The Québec Bridge has been transferred back to federal ownership under the management of Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI). The government has committed to a 25-year rehabilitation plan with an annual investment of over $40 million to ensure the bridge’s sustainability and structural integrity.
The rehabilitation plan includes partnerships with CN (responsible for the rail corridor) and the Quebec government (responsible for the road corridor and bike path). A new advisory committee will be established to provide expert and community input for optimizing the bridge’s management and restoration.
The Québec Bridge is recognized for its economic, strategic, and heritage importance as a vital transportation and freight corridor, while also acknowledging its historical and cultural significance, including its tragic construction history and its crossing of ancestral First Nations territories.
The Whole Story:
The federal goverment once again owns the Québec Bridge.
Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, announced that the conditions necessary for the repatriation of the Québec Bridge to the federal government have been met. As a result, the Government of Canada is once again the owner of the historic piece of infrastructure.
The Government of Canada announced in May that it had reached an agreement in principle with Canadian National Railway (CN) to transfer ownership of the Québec Bridge. The agreement was formalized by the signing of a deed of transfer between Canada and CN on November 12, 2024.
The retrocession of the Québec Bridge will enable the Government of Canada to ensure the sustainability of this strategic infrastructure so that it can continue to benefit the economies of Canada and Quebec, as well as the entire population of the greater Quebec City region.
Management of the Québec Bridge will be entrusted to the federal Crown corporation Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), which will assume all responsibilities as owner of the infrastructure, and will be responsible for implementing the rehabilitation plan for the Québec Bridge. The Government of Canada is confident that the expertise and experience acquired by JCCBI over the years, notably in operating the Jacques Cartier and Honoré Mercier bridges in Montreal, will enable it to successfully carry out this rehabilitation plan.
JCCBI will work closely with the two other partners and users of the Québec Bridge, CN, which remains responsible for the rail corridor, and the Quebec government, which remains responsible for the road corridor and bicycle path. A collaboration agreement between these three partners will be drawn up to optimize coordination and ensure the completion of all activities on the Québec Bridge.
The Government of Canada will invest more than $40 million a year over a 25-year period in the rehabilitation program. This program will begin with inspections and various studies to make the right diagnoses, prepare a detailed rehabilitation plan and prioritize the work to be carried out. The work will include repair and reinforcement of the steel, piers and footings, as well as a painting program to protect the steel from corrosion and improve the overall appearance of the bridge structure.
To support JCCBI, the Government of Canada has also announced the creation of an advisory committee: the Groupe consultatif pour la sauvegarde du pont de Québec. In the coming weeks, JCCBI will be responsible for setting up this advisory group.
This committee, made up of business people, experts and other citizens, will serve as a platform for expressing opinions and formulating proposals to JCCBI. Further details on the submission and selection process will follow.
The Québec Bridge is of great economic, strategic and heritage importance. For over 100 years, the people of the region have relied on this bridge for their daily commutes, tourism and trade. The Government of Canada stated that it recognizes the importance of this bridge as a strategic freight corridor for regional, national and international markets, and as an important link in the Canadian supply chain.
The Government of Canada also noted that it wishes to remember the tragic history of the bridge’s construction and the legacy of the many workers who lost their lives in its construction. It also recognizes that this bridge crosses the ancestral territory of several First Nations who have occupied this site since time immemorial.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is investing in road and highway upgrades to enhance connections between First Nations communities in the Greenstone area and the provincial highway network. This includes replacing culverts and planning pavement rehabilitation on major highways like Hwy. 584 and Hwy. 11.
Investments include a $2 million funding boost for the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, which will create jobs and support revenue generation for First Nations and the Municipality of Greenstone. Additionally, $2 million has been allocated to purchase and expand the Greenstone Gold Mine Assay Laboratory, creating long-term employment opportunities in mining.
The Indigenous Workforce Development Program has enrolled 45 participants in mining-related pre-trades training, equipping Indigenous community members with skills for jobs in the mining and resource sectors, fostering long-term economic reconciliation and empowerment.
The Whole Story:
This month, officials in Ontario marked the completion of critical highway infrastructure improvements in the Greenstone area in Northern Ontario. These highway upgrades at the gateway to the Ring of Fire region will improve connections to the provincial highway network for First Nations in the Greenstone area while also supporting the province’s ongoing work to unlock the economic potential of Ontario’s critical minerals in partnership with First Nations.
“I’m excited to see first-hand the improvements being made to road and highway infrastructure in Greenstone, as we continue working with First Nations partners to unlock new economic opportunities here at the gateway to the Ring of Fire region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Along with the upgrades being made to infrastructure, we’re also investing in skills development programs for Indigenous community members in the mining and construction sectors as part of our ongoing efforts to advance meaningful and lasting economic reconciliation with First Nations.”
Completing highway infrastructure improvements that improve First Nations communities’ road connections to the province’s highway network, which include successfully removing and replacing seven culverts on Hwy. 584 in 2024 and finishing work on three culverts along Hwy. 11 in 2025. An additional 26 culverts will be replaced along Hwy. 584 during the 2025-2026 construction seasons, while pavement rehabilitation of Hwy. 584 is planned for 2027.
Supporting development of the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, which will serve First Nation members, tourists and residents while creating jobs and driving revenue for First Nations and the Municipality of Greenstone. Ontario is investing $2 million in additional funding to support construction and maintenance of truck parking, washroom facilities and amenities for the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop throughout the terms of the agreement. Site preparation work has begun for transport truck parking and associated amenities with work starting during the 2025 construction season.
Approved funding of $2 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to Kenogamisis Investment GP Corporation for the purchase of the Greenstone Gold Mine Assay Laboratory in Geraldton. The corporation plans to renovate and expand the facility to accommodate additional staff and mining process services, creating long-term employment opportunities for members of the First Nation communities involved in the project.
Enrollment of 45 participants in the Indigenous Workforce Development Program, which is operated by Minodahmun Development LP and funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Participants are currently engaged in mining-related pre-trades training, equipping them with the skills needed to secure jobs in mineral development within the region.
“Working in close partnership with First Nations leaders, we are laying the groundwork for Greenstone to become a powerful centre of economic opportunity in Northern Ontario,” said Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford. “Our shared commitment to building long-term prosperity for northern communities is creating meaningful progress today and paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.”
Key Takeaways:
Asahi Kasei is building a $1.7 billion lithium-ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne, marking Canada’s first facility of this kind. This significant investment is aimed at enhancing Ontario’s end-to-end electric vehicle (EV) and battery supply chain.
