Category: Projects

Key Takeaways:

• The city has replaced complex floor area ratio (FAR) calculations with a simplified system that guides development using building height, making zoning easier to understand and speeding up approvals.
• A 50-storey rental tower at 7135 Walker Avenue, part of the BC Builds program, is the first development to receive preliminary approval under the new framework.
• The initiative is supported by the federal Housing Accelerator Fund and praised by provincial officials and developers as a model for accelerating housing and cutting red tape.

The Whole Story:

The City of Burnaby is overhauling its approach to zoning in an effort to tackle the housing crisis, becoming one of the first cities in North America to replace complex regulations with a simplified, height-based framework aimed at accelerating new home construction.

The new system abandons traditional floor area ratio (FAR) calculations—commonly used to guide development density—in favour of maximum building heights measured in storeys. Officials say the shift will make development rules easier to understand for residents and builders, while cutting red tape and development timelines.

“Addressing the housing crisis in our region requires real leadership and a drive to innovate at every step of the development process,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. “Switching to a height-based framework is part of our comprehensive approach to accelerating the number of homes we build in Burnaby – while also making it simple for everyone to understand how their neighbourhoods can develop.”

The city launched a Zoning Bylaw Rewrite in 2023 to modernize regulations that had become increasingly layered and inefficient since their adoption in 1965. Earlier this year, Burnaby collapsed 12 low-density zones into a single designation to support small-scale multi-unit housing.

The new height-based approach now applies to higher-density areas, including the city’s town centres. Officials say it provides clarity for residents, while allowing developers to focus more on design and form instead of negotiating complicated formulas.

Burnaby has already given preliminary approval to its first project under the new framework—a 50-storey rental tower at 7135 Walker Avenue, part of the BC Builds program. The project includes 384 market and 96 non-market rental units.

The Height-Based Development Framework is partially funded by the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, which supports initiatives that streamline development approvals.

Federal and provincial officials praised Burnaby’s leadership. “By equipping municipalities with the tools and flexibility to address local challenges, Burnaby is better positioned to meet the growing housing demands of its residents,” said Terry Beech, MP for Burnaby North–Seymour.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon added that Burnaby’s approach aligns with B.C.’s push for faster housing delivery. “It’s important to find new and innovative ways to get more homes built faster,” he said.

Industry leaders also welcomed the move. Anne McMullin, president and CEO of the Urban Development Institute, called the new framework a model for other municipalities. Developers including Gracorp and Intracorp said the system encourages innovation and design excellence while offering greater predictability.

Key Takeaways:

• Oxford Properties has broken ground on Alta, a three-tower, 1,285-unit project at Scarborough Town Centre—marking the largest single-phase purpose-built rental development currently under construction in the city.
• The project is backed by a $650 million construction loan from CMHC’s Apartment Construction Loan Program, the largest such loan approved in Toronto, enabling a significant boost in both market-rate and affordable rental housing.
• Located steps from key transit hubs, the development will feature a mix of unit types, public amenities, a new park, and a geothermal energy system aimed at cutting emissions by 74%, all part of a long-term plan to add over 10,000 homes to the area.

The Whole Story:

Construction has begun on Scarborough’s first major purpose-built rental development in decades, a $650-million project backed by federal funding and aimed at easing Toronto’s housing crisis.

Oxford Properties Group, the real estate arm of pension fund OMERS, officially broke ground Wednesday on a three-tower development adjacent to Scarborough Town Centre. The project, known as Alta, will deliver 1,285 rental units—268 of which will be designated as affordable housing—making it the largest single-phase rental construction currently underway in the city.

“This generational project signifies a model we hope to replicate across Canada,” said Daniel Fournier, executive chair of Oxford Properties. “It shows what’s possible when we sustainably intensify transit-connected land to create mixed-use communities of the future.”

The federal government is supporting the project through a $650-million low-interest loan issued via the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Apartment Construction Loan Program. It marks the largest such loan CMHC has approved in Toronto to date.

“This project will create more much-needed rental homes for the people living and working in Scarborough,” said federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson. “It’s an example of what’s possible when government and the private sector work together.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also welcomed the development, noting the city’s involvement through its Rental Housing Supply Program. “We are stronger together,” she said, adding that the project will help meet the needs of a growing city.

Located on a 3.4-acre parcel on the west side of Scarborough Town Centre, the Alta complex will consist of three towers atop two seven-storey podiums with a mix of residential and retail space. Units will range from studio apartments to three-bedroom townhomes, with the development designed to accommodate a variety of income levels, age groups and family sizes.

The transit-oriented site is within walking distance of the Scarborough Centre TTC station, GO Transit, and the under-construction Scarborough Subway Extension.

Oxford says Alta will include wellness and community-focused amenities such as outdoor lounges, co-working spaces, a children’s playroom, fitness facilities and a 22,000-square-foot public park. The project will also incorporate a geothermal heating and cooling system designed to cut energy use by more than half and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 74%.

“This development not only puts our members’ dollars to work right here in Ontario,” said OMERS CEO Blake Hutcheson, “but it also helps improve housing choice in a community that so many of them proudly call home.”

Alta is the first project under Oxford’s new master plan for Scarborough Town Centre, which envisions more than 10,000 new residential units built over the coming decades across 89 acres. Construction on the Alta development is scheduled for completion in summer 2029.

Oxford says the project is part of nearly $2 billion in new activity it has announced across Canada in recent weeks, including acquisitions in Western Canada and redevelopment work at Canada Square in Toronto’s midtown.

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) has revealed the 2025 Silver Award winners for its 36th Annual Awards of Excellence – a celebration of Lower Mainland construction excellence.

Association officials noted that winning projects stood out for their exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication to excellence in B.C.’s $29 billion construction industry.

A total of 96 projects were submitted for consideration this year, with 75 projects pre-qualified across 18 categories. The total combined value of the submitted projects topped an $4.9 billion.

“Behind every great building, there’s a team of great community builders,” said Jeannine Martin, President of VRCA. “Our Silver Award winners aren’t just putting up walls and beams – they’re creating legacies. Whether it’s through bold design, smart problem-solving, or meaningful community engagement, these teams are pushing the boundaries of what construction can achieve including making clear and commendable strides toward successful equity, accessibility, and inclusion across the industry.”

The Silver winners now advance as finalists for the Gold Awards, to be announced during the VRCA Awards of Excellence Gala, happening Friday, September 19, 2025, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.

