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.
Montreal’s first organic waste treatment centre finally opens
Key Takeways
Alberta’s government has committed $112 million to support the rebuilding efforts in Jasper, with the primary focus on constructing interim housing for displaced residents, including those from the Pine Grove Seniors Citizens Manor, which was destroyed in the 2024 Jasper wildfire complex.
The funding will be used to build approximately 250 modular homes for eligible displaced residents, providing a faster and efficient solution due to their off-site construction and permanent foundation installation. These homes will be offered at market rent and later sold when no longer needed for recovery.
In addition to rebuilding in Jasper, up to 25 modular housing units will be built in Hinton for the displaced seniors from Pine Grove Manor. These units will initially serve as interim housing but will later be repurposed as affordable housing for the community.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government continues to support recovery efforts in Jasper and is helping residents return to the community with $112 million in funding for interim housing.
To support rebuilding efforts in Jasper, government is committing $112 million to build interim housing for displaced Jasper residents and residents of Pine Grove Senior Citizens Manor.
The 2024 Jasper wildfire complex destroyed or damaged around 30% of structures in Jasper, including the Pine Grove Seniors Citizens Manor, a government-owned building.
Work on the sites in Jasper has already begun, and the first residents are expected to begin moving in as early as January 2025. Homes in Jasper will be available for essential service workers and support service workers, and other eligible Jasper residents who lost their homes and are employed in the area. Alberta’s government will ensure that interim homes are ready for eligible residents as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Our entire country grieved when wildfire ravaged Jasper this past summer. We know the rebuilding process takes time, and we’re doing all we can to support Jasper’s recovery,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “Most of all, people want to return home, and the funding we have approved will speed up that process so folks can rebuild their lives and move forward sooner.”
To support the interim housing needs of Jasperites, the government is supporting the construction of modular homes. It is estimated that this portion of the provincial funding will build 250 modular homes for eligible displaced Jasper residents. Modular homes are constructed off-site, in a controlled environment, to allow for all-season construction and accelerated schedules. They are installed using permanent foundations that ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants.
Interim housing units in Jasper will be provided at market rent, and applications and eligibility details will be released in the future. Units in Jasper will be sold at market value when they are no longer required for interim housing for Jasper recovery.
“On behalf of the people of Jasper, I extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Alberta for their critical support in funding interim housing as we work to rebuild Jasper,” said Richard Ireland, mayor of Jasper. “This housing isn’t just about the buildings, it’s directly linked to our social and economic recovery including the mental well-being of the community as a whole.”
Alberta’s government is also supporting the residents of Pine Grove Manor with interim housing in Hinton. Pine Grove Manor was destroyed by the fire and this interim housing will keep residents close to their community while the seniors home is rebuilt. Up to 25 units of modular housing will be built for seniors in Hinton on a site that was given to the project by the Town of Hinton. These units in Hinton will later be used as affordable housing for the community. Work on these sites is expected to begin in January and the first seniors are expected to begin moving in as early as April 2025.
A request for proposals will be released on both of these projects as the next steps in this process. Funding from Alberta’s government will be contributed to these projects over two fiscal years.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is introducing the Building Highways Faster Act, which aims to accelerate highway construction for key projects like Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass, and the Garden City Skyway bridge.
The proposed legislation will streamline utility relocations, speed up property acquisitions, and allow 24/7 construction on priority highway projects to tackle traffic congestion more effectively.
With Ontario’s population set to grow by 2 million residents by 2031, these changes are designed to expand highway capacity and address gridlock, which costs the economy $11 billion annually in lost productivity.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is introducing legislation that would, if passed, allow the province to build highways faster, getting drivers out of gridlock and where they need to go. The Building Highways Faster Act would designate priority highway projects to speed up construction, with Highway 413, the Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway bridge all set to receive this designation.
“Every minute wasted in traffic is a minute that could be spent with friends, family, and the people who matter most,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Our government understands how frustrating it is to be stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and the need to build highways and roads to help get people moving. That is why we’re moving forward with the common-sense changes, like 24/7 construction, proposed in this legislation.”
