Category: Sustainability

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario’s new Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan aims to accelerate homebuilding and grow the forestry sector by promoting locally manufactured modular and prefabricated wood products.
• The plan includes $13 million in provincial investments to support advanced wood construction research, training, and manufacturing.
• Prefabricated wood construction can cut building timelines by up to 50% and reduce costs by up to 20%, helping address the province’s housing shortage.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government has released a new action plan to promote the use of locally made wood products in modular and prefabricated construction, a move it says will help build more homes faster and strengthen the province’s forest sector.

The Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan sets out a roadmap to boost awareness, remove regulatory barriers, support innovation, and showcase real-world applications of advanced wood construction—including the use of mass timber and other engineered wood materials in mid- and high-rise buildings.

“As our government delivers on its plan to protect and build Ontario, this action plan will help promote and prioritize wood-based building with made-in-Ontario wood construction products,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Advanced wood construction is a new opportunity that can help get more homes built faster and build a stronger, more competitive forest sector.”

Advanced wood construction refers to modern building systems that use cross-laminated timber and other prefabricated wood products. These systems can shorten construction timelines by up to 50 per cent and cut costs by as much as 20 per cent, according to the province. The method is seen as a key strategy in reaching Ontario’s ambitious housing goals while supporting sustainability and job growth.

To date, the province has committed more than $13 million to support the sector, including:

• Over $8 million to establish and expand production at Element5, Ontario’s first automated cross-laminated timber manufacturer;
• Nearly $3 million for education and research through organizations such as the Canadian Wood Council and the Canadian Wood Construction Research Network;
• Funding for mass timber buildings at George Brown College and the University of Toronto;
• Support for FPInnovations and the Mass Timber Institute to advance technical expertise and innovation.

“We’re harnessing forest sector innovation to enhance how we build our homes, businesses and communities,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Our government recognizes the potential of advanced wood construction—and our action plan is bringing its benefits to Ontario.”

Industry groups and municipal leaders welcomed the plan. Ian Dunn, president of the Ontario Forest Industries Association, called it a “blueprint for economic growth,” while Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said the initiative supports housing targets and protects local jobs.

“Effectively meeting the challenge of housing affordability and supply requires investment in all forms of housing options, including cross-laminated timber,” said Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario.

The action plan is part of the province’s broader Forest Sector Strategy, which aims to increase the use of Ontario wood, create new markets, and encourage sustainable resource development. The forest sector generated $21.6 billion in revenue in 2023 and supports over 128,000 jobs across the province.

A draft version of the action plan was posted for public comment in July 2024. The finalized strategy now moves ahead with implementation alongside ongoing changes to building codes, regulatory engagement, and funding support.

Key Takeaways:

• The Canada Infrastructure Bank is investing $50 million to help Creative Energy implement low-carbon district energy systems in B.C. and Ontario, beginning with a major project at Thompson Rivers University.
• The university will retrofit 12 buildings and add low-carbon heating to a new facility, replacing natural gas systems with electric heat pumps to move toward net-zero carbon by 2030.
• With buildings accounting for 18% of Canada’s emissions, the partnership aims to accelerate energy efficiency upgrades and reduce emissions across the country through long-term, flexible financing.

The Whole Story:

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has finalized a $50-million loan agreement with Creative Energy to support deep energy retrofits at buildings in British Columbia and Ontario, starting with a major decarbonization project at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops.

The project will see 12 existing campus buildings upgraded and a new Indigenous Education Centre connected to a centralized low-carbon heating system. The upgrades are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions from campus heating by 95 per cent, bringing the university close to its target of achieving zero carbon by 2030.

Creative Energy, which operates one of North America’s largest district energy systems, will implement the retrofits using air-source and water-source heat pumps to replace traditional natural gas-based heating systems.

The partnership aims to help building owners across both provinces transition to electrified, high-efficiency district energy systems, with anticipated emissions reductions exceeding 90%.

“This investment is part of the CIB’s $1.2-billion Building Retrofits Initiative,” said Ehren Cory, CEO of the CIB. “It enables building owners to cut emissions, lower energy costs and modernize their assets through flexible, long-term financing.”

Federal Infrastructure and Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the initiative will support cleaner, more affordable energy while creating jobs and making communities more resilient.

TRU President Brett Fairbairn said the project aligns with the university’s sustainability goals and will double as a learning tool, turning the campus into a “living lab” to showcase clean energy technologies.

Creative Energy President Kieran McConnell called the project a “landmark step” in accelerating large-scale building decarbonization across Canada.

The global solar lighting experts at Sol by Sunna Design have heard every excuse in the book for why their approach won’t work—solar lighting is expensive, it won’t work in cold climates, someone had a bad experience with another provider, the list goes on.

As they launch the EverGen 3 outdoor solar lighting system, the culmination of decades of research and experience, and expand into the Canadian market, their team is working to dispel long-held myths about the solar lighting industry. 

Solar lighting is great, but won’t work here

Solar projects are a no-brainer when it comes to the Golden State of California, the sun-soaked deserts of Saudi Arabia, or the cloudless skies of Australia. But do they work in the moody skies of the Pacific Northwest or during the frigid winters of the East Coast? 

“Every customer thinks they live in a special environment and it won’t work,” said Martin Saunier-Plumaz, Sol’s National Director, explaining that, unfortunately, cheap, poorly designed off-the-shelf products have reinforced this myth. “Commercial solar lights like ours are different.”

Sol’s team customizes solutions to fit a customer’s specific environment and needs by investigating decades of weather data. In Canada, where some locations see as little as 3 hours of sunshine in winter, panel size is critical. Many smaller or less efficient solar panels won’t be able to collect enough energy. Battery capacity also needs to take these realities into consideration–plus, some technologies won’t charge below 0 degrees.

“Solar will work provided you can put the right technology in place with the right size,” he said.

Solar light providers are the same

Sol has never been content doing things the same way as everyone else. With 35 years of experience, they have spent decades refining, innovating and pushing the technology forward in North America. 

“We were here before LEDs were even invented,” he said. “We have seen it all. We’ve had failures. We’ve learned from those failures. Now we know what works. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Sizing the proper solar light product is a science.” 

All these decades of global experience have led to the EverGen 3. It features high-density lithium batteries and advanced solar panels using N-Type TOPCon technology cells with greater energy collection capacity, enabling a more compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly design. 

By partnering with leading lighting fixture manufacturers like Acuity, Sol ensures the EverGen 3 delivers lighting performance on par with the best grid-tied systems, prioritizing quality and reliability so users experience seamless, maintenance-free illumination regardless of their power source. The EverGen 3 is positioned as the ultimate solar light, combining cutting-edge solar technology with top-tier lighting to meet the needs of modern outdoor and off-grid environments.