Here are all the Silver winners:

General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Up to $5 Million

• Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. – Serein
• EllisDon Corporation – Decathlon Fit-Out – Metropolis at Metrotown
• Govan Brown & Associates – Cushman & Wakefield New Vancouver Office

General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – $5 Million to $12 Million

• EllisDon Corporation – Vancouver City Centre Urgent Primary Care Centre – 188 Nelson
• ETRO Construction Ltd. – Speeders Richmond
• Novacom Building Partners – Colliers Vancouver Office Relocation Project

General Contractors – Tenant Improvement – Over $12 Million

• Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. – YVR26: Premise B2
• Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. – KABAM HQ
• Lark Projects Ltd. – AbCellera Biologics Tenant Improvement

General Contractors – Civil/Industrial Construction – Up to $30 Million

• Conwest Contracting Ltd. – Phibbs Transit Exchange Improvements
• Graham Infrastructure LP – City of Vancouver Biogas Project Facility
• Graham Infrastructure LP – Mainwaring Substation Upgrade

General Contractors – Civil/Industrial Construction – Over $30 Million

• Kiewit Infrastructure BC ULC – BC Highway Reinstatement Program – Highway 1 – Nicomen River Bridge Replacement
• NAC Constructors Ltd. – Tofino WWTP, Sanitary Conveyance System Modifications and Marine Outfall

General Contractors – Up to $15 Million

• Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. – Man 6 Light Indust. Commercial
• Naikoon Contracting Ltd. – Oceanfront Squamish Presentation Centre
• Novacom Building Partners – Otter Trail Winery

General Contractors – $15 Million to $40 Million

• PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. – BC Hydro Mica Studio Dorms
• Smith Bros. & Wilson – Capilano University – Centre for Childhood Studies
• Whelan Construction Westcoast Inc. – YVR Pier C CATSA+ Conversion

General Contractors – Over $40 Million

• Axiom Builders – Bob & Michael’s Place
• ETRO Construction Ltd. – Brightside Community Homes – Timbre + Harmony
• Kinetic Construction Ltd. – Burnaby Fire Hall No. 4 and Fire Hall No. 8 Project

General Contractors – Over $200 Million

• PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc. – Lions Gate Hospital Redevelopment Phase 3 – Acute Care Facility

Trade Contractors – Up to $3 Million

• Sideros Ironworks Ltd. – YVR Pier C CATSA+ Conversion
• Solid Rock Steel – The Creek – Tesoro (Building 5)
• M&L Painting Ltd. – First Baptist Church – Heritage Renovation & Seismic Upgrade

Trade Contractors – $3 Million to $10 Million

• Blackcomb Facade Technology – FBC Butterfly Pool
• Blackcomb Facade Technology – UBC Museum of Anthropology – Skylights
• Solid Rock Steel – 1090 West Pender

Trade Contractors – Over $10 Million

• A&H Steel (Vancouver) Ltd. – Royal Columbian Hospital Phase Two
• BelPacific Excavating & Shoring (a division of NorLand Limited) – 1515 Alberni
• Bothwell-Accurate – St. George’s Senior School Expansion – Phase 1

Mechanical Contractors – Up to $10 Million

• Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. – City of Vancouver False Creek Energy Centre Low Carbon Expansion
• PML Professional Mechanical Ltd. – Vancouver Police Department – Chiller Upgrade
• Slopeside Mechanical Systems Ltd. – Manor House – Deep Energy Retrofit

Mechanical Contractors – $10 Million to $40 Million

• Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. – New Westminster Aquatic & Community Centre
• PML Professional Mechanical Ltd. – Canadian Food Inspection Agency Sidney Laboratory
• PML Professional Mechanical Ltd. – Sanderson Way Development

Mechanical Contractors – Over $40 Million

• Modern Niagara Vancouver Inc. – Lions Gate Hospital Redevelopment Phase 3 – Acute Care Facility
• Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems (2001) Ltd. – Gilmore Place Phase 1

Electrical Contractors – Up to $10 Million

• Action Electric Ltd. – First Baptist Church – Seismic Upgrade & Heritage Restoration
• Fettback & Heesterman – Speeders Richmond
• Sasco Contractors Ltd. – Kardium K2

Electrical Contractors – Over $10 Million

• Black & McDonald Limited – CFB Esquimalt – B Jetty Deconstruction, Dredging, Onshore Facilities and Site
• Bridge Electric Corp. – Precision NanoSystems Inc.
• Sasco Contractors Ltd. – CFIA Centre for Plant Health

Manufacturers and Suppliers

• Fort Modular Inc. – Richard Bulpitt Elementary School Modular Addition
• Garibaldi Glass Industries, Inc. – The Butterfly Pool
• Kalesnikoff Mass Timber – Oceanfront Squamish Presentation Center

Key Takeaways:

• The Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing a $1 billion loan to ADM Aéroports de Montréal to support a $10-billion, decade-long expansion of Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.
• The project will include terminal upgrades, new gates, improved access roads, and a link to the REM transit system, aiming to accommodate up to 35 million passengers annually by 2035.
• The expansion is expected to create up to 9,000 jobs by 2028 and contribute $3.7 billion to GDP, reinforcing YUL’s role as a key economic and transportation hub for Quebec and Canada.

The Whole Story:

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is lending $1 billion to ADM Aéroports de Montréal to help fund a sweeping, $10-billion overhaul of YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport — the largest infrastructure investment in the airport’s history.

The loan agreement, announced Wednesday, marks the financial close of a major funding partnership aimed at expanding and modernizing the airport as part of ADM’s 10-year “Flight Plan 2028–2035.” With passenger traffic at YUL surpassing pre-pandemic levels and ranking as the fastest-growing among Canada’s major airports, the project aims to meet surging demand with improvements on both the airside and cityside of the facility.

ADM says the upgrades will support up to 9,000 new jobs by 2028 and contribute nearly $3.7 billion to Canada’s GDP, adding to the nearly 60,000 jobs in Quebec already linked to the airport. Passenger volumes are projected to hit 25 million by 2028 and could reach as high as 35 million by 2035.

Improvements will include a new satellite jetty with additional gates and baggage handling capacity, along with expanded taxiways and tarmac infrastructure to boost aircraft operations. On the ground, plans call for reconfigured access roads, new parking areas, a revamped pick-up and drop-off zone, and a connection to the future REM light-rail station.

Ehren Cory, CEO of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, called the project a cornerstone investment in Canada’s trade and transportation sector.

“Our $1-billion loan towards this important project will result in key outcomes: improved functionality at one of Montreal’s vital economic hubs,” said Cory.

Federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson also endorsed the project, calling it a long-term investment in job creation, improved services, and economic resilience.

ADM CEO Yves Beauchamp said the financing gives the airport operator the flexibility to push ahead with multiple phases of construction at once.

“YUL’s development plan is extensive, but essential to ensure our international airport can continue to accommodate growing passenger numbers and meet the expectations of its users,” he said.

