Category: Projects

Key Takeaways:

• A string of successful biotech companies, support from the province and a pipeline of skilled workers is creating more and more demand for life science facilities in Metro Vancouver.
• Low Tide Properties has been gaining experience managing the asset class and is now proposing to build one from scratch.
• Their proposed facility, Lab 29, incorporates lessons they have learned and work could begin as early as this year.

The Whole Story:

Low Tide Properties is brewing up something special with its Lab 29 development. 

The Vancouver project aims to establish an innovative life sciences and office building development that will neighbour the city’s leading hospitals and research facilities.

Named after the 29th element, copper, Lab 29 pays homage to the metal manufacturing facilities that inhabited the site in the past and the scientific research and development that will take place in the future. In addition to the name, the completed building will feature a striking copper colour intertwined throughout the property’s architecture. 

Finding areas of growth

Why a life science building?

Adam Mitchell, vice president of asset management and development, explained that this is what Low Tide does: zooming in on specific cities and neighbourhoods to identify opportunities for growth. 

“On a high level, this is what we do. We look for specific areas to invest in as we are not a broad market investor,” said Mitchell. “These areas are usually on the fringes of downtown. They are areas that might be slightly overlooked and there is a compelling growth story for specific real estate.”

Using this approach, Low Tide has zeroed in on asset classes like creative offices, flex industrial, flex urban industrial, multi-family rental and life science. The company cut its teeth by acquiring a series of properties in Vancouver’s False Creek Flats area. Some were originally built as life science facilities but had been turned into traditional office spaces.  

“When we started managing these buildings we found the demand for life science space was outpacing office space so we started converting space back from office to laboratory,” said Mitchell. “Through this process we developed expertise in managing these buildings. We understand what tenants want and need out of the building and so we have made it a core part of our strategy.” 

Building from scratch

With Lab 29, Low Tide is hoping to push the envelope with a modern, purpose-built life science facility. 

Mitchel explained that he believes there are several factors driving demand for life science space. The overall sector is growing in Vancouver and B.C. as a whole. You have local success stories like AbCellera, a biotechnology company that researches and develops human antibodies. The company is best known for its leading role in the Pandemic Prevention Platform, a project for the U.S. government. In 2021, it reported more than US $375 million in revenue. 

“These are really good success stories and they have continued to grow, making them strong employers in the region,” said Mitchell. “So more people are getting those science degrees, creating a strong pipeline of talent coming from the schools.”

The province has also done its part to create fertile conditions for science businesses, making it a key part of its economic strategy for the region. While all this makes for a good base to start a company, the lack of life science facilities creates a challenge. 

Mitchell explained that many companies start in an incubator at a university, receive government funding to jump start their business, show results or a viable product to get investors, leave academia in search of space but then hit a wall at 20,000 square feet when they need to grow. 

“Because of limited availability of space, they usually get acquired and rolled into existing spaces, or in the worst-case scenario, they get acquired by a U.S. company and are consolidated into a U.S. location” he said. “Part of that is just not having the option of available space.”

Work could begin this year

This story of growth potential attracted Low Tide and they have learned the intricacies of managing life science buildings. 

“It’s not easy,” he said. “You need an experienced team that knows how the technological components of the buildings work,” he said. 

The 230,000 square-foot facility’s design features large floor plates, high ceilings and full backup power so sensitive experiments or instruments aren’t impacted during an outage. 

“Redundant backup power isn’t something you typically see in buildings,” said Mitchell. “But it’s one of the lessons we have taken from our existing portfolio.” 

Low Tide also wants to help tenants compete for talent by including a large rooftop conference patio, fitness centre and end-of-trip facilities. The project currently awaiting its development permit which Low Tide expects to receive this summer. Shovels could be in the ground before the end of the year. The project team is currently marketing the building for lease.

More renderings of Lab 29:

The city of Calgary has announced the winners of the second annual Winter City Design Competition.

Calgary designers, artists and post-secondary students were asked to dream up activations, designs and experiments along Stephen Avenue and in the Beltline that embrace winter and support Calgarians to socialize and interact with our downtown during the winter months.

