Aecon-EBC General Partnership was selected for the first phase of a $245 million contract to do seismic upgrades on the dam.
The work involves upgrading earth stabilizing infrastructure.
The team is still waiting on a final project decision from BC Hydro but anticipates work could begin in 2023 and wrap up in 2026.
The Whole Story:
A consortium led by Aecon has won the first phase of a $245 million contract for work on the John Hart Dam.
Aecon-EBC General Partnership (AEGP), a consortium between Aecon (60 per cent) and EBC (40 per cent) in which Aecon is the lead partner, has been awarded the first phase of a two-phase civil construction contract for the John Hart Dam Seismic Upgrade project in Campbell River, B.C.
The scope of work involves upgrading earth stabilizing infrastructure to improve the seismic resiliency of the existing John Hart Dam. Aecon’s share of the contract will be added to its Construction segment backlog in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Aecon stated that an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase will begin this year to collaboratively plan and prepare for construction. The company added that upon successful completion of the ECI phase and following BC Hydro’s final project decision, BC Hydro intends to issue authorization to proceed with construction, which is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2023 with anticipated completion by the end of 2026.
Aecon is no stranger to the site. An Aecon-led joint venture completed the John Hart Generating Station Replacement project in 2019, which included the construction of a new water intake, the replacement of three penstocks with a tunnel, and the construction of a new underground generating station and water bypass facility. The innovative project was the first hydroelectric Public-Private Partnership (P3) in Canada and was recognized with the 2018 Tunnelling Association of Canada Award of Excellence.
“This project will ensure the continued supply of safe, reliable power for surrounding communities and adds another signature project to our diverse backlog in Western Canada – underscoring our preeminent reputation as the preferred contractor for complex civil construction,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and chief executive officer, Aecon Group Inc. “We are proud of the critical role Aecon played in successfully delivering the John Hart Generating Station Replacement project and we look forward to working with our partner while further strengthening our relationship with BC Hydro through this collaborative approach.”
Video: John Hart Generation Station Replacement Project completed
BC Hydro presents their final update on the the John Hart Generation Station Replacement Project, which Aecon worked on.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is launching a call for tenders for the Blue line extension’s largest contract.
It includes the construction of the tunnel and the preparation of the sites of some future stations and auxiliary structures for the Blue line extension project.
STM is the project manager and principal contractor for the extension. This step follows the request for qualification of suppliers issued earlier this year. It is the largest contract to be awarded as part of this major project, which will transform the lives of Montréal’s east end residents.
The winning bidder will be announced in the second half of 2023 and will be responsible for:
The detailed design, supply and operation of the tunnel boring machine.
The construction of the tunnel between Pie-IX and Anjou West using a tunnel boring machine.
The construction of the tunnel between Pie-IX and the tail tracks of the current Blue line using conventional tunnelling methods.
The excavation of Pie-IX (main entrance building only), Viau and Lacordaire stations and some auxiliary structures.
In addition to its efficiency, the tunnel boring machine is powered by electricity, making it an eco-friendly and quiet option, says STM.
“The Blue line extension is a high-priority project for the revitalization of Montreal’s east end and for mobility in the metropolitan area. Geneviève Guilbault, deputy minister and minister of transport and sustainable mobilityThe project is finally taking shape with the construction of a new tunnel that will connect five new stations to the métro network by 2029. The Quebec government is making every effort to deliver this long-awaited project. We can’t stress this enough: given the climate crisis, developing public transit systems is at the forefront of solutions to support sustainable mobility.”
In summer 2022, the STM received authorization from the Quebec government to move forward with the execution phase, making it possible to launch the call for tenders. STM noted that other calls for tenders will follow in the coming months to award the various contracts that will eventually bring the project to life.
The STM said the Blue line extension will be commissioned in the fall of 2029 will allow residents to benefit from a new sustainable mobility option that will provide an attractive and efficient service over single-occupant car use.
A diagram shows how an electric tunnel boring machine will be used for the extension. – STM
Key Takeaways:
The project is a joint effort between the city of Leduc, Alberta Transportation and the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority.
It involves a new overpass, on-off ramps, roads and more.
Work is expected to begin next winter.
The Whole Story:
Graham will build the 65th Avenue Interchange project in the city of Leduc.
Graham announced this month that it was selected by the city for the project. The QEII and 65th Avenue Interchange project is a joint effort between the city, Alberta Transportation, and the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority. About 49,700 vehicles travel the stretch of the QEII Highway every day.
Officials anticipate the $112 million project will support 660 jobs.
Key components of the project includes: new overpass over the QEII Highway; new on-off ramps from the QEII Highway; improvements to some existing ramps; intersection improvements at 65 Avenue and 50 Street in Leduc; and, completion of Perimeter Road and 65 Avenue, west of the QEII Highway.
“This project is a massive undertaking and we are confident that Graham Construction LP will deliver exceptional results,” said Bob Young, Leduc mayor. “Once complete, the interchange will offer significant positive economic impacts and infrastructure upgrades that will benefit Leduc for years to come as we continue to grow and attract big business to the area.”
Graham noted that its team is highly experienced in delivering projects of this scope and complexity, including the Macleod Trail Interchange in Calgary, and the Groat Road Bridge and Road Renewals in Edmonton.
“We look forward to partnering with the city of Leduc and Alberta Transportation to deliver this critical infrastructure,” says Tom Cole, Graham’s vice president of Infrastructure. “The interchange will support safety and ease of movement of people and goods and Graham is proud to be part of the project that will bring significant and long-standing benefits to the community.”
Construction is anticipated to take approximately three years and will begin in winter 2023.
Work is set to begin on a massive industrial development in the Lower Mainland.
