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