Asahi Kasei has entered a joint venture with Honda Motor Co. to oversee the Port Colborne plant’s construction and operations. This collaboration aims to supply materials for approximately one million EVs annually by 2027, creating over 300 jobs in the region.
Ontario has attracted over $45 billion in EV-related investments since 2020, securing its position as a leader in the EV industry. However, recent EV demand fluctuations have caused delays in some projects, including Umicore’s and Stellantis’ battery plants, highlighting potential volatility in the sector.
The Whole Story:
Multinational Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei has begun work on a $1.7 billion manufacturing facility in Port Colborne to produce lithium-ion battery separators, a key component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The new plant, the first of its kind in Canada, is a significant part of Ontario’s growing end-to-end EV and battery supply chain, accelerating the production of Ontario-made EVs.
“The start of construction on Asahi Kasei’s battery separator plant is a major step forward in building Ontario’s electric vehicle supply chain, connecting minerals in the north with electric vehicle battery makers and automakers across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This facility will help lay the groundwork to produce electric vehicles from start to finish by Ontario workers with Ontario-made components, bringing better jobs and bigger paycheques to communities across the province.”
The start of construction closely follows the recent announcement of a joint venture between Asahi Kasei and Honda Canada Inc. that will be established to oversee construction and production activities at the Port Colborne plant.
Earlier this year, Honda announced plans to establish Canada’s first comprehensive electric vehicle supply chain with four new manufacturing plants including this separator plant in partnership with Asahi Kasei. With phase one expected to be complete in 2027, the separator plant is projected to produce enough material to supply approximately one million EVs annually and create more than 300 jobs in the region.
“Asahi Kasei’s investment in Ontario’s auto sector represents a clear vote of confidence in our province’s world-class workforce, dependable supply chains, competitive business environment and reliable clean energy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As our government continues to position Ontario as the epicentre of electric vehicle innovation, we look forward to seeing the partnership between Asahi Kasei and Honda come to fruition and bring economic growth and good-paying jobs to the Niagara Region.”
Since 2020, Ontario has attracted over $45 billion in EV and battery investments from companies including Honda, GM, Ford and Stellantis, along with key parts and component producers, helping to build-out the province’s end-to-end supply chain and solidifying the province as a leader in the EV sector.
However, the EV market’s recent slowdown has led to some setbacks. Umicore Rechargeable Battery Materials Inc. has delayed construction of its $2.7 billion battery component plant near Kingston, citing a decline in EV demand. Similarly, Stellantis temporarily halted construction on a portion of its EV battery plant in Windsor due to a dispute with the federal government over funding commitments.
Key Takeaways:
The $495-million Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project will replace a 1930s-era water main nearing the end of its service life, ensuring the continued provision of high-quality drinking water for Metro Vancouver. The upgrade is also designed to enhance earthquake resilience and support future population growth.
A 1.4-kilometer-long tunnel will be constructed deep under Stanley Park, along with three vertical shafts at key locations (Burrard Inlet, a central service yard, and Chilco Street). Measures will be taken to minimize disruption, such as installing temporary pedestrian and cyclist paths and restoring construction sites to equal or better condition.
Construction is set to begin this month and is expected to continue through 2029.
The Whole Story:
Metro Vancouver will begin construction this month on the $495-million Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel, a major project that will replace an aging piece of infrastructure and help maintain the regional district’s ability to reliably provide high-quality drinking water.
“The new Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel will replace a water main that was built in the 1930s and is nearing the end of its service life, so it’s extremely important that we make this upgrade,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors. “This work is also part of Metro Vancouver’s push to ensure our drinking water infrastructure can better withstand strong earthquakes and accommodate future population growth.”
A new 1.4-kilometre-long water supply tunnel will be constructed deep under Stanley Park to replace a water main that was built in the 1930s. Two new valve chambers will control the flow of water through mains in the area.
To excavate the tunnel, install the water main, and build the valve chambers, three vertical shafts will be constructed in Stanley Park — one near Burrard Inlet, one in the middle of the park in a service yard, and one at Chilco Street.
Officials say the shaft locations, along with the tunnel alignment and construction process, were selected based on rigorous geotechnical, environmental, archaeological, technological, and traffic studies. Construction areas at all three shaft sites will be restored to equal or better condition.
The first six months of construction will see the three main sites fenced and cleared, and site offices will be built. At the centre shaft site, an abandoned building will be demolished and the yard entrance moved. At the Chilco shaft site, temporary pedestrian and cyclist paths will be installed to ensure park users can continue to use the area during construction, and a new accessible ramp will provide uninterrupted access to the community garden.
“The Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is critical to our drinking water system. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as construction gets underway,” said Malcolm Brodie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee. “We are taking great care to reduce the impacts that this work will have on neighbours and park visitors.”
Construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is expected to last through 2029.
The Site C project has successfully completed its reservoir filling, raising water levels by approximately 43 meters over 11 weeks.
BC Hydro has conducted over 1,000 inspections and collected over a million data points to ensure safety, with key structures like the dam, powerhouse, and spillways performing well.
Treaty 8 First Nations cultural monitors have observed the reservoir filling, and ongoing environmental monitoring will track the impact on wildlife and fish.
The Whole Story:
Reservoir filling for the Site C project has been safely completed after 11 weeks, with the water level at the dam site increasing by about 43 metres.
While reservoir filling is complete, BC Hydro continues to strongly urge the public to stay out of the reservoir area for at least the next year. This is due to potential hazards on the reservoir, such as the surrounding land continuing to stabilize, floating vegetation debris and ice.
BC Hydro says ithas conducted more than one thousand inspections and collected more than one million instrumentation readings to ensure the safe operation of the dam since reservoir filling began. Key project structures such as the earthfill dam, powerhouse, spillways and approach channel are performing well.
A timelapse video shows the reservoir filling. – BC Hydro
Slope stability instrumentation monitoring has been occurring daily, along with weekly visual inspections. Reservoir shoreline and slope changes have been within the expected range during filling. Engineers will continue with shoreline and slope stability monitoring over the operating life of Site C.
Since mid-August, cultural monitors from Treaty 8 First Nations have monitored the reservoir filling process throughout the reservoir area. Environmental monitoring, including of wildlife and fish, will continue during operations of the dam.
With the first generating unit on Site C now in operation, testing and commissioning work on the second generating unit continues. The Site C project remains on-track to have all six generating units in service by fall 2025.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is progressing with the second phase of the Gardiner Expressway reconstruction ahead of schedule, driven by a $73 million investment and a 24/7 construction schedule. The full project is set to complete one year earlier than planned.