The act would streamline utility relocations, accelerate access to property and property acquisitions and introduce new penalties for obstructing access for field investigations or damaging equipment. The legislation would also allow regulation making authority to facilitate around-the-clock, 24/7 construction on priority highway projects.
“Ontario is experiencing unprecedented population growth, with an additional two million residents expected by 2031,” added Minister Sarkaria. “If we don’t accelerate an increase in capacity beyond our existing highway and rapid transit projects, all 400-series highways in the GTHA, including Highway 407, will be at or exceed capacity within the next decade.”
To further streamline the building process, the government is also proposing legislation that would create an accelerated environmental assessment process for Highway 413, allowing the province to proceed with early works while maintaining Ontario’s stringent oversight of environmental protections.
The government’s proposed changes are part of upcoming legislation that will kick off the fall sitting of the Ontario legislature on October 21, 2024, with a focus on tackling gridlock and getting drivers and commuters across Ontario out of traffic.
Toronto commuters face the longest travel times in North America, spending an average of 98 hours each year in rush-hour traffic, according to the Toronto Region Board of Trade. The board says Gridlock on Ontario highways and roads costs the economy $11 billion annually in lost productivity.
Key Takeaways:
Ontario plans to introduce legislation requiring municipalities to get provincial approval before installing new bike lanes if they remove traffic lanes. Municipalities must prove these lanes won’t negatively impact vehicle traffic.
Ontario is moving forward with plans to increase speed limits to 110 km/h on all 400-series highways, and potentially up to 120 km/h on newly designed highways where safe.
The government is consulting with municipalities to create a pothole prevention and repair fund for the 2025 construction season, aimed at supporting smaller municipalities and improving road conditions across the province.
The Whole Story:
Ontario plans to introduce legislation that would, if passed, require municipalities to receive approval from the province before installing new bike lanes that would result in the removal of lanes for traffic. Municipalities would be required to demonstrate that the proposed bike lanes won’t have a negative impact on vehicle traffic.
“Cities in Ontario have seen an explosion of bike lanes, including many that were installed during the pandemic when fewer vehicles were on the road and their impacts on traffic were unclear,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Too many drivers are now stuck in gridlock as a result, which is why our government is bringing informed decision-making and oversight to bike lanes as well as taking steps to increase speed limits safely and clean up potholes.”
These proposed changes are part of upcoming legislation that will kick off the fall sitting of the Ontario legislature on October 21, 2024, with a focus on tackling gridlock and getting drivers and commuters across Ontario out of traffic.
Ontario is also moving forward with plans to increase the speed limit to 110 km/h, where it is safe to do so, on all 400-series highways. This builds on the safe and successful increase of speed limits on more than one-third of provincial 400-series highways to date. The government is also developing a design standard to allow vehicles to travel safely at speeds higher than 120 km/h on new highways.
In addition, to help make Ontario roads safer and prevent accidents and damages that can occur from potholes, the government is consulting with municipalities to develop a potholes prevention and repair fund to open in the 2025 construction season. The program would support smaller municipalities with road maintenance and set standards to help improve road conditions and promote high-quality roadwork across the province.
The government is also proposing to enshrine in the legislation the current freeze on knowledge and road test fees so that any future increases would require a legislative amendment. The freeze on fee increases, which was scheduled to rise roughly 4.5% a year, is expected to save Ontarians $72 million this decade.
The City of Calgary and Alberta’s government have agreed to advance Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT project from 4th Street S.E. to Shepard, preserving over 700 jobs and maintaining shared investments.
Alberta reaffirmed its $1.53 billion funding commitment to support ongoing work, while AECOM develops a revised downtown alignment to improve transit connectivity.
The Calgary Construction Association praised the decision, emphasizing the project’s significance for job creation, economic growth, and future phases of Calgary’s transit infrastructure.
The Whole Story:
The City of Calgary and Alberta’s Government have reached an agreement to move ahead with Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT project, extending the line from 4th Street S.E. to Shepard.