Xchange Business Park on Mt. Lehman Road in Abbotsford has received regulatory approval to begin construction on the first two buildings. The full design of Xchange includes 11 buildings and 1.3 million square feet of purpose-built light industrial space totalling 140 acres. The project is being developed by Hungerford Properties and QuadReal Property Group.
“One of the largest industrial developments in recent years, Xchange will help to meet the demand for industrial space in Abbotsford and add much-needed jobs to the growing community,” said Hungerford. “Forty acres will be dedicated to green space and have an amenity area that recognizes the nearby Matsqui First Nation.”
An industrial project of this size is becoming rarer and rarer in the region. According to a 2022 report by Avison Young, Metro Vancouver’s industrial vacancy rate is the lowest in Canada at 0.4 per cent. They anticipate more than 2.5 million square feet of industrial space will be delivered in the last quarter of the year but 95 per cent of it was already spoken for in the third quarter.
Prior to the approval, Wales McLelland has been providing pre-construction services, including development planning and re-zoning, along with de-risking activities such as critical constructability, budgeting, scheduling and site preparation.
Photos: Pre-construction work
Wales McLellandWales McLellandWales McLelland
Calgary celebrated the best of the city’s built environment with the ninth edition of the Mayor’s Urban Design Awards (MUDA).
“Thank you to all the participants of MUDA for striving to make Calgary a more beautiful, accessible and welcoming city through design,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “The success you’ve achieved here in this wonderful diverse city we call home is from your bright minds and compassionate hearts. Thank you for keeping the world’s eyes on Calgary.”
This year’s awards saw a record 87 applicants compete in the 11 MUDA award categories. Officials noted that creating high quality public spaces that are inclusive and accessible was a common theme for this year’s winners and honourable mentions.
“It is an incredible time to make a life in Calgary and this event demonstrates real change that is happening right now in our city,” said Stuart Dalgleish, general manager of Calgary’s planning and development services. “Together, we are creating better spaces and places that are more accessible, equitable and environmentally sustainable. Your efforts contribute to a beautiful city where people want to live and make a great life.”
Student Projects: Urban Acupuncture by Alima Pal, Deepali Dang, Garima Chaudhary, Madiha Mehdi, Mona Meschi, Pranshul Dangwal and Shabnam Seifhamedan.
Alberta is looking to twin the final 215 kilometres of Highway 3.
Officials have released a request for proposals for the first of eight sections of this stretch. The remaining seven sections are at various stages of project readiness.
“Alberta is focused on visionary province and nation-building projects that support local businesses, secure people’s jobs and strengthen communities,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “Our economy relies on our highway network and the ability to connect Alberta to markets outside the province.”
Officials explained that the project will have several stages of development, including consultation, planning and design, land acquisition, environmental assessment, engineering, contract tendering and construction through challenging terrain. The Highway 3 twinning project is being done in a phased approach to maintain cost effectiveness and limit disruption.
The eight phases of this project include:
Phase 1: 46 kilometres – A request for proposals has been issued to the shortlisted design build proponents to twin Highway 3 between Taber and Burdett. Construction is expected to start in 2023.
Phase 2: 10 kilometres – Highway 3X/Coleman Bypass. Functional planning studies have been completed and detailed engineering design will begin in spring 2023.
Phase 3: 15 kilometres – East of Seven Persons to Medicine Hat. Functional planning studies have been completed and detailed engineering design will begin in spring 2023.
Phase 4: 47 kilometres – Blairmore to east of Highway 6 at Pincher Creek. Functional planning studies have been completed and detailed engineering design will begin in 2023.
Phase 5: 28 kilometres – East of Bow Island to east of Seven Persons. Functional planning studies have been completed and detailed engineering design will begin in summer 2023.
Phase 6: 23 kilometres – East of Burdett to east of Bow Island. A functional planning study has been completed and the province will continue to consult with the Town of Bow Island and other stakeholders in order to finalize the alignment.
Phase 7: 38 kilometres – Pincher Creek to west of Fort Macleod. A functional planning study through Piikani Nation is underway and will continue for some time.
Phase 8: Eight kilometres – Alberta-B.C. border to Highway 3X. Continued engagement with B.C. is necessary to consider alignment with improvements being planned through the B.C. portion.
VIDEO: Alberta officials announce Highway 3 plans
Key Takeaways:
The first tunnel-boring machine is progressing towards its first breakthrough while a second machine has been assembled and is set to launch.
A strike limited access to concrete, pushing the project completion date into 2026. Despite this, officials say the project remains on budget.
A precise update on the project timeline will be provided in the spring of 2023 when station excavation and tunnel boring are further advanced.
The Whole Story:
Work on the Broadway Subway project has reached another milestone with the imminent launch of the second tunnel-boring machine for the new rapid transit line.
The first machine launched Oct. 7 and has made significant progress toward its first breakthrough at Mount Pleasant Station, while the second machine is now fully assembled and set to launch.
The custom-designed tunnel-boring machines measure about six metres in diameter, 150 metres in length and weigh almost one million kilograms each. Named for Elizabeth (Elsie) MacGill and Phyllis Munday, the machines were manufactured in Germany, shipped to Canada in spring 2022, and assembled on concrete slabs at the launch site near Great Northern Way.
A five-week strike in June affected the concrete supply in the Lower Mainland, which affected the start of tunnel boring. As a result, the overall schedule for project completion has been moved from late 2025 into early 2026. A precise update on the project timeline will be provided in the spring of 2023 when station excavation and tunnel boring are further advanced. Despite the delay, officials say the project remains within budget.
Progress continues to be made on tunnelling work; more than half of the columns for the guideway between VCC-Clark and Great Northern Way-Emily Carr Station are complete. Construction and fit out of the stations and tracks will begin once tunnel boring has finished.
The Broadway Subway will extend the Millennium Line from VCC-Clark Station to the future Broadway and Arbutus station, providing fast, convenient SkyTrain service along the Broadway corridor, home to B.C.’s second-largest jobs centre, world-class health-care services, an emerging innovation and research hub, and growing residential communities.