The not-for-profit airport authority says the CIB loan will allow it to accelerate work on a critical national transportation asset, helping position Montreal as a stronger global gateway in the years ahead.

History is being built right now in Charlottetown, PEI. 

Crews are assembling Canada’s largest modular apartment complex ever and experts hope it could help show the entire industry what’s possible with the right team. 

The Malpeque apartment project includes two six-storey buildings: one is an 82-unit seniors’ apartment, and the other is a 63-unit family-oriented building. Both are being built for the Province of Prince Edward Island and the seniors’ building is the first one under construction.

Leading the effort is 720 Modular. Their approach was to gradually build modular capacity in the region by working with local builders. It’s their sixth project in PEI and it’s given contractors a chance to learn the ropes from industry veterans, 720 Founder and CEO Troy Ferguson and his business partner, Craig Mitchell, the company’s Project Development Lead. As the pair enters the latter half of their careers, they hope these seeds can create a legacy for years to come. 

“What you’re seeing now is a strong team in PEI that’s been able to deliver multiple modular projects,” said Craig Mitchell, Project Development Lead at 720. “We’ve got the same design team from the beginning, and the expertise they’ve built allows the design process to move faster. There’s a real spirit of collaboration and culture now. Everyone knows each other—it’s more like working with friends.

Ferguson explained that the Province first partnered with them on Fitzroy, a multi-storey housing project, and the relationships have grown from there. 

“They were at the table during pre-construction, seeing how modular works and watching their local businesses do the work with us guiding the process,” he said. “That early involvement facilitated future projects, including homeless shelters with repurposed assets from Western Canada. That relationship eventually led to this—the largest modular housing project in the country. The government had been keen to learn along with everyone else.”

The site sits on the outskirts of Charlottetown, allowing the team to plan for cranes, laydowns and access. But the true challenge is manufacturing. Malpeque is using substantial annual capacity of the region’s largest modular factory, something that few factories are willing to commit to a single client. To deal with this, work on the buildings has been broken into phases. 

Another major challenge of the project is pushing the limits of what’s allowed—six storeys is the maximum for light wood-frame construction under the code and most modular projects in Canada are four storeys or under.

“You really have to reinforce the first and second storeys to support everything above. It’s not just a challenge—it’s a discovery process,” said Ferguson. “Now that we’ve done it, we can share that knowledge. Hopefully it kickstarts more mid-rise projects using conventional factory-ready materials.”

Despite this, one of the key advantages of modular construction is the ability to conduct certain offsite activities in parallel with site preparations. In this case, factory processes commenced while the project team continued working through final permit approvals. Foundations were completed just before Christmas, ensuring the site was ready for module delivery by early spring.

“In the field, we’re only going to be on-site for six months. From permit to building turnover—roughly five to six months. Compare that to a conventional timeline of 14 to 15 months,” said Mitchell. 

There’s also schedule and cost certainty. Every design decision is made upfront—right down to coat hooks. By the time production starts in a controlled factory environment, the budget is essentially baked in. 

“The only change during our design phase was a $6,000 addition for additional shower heads in accessible bathrooms. That’s it,” said Ferguson. “And because of that certainty, we locked in our craning date eight months ahead of time. That level of precision is possible in this emerging industry while using the same traditional construction professionals and materials.”

For industry veterans like Ferguson and Mitchell, Malpeque is more than a project. It’s an opportunity to pass down their modular construction knowledge when the country needs it the most. 

“We’re creating a playbook as we go—lessons learned, the architecture of a business model that uses existing resources in a new way,” said Ferguson. “We hope it’ll guide others—contractors, developers, factories, and owners.”

Mitchell noted that 720 is already working on replicating their model in Ontario. 

“We’re trying to give the industry a case study it can adopt and scale,” he said. “We think we’ve found a model to scale housing in Canada—and we want to share it.”

Key Takeaways:

• $203 million in joint funding from the federal and Alberta governments will support the construction of more than 2,300 affordable housing units across the province through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program.
• Major projects are planned in Edmonton, Calgary, and smaller communities, including office-to-residential conversions, mixed-income developments, and supportive housing for vulnerable populations.
• The investment is part of the National Housing Strategy, a $115-billion federal plan aimed at addressing housing needs through partnerships with provinces, municipalities, and non-profits.

The Whole Story:

More than 2,300 affordable housing units are set to be built across Alberta thanks to a $203-million joint investment from the federal and provincial governments.

The funding, announced Monday, is part of the Canada–Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy and will support 25 projects in communities ranging from Calgary and Edmonton to Jasper and Okotoks.

The funds are being delivered through Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program and are aimed at supporting low-income Albertans by building new units, converting existing buildings, and expanding mixed-income housing developments.

The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and MP for Edmonton Centre, joined Alberta’s Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Jason Nixon, for the announcement.

“Alberta’s government is focused on results,” Nixon said. “With this record investment, thousands more low-income Albertans will have a safe, affordable home they can count on.”

Projects were selected based on community needs, their ability to deliver outcomes for vulnerable populations, and overall value for taxpayer dollars. Eligible initiatives include constructing new buildings, redevelopments, conversions, or renovations that add at least five new affordable units.

Major funding recipients in Edmonton include Civida ($20 million) and The Mustard Seed Foundation ($4.67 million), while Calgary projects include $30.5 million for Onward Homes Society and $13 million for a downtown office-to-residential conversion by 800 GP Corporation.

Outside the two major cities, millions in funding will go to projects in Banff, Jasper, Strathmore, and Canmore. In Fort Saskatchewan, land is being transferred to Heartland Housing Foundation for a new development.

Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the funding represents “a new generation of housing,” adding that partnerships with non-profits are critical to meeting the scale and speed of current demand.

The National Housing Strategy is a $115-billion, multi-year plan that aims to increase housing supply and improve affordability for those most in need, including seniors, Indigenous people, and those at risk of homelessness. As of March 2025, Ottawa says it has committed $65.8 billion toward building over 166,000 new units and repairing more than 322,000.

All projects funded under the strategy must align with core NHS principles, including collaboration with local governments, Indigenous organizations, and the private sector.

Key Takeaways:

• The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has launched a request for qualifications to select a construction team for the landmass and wharf portion of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project.
• The terminal is expected to generate over 18,000 construction jobs, support 17,000 long-term jobs annually, and contribute $3 billion to Canada’s GDP each year.
• The project includes habitat enhancement and fish migration infrastructure, with mutual benefits agreements signed with 27 First Nations and ongoing commitments to Indigenous procurement and employment.

The Whole Story:

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has launched the procurement process to find a construction team for the landmass and wharf component of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project, a major container terminal expansion in the Port of Vancouver.