Solar lighting is not reliable

Starting out in Pompano Beach, FL, Sol had a vision to provide industrial-grade solar lighting. Early installs included many federal and military sites, but eventually, their approach spread around the globe. 

“To meet the needs of these clients, the product had to be tough enough for industrial applications, simple enough that it requires minimal maintenance and high-quality enough so it can last a long time,” he said. “That experience means we can build products that are going to work in every single environment.”

The new Evergen also has hybrid technology, giving users an extra layer of reliability. In the rare event that there isn’t enough solar power in the battery at the beginning of the night, the Evergen can switch to the grid. This guarantees light for high-risk applications and risk-averse clients. And if there’s ever an issue, you’re covered by a 10-year full-system warranty. 

“That’s longer than any lighting fixture, so you will have to replace the fixture long before the solar panel,” he said. “And if an experienced team like Sol selects and sizes the proper battery, it will last 10-15 years without needing replacement.”

Solar lighting is too expensive

Speaking of cost, how hard is solar lighting going to hit your wallet? The technology is constantly improving, costs are coming down, and governments are eager to incentivize green solutions. 

Sol has adopted high-efficiency solar panels and high-density batteries, which store more energy in a smaller space and reduce the amount of metal needed. These innovations, along with improved system design, have lowered product costs by 40–60% compared to earlier EverGen while increasing reliability and performance.

In remote or underserved locations where electrical infrastructure is lacking, outdated, or non-existent, the cost of digging trenches, laying conduits, and connecting to the grid can be so high that solar lighting is often cheaper than grid-tied alternatives. 

The Canadian government is also eager to switch industries to cleaner energy. Businesses can benefit from a refundable tax credit covering up to 30% of capital investment costs in clean technologies, including solar energy systems. Additionally, businesses can write off up to 100% of qualifying clean energy investments. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that once a solar solution is set up, the sunshine that gives it power is totally free. 

“I see the EverGen as the ultimate solar light,” said Saunier-Plumaz. “It’s everything a solar light should be.” He also believes it’s perfect for Canada, where many communities are remote or are trying to move away from fossil fuels. And many larger cities are eager to be more green as well. “I feel like Canadians are pretty open to new ideas,” he said. “They’re pretty progressive, so I think it’s a great fit.”

Learn more about Sol and their EverGen system at their website: evergen.solarlighting.com

Key Takeaways:

• Carbon Upcycling Technologies, a Calgary-based cleantech firm, has won the 2025 Keeling Curve Prize for its work turning CO₂ emissions and industrial waste into low-carbon building materials.
• The company’s technology mineralizes captured CO₂ into cement alternatives, helping decarbonize the concrete industry while promoting circular use of waste materials like steel slag and fly ash.
• The Keeling Curve Prize, awarded by the Global Warming Mitigation Project, recognizes impactful climate solutions that help lower global greenhouse gas levels; winners receive US$50,000 to support their work.

The Whole Story:

A Canadian carbon capture company that turns emissions into building materials has been named a winner of the 2025 Keeling Curve Prize, an international award recognizing high-impact efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon Upcycling Technologies, based in Calgary, was selected for its work transforming CO₂ emissions and industrial waste—such as steel slag and fly ash—into low-carbon cement alternatives.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our team to tackling climate change through bold, forward-thinking solutions,” the company said in a statement Tuesday.

The Keeling Curve Prize, awarded annually by the Global Warming Mitigation Project, is named after the iconic chart that has tracked rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels since the late 1950s. The prize honours initiatives helping to “bend the curve” of CO₂ emissions downward through innovative, scalable approaches.

Carbon Upcycling’s technology captures CO₂ from industrial sources and mineralizes it into cementitious materials that can be used in concrete. The company says its process not only helps decarbonize one of the world’s most emissions-intensive industries but also promotes circularity by incorporating waste streams from heavy industry.

“Every tonne of carbon we capture and utilize in cement is a step toward reversing the arc of that curve—and reimagining what’s possible in the built environment,” the company said. “From steel slag to fly ash to CO₂ itself, we are enabling circular solutions for a climate-resilient future.”

The company joins a global cohort of 2025 Keeling Curve Prize winners working across sectors such as energy, finance, land use and transportation to mitigate global warming. Each recipient receives US$50,000 to further their efforts.

Founded in 2014, Carbon Upcycling has expanded its operations into multiple countries and has partnered with major cement producers and industrial players to integrate its technology into large-scale infrastructure projects. The company is among a growing number of Canadian climate tech firms attracting global attention for decarbonization strategies that blend innovation with real-world implementation.

Key Takeaways:

• Kalesnikoff has opened a new $30-million, 100,000 sq. ft. modular mass timber facility in Castlegar, B.C., aimed at accelerating the production of sustainable materials for housing, schools, and other infrastructure.
• The project received nearly $10 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments, highlighting its alignment with national priorities around job creation, sustainability, and rapid housing construction.
• As one of North America’s leading mass timber manufacturers, Kalesnikoff is leveraging its legacy and advanced technology to deliver prefabricated, low-carbon building solutions — positioning itself at the forefront of the green building movement.

The Whole Story:

Kalesnikoff Mass Timber officially opened its new 100,000-square-foot modular facility in Castlegar on Thursday, expanding its capacity to manufacture mass timber products for use in housing, schools, childcare centres, and commercial infrastructure across North America.

Located near the West Kootenay Regional Airport, the new site adds a range of offerings — including prefabricated wall and floor systems, light-frame trusses, and volumetric modular units — to Kalesnikoff’s existing operations in nearby South Slocan. Company officials say the $30-million investment will help address Canada’s pressing need for more affordable and sustainable buildings.

“We are expanding our mass timber products and expertise to meet the evolving needs of our customers and industry,” said Chris Kalesnikoff, the company’s chief operating officer. “We are excited to contribute to addressing key challenges like affordable, sustainable and high-quality housing at scale, as well as classroom spaces.”

The federal and provincial governments contributed nearly $10 million in funding to support the project. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) provided $3 million through its Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program, while the Province of British Columbia’s Manufacturing Jobs Fund committed $6.725 million to support the creation of approximately 100 new jobs.

“This new facility represents a significant $30 million investment for Kalesnikoff,” said chief financial officer Krystle Seed.

Federal and provincial officials lauded the project as a key step in supporting Canada’s forestry sector while advancing national housing goals.

