport destination needs. Like all the Surrey Invests Capital Projects, this facility has been designed to high standards including important sustainability and accessibility features.”
The Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex will include two National Hockey League sized arena sheets of ice, seating for 400 spectators, multi-purpose and community rooms, officials’ rooms, change rooms, and other amenities. The project will offer various programs including ice hockey, figure skating, public lessons, skating sessions and dry-floor summer use for sports, such as lacrosse and ball hockey.
The Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex will be located at 6336 177B Street. The arena was approved in the city’s 2021 Five-Year Capital Financial Plan and is among more than 20 projects included in the Surrey Invests Capital Plan.
Key Takeaways:
The new system will boost capacity with 27 eight-person cabins.
The gondola is expected to open in early 2024.
Work includes updates to base buildings and parking areas.
The Whole Story:
Shovels are poised to hit the ground for a sky high-project in Metro Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain announced the installation of a new Gondola will begin in September. The state-of-the-art gondola will replace the aging Blue Skyride.
Grouse Mountain is privately held by local, family-owned Northland Properties which is funding the project.
“We are thrilled to be embarking on this transformational project as we approach the 100th anniversary of the first official ski season at the Resort,” said Michael Cameron, president of Grouse Mountain. “Since the world’s first double chairlift was built at the Resort in 1949, Grouse Mountain has had a rich history of investing in modern recreational technology. The installation of the new gondola is the latest development to further enhance our four-season operations to welcome both the local and global community.”
The new lift system, which includes a total of 13 towers and 27 eight-person gondola cabins, will allow Grouse Mountain to return to just above its original capacity when both the Blue and Red Skyrides were fully operational. In addition to the new gondola, phase two of the project includes future updates to current base buildings and improvements to parking areas at the Resort.
The mountain’s Blue Tram opened in 1966 and the Red Tram opened in 1976, making the Grouse Mountain aerial tramway system the largest in North America.
Project Timeline
• Clearing of Gondola Easement Area: September/October 2022
• Building of Foundations/Base and Plateau Stations: January/August 2023
• Assembly of Towers and Line Work: September/November 2023
• System Testing: Winter 2023/2024
• New Gondola Opens: Spring 2024
Key Takeaways:
One of B.C.’s largest campus housing projects ever is being planned for Douglas College.
The $292-million project is expected to get underway next year in New Westminster.
It will feature 368 student beds, classrooms, collaboration space, labs, offices and more.
The Whole Story:
The $292.5-million project received $202.3 million in provincial funding, while Douglas College provided $90.2 million. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2023, with anticipated completion in summer 2026.
Officials say building will be constructed using natural products, including stone and wood, in accordance with the province’s CleanBC plan.
The 20-storey building with 368 student beds, academic space and parking will be the school’s first on-campus housing.
“Students at Douglas College have told us everything we need to hear. They need access to affordable housing so they don’t have the barrier of long commutes and expensive rent,” said Anne Kang, minister of advanced education and skills training. “I’m incredibly excited by this project and historical investment by our government. We’re going to change lives, both at Douglas College and in New Westminster.”
The new building will have 368 student beds in one-, two-, and four-bed units, as well as academic space, including new classrooms, student collaboration space, labs and offices, and food services.
Officials said that with classes moving to the new academic building, space will become available for other purposes, including a potential expansion of the college’s child care facility.
6. The Aspen Oil Sands ($2.6 billion)
The Aspen Oil Sands project is a proposed in-situ steam assisted gravity drainage oil sands project. Aspen would produce up to 150,000 barrels of bitumen a day (bpd), making it one of Imperial’s largest oil sources. The output would be achieved with two phases. Final investment decision was approved in November 2018 for the first phase, which will build 75,000 bpd of capacity. However, the project was deferred in November 2019.
5. Mildred Lake Extension ($3.3 billion)
Sometimes it’s just about keeping the status quo. The Mildred Lake Extension (MLX) project in the rural municipality of Wood Buffalo is being planned to help maintain Syncrude’s current production levels by extending the life of our North Mine. It received regulatory approval in 2019 and is expected to be operational by the mid-2020s. The project consists of two mine sites – MLX West, located northwest of the current North Mine and west of the MacKay River; and MLX East, located on the east side of the Mildred Lake Settling Basin.
4. Nauticol Energy Net-Zero Blue Methanol Project ($4 billion)
This project is looking to use some blue to go green. The Grande Prairie project is expected to produce 3.4 million metric tonnes of net-zero blue methanol annually, creating a low-carbon value-added product from the abundant natural gas production in the Peace Region and incorporating best-in-class 90%+ precombustion carbon capture. The project will support 5,000 construction jobs, 1,260 permanent direct and indirect jobs, and provide sustained Indigenous and community economic benefits over its 35+ year life.