The project will result in faster travel, better access and fewer cars on the road in this heavily used corridor. Once in service, the trip from VCC-Clark to Arbutus Station will take 11 minutes, saving the average transit commuter almost 30 minutes a day and relieving congestion along Broadway.
The Broadway Subway will also support new transit-oriented developments, which create efficient, livable communities and maximize the opportunities provided by the investment government is making in public transit.
It’s estimated the Broadway Subway project will create more than 13,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction, supporting economic development within the region and beyond.
VIDEO: How the Broadway Subway tunnel-boring machines work
PCL is on its way to hit a home run in Toronto with this renovation project.
While the Toronto Blue Jays rest during the off season, PCL Constructors Canada is hard at work on the multi-year Rogers Centre renovation. The contractor was awarded the first phase renovation contract by Rogers Stadium Limited Partnership in October.
The work is part of a $300 million multi-year renovation that aims to transform the 33-year-old multi-purpose stadium into a ballpark through a series of projects focused on modernizing the fan experience and building world-class player facilities.
Rogers Centre was conceptualized as a multi-purpose stadium when it opened in 1989 and has not undergone a large-scale renovation in its 33-year history.
“PCL and our partners are passionate about bringing the Toronto Blue Jays’ reimagined vision for Rogers Centre to life,” said Monique Buckberger, vice president and district manager, PCL Toronto. “Following months of preconstruction planning, our team hit the ground running on the first phase of renovations to give the home of Canada’s Major League Baseball team a new look for the 2023 Home Opener.”
To meet the fast-track schedule, PCL’s work is being sequenced in two shifts over a six-day work week. Officials say demolition to bring portions of the stadium back to base is already nearing completion, enabling next steps, which opens to fans on the 2023 season Blue Jays home opener on April 11, including:
Field level:
Players’ family room.
5,000 sq. ft. weight room.
Staff locker rooms.
100 level and 200 level outfield:
Creation of multiple new social spaces with patios, drink rails, bars, and viewing platforms
Raised bullpens surrounded by traditional and new bleacher seats, as well as social viewing areas that look into the bullpens to increase fan and player interaction.
100 level seats brought forward to the new outfield walls to brings fans closer to the game.
500 level:
Two new social decks in right and left field.
Replacing every 500-level seat from the originals when the building opened.
The demolition work began Oct. 14 with 500 level seat removal (all to be replaced for the 2023 season), followed by structural demolition of the outfield beginning on October 20. Demolition work was completed Nov. 18, culminating in 35 days of work and approximately 21,000 worker hours. An average of about 110 workers have been on site daily, six days per week, including about 50 workers dedicated to demolition.
The demolition work has resulted in 2.2 million pounds of materials getting recycled, including 1.3 million pounds of concrete. 900,000 pounds of steel and metal.
Crews used a 200-tonne crane for heavy structural removal, while small machinery was utilized to break up concrete.
The outfield turf has been protected or removed in certain areas to facilitate construction, while the infield remains accessible to the Blue Jays Field Operations team to continue offseason work.
PCL says it took approximately one month to remove the 500 level seats (around 17,000 of them) and railings. Two mobile cranes (90 tonne and 50 tonne) were used to bring the seats down from. New seats will be delivered in January.
PCL noted that the size of the stadium allows for multiple projects to progress at the same time, so while demolition was being completed, building began the second week of November with concrete poured in the 500 level and new structural steel installation.
PHOTOS: PCL crews working at Rogers Centre
Alberta plans to start work upgrading one of the province’s busiest roads, Deerfoot Trail, next year.
According to the province, 180,000 vehicles use Deerfoot Trail each day as the major north-south route through Calgary and as an important trade corridor for moving goods across the province. To improve the commutes of Calgarians, visitors and truckers, Alberta’s government is targeting key bottlenecks on Deerfoot Trail between Glenmore Trail and Anderson Road/Bow Bottom Trail in a large expansion project.
Officials say improvements to this section of Deerfoot Trail will enhance safety and, when completed, are expected to reduce driver commutes by about 15 per cent during peak morning travel hours and by about 22 per cent during peak evening travel hours. In total, the upgrades mean travellers will save about 900,000 hours a year, which will provide an annual economic boost of about $23 million.
The Deerfoot Trail expansion project will include:
Improving the Bow Bottom Trail and Anderson Road, Southland Drive and Glenmore Trail interchanges.
Seven new bridge structures at Anderson Road and Bow Bottom Trail, Bow River, Southland Drive and Glenmore Trail.
Adding more lanes to Deerfoot Trail along the highway and through the Anderson Road/Bow Bottom Trails and Glenmore Trail Interchanges.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors has amended its existing public-private partnership procurement process to address critical improvements for this expansion. The process will continue with pre-qualified teams with the intention that the successful proponent will be selected and the contract will be awarded in spring 2023.
Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and be completed in 2027.
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen announces major improvements to Deerfoot Trail. – Province of Alberta
Editor’s note: This project was also featured in the “Project Updates” section of our newsletter.
Key Takeaways:
The contract was snagged by Connect 6ix, which was led by Hitachi Rail, Plenary Americas, WeBuild Group and Transdev Canada Inc.
The contract involves design, build, operations and maintenance work that will extend for 30 years.
The Ontario Line is being delivered through various P3, progressive design-build and traditional procurement contracts.
The Whole Story:
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx have awarded a massive, $9 billion contract to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Ontario Line Rolling Stock, Systems, Operations and Maintenance (RSSOM) package for a 30-year term.
The contract, won by Connect 6ix, consists of $2.3B for capital costs and $6.7B for short-term construction financing and transaction costs, train costs and 30-year operations and maintenance, lifecycle, and long-term financing.