The port authority issued a request for qualifications Thursday as the first step in a competitive selection process that will see three teams shortlisted this fall. The chosen contractor will be responsible for delivering key infrastructure, including a 100-hectare marine landmass, a 1,300-metre wharf structure and berth pocket, a widened 35-hectare causeway, and an expanded tug basin.

“We’re excited to issue the request for qualifications today and move this vital project forward,” said Victor Pang, the port authority’s chief financial officer. “To meet Canada’s needs in today’s quickly evolving trade landscape, we have accelerated our efforts to deliver Roberts Bank Terminal 2—a project that will strengthen Canada’s economic security and deliver trade resilience.”

The new terminal is projected to unlock over $100 billion in trade capacity and contribute $3 billion to Canada’s GDP annually. Once operational, it is expected to support 17,000 long-term jobs and generate more than 18,000 construction jobs.

The port authority has selected a progressive design-build procurement model with a target price approach. An independent fairness monitor has been appointed to oversee the process.

To align with the port’s environmental strategy, the construction contract also includes civil works for habitat enhancement, the South Arm Jetty Tidal Marsh Project, and a marine terminal fish passage to support juvenile salmon migration. These initiatives are priorities for First Nations communities and intended to protect regional ecosystems.

Pang said the terminal “will be a catalyst for economic transformation nationally—from supporting Prairie grain exports and B.C.’s forestry sector, to communities who depend on reliable and affordable access to essential goods on store shelves.”

The port authority has signed mutual benefits agreements with 27 First Nations, who have provided consent for the project to proceed. Future collaboration will include Indigenous procurement and employment opportunities, the agency said.

Following federal and provincial approvals in 2023, the port authority submitted a Fisheries Act Authorization application in 2024 and is aiming to receive a decision on the permit by October 2026. Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with terminal operations projected to start by the mid-2030s.

A community legacy fund worth $6 million will launch this summer to benefit Delta residents.

Interested construction teams must confirm their interest by Sept. 18, 2025, and submit their qualifications by Sept. 25. A project information session will be held in Vancouver on July 22.

Key Takeaways:

• GWL Realty Advisors plans to fully restore College Park’s historic Art Deco building, including completing its original Yonge Street podium and expanding The Carlu event venue—realizing the vision first imagined nearly a century ago.
• The proposal includes three new residential towers—up to nearly 100 storeys tall—adding 2,334 housing units, a hotel, retail and entertainment space, and a raised pedestrian pathway connecting the complex.
• Landscape upgrades, rooftop gardens, and a new public plaza aim to enhance the area’s livability, while GWLRA’s “College Park 100” initiative invites public feedback to shape the project throughout its development.

The Whole Story:

GWL Realty Advisors has unveiled an ambitious proposal to redevelop College Park, aiming to transform the prominent intersection of Yonge and College into a major cultural, residential, and retail destination in time for the building’s 100th anniversary in 2030.

The plan, submitted to the City of Toronto for approval, includes a full heritage restoration of the historic Art Deco complex, originally designed by Ross & Macdonald. It would complete the long-unfinished Yonge Street podium, revive the interior arcade with Parisian-style storefronts, and expand The Carlu event venue with new terraces and conference space.

“This project is our chance to get it right for the beginning of [College Park’s] second century,” said Scott Weir, principal at ERA Architects, who previously worked on the 2003 restoration of The Carlu. GWLRA’s approach breaks from the common practice of “facadism” by preserving the full structure rather than just its exterior walls.

Three new mixed-use towers — the tallest reaching nearly 100 storeys — would rise behind the restored heritage building. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the towers reflect the verticality and setbacks of 1920s skyscrapers, with sculptural forms that visually tie the old and new elements together. The towers would include 2,334 residential units, a hotel, and new retail and entertainment offerings.

To connect the project’s indoor and outdoor spaces, a raised, ribbon-like pedestrian pathway would wind through the site from Yonge and College streets to a glass atrium and redesigned public plaza. Landscape architecture firm PUBLIC WORK plans to enhance the surrounding public realm with native plantings, a new tree canopy, rooftop gardens, and topographic features inspired by early 20th-century design.

“College Park would mark a new metropolitan culture in Toronto by demonstrating how public and urban vitality can expand from the park and the street, inside and out, from the ground floor into the sky,” said PUBLIC WORK principal Marc Ryan.

The proposal also includes transit and streetscape improvements, with particular attention paid to minimizing disruption to the roughly 250,000 weekly commuters who pass through College Station.

As part of its community engagement efforts, GWLRA has launched “College Park 100,” a public website and event series designed to explore the site’s history and gather public input on its future. That feedback will inform the ongoing design process.

“This is just the beginning of a multi-year, iterative process,” said Daniel Fama, vice-president of development at GWLRA. “We encourage the public to stay involved and share feedback through College Park 100.”

No construction timeline has been confirmed, and the redevelopment is still subject to municipal approval. The project is being developed on behalf of The Canada Life Assurance Company and will be allocated to the company’s participating life insurance account.

Key Takeaways:

• Vancouver City Council unanimously approved the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, setting the stage for 30 years of growth, including up to 10,100 new homes and 8,300 new jobs near two SkyTrain stations.
• The plan introduces four neighbourhood types—Rapid Transit Areas, Villages, Multiplex Areas, and Employment Lands—with high-density towers up to 45 storeys permitted near transit, while preserving job lands and encouraging mixed-use developments.
• A key feature of the plan is the restoration of Still Creek through daylighting, green space expansion, and groundwater protection, blending urban growth with flood mitigation and environmental revitalization.

The Whole Story:

Vancouver’s city council has unanimously approved the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, unveiling a sweeping vision set to shape growth around the Rupert and Renfrew SkyTrain stations over the next three decades.

The plan, which builds on the city’s broader Vancouver Plan, aims to deliver new and varied housing, job space, public amenities and cultural offerings, while integrating nature-based measures to boost ecological health and manage flood risk along Still Creek.

Mayor Ken Sim described the plan as promoting “thoughtful growth in a key part of our city — bringing new housing, jobs and amenities while making sure families can continue to build their lives here.” He added that it supports the creation of “complete, connected neighbourhoods” inclusive of people from all walks of life.

Planning department head Josh White noted the plan will steer impending zoning changes due later this year while providing clarity and confidence for future development. “We’re setting the stage for growth by putting the right policies, infrastructure and land‑use direction in place,” he said.

Community-driven, Indigenous-led

The plan was shaped by extensive consultation since 2022, including four engagement phases featuring 43 open houses, 72 public events and over 2,100 surveys. Important contributions came from the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil‑Waututh Nations. Key documents were translated into traditional and simplified Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog to ensure broad access.