“Over the past few weeks, the City of Calgary and Alberta’s Government have engaged in productive discussions to deliver a Green Line that meets the needs of Calgary’s commuters and preserves value from the previous Phase 1 of the project,” said the province and the city in a joint statement.
Officials stated that this decision will preserve over 700 jobs and maintain shared investments in the city’s transit infrastructure.
Alberta’s government reaffirmed its $1.53 billion funding commitment, while AECOM, in collaboration with the City, works on a revised downtown alignment to improve connectivity with Calgary’s Red and Blue lines, southeast communities, and the new Event Centre. This alignment will be either at-grade or elevated and will connect into the Red and Blue Lines, the new Event Centre, and to southeast Calgary communities.
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) welcomed the decision, emphasizing the project’s role in job creation, economic growth, and improved transit connectivity. CCA President Bill Black called the Green Line “essential” for both commuters and Calgary’s construction industry.
“We are proud to see the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta working together to ensure this project stays on track. Every step forward is a win for both Calgary’s commuters and the construction industry,” said Black.
The CCA stated it is also optimistic about the continued collaboration between the City and Province on refining the downtown alignment, which will improve connectivity to key destinations, including the new Event Centre and southeast Calgary communities. The CCA noted that project remains a cornerstone for future economic development and a vital piece of Calgary’s transportation infrastructure.
The group added that with over 200 people moving to Calgary every day, efficient transit infrastructure like the Green Line LRT is more important than ever to serve the city’s growing population. As the city expands, the CCA reaffirmed the need for ongoing dialogue to ensure that North-Central Calgary is also served with adequate transit connectivity in future phases of the Green Line project. The group stressed that A fully connected LRT system is essential for maintaining Calgary’s long-term mobility and economic vitality.
Initially proposed as the city’s largest infrastructure project, the Green Line was meant to be a significant expansion of Calgary’s public transit system. However, it has faced numerous challenges, especially regarding its financing. The project’s costs have escalated over time, with the most recent estimate reaching $6.25 billion for the first phase.
In September 2024, the situation reached a critical point when Alberta decided to withdraw its $1.53 billion funding commitment. This decision was based on concerns about the project’s rising costs and reduced scope, with Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen calling it a “multibillion-dollar boondoggle”.
The funding withdrawal left the City of Calgary unable to afford the project, forcing the city council to vote for winding down the Green Line. The wind-down costs were estimated to be at least $2.1 billion, including $1.3 billion already spent and an additional $850 million needed to wrap up the project.
Key Takeaways:
Metro Vancouver’s Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel has won the 2024 Canadian Project of the Year Under $300 Million Award from the Tunnelling Association of Canada, recognizing its high level of engineering skill and quality in underground construction.
The tunnel, built 30 meters below the Burrard Inlet, will replace aging water mains that are vulnerable to earthquakes, ensuring the continued delivery of drinking water in the event of a seismic event. It is part of a broader effort to meet modern seismic standards.
Construction of the tunnel began in 2019 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with the new water mains coming into service by 2028. This project will not only improve system resilience but also increase capacity to meet the demands of a growing population.
The Whole Story:
Metro Vancouver has tunnelled its way to the top.
Metro Vancouver’s Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Tunnelling Association of Canada’s Canadian Project of the Year Under $300 Million Award.
“I’m so proud that this major drinking-water infrastructure project, which will help us keep delivering water even after earthquakes, is being celebrated,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors. “Metro Vancouver is working on hundreds of projects at any given time. The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel Project is an excellent example of the kind of award-winning, high-quality, on-budget work that our organization delivers.”
The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel is being constructed 30 metres below the bottom of the Burrard Inlet, east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, between Burnaby and the District of North Vancouver. The tunnel will replace three existing water mains built between the 1940s and the 1970s that are vulnerable to damage during an earthquake and are nearing the end of their service lives.
The Tunnelling Association of Canada’s Canadian Project of the Year Award is presented to a team that has significantly contributed to a project in Canada that has demonstrated the highest level of engineering skill and shown insight and understanding of underground construction. Other members of the award-winning project team include Traylor Aecon General Partnership, AECOM, WSP/Golder, Mott MacDonald, Malcom Drilling, and Herrenknecht AG.