“Canada’s innovative, sustainable forest sector creates good jobs, supports communities in British Columbia and across the country, and provides the material that we can use to build our country,” said Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, calling the Castlegar facility the first of its kind in North America.

“British Columbia is blessed with incredible natural resources,” added Gregor Robertson, federal minister of housing and infrastructure. “Canada’s forest sector is central to our housing and building ambitions, and will be key to our plan, through Build Canada Homes, to double the pace of housing construction.”

B.C. Jobs Minister Diana Gibson said partnerships with mass timber manufacturers like Kalesnikoff are key to growing advanced wood manufacturing in the province, adding, “We’re supporting local economies and creating long-term, sustainable jobs.”

Kalesnikoff, a fourth-generation, family-owned business with an 86-year legacy in the West Kootenay region, entered the mass timber sector in 2019. The company has since become one of North America’s leading vertically integrated producers of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams.

Key Takeaways:

• The Canada Infrastructure Bank is investing over $108 million in a new Mi’gmaq-led wind energy project in eastern Quebec, marking its first Indigenous equity loan in the province.
• The Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Farm is a partnership between Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex Renewable Energy, and will create local jobs while generating enough electricity to power 20,000 homes under a long-term agreement with Hydro-Québec.
• The project is being highlighted by government and industry leaders as a model for Indigenous economic development and clean energy collaboration, with operations expected to begin in late 2026.

The Whole Story:

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is investing $108.3 million to support the development of a new wind energy project in eastern Quebec, including its first Indigenous equity loan in the province.

The funding will support the 102.2-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n 2 Wind Farm (MU2), located near Rivière-Nouvelle on Mi’gmaq traditional territory in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region. The project is a partnership between the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation (MMBC), which represents the Gesgapegiag, Gespeg, and Listuguj Mi’gmaq communities, and Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.

Of the total investment, $15.8 million will be issued as an equity loan to support MMBC’s ownership stake. The remaining $92.5 million will go toward construction costs. The MU2 project was the only successful bidder from two recent provincial renewable energy tenders to include an Indigenous community partner.

“This project is about building—building clean energy, good jobs and stronger communities,” said Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. “Through this investment, the Mi’gmaq will advance clean energy, help power homes and secure long-term benefits through community ownership.”

Additional financing for the project includes a $163.9 million green loan, a $41 million construction bridge loan, and a letter of credit facility from CIBC, Desjardins, and National Bank of Canada.

MU2 is expected to generate approximately 150 direct construction jobs, with at least 30% of the workforce drawn from local Mi’gmaq communities. Revenues will be reinvested in community initiatives.

“This project is a powerful example of how strong Indigenous-led partnerships and clean energy development go hand in hand to generate economic and environmental value,” said Michel Letellier, president and CEO of Innergex.

The wind farm will be developed adjacent to the existing 150-megawatt Mesgi’g Ugju’s’n Wind Farm (MU1), also a 50-50 partnership between the Mi’gmaq communities and Innergex. MU2 will use Nordex turbines and operate under a 30-year power purchase agreement with Hydro-Québec. The project is expected to power about 20,000 homes and reduce emissions by more than 150,000 tonnes annually.

“MU2 reflects the maturity and determination of our communities to lead impactful energy development on our own terms,” said Frederic Vicaire, CEO of MMBC. “This partnership with Innergex and the support from the CIB demonstrate that Indigenous-led projects can be scalable, bankable, and rooted in long-term vision.”

The project aligns with Hydro-Québec’s Electricity Supply Plan, which forecasts a 12 percent increase in demand between 2019 and 2029. Commercial operations are expected to begin in late 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Nucor Corporation, a major steel producer, has made a strategic equity investment in Nexii Inc., a restructured version of a once high-flying Canadian prefab startup, signaling Nucor’s continued expansion into integrated construction solutions.
• After filing for creditor protection and being sold for just US$500,000 in early 2024, Nexii has been recapitalized by Texas-based 3 Gates Capital. The company has since resumed operations in British Columbia and is planning U.S. expansion, backed by $8 million in plant upgrades and rehiring of staff.
• Nexii is connected to national politics through Gregor Robertson, former Vancouver mayor and now Canada’s Housing Minister, who previously helped steer the company’s green building strategy as an executive.

The Whole Story:

Nucor Corporation has made an equity investment in Nexii Inc., a Dallas-based manufacturer of preabricated wall and roof systems for commercial and industrial buildings.

The investment was confirmed by Nexii CEO Audrey Pinkerton, who said it would support the company’s growth plans and product development efforts. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Nexii is the restructured successor to a Canadian startup of the same name, previously known for producing pre-manufactured panels for clients such as Walmart, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. Under new ownership, the company is expanding production capacity at its British Columbia facility and is planning to open a new U.S. plant.

Nucor, one of North America’s largest steel producers, has made several acquisitions in the building products sector in recent years. Its portfolio includes companies involved in data center infrastructure, insulated metal panels, and overhead doors. The Nexii investment aligns with Nucor’s ongoing push to provide integrated construction solutions to the non-residential market.

Nexii’s proprietary building system uses a fast-setting, low-carbon concrete shell around a steel and foam core. The company says the system is designed to reduce on-site labor, minimize construction waste, and improve energy efficiency.

Nexii was originally founded in 2019 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, before relocating its headquarters to Vancouver. The company rose to prominence as one of Canada’s fastest-growing startups, achieving “unicorn” status in 2021 with a valuation exceeding US$1 billion just 31 months after its founding. By 2022, its valuation had reportedly reached as high as US$2 billion, fueled by significant investment rounds and rapid expansion plans, including projects with major clients like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Starbucks.

However, the company’s momentum began to stall under financial pressure. In early 2024, Nexii filed for creditor protection in British Columbia, revealing that it owed more than C$109 million to creditors. As part of the restructuring process, it sold off its subsidiary Omicron and laid off staff.

Later that year, Nexii’s assets were acquired by Texas-based 3 Gates Capital through a court-approved sale valued at around US$500,000, with 3 Gates also assuming more than C$20 million in liabilities. Under new ownership, the company was relaunched as Nexii Inc., with operations centralized in Dallas and plans to continue manufacturing out of British Columbia. By mid-2024, the new ownership group had invested $8 million into upgrading the company’s Squamish plant and rehired much of the original workforce.

Now recapitalized and restructured, Nexii is once again positioning itself as a key player in the prefabricated building materials sector.

The storied startup also has ties to national politics. Current Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson joined Nexii Building Solutions after leaving his decade-long tenure as Vancouver’s mayor, taking on the role of Executive Vice President of Strategy, Partnerships and Impact. In that capacity, he helped guide the green construction firm toward market growth and product innovation.