The project involves rehabilitating 700 meters of elevated roadway between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, including structural reinforcement, new streetlights, and an upgraded traffic management system.
By accelerating the project, the government expects to save Ontario’s economy $273 million by reducing gridlock sooner, facilitating faster movement of people and goods across the province.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is marking the start of the second phase of construction on the Gardiner Expressway four months ahead of schedule. Officiacls say the early milestone is the result of the government’s $73 million investment in the project on the condition that construction work may be allowed to proceed 24/7.
“We’re making real progress on our government’s plan to fight gridlock and keep drivers moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re not only getting it done on the Gardiner Expressway, we’re also bringing common sense changes to bike lanes through new legislation and speeding up construction of priority highway projects like Highway 413, Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway bridge, to help get drivers across the province out of gridlock.”
With two eastbound lanes on the Gardiner Expressway now rehabilitated and reopened, crews will begin the demolition and reconstruction of two centre lanes, before completing work on the remaining two westbound lanes. The full project is expected to be finished one year ahead of schedule and includes revitalizing 700 metres of elevated roadway from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, reinforcing support structures, installing new streetlights and upgrading the traffic management system.
Once construction is complete, the 140,000 drivers who rely on the Gardiner every day will save up to 22 minutes per trip. Accelerating construction is expected to save Ontario’s economy $273 million by getting drivers and goods out of gridlock earlier than originally planned.
Key Takeaways:
Umicore has decided to continue the pause on its new battery materials plant in Ontario, prioritizing the maximization of capacity at existing facilities before expanding further.
Umicore has outlined significant cost-saving initiatives, including a potential impact on 260 positions across the company, workforce reductions in its China battery materials plant, and restructuring of R&D activities to enhance efficiency.
These measures are projected to save approximately $60 million annually by 2025.
The Whole Story:
Belgian materials technology company Umicore has announced a continued pause on the construction of its new battery materials plant in Loyalist, Ont. as part of an ongoing strategic review of its battery materials business. The decision comes as the company aims to maximize capacity utilization of existing plants before pursuing further expansion.
Strategic Realignment
Officials say the pause in construction was made in close alignment with Umicore’s customers. The company’s long-term supply agreement with AESC for high-nickel cathode active materials for the North American market will now be fulfilled from Umicore’s plant in Cheonan, Korea.
Umicore has not drawn on the incentives offered by the Canadian and Ontario governments for the Loyalist plant. Should construction resume in the future, the company will retain access to these incentives under the same conditions, including employment commitments.
Cost-Saving Measures
In addition to the construction pause, Umicore has unveiled details of its cost-saving initiatives:
Approximately 260 positions may be impacted across select parts of the organization
Workforce resizing in the Battery Materials production plant in Jiangmen, China
Downsizing of Group Corporate Functions
Restructuring of R&D activities for improved efficiency and customer focus
Transfer of Heavy-Duty Diesel R&D work to Hanau, Germany, and discontinuation of R&D activities in Hørsholm, Denmark.
These measures are expected to generate approximately $60 million in annualized savings by 2025.
Industry Challenges
Bart Sap, CEO of Umicore, acknowledged the challenging environment facing the company: “Umicore is navigating a complex transitioning of the automotive industry towards electric mobility. Serving our North American customers out of Korea is now clearly the most effective use of our assets.”
Umicore has begun consultations with trade unions and works councils representatives to ensure support for affected employees. In Belgium, where approximately 100 positions may be impacted, the company has initiated the information and consultation process in accordance with legal requirements.
The company’s decision to pause the Canadian plant construction and implement cost-saving measures reflects the broader challenges facing the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Earlier this year, Umicore had already lowered its 2024 outlook for the Battery Materials Business Group due to a sharp slowdown in EV demand growth.
Transformational health-care facilities dominated the 2024 National Awards for Innovation & Excellence in P3s today, with winners announced in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ontario.
Presented by the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP), the seven award winners also included an all-season highway in the Northwest Territories, a new courthouse in downtown Toronto and a school bundling project now serving 7,000 students in Alberta.
The winners were announced today at the P3 National Awards Gala Luncheon, held on the final day of P3 2024, Canada’s Infrastructure Conference.
“We had a tremendous group of 10 nominees this year, showcasing the vitality and variety of P3s delivering critical services to Canadians in communities across the country. In particular, the projects we celebrated this year showcase the long-term nature of P3 agreements and the strong spirit of partnership required to deliver quality services to our communities for decades,” said Brad Nicpon, Chair of the Awards Selection Committee and Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP.
“These project teams are collaborating together to find innovative ways of providing better care and experiences for patients, students and families, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower ongoing operational costs, and in being more inclusive to welcome, represent and benefit Canada’s diverse communities.”
Created in 1998 by the Council, the awards celebrate and recognize Canada’s cutting-edge infrastructure projects involving public sector entities like governments and educational institutions partnering with the private sector.
Last year, the awards committee retooled the project award categories to better reflect the changing dynamics of Canada’s P3 infrastructure pipeline and to highlight the need to create better, more resilient and longer lasting infrastructure for our communities. This included added categories recognizing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and P3 Service Delivery.
Here are this year’s winners:
Gold Award – P3 Design & Construction
Western Memorial Regional Hospital (Newfoundland and Labrador)
The new 600,000 sq. foot hospital, which opened to the public in spring 2024, has 164-bed acute beds and incorporates several new services, including state-of-the-art cancer treatment facilities so that cancer patients from remote and rural areas in the west of the province no longer need to travel to St. John’s for the care they need. The facility is also home to Canada’s largest geothermal system. The geothermal field is approximately 183 metres below the hospital’s parking lot and provides 100 per cent of the ground source geothermal heating for the hospital – the largest solution of its kind for a health-care facility in North America. The project uses a design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM) P3 model.
Partners: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Western Regional Health Authority and Corner Brook Health Partnership (Plenary Americas; PCL Constructors Canada Inc.; Marco Services Limited; B+H Architects; Parkin Architects Ltd.; and Johnson Controls)
Gold Award – P3 Service Delivery
Tłı̨chǫ All-Season Road (Northwest Territories)
The 96-kilometre highway, which opened to traffic in November 2021, connects the Tłı̨chǫ community of Whatì to the Northwest Territories’ all-weather Highway 3, located approximately 170 kilometres northwest of Yellowknife. The gravel highway replaced a seasonal winter road that was becoming increasingly difficult to construct and maintain due to climate change. The project includes one of the first ever equity investments in a P3 project by an Indigenous government in Canada. The project also implemented an innovative climate change risk sharing mechanism and was delivered on-budget and ahead of schedule, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since opening, 100 per cent of the project’s operations and maintenance labour have been undertaken by Indigenous personnel. The project uses a design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) P3 model.