“The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel is one of the largest tunnels ever built by Metro Vancouver,” said Malcolm Brodie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee. “These kinds of water-supply projects are extremely complex, yet so important to our health and well-being. It’s an honour to see this one recognized for its exceptional quality.”
Completed construction works include: two vertical shafts (one on each side of the inlet); a 6.3-metre-diameter, 1.1-kilometre-long tunnel; and three steel water mains. Valve chambers, which will connect the new mains to the existing drinking water system, are nearing completion.
Construction began in 2019 and is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2024. The three new water mains will be tied into the drinking water system over the next few winters and are expected to be in service by 2028.
Metro Vancouver collaborates with its member jurisdictions to plan for and deliver drinking water to 2.8 million residents using a system of water supply areas, dams, treatment facilities, reservoirs, pump stations, and water mains. Upgrades are regularly made to the system to maintain the regional district’s ability to reliably provide high-quality drinking water.
This project is one of a series of new regional water supply tunnels that are being designed to meet current seismic standards to ensure the reliable delivery of drinking water in the region in the event of a major earthquake. When complete, the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel will also increase the capacity of the existing system to meet the long term needs of the growing population.
Key Takeaways:
The Federal Court of Appeal ruled in favour of CN, overturning a previous Federal Court decision and allowing the Milton intermodal logistics hub to move forward. The court found that the government’s decisions approving the project, despite its environmental effects, were reasonable.
The project faced opposition due to its potential impact on local air quality and human health. However, the court determined that both the Minister and the Governor in Council had properly considered these concerns and that the adverse effects were justified in light of mitigation measures.
The project will proceed under 325 conditions designed to mitigate its environmental and health impacts, including limits on truck traffic and air quality controls. CN must adhere to these conditions to operate the hub.
The Whole Story:
The Canadian National Railway Company (CN) has won a major legal victory, securing approval for its proposed intermodal logistics hub in Milton, Ontario. The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that prior government decisions approving the project, despite concerns over environmental and public health impacts, were reasonable.
This decision reverses a 2024 Federal Court judgment that had halted CN’s plans, citing the need for more thorough consideration of the adverse effects the project would have on local air quality and human health.
Background
CN’s project, designed to facilitate the transfer of shipping containers between trucks and trains, is intended to ease traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The 160-hectare facility would see around 800 trucks enter and exit daily. However, the project faced opposition from Halton Region and local residents, citing potential harm to air quality and public health.
The project underwent an environmental assessment under the now-repealed Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012). In 2020, a federal review panel concluded that the project would likely cause “significant adverse environmental effects on air quality and on human health as it relates to air quality” and “significant adverse cumulative environmental effects on air quality, human health, wildlife habitat, and the availability of agricultural land.”
The Minister of the Environment and Climate Change agreed with the panel’s findings but referred the project’s approval to the Governor in Council, who ultimately decided that these effects were “justified in the circumstances.” The project was then approved with 325 conditions aimed at mitigating its environmental impact.
Legal Challenge
Halton Region sought judicial review, arguing that the Minister’s and the Governor in Council’s decisions were unreasonable because they failed to adequately consider the “direct” significant adverse effects (SAEEs) of the project on human health, particularly air quality. In 2024, the Federal Court ruled in their favor, setting aside the project’s approval.
However, the Federal Court of Appeal disagreed with the lower court’s conclusions, stating that “the Federal Court erred” in its assessment. The appellate court found that “the decisions were reasonable and would accordingly allow the appeals.”
Court’s Reasoning
The Federal Court of Appeal determined that the Federal Court had taken an overly rigid approach in its review, focusing too much on whether the Minister explicitly addressed a “direct” SAEE on human health. The court clarified that, while the Federal Court criticized the omission of certain references, it was important to “review the reasons with sensitivity to the institutional setting, in light of the record, holistically and contextually.” The court emphasized that “any shortcomings and flaws must be ‘sufficiently central or significant’ to render the decision unreasonable.”
