Quartier Molson will transform the former Molson brewery site into a vibrant neighborhood featuring nearly 5,000 housing units, including social, affordable, and family housing. The development prioritizes sustainable urban living with green spaces, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and integration into Montreal’s public transit network.
The project blends the site’s industrial heritage with modern eco-conscious design by preserving iconic elements such as the Molson Tower and chimney while pursuing LEED and Zero Carbon Building certifications. This approach honors the site’s history while emphasizing sustainability.
Beyond housing, the development will include offices, shops, restaurants, and event spaces, boosting the local economy. It aims to create a community-centered district with public amenities like parks, courtyards, and a potential community center, enhancing Montreal’s social and cultural fabric.
The Whole Story:
MONTONI and the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ have unveiled an ambitious vision for the redevelopment of the former Molson brewery, a sprawling site along the St. Lawrence River. Dubbed Quartier Molson, the project aims to create a model of sustainable urban living with nearly 5,000 housing units, public parks, and vibrant mixed-use spaces.
“This master plan is the result of several years of work with our partners at the Fonds immobilier and our architectural firm Sid Lee, combined with active collaboration with the City of Montreal,” said Dario Montoni, President of MONTONI. “We wanted to preserve the soul of this unique place to make it a truly mixed, sustainable and lively neighbourhood. We sincerely hope that it will please the Montreal community, honour the rich history of the site and the Molson family, and become a source of pride for those who love our city.”
Martin Raymond, Chairman and CEO of the Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ, emphasized the significance of the project. “It is a privilege for us to be co-owner of this emblematic site and to actively contribute to its development with our partners. We firmly believe that this new district will be exemplary with nearly 5,000 households moving there to live, while being resolutely turned towards the future thanks to the integration of sustainable practices.”
Sustainable Living on the Waterfront
Central to the Quartier Molson vision is a network of public green spaces, including the nearly 150,000-square-foot Sohmer Park, which will offer stunning views of the river, Sainte-Hélène Island, and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. The park will pay tribute to the area’s recreational past while creating new pathways connecting the site with surrounding neighborhoods.
The development will include social, affordable, and family housing, adhering to Montreal’s Regulation for a Mixed Metropolis. Public courtyards, gardens, and pedestrian-friendly pathways will foster community and encourage sustainable mobility, with integration into Montreal’s public transit and active transportation networks.
Revitalizing a Historic Landmark
Iconic elements of the former Molson brewery—such as the Molson Tower, chimney, clock, and sign—will be preserved and celebrated as central landmarks within the district. Developers aim to blend the site’s industrial heritage with a modern, eco-conscious urban design.
The project also incorporates sustainable development goals, with plans for LEED and Zero Carbon Building certifications, energy-efficient technologies, and potential energy loops.
Economic and Community Impact
In addition to residential spaces, the site will host offices, shops, restaurants, hotels, and event venues at L’Îlot des Voltigeurs, enhancing the Old Port’s recreational and tourist corridor. Community services, including a potential community centre, will be tailored to local needs.
Next Steps
Public consultation meetings will be held on Dec. 12 and 13 at the brewery site to present the project and gather citizen feedback. Construction is slated to begin in 2025, with initial phases focusing on the development of L’Îlot des Voltigeurs and social and affordable housing.
The developers hope Quartier Molson will become a beacon of sustainability and inclusivity while honoring Montreal’s rich history.
Key Takeaways:
Stantec has been selected as the Owner’s Engineer/Technical Advisory Services for Section 4 of Toronto’s F.G. Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project, a critical corridor undergoing extensive upgrades to extend its lifespan amidst heavy use and aging infrastructure.
The project involves complex work in the city’s downtown core, including the replacement of 2.2 kilometers of elevated roadway, structural modifications, and bridge rehabilitation, with a $24 million contract value for Stantec.
Stantec’s recent acquisition of Morrison Hershfield has bolstered its transportation expertise, enabling the firm to take on high-profile projects.
The Whole Story:
Stantec has been selected by the City of Toronto for Owner’s Engineer/Technical Advisory Services (OETA) for the delivery of the F.G. Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Project Section 4.
Stantec will provide multidisciplinary engineering consulting services through planning and preliminary design, procurement, design-build, and post construction. Early in 2024, Stantec announced its acquisition of Morrison Hershfield, which doubled its transportation staff in Ontario and strengthened its presence in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Gardiner Expressway is one of Canada’s busiest corridors, with 140,000 vehicles traveling it daily. Age, heavy use, weather, and salt have necessitated a multiyear rehabilitation to extend its life. The expressway runs along established neighborhoods and the city’s downtown core, making it an extremely complex project.
“The Gardiner Expressway is a critical corridor for the city,” said Susan Walter, executive vice president of Infrastructure at Stantec. “We have been working with the City of Toronto’s on its multiyear Strategic Rehabilitation Plan to support the safe operation and increase the life of this 60-year-old expressway since 2019.”