“As a world leader in autonomous metro systems, we’re hugely excited to help transform Toronto’s transit network by delivering the new Ontario Line,” said Andrew Barr, CEO of Hitatchi Rail. “This will be the second major program that we’ll be bring our digital expertise and engineering excellence to deliver in Canada, after the Hurontario light rail transit project. Our role delivering maintenance and operations for the next 30 years will see us having a lasting presence in Toronto for a generation to come.”
A map shows the route and stations for the Ontario Line. – Metrolinx
According to the province, the team was chosen through an open and competitive procurement process overseen by a third-party fairness monitor.
“Connect 6ix submitted the proposal which delivers the best value for Ontario taxpayers,” said officials. “The project is being delivered through IO’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) model, which transfers appropriate risks associated with design, construction, financing, operations and maintenance of the project to the private sector.”
The team will begin mobilizing their design and construction crews, with work to commence in 2023. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2031. Once all the civil infrastructure elements and systems from Ontario Line North and South segments have been completed, integrated and certified, Connect 6ix will then begin operating and maintaining the Ontario Line for a 30-year term.
The Connect 6ix team stated that it anticipates that the work on the RSSOM contract will strengthen Ontario’s economy by supporting an estimated 800 jobs, the majority of which will come from the Greater Toronto Area.
The scope of the work
The Ontario Line RSSOM package is a design, build, finance, operate, maintain contract that covers a 30-year term. It includes:
Designing, supplying, operating and maintaining the rolling stock (trains).
Designing, building, operating and maintaining all track and systems (communications and train control).
Designing, building, operating and maintaining the Maintenance and Storage Facility (where the trains are stored) and the Operations Control Centre (where staff control train operations and are connected to TTC and GO Transit systems) and backup operations control centre.
Working collaboratively with TTC according to future operations and maintenance agreements.
Integrating fare equipment with the PRESTO system.
The province noted that the Ontario Line project is being delivered through various P3, progressive design-build and traditional procurement contracts, which are all being staged accordingly for their successful delivery.
The Ontario Line will be a 15.6-kilometre new rapid transit line running between the Ontario Science Centre and Exhibition/Ontario Place in Toronto, with 15 stations, including six interchange stations. The new line will provide more than 40 connections to other subway, bus, streetcar, light-rail transit and regional rail services. When in service, the Ontario Line will be operated by Connect 6ix and owned by the provincial transit agency Metrolinx.
The trains will travel at speeds upwards of 80 kilometres per hour and will be powered entirely by electricity. The Connect 6ix anticipates the project will take roughly 28,000 cars off the city’s roads each day.
Ontario Line renderings show what the new stations, tracks and vehicles could look like. – Government of Ontario
Key Takeaways:
Ontario will build the first 2+1 highway project in North America.
The road design was first conceived in Sweden where vehicle accident death rates have plummeted.
The change has long been advocated for by road safety groups.
The Whole Story:
Ontario is embarking on an innovative road project that will see North America’s first ever 2+1 highway. While it’s a first for this continent, it has been widely used elsewhere in the world.
What is a 2+1?
No, it’s not a math problem from your first grade textbook.
A 2+1 highway is a three-lane highway with a centre passing lane that changes direction approximately every two to five kilometres. Officials stated that the highway model is used in other jurisdictions around the world and is more cost efficient than twinning a highway.
An infographic shows how a 2+1 road system works. – Ontario Ministry of Transportation
“This first of its kind highway pilot in North America will keep people and goods moving safely across Northern Ontario,” said Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation. “This is a key next step to get shovels in the ground on critical infrastructure projects that will support a strong transportation network and create jobs.”
RFP issued by Ministry of Transportation
This November the province issued a request for proposals (RFP) to implement the model on Highway 11 north of North Bay.
Qualified highway design consultants can submit their proposals for design and environmental assessment work through the Ministry of Transportation’s e-tendering portal until December 2022. The province will evaluate submissions and announce the successful bidder in 2023.
“The 2+1 highway project is an important part of our government’s plan to build Ontario,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job Creation and trade, and MPP for Nipissing. “This pilot project will help address the unique transportation needs of people and businesses in Northern Ontario that rely on our roads and highways to get where they need to go. Together, we’re strengthening the economy and growing the North.”
Made in Sweden
The concept is widely used outside of North America. It was first built out in Sweden which was experiencing high rates of vehicle accidents and deaths. In the 1980s, comprehensive accident data by road type became available revealing wide two-lane roads and especially semi-motorways had the worst safety records of all road types in terms of fatalities and severe injuries. Almost 100 out of a total 400 people killed per year on state roads died on these wide two-lane roads making them an extreme fatality risk.
Dramatic safety results
The Swedish Road Administration proposed the 2+1 concept as a low-cost solution and it was implemented in the 1990s. Now thousands of kilometres of Swedish roads are 2+1. A study that analyzed accident data before and after the implementation showed the total number of fatalities and seriously injured decreased by 50 per cent and the total number of personal injury crashes decreased by 21 per cent.
Researchers also found the severity consequence – the rate of the number of killed and seriously injured divided by the number of personal injury crashes – decreased by 38 per cent.
The concept has since been adopted in many other countries. Sweden was presented with the Global Innovation Award in 2020 for the 2+1 road concept.
Going the Extra Mile for Safety (GEMS), a road safety advocacy group based in Ontario, has long advocated for the 2+1 system.
“We’re excited to see the 2+1 pilot project moving forward. We’ve been working with Ontario for several years regarding safety on Highway 11 and have advocated for the 2+1 model,” said Helene Culhane, chair of GEMS. “It is gratifying to see our hard work is paying off. Our main goal has always been the safety of our roads and our travellers, and we can’t thank the Ministry enough for delivering on their promise.”
Key Takeaways:
Edmonton’s Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples suffered severe fire damage due to an accident in 2020.