Partners: Government of Northwest Territories and North Star Infrastructure GP (Kiewit Canada Development Corp. and Tłı̨chǫ Government)
Gold Award – P3 Service Delivery
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre – Ontario
The Royal was the first public hospital in Ontario to use the design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM) P3 model. The project marked a significant milestone in the evolution of a prestigious mental health care institution, ushering in a new era for a facility with roots dating back a century. This transformative redevelopment project created a state-of-the-art 188-bed facility, designed to meet the modern demands of mental health care and research. The site includes a three-storey building for both inpatient and outpatient services, a seven-storey research tower, a 200-seat auditorium, an education center, and a parking facility with more than 500 spaces. Now, in the 18th year of the operations phase of its 20.7-year P3 service contract, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre stands out as a remarkable project for its facility management due to its exceptional integration of advanced health-care services with seamless operational management.
Partners: Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group and The Healthcare Infrastructure Company of Canda Inc. (EllisDon Capital; EllisDon Facilities Services; Parkin Architects Ltd. and Adamson Associates Architects; Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects Inc.; Carillion Canada, EllisDon Corp.; Borealis Infrastructure; Plenary Americas; and Fiera Infrastructure)
Gold Award – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Glen site – Quebec
The MUHC is one of Canada’s largest hospitals. The campus-style teaching hospital/medical complex was formed through a merger of five teaching hospitals. The facility is now 10 years into its service delivery phase, which is in place under the design-build-finance-maintenance (DBFM) P3 agreement until 2044. MUHC generates savings of approximately $2.5 million a year because of energy efficiency measures implemented during construction. In fact, energy consumption is 35 per cent lower than the average Canadian hospital. The site is LEED Gold Certified for New Construction (2016) and LEED Gold Certified for Existing Buildings (2019). With a view to continuous improvement, the MUHC team and its partners are currently working to maintain the hospital’s LEED Gold certification at the next renewal, which is scheduled for later in 2024.
Partners: McGill University Health Centre and McGill Healthcare Infrastructure Group (AtkinsRéalis/BBGI, part of AtkinsRéalis Infrastructure Fund, and Innisfree)
Silver Award – P3 Transaction
CAMH Phase 1D Waverley House Secure Care & Recovery Project (Ontario)
This new facility, which started construction in March 2024, is continuing to deliver on CAMH’s mandate to change the way people with mental health needs are treated in Ontario, providing a design that is holistic with the neighbourhood and ensuring a dignified and compassionate place for people to come for help. The seven-storey 800,000 sq. foot building will include space for 214 core patient beds, with an additional 20 beds to help with provincial surge requirements, clinics for patients receiving care in the community, recovery-based therapeutic spaces, a secure outdoor space for treatment and underground parking. Enhanced collaboration allowed the project team to advance the design further than other design-build-finance (DBF) projects, resulting in greater certainty and more competitive pricing from the trade community.
Partners: Infrastructure Ontario, CAMH and PCL Partnerships (PCL Investments Inc., PCL Constructors Canada Inc., Diamond Schmitt Architects & Architectural Resources; Modern Niagara; Symtech; Smith + Andersen; Entuitive; and TD Securities)
Silver Award – P3 Design & Construction
P3 Schools Bundle #2 (P3SB2) – Alberta
The $300.3-million project is the first ever P3 schools bundle in Alberta comprised exclusively of high schools. The state-of-the-art schools, which opened earlier this fall, are serving almost 7,000 students in the municipalities of Blackfalds, Edmonton, Leduc and Langdon. In addition, using a design-build-finance-maintain P3 is saving an estimated $114.5 million over the 30-year life cycle of the project compared to a traditional build contract. The ability of the project to progress from procurement to financial close during the pandemic as well as deliver Value-for-Money for taxpayers showcases the benefits and value of a P3 bundling approach to delivering schools. The design-build-finance-maintenance (DBFM) project is notable for the early engagement with school jurisdictions enabling them to directly inform the design process. The uniqueness of each high school breaks the stereotype of P3s delivering “cookie cutter” facilities.
Partners: Alberta Infrastructure and Concert-Bird Partners (Bird Construction; Bird Capital; Wright Construction; Ainsworth; Concert Infrastructure; Manulife Financial; ATB Financial)
Award of Merit, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)
Ontario Court of Justice – Toronto
Ontario’s first high-rise courthouse, which opened in 2023 in Toronto’s downtown core, amalgamated six Ontario Court of Justice criminal courthouse locations in one new, accessible location. Along with its 63 courtrooms and 10 conference rooms, the 17-storey facility weaves Indigenous engagement and inclusion within the built environment and site. This is highlighted by two of the Gladue courtrooms, featuring circular tables built to reflect the collaborative nature of many Indigenous proceedings. The mechanical systems for these courtrooms also specially accommodate traditional smudging ceremonies. On the ground floor, there is also an Indigenous Learning Centre. The facility, which uses a design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM) P3 model, also offers a barrier-free environment that enables all visitors and occupants to travel throughout the building with ease. Accessibility features were informed by consultation with an Accessibility Advisory Group, and accessibility consultants Gensler and Human Space.
Partners: Infrastructure Ontario, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and EllisDon Infrastructure (EllisDon Capital Inc., EllisDon Design Build Inc., Renzo Piano Building Workshop, NORR Limited, EllisDon Facilities Services Inc. and SNC-Lavalin O&M Inc.)
Key Takeaways:
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) argues that Toronto’s current proposal to expand incentives for purpose-built rental housing is insufficient. They believe it won’t effectively jump-start the tens of thousands of stalled rental and condominium units, thereby failing to address the larger housing crisis.
BILD points out that the city’s plan is narrowly focused and primarily benefits city-led Housing Now projects or those receiving federal subsidies through programs like the Apartment Construction Loan Program. This means that the vast majority of private rental and condo projects—estimated between 29,000 to 37,000 units currently stalled—will not qualify for the proposed incentives.
BILD is urging the City of Toronto to collaborate with higher levels of government to develop a more comprehensive housing strategy. They emphasize the need to address the financial viability of sidelined housing projects to prevent a worsening housing shortage in the next 3-5 years and are willing to work with all parties to create the necessary housing solutions.
The Whole Story:
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) is calling for a more robust approach to address housing needs in Toronto.
The group made its case this week in a deputation before the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee, arguing that the City’s current proposal, “Expanding Incentives for Purpose-Built Rental Housing”, is too limited and will not jump start the tens of thousands of stalled new rental and condominium units currently sidelined. The group explained that the lack of a comprehensive solution is threatening the city’s pipeline of future housing supply and setting up conditions to make the housing crisis worse in the years ahead.