Additionally, the appellate court ruled that the Minister’s decision “takes into account the full substance of the review panel’s findings on the adverse effects on human health related to air quality, both project-specific and cumulative.” It rejected the Federal Court’s assertion that the Minister had failed to consider the protection of human health, noting that the Minister “exercised their powers in a manner that protects human health in accordance with the requirements in the CEAA 2012.”
Moving Forward
CN praised the decision, reaffirming its commitment to comply with the project’s stringent environmental conditions. The company has maintained that the Milton hub is critical for reducing congestion and facilitating the efficient movement of goods in southern Ontario.
Local opponents, however, remain concerned about the long-term health impacts on the community, with Halton Region having argued that the project will “contribute to exceedances of health-based exposure standards” due to emissions from diesel trucks and trains.
The decision may not mark the end of the legal challenges, as Halton Region could appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Truss company fire predicted to have ‘substantial impact’ on P.E.I. construction industry
Nunavut
Sanikiluaq wind turbine installation to begin in 2025
Key Takeaways:
The WAHA Redevelopment Project is being delivered using a public-private partnership (P3) approach, allowing collaborative development between Pomerleau Health Partners and government entities to design, build, and finance the project.
The project will replace the outdated Weeneebayko General Hospital with a new 36-bed hospital, elder care lodge, visitor hostel, and staff residences in Moosonee, along with an ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory Island, with a total cost of $1.8 billion.
The redevelopment aims to enhance medical services for predominantly Cree communities along the James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts, providing culturally responsive care for around 12,000 people in the region, with construction expected to be completed by 2030.
The Whole Story:
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), in partnership with the Ontario government, have awarded a fixed-price contract of $1.8 billion to Pomerleau Health Partners to design, build and finance the WAHA Redevelopment Project.
The Pomerleau Health Partners team includes:
Applicant leads: Pomerleau Inc.
Design team: Kasian Architects Ontario Inc. and Bertrand Wheeler Architecture Inc.
Construction team: Pomerleau Inc.
Financial advisor: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
The WAHA Redevelopment Project is being delivered using a progressive public-private partnership (P3) approach, which fosters collaborative development of project requirements, design, pricing and risk management.
IO and WAHA signed a Development Phase Agreement with Pomerleau Inc. in January 2023 following a competitive request for proposals process that began in January 2022. Throughout the Development Phase, Pomerleau Inc. worked collaboratively with IO and WAHA, as well as with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care, and Indigenous Services Canada, to define and refine project requirements to advance the design and confirm fixed pricing.
Now that the Development Phase is complete and the P3 contract has been awarded, Pomerleau Health Partners is on site to redevelop the hospital, and construction is expected to be complete in 2030.
The WAHA Redevelopment Project is a major healthcare infrastructure initiative in northern Ontario, aimed at improving medical services for the predominantly Cree communities along the James Bay and Hudson Bay coasts.
The project involves the construction of a new 36-bed regional hospital, a 32-bed elder care lodge, a visitor hostel, and staff residences in Moosonee, as well as an ambulatory care centre on Moose Factory Island. With a total cost of $1.8 billion, the project is being funded jointly by the federal and provincial governments, with Canada committing $1.2 billion.
The new facilities will replace the outdated Weeneebayko General Hospital, originally built in 1950, and are expected to be completed by 2030, serving approximately 12,000 people in the region with improved, culturally responsive healthcare services closer to home.
Key Takeaways:
Work has begun across all parts of the Ontario Line subway, including building two key bridges—the Don Valley Crossing and West Don Crossing—to connect the line through critical areas, cutting commute times for many Torontonians.
The Ontario Line is a centerpiece of Ontario’s $70 billion public transit expansion, designed to reduce congestion, increase economic opportunities, and improve connectivity across the Greater Toronto Area.
Once complete, the 15-station Ontario Line will offer over 40 connections to other transit systems, reduce car trips by at least 28,000 daily.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has officially begun work along all parts of the Ontario Line subway. Under the final contract, work has begun to build the Don Valley Crossing Bridge and the West Don Crossing Bridge, which will carry Ontario Line trains across the Don Valley toward the downtown core.