Section 4 of the rehabilitation will replace 2.2 kilometers of elevated roadway from Grand Magazine Street to York Street. It is in the heart of the City of Toronto and includes 91 bridge spans and 5 on- and off-ramps. The rehabilitation strategy will include structural modifications, deck replacement, structural steel girder repairs or replacement, and substructure rehabilitation and associated works. Stantec’s contract on Section 4 is valued at $24 million.
Stantec has previously completed significant work for the City of Toronto on the Gardiner Expressway Rehabilitation Plan, including of the ongoing Section 2 deck replacement from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, contract administration for Section 1 from Jarvis Street to Cherry Street, and preliminary design for Section 5 from Cherry Street to the Don Valley Parkway.
“Since 1979, we have completed extensive work for the City of Toronto on the Gardiner Expressway,” said Jim Weir, transportation regional growth leader for Canada at Stantec. “We will be working closely with the City to safely upgrade Section 4 from the earliest stages until construction completion.”
Several weeks ago, the province announced the start of the second phase of construction on the Gardiner Expressway four months ahead of schedule. Officials stated that the early milestone was the result of the government’s $73 million investment in the project on the condition that construction work may be allowed to proceed 24/7.
“We’re making real progress on our government’s plan to fight gridlock and keep drivers moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re not only getting it done on the Gardiner Expressway, we’re also bringing common sense changes to bike lanes through new legislation and speeding up construction of priority highway projects like Highway 413, Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway bridge, to help get drivers across the province out of gridlock.”
Pointe-Saint-Charles legion fundraises to replace roof
Key Takeaways:
Alberta’s government is conducting a provincewide study of over 100 potential sites for dams, reservoirs, and other infrastructure to address growing water demands from communities and industries, as well as mitigate risks of droughts and floods.
The study will assess hydrology, dam design, environmental, social, and cultural impacts, as well as the costs and benefits of water storage infrastructure to ensure responsible and cost-effective solutions.
This initiative, alongside feasibility studies for specific reservoirs and a $125 million Drought and Flood Protection Program, is part of Alberta’s broader effort to modernize its water management system and ensure long-term water security.
The Whole Story:
Alberta’s government is undertaking a provincewide review of potential sites for dams and other infrastructure to help meet future water needs.
Officials explained that as Alberta’s population and economy grow, demand for water from communities and industry increases at the same time. Due to the province’s prairie geography and climate, the amount of precipitation received varies a lot from season-to-season and year-to-year. Creating more dams, reservoirs and other infrastructure is one way to potentially help capture and store more water.
Alberta’s government has now begun a provincewide study looking at more than 100 locations across the province. This study will be used to help the government plan long-term ways to maximize Alberta’s water supply and reduce the risk of future droughts and floods.
Dams, reservoirs and other water storage infrastructure play a vital role in irrigation, drought management, water security, flood protection, and supporting a healthy environment. At the same time, they can be costly to build and affect local ecosystems and environments.
The provincial study will identify, review and assess potential locations where water storage infrastructure could be most effectively developed to help meet the province’s long-term water needs. Various sites will be assessed based on new and existing information regarding hydrology, dam design, environmental, social and cultural impacts, and the potential costs, benefits and risks or uncertainties for each site.
Water is a precious resource and one that is essential for agriculture. Our government is always prepared to help ensure our producers and processors have the water they need to help put food on the tables of Albertans and others around the world. Now, more than ever, we need to do more with the water we have. Identifying potential opportunities for new reservoirs will help continue to grow our province and ensure our agriculture industry has the water it needs.
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
The Water Storage Opportunities Study is expected to be completed in 2025. Alberta’s government will use the results to help identify the most effective options to improve water storage in a responsible and cost-effective way. Some of the top-ranked sites may be selected to undergo a full feasibility study in the future.
This study is part of the Alberta government’s work to modernize the province’s water system and make every drop count. Along with this study, the province has feasibility studies in progress for the Ardley reservoir and Eyremore dams, launched the $125 million Drought and Flood Protection Program, and is currently engaging on potential ways to increase water availability and improve the water management system in Alberta.
B.C.
Mission Group’s 40-storey tower on St. Paul Street approved
The new Ksyen Regional Hospital in Terrace, B.C., has opened ahead of schedule, providing a state-of-the-art health-care facility more than twice the size of the previous hospital.
It includes 82 beds, private rooms, advanced emergency and trauma care facilities, four operating rooms, and cutting-edge diagnostic equipment.
Upgraded to serve as a Level 3 trauma center, the hospital aims to reduce the need for patient transfers to other facilities by offering advanced services locally.
The Whole Story:
Terrace B.C.’s new state-of-the-art Ksyen Regional Hospital is now open to the public ahead of schedule.