3. Suncor Base Mine Extension ($4.4 billion)
It’s out with the old and in with the new. The Suncor Base Mine Extension Project, formerly known as Voyageur South Mine, is being planned to replace existing feed from Suncors North Steepbank Extension mine when it is depleted. The Wood Buffallo-area mine is expected to produce up to 250,000 barrels per day of bitumen during its estimated 28-year operational life.
2. Green Line LRT Stage 1 ($5.5 billion)
Calgary is looking to significantly expand its transit options. The green line LRT project, stage 1, will feature the southern leg from Shepard, up until 16th Avenue NW. A total of 15 stations are planned on 20 kilometers of the new track. The city recently announced that Bow Transit Connectors and City Link Partners have been invited to move forward to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage.
1. Edmonton-Calgary High Speed Rail ($9 billion)
This line could turn a three hour drive into a 45 minute train ride. Prairie Link Rail Partnership (EllisDon and AECOM) is proposing to build a 400 km/h rail link between the two Alberta cities to transport passengers and freight. Last summer, the project team announced an MOU with Alberta Transportation. The private sector-initiated unsolicited P3 proposal being evaluated by the province under an unsolicited framework process.
Key Takeaways:
New renal unit in Manitoba will give patients a closer place to get treatment.
The project will cost $32 million.
Plans for the project came together after a study revealed how many dialysis patients would benefit.
The Whole Story:
Construction has started on a new renal unit at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre that will serve patients in the Steinbach, Man.
The project will allow dialysis patients to receive care closer to home. It’s the first phase of a larger capital project that will expand the site.
“Manitoba is committed to strengthening health care by investing in bringing care closer to home and improving patient care for all Manitobans now and into the future,” said Audrey Gordon, health minister. “The start of construction at Bethesda Regional Health Centre brings us one day closer to reducing the need for those living in or near Manitoba’s third largest city to travel elsewhere for care while providing the site with the necessary capacity to continue growing in the years ahead.”
The capital project includes $32 million of work.
“Ensuring Bethesda Regional Health Centre can meet the needs of a growing population well into the future is vitally important for both the people who call this city and surrounding area home as well as for the health region as a whole,” said Jane Curtis, CEO, Southern Health-Santé Sud. “We are thrilled to see construction begin on a project that will support more care closer to home for the people who live in or near the city of Steinbach, with expanded acute-care inpatient capacity and the establishment of renal services.”
Planning for the project came after a feasibility study and review investigated the number and frequency of patients travelling outside the community for dialysis treatment. There are currently 23 hemodialysis patients living in the province’s southeast catchment area who could benefit from the new, six-station unit at Bethesda, said officials.
The renal unit project is part of a capital investment of at least $812 million in building, expanding and renovating health-care facilities across the province. Other capital projects announced include:
Expansion and renovation of the Brandon Regional Health Centre and Western Manitoba Cancer Centre.
Construction of a new hospital in Portage la Prairie.
Construction of a new hospital in Neepawa.
Expansion of Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler/Morden
Expansion of the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
Renovations at Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
Expansion of Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern.
The new dialysis unit at Bethesda is expected to open to patients next summer. Construction on the overall project is expected to be complete by 2025.
Key Takeaways:
The massive art project resembles ancient ceremonial construction.
Work on “The City” began in the 1970s and only recently finished.
Tickets to view the project in person can be had for $150 if the weather is good and a spot can be reserved.
The Whole Story:
After spending decades and millions of dollars, construction on an expansive art sculpture called “The City” has been unveiled in the Nevada desert.
Artist Michael Heizer’s creation is a mile and a half long and a half mile wide complex of shaped mounds and depressions made of compacted dirt, rock, and concrete.
“The City is intentionally reminiscent of many ancient ceremonial constructions through its complexity and size, but its form is suggestive of the central hub or nucleus of a modern city,” said the Triple Aught Foundation, a non-profit that owns and operates the sculpture.
Decades in the making
The City has been developed and built by the artist since 1970 until today. It sits in an isolated valley within the high desert of the Great Basin that has been the grazing land for cattle and sheep for at least a century.
According to the foundation, the Heizer family has inhabited Nevada since the 1800s, and the project’s location was partly chosen by the artist because of its remoteness.
“Almost all elements within the City are made from basic materials—clay, sand, and rock—collected with minimally invasive means, so that the native plants and wildlife may remain undisturbed,” said the foundation.