On April 28, 2025, Robertson won election as Liberal MP for Vancouver Fraserview–South Burnaby and, just weeks later on May 13, was appointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney as Canada’s Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, also overseeing Pacific Economic Development Canada.

Key Takeaways:

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

The Whole Story:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

• AtkinsRéalis and Électricité de France (EDF) have signed a significant collaboration agreement aimed at supporting the global expansion of nuclear energy by combining their engineering capabilities, sharing best practices, and jointly providing non-reactor equipment and commissioning services.
• The partnership will help scale up the development of both large and small nuclear reactors to meet growing international demand for low-carbon, reliable energy, while each company retains the ability to compete independently in reactor technology selection processes.
• The agreement deepens the long-standing relationship between the two companies—already collaborating on nuclear projects in the UK and France—and positions them to jointly enhance nuclear capabilities and energy security in Canada, Europe, and globally.

The Whole Story:

AtkinsRéalis Group announced it has concluded a pivotal collaboration agreement with Électricité de France (EDF), one of the world’s leading electricity production and distribution companies.

“This collaboration agreement with a world-class organization like EDF is a gamechanger for the nuclear industry and makes good strategic sense,” said Ian L. Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer, AtkinsRéalis. “There is a global need for more cleaner, affordable and reliable energy that can only be achieved with nuclear power. Only by scaling up our efforts can we address the need for more low-carbon energy and for global market demand of 1000 large and small reactors.”

The collaboration agreement, which will expand the strategic partnership between the two nuclear power nations and better integrate their respective industries, will cover both pre-technology and post-technology vendor selection processes and will include:

• Engineering support
• The provision of non-reactor equipment
• Sharing of best practices
• Installation and commissioning services
• Engagement between the centres of excellence of each organization

Both companies will continue to compete on reactor technology vendor selection processes where appropriate or when asked by governments and developers in support of global efforts to transition to low-carbon energy.

“AtkinsRéalis is already working with EDF in the UK and France as a strategic partner in their new nuclear build program. This collaboration strengthens our relationship and will enable both organizations to extend international capacity, while harnessing their collective expertise and technical capabilities, to support the next wave of nuclear generation in the coming years,” said Joe St. Julian, President, Nuclear, AtkinsRéalis.

“The deepening of our partnership with AtkinsRéalis underscores EDF’s commitment to steering progress in the nuclear industry alongside our valued Canadian partner. By combining their global and complementary expertise, knowledge and skills, both our companies demonstrate their dedication to fostering innovation and bolstering both our nations’ nuclear capabilities for enhanced energy sovereignty and security. The power of working together will drive us forward in Canada, in Europe and around the world,” said Vakis Ramany, SVP, International Nuclear Development, EDF.

Canada is actively advancing the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of its clean energy transition and net-zero goals. The federal government, alongside provinces like Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Alberta, has endorsed a national SMR Action Plan to support the safe, commercially viable rollout of SMRs.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is leading the way with the construction of a GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMR at the Darlington site—the first grid-scale SMR project in North America, set to be completed by the end of the decade. Parallel efforts include feasibility studies, regulatory groundwork by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), and investment in Indigenous engagement, workforce development, and supply chain readiness to ensure SMRs play a significant role in decarbonizing Canada’s energy, mining, and remote sectors.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ontario government and City of Toronto are moving forward with plans to build a third electricity transmission line into downtown Toronto, responding to projections that the city’s electricity demand will nearly double by 2050 — especially in fast-growing areas like the Port Lands and East Harbour.
• The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has proposed three potential routes — two overland and one underwater — all designed to minimize land-use impacts by leveraging existing corridors, underground cabling, or underwater infrastructure. A final recommendation will be made by August 2025 after further public and stakeholder engagement.
• Alongside the transmission line, the IESO will explore complementary solutions such as rooftop solar, battery storage, and expanded energy efficiency programs to help manage peak demand and ensure a reliable, affordable power supply for Toronto’s growing population and infrastructure needs.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government and City of Toronto are working together to bring a third electricity transmission line into downtown Toronto to ensure the city has the power it needs to support new homes, economic growth and major infrastructure like transit. The government’s plan to significantly expand energy infrastructure is an important part of its work to protect Ontario by making the province the most competitive jurisdiction and best place to invest and create jobs in the G7.

“We are acting now to protect Ontario families, workers and businesses by ensuring our province’s largest city has the power it needs to grow,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “By planning for and investing in this critical infrastructure, we’re securing the electricity needed to power new communities like the Port Lands and East Harbour in downtown Toronto, as well as supporting major transit expansions like the Ontario Line and securing a reliable and affordable energy supply without relying on other jurisdictions.”

Toronto’s electricity demand is expected to roughly double by 2050, with the greatest need being projected in the downtown core. The City of Toronto is currently supplied by only two transmission supply paths, one from the west at Manby Transmission Station (TS) near Kipling Road and Dundas Street and one from the east at Leaside TS near Overlea Boulevard and Millwood Road. These pathways will start to reach their capacity in the early 2030s. Following more than a year of technical analysis and public engagement, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has confirmed a third transmission line will be required to meet Toronto’s growing demand.

“Toronto is growing. As we build more housing, transit, and create more jobs, we’re going to need the power that fuels and sustains economic growth,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “With our electricity needs doubling over the coming decades, we’re ready to work with the provincial government to advance a third transmission line that will help power our growing city.”

The IESO has identified three potential options for new transmission supply in Toronto, each of which has been designed to minimize land-use impacts by using existing infrastructure corridors, underground segments or underwater routes:

• An overland route from Pickering to Leaside in Toronto. This line would connect Cherrywood Transmission Station (TS) to Leaside TS using an existing transmission corridor.
• An overland route from Pickering to the Port Lands in Toronto. This line would connect Cherrywood TS to Hearn TS via Warden TS, using an existing corridor to Warden TS, then possibly transitioning to an underground cable from Warden TS to Hearn TS.
• An underwater cable from Darlington or Pickering to the Port Lands in Toronto. This line would connect underwater through Lake Ontario.

The IESO – as part of its Integrated Regional Resource Plan – will conduct further engagement this summer — including continued public engagement and targeted discussions with the City of Toronto, Indigenous communities, and key stakeholders — to inform a final recommendation to the government by the end of August 2025.

Once a final recommendation is made, the Ontario government will evaluate what actions must be taken to kickstart its development. Depending on the option selected and the necessary approvals, construction and commissioning could take between seven to 10 years to complete.