“While the current proposal acknowledges the challenges posed by rising cost to build, it represents a limited solution to a much larger problem,” said Dave Wilkes, President and CEO of BILD. “If the city’s own housing projects, built on city land, with federal subsidies cannot proceed without development charge and tax relief, it is no wonder that market units are struggling with costs to build, which is in turn acting as a barrier to adding the housing Toronto requires.”
BILD stated that the specifications of the proposed solution are narrowly defined and would only be applicable to the city’s own Housing Now projects or projects that have received a federal subsidy through its Apartment Construction Loan Program.
According to BILD, the vast majority of rental and condominium projects, including the 29,000-37,000 units that are currently stalled in the development pipeline, will not qualify. They believe that such a niche solution means that as the crop of new buildings currently under construction are completed, very little new residential construction activity will be able to commence, greatly diminishing new housing supply in the region over the next 3-5 years.
“Today’s costs to build are out of sync with the ability of the market to absorb. As a result, new rental projects can’t pencil and pre-construction sales for condominiums have plummeted to less than 25% of the 10-year average levels,” added Wilkes. “Housing starts are declining and without a comprehensive solution this slide will continue – putting Toronto on the cusp of a very large housing shortfall by 2027-2030.”
BILD is encouraging the city to urgently seek the involvement and assistance of higher levels of government to expand its solution and develop a comprehensive housing strategy that addresses the financial viability of the sidelined housing projects.
“There is a window to take action today and avert a housing crisis of tomorrow,” said Wilkes. “We stand ready to work with the City of Toronto to encourage all levels of government to come to the table and create the comprehensive housing package the City needs.”
Toronto’s plan is to unlock 20,000 new rental homes by 2030, including the immediate support of 7,000 new rental homes, comprising 5,600 purpose-built rental units and at least 1,400 affordable rental homes. To incentivize development, the city will introduce a 15% property tax reduction for new purpose-built rental projects over a 35-year period and defer development charges for eligible developments as long as they remain rental properties. These measures are estimated to represent a municipal investment of over $325 million.
Acknowledging the limitations of acting alone, the city is also calling on the provincial government to establish a $1 billion “Build More Homes Rebate” to cover development charges and provide further property tax reductions for an additional 10,400 purpose-built rental homes. The city is also requesting the federal government allocate $7.3 billion in low-cost financing to support the construction of these homes.
City officials stressed that without immediate and coordinated action from all levels of government, the housing shortage will worsen. They warned of increased housing instability, a deepening staffing crisis in essential services, and economic challenges as businesses struggle to attract the workforce needed to thrive.
The Ontario government has awarded a contract to Miller/Brennan to manage the design, quality control, safety, and delivery of the Bradford Bypass expressway’s west section.
Once complete, the Bradford Bypass will enhance connectivity for communities in York Region and Simcoe County, supporting over 2,000 jobs annually during construction and contributing up to $286 million to Ontario’s GDP, benefiting local residents and businesses alike.
The introduction of the Building Highways Faster Act in October 2024 highlights the government’s commitment to prioritizing projects like the Bradford Bypass, Highway 413, and the QEW Garden City Skyway bridge twinning, aiming to accelerate approvals and streamline construction timelines on critical infrastructure projects.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has awarded a major contract to oversee the design, quality control, safety and delivery of the west section of the Bradford Bypass expressway to Miller/Brennan. Officials noted that the contract marks a significant milestone in the province’s plan to relieve gridlock, save commuters time and keep goods moving across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
“Our government is making real progress on our plan to build critical highways, including the Bradford Bypass and Highway 413, that will get Ontario drivers out of gridlock,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “With new measures like our proposed Building Highways Faster Act, which will speed up the building and approvals process on priority highway projects like this one, along with our nearly $28 billion investment in roads and highways throughout Ontario, we’re getting it done for drivers across the province.”
Early project work for the Bradford Bypass is already underway, with crews recently completing a new bridge at Simcoe County Road 4 that will help keep traffic moving in West Gwillimbury. Construction is also underway on a Highway 400 southbound lane that will connect to the future expressway.
“Residents across York-Simcoe have been waiting decades for the Bradford Bypass to finally be built,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York Simcoe. “Our government is making consistent progress on this project which will get farmers’ crops to market and more people moving across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”
Once complete, the Bradford Bypass will be a vital link for communities in York Region and Simcoe County, providing better connections to jobs and housing. During construction, the project will support over 2,000 well-paying jobs annually and contribute up to $286 million to Ontario’s gross domestic product.
This October, the province introduced the Building Highways Faster Act which, if passed, would designate the Bradford Bypass a priority highway project along with Highway 413 and the QEW Garden City Skyway bridge twinning project.
The project has a complex history that dates back to 1978 when it was initially proposed as an eastern extension of Highway 89 along Ravenshoe Road. This proposal was shelved in 1986, leading to collaborative studies between the province and affected municipalities. A refined plan for the Bradford Bypass emerged in 1989, followed by an environmental assessment (EA) that began in 1993 and was completed in 1997.
The Category 3 hurricane, which brought winds exceeding 100 mph, severely compromised the stadium’s distinctive Teflon-coated fiberglass roof, leaving critical areas of the facility exposed to the elements. The City of St. Petersburg has contracted GRA to handle the challenging task of safely removing the compromised materials—a crucial first step in what promises to be an extensive restoration process.
“Access restrictions due to safety concerns make traditional removal methods impractical,” explains Sean Easton, owner-operator of GRA. “Our specialized rope access systems allow our technicians to safely reach and remove damaged sections while maintaining precise control over the operation.”
The project showcases the growing importance of industrial rope access in emergency response scenarios. GRA’s certified technicians are employing sophisticated rigging systems to navigate the stadium’s intricate cable-supported roof structure, demonstrating how rope access techniques can provide solutions where conventional methods fall short.
This isn’t GRA’s first major stadium project. The company’s portfolio includes work on several high-profile venues across North America, including Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, the newly completed MSG Sphere in Las Vegas, and Allegiant Stadium. However, the Tropicana Field project presents unique challenges due to its emergency nature and the extent of the storm damage.
“Every stadium project requires careful planning, but emergency response situations demand an extra level of precision,” notes Easton. “We’re dealing with compromised materials and potentially unstable sections, all while working at height. Our team’s experience with complex stadium systems proves invaluable in these scenarios.”