In June of 2015, the project’s location and the area surrounding it, 704,000 acres in total, were proclaimed the Basin and Range National Monument to safeguard the area’s unique environment for the enjoyment of future generations.
Team effort
Work on the City has been aided over the last fifty years by organizational and financial support from institutions around the country, including the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas; Dia Art Foundation, New York; Glenstone Museum, Potomac, Maryland; Lannan Foundation, New Mexico; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Many private individuals have also contributed their money and time.
Trip to the ‘City’
The public can go see the project, but it’s going to cost you and a reservation will have to be made. Starting this fall, visitors can do short day trips for a maximum of six visitors, with prior reservations only, and only in favorable weather. The foundation noted that the project is on private property in rural terrain, and it has no habitable structures.
“Visiting without a pre-arranged visit is thus potentially dangerous, and it is strictly prohibited and is trespassing,” foundation officials said.
Reservations for future visits may be requested by writing to info@tripleaughtfoundation.org. Visitors will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis, and visitations will end for the 2022 season on November 1. The price of a visit is $150 per adult, $100 for students, and is free for residents of some Nevada counties.
“What we are announcing today is more than an investment in brick and mortar. It’s an investment in the future of a community that is coming together around its past and will benefit the entire community,” said Pablo Rodriguez, minister of Canadian heritage. “The Kebaowek First Nation Cultural Centre plays a key role in ensuring that the Algonquin language, cultural traditions and practices are passed on to the youth of the community. These intergenerational connections give youth a stronger sense of identity and prepare them for success in adult life.”
Chief Lance Haymond stated that the Kebaowek First Nation was very encouraged to see a promise of federal funding to address critical infrastructure gaps in the community.
“On behalf of the council and the citizens of Kebaowek we are extremely pleased to hear that the Government of Canada has now made a multi-million dollar commitment to advance the needs and interests of our families and community,” said Haymond. “The Green and Inclusive Building program will help to give the citizens and community an opportunity to build a solid base from which to continue the vital work needed to reinvigorate and revitalize our language, cultural practices, teachings and ceremonies.”
Chief Haymond noted that the first nation was especially encouraged that the building will be carbon neutral which he says aligns with their social responsibilities.
The building will create a place for the First Nation to teach their history, develop their language skills and cultural understanding, celebrate their culture and offer recreational, extra-curricular and employment-related activities to the young people in the community.
Officials added That the facility will also benefit members from neighbouring communities, visiting school groups and the public at large. Its proximity to the pier and the public dock will make the centre a key component of the surrounding tourist attractions and will be an important economic engine for the region, they said.
Key Takeaways:
Social procurement and sustainable development were major parts of Chandos’ approach to a new fire hall in Lloydminster, Alta.
The project also had to address supply chain issues and a contractor’s cash flow problems.
Despite these challenges, the project was completed without significant delays.
The Whole Story:
Chandos, the project’s builder, explained in a web post that its team drew on social procurement and sustainable development during the build process so the community could benefit.
Roughly 90 per cent of the building’s materials were bought locally, including lumber, insulation, membrane, masonry and concrete. The team also focused on drawing from the nearby labour pool, hiring five subtrades locally.
“The team worked with various agencies to provide opportunities to at-risk individuals,” said Chandos project manager Michael Lewis. “We also collaborated with the local construction association to ensure local vendors were included as much as possible.”
The team also worked to divert nearly 65 per cent of waste from the project.
The project was not immune to supply chain issues that have been plaguing the sector. When procuring the structural steel and precast portions of the build, Chandos was informed that the roof joists that would be required had a lead time of more than 20 weeks. The wait would have delayed final turnover on the project by nine months.
A photo shows the interior of a new $8.5-million fire hall built for Lloydminster, Alta.
“To mitigate this issue, we went back to the bidders and had them make suggestions,” wrote the builder. “We were able to have the building redesigned structurally by our steel contractor using materials that were available, and then we were able to have the structural steel and precast contracted to be onsite by a specific date.”
While the move secured the schedule, it came at a premium of $250,000. Despite the cost, Chandos said that the reasoning behind it was thoroughly discussed and easily approved by the client.
The project also experienced delays for the main air handling unit, which the mechanical contractor said would be arriving much later than expected. Crews would need to wait to complete the structure and roofing in that section of the build.
“This would have delayed all of the work in the main mechanical area and would have created a domino effect on other contractors,” wrote Chandos.
The team worked with the mechanical contractor and the site superintendent to devise a plan. Crews left a wall section unbuilt so that the equipment could be loaded into the building after the main structure was in place. This allowed for all of the additional work to be completed in that specific area. And, when the air handling equipment arrived, it was installed and the wall sections were closed up.