In addition to a third transmission line, the IESO will also continue engagement to identify complementary solutions to meet electricity demand across Toronto. This could include small-scale generation and storage, such as rooftop solar and battery systems, as well as expanded energy efficiency programs to reduce strain on the grid and help manage peak demand.

Key Takeaways:

• BC Hydro is launching a 10-year, $36-billion capital plan — the largest in its history — to upgrade and expand B.C.’s electricity system and meet rising demand from population growth, housing, industry, and the shift to clean energy.
• The plan focuses on increasing the province’s supply of clean, renewable electricity through new generation and transmission projects, supporting B.C.’s climate goals and its transition away from fossil fuels.
• The capital plan is expected to create approximately 10,500 jobs annually over the next decade, supporting economic development in communities across the province, including significant opportunities for Indigenous participation.

The Whole Story:

BC Hydro has launched two requests for expressions of interest (RFEOI) to explore the next era of the province’s power potential, expand clean-energy resources and advance energy efficiency.

Officials say these actions are critical to ensuring a stable, reliable electricity system that supports new housing, businesses and industries while keeping energy costs affordable for people.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the world in clean energy and we’re acting with urgency to make sure every British Columbian benefits,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “By expanding our clean-power supply and increasing energy efficiency, we’re securing our power grid, building a resilient electricity system and creating sustainable jobs that drive economic growth.”

The first RFEOI focuses on expanding B.C.’s long-term capacity to meet peak electricity demand as consumption patterns evolve. BC Hydro is seeking ideas on capacity and baseload energy projects, including geothermal, pumped storage and hydroelectric resources. Capacity and baseload projects can reliably deliver firm power and provide backup for intermittent energy projects, such as wind and solar that rely on external, uncontrollable conditions such as the wind blowing or the sun shining to deliver power.

The second RFEOI targets innovation in energy efficiency by identifying partners capable of delivering market-ready technologies that help conserve energy in homes and buildings. Through the RFEOI, BC Hydro seeks to collaborate with industry leaders and forward-thinking organizations to help people in British Columbia save energy and lower costs.

Energy efficiency is the cleanest and least expensive way to meet increasing demand for power. The energy-efficiency RFEOI supports BC Hydro’s comprehensive Power Smart energy savings program and complements BC Hydro’s $700 million expanded Energy Efficiency Plan, which increases investments in tools, technologies and rebates. These initiatives encourage energy-conscious decisions and help customers reduce electricity consumption. BC Hydro estimates that this plan will save customers $80 million annually and deliver more than 2,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity savings by 2030, the equivalent of powering more than 200,000 homes.

“We are looking beyond the near term and opening up exploration of the next chapter of B.C.’s energy future by advancing the dialogue with industry participants and potential partners around clean-technology investments and expanding our leading energy-efficiency programs,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro. “With BC Hydro’s long-standing legacy of delivering clean, reliable power, these initiatives will drive growth, sustainability and energy security, creating new opportunities across British Columbia.”

The information gathered from both RFEOIs will guide future energy planning and procurement strategies. Submissions will close in September 2025.

Both initiatives are part of the recently announced Clean Power Action Plan, an ambitious strategy to strengthen energy security, enhance system resilience and accelerate the transition to clean power. The plan also includes:

• launching a second call for power to acquire a target of as much as 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year of energy from large, clean and renewable projects, which builds on the success of the 2024 call for power and resulted in 10 new renewable-energy projects, with First Nations asset ownership between 49% and 51%, capable of powering about 500,000 new homes;
• investing more than $12 million from the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy fund in a targeted three-year call for new, made-in-B.C. clean-energy technologies that will combat climate change and create sustainable jobs; and
• streamlining connections to B.C.’s grid to enable new homes and businesses to access clean electricity faster and less expensively.

Through these actions, BC Hydro is reinforcing its commitment to delivering clean, reliable energy, supporting British Columbia’s transition to a low-carbon economy and ensuring electricity remains affordable, sustainable and accessible to all residents.

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario’s proposed Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act would, for the first time, direct the province’s two main energy agencies to make job creation and investment attraction explicit priorities, folding economic development into every major power-planning decision.
• With electricity demand forecast to rise 75 % by 2050 — driven largely by a wave of data-centre projects that could equal nearly 30 % of today’s peak load — the bill seeks to let regulators screen those facilities and green-light only the ones that deliver high-value jobs and keep Canadian data inside Canada.
• The legislation would also expand funding tools for new nuclear and hydrogen projects and let utilities spend ratepayer dollars to exclude “hostile foreign” suppliers.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government has introduced legislation that would weave economic development, cybersecurity and hydrogen production into the province’s long-term energy planning.

The Protect Ontario by Securing Affordable Energy for Generations Act, 2025 would give the Independent Electricity System Operator and the Ontario Energy Board a new, explicit mandate to pursue projects that create jobs and attract investment. It also proposes letting utilities spend ratepayer dollars to bar “hostile foreign participants” from Ontario’s electricity sector and to prioritise Canadian-made equipment.

Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the bill is a response to an expected 75 % jump in electricity demand over the next quarter-century — the equivalent of powering four-and-a-half Torontos — as more people plug in electric vehicles, heat pumps and data centres. “As global competition intensifies, energy demand surges, and affordability becomes more important than ever, Ontario isn’t standing still — we’re stepping up,” he said in an interview.

A key pressure point is the rapid expansion of data-centre projects that support artificial-intelligence and cloud-computing services. Proposals waiting in the queue could require as much as 6,500 megawatts of new capacity, nearly 30 % of today’s provincial peak demand. The bill would create an authority to decide which of those projects proceed, favouring facilities that promise high-quality jobs and keep Canadian data on Canadian soil.

Other measures in the act would:

• expand the Future Clean Electricity Fund so it can pay for new nuclear reactors and the transmission lines needed to connect them; and
• broaden the IESO’s responsibilities to include hydrogen initiatives financed through the existing Hydrogen Innovation Fund.

Associate Minister Sam Oosterhoff, whose portfolio covers energy-intensive industries, said the legislation “assures all power consumers of an integrated, all-of-the-above energy approach that prioritises economic growth and affordability — for decades to come.”

If passed, the act will underpin Ontario’s first Integrated Energy Plan, expected later this month. The province says the plan will map out how to keep electricity bills stable while building enough low-carbon generation to supply homes, factories and the next wave of digital infrastructure without relying on imports from neighbouring jurisdictions.