“People in Terrace had been asking for an upgraded health-care facility for years, and our government recognized the need and took action to make sure it happened,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “British Columbians deserve access to health care in modern, cutting-edge facilities and we are excited to be able to provide this to the community. We will continue to invest in capital health projects around the province.”
The new hospital is more than twice the size of the previous facility and has 82 beds, private rooms, a bigger emergency department space, including two trauma bays, six stretcher bays, pediatric care space and four operating rooms, as well as the latest diagnostic imaging equipment.
The hospital opened ahead of schedule. Initially, construction was anticipated to be complete in 2025.
“People in Terrace and throughout the province expect health care they can rely on when they or their loved ones need it,” said Debra Toporowski, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health. “With the new Ksyen Regional Hospital, we’re strengthening local care so fewer people will have to travel for services they need and more people can receive care in their own community.”
Work is underway to have the new hospital serve as a Level 3 trauma centre, upgraded from its current designation as Level 4, to support communities in northwestern B.C. by providing immediate assessment, resuscitation, surgery and intensive care. This new certification will allow more patients to be cared for locally without needing to be transported to another facility.
The new hospital will also include a Tier 3 neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery, which will provide community-based antenatal and postnatal services, education and parenting support to pregnant individuals, especially those at a higher risk of pregnancy complications compared to Tier 1 and 2 services.
The project cost of $633 million is being shared between the provincial government, through Northern Health, and the North West Regional Hospital District, which is contributing $120.2 million.
Work has been completed or is underway throughout B.C. to plan, build or upgrade 30 hospitals or health facilities, 11 long-term care centres and four cancer centres.
Key Takeaways:
The joint venture between AECOM and Jacobs Consultancy Canada will provide preliminary engineering services to upgrade the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves 750,000 residents and processes 200 billion liters of wastewater annually. The upgrade aims to meet regulatory requirements, improve water quality, and align with regional sustainability and carbon neutrality objectives.
AECOM plans to leverage its expertise in advanced water treatment technologies to enhance the facility’s environmental standards, operational efficiency, and climate resilience.
AECOM says it brings extensive experience in tackling Metro Vancouver’s unique environmental challenges, having collaborated on complex projects like the Stoney Creek Trunk Sewer Upgrade and the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The Whole Story:
AECOM announced that its joint venture with Jacobs Consultancy Canada has been selected by Metro Vancouver to provide preliminary engineering services for the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. The project seeks to upgrade the existing facility to meet regulatory requirements and ensure protection of public health and the environment in a growing region.
“As Metro Vancouver continues to invest in its water treatment facilities, we’re ready to support them as the industry’s top Water design firm,” said Beverley Stinson, chief executive of AECOM’s global Water business. “Aligned with global trends toward investment in sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including in solving global water supply challenges, our team is excited to apply our expertise in advanced water treatment technologies to the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring it meets the highest environmental standards and supports regional sustainability.”
Built in 1963, the plant serves approximately 750,000 residents and processes about 200 billion liters of wastewater annually. Through the plant upgrades, Metro Vancouver aims to ensure the project will improve water quality, support the region’s carbon neutrality objectives and enhance climate resilience. The joint venture will provide preliminary engineering services, including design and project planning oversight. The project intends to provide significant and sustainable improvements to the treatment facilities whilst minimizing environmental impact and enhancing operational efficiency.
“We’re proud to serve as a trusted partner on this critical upgrade, which builds on several recent water and wastewater treatment projects our teams are delivering for Metro Vancouver,” said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region. “Our deep understanding of the region’s unique environmental challenges and our experience on local projects will be instrumental in enhancing Metro Vancouver’s wastewater treatment capabilities and protecting the natural environment.”
The redevelopment of 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. will create a mixed-income, mixed-use community with 873 purpose-built rental homes, including 290 affordable units, along with retail, public spaces, and a Toronto Paramedic Services hub.
The project integrates adaptive reuse of the heritage Toronto Coach Terminal, sustainable features like a geothermal energy system, and a design inspired by Indigenous principles, aiming to exceed Toronto’s Green Standards and achieve Zero Carbon Building Certification.
Partnerships with the University Health Network, Hospital Workers’ Housing Co-operative, and community organizations will provide housing for essential workers, while additional features like a public plaza and organ repair center underline the development’s community-centric approach.
The Whole Story:
The City of Toronto and CreateTO have announced the Kilmer Group and Tricon Residential (Kilmer-Tricon) as the preferred proponents for the redevelopment of the City-owned sites at 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. – home to the decommissioned Toronto Coach Terminal.
The properties will be redeveloped into a mixed-income, mixed-use development including affordable housing, a new Toronto Paramedic Services hub and employment opportunities with a focus on innovative uses that take advantage of the unique location within the city’s Discovery District. The redevelopment will also include the adaptive reuse of the existing heritage building as well as streetscape improvements.