The project also had to mitigate cash flow issues. The team discovered the project’s drywall contractor was having difficulties and a lien was placed on the project by a rental company due to some unpaid bills.
Chandos assisted by clearing some of the debts the contractor had. The company also had the lien cleared all while keeping the client in the loop throughout. With the issue resolved, it caused no delays.
Key Takeaways:
CN Rail and Keyera are jointly exploring a new Alberta rail terminal.
It would be built in Alberta’s first designated industrial zone and carry conventional and clean energy products.
The companies believe it could handle six inbound and outbound trains each day.
The Whole Story:
Keyera Corp. and CN Rail announced that they have signed a deal to leverage their joint expertise to evaluate the creation of a specialized energy terminal near Edmonton. The new infrastructure would aggregate conventional and clean energy from multiple sources to support the transportation of energy products.
“This project capitalizes on a core CN strength: sustainably moving Canadian natural resources safely and efficiently to domestic and international markets,” explained Tracy Robinson, CN’s president and CEO. “We are pleased to be working with Keyera on this project which will benefit Alberta and the Canadian economy. The project will offer a unique opportunity to aggregate products from multiple producers and will provide an efficient mechanism to not only support Canadian industry but also further global energy transition.”
Officials at CN and Keyera stated that the facility would be an efficient solution for industrial players to connect and transport a range of specialized low-cost sustainable energy products to key markets domestically and globally.
The facility would be built on adjoining lands belonging to Keyera and CN. The companies noted that the benefits of this strategic location include opportunities for product aggregation through close proximity to large industrial operators, existing infrastructure to support the terminal and its customers including carbon sequestration, and direct access to the CN rail network. The companies added that the anticipate the facility would be capable of handling six inbound and outbound high-capacity trains daily.
“This agreement builds on the strengths of each partner and allows for the most efficient solutions for the industry to achieve both the needs of today’s market and the future of clean energy,” said Dean Setoguchi, Keyera’s CEO. “Together, Keyera and CN demonstrate how collaboration is key to creating sustainable solutions, meeting the evolving needs of our customers, and transporting high value products locally and abroad while supporting Canada’s path to net-zero.”
Key Takeaways:
Calgary is asking for ideas to redesign 8 Street SW.
The corridor was hollowed out over the years by high office vacancies.
Officials want the redesigned corridor to connect people, parks and neighbourhoods.
The Whole Story:
The city announced it is seeking proposals from design firms to help reimagine 8 Street SW, between 17 Avenue SW and the Bow River.
Officials noted that the neighbourhood corridor is a vital place that will be central to the re-invention of the western part of Calgary’s downtown. It is an area that has hit the hardest by office vacancies. In recent years the city has seen its office vacancy rate peak above 30 per cent. The city added that the street is also an important connector between the Beltline and the Bow River pathway system.
“It’s time to rethink 8 Street SW,” said Thom Mahler, Director, downtown strategy. “Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan identified it as an important downtown street to transform into a complete street with accessibility for all modes of transportation and as a linchpin of The City’s goal to create a green network of tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly streets connecting downtown’s diverse neighbourhoods and inventory of parks, outdoor spaces and pathways.”
Mahler explained that the project is an update of the 8 Street Corridor Public Realm Master Plan, completed in 2016 that included the reconstruction of the 8 Street underpass. Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan, approved by city council in 2021, identifies public realm improvements to 8 Street SW as a priority. According to the plan, the street holds importance as a potential green network, a pedestrian-focused space, and a neighbourhood hub in Calgary’s Downtown West and Beltline.
Officials explained that their vision is for the street to create a “contemporary, pedestrian focused urban destination area with a distinct identity that connects people, parks and neighbourhoods, supported by vibrant retail experiences, and a variety of transportation modes.”
They believe the redesign will support private investment along the street and create a high-quality north-south pedestrian route from 17 Avenue SW to the river.
“A lot has changed since the 8 Street Corridor Public Realm Master Plan was developed, with the westside of Calgary’s downtown changing significantly since 2016,” said Shannon Reid, project manager for the 8 Street SW Public Realm Improvement Project. “We’re excited to launch this project to help shape the future of downtown and support community vibrancy in this important downtown neighbourhood.”
The objective of the 8 Street SW project is to execute the planning, design, and implementation of the remaining public realm improvements identified in the 8 Street Corridor Public Realm Master Plan – including the redevelopment of the streetscape and adjoining riverfront park.
The project’s design team will be chosen through a request for proposal process.