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta has established the Sand and Gravel Task Force to review and streamline regulatory processes for sand and gravel pits on private land, aiming to reduce approval times and improve efficiency.
• While the task force seeks to speed up project timelines, members from municipalities and industry stress the importance of maintaining environmental standards and protecting farmland and infrastructure.
• The task force includes MLAs, municipal representatives, and industry stakeholders, with a mandate to deliver actionable recommendations within six months to strengthen Alberta’s aggregate supply chain.

The Whole Story:

Alberta has launched a new task force aimed at reducing regulatory delays and red tape in the province’s sand and gravel sector, a move the government says will improve access to critical construction materials without compromising environmental protections.

The Sand and Gravel Task Force will review provincial regulations governing privately owned sand and gravel pits and deliver recommendations within six months. The goal, according to the government, is to speed up approval timelines for new projects while addressing long-standing concerns from landowners and industry operators.

“Sand and gravel are foundational for building and maintaining a strong economy,” said Glenn van Dijken, MLA for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock and co-chair of the task force. “From road infrastructure to industrial uses or residential housing, these resources are essential. Our government is determined to ensure the regulatory process around sand and gravel pits recognizes the need for efficiency and clarity.”

Brandon Lunty, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont and fellow co-chair, added that streamlining the process could unlock significant development potential. “With more than 1,000 sand and gravel pit registrations on private land, streamlining the applications and approvals will bring significant development benefits,” he said.

The task force includes representatives from rural and urban municipalities, as well as industry associations. Among them is Amber Link of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, who highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental and agricultural priorities.

“Rural municipalities are on the front lines of balancing the economic value of aggregate extraction with the need to protect farmland, infrastructure and the environment,” she said. “This is an important step toward ensuring that the voices of rural communities are not only heard but meaningfully integrated into decision-making.”

Tara Elwood, representing Alberta Municipalities, also expressed support for the initiative, noting its potential to benefit the association’s 264 member communities. “I look forward to finding ways to streamline and accelerate the regulatory process for sand and gravel extraction, while upholding Alberta’s commitment to environmental excellence,” she said.

While industry groups have welcomed the initiative, the task force’s focus will be limited to aggregate operations on private lands, which are regulated under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and the Water Act. The government has emphasized that any proposed changes must still meet existing environmental standards.

Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz described the initiative as part of a broader effort to modernize Alberta’s regulatory systems.

“It’s time to stop graveling under bureaucracy and start building Alberta’s future,” Schulz said. “MLA van Dijken and MLA Lunty will leave no stone unturned as they dig into this important work.”

The task force is expected to deliver its recommendations by the end of 2025.

Key Takeaways:

• TotalEnergies has signed a 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement to buy 2 million tons of LNG annually from the future Ksi Lisims LNG facility, strengthening its North American LNG portfolio and supporting long-term supply commitments to Asian markets.
• TotalEnergies has acquired a 5% stake in Western LNG, the project’s developer and future operator, with the option to increase its ownership to approximately 10% upon final investment decision, reinforcing its integrated strategy in the LNG value chain.
• Ksi Lisims LNG, a floating LNG export plant co-developed by the Nisga’a Nation, aims to achieve net zero emissions within three years of operation through renewable energy use and carbon offsets, while delivering economic and social benefits to Indigenous and local communities.

The Whole Story:

TotalEnergies has signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Ksi Lisims LNG for the purchase of 2 million tons of LNG for 20 years from the future liquefaction plant, subject to the final investment decision of the project.

In parallel, TotalEnergies acquires a 5% stake in Western LNG, the developer, shareholder, and future operator of the Ksi Lisims LNG project. This acquisition grants TotalEnergies the option to increase its stake in Western LNG and/or take a direct stake in the plant up to approximately 10% when the final investment decision is made.

“This purchase of LNG from the future Ksi Lisims LNG plant will allow us to diversify our LNG portfolio in North America and benefit from competitive LNG supply in Western Canada to better serve our Asian customers, with whom we are developing a significant portfolio of long-term supply contracts”, said Stéphane Michel, President of Gas, Renewables & Power at TotalEnergies. “As part of our integrated strategy, we are also pleased to partner with Western LNG to support the development of this very low CO₂ emission liquefaction plant project.”

Ksi Lisims LNG is a proposed floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility located on Nisga’a Nation treaty lands at Wil Milit, on the northern tip of Pearse Island near Gingolx, British Columbia. Jointly developed by the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG, and Western LNG, the project is designed to produce up to 12 million tonnes of LNG per year, receiving 1.7 to 2.0 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily via a pipeline from northeastern British Columbia, with commercial operations targeted for late 2028 or 2029.

The facility aims to set a new environmental standard by achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions within its first three years of operation, primarily through the use of renewable BC Hydro power, energy efficiency measures, and carbon offsets. Ksi Lisims LNG is expected to provide significant economic and social benefits, including jobs, training, and business opportunities for Indigenous and local communities, while contributing to global emissions reductions by supplying lower-carbon LNG to Asian markets as an alternative to coal and oil.

Key Takeaways:

• The province, in partnership with BC Hydro, is implementing a major clean-energy strategy that includes acquiring up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours of renewable power annually, developing firm electricity capacity, and advancing electrification across sectors to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• The plan emphasizes collaboration with First Nations and investment in made-in-B.C. clean-energy technologies, including $12 million in funding to support innovation and create sustainable jobs, while expanding First Nations ownership in new renewable projects.
• Alongside a $36-billion 10-year infrastructure plan, the strategy includes measures to streamline grid access for new developments, maintain stable electricity rates, and promote energy efficiency for homes and businesses to ensure affordability and support economic growth.

The Whole Story:

The Province, in partnership with BC Hydro, is launching an ambitious plan to harness clean electricity for economic growth.

“With this work, we are securing our energy and our economy for the future by expanding one of our greatest assets: abundant clean electricity,” said Premier David Eby. “We are boosting our clean-energy supply, powering our growing communities and industries, and creating thousands of family-supporting jobs – all while advancing reconciliation and reducing pollution. Perhaps most importantly, this will help build a strong foundation for our province and our country at a time of external threats to our sovereignty and prosperity.”