“Calgary has an amazing design community and we’re excited to provide creative opportunities to help bring their ideas to life,” says Kate Zago, lead of the competition. “We can’t wait to showcase these designs in February and have people enjoy the new experiences to help create vibrancy, better social connections and increase overall social wellness during the winter months.”

The two winners that will receive funding to build and install their designs in February 2023 are:

Illumine

This design is three glowing frames, each containing movable and interactive elements, focused on public interactions and constant creation. The project team includes Paul Miller, Miles Abesdris.

Chinook-ery

This design was inspired by the region’s landscape. its the modular structures include benches, slides, lights and tunnels that can be organized to support various activities and experienced differently with the fluctuating weather conditions. The Project team includes Giovanni Carano, Vince Ellis, Kayla Royce, Marcia Eng, Jenn Comrie, David Kowel, Leighton Ginther, Jon van Heyst, Kim Crews.

Calgarians see thes designs for themselves from Feb. 1 to 26. Illumine will be installed at Stephen Avenue and 1 Street S.W. and Chinook-ery will be built at Barb Scott Park. Each winning project will receive $15,000 to construct and install their design.

“As an architect, the decision to participate in the competition was driven by the desire to contribute to an engaging public realm and the greater community,” says Paul Miller, Illumine team member and principal with Mion Architecture. “I believe even a small, temporary intervention can materially enrich the life of a street and can become a catalyst for greater human connection.”

Team members from Chinook-ery shared a similar thoughts in a city media release.

“We are professional engineers, designers and planners that work in the Beltline (with some of us living there too),” said Kayla Royce, transportation engineer with Urban Systems. “We loved the opportunity to work across professional disciplines, to think creatively about a local park and to celebrate playful designs that enhance the experience of being outside during the winter season for residents, workers and visitors of the Beltline.”

To learn more about the winning designs and to see all the submissions for the Winter City Design Competition, please visit Calgary.ca/WinterCity.

The Winter City Design Competition was established to imagine the possibilities for eye-catching and interactive displays along Stephen Avenue and in the downtown as a whole. The goal of the competition is to explore and push beyond the boundaries of what public spaces look like in the midst of a Calgary winter in the civic heart of our city.

Metro Vancouver is one step closer to an expanded SkyTrain system now that two teams have been shortlisted for a major project contract. 

B.C. has invited two pre-qualified bidding teams to participate in the request for proposals (RFP) stage to design, build and finance the elevated guideway, roadworks and utilities, as well as active transportation elements of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain.

The request for qualifications (RFQ) was posted through BC Bid and closed on Nov. 1, 2022. After a thorough evaluation of the RFQ submissions, the teams invited to participate in the RFP stage are:  

South Fraser Guideway Connectors

Proponent: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc., Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc., Pomerleau BC Inc.   

Design-build contractor: Aecon Infrastructure Management Inc.; Acciona Infrastructure Canada Inc., Pomerleau BC Inc. 

Design contractor:  Parsons, Inc.

SkyLink Guideway Partners

Proponent: Dragados Canada, Inc., Ledcor Investments Inc  

Design-build contractor: Dragados Canada, Inc., Ledcor Mining Ltd.  

Design contractor:  SYSTRA International Bridge Technologies Inc. 

B.C. officials anticipate the successful proponent will be announced late in the fall.

In October 2022, the province issued a separate RFQ for the construction of eight new SkyTrain stations, including active transportation elements, such as cycling and walking paths around the new stations. A third RFQ was issued in November 2022 for the systems and trackwork contract, including design, installation and integration of electrical systems, such as power, telecommunications and automatic controls, and the supply and installation of the trackwork.

The province stated that it will announce the short-listed proponents for the second and third RFPs in 2023. Contract awards are anticipated in early 2024.

Key Takeaways:

• The downtown Toronto retrofit is by developer Dream.
• The building is part of a group of 19 Dream properties in Ontario and Saskatchewan which received a $136.6 million investment from the CIB.
• Officials say IREE certification is encouraging a standardized process of developing and financing projects.

The Whole Story:

A redevelopment in Toronto is the first retrofit project financed by the CIB to achieve Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification.

366 Bay St. by developer Dream is situated in Toronto’s financial core. It features a newly renovated modern lobby and suites for office tenants. It has high efficiency HVAC systems, 24/7 indoor air quality monitoring, a state-of-the-art energy management system and a building automation system. 