New zoning and land‑use model

Development is organised into four neighbourhood types:

• Rapid Transit areas around the SkyTrain will permit towers up to 45 storeys, with incentives for below-market-rental or public amenities. Both residential and commercial uses — including hotels and retail — will be encouraged via private, site-by-site rezonings.
• Villages, centred on existing low-rise commercial nodes, can expand to six-storey mixed-use buildings and multiplexes, supporting “missing-middle” housing.
• Multiplex areas further away will remain in Residential Inclusive (R1‑1) zoning, allowing up to six strata units or eight rental units, with corner stores available via rezoning applications.
• Employment lands will be preserved and even expanded to foster job growth, especially in arts, culture and service industries. Small commercial nodes, artist studios and nonprofit facilities will be encouraged — while residential uses are largely banned. A notable exception is the 3200 E Broadway site, co-developed by Indigenous Nations and Aquilini Development.

A prominent feature of the plan is the enhancement of Still Creek, one of Vancouver’s few open urban waterways. The proposal includes daylighting sections of the creek, widening its corridor to reduce flooding, improve habitat and support groundwater recharge — with underground parking restricted to maintain groundwater flows.

There are also plans to support ecological recovery, with reports noting the return of salmon following enhancement efforts.

Implementation will proceed through a mix of private site rezonings, city‑initiated rezonings and development permits. City staff plan to seek council approval for rezoning in select low-rise and village neighbourhoods in the coming months, aiming to speed up the delivery of housing and community infrastructure.

The 660-hectare Rupert–Renfrew area, home to approximately 31,000 residents — over 70% of whom identify as visible minorities — traditionally supported fishing and harvesting along Still Creek. The planning process, launched in late 2021, aims to accommodate up to 18,700 additional residents, 10,100 new homes and 8,300 new jobs over 25 years.

Key Takeaways:

• The City of Toronto has selected the Spanier Group to lead a real estate strategy and Monumental to oversee public engagement for the revitalization of Old City Hall.
• Following the relocation of court services, the landmark building will be repurposed with a focus on public access, heritage preservation, and local economic development.
• A long-term redevelopment plan will be delivered to City Council by the second quarter of 2026, guided by key principles including financial sustainability and community engagement.

The Whole Story:

The City of Toronto has selected a team led by the Spanier Group and Monumental to guide the future of Old City Hall, a National Historic Site and prominent downtown landmark that recently became vacant after serving as a courthouse for decades.

The Spanier Group, working alongside partners CBRE, Turner & Townsend, Bespoke Collective, and Artuitive Group, will lead real estate advisory efforts to develop a long-term strategy for the site. Their work will include market analysis, vision development, and financial modelling aimed at identifying the building’s highest and best uses, in line with a City Council directive issued earlier this year.

“This initiative aims to enhance public access, drive economic development, and ensure the long-term preservation of this nationally significant site,” said Meghan Wong, vice-president of the Spanier Group, in a statement.

To complement that work, Monumental will lead public engagement efforts with support from CreateTO, the City agency overseeing real estate and development. The firm, which specializes in socially equitable urban planning, will focus on building relationships with local stakeholders and prototyping potential future uses of the building.

“We’re thrilled to be opening the doors on the next chapter of Old City Hall,” said Zahra Ebrahim, co-CEO of Monumental. “We’re committed to an engagement process that acknowledges the building’s colonial past and stimulates our collective creativity in imagining its future.”

CreateTO CEO Vic Gupta called the initiative a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to transform the space into a vibrant public asset.

Old City Hall, located at Queen and Bay Streets, was completed in 1899 and functioned as a courthouse from 1972 until this year, when operations moved to a new facility at 10 Armoury Street. The building is currently vacant, and no long-term use has been designated.

The revitalization effort will be shaped by four guiding principles: increasing public access, conserving the heritage site, fostering local economic development, and achieving financial sustainability. A strategic report is expected to be presented to City Council by the second quarter of 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario is investing $10 million to replace the 52-year-old Chippawa Willoughby Memorial Arena with a new NHL-sized rink, expanded seating, changerooms, and a community hub featuring a library and year-round programming.
• The province is also providing $420,000 to retrofit the YMCA of Niagara for energy efficiency and $698,000 to refurbish the Niagara Olympic Club’s track and field infrastructure.
• These investments are part of Ontario’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, tied to a broader $200 billion plan to strengthen communities and promote economic growth across the province.

The whole Story:

The Ontario government is investing more than $11.1 million in sport and recreation infrastructure across the Niagara Region, including a major upgrade to the aging Chippawa Willoughby Memorial Arena in Niagara Falls.

The funding is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which aims to revitalize community facilities and promote active living across Ontario.

The centrepiece of the announcement is a $10 million commitment to overhaul the 52-year-old Chippawa Willoughby Arena. Plans include constructing a new NHL-sized ice pad, seven changerooms, expanded spectator seating and a new community hub with an accessible library and space for multi-generational programming.

“This major investment will change lives for generations in Niagara Falls,” said Mayor Jim Diodati in a statement. “It will support our growing community… and be a cornerstone for recreation, learning and community connection.”

The provincial funding also includes $420,000 for energy-efficiency upgrades at the YMCA of Niagara — including new LED lighting and HVAC replacements — and $698,000 to refurbish the Niagara Olympic Club’s track and field infrastructure.

Sport Minister Neil Lumsden said the investments will help lower costs, boost local economies and expand access to healthy activities.

“With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” Lumsden said.

The CSRIF initiative is part of Ontario’s broader infrastructure strategy, which includes a $200 billion commitment to projects such as highways, hospitals, schools and transit.

Key Takeaways:

• Truman and Marriott International will develop a W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary, and an Autograph Collection Hotel in the Culture + Entertainment District, with openings slated between 2028 and 2030.
• The $1.47-billion development is projected to create over 9,100 construction jobs and more than 2,000 permanent positions, with an estimated annual GDP contribution of over $230 million and $76 million in government revenues.
• The luxury hotels will support venues like the expanded BMO Centre and forthcoming Scotiabank Place, strengthening Calgary’s position as a competitive host city for conventions, tourism, and major events.

The Whole Story:

A trio of high-profile hotel projects is set to reshape Calgary’s skyline and hospitality sector as local developer Truman and Marriott International unveiled plans to bring three new hotel brands to the city’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District.

The $1.47-billion development includes Western Canada’s first W Hotel, a JW Marriott, and a new Autograph Collection Hotel located within Stampede Park. The three properties are scheduled to open between 2028 and 2030 and will collectively add more than 700 high-end hotel rooms and nearly 360 branded residences to Calgary’s core.

