Category: Technology

There’s no need to hold your applause any longer.

After sifting through hundreds of submissions and combing through our past year of coverage, the SiteNews team has released this year’s list of winners for the 25 Innovators in Construction program.

Check out the entire list of winners here.

Now in its second year, the 25 Innovators in Construction award has become a coveted SiteNews honor, recognizing the industry’s most forward-thinking companies. This prestigious award celebrates organizations that are pushing the boundaries of construction through risk-taking and innovation.

This year’s winners exemplify groundbreaking advancements that are transforming the industry. From CarbonCure Technologies’ carbon-saving concrete innovations to Pomerleau’s integration of robotics on job sites, these organizations showcase a commitment to sustainability, technology, and efficiency.

Companies like RJC Engineers and Multiplex Canada lead in reducing carbon footprints, while HammerTech and Hoylu are redefining safety and collaboration through software. Meanwhile, innovators like Fettback & Heesterman and Vestacon are streamlining operations with proprietary tools and digital solutions. These pioneers are not only addressing critical challenges such as labor shortages, emissions, and project efficiency but are also reshaping the future of construction with visionary solutions and lasting impacts.

We are so proud to highlight this list of innovative companies. Some of them are large organizations you have heard of, but others are small businesses that only recently burst onto the scene. Our goal, as always is to elevate the construction sector. We hope this list plays a role in encouraging others to push the industry forward. Not only does innovation help the industry itself, it helps Canada solve some of its largest challenges.

SiteNews Editor Russell Hixson

The winners were chosen by SiteNews staff who assessed companies based on five criteria: 

• Technological innovation
• Trailblazing
• Workforce development
• Sustainability and environmental impact
• Collaboration and partnerships 

In addition to now having the honour of being named one of Canada’s most innovative companies in construction, this year’s 25 Innovators are also invited to attend an exclusive winners event. If you want to rub shoulders with the companies on this list, grab your tickets here.

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta is committing up to $50 million from the TIER program to establish Canada’s first open-access, technology-agnostic drilling test site. This initiative aims to leverage Alberta’s advanced drilling expertise to accelerate the development of innovative energy technologies.
• Initial studies have demonstrated the economic and environmental viability of the Alberta Drilling Accelerator, which could fast-track advancements in geothermal, helium, critical minerals, and carbon capture technologies. Industry interest is strong, with companies like Eavor Technologies, Tourmaline Oil Corp, and Halliburton expressing interest as anchor tenants.
• The accelerator is a key part of Alberta’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. By fostering innovation in energy technologies and creating jobs, it sets the stage for sustainable development in industries critical to reducing emissions and diversifying Alberta’s economy.

The Whole Story:

Alberta plans to invest up to $50 million from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program to support Canada’s first test site to advance energy technologies.

Alberta officials explained that the province has some of the most advanced and skilled drilling expertise in the world. Yet, unlike the United States, Japan and other countries, Canada does not currently have an open-access test site, which is critical for spurring innovation and leading-edge drilling technologies, such as geothermal, lithium, oil and natural gas.

To help fill this gap, Alberta’s government says it will invest up to $50 million from the industry-funded TIER program to support the Alberta Drilling Accelerator through a public-private partnership model. Funding will help create Canada’s first open-access, technology-agnostic, industry-led hub, leveraging Alberta’s drilling expertise to develop the technologies needed to reduce emissions, create jobs and deliver energy to the world.

“What we’re doing here today is setting the stage for innovation and prosperity far into the future,” said Premier Danielle Smith. “The Alberta Drilling Accelerator means big things for oil and gas exploration in our province, but also for industries that will be vital for achieving our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. We are setting the stage for innovation and prosperity, pushing Alberta’s drilling expertise to places it’s never been before.” 

In April, Alberta’s government invested $750,000 to help kick-start this project, supporting a feasibility study facilitated by Calgary-based Eavor Technologies in partnership with the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors and Canadian Geothermal Energy Association. 

The initial findings suggest that creating an industry-led Alberta Drilling Accelerator is both economically and environmentally viable. The accelerator would allow companies to test and develop drilling techniques and technologies, accelerating geothermal, helium, critical minerals, carbon capture and other industries relying on the drilling sector.

Notably, several industry leaders have already expressed strong interest in serving as anchor tenants, including Calgary-based Eavor Technologies, Tourmaline Oil Corp and international oilfield service supermajor Halliburton. While no binding contracts have been signed, the province says tens of millions of dollars in private sector capital investment could potentially be secured.

The Alberta Drilling Accelerator could potentially start drilling in 2026, or sooner. Once operational, the Alberta Drilling Accelerator could help speed up the development of geothermal, helium, critical minerals, carbon capture, utilization and storage and other technologies and commodities that rely on Alberta’s drilling expertise.