IREE certification is part of the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) Building Retrofits Initiative and is administered through the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC). Officials say the goal of the certification is to increase investor confidence by providing third-party verification that retrofit projects meet desired energy targets.

Officials noted that as the first certified building financed by one of the CIB’s large-scale decarbonization investments, Dream’s 366 Bay St. redevelopment represents an important milestone and one of many retrofit projects to come that will be IREE certified. The CIB’s initiative finances the capital costs of retrofits, using energy savings and operating cost savings for repayment.

The building is part of a group of 19 Dream properties in Ontario and Saskatchewan which received a $136.6 million investment from the CIB. The building retrofits will see approximately 1,500 jobs created and the decarbonization and modernization of buildings where 15,000 employees work.

CIB officials added that by requiring IREE certification, they are encouraging a standardized process of developing and financing projects and helping to establish energy retrofit investments as a distinct asset class.

“Our green infrastructure investments are expediting the decarbonization of buildings across Canada,” said Ehren Cory, CIB CEO. “By providing attractive financing options and partnering with the private sector, we can serve as the link to ensure meaningful action is taken to enhance energy efficiency of buildings. IREE certification is our standard to finance retrofit projects and build positive outcomes for Canadians.”

Dream is a developer of office and residential assets in Toronto, owns stabilized income generating assets in both Canada and the U.S., and has an established asset management business. They also develop land and residential assets in Western Canada. Dream expects to generate more recurring income in the future as its urban development properties are completed and held for the long term. 

Get ready to hit the ice. 

Surrey officials approved a contract for the supply and installation of piles for the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex. A $3.1 million contract was awarded to Graham Construction and Engineering LP for the next phase of construction. Once complete, the new arena will increase Surrey’s overall ice capacity, while accommodating the need for an additional ice arena in Cloverdale.

“This next phase of construction of the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex is a milestone for this long-awaited project,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “With foundation work starting, this new destination sport complex is on its way to providing much-needed additional ice in Cloverdale. When completed, the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex will have two NHL-sized sheets available for team play and public use.  This project has also been designed to grow as the community grows by having the option to add a third ice sheet.”

Construction of the Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex began in August 2022 and was included in the 2021 Five-Year (2021-2025) Capital Financial Plan. Along with two new ice sheets, the project includes seating for 200 spectators per sheet, multi-purpose and community rooms, change rooms and other supporting amenities. The complex is also designed with the option to add another NHL-sized arena sheet.

When opened, the new ice sheets will offer various programs including ice hockey, figure skating, public lessons, skating sessions, and dry-floor summer use for sports such as a lacrosse and ball hockey. Officials say the new sports and recreation facility has been designed to be energy efficient and meet the highest standards for accessibility.

The Cloverdale Sport & Ice Complex will be located at 6336 177B Street and will open in the fall of 2024.

Stony Plain Road Bridge is coming down.

Edmonton officials announced that on Dec. 29, Stony Plain Road from 129 Street to 131 Street and Groat Road from 107 Avenue to River Valley Road, including the shared-use path, will be closed as Marigold Infrastructure Partners (MIP) begin demolishing the Stony Plain Road Bridge. Replacement of the bridge is required for the Valley Line West LRT project.  

Eastbound and westbound vehicle and pedestrian traffic across Stony Plain Road Bridge will be detoured to 102 Avenue or 107 Avenue until fall 2024. 

Construction for Valley Line West includes two new bridges: one crossing Groat Road on Stony Plain Road between 129 Street and Connaught Drive and another crossing Anthony Henday at 87 Avenue.

According to the city, construction of the new bridge will take up to two years. The new bridge will be wider to accommodate one lane of vehicle traffic in either direction, the Valley Line West LRT, a sidewalk and a shared-use path on the south side of the bridge. Once completed, the mixed-use transportation corridor is expected to improve access to and from the west end to downtown.

Alberta officials say 2022 was a major year for infrastructure work, outlining all the progress that was made on significant projects. 

“Throughout 2022, Infrastructure played a major role in proactively rebuilding our economy. Many infrastructure projects around the province provided thousands of construction and related jobs in local communities,” said Nathan Neudorf, deputy premier and minister of infrastructure. “We have worked on accelerating priority projects and cutting red tape in order to get shovels in the ground faster at sites across Alberta. Moving forward into 2023, we will continue to work with the rest of government to ensure our province is focused on the priority infrastructure needs of Albertans.” 