“The Ontario Line is at the centre of our government’s nearly $70 billion plan to expand public transit across the province and today’s announcement shows we are getting it done,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This transformational project is going to cut commute times for hundreds of thousands of riders every day, connecting to transit services from across the region and creating new economic opportunities all along the line.”
The Ontario Line will exit an underground tunnel on the east side of the Don Valley at Minton Place, south of the Leaside Bridge. The line will then travel over the valley on the new Don Valley Crossing and West Don Crossing bridges, connecting to elevated guideways through Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park, cutting transit times by more than half for families and workers along the line.
“Five years ago, our government unveiled Ontario’s new historic transportation vision for the Greater Toronto Area. Today, we are delivering on that vision with all contracts awarded and work underway across the entire line,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to build the most ambitious transit plan in North America to cut gridlock and drive economic growth for generations to come.”
Conceptual rendering of future Don Valley Crossing bridge, which will carry Ontario Line trains between the Minton Place tunnel portal and Thorncliffe Park.
After beginning excavation for the Ontario Line’s King-Bathurst, Moss Park and Queen-Spadina stations and breaking ground at Pape Station, crews will soon start excavating Corktown and Osgoode stations. Corktown Station will give thousands of riders access to the nearby Distillery District while the Ontario Line Osgoode Station will link directly to the TTC’s Line 1 (Yonge-University) and give more than 12,000 daily rush-hour commuters a new, vital interchange connection that will help reduce crowding at Union Station by 14%.
“Public transit will provide faster, greener and more reliable transportation for commuters across the city of Toronto, that is why in 2021, we announced over $4 billion in support for the Ontario Line,” said Parliamentary Secretary Peter Fragiskatos. “With the launch of Canada Public Transit Fund in July, we are investing nearly $30 billion over 10 years to improve transit across Canada. Once the Ontario Line is complete, thousands of Torontonians will have improved access to fast and reliable public transit.”
Once complete, the Ontario Line will have 15 stations, running from Exhibition Place through the downtown core and connecting to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road. The line will offer more than 40 connections to other subway, bus, streetcar and regional train services, reducing daily car trips by at least 28,000.
“People need more public transit options to travel around our city. The Ontario Line will help generations of Torontonians get to work, school or run errands around Toronto – without having to drive,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “It’s a historic investment and I’m pleased that it is well underway. Working together, we can build a more convenient, reliable, affordable and safe public transit system.”
Rogers Stadium, set to open in 2025, will be Toronto’s largest purpose-built music venue, accommodating 50,000 attendees.
The stadium will significantly impact the local economy, generating thousands of jobs and injecting up to $100 million into the region.
Located on the former Downsview Airport Lands, the stadium will serve as a temporary venue within Northcrest’s broader $30 billion YZD redevelopment, which includes residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.
The Whole Story:
Live Nation Canada has unveiled plans for Rogers Stadium, a new seasonal outdoor concert venue that will open at YZD (formerly Downsview Airport Lands) summer 2025. With a capacity of 50,000, Rogers Stadium will become Toronto and the GTA’s largest purpose-built music venue hosting fans and artists from around the globe.
“The number of stadium-level acts touring today is unprecedented, with more acts than available nights at existing venues. That’s why we’re making this investment—to ensure Toronto fans don’t miss out on world-class artists. Rogers Stadium will not only meet this demand but also offer a premium stadium show experience, combined with the festival vibe that our fans love,” said Erik Hoffman, President, Music, Live Nation Canada. “This a natural evolution of our stadium programming and we’re excited to bring this new venue to life with our partners at Rogers while continuing to book world-class shows at Rogers Centre, as well.”
Rogers Stadium will be strategically positioned at the north end of the former airport’s runway, serving as a temporary fixture as Northcrest’s $30B transformative masterplan unfolds over the coming years. The stadium is centrally located, with easy access to 400-series highways and public transit connections, making it easily accessible.