The project is being led by Calgary-based partners Truman and Louson and is expected to create more than 9,100 jobs during construction, with over 2,000 permanent positions once the hotels open.

“We believe this project will be a significant catalyst for the local economy,” said Tony Trutina, Chief Operating Officer of Truman. “Beyond creating numerous construction jobs, these hotels are expected to boost tourism and support local businesses through increased visitor spending.”

The W Calgary and JW Marriott Calgary will be located at 15 Avenue and Macleod Trail S.E., in what is planned to be two of the tallest residential towers in Western Canada. The 69-storey W Calgary will include 157 hotel rooms and 239 residences, while the 62-storey JW Marriott will offer 248 hotel rooms and 120 residences.

The third property, a 320-room hotel at Stampede Park, will operate under Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand. It will feature 15,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants, rooftop amenities, and leisure terraces, including an outdoor bar and pool area overlooking downtown Calgary.

“As Marriott continues to expand our hospitality options in Canada, these three properties will bring an unparalleled level of hospitality to this high-energy city,” said Paul Cahill, Chief Operating Officer for Marriott International in Canada.

The announcement marks a major step in the evolution of Calgary’s Culture + Entertainment District, a publicly backed redevelopment project led by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC). The district is home to the newly expanded BMO Centre and the planned Scotiabank Place event centre.

“Our public investment is now attracting significant private interest and investment,” said Kate Thompson, President and CEO of CMLC. “These hotels will support the growing demand for meetings, conventions and major events in the district.”

According to a preliminary economic assessment, the project is expected to contribute more than $120 million annually to GDP from hotel operations and $111 million in visitor spending, generating approximately $76 million in government revenues each year.

Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, said the new hotels would enhance the city’s global appeal as a destination for major events. “These three hotel offerings dramatically elevate our competitive advantage as a host city and complement the Calgary Stampede’s world-renowned hospitality,” he said.

Key Takeaways:

• Municipalities can now borrow up to 10% of their annual revenue, and up to $150 per capita for short-term debt, without requiring a public vote, easing access to capital for infrastructure projects.
• The Province says the updates respond to municipal concerns about outdated borrowing thresholds that slowed down the delivery of essential infrastructure like roads, utilities, and community amenities.
• The new borrowing flexibility complements other provincial initiatives, including the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund and grant programs to help municipalities plan and develop housing more efficiently.

The Whole Story:

British Columbia municipalities will now have greater flexibility to finance infrastructure projects after the province amended borrowing regulations to speed up capital project delivery and reduce administrative delays.

The changes, which took effect June 9, 2025, allow municipalities to borrow more money without requiring approval from voters — a move the province says responds to long-standing concerns over outdated borrowing thresholds that slowed down project timelines and increased costs.

“Municipalities told us that outdated borrowing thresholds were slowing down their ability to deliver the infrastructure people count on,” said Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Ravi Kahlon. “We have responded by expanding the borrowing powers for municipalities so they can act faster, reduce costs and deliver the services that support growing communities.”

Under the revised rules, municipalities can now borrow up to 10% of their annual revenue — double the previous limit — without holding a public vote. For short-term borrowing of less than five years, the per-capita cap has been raised from $50 to $150. The changes apply to all 161 municipalities in the province, with the exception of Vancouver, which is governed under separate legislation.

The Union of B.C. Municipalities welcomed the move, calling it a practical response to inflation and infrastructure demands. “The amendments will help some local governments manage essential infrastructure more efficiently, ensuring public assets continue to meet the needs of communities facing climate change and population growth,” said UBCM president Trish Mandewo.

Local leaders echoed that sentiment, saying the new rules will enable them to respond more quickly to growth pressures.

“These changes will make it easier for all growing communities in B.C. to move forward on major projects more efficiently,” said Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens.

Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley called the updated framework “an important step” in tackling housing and infrastructure needs, while Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog described the amendments as “a timely and practical response to the challenges fast-growing communities… are facing.”

The regulatory update follows recommendations made by a provincial-local government working group that reviewed borrowing limits in 2024. The changes complement other provincial efforts to support municipalities, including the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund, $51 million in grants for planning activities, and $25 million through the Local Government Development Approvals Program.

The Province said the updates reflect current economic conditions and will better equip municipalities to build infrastructure that supports housing development and population growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Major construction on Victoria’s new Belleville ferry terminal will begin later this summer, following the awarding of a $304-million design-build contract to Pomerleau Inc. Preliminary work starts by the end of June.
• The project includes a new pre-clearance terminal that will streamline U.S. customs processing in Victoria, as well as upgraded wharves and a commercial goods facility, aimed at improving the ferry experience and supporting tourism and trade.
• The total project cost has increased to $416 million due to seismic and environmental challenges. The federal government has increased its funding to over $45 million to help cover the expanded budget. Completion is expected by 2028.

The Whole Story:

Construction is set to begin this summer on a long-awaited overhaul of the Belleville ferry terminal in downtown Victoria, after the B.C. government awarded a $304-million design-build contract to Pomerleau Inc.

Preliminary work on the project will begin by the end of June, with major construction to follow later in the summer. Once completed, the redeveloped terminal is expected to improve the international ferry experience for travellers between Vancouver Island and Washington State, while supporting local jobs and boosting the region’s tourism economy.

The new terminal will replace aging infrastructure and include a modern pre-clearance facility, allowing passengers to complete U.S. customs and immigration procedures before boarding — in line with the Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Preclearance Agreement. The project also includes a commercial goods processing facility and upgrades to wharf infrastructure.

“This major milestone brings us another step closer to offering improved ferry services and more convenient travel for decades to come,” said B.C. Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth in a statement.

The project’s total cost has risen from the $331 million budget approved in 2024 to $416 million. The province cited complex seismic and geotechnical conditions, extensive soil contamination, inflation and economic uncertainty, including tariffs, as key factors behind the increase. The federal government has increased its contribution to over $45 million.

The redevelopment is taking place on the traditional territory of the lək̓wəŋən (Lekwungen) people, represented by the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. The province says it is working collaboratively with both Nations throughout the process.

Local leaders and tourism advocates welcomed the announcement as a major step forward for Victoria’s transportation infrastructure. The project has long been a priority for city officials and business groups who see the terminal as a critical gateway for trade and tourism.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2028.