Construction was completed on:

• Nineteen school projects, creating more than 7,300 new and 3,800 modernized student spaces throughout the province. An additional 43 school projects are underway in the planning, design or construction phase.
• Four health projects, including the $1.4-billion 186,000 square metre Calgary Cancer Centre. Last summer, at the peak of construction, more than 1,650 trades and construction workers were on site. 
• Red Deer recovery community facility. Another five facilities located in Lethbridge, Gunn, Calgary, Edmonton and the Blood Tribe First Nation are currently in the planning, design or construction phase. 

Progress was made on:

• Phase I of the new more than $400-million Gene Zwozdesky Centre at Norwood. Currently 350 construction workers are on site daily.
• Redevelopment of the Misericordia Community Hospital Emergency Department. This $85-million project is supporting about 476 construction and related jobs and is anticipated to be complete in March 2023.
• Planning for the expansion and redevelopment of the Red Deer Regional Hospital. Design work is anticipated to begin in early 2023 and more information will be shared soon.

In 2022, Alberta’s government continued to announce funding approvals through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) for projects in communities around Alberta. Through ICIP, Alberta has been allocated $3.66 billion by the federal government to invest in infrastructure projects that strengthen the economy and build resilient communities. To date, more than 200 projects and project bundles have been approved for ICIP funding in more than 30 Alberta constituencies, allocating about 99 per cent of the provided funding to date.

These federal-provincial-local cost-sharing ICIP projects mean the investment of about $9 billion worth of design and construction work.

B.C. officials are putting the brakes on a coal mining project in the province’s northeast. 

Officials announced that an environmental assessment certificate will not be issued for the proposed Sukunka coal mine project following a joint decision by provincial ministers.

George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy, and Josie Osborne, minister of energy, mines and low carbon innovation, stated that they made their decision after carefully considering the environmental assessment of the project conducted by B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO). The assessment of the project proposed by Glencore involved consultation with technical experts, federal and local authorities, First Nations and the public.

According to Glencore, the project would have been a capital investment of $450 million. 

Impact on wildlife

The EAO recommended a certificate not be issued after concluding that the key mitigation measures proposed would be unlikely to reduce the potential negative impacts of the project to an acceptable level.

The assessment found the project would have significant adverse and cumulative effects on the threatened and red-listed Quintette caribou herd, increasing the risk of its extinction. Following substantial discussions between Glencore, federal and provincial caribou experts, Treaty 8 First Nations and the EAO, the EAO concluded that even with proposed mitigation measures and requirements, impacts to caribou would be significant if the project were to proceed.

The EAO’s assessment additionally found that the project would have significant cumulative effects on grizzly bears, by adding to existing impacts from previous development in the region, as well as adverse impacts to First Nations, such as treaty rights to hunt.

No duplicate assessments 

The project also requires a federal environmental assessment and decision. The B.C. EAO carried out the assessment on behalf of the federal government under a “substitution agreement.” This means the one assessment carried out by the EAO is used to support separate decisions by each level of government, eliminating the duplication of two assessments for a single project. The federal decision was also announced Dec. 21, 2022.

The Sukunka project was proposed by Glencore as an open-pit mining operation and coal processing plant about 55 kilometres south of Chetwynd and 40 kilometres west of Tumbler Ridge. The proposal was for production of approximately three megatonnes of metallurgical coal per year for export to overseas steel manufacturers over 22 years.

Someone is going on Santa’s naughty list for this one. 

The North Vancouver RCMP are asking for the public’s help in locating an excavator stolen from a construction site located in 600 block of E 6th St. in North Vancouver, BC.

On Dec. 15th the owner of a 2018 John Deere 50G excavator called police to report his equipment was stolen from the construction site. 

According to police, witnesses observed the excavator being loaded onto a flatbed and the thieves traveling eastbound in the laneway the night before at approximately 10:30 p.m.

The excavator is worth $50,000 and it is the third stolen excavator for the property owner in four years.