The removal operation marks the initial phase of what city officials anticipate will be a comprehensive restoration effort. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the safe removal of compromised roofing materials is essential for allowing detailed structural inspections and developing a complete restoration plan.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, the industrial rope access sector’s role in emergency response and infrastructure recovery continues to evolve. The Tropicana Field project demonstrates how specialized access techniques can provide crucial solutions in time-sensitive situations where traditional methods may not be feasible.
GRA’s work at Tropicana Field is ongoing, with the company’s teams operating under strict safety protocols while maintaining an aggressive schedule to help minimize the facility’s exposure to the elements. City officials have not yet announced a timeline for the stadium’s complete restoration, but the efficient removal of damaged materials represents a significant first step in the recovery process.
For more information about industrial rope access solutions and GRA’s range of services, visit www.globalropeaccess.com
B.C.
Pritchard water, sewer system upgrades in the works
Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt improvements complete
Northcrest Developments launched an international competition inviting cross-disciplinary teams to redesign the historic Downsview Airport’s 2-km airstrip into a pedestrian-friendly public corridor connecting seven new communities.
The Runway at YZD aims to create a vibrant, inclusive space with public amenities, recreation, and community-focused areas for 55,000 residents and 23,000 workers, enhancing Toronto’s cultural and social landscape.
The competition, chaired by urban designer Ken Greenberg, will proceed in two phases—starting with Expressions of Interest, followed by Requests for Proposals for shortlisted teams, with final design work set to begin in 2025.
The Whole Story:
Northcrest Developments has officially launched a global design competition for The Runway at YZD in Toronto.
Formerly home to the historic Downsview airport, YZD is among the most ambitious and significant city-building efforts in North America. The Runway at YZD Design Competition will task cross-disciplinary design teams with transforming the historic 2-km airstrip into the cornerstone of the future series of mixed-use communities across the 370-acre site.
Northcrest envisions The Runway at YZD as an unparalleled outdoor experience – a continuous, pedestrian-focused and publicly-accessible corridor that will become a destination, attracting people from across the globe to experience its creative public spaces and wide range of programming. Not only does Northcrest aim to connect the former airstrip to the seven complete communities at YZD, they intend for it also to be animated by community uses, public amenities, and recreation opportunities for the 55,000 residents and 23,000 workers.
A test airstrip, military base and centre for aerospace manufacturing and innovation for more than 100 years, the Downsview Airport was sold by Bombardier in 2018 and formally handed over to lead developer Northcrest this past spring.
Northcrest plans for YZD to critically stitch these industrial lands back into the city of Toronto. In tandem with the reimagining of The Runway, Northcrest is advancing its District Plan for its first neighbourhood, The Hangar District.
The Runway at YZD Design Competition will task design teams with developing a holistic set of design guidelines for The Runway. These guidelines will shape the future of The Runway and inform how it connects and interacts with the site’s neighbourhoods.
“This competition presents an extraordinary opportunity for design teams to make their mark by reimagining a cherished piece of Toronto’s industrial heritage into a world-class four-season public space,” says Kristy Shortall, Senior Vice-President of Development at Northcrest Developments. “The Runway is the heart of YZD. It will be the primary pedestrian corridor, and it embodies our ambitions of creating complete communities that are vibrant, sustainable and connected, prioritizing people at its core. We’re excited to see the level of talent and creativity that will emerge to help bring this vision to life.”
Award-winning urban designer, city-building advocate, and author Ken Greenberg will chair the competition jury, alongside other design, development and placemaking experts.
“The Runway at YZD will be an enabler of social and cultural life and the heart of the seven communities it traverses. It will be unlike anything else in Toronto, calling for an imaginative approach to create and implement a vision for The Runway’s evolving multi-decade, multi-party context,” says Greenberg. “The transformation of this centrepiece reflects a growing understanding that reusing urban infrastructure can become a great source of identity and uniqueness for successful neighbourhoods. YZD is an incredible city-building opportunity for not only Toronto, but North America, and The Runway will set the tone for much of what’s to come.”
The competition will consist of two phases. Phase one will see design teams submit Expressions of Interest. For phase two, Northcrest Developments will issue Requests for Proposals to shortlisted teams. Once selected by the jury, the winning team will begin work on The Runway Design guidelines in Q3 2025.
A community-first approach has grounded Northcrest’s approach from the start. For several years, Northcrest has implemented a comprehensive Meanwhile Use strategy, activating various areas of the site not immediately needed for development with free community-focused events, pop-ups, partnerships with local businesses and arts, and other cultural and recreation opportunities. These include the annual Play on the Runway, where thousands of visitors explore, roll, skate, bike and play on the vast Runway; Hangar Skate, an outdoor skating rink experience in the winter, as well as landmark attractions such as the Rogers Stadium, a seasonal outdoor venue that will help meet the growing demand for stadium-level tours.
“Our Meanwhile Use strategy has been instrumental in turning YZD into a vibrant community by opening this historically closed space and welcoming the public in. From our perspective, it’s a preview of the inclusive community we’re shaping, with The Runway poised to be a key magnet in the future. These activations are just the beginning of what YZD – and, critically, the future Runway – will offer as a destination for residents and visitors alike,” says Shortall.
Interested teams can find more details about The Runway at YZD Design Competition at yzd.ca/runwaydesign. Submissions for Expression of Interest are due at 11:59PM EST on November 22, 2024.
The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) rolled out the red carpet for construction this month, giving local builders the Hollyowood treatment.
The association announced the winners of the prestigious Gold Awards at the 2024 VRCA Awards of Excellence Gala, held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
In its 35th year, the VRCA Awards of Excellence continue to spotlight the exceptional work of the Association’s member companies. This year, 50 Silver Award winners were chosen across 17 diverse project categories, highlighting the best of industrial, commercial, institutional, infrastructure, multi-family residential, and special projects.
This year’s competition featured 91 submissions across 61 projects with a combined construction value of over $2.9 billion. In addition to the Gold Award winners, the VRCA honoured outstanding achievements in key categories such as Safety, Women in Construction, Young Construction Leader, and Education Leadership.
“This year’s Gold Award winners and Outstanding Achievement recipients have set a new standard for excellence. I also want to congratulate our Members of the Year ETRO Construction, Division 15 Mechanical, and Super Save Group for their commitment to the industry and VRCA’s mission,” said VRCA President Jeannine Martin. “A special congratulations to our newest Life Member and former VRCA Board Member, Dave Fettback, whose contributions have greatly promoted quality and professionalism. We are proud to honour all their achievements tonight.”
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Up to $5 Million
Project Name: Plenty of Fish
Value: $5,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd.