Phase 1 of the project, now complete, included upgrades to the Steamship and Black Ball properties to ensure continued ferry service during the next stage of construction.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ontario government has revealed final designs for a large-scale transformation of Ontario Place into a public waterfront destination featuring over 50 acres of green space, beaches, playgrounds, event areas, and an Indigenous Cultural Pavilion.
• The project is expected to create 5,000 jobs in construction and tourism and includes a publicly owned 3,500-spot parking structure anticipated to generate up to $60 million annually, with improved connections to transit and cycling infrastructure.
• The redevelopment was shaped through extensive public and Indigenous consultations, with commitments to preserving cultural heritage, enhancing sustainability through shoreline and soil remediation, and providing year-round public access.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government has released final designs for the redevelopment of Ontario Place, outlining a major overhaul of the waterfront site that aims to create thousands of jobs and draw millions of visitors annually.

“We’re rebuilding Ontario Place into a world-class destination for families and tourists, with convenient connections for visitors coming by car, GO train or the Ontario Line’s nearby Exhibition Station,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The investments we’re making will help keep 5,000 workers on the job, despite the economic uncertainty caused by President Trump’s tariffs, and will help protect and grow Toronto and Ontario’s tourism sector for decades to come.”

The project includes a new public park with over 50 acres of green space, trails, urban beaches, playgrounds, event venues, a revamped marina, and an Indigenous Cultural Pavilion. Provincial officials say the revitalization will generate about 5,000 jobs in construction and tourism, and contribute to long-term economic growth for Toronto and the surrounding region.

“This marks a key milestone in transforming Ontario Place into a world-class destination,” the province said in a statement Tuesday.

In addition to new public features, the government also announced a 3,500-spot, publicly owned parking structure that is expected to generate up to $60 million in gross annual revenue. The $400-million facility will include a landscaped berm to integrate with the surrounding area.

The redevelopment will include connections to the future Ontario Line subway at Exhibition Station, as well as cycling and pedestrian pathways throughout the site. Once complete, Ontario Place will be one of the largest public parks in downtown Toronto, 14 acres larger than Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma said the site had suffered from neglect in recent decades and that the new plan would return the landmark to the people of Ontario. Final designs were developed by design firm LANDInc and were shaped by public consultations involving more than 9,300 people, as well as input from Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

Ontario Place sits on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Chief Claire Sault said the inclusion of an Indigenous Cultural Pavilion and preserved green space reflects a “meaningful engagement” and offers a chance to “honour the past while building a shared future.”

Five themed zones — the Forum, the Mainland, the Marina, the Water’s Edge, and Brigantine Cove — will structure the new park. Features will include an urban beach, interactive playgrounds, lookout points, canoe and kayak launch sites, and a large central fountain shaped like Ontario’s trillium emblem.

The broader Ontario Place redevelopment will integrate the new Ontario Science Centre, a revitalized Live Nation amphitheatre, and a wellness and water park by Therme Canada. Officials say the public areas will remain free to access year-round.

Environmental upgrades are also planned, including shoreline protection, soil remediation and flood mitigation measures to ensure long-term sustainability.

Originally opened in 1971, Ontario Place was once a flagship cultural and recreational site in the province but has been largely dormant for years. The current project aims to re-establish it as a vibrant and accessible destination for both residents and tourists.

Here are the design renderings:

Key Takeaways:

• Construction has begun on the East Harbour Transit Hub, which is expected to become Toronto’s second busiest station, connecting the Ontario Line with GO Transit routes and serving 100,000 daily riders.
• The hub is part of Ontario’s broader $70-billion transit investment, aiming to reduce congestion, create jobs, and support transit-oriented housing developments.
• The project will help ease pressure on Union Station and is designed to support future growth in Toronto with new infrastructure, public amenities, and thousands of housing units.

The Whole Story:

Construction has officially begun on the East Harbour Transit Hub, a major new interchange in Toronto’s east end that is expected to become the city’s second busiest transit station after Union Station.

The hub will link the future Ontario Line subway with the Lakeshore East and Stouffville GO Transit lines, accommodating approximately 100,000 daily riders. The project is intended to improve access across the Greater Toronto Area, ease congestion at Union Station, and support long-term urban growth.

The hub is being delivered through an alliance contracting model led by Metrolinx, in partnership with a project team that includes Rail Connect Partners—a joint venture between AtkinsRéalis and Bird Construction—and Hatch Ltd. as the design partner. Rail Connect Partners is responsible for major construction work such as bridge widening, track infrastructure, and the station shell, while Hatch is overseeing architectural and engineering design.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, we are doubling down on our plan to build Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Projects like the East Harbour Transit Hub will support economic growth, keep thousands of workers on the job and help commuters get where they need to go.”

The project is being delivered through a joint effort by the federal, provincial and municipal governments. It is part of Ontario’s broader $70-billion transit infrastructure plan, which includes four major subway expansions and the GO Expansion program to provide two-way, all-day service on the region’s busiest rail corridors.

The hub is also a cornerstone of the province’s Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) initiative. Once complete, the site is expected to support not only transit infrastructure but also thousands of new housing units, retail spaces, day care, and parkland.

“This is the future home of a transit-oriented community that will support thousands of new jobs and housing options closer to public transportation,” said Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma.

Construction of the East Harbour facility is being managed by a joint venture between AtkinsRéalis and Bird Construction, with design partner Hatch Ltd., under an alliance contracting model. The project is expected to generate the equivalent of 8,300 jobs annually during its first 12 years of construction and delivery.

Mayor Olivia Chow said the hub is a vital part of preparing Toronto for a fast-growing population. “The East Harbour Transit Hub means 100,000 transit riders will get to their destinations faster,” she said. “This is an important step to invest in better transit networks, which will support our city’s growth.”

Once operational, the East Harbour Transit Hub is expected to significantly reduce commute times and serve as a major connection point for people living and working across the Toronto region.

Key Takeaways:

• Vancouver is introducing financial relief for developers to keep housing projects viable, including deferred payments for fees, expanded use of surety bonds, and a freeze on planned inflation-related increases.
• The city is streamlining development processes to reduce delays and costs, with improvements to rezoning timelines, sewer assessments, and design flexibility for taller and mass timber buildings.
• These changes are part of a broader strategy to ensure new housing—especially for middle-income earners—can move forward despite high construction costs and interest rates, with further reforms expected in the coming months.

The Whole Story:

Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved a slate of financial and regulatory changes aimed at keeping housing projects on track as rising construction costs and high interest rates threaten to stall new development.

The measures, passed Tuesday, are intended to relieve pressure on builders of rental and strata housing — particularly those targeting middle-income earners — as inflation and financing hurdles erode project viability.

“Vancouver currently leads the region in rental housing delivery,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The changes passed today will give builders more flexibility to move forward and build urgently needed homes.”

Among the financial tools approved are deferred payment options for development cost levies (DCLs) and community amenity contributions (CACs), expanded use of surety bonds, and a freeze on scheduled inflation-related fee increases. Projects facing DCLs over $500,000 will now be able to pay in three installments, and the upfront CAC payment required at rezoning will drop from $20 million to $5 million, with the remainder deferred and secured through financial instruments.