“The North Vancouver RCMP is asking for the public’s assistance in providing any information relating to this theft, specifically any CCTV, dash cam from the area or witnesses that may have observed the incident,” said officer Mansoor Sahak. “Someone may have observed this incident, not realizing that a theft was occurring.

Police urged the public to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file #22-30678. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Take a good look at this 5.7 km route in Vancouver. It’s about to completely transform. 

A drone flew the The Broadway Subway Project alignment, offering a sweeping overview of what’s to come. 

The Broadway Subway Project, led by joint venture between ACCIONA and Ghella, will extend the Millennium Line from VCC-Clark Station to the future Broadway and Arbutus station, providing 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 team recently launched the second of two state-of-the-art Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) November 29. Named Phyllis, after B.C. mountaineer Phyllis Munday, she will join Elsie, the first TBM, which was launched on Oct. 7 and is now well on her way to her first breakthrough at Mount Pleasant Station.

Each TBM will take about one year to carve out two five-kilometre-long tunnels before being dismantled and removed at Cypress Street near the future Arbutus Station. After tunneling is complete, work can begin on building tracks within the tunnels and finishing the six new stations along the route. Once in service, the Broadway Subway Project will create a seamless extension of the existing Millennium Line from VCC-Clark to Arbutus Street.

Planned construction activities for the next three months include:

• About three quarters of the 21 columns on the elevated guideway between VCC-Clark Station and the future Great Northern Way-Emily Carr station are complete. Construction continuing on remaining columns.
• Both TBMs, Phyllis and Elsie have been launched. Continuing to remove excavated material from both tunnels and installing remaining trailing gear on Phyllis at Great Northern Way-Emily Carr Station.
• Completing the concrete base slab for the future Mount Pleasant Station.
• Excavating the Broadway-City Hall, Oak-VGH, South Granville and Arbutus stations.
• Completing the traffic decks for the Broadway-City Hall and Arbutus stations.
• Finishing the relocation of major utilities at the Broadway-City Hall and Arbutus work sites.

Help the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) solve a crime and you could be $100,000 richer.

The B.C. group is offering the reward for information about an attack on a Coastal GasLink LNG worksite in February.  The ICBA has partnered with Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, which will administer the reward and accept anonymous tips from anyone with information that will lead to arrests and charges. 

Houston, B.C. RCMP say video footage shows approximately 20 masked individuals attacked nine security guards and construction workers, heavy equipment, and outbuildings in a premediated and coordinated nighttime assault by attackers with axes. In one case, a worker trapped inside a truck had his window smashed out by an axe. 

Fires were set and heavy equipment was hijacked to batter other onsite equipment and shred trailers. Lights and video surveillance at the site had been disabled, a school bus was parked to block access in or out of the site and the Morice River Service Road was blocked by felled trees, fires and spikes. 

No one was seriously injured but the attack caused millions of dollars in damaged equipment.

“The people working on this pipeline are highly trained and skilled and are building an incredible national legacy of which we can all be proud,” said Chris Gardner, ICBA president. “Their expertise and hard work should be upheld as an example of Canadian ingenuity and exceptionalism. They deserve no less than a full investigation and the assurance that the perpetrators of this attack will be held accountable and brought to justice. ICBA is proud to stand up for construction and energy workers and offer this reward.” 

Crime Stoppers officials stressed that someone with knowledge of such a crime might fear retribution if they share information, but a tipster’s personal information is never collected.

“In the decades we’ve been in operation, we have never identified any of our tipsters,” said Linda Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “They are never contacted again by us or the police or have to testify in court. We encourage anyone to contact us about any crime, whether it’s relatively small in scope, or as costly and dangerous as this case.” 

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit www.solvecrime.ca. 

“This is a very troubling escalation in violent criminal activity that could have resulted in serious injury or death. This was a calculated and organized violent attack that left its victims shaken and a multimillion dollar path of destruction,” said Warren Brown, chief superintendent for Houston RCMP. “While we respect everyone’s right to peacefully protest in Canada, we cannot tolerate this type of extreme violence and intimidation. Our investigators will work tirelessly to identify the culprits and hold them accountable for their actions.”