“We need to build more affordable homes in Toronto,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “That’s why I am so pleased that this project will transform the former Toronto Coach Terminal into not only new rental and affordable housing, but a thriving hub with healthcare facilities and space for small business to start and grow. This project sets a high bar for how we can build more homes, while celebrating our City’s history and embracing Indigenous knowledge as we build new communities.”
Consisting of two towers with residential, retail and public space, the development will be a 100% purpose-built rental project, delivering 873 new homes including 290 affordable rental homes.
The design vision for the site, led by award-winning architectural firms Studio Gang, architects-Alliance and Smoke Architecture, with landscape design by CCxA, is rooted in the Indigenous principle of the Seven Directions. The goal is to create a complete community that puts people first, invigorates the surrounding area and creates tree-lined public spaces that connect the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Additional project features include:
adaptive reuse of the heritage Toronto Coach Terminal and bus bays
a new 23,000-square-foot Toronto Paramedic Services Hub that will provide vital emergency support to surrounding communities
a partnership with University Health Network which intends to operate a state-of-the-art organ repair centre for heart, lung, kidney and liver transplants
affordable housing partnerships with the University Health Network, and the Hospital Workers’ Housing Co-operative to provide housing options for essential hospital workers and their families, as well as Woodgreen Community Services, the March of Dimes and Wigwamen
a new public plaza positioned between the two buildings, which will create an urban oasis and incorporate a series of ‘outdoor rooms’
a geothermal district energy system and sustainable building design, exceeding the requirements of the Toronto Green Standard and the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Certification.
Completion of construction and leasing of rental homes at 610 Bay St. is expected in first quarter of 2029 and in Q1 2030 for 130 Elizabeth St.
The properties at 610 Bay St. and 130 Elizabeth St. were selected for redevelopment through the ModernTO program adopted by Toronto City Council in October 2019 and are part of eight high-value City-owned sites identified as being currently underutilized, with opportunities to unlock value and address City needs.
More information about this project can be found on the CreateTO website .
The Anahim Lake Solar Project, led by the Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC), is set to reduce diesel dependency in the remote Anahim Lake community by approximately 64%, contributing to BC’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals.
The project leverages partnerships with Wildstone Construction, SkyFire Energy, and local stakeholders, emphasizing First Nations collaboration, skills development, and long-term economic benefits for the Ulkatcho First Nation.
Supported through federal and provincial funding programs, including the Green Infrastructure Stream and CleanBC Communities Fund, the project also features partnerships with prominent entities like ATCO, Hatch, and Hitachi Canada, showcasing a model for clean energy initiatives in remote communities.
The Whole Story:
Canada’s largest off-grid solar project has officially entered the construction phase with Penticton-based Wildstone Construction as the principal contractor.
When completed near Lake Anahim, B.C, the Anahim Lake Solar Project it is set to reduce the need for diesel generation in the remote community by approximately 64%. The Ulkatcho First Nation is off-the-grid, and power is currently entirely diesel generated.
The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation (UEC) has announced that Duz Cho Construction LP has completed the civil earthworks for the Solar Plant site. UEC is transforming the industrial land of an old sawmill owned by Yun Ka Whu’ten Forestry (a Member of the Ulkatcho Group of Companies) for the project. The project also includes the construction of a new access road, a solar control and monitoring facility, fire management, and other related property upgrades.
The UEC says it has made significant strides in the construction process with the recent selection of Wildstone Construction Ltd. as the principal contractor, following a competitive process.
“Wildstone is proud to be involved in this groundbreaking initiative along with our solar partner, SkyFire Energy,” said Mark Melissen, CEO Wildstone Construction Ltd. “This project not only marks a significant step toward sustainable energy for the Ulkatcho First Nation in Anahim Lake, but also offers long-term economic benefits, supporting local growth and energy independence for future generations.”
Based in Penticton, Wildstone brings a wealth of experience in executing projects within remote communities in BC, Alberta and Yukon, a strong commitment to collaborating with First Nations, use of local resources, and supporting long-term skills development for community members.
The UEC thanked all of its core funders and founding Technical Alliance Partners for all their support, noting that there is now a growing list of other collaborators assisting it in moving towards its objectives and eventual completion of project. This includes Strategies North Advisory and UGoC-DWB Consulting Services.
“This project marks a new path and a significant milestone for the Ulkatcho First Nation,” said Stephen James, CEO Ulkatcho Group of Companies. “Thanks to the unwavering support from BC Hydro and our Federal & Provincial Governments, the Anahim Lake Solar Project will greatly reduce the community’s reliance on diesel fuel. and will contribute to reducing BC’s GHG emissions. We value the opportunity to develop strong alliance partnerships in this Project, and look forward to working with Wildstone Construction Ltd.”
As the Anahim Lake Solar Project progresses, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation invites community members and stakeholders to stay informed. Future updates will be shared through the Ulkatcho First Nation website and social media channels.