Clark Builders assisted with the restoration, which include lots of complex, custom work.
The project’s scope and schedule changed when it was announced that Pope Francis would be visiting the church as part of reconciliation efforts with Canada’s Indigenous community.
The Whole Story:
When Rev. Mark Blom walked through the scorched sanctuary of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, it felt like he was being punched in the gut.
“I’ve noticed people who drive by who want to kind of look and see what’s happening, you can tell they are very close to tears. It hurts,” said the associate pastor, just weeks after a fire ripped through the Edmonton building. “And the first thing we do is validate their emotions. We validate their feelings. And then we just remind them no one was hurt. No one caused this fire on purpose. We have insurance. We’ll be able to rebuild.”
Debris is scattered along the floor of Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples following a fire. – The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
Historic church vows to rebuild
The downtown Edmonton church was built in 1913, making it among the oldest Catholic churches in the city. In 1991 Archbishop Joseph MacNeil designated it as a national parish for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, meaning that anyone with Indigenous ancestry is considered a parishioner. It was the first of its kind in Canada.
“We are often reminding people that the true church is not the building, it’s the people of God,” Blom said during the fire’s aftermath. “However, we become very attached to our buildings. The power of our religious affections rests upon the sacred art, the sacred place where we pray.”
When church leaders began imagining how they would rebuild, they sought to incorporate Aboriginal cultures and spiritualities. Their plan included a medicine wheel, a redesigned circular altar, replacement of three damaged stained-glass windows, and repairing the Indigenous representation of the Way of the Cross. They felt that the integration of Indigenous elements would support liturgies and sacramental celebrations that truly reflect the culture of those gathered together in Indigenous Catholic community.
Pope announces historic visit
When the church began efforts to rebuild, they turned to Clark Builders’ special projects division. Jason Clooney, superintendent for the Sacred Heart Project, explained that he and his highly experienced team immediately felt the immense importance of the project to the community.
“It involved a lot of custom work,” Said Clooney. “All the woodworking that was completed on this job was within the Clark Builder’s realm of employees.”
However, the project was soon thrust into the national and even international spotlight when it was announced that Pope Francis would visit the church as part of his pilgrimage of healing and reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous people.
The project team was now coordinating with high level RCMP officials, Edmonton Police, Global Affairs Canada, the archdiocese, the Vatican and The Swiss Guard to ensure the site was secure and preparations for the visit were made.
Videographers captured the historic work done to prepare for Sacred Heart’s Papal visit. – Clark Builders
With the visit date set in stone, the team had no choice but to crush their deadlines by working from sunrise to sunset.
“We really had to overcome and adapt daily,” said Clooney. “There was no time to say ‘great idea, let’s talk about it.’ We made those decisions on site based on what looks good and what we were trying to achieve.”
The visit threw other curveballs at the team. Just 10 days before the visit they were informed that the Pope’s mobility issues required a temporary custom wheelchair ramp inside the church to the stage that couldn’t damage the floors.
“We didn’t have a backburner so we made it work and we made it to a point where it was safe, acceptable for occupancy with zero incidents, zero injuries and we came out unscathed and proud,” said Clooney. “It’s not every day you get to turn on the TV for something being watched by millions and see your workmanship.”
Giving back a spiritual home
Clooney was one of only a handful of Canadians who was invited to attend the Pope’s visit. While he acknowledged that the Papal visit was exciting and challenging, the true pride for him was helping restore a spiritually important facility for its daily prisoners.
Part of the construction process involved installing a massive teepee with 32-foot poles under the guidance of Indigenous leaders. They held a ceremony and Indigenous leaders helped them tie the poles in the traditional way.
“We gave back a church that is historically important to the community,” said Clooney. “We were able to bring that back to life for the people that truly need to be in this space that is safe and comforting. Their choice of healing is here and we were able to give that back.”
A Clark Builders tradesperson work on a window at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples. – Clark Builders
Key Takeaways:
The final contract involves trackwork design and installation, and electrical systems work.
The RFQ is set to close Jan. 23.
Officials expect project work to begin in 2024.
The Whole Story:
B.C. is on the hunt for its third and final contract on the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project.
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is a 16-kilometre extension of the Expo Line from King George Station to Langley City Centre and is 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.
As part of the competitive selection process, a request for qualifications (RFQ) has been issued for the systems and trackwork contract, which includes the design and installation of the SkyTrain trackwork, as well as the design, installation and integration of electrical systems, such as power, telecommunications and automatic train control.
The RFQ will close Jan. 23, 2023. Following evaluation, as many as three teams will be selected to participate in the next stage of the competitive selection process, which is the request for proposals (RFP).
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is being delivered through three separate contracts. According to the province, the multi-contract approach will increase competition and enable a broader range of companies to bid on different elements of the project.
The first RFQ was issued on Aug 2, 2022, to build the elevated guideway, roadworks and utilities, as well as active transportation elements, such as cycling and walking paths along the extension. The second RFQ was issued in October 2022 to identify a contractor for the construction of eight new SkyTrain stations, including active transportation elements around the new stations.
Major construction on the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is expected to begin in 2024, and the extension is anticipated to be operational in late 2028.
Key Takeaways:
The Bradford Bypass is a new four-lane freeway that will connect Highway 400 and Highway 404 in Simcoe County and York Region.
During the construction period, the Bradford Bypass is expected to contribute $274 million in annual real GDP and support 2,640 jobs per year on average in the transportation, engineering, construction and supply-chain industries.
Motorists and commercial truck drivers are expected to up to 35 minutes per trip compared to other routes.
The Whole Story:
Ontario announced construction has begun on a bridge crossing over the future Bradford Bypass.
Ontario officials called it a milestone in the province’s plan to relieve gridlock, create jobs and connect communities in the rapidly-growing Greater Golden Horseshoe.