General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Over $5 Million
Project Name: YVR26 The Post: Premises A1
Value: $150,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd.
General Contractors – Civil/Industrial Construction – Up to $25 Million
Project Name: Dicklands Biogas Plant
Value: $17,685,141
Location: Chilliwack, BC
Company: Smith Bros. & Wilson (B.C.) Ltd.
General Contractors – Civil/Industrial Construction – Over $25 Million
Project Name: BC Highway Reinstatement Program: Highway 5 – Category B Project
Value: $247,000,000
Location: Hope, BC
Company: Kiewit Infrastructure BC ULC
General Contractors – Up to $20 Million
Project Name: The Peak
Value: $18,304,726
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Edge Vancouver Construction Group Ltd.
General Contractors – $20 to $100 Million
Project Name: 411 Railway Commercial Build
Value: $54,524,845
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: ETRO Construction Ltd
General Contractors – Over $100 Million
Project Name: Vancouver Post Office Redevelopment
Value: $540,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
Trade Contractors – Up to $2 Million
Project Name: Capstan Station CM Services
Value: $1,399,016
Location: Richmond, BC
Company: Phoenix Glass Inc.
Trade Contractors – $2 to $12 Million
Project Name: YVR26 – The Post
Value: $10,117,884
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Crosstown Metal Industries Ltd.
Trade Contractors – Over $12 Million
Project Name: Site C Clean Energy Generating Station and Spillway
Value: $210,000,000
Location: Fort St. John, BC
Company: Nucor Rebar Fabrication
Mechanical Contractors – Up to $4 Million
Project Name: River Green 17
Value: $1,966,343
Location: Richmond, BC
Company: Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd.
Mechanical Contractors – $4 to $10 Million
Project Name: 411 Railway Street
Value: $5,368,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Division 15 Mechanical Ltd.
Mechanical Contractors – Over $10 Million
Project Name: Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery Project (VAFD)
Value: $13,072,127
Location: Richmond, BC
Company: Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd.
Electrical Contractors – Up to $2 Million
Project Name: SAAM Towage – Port of Vancouver
Value: $1,200,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Fettback & Heesterman
Electrical Contractors – $2 to $10 Million
Project Name: Dicklands Biogas
Value: $3,635,202
Location: Chilliwack, BC
Company: Platinum Electric
Electrical Contractors – Over $10 Million
Project Name: YVR26 – The Post South Tower
Value: $13,882,025
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd.
Manufacturers and Suppliers
Project Name: Vancouver Centre II [VCII]
Value: $4,000,000
Location: Vancouver, BC
Company: Garibaldi Glass Industries, Inc.
Key Takeaways:
The 40th annual Wood Design & Building Awards celebrated 33 projects globally, highlighting outstanding architectural work that emphasizes wood as a sustainable and versatile material for construction.
Patkau Architects and hcma architecture + design were prominent winners, with Patkau’s Arbour House receiving multiple awards and hcma’s projects being recognized for innovative uses of wood in community spaces.
Organizers say the awards reflect a growing interest in biomaterials and sustainable building practices, underscoring the importance of wood in creating low-carbon, high-performance structures that contribute to environmentally friendly construction.
The Whole Story:
The Canadian Wood Council has announced the winning projects of the 40th annual Wood Design & Building Awards program. The awards program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding work of architectural professionals from around the world who achieve excellence in wood design and construction.
“We’re proud to recognize leading innovators in wood design through our awards program,” says Martin Richard, Vice President of Communications and Market Development at the Canadian Wood Council. “This year’s submissions were remarkable in their scope, quality, and variety. They reflect a rising interest in biomaterials and highlight the importance of wood as a versatile, low-carbon, high-performance material, driving the next generation of sustainable buildings.”
Patkau Architects and hcma architecture + design were standout firms in the awards. Patkau, with their Arbour House project in Victoria, won multiple accolades, including an Honor award and recognition in the WoodWorks BC category. Meanwhile, hcma architecture + design won two awards in the WoodWorks BC category for the Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre and the təməsew̓tx Aquatic and Community Centre, highlighting their innovative use of wood in public spaces.
The jurors for the Wood Design & Building Awards were:
Marlon Blackwell, Principal at Marlon Blackwell Architects
Veronica Madonna, Director and Principal at Studio VMA
Alfred Waugh, Principal at Formline Architecture + Urbanism
A total of 19 winning projects from a diverse group of creators were selected from the impressive field of entries.
New this year, the regional WoodWorks program awards from Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta were integrated with the Wood Design & Building Awards.
The jurors for the WoodWorks awards were:
Duncan Bourke, Vice President of Development at Cityflats
Melissa Higgs, Principal at hcma
Steve Oosterhof, Partner and Structural Engineer at Dialog
Fifteen winning projects were selected, with five from each regional program. The creativity and talent of these winning teams, as well as the beauty and diversity of their wood projects, are transforming the built environment.
In total, 33 award winners from around the globe were celebrated for excellence in wood design at the Wood Design and Building Awards celebration hosted at the WoodWorks Summit on October 22, 2024.
Olds College, Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre (Olds, AB) | GGA-Architecture
Saddle Lake Onchaminahos Elementary School (Saddle Lake Cree Nation, AB) | Reimagine Architects
The Station at Cochrane Crossing (Cochrane, AB) | GEC Architecture
V Residence (Winnipeg, MB) | 1×1 architecture inc.
Olds College, Werklund Agriculture and Technology Centre – GGA-Architecture
Aecon-led consortiums have been awarded three civil construction contracts for projects in B.C. Aecon’s interest in two of the contracts is valued at $119 million and will be added to its construction segment backlog in the third quarter of 2024, with the third contract commencing under a development phase agreement.
BC Highway Reinstatement Program – Highway 8, Category B Project
Aecon-Emil Anderson Construction General Partnership (AEGP), a 50/50 consortium between Aecon and Emil Anderson Construction, has been selected by the B.C. Government to deliver the Highway 8 – Category B Project under a progressive alliance contract model. AEGP will work as an integrated team with the province during a 10-month development phase to finalize the design, scope and target cost of the project, with construction expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025 and completion expected in late 2026. The scope of work includes replacing two temporary structures with permanent bridges and building approximately 3 kilometres of connecting highway approximately 15 kilometres east of Spences Bridge to improve safety and climate resiliency.
R.W. Bruhn Bridge Replacement Project
AEGP has also been awarded a contract by the province for the R.W. Bruhn Bridge Replacement Project. The scope of work includes building a new four-lane bridge with a multi-use pedestrian and cyclist path connecting to the Trans-Canada Highway in Sicamous, widening 1.9 kilometres of highway to four lanes, and upgrading intersections between Old Sicamous Road and Silver Sands Road. Construction is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024, with anticipated completion in the second quarter of 2027.