The Anahim Lake Solar Project construction is expected to be completed by October 2025. On April 19, 2024, Ulkatcho Energy Corporation and BC Hydro signed a first-ever Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) for electricity generated through the Solar Plant.
The Anahim Lake Solar Project is being supported through blended funding including:
the Government of Canada through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the Community Opportunity Readiness Program, and Natural Resources Canada
the Government of British Columbia through the CleanBC Communities Fund, and
the New Relationship Trust through the Community Energy Diesel Reduction and BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative programs.
The Founding Technical Alliance Partners include:
ATCO (Owner’s Representative)
Hatch (Engineering)
Bennett Jones (Legal Advisors)
Hitachi Canada (Major Equipment Supplier)
BMO Bank of Montreal (Everyday Banking)
Key Takeaways:
Excavation has begun on a 16-metre-deep launch shaft at Exhibition Station, which will serve as the starting point for tunnel boring machines digging six kilometers eastward. The Ontario Line subway is a major part of Ontario’s largest-ever subway expansion project.
Once completed, the Ontario Line will provide over 40 connections to other transit services, significantly reducing travel times—for example, cutting a cross-city trip from Exhibition Place to Don Mills Road from 70 minutes to under 30 minutes.
The Ontario Line is part of the Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government has officially started excavating the launch shaft for the Ontario Line subway tunnels at Exhibition Station.
“It’s been more than 60 years since the first subway tunnels were built in downtown Toronto,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re getting the Ontario Line done to tackle gridlock and increase access to fast, reliable and affordable transit for millions of people across the GTA.”
The 16-metre-deep launch shaft will be the starting point for two tunnel boring machines that will dig six kilometres east, from Exhibition Station to the Don Yard, west of the Don River. Once tunnelling is complete, the launch shaft will be repurposed as a tunnel portal where Ontario Line trains will transition from above to below ground.
“The Ontario Line subway is part of one of the biggest partnerships to construct public transportation in Canadian history,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Work is progressing and today’s groundbreaking is another step toward affordable, reliable and quick public transit for Torontonians.”
Exhibition Station will be a vital transit hub, serving both the future subway and existing GO rail customers. A trip across the city from Exhibition Place to the Eglinton Crosstown LRT at Don Mills Road will take 30 minutes or less compared to the hour and 10 minutes it takes today. The Ontario Line will offer more than 40 connections to other subway, bus, streetcar and regional train services, bringing hundreds of thousands more people within walking distance of transit.
As part of the Transportation Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, the government is delivering Ontario’s priority transit projects, which include the largest subway expansion in Canadian history – the Ontario Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension, the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
Key Takeaways:
Barkerville Gold Mines has received an operating permit under the Mines Act for its Cariboo Gold Mine, marking the first project fully assessed under British Columbia’s updated 2018 Environmental Assessment Act.
The Cariboo Gold project, with a 16-year underground mining plan, represents a significant economic investment of over $1 billion, employing approximately 634 people during construction and processing 1.1 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore annually.
An additional permit under the Environmental Management Act is under review, aiming to regulate waste discharge and protect public health and the environment.
The Whole Story:
A provincial statutory decision-maker has granted Barkerville Gold Mines, owned by Osisko Development Corporation, an operating permit under the Mines Act for its Cariboo Gold Mine in Wells, in east-central B.C.
The permitting process for the project was completed in 13 months, following a rigorous technical review conducted by a qualified team of technical experts in collaboration with First Nations.
Cariboo Gold is an underground mine that will employ approximately 634 people during construction and see an initial investment of $137 million and another $918 million over the life of the mine. The project will have the capacity to process approximately 1.1 million tonnes per year of gold-bearing ore. It will include underground mining over 16 years, ore milling at the Quesnel River mine, approximately 58 kilometres southeast of Quesnel, storage of waste rock at the Bonanza Ledge Mine near Barkerville, and a transmission line from the Quesnel area to the mine.
A permit under the Environmental Management Act (EMA) for the Cariboo Gold project is under consideration with a statutory decision-maker in the Ministry of Environment and Parks. A decision is expected in the coming weeks. An EMA permit would provide authority for the company to introduce wastes into the environment while protecting public health and the environment. The EMA regulates industrial and municipal waste discharge, pollution, hazardous waste and contaminated site remediation.
This is the first project entirely assessed under the new 2018 Environmental Assessment Act that has been granted a Mines Act permit.
The Environmental Assessment Office completed its assessment of the mine project with extensive consultation from experts, First Nations, including the Lhtako Dené, Xatśūll, and Williams Lake First Nations, government agencies and the public.
The Environmental Assessment Act was modernized to enhance public confidence, transparency and meaningful participation, to advance reconciliation with First Nations, and to deliver stronger environmental protections, while supporting sustainable economic development.
New seniors housing project in Calgary breaks ground
Key Takeaways:
The Québec Bridge has been transferred back to federal ownership under the management of Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI). The government has committed to a 25-year rehabilitation plan with an annual investment of over $40 million to ensure the bridge’s sustainability and structural integrity.