“Our government will be relentless in delivering on our ambitious plan to build the much needed infrastructure that our growing province needs,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Building the Bradford Bypass is a key part of our plan to fight gridlock in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, helping commuters spend less time in traffic while creating good paying jobs for the people of this region.”
Earlier this year, Brennan Paving & Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract to design and construct the new bridge which will allow County of Simcoe Road 4 (Yonge Street) between 8th Line and 9th Line to cross over the future Bradford Bypass. The project will also include widening County Road 4 from two to four lanes.
“Gridlock makes life harder for Ontario businesses and farmers who rely on a strong highway network to get their goods to market quickly,” said Caroline Mulroney, minister of transportation. “This important milestone brings us another step closer to getting the Bradford Bypass built, improving economic productivity and eliminating the gridlock that hurts us all.”
To promote efficiencies between the Bradford Bypass project and the County of Simcoe’s planned expansion work on County Road 4, an agreement is in place to better coordinate the construction approach, which the province says will save taxpayer dollars and optimize the work required to improve gridlock and reduce the risk of construction delays.
A map shows the project site. – Government of Ontario
The Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) said it was very pleased by the news.
“This bypass is needed and welcomed by the road building industry as more than $785 million of goods per day move on Ontario’s highways, making the transportation system the backbone of our export-driven economy,” said Kevin Machej, ORBA president.
Machej added that the Bradford Bypass will relieve congestion on existing east-west roads in Bradford and provide a northern connection between Highway 400 and Highway 404, saving time and reducing greenhouse gasses.
“The Bypass will significantly contribute to Ontario’s growing economy by creating jobs during construction, connecting people to major employment areas and attracting more businesses to the region,” he said.
A project specific assessment of environmental impacts in accordance with Ontario Regulation 697/21 for the project is currently underway and is expected to be completed in 2023.
In 2022-23, Ontario is investing $3 billion to expand and repair provincial highways, roads and bridges, including over $761 million to expand the province’s highways and bridges, and more than $1.5 billion for rehabilitation projects.
Key Takeaways:
Enbridge announced a major southern pipeline expansion following high demand.
The firm said it would spend up to $3.6 billion on the expansion.
Pending approvals, Enbridge is targeting an in-service date in 2028.
The Whole Story:
Enbridge Inc. plans to spend up to $3.6 billion expanding its pipeline system in B.C.
The Canadian energy infrastructure firm announced this month it intends to increase the southern segment of its B.C. gas pipeline system due to strong demand. The T-South natural gas pipeline system begins near Chetwynd, B.C. and extends south to the Canada-U.S. border at Huntingdon-Sumas.
The firm announced it recently completed an open season for transportation bids which was was oversubscribed. Enbridge has sanctioned and is proceeding with a 300 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) expansion at a capital cost of up to $3.6 billion.
“This expansion illustrates the immense strategic importance of our B.C. natural gas system in supplying regional and global energy demand with low-emission natural gas,” said Cynthia Hansen, executive vice president and president of gas transmission and midstream at Enbridge. “And it also demonstrates how we’re able to leverage our conventional energy transportation assets to extend our growth and generate value for our shareholders.”
The T-South expansion will involve adding pipeline loops and additional compression under a cost-of-service framework, backed by long-term contracts with a weighted average term of 65 years.
Enbridge noted that the exact location of the loops and accompanying compression will be determined in the coming months after detailed consultation with Indigenous communities and stakeholders and after environmental and routing assessment have been completed. Once complete, the capital cost estimate will be updated prior to filing the regulatory application, anticipated in 2024.
“Enbridge’s assets in the ground continue to be in high-demand and will continue to be critical in supporting growing energy demand while providing the world with a safe and secure source of energy,” added Hansen.
Pending regulatory approvals, the target in-service date for the T-South expansion is sometime in 2028.
Key Takeaways:
The community is the first in North America to adopt the standard into its bylaws.
The standard includes designs that can be easily adapted to different resident needs, especially those related to aging and mobility.
Officials believe the adaptability will also save money in the long run with fewer renovation and healthcare costs.
The Whole Story:
Officials in B.C. are looking to rebuild the village of Lytton in a way that is accessible and healthy for all stages of life.
The village passed bylaws that make it the the first community in North America to require SAFERhome Universal Design Standards.
The village was almost completely wiped out by a wildfire in 2021. Two people were killed in the blaze.
Officials stated that the new bylaws will ensure all new homes are built to the universal standard of design and build homes that easily support a much broader range of people with different abilities to fully use and fully enjoy their homes.
SAFERhome Standards provides the only building standard and certification program in Canada that features the application of universal design where anyone can age-in-place and live healthier lives in an ergonomically safer and electronically pre-prepared home. SAFERhome’s 15-point building standard ensures homes include simple and practical design features like:
Wider doorframes with little to no thresholds that improve ease of use and lessen tripping hazards.
Wider hallways and stairs, with wall reinforcement improve flow and ease of use, and the addition of stairlifts in future if needed.
Easy to reach bath and shower controls.
Accessible electrical outlets.
Sinks with adjustable height.
Technology-ready to connect automation and control systems such as automated door openers.
Officials believe the adoption of the SAFERhome Standards as compared to current housing units presents significant potential cost savings to the village and its residents in the following areas:
Fewer future renovation costs.
Less costs for direct home support services.
Fewer home accidents.
Less personal occupant costs and opportunities associated with negative social labeling.
reduction in the number of ambulance call-outs related to falls and other mobility-related in-home accidents.
Healthcare cost savings related to shortening patient hospital stays as SAFERhomes are ready to accept walkers, scooters and other mobility devices and easily adapt to changing needs such as adding safety bars, safety gates or stair lifts.
Cost reduction for developers to provide units for social-based housing within their main market developments as issues around accessibility are automatically eliminated as a by-product of good design.