This new music venue will enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world leading destination for the biggest touring acts from around the globe
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow
“I’m so pleased to welcome Live Nation and the future Rogers Stadium to YZD,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This exciting venue will bring even more tourists and investment to our province, boosting local businesses, creating new jobs and drawing in artists and events from around the world.”
Officials stated that the new stadium will not only visually anchor the evolving 370-acre site but play a crucial role in energizing both the city and the region’s economy. By hosting a wide range of concerts and music acts, Rogers Stadium’s construction and operation is expected to generate thousands of jobs, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and injecting an estimated $80-$100 million into the local economy.
“This new music venue will enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world leading destination for the biggest touring acts from around the globe,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
Derek Goring, CEO of Northcrest Developments said that Rogers Stadium is testament to the company’s vision for its masterplan.
“Our 370-acre project’s scale and impact are unprecedented,” said Goring. “With development plans for these lands years away, this new venue serves not only as a premier concert venue but also reflects Northcrest’s commitment to creating a seasonal destination that brings much-needed infrastructure for the city’s arts and culture sector. This partnership is one of the many ways we continue to shape the soul of this community before development even begins, ensuring that YZD becomes a beacon of cultural and community life for years to come.”
The YZD transformation project, spearheaded by Northcrest Developments, represents one of North America’s largest mixed-use redevelopments. Over the coming decades, YZD will evolve into a connected series of communities with seven new neighborhoods, accommodating over 55,000 residents. The development includes more than 28 million square feet of residential space, seven million square feet of commercial and cultural spaces, and nearly 74 acres of parks and green spaces.
Rogers Stadium will open its doors in Summer 2025.
B.C.
Vancouver to reduce social housing requirements in West End
Alberta’s government is investing $8.6 billion to create 200,000 new student spaces across the province over the next seven years. This initiative includes both the construction of new schools and the modernization of existing ones.
Starting in Budget 2025, this program will fast-track the development of up to 30 new schools and eight modernization projects each year for the next three years. The program aims to deliver 50,000 new or modernized student spaces in three years, with more than 150,000 to follow over the next four years.
The Calgary Construction Association acknowledges the ambitious goals but highlights challenges, particularly in procurement processes and addressing labour shortages. The CCA stresses the need for collaboration with the government to ensure timely and successful project delivery.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government is committing $8.6 billion to complete and open 200,000 new student spaces across the province in the next seven years.
Starting in Budget 2025, the new School Construction Accelerator Program will kick-start up to 30 new schools and as many as eight modernizations and replacement schools every year for the next three years.
“Every student deserves a quality education in a school that can meet their learning needs and set them on a path to success in the future,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “As hundreds of thousands of people are choosing to make Alberta their home, we are responding by funding and building the schools our fast-growing communities need. As we build, we’re asking school boards and municipalities to work with us so we can get shovels in the ground as quickly as possible.”
According to the province, the Calgary Metropolitan Area and Edmonton Metropolitan Region, along with other communities, have been feeling the pressures of strong student growth and aging school infrastructure.
The province stated that the School Construction Accelerator Program will result in 50,000 new or modernized student spaces over the next three years – and more than 150,000 new and modernized spaces over the following four years. In total, the School Construction Accelerator Program will mean approval for up to 30 new school projects and as many as eight new modernization and replacement projects every year over the next three years. In addition to the school projects, 20,000 new student spaces will be delivered through modular classrooms over the next four years.
Officials noted that the program takes immediate action to speed up the construction of schools by enabling school projects to be approved in-year for their next stage in the construction process without having to wait for the next budget cycle. This means all previously approved school projects currently in the planning and design stages can move forward to the next stage as soon as they are ready to do so. Through this change, 10 previously announced priority school projects are now approved for the next stage of project delivery, including six moving to full construction.
The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) stated that it welcomes Premier Danielle Smith’s ambitious School Construction Accelerator Program.
However, the CCA noted that there are challenges that lie ahead in ensuring the successful execution of this program. Key among these are the need for improvements in procurement practices and mitigating the ongoing labour shortage within the construction sector.