The rehabilitation plan includes partnerships with CN (responsible for the rail corridor) and the Quebec government (responsible for the road corridor and bike path). A new advisory committee will be established to provide expert and community input for optimizing the bridge’s management and restoration.
The Québec Bridge is recognized for its economic, strategic, and heritage importance as a vital transportation and freight corridor, while also acknowledging its historical and cultural significance, including its tragic construction history and its crossing of ancestral First Nations territories.
The Whole Story:
The federal goverment once again owns the Québec Bridge.
Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, announced that the conditions necessary for the repatriation of the Québec Bridge to the federal government have been met. As a result, the Government of Canada is once again the owner of the historic piece of infrastructure.
The Government of Canada announced in May that it had reached an agreement in principle with Canadian National Railway (CN) to transfer ownership of the Québec Bridge. The agreement was formalized by the signing of a deed of transfer between Canada and CN on November 12, 2024.
The retrocession of the Québec Bridge will enable the Government of Canada to ensure the sustainability of this strategic infrastructure so that it can continue to benefit the economies of Canada and Quebec, as well as the entire population of the greater Quebec City region.
Management of the Québec Bridge will be entrusted to the federal Crown corporation Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI), which will assume all responsibilities as owner of the infrastructure, and will be responsible for implementing the rehabilitation plan for the Québec Bridge. The Government of Canada is confident that the expertise and experience acquired by JCCBI over the years, notably in operating the Jacques Cartier and Honoré Mercier bridges in Montreal, will enable it to successfully carry out this rehabilitation plan.
JCCBI will work closely with the two other partners and users of the Québec Bridge, CN, which remains responsible for the rail corridor, and the Quebec government, which remains responsible for the road corridor and bicycle path. A collaboration agreement between these three partners will be drawn up to optimize coordination and ensure the completion of all activities on the Québec Bridge.
The Government of Canada will invest more than $40 million a year over a 25-year period in the rehabilitation program. This program will begin with inspections and various studies to make the right diagnoses, prepare a detailed rehabilitation plan and prioritize the work to be carried out. The work will include repair and reinforcement of the steel, piers and footings, as well as a painting program to protect the steel from corrosion and improve the overall appearance of the bridge structure.
To support JCCBI, the Government of Canada has also announced the creation of an advisory committee: the Groupe consultatif pour la sauvegarde du pont de Québec. In the coming weeks, JCCBI will be responsible for setting up this advisory group.
This committee, made up of business people, experts and other citizens, will serve as a platform for expressing opinions and formulating proposals to JCCBI. Further details on the submission and selection process will follow.
The Québec Bridge is of great economic, strategic and heritage importance. For over 100 years, the people of the region have relied on this bridge for their daily commutes, tourism and trade. The Government of Canada stated that it recognizes the importance of this bridge as a strategic freight corridor for regional, national and international markets, and as an important link in the Canadian supply chain.
The Government of Canada also noted that it wishes to remember the tragic history of the bridge’s construction and the legacy of the many workers who lost their lives in its construction. It also recognizes that this bridge crosses the ancestral territory of several First Nations who have occupied this site since time immemorial.
Key Takeaways:
The Ontario government is investing in road and highway upgrades to enhance connections between First Nations communities in the Greenstone area and the provincial highway network. This includes replacing culverts and planning pavement rehabilitation on major highways like Hwy. 584 and Hwy. 11.
Investments include a $2 million funding boost for the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, which will create jobs and support revenue generation for First Nations and the Municipality of Greenstone. Additionally, $2 million has been allocated to purchase and expand the Greenstone Gold Mine Assay Laboratory, creating long-term employment opportunities in mining.
The Indigenous Workforce Development Program has enrolled 45 participants in mining-related pre-trades training, equipping Indigenous community members with skills for jobs in the mining and resource sectors, fostering long-term economic reconciliation and empowerment.
The Whole Story:
This month, officials in Ontario marked the completion of critical highway infrastructure improvements in the Greenstone area in Northern Ontario. These highway upgrades at the gateway to the Ring of Fire region will improve connections to the provincial highway network for First Nations in the Greenstone area while also supporting the province’s ongoing work to unlock the economic potential of Ontario’s critical minerals in partnership with First Nations.
“I’m excited to see first-hand the improvements being made to road and highway infrastructure in Greenstone, as we continue working with First Nations partners to unlock new economic opportunities here at the gateway to the Ring of Fire region,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Along with the upgrades being made to infrastructure, we’re also investing in skills development programs for Indigenous community members in the mining and construction sectors as part of our ongoing efforts to advance meaningful and lasting economic reconciliation with First Nations.”