Negative social labelling is also eliminated as a by-product of good design.
The initiative is sponsored by the not-for-profit SAFERhome Standards Society, which since 2004 has spearheaded the adoption of Universal Design principles.
“With over 1,800 homes built to the SAFERhome Standards, our partners like BC Housing are building more universally designed housing than any other housing developer in the world, influencing the residential construction industry and future-proofing all BC Housing-funded projects by including the SAFERhome Standards in their 2019 Design Guidelines and Construction Standards,” said the society.
It’s that time of year again in Vancouver. The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) hosted its annual Awards of Excellence, which saw a total of 140 nominations from 84 separate projects. The projects exceeded $2.8 billion in construction value. See all the big winners below:
Gold Award winners
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Up to $15 Million Scott Special Projects Ltd. – Heritage Hall Roof Replacement and Partial Seismic Upgrade
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Over $15 Million EllisDon Corporation – Penticton Regional Hospital – Phase 2
General Contractors – Up to $20 Million Jacob Bros. Construction Inc. – Centerm Container Operations Facility (COF) Building
General Contractors – $20 Million to $50 Million NAC Constructors Ltd – Sapperton Pump Station Replacement
General Contractors – Over $50 Million Graham Infrastructure LP in Joint Venture with Aecon Water Infrastructure Inc. – Annacis Island WWTP Stage V, Phase 1 Expansion Project
Trade Contractors – Up to $1 Million Donald Flooring Contract Sales Ltd. – Northeastern University
Trade Contractors – $1 Million to $2 Million Grist Slate & Tile Roofing Inc. – Heritage Hall Roof Replacement and Partial Seismic Upgrade
Trade Contractors – $2 Million to $4 Million Flynn Canada Ltd. – 825 Nicola (1502 Robson)
Trade Contractors – $4 Million to $10 Million Solid Rock Steel Fabrication Co. Ltd. – King George Phase B & C (The Hub)
Trade Contractors – Over $10 Million Whitemud Ironworks Limited – The Post
Mechanical Contractors – Up to $3 Million Canstar Mechanical LTD. – Sortation Centre Buildout – YVR7 Rover
Mechanical Contractors – $3 Million to $9 Million All-Pro Services Ltd. – Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Facility 12 MW Hot Water Expansion
Mechanical Contractors – Over $9 Million Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems 2001 Ltd. – Royal Inland Hospital Patient Care Tower – Phase 1
Electrical Contractors – Up to $2 Million Mott Electric General Partnership – Westland Towers
Electrical Contractors – $2 Million to $8 Million Bridge Electric Corp. – FC2021
Electrical Contractors – Over $8 Million Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. – Edmonton Valley Line LRT
Manufacturers and Suppliers View Inc. – Pyrrha Headquarters
Environmental and Sustainability Award Evergreen Demolition Ltd. – Sortation Centre Buildout – YVR7 Rover Graham Construction and Engineering LP – Sortation Centre Buildout – YVR7 Rover Ledcor Construction Limited – 825 Pacific Passive House
Heritage Award Grist Slate & Tile Roofing Inc. – Heritage Hall Roof Replacement and Partial Seismic Upgrade Jacob Bros. Construction Inc. – Centerm Container Operations Facility (COF) Building Ledcor Construction Limited – 155 Water Street Scorpio Masonry BC Inc. – 155 Water Street Scott Special Projects Ltd. – Heritage Hall Roof Replacement and Partial Seismic Upgrade Unitech Construction Management Ltd. – Schou Administrative Building Vintage Woodworks Inc. – 155 Water Street
Special award winners
In addition to the Gold Awards for project specific excellence, awards were also presented to member companies and individuals for outstanding accomplishments and to recognize innovation and commitment to safety.
Life Member inductees Bob Proctor & Jim Bromley
Lifetime Achievement Peter Hrdlitschka
Construction Workplace Health & Safety Innovation Ledcor Construction Limited – Excavation Extraction Rescue System (EERS)
Safety: Superior Safety Record • Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. (General Contractor 200,000 or more person hours) • Cape Construction (2001) Ltd. (General Contractor 100,000 – 199,999 person hours) • EllisDon Corporation (General Contractor 200,000 or more person hours) • Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd. (Trade Contractor 200,000 or more person hours) • Modern Niagara Vancouver Inc. (Trade Contractor 200,000 or more person hours) • Peter Kiewit Sons ULC (General Contractor 200,000 or more person hours) • Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. (Trade Contractor 200,000 or more person hours)
Safety: Zero Frequency Injury Rate • Graham Construction and Engineering Inc. (General Contractor 200,000 or more person hours) • Mott Electric General Partnership (Trade Contractor 200,000 or more person hours) • Scott Construction Group (General Contractor 100,000 – 199,999 person hours)
Education Leadership Ritu Ahuja – Kinetic Construction Ltd.
Outstanding Woman in Construction Kristine Szeto – EllisDon Corporation
YCL Excellence in Construction Zack Ross – Cape Construction (2001) Ltd.
Zero Emissions Building Leadership Award Christian Cianfrone – EllisDon Corporation
Member of the Year Award Smith Bros. & Wilson – General Contractor Division Bridge Electric Corp – Trade Contractor Division Victaulic – Manufacturer & Supplier Division MNP – Professional Services Division
Fluor Corporation has been awarded a contract to help design one of the largest renewable diesel production facilities in the country.
The company won a reimbursable front-end engineering and detailed design, engineering and procurement services contract for Imperial as the company advances plans to develop a renewable diesel complex at its Strathcona refinery near Edmonton.
The new complex is expected to be the largest renewable diesel production facility in Canada and aims to produce approximately 20,000 barrels of renewable diesel per day from locally sourced feedstocks.