Construction costs have surged faster than general inflation since the pandemic, and the city warns that without intervention, new housing supply will fall further behind demand, worsening affordability.

“By speeding up reviews and clarifying requirements, we’re helping projects move forward with greater confidence,” said Josh White, the city’s general manager of planning, urban design and sustainability.

Beyond financial measures, City staff are advancing process improvements to cut red tape and reduce costs. These include streamlining rezoning applications, updating sewer capacity assessments to avoid expensive off-site upgrades, and permitting larger floor plates for tall and mass timber buildings to improve construction efficiency.

The city is also refining its Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) policy to make requirements clearer and better support local hiring targets.

Council says the measures are the first in a series of reforms to help deliver housing while maintaining livability. Future steps will include further streamlining of rezoning, a review of growth-related funding tools, and updates to infrastructure and permitting policies.

Key Takeaways:

• Three consortiums have been shortlisted to move forward in the Alexandra Bridge replacement project, with formal proposals due in October 2025. The chosen team will design, dismantle, and rebuild the historic bridge linking Ottawa and Gatineau.
• The current Alexandra Bridge, built in 1901, is nearing the end of its lifespan, prompting the federal government to commit to a major infrastructure overhaul using a progressive design-build approach aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing risk.
• Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and conclude by 2032, with extensive public and Indigenous consultations ongoing as part of the project’s planning and design process.

The Whole Story:

The federal government has taken a significant step toward replacing the aging Alexandra Bridge, naming three consortiums that will move forward in the competitive bidding process to design and construct a new span connecting Ottawa and Gatineau.

On Thursday, Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, announced that the shortlisted teams will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, scheduled for October 2025.

The selected bidders are:

• Epoch Pathway Ontario-Québec Partners, led by Flatiron Dragados Canada Inc., EBC Inc., and Construction Demathieu & Bard Inc., supported by Hatch Ltd. and Spain’s Carlos Fernandez Casado S.L.
• Peter Kiewit Sons ULC, working with Kiewit Engineering Group Canada ULC, WSP Canada Inc., and International Bridge Technologies Canada Inc.
• Heritage Link Group, a partnership including Janin Atlas Inc., Dodin Quebec Inc., COWI North America Ltd., and Stantec Consulting Ltd.

The companies were shortlisted following a Request for Qualifications launched in October 2024. One of these teams will be selected to finalize the bridge’s design, dismantle the existing structure, and oversee the construction of the new crossing.

The contract for planning and design is expected to be awarded in winter 2026, with demolition and construction contracts to follow in 2027. Actual work on the site is projected to begin in 2028, with the new bridge expected to open by 2032.

Built in 1901, the Alexandra Bridge is one of the oldest crossings over the Ottawa River. Originally designed as a rail and vehicle bridge, it has long been showing signs of wear and is considered to be at the end of its usable life. In recent years, its condition has required frequent maintenance and intermittent closures.

The replacement effort is being delivered through a progressive design-build approach—an increasingly common model in large-scale infrastructure projects that emphasizes early collaboration between design and construction teams. Officials say this model will improve efficiency, reduce risk, and help control costs.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) recently released an updated preferred design concept based on extensive public consultations. That design, still under refinement, is intended to reflect the bridge’s historic and cultural importance while meeting modern transportation needs.

The integrated project team overseeing the initiative includes representatives from Public Services and Procurement Canada, the NCC, and technical advisor Arup Canada Inc. Consultations with Indigenous communities, the public, and key stakeholders will continue throughout the project’s development.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone in the Alexandra Bridge replacement project and underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to expedite nation-building projects that will connect and transform our country,” Minister Lightbound said. “This project will enhance transportation and mobility in the National Capital Region for decades to come.”

Key Takeaways:

• The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has ruled that the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline project has been substantially started, allowing its 2014 environmental assessment certificate to remain valid indefinitely, provided it is not suspended or cancelled.
• The project, now owned by the Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG (acquired from TC Energy in March 2024), is proposed to supply the Ksi Lisims LNG facility and is undergoing assessment for two major route amendments—one to end at Pearse Island and another to reroute part of the eastern section for efficiency.
• The EAO will continue compliance monitoring throughout construction and operation. The pipeline is designed to transport 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, with future expansion potential up to 3.6 billion cubic feet per day.

The Whole Story:

The chief executive assessment officer of the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has determined that the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) natural gas pipeline project has been substantially started.

With this decision, the certificate remains in effect for the life of the project, unless it is cancelled or suspended pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act. The environmental assessment certificate approving the PRGT project was issued in 2014, following the EAO’s environmental assessment. The certificate required the project to have been substantially started by Nov. 25, 2024, for it to remain valid.

The EAO undertook a detailed assessment process that started at the end of November 2024, examining all evidence relevant to the matter of whether or not the project is substantially started. First Nations potentially impacted by the project had an opportunity to provide their views.

The EAO developed a report on its findings from a field assessment of the project site, documentation from Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd. and information from First Nations, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs, Gitxsan Wilps and members of the public for the decision-maker’s consideration. Only construction and other project-related activities by the proponent up to Nov. 25, 2024, were considered.

As outlined in his reasons for decision, the chief executive assessment officer determined that the physical work completed is consistent with standard pipeline development, and together with other activities and investments undertaken, the company demonstrated a strong intention to advance the project in the near term.

Substantial start determinations are made on a case-by-case basis, considering all relevant facts. Substantial start determinations are commonly delegated by the minister of environment and parks to the EAO’s chief executive assessment officer.

EAO compliance and enforcement officers will continue to monitor the PRGT project throughout construction and operation to ensure the project meets all requirements in the project’s environmental assessment certificate.

The PRGT project was approved in 2014 to run about 900 kilometres between Hudson’s Hope in northeastern B.C. and Lelu Island near Prince Rupert (the site of a previously proposed, but since cancelled, LNG processing facility). The project as approved includes both land and marine sections of pipeline, along with compressor and metering stations.

The PRGT project was acquired from TC Energy Corporation by Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG in March 2024, to supply natural gas to the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG facility, a project the EAO is currently assessing.

Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd. applied to the EAO in 2024 to change the pipeline route to end on Pearse Island at the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG site. This amendment request is currently being assessed by the EAO.

The EAO is also assessing a separate amendment request received in 2024 to reroute the eastern portion of the pipeline between Chetwynd and Mackenzie, which includes moving the route south to follow part of an existing cleared right of way and shortening it by about 50 kilometres.

The PRGT pipeline project would transport approximately 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, with capacity to expand to about 3.6 billion cubic feet per day.