Completing highway infrastructure improvements that improve First Nations communities’ road connections to the province’s highway network, which include successfully removing and replacing seven culverts on Hwy. 584 in 2024 and finishing work on three culverts along Hwy. 11 in 2025. An additional 26 culverts will be replaced along Hwy. 584 during the 2025-2026 construction seasons, while pavement rehabilitation of Hwy. 584 is planned for 2027.
Supporting development of the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop, which will serve First Nation members, tourists and residents while creating jobs and driving revenue for First Nations and the Municipality of Greenstone. Ontario is investing $2 million in additional funding to support construction and maintenance of truck parking, washroom facilities and amenities for the Migizi Plaza Rest Stop throughout the terms of the agreement. Site preparation work has begun for transport truck parking and associated amenities with work starting during the 2025 construction season.
Approved funding of $2 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to Kenogamisis Investment GP Corporation for the purchase of the Greenstone Gold Mine Assay Laboratory in Geraldton. The corporation plans to renovate and expand the facility to accommodate additional staff and mining process services, creating long-term employment opportunities for members of the First Nation communities involved in the project.
Enrollment of 45 participants in the Indigenous Workforce Development Program, which is operated by Minodahmun Development LP and funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Participants are currently engaged in mining-related pre-trades training, equipping them with the skills needed to secure jobs in mineral development within the region.
“Working in close partnership with First Nations leaders, we are laying the groundwork for Greenstone to become a powerful centre of economic opportunity in Northern Ontario,” said Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford. “Our shared commitment to building long-term prosperity for northern communities is creating meaningful progress today and paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.”
Key Takeaways:
Asahi Kasei is building a $1.7 billion lithium-ion battery separator plant in Port Colborne, marking Canada’s first facility of this kind. This significant investment is aimed at enhancing Ontario’s end-to-end electric vehicle (EV) and battery supply chain.
Asahi Kasei has entered a joint venture with Honda Motor Co. to oversee the Port Colborne plant’s construction and operations. This collaboration aims to supply materials for approximately one million EVs annually by 2027, creating over 300 jobs in the region.
Ontario has attracted over $45 billion in EV-related investments since 2020, securing its position as a leader in the EV industry. However, recent EV demand fluctuations have caused delays in some projects, including Umicore’s and Stellantis’ battery plants, highlighting potential volatility in the sector.
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Multinational Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei has begun work on a $1.7 billion manufacturing facility in Port Colborne to produce lithium-ion battery separators, a key component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The new plant, the first of its kind in Canada, is a significant part of Ontario’s growing end-to-end EV and battery supply chain, accelerating the production of Ontario-made EVs.
“The start of construction on Asahi Kasei’s battery separator plant is a major step forward in building Ontario’s electric vehicle supply chain, connecting minerals in the north with electric vehicle battery makers and automakers across the province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This facility will help lay the groundwork to produce electric vehicles from start to finish by Ontario workers with Ontario-made components, bringing better jobs and bigger paycheques to communities across the province.”
The start of construction closely follows the recent announcement of a joint venture between Asahi Kasei and Honda Canada Inc. that will be established to oversee construction and production activities at the Port Colborne plant.
Earlier this year, Honda announced plans to establish Canada’s first comprehensive electric vehicle supply chain with four new manufacturing plants including this separator plant in partnership with Asahi Kasei. With phase one expected to be complete in 2027, the separator plant is projected to produce enough material to supply approximately one million EVs annually and create more than 300 jobs in the region.
“Asahi Kasei’s investment in Ontario’s auto sector represents a clear vote of confidence in our province’s world-class workforce, dependable supply chains, competitive business environment and reliable clean energy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As our government continues to position Ontario as the epicentre of electric vehicle innovation, we look forward to seeing the partnership between Asahi Kasei and Honda come to fruition and bring economic growth and good-paying jobs to the Niagara Region.”
Since 2020, Ontario has attracted over $45 billion in EV and battery investments from companies including Honda, GM, Ford and Stellantis, along with key parts and component producers, helping to build-out the province’s end-to-end supply chain and solidifying the province as a leader in the EV sector.
However, the EV market’s recent slowdown has led to some setbacks. Umicore Rechargeable Battery Materials Inc. has delayed construction of its $2.7 billion battery component plant near Kingston, citing a decline in EV demand. Similarly, Stellantis temporarily halted construction on a portion of its EV battery plant in Windsor due to a dispute with the federal government over funding commitments.
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The $495-million Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project will replace a 1930s-era water main nearing the end of its service life, ensuring the continued provision of high-quality drinking water for Metro Vancouver. The upgrade is also designed to enhance earthquake resilience and support future population growth.
A 1.4-kilometer-long tunnel will be constructed deep under Stanley Park, along with three vertical shafts at key locations (Burrard Inlet, a central service yard, and Chilco Street). Measures will be taken to minimize disruption, such as installing temporary pedestrian and cyclist paths and restoring construction sites to equal or better condition.
Construction is set to begin this month and is expected to continue through 2029.