The CCA stated that it values its ongoing relationship with the Government of Alberta and is eager to collaborate in addressing these hurdles. They believe that by working together to enhance procurement processes and adopting balanced risk management frameworks, the association and the province can encourage more participation from industry stakeholders and ensure fair and competitive bidding. The CCA believes that without these reforms, Alberta risks delays and under-resourced projects, which would undermine the program’s potential.
In addition to procurement, the ongoing labour shortage is a shared concern that could impact the delivery of these large-scale projects.
“We acknowledge the Government of Alberta for prioritizing education infrastructure, and we are ready to collaborate on ensuring the success of the School Construction Accelerator Program,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “By working together with the Government to reform procurement practices and address the labour shortage, we can ensure these critical projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.”
Ever wonder which projects are approved, reaching major milestones or recently completed? Project Pulse is for you. Each week we pore over public announcements and find all the project news we can and organize it in one place. This week we have major news about Coastal GasLink, B.C.’s SkyTrain expansion, Calgary’s feeder main repairs, the Watay Power project in Ontario and more.
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project aims to create communities near transit hubs, integrating housing, amenities, retail, and commercial spaces. This includes building at least 700 homes and supporting services.
The province has purchased land and made legislative changes to support transit-oriented development. The goal is to build 10,000 homes near transit stations over the next 10-15 years.
Stakeholders, such as the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association, emphasize that these developments will not only make transportation more accessible but also boost the economy by creating vibrant, less car-dependent communities across the Metro Vancouver area.
The Whole Story:
Hundreds of new homes and space for amenities such as grocery stores and child care near transit are coming soon as plans for the future site of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project move forward.
It is estimated the project will deliver at least 700 homes and include potential for amenities, such as retail and commercial space, child care and educational services, as well as active-transportation connections. Over the next decade, the province plans to support transit-friendly neighbourhoods at all eight new stations along the Surrey Langley SkyTrain route.
“From the beginning of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain planning process, we recognized the tremendous potential to include housing and amenities for people near these station locations,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “We made the necessary legislative changes so we could buy land to support transit-oriented developments along the route, and today’s announcement is the latest example of us delivering on that promise.”
The province has purchased 14 properties in the area, providing a land footprint of approximately 1.6 hectares (four acres) for both the station site and accompanying development. The purchase of these properties is part of the government’s plan to deliver as many as 10,000 homes near transit over the next 10 to 15 years in support of the Homes for People plan.
“People want to be able to live close to transit so they can get to work easier and explore the beautiful communities they call home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “We’ve taken action to remove the outdated rules and regulations that stopped these kinds of homes from being built, and soon thousands more of these homes will be opening for people in the areas they need them.”
The goal of transit-oriented development is to create communities by acquiring land near existing and future transit hubs. These development areas incorporate various land uses, including residential, commercial and other amenities.
“My wife and I live near a public-transit hub, which has allowed us to be less car-dependent and live more affordably,” said Daniel Roberts, Surrey resident. “The variety of connections available makes running errands, getting to work, visiting friends and attending events throughout the region easy. Projects like this will allow more people to get around Metro Vancouver without the need for a car.”
The plans to work on the redevelopment with key stakeholders to advance the project. This includes work to prepare the property for mixed-use residential buildings and to ensure the development will deliver both market and below-market homes.
“Transit-oriented developments are vital to the economy and the growth of our region,” said Elizabeth Model, chief executive officer, Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association. “We have seen the incredible success of the hub that PCI developed around King George SkyTrain station and look forward to more developments like this as the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project moves ahead.”
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is a 16-kilometre extension of the Expo Line from King George Station to Langley City Centre, the first rapid-transit expansion south of the Fraser River in 30 years. Once complete, the project will provide transportation for people in Surrey, Langley and across Metro Vancouver.
This is the fourth transit-oriented development the province has announced in recent months, following projects in Port Moody (Moody Centre), Saanich (Uptown) and North Vancouver (ICBC headquarters). All four are made possible by 2022 amendments to the Transportation Act that allow the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to acquire land near transit hubs to develop housing and amenities, helping create vibrant communities.