Fluor will design and integrate a new renewable diesel unit into the existing Strathcona refinery. The integration will include a series of utility tie-ins, electrical and control systems integration as well as commodity storage, loading and unloading capabilities.
Fluor booked the undisclosed contract value in the third quarter of 2022.
“Our involvement in this project underscores our ongoing commitment to helping clients deliver sustainable and lower carbon energy,” said Jim Breuer, group president, energy solutions, Fluor Corporation. “By combining Fluor’s global renewables engineering and construction expertise with the company’s extensive local knowledge, Fluor will provide a robust modular execution approach for this project.”
According to Imperial, the Strathcona refinery has been in operation for more than 70 years. It processes 200,000 barrels of crude oil each day.
From sightings of spectral figures to the sounds of phantom footsteps, be sure to keep the lights on during this read on the strange haunted happenings at these storied Canadian structures.
1. Fairmont Empress Hotel (Victoria, B.C.)
The Fairmont Empress sits right on the water in Victoria and is an example of picturesque Château-style design. – Bobak Ha’Eri
This hotel is a favourite B.C. spot for fancy brunch dates and luxurious vacations. However, some say it is occupied by more than just mortal guests. Staff have reported seeing a slender man with a mustache holding a cane walking on the staircase to the lower lobby and down hallways. They believe it resembles the iconic hotel’s architect, Francis Rattenbury. It’s said he remains at the building so he can continue to hear visitors praise his design. Staff have also reported seeing a ghostly maid continuing to clean up, a young girl, and an elderly woman in pyjamas trying to find her room.
2. Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame (Toronto, Ont.)
Formerly a bank, this building now houses the Hockey Hall of Fame. – Ian Mutto
The chill of an ice rink has nothing on this. According to the Toronto Star, the building was used as a Bank of Montreal branch for a century before it was home to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Residents and visitors have reported seeing a young woman that some believe resembles a former bank teller.
3. West Point Lighthouse (O’Leary, P.E.I)
It’s been a long time since this lighthouse helped bring ships in. It now serves as an inn and museum. – Government of PEI
Does a lighthouse keeper’s shift ever end? Some believe that long gone keepers have been sticking around in P.E.I. There have been reports of flickering lights and images of bearded men roaming the rooms. While the building now serves as an inn and museum, could long lost souls still be trying to help ships find their way?
4. Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff, Alta.)
At 129 years old, this building has seen a lot of history. There have been reports of a spectral bride who lurks the hotel’s halls. Legend has it she had a fatal accident on the marble steps on the day of her wedding and has never left. Staff have also reported seeing the ghostly image of a helpful bellman.
5. Waterfront Station (Vancouver, B.C.)
This shot from 1972 shows Waterfront Station – a familiar sight for all who ride Vancouver’s SkyTrain. – City of Vancouver Archives
Eternity is a long time to wait for a train to arrive. Located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this historic station has seen millions pass through its doors. Passengers have reported seeing three women waiting for a train to arrive and a jazz-era flapper dancing the night away.
6. Kingston Penitentiary (Kingston, Ont.)
While it’s no longer used as a prison, Kingston Penitentiary can be toured by the public. – Government of Canada
Is there something longer than a life sentence? This facility housed inmates for 170 years before it closed in 2013 due to aging infrastructure. Visitors and staff report hearing the jingling of keys or seeing angry inmates roam the halls. Some say they have seen the ghostly image of William Wentworth, a former prison staff member. While there are no more inmates, the facility is open to the public for tours.
7. Bytown Museum (Ottawa, Ont.)
As Ottawa’s oldest stone building, Bytown museum has withstood the test of time. – Government of Canada
Some say this Ottawa structure is haunted by the ghost of Rideau Canal construction-era supply manager Duncan McNab. A former museum volunteer told reporters he saw a door begin vibrating and heard the sound of heavy footsteps. Other incidents include reports of crying dolls. Yikes!
Key Takeaways:
The projects include work at Hospital of Chicoutimi, Sept-Îles Hospital and the Charles Le Moyne Hospital.
The work includes providing design and engineering, site surveillance, building information modelling management and value engineering services during the next five years.
Officials say the work will increase capacity and improve patient care.
The Whole Story:
SNC-Lavalin has been awarded a series of three contracts with the Société Québécoise des infrastructures (Quebec Infrastructure Corporation), to strengthen hospital infrastructure at sites across Quebec.
Major expansion and redevelopment work will take place at the Hospital of Chicoutimi, Sept-Îles Hospital, and the Charles Le Moyne Hospital. A central focus of the projects will be expansions and redevelopments of operating rooms and specialized care units at the facilities.
“SNC-Lavalin has a long history of working on projects that have a unique and long-lasting impact on the cities and communities it serves in Canada and around the world,” said Ian L. Edwards, president and CEO of SNC-Lavalin. “We know that governments are investing heavily in infrastructure, including public investment in healthcare, and we’re well positioned to capture a healthy portion of that spend as we have the regional and global expertise of our Engineering Services business across healthcare and life sciences.”
SNC-Lavalin’s Engineering Services group, and its consortium partners, will support Société Québécoise des infrastructures by providing design and engineering, site surveillance, building information modelling management, and value engineering services during the next five years. SNC-Lavalin will also be supporting efforts to achieve LEED building environmental certifications, in recognition of portfolio decarbonization at the three sites. The cross-functional project teams, based out of the Company’s hubs in Montreal and Quebec City, will be composed of structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers with significant hospital project experience.
“Expansion and modernization work at these three hospitals will measurably increase capacity and improve patient care in the province,” said Ben Almond, CEO, engineering services, Canada, SNC-Lavalin. “Our track record executing projects such as these in Quebec is well known as we have delivered much of the province’s healthcare infrastructure. And as hospital emergency room capacity remains strained across Canada, we are ready to support other public sector partners with expansion and optimization projects.”