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Metro Vancouver will begin construction this month on the $495-million Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel, a major project that will replace an aging piece of infrastructure and help maintain the regional district’s ability to reliably provide high-quality drinking water.
“The new Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel will replace a water main that was built in the 1930s and is nearing the end of its service life, so it’s extremely important that we make this upgrade,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors. “This work is also part of Metro Vancouver’s push to ensure our drinking water infrastructure can better withstand strong earthquakes and accommodate future population growth.”
A new 1.4-kilometre-long water supply tunnel will be constructed deep under Stanley Park to replace a water main that was built in the 1930s. Two new valve chambers will control the flow of water through mains in the area.
To excavate the tunnel, install the water main, and build the valve chambers, three vertical shafts will be constructed in Stanley Park — one near Burrard Inlet, one in the middle of the park in a service yard, and one at Chilco Street.
Officials say the shaft locations, along with the tunnel alignment and construction process, were selected based on rigorous geotechnical, environmental, archaeological, technological, and traffic studies. Construction areas at all three shaft sites will be restored to equal or better condition.
The first six months of construction will see the three main sites fenced and cleared, and site offices will be built. At the centre shaft site, an abandoned building will be demolished and the yard entrance moved. At the Chilco shaft site, temporary pedestrian and cyclist paths will be installed to ensure park users can continue to use the area during construction, and a new accessible ramp will provide uninterrupted access to the community garden.
“The Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is critical to our drinking water system. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as construction gets underway,” said Malcolm Brodie, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee. “We are taking great care to reduce the impacts that this work will have on neighbours and park visitors.”
Construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is expected to last through 2029.
The Site C project has successfully completed its reservoir filling, raising water levels by approximately 43 meters over 11 weeks.
BC Hydro has conducted over 1,000 inspections and collected over a million data points to ensure safety, with key structures like the dam, powerhouse, and spillways performing well.
Treaty 8 First Nations cultural monitors have observed the reservoir filling, and ongoing environmental monitoring will track the impact on wildlife and fish.
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Reservoir filling for the Site C project has been safely completed after 11 weeks, with the water level at the dam site increasing by about 43 metres.
While reservoir filling is complete, BC Hydro continues to strongly urge the public to stay out of the reservoir area for at least the next year. This is due to potential hazards on the reservoir, such as the surrounding land continuing to stabilize, floating vegetation debris and ice.
BC Hydro says ithas conducted more than one thousand inspections and collected more than one million instrumentation readings to ensure the safe operation of the dam since reservoir filling began. Key project structures such as the earthfill dam, powerhouse, spillways and approach channel are performing well.
A timelapse video shows the reservoir filling. – BC Hydro
Slope stability instrumentation monitoring has been occurring daily, along with weekly visual inspections. Reservoir shoreline and slope changes have been within the expected range during filling. Engineers will continue with shoreline and slope stability monitoring over the operating life of Site C.
Since mid-August, cultural monitors from Treaty 8 First Nations have monitored the reservoir filling process throughout the reservoir area. Environmental monitoring, including of wildlife and fish, will continue during operations of the dam.
With the first generating unit on Site C now in operation, testing and commissioning work on the second generating unit continues. The Site C project remains on-track to have all six generating units in service by fall 2025.
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The Ontario government is progressing with the second phase of the Gardiner Expressway reconstruction ahead of schedule, driven by a $73 million investment and a 24/7 construction schedule. The full project is set to complete one year earlier than planned.
The project involves rehabilitating 700 meters of elevated roadway between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, including structural reinforcement, new streetlights, and an upgraded traffic management system.
By accelerating the project, the government expects to save Ontario’s economy $273 million by reducing gridlock sooner, facilitating faster movement of people and goods across the province.
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The Ontario government is marking the start of the second phase of construction on the Gardiner Expressway four months ahead of schedule. Officiacls say the early milestone is the result of the government’s $73 million investment in the project on the condition that construction work may be allowed to proceed 24/7.
“We’re making real progress on our government’s plan to fight gridlock and keep drivers moving,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re not only getting it done on the Gardiner Expressway, we’re also bringing common sense changes to bike lanes through new legislation and speeding up construction of priority highway projects like Highway 413, Bradford Bypass and the Garden City Skyway bridge, to help get drivers across the province out of gridlock.”
With two eastbound lanes on the Gardiner Expressway now rehabilitated and reopened, crews will begin the demolition and reconstruction of two centre lanes, before completing work on the remaining two westbound lanes. The full project is expected to be finished one year ahead of schedule and includes revitalizing 700 metres of elevated roadway from Dufferin Street to Strachan Avenue, reinforcing support structures, installing new streetlights and upgrading the traffic management system.
Once construction is complete, the 140,000 drivers who rely on the Gardiner every day will save up to 22 minutes per trip. Accelerating construction is expected to save Ontario’s economy $273 million by getting drivers and goods out of gridlock earlier than originally planned.