The Clean Power Action Plan aims to leverage B.C.’s clean-electricity advantage. With five transformative initiatives, the plan aims to accelerate economic growth, while securing long-term energy stability for generations to come:

• launching a second call for power to acquire a target of up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year of energy from large, clean and renewable projects in partnership with First Nations and independent power producers – enough to power 500,000 new homes. This builds on the success of the 2024 call for power, which resulted in 10 new renewable-energy projects, with First Nations asset ownership between 49% and 51%, capable of powering about 500,000 new homes;
• opening up the opportunity to explore B.C.’s power potential through a request for expressions of interest exploring capacity and firm, baseload electricity projects to deliver for peak demand periods and to provide back-up intermittent energy resources;
• ushering in an expanded era of energy efficiency by partnering with innovators through a request for expressions of interest to deliver market-ready demand-side management technologies that help people and businesses save energy and money;
• investing more than $12 million from the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) fund in a targeted three-year call for new, made-in-B.C. clean-energy technologies that will combat climate change and create sustainable jobs; and
• streamlining connections to B.C.’s grid to enable new homes and businesses to access clean electricity faster and less expensively.

“Uncertain times demand bold, decisive action, and we need to respond with urgency and with confidence and turn adversity into opportunity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Our commitment to strengthening energy security and building a resilient electricity system will unlock critical economic opportunities, foster innovation, deepen collaboration with First Nations and reaffirm B.C.’s leadership in climate action.”  

These initiatives build on actions underway, including setting BC Hydro rate increases at 3.75% for the next two years to provide stable, affordable rates, while enabling significant investments, offering new optional rates to help residential customers save, and implementing BC Hydro’s $36-billion 10-year capital plan to expand and reinforce electricity infrastructure throughout the province.

Beyond driving economic development and ensuring energy security, the Clean Power Action Plan also supports electrification – the transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity in homes, businesses, industry and transportation.

“Through collaboration with government, First Nations, and the clean-energy sector, BC Hydro is making significant investments and seeking new partnerships to secure B.C.’s clean-energy future,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “The initiatives in the Clean Power Action Plan will set the stage for an increased renewable, reliable and resilient energy supply to support our growing province in the years ahead. At the same time, we remain committed to affordability by offering customers more ways to save energy and money, while maintaining stable, predictable rates.”

Key Takeaways:

• Northstar Clean Technologies successfully completed Milestone 2 for its Empower Calgary Facility under its agreement with Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), triggering a $3.9 million milestone payment. This brings total ERA funding received to $5.2 million, with $1.9 million remaining contingent on future milestones.
• All major equipment has been delivered, installed, and electrified, and construction is considered substantially complete under the Builder’s Lien Act. The company has begun commissioning activities at the Calgary facility, with operations progressing as planned.
• By reprocessing discarded asphalt shingles into reusable components, Northstar is reducing landfill waste and supplying sustainable materials to the construction industry.

The Whole Story:

Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. announced that it successfully completed Milestone 2 requirements stipulated in the Emission Reduction Alberta (ERA) contribution agreement and received the resulting milestone payment totaling $3.9 million.

Milestone 2 criteria required Northstar to demonstrate a number of elements with respect to the Empower Environmental Solutions Calgary Facility including:

• Completion of all major procurement activities, other than final performance payments to vendors;
• All major processing equipment delivered;
• All major equipment installed and electrified;
• Implementation of the Green House Gas, Measurement and Monitoring Verification plan during construction for tracking during Milestones 3 and 4; and
• Substantial completion of construction as defined in the Builder’s Lien Act.

All of these elements have been reviewed and completed as part of the ERA due diligence process to verify completion of Milestone 2.

The resulting $3.9 million funding from ERA brings receipts to date from ERA to $5.2 million. Approximately $1.9 million remains outstanding under the ERA grant, upon attainment of commissioning and operational milestones.

The funding under Milestone 2 materially reimburses Northstar for construction expenditures for the Empower Calgary Facility. Taken together with other funding initiatives, the Empower Calgary Facility has been fully funded and leaves suitable working capital for the Company to advance expansion opportunities in Canada and the United States. Commissioning efforts at the Empower Calgary Facility are well underway and proceeding as planned.

“Our experience with ERA has been nothing short of a great partnership,” commented Aidan Mills, Northstar President & CEO. “We sincerely appreciate the support from ERA as we look to become a leading entity in the waste to value industry. With the ERA support, construction completion represents a significant milestone at our Calgary facility. All our partners can take pride in creating a new industry that enhances the economy, creates employment opportunities, and importantly delivers environmental benefits in a circular economy.”

Northstar is a Canadian clean technology company focused on the sustainable recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles. Northstar developed and owns a proprietary design process for taking discarded asphalt shingles, otherwise destined for already over-crowded landfills, and extracts the liquid asphalt for use in new hot mix asphalt shingle manufacturing and asphalt flat roof systems while also extracting aggregate and fiber for use in construction products and other industrial applications.

“The real demonstration of successful investments comes when the projects we fund are commercialized and deployed in the market,” stated Justin Reimer, CEO Emissions Reduction Alberta. “We are excited for Northstar’s completion of the major construction elements of their project and the opportunity to reduce environmental impacts through the reprocessing of waste asphalt shingles. They are not only diverting waste from landfills, but also providing the construction industry with clean, sustainable processing solutions.”

Focused on the circular economy, Northstar plans to reprocess used or defective asphalt shingle waste back into its three primary components for reuse/resale with its first commercial scale up facility in Calgary, Alberta. As an emerging innovator in sustainable processing, Northstar’s mission aims at leading the recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles in North America that would otherwise be sent to landfill addressing numerous stakeholder objectives.

Key Takeaways:

• B.C. has introduced the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, which, if passed, will make the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) the single authority responsible for permitting renewable energy projects, eliminating the need for multiple agency approvals.
• The legislation will prioritize the North Coast Transmission Line and nine wind-power projects from BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power, exempting them from the standard environmental assessment process to speed up development.
• The act aims to position B.C. as a global clean-energy leader by accelerating wind and solar projects, supporting economic diversification, and aligning development with environmental standards and First Nations consultation.

The Whole Story:

B.C. wants to fast-track renewable energy projects with new law changes.

The province has introduced the renewable energy projects (streamlined permitting) act to the legislative assembly. If passed, the act will expand the authority of the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) to oversee renewable-energy projects.

“B.C. has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become a world leader in clean-energy production and we will take every action possible to see that all British Columbians benefit from this opportunity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Renewable energy projects like wind and solar are urgently needed to provide affordable clean power, create jobs, and strengthen and diversify our economy, especially during this period of global market uncertainty.”

If approved, these changes will establish the BCER as the primary permitting agency for renewable-energy projects and transmission lines. Officials say the legislation will help simplify the approvals process for these projects, eliminating the need for cross-ministry and agency permitting, by establishing the BCER as the single window for permitting in accordance with strict environmental standards. This will be completed in a staged approach through regulation.