Video: Vandals launch assault on Coastal GasLink LNG site

Key Takeaways:

• The six-storey industrial project is using vertical space to make the most out of limited industrial land in Metro Vancouver.
• The project includes a cafe, rooftop space, a dog area and more for businesses to mingle.
• Before construction, the project team canvassed the community to make sure it would target local needs first.

The Whole Story:

An innovative project in Metro Vancouver isn’t just looking to add supply to the region’s tight industrial market. It wants to create a community. 

Wesbild’s Marine landing, which broke ground this March, features two, six-storey stacked industrial and office buildings at 170,000 square feet each, with flexible strata workspaces ranging from 600 to 34,000 square feet. The smaller unit sizes provide appropriate floorplates for businesses with less need for physical square footage, but still require all the functionality and flexibility of a modern industrial space. The larger industrial units provide open-concept spaces ideal for businesses that need open areas and purpose-built industrial amenities.

“It accommodates industrial use vertically as opposed to horizontally,” explained Lilian Arishenkoff, senior VP of development for Wesbild. “That’s a new evolution in industrial spaces, primarily for urban areas. With land prices so high and vacancy so low, we have had to think of new ways to accommodate those needs. To get maximum density out of the site, we have gone upwards.” 

The project is the first six-storey industrial project in Western Canada. But it’s not just about volume. 

“Whatever we do – residential, commercial, mixed-use, industrial – there is a focus on creating community,” added Arishenkoff. “We put a lot of thought into what it will be like to live there and spend time there. Quite frankly, most of our time is spent at our place of business so we want to make a place where people are comfortable.” 

Before developing the project, the team canvassed the surrounding area for several kilometres to see what sort of businesses might be looking for new space and if they would be interested in buying their own unit.

“We didn’t want to come in and be a development that brings in people from the outside,” said Arishenkoff. “We wanted to work with the existing community framework.”

Units have been sold to several local companies including a fishing lure manufacturer, dental crown manufacturer, an action figure importer and fashion wholesalers. Breka Bakery is also setting up a new commissary and 24/7 café at the project. 

“We put a lot of effort into designing spaces and landscapes that provide opportunities for chance meetings, to rub shoulders with someone you may not have otherwise met or connected with,” said Arishenkoff. 

The design features oversized elevators, extra-wide corridors, at-grade and dock loading areas, wide loading bays, spacious delivery facilities to make logistics easier with more than 50 oversized parking stalls, 395 regular sized parking stalls, including 42 EV charging stations, large flexible lounge space for meetings, events and socializing, a full kitchen and more. It’s also a six-minute walk to marine gateway shops, residences, and the Canada Line – an important feature for owners and employees who want to avoid Metro Vancouver’s car traffic, noted Arishenkoff. 

The site currently has two cranes up and work is being done on footings and columns. Arishenkoff anticipates construction could be done near the end of 2024. She said that there are still units available in the second building. The greatest demand has been for the industrial units while office units have moved a bit slower. However, one of the office buyers is the building’s architect. 

“I think that shows the high level of support and confidence there is in what we have designed here,” said Arishenkoff. “The purchasers are eclectic and it’s going to be really cool to have all these different people together. We will see how it plays out as this hasn’t been done before. We are hoping it’s going to be a really successful mix of folks.”

Photos: Renderings show the interior design of Marine Landing

Key Takeaways:

• 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

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.

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

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.”

MUBA Winners:

Conceptual Theoretical Urban Design: Office retrofit by Sturgess Architecture.

Urban Design Plans: Balmoral Circus by DIALOG and city of Calgary.

Urban Architecture: The District at Beltline by Spear Street Capital; and Kasian Architecture, Interior Design & Planning Ltd.

Civic Design Projects: Dale Hodges Park by city of Calgary, 02 Planning & Design, Sans Facon, Source2Source and AECOM.

Urban Fragments: Flyover Park by Parks Foundation and Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Community Initiatives: High Park by Beltline Neighbourhoods Association, Public City Architecture.

Confluence Award: Century Gardens Redevelopment by city of Calgary parks, Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative, PFS Studio: CMAL.

City Edge Development: Plaza by Truman Homes and Lola Architecture.

Green City: Grow by Dr. Andrei Metelitsa and Modern Office of Design & Architecture.

Housing Innovation: Peaks & Plains by RNDSQR and Vera Architecture: BBLOC Interior Design.

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