Holdom Overpass Project
In Metro Vancouver, Aecon GIG General Partnership, a 50/50 consortium between Aecon and Gateway Infrastructure Group, has been awarded a contract by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority for the Holdom Overpass Project. The scope of work includes the design and construction of a new four-lane overpass that will extend Holdom Avenue south across Still Creek and the CN rail corridor, connecting to Douglas Road in Burnaby. The project also involves the construction of a new bridge crossing Sunken Engine Creek, building a new pump station, the extension of Goring Street to Kingsland Drive, intersection upgrades, as well as habitat enhancements and restorations. Construction is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024, with anticipated completion in the third quarter of 2027. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is delivering the project in partnership with the City of Burnaby, CN, and the Government of Canada.
“We are pleased to add three significant civil construction contracts to our strong roster of projects in Western Canada that will enhance the safety and connectivity of communities and improve the climate resiliency of transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of growing populations in British Columbia,” said Scott Marshall, Senior Vice President, Major Projects West, Aecon. “We look forward to successfully delivering these important projects working with our partners and valued clients.”
Clean power might be beneath our feet.
Canada is making significant strides in geothermal energy, leveraging its diverse geological conditions to develop both power generation and heating solutions. From large-scale power facilities to innovative district heating systems, these projects showcase a wide range of applications for geothermal energy.
Indigenous leadership, government support, and private sector partnerships play crucial roles in advancing geothermal initiatives that blend sustainability with economic development. The following projects exemplify Canada’s growing commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community involvement.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Expansion
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is undergoing a significant expansion, which includes the integration of one of Canada’s largest geothermal energy systems. The project involves a 300,000-square-foot terminal addition and a state-of-the-art Central Utilities Building that features a geoexchange system. Hundreds of vertical boreholes and 841,000 feet of HDPE geothermal piping have been installed, enhancing the airport’s heating and cooling capabilities through sustainable geothermal energy.
This expansion, located in Richmond, British Columbia, is a joint effort between YVR, local contractors, and environmental consultants, working to meet the airport’s sustainability goals.
DEEP Earth Energy Production Project
DEEP, located near Torquay in southeast Saskatchewan, is set to become Canada’s first large-scale geothermal power facility. DEEP Earth Energy Production Corp. is developing a 25 MW geothermal power plant, with the potential for expansion to over 200 MW. The project uses production and injection wells drilled to depths of 3.5 km, leveraging Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology. SaskPower has signed a 5 MW power purchase agreement, and Natural Resources Canada is providing support.
In a groundbreaking partnership, DEEP has teamed up with Oppy, a major grower and distributor of fresh produce, to establish an integrated greenhouse, harnessing geothermal energy for both clean power generation and sustainable agriculture.
Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal Project
The Tu Deh-Kah Geothermal Project, located in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, is an ambitious initiative led by the Fort Nelson First Nation, with support from Natural Resources Canada. Formerly known as the Clarke Lake Geothermal Project, it aims to utilize geothermal energy from existing gas well data to provide clean, renewable energy to the region. The geothermal resource is expected to meet the region’s electrical needs entirely.
In addition to power generation, the project includes plans for an industrial greenhouse, creating jobs and fostering energy sovereignty for the Fort Nelson First Nation.
Swan Hills Geothermal Power Project
The Swan Hills Geothermal Power Project, located in Alberta, became commercially operational in March 2023. Developed by FutEra Power, a subsidiary of Razor Energy Corp., this 21-MW facility uniquely combines geothermal energy with co-produced hydrocarbon fluids from an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operation. It leverages existing infrastructure, tapping into 84 wells to generate clean energy from water heated to 90°C–100°C.
The project is a collaboration between Razor Energy Corp., FutEra Power, and other industry stakeholders, highlighting the potential for hybrid geothermal solutions in Alberta’s energy transition.
Alberta No. 1 Project
The Alberta No. 1 Project, located near Grande Prairie, Alberta, is a significant geothermal initiative aiming to generate 5 MW of power for the grid. Led by Terrapin Geothermics, the project will also provide heat to a nearby industrial park, supporting local industry with sustainable energy solutions. Alberta No. 1 has received substantial funding from Natural Resources Canada, highlighting the government’s commitment to advancing geothermal energy in the country.
This project stands out for its potential to stimulate local economic growth and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Springhill, Nova Scotia Heat Pump System
The Springhill Heat Pump System is a unique geothermal project located in Nova Scotia, repurposing a former coal mine for geothermal energy production. Warm water from the abandoned mine is used to heat portions of the Springhill Industrial Park through eight heat pump systems.
This innovative project demonstrates how geothermal energy can be harvested from non-traditional sources, such as abandoned mines. Approximately 3% of Nova Scotia’s energy is now generated from geothermal sources, and the Springhill system is a key example of how regions with historic mining activity can be transformed into hubs for clean energy production.
South Meager Geothermal Project
The South Meager Geothermal Project, located about 60 kilometers northwest of Pemberton, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most advanced geothermal energy ventures. Developed by Western GeoPower Corp. in its earlier stages, this high-temperature, volcano-hosted project has undergone extensive exploration since the 1970s, including geological, geochemical, and geophysical studies.
With geothermal wells exceeding 230°C and strong permeability zones, the South Meager project holds the potential for significant power generation. The development is expected to supply renewable energy to British Columbia and diversify its energy sources.
Valemount Geothermal Project
Situated near Valemount, British Columbia, the Valemount Geothermal Project is another emerging geothermal initiative in Canada. The project is in the exploratory stage, with initial studies indicating significant potential for electricity production. Once operational, it is expected to provide around 15-20 MW of power.
The Valemount area is geologically favorable due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, where geothermal heat is readily accessible. This project not only aims to generate renewable power but also plans to provide direct heat to the local community, offering a unique opportunity for sustainable development in the region. The project is backed by Borealis GeoPower, a leading Canadian geothermal company.
Located in Terrace, British Columbia, the Terrace Geothermal Project is part of a broader effort to explore the geothermal potential of the region. Developed by Kitselas Geothermal Inc., a partnership between Borealis GeoPower and the Kitselas First Nation, the project focuses on producing both electricity and heat.
The area has shown significant geothermal promise, with preliminary studies confirming high temperatures beneath the surface. The project is expected to supply clean power to local communities and industries, including potential use in district heating systems. This project also highlights the increasing role of First Nations in renewable energy development, fostering both energy independence and economic growth.