The BCER’s initial focus will be on the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project and the wind- and solar-power projects in BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power. This will help accelerate the expansion of British Columbia’s electricity grid and meet the demand in growth arising from critical-mineral and metal mining, port electrification, hydrogen and fuel processing, and shipping projects under consideration.

The proposed legislation would also:

• exempt the NCTL project and the nine wind projects selected in the 2024 call for power from the environmental assessment processes and allow government to do the same for other wind-power projects in the future; and
• enable the BCER to establish a new rigorous regulatory framework for renewable-energy projects through consultation with First Nations, ensuring that environmental standards are upheld.

“The BC Energy Regulator is pleased to see the introduction of this legislation and has been engaging with ministries and others to prepare for this expanded mandate that will include permitting processes and engagement functions,” said Michelle Carr, CEO and commissioner, BC Energy Regulator. “Our staff are working across seven regional offices to ensure energy activities are carried out safely, responsibly and in alignment with provincial goals and BCER’s vision for a resilient energy future.”

Northland Power Inc. announced that the Jurassic Battery Energy Storage System project in southern Alberta has achieved financial close, securing all necessary financing as it prepares to begin construction.

Jurassic BESS is an 80 MW, 2-hour (160 MWh) battery storage system that is part of Northland’s growth pipeline in Alberta. The project recently signed construction contracts and will benefit from a 15-year fixed price contract for capacity. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in late 2026.

“Building on the success of our Oneida Battery Storage Project, which is nearing operations, today’s announcement represents another great milestone for Northland Power. We are delivering needed battery storage as one of the ways we provide energy solutions in Canada and around the world,” said Christine Healy, President and Chief Executive Officer. “This BESS project will enhance the stability and reliability of Alberta’s energy grid, expand our footprint in Canada, and diversify our asset base. It highlights the growth potential of our multi-technology approach.”

The project cost is approximately $120 million. Construction costs will be funded by non-recourse project-level financing, existing cash and available liquidity. Once fully operational, Jurassic BESS is expected to contribute approximately $15 million of annual Adjusted EBITDA.

Key Takeaways:

• Nearly 30,000 single-family homes have been demolished in Metro Vancouver since 2012, with projections showing another 15,000 will be torn down in the next five years due to upzoning. This translates to about 300 million pounds of lumber headed to landfills.
• Erick Serpas Ventura, founder of VEMA Deconstruction, advocates for dismantling homes to salvage and repurpose high-quality lumber, particularly Douglas fir, for new builds.
• VEMA is collaborating with academic institutions and industry partners to grade reclaimed wood and manufacture prefabricated wall panels from 70% salvaged lumber. These panels are already being used in new builds and retrofits.

The Whole Story:

Mountains of lumber from crushed and ripped-up B.C. homes sit in a Delta landfill, with birds circling above. For some, it’s a sign of progress as demolition is making way for new housing, but for deconstruction experts like Erick Serpas Ventura, it’s a massive missed opportunity that he is working to unlock. 

“It’s brutal,” said Ventura, who recently visited the landfill to truly take in how much construction material is being dumped. “I don’t want to leave this for my kids. This is our legacy; we’re only here once, and this is what we leave them? It’s not great. I feel like people don’t know in this picture that it’s their house. They think it’s gone, and then who cares?”   

New research found that nearly 30,000 single-family homes were demolished in Metro Vancouver between 2012 and 2023 to make way for higher-density developments, with demolitions expected to increase by 35% over the next decade due to upzoning policies. 

“We’re looking at about 15,000 homes that will be demolished in the next five years,” said Ventura. “We calculated that is about 300 million pounds of lumber that will go to the landfill. And that’s a lost opportunity.”

Through his company, VEMA Deconstruction, Ventura is working to not only salvage material. He wants to come full circle, championing efforts to use historic lumber harvested from aging homes to build new structures. For him, Vancouver’s character homes are part of his own story. His family moved to the region when he was just 3 and a half years old, and he grew up in a three-storey character home in the Riley Park neighbourhood in Vancouver, which helped him feel connected to the Canadian experience.

“You were able to weave yourself into the fabric of Canada, which was great as an immigrant,” he said, remembering the smell of the lumber and getting his first Nintendo under the Christmas tree. “A drunk driver went right through the basement of that house when I was six or seven years old. Because of that strong Douglas fir, it didn’t collapse.”

After spending a decade in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Ventura sought a new way to give back to his community. He began preparing for a career in passive house construction, but after learning about deconstruction, he was hooked. 

“I felt I could have a better environmental impact, and I always looked to give back to my city, which has accepted me and my family,” he said. 

He believes the deconstruction sector has massive potential to divert material from landfills and build new affordable homes. While reclaimed wood has been chiefly used to create architectural elements and furniture, Ventura envisions remixing these old materials to build entire structures. 

“We are one of the few provinces with a different type of lumber used to build homes in the past: Douglas fir,” explained Ventura. “95% of Canada used SPF to build homes in the past, so what we have is very special. It’s old growth forest material that is 2,000 years old, but it’s gone and unavailable to use anymore.”

First, these woods have to be categorized and tested. 1920s and older is called first growth era material. From 1920 to 1945 is Antique and 1945 to 1990 is Vintage lumber containing Douglas fir lumber. Anything from 1990 onwards is Modern lumber SPF.

“The first-growth era lumber is great for architectural elements, hobbies, crafts, furniture,” said Ventura. “Then the vintage is the right dimension for building homes for their characterisation that its 1.5×3.5 dimensions and a lot of the lumber comes with a grade stamp suited, especially well for prefab and modular builds.”

Not only is VEMA working with the National Lumber Grading Association and university researchers from UBC and the University of Alberta to officially grade reclaimed lumber. They have partnered with Kiwi Innovation and Footprint Design to create prefabricated wall panels made from 70% deconstructed lumber. 

Ventura explained that this reduces construction costs, speeds up builds, and keeps these storied materials in the built environment rather than tossing them aside. 

“We’re changing an industry, disrupting it and professionalizing it,” said Ventura. “It’ll come to the point one day where it will just be deconstruction doing tendering on bids. And only if it cannot be deconstructed will demolition be allowed to bid.”

It’s not just theoretical. VEMA and its partners are using the prefab panels to build a 3,700-square-foot, net-zero energy-ready, carbon performance EL-4 home in North Burnaby. They are also working with Best Builders to retrofit a 1908 character home and infill the rear of the property to build a new home out of reclaimed material panels. 

“There’s a lot of support from the community,” said Ventura. “I just think right now what’s lacking is education. People don’t know that after their home is crushed, it goes to the landfill. And deconstruction doesn’t cost more, and it doesn’t take longer.”