Key Takeaways:

• EllisDon and Impulse Partners have successfully completed the second round of their ConTech Accelerator program, selecting 30 top contenders from over 165 submissions. Eight finalists pitched their innovative ideas at EllisDon’s office in Mississauga, with significant participation from EllisDon’s senior leadership.
• The program emphasizes collaboration between startups and construction industry experts. Finalists like SALUS, EHAB, and Specter Automation were recognized for developing solutions that address critical industry needs, such as safety management, climate change adaptation, and project planning efficiency.
• Following the accelerator, EllisDon and Impulse Partners will continue working with the winning startups to refine their products and integrate them into the construction field, leveraging their industry expertise to help these technologies.

The Whole Story:

EllisDon Corporation and Impulse Partners have announced a successful second round of its ConTech Accelerator program. From over 165 submissions, 30 were selected as the top contenders. Following a series of interviews, representatives from the eight finalist startups traveled to EllisDon’s Mississauga office to pitch their innovative ideas in person.

“Building on the success of our inaugural accelerator, we’re thrilled to see even greater reception in this second year,” said Brandon Milner, CIO, Senior Vice President of Digital & Data Engineering, EllisDon.

During the three-day event, EllisDon provided a guided project tour as well as access to field teams, operations managers, and executives from the C-Suite who were present for the pitches and offered candid feedback on what they saw.

“The overwhelming response we’ve received this year—from our partners at Impulse to the startups who joined us in Mississauga—confirms we’re on the right track,” said Hammad Chaudhry, Vice President of Innovation & Construction Technology, EllisDon. “Our combined tech and domain expertise, allows us to drive innovation with a focus to benefit those in the field.”

EllisDon and Impulse Partners congratulated all eight finalists for making the decision a difficult one. The winners of the 2024 ConTech Accelerator are:

SALUS: A safety management software that integrates company safety programs into a comprehensive system to manage health and safety. By gathering data and information from the field, SALUS bridges the gap between the office and field operations, transforming how clients run their businesses.

EHAB: Helping the construction industry better understand the impacts of climate change on projects and plan accordingly. EHAB’s products assist construction companies, general contractors, designers, and clients in adapting to the climate crisis.

specter automation: The first and only 3D model look-ahead planning tool that helps teams build six-week look-ahead plans by visualizing data to better communicate to the field. Specter offers the most natural way to plan, document, and communicate on-site processes.

With the completion of this phase, EllisDon and Impulse Partners will now work with the winners to help develop their products, collaborate with them in the field, and deploy industry expertise where it is needed most—in helping the latest technologies find a place in one of the world’s oldest industries.

Canada’s electrical contractors are one of the unsung heroes powering the nation’s infrastructure, from towering skyscrapers to sprawling transit systems. These companies don’t just wire buildings; they energize innovation, ensuring cities run seamlessly and industries thrive.

From legacy firms with nearly a century of expertise to bold upstarts redefining sustainable practices, the stories of these contractors showcase ingenuity, resilience, and a dedication to excellence. Let’s dive into a list of Canada’s top electrical contractors who are lighting the way in construction and development.

Houle Electric

Houle Electric, established in 1944 and based in B.C., is a leading electrical contractor offering comprehensive services in electrical construction, building controls, and data networks. With a reputation for excellence in commercial, institutional, and industrial markets, Houle has been involved in significant projects such as the Vancouver Convention Centre expansion, the University of British Columbia’s Aquatic Centre, and the Royal Inland Hospital Patient Care Tower. There were recently named a finalist in Procore’s Groundbreaker Awards in the Culture & Workforce Development Category.

Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd.

In 1973, friends Dieter Fettback and Ernie Moore mortgaged their homes to start an electrical contracting company. It’s a gamble that paid off big. Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. is one of Western Canada’s largest electrical contractors, specializing in large-scale industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. Headquartered in British Columbia, the company has played a critical role in complex projects like the expansion of the Vancouver International Airport and the Port Mann Bridge electrical systems. Their expertise extends to power distribution, communications, and transit infrastructure, including work on the SkyTrain rapid transit system. The were recently presented with a Gold Award of Excellence from the Vancouver Regional Construction Association for their work on The Post South Tower, a $13.8-million project.

Black & McDonald Limited

Black & McDonald Limited, founded in 1921 as an electrical wiring contractor, is a multifaceted electrical contractor operating across Canada and the United States with more than 6,500 employees. Offering a wide range of services including electrical construction, facilities management, and energy solutions, the company has been instrumental in projects like the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit in Toronto. They have also provided maintenance services for utility providers and contributed to large-scale industrial projects in the energy sector, showcasing their versatility and commitment to quality.

Ozz Electric Inc.

Headquartered in Concord, Ont., Ozz Electric Inc. is renowned for its work in commercial, industrial, and residential electrical contracting. Since its inception in 1991, the company has participated in landmark projects such as the Aura Tower in Toronto—the tallest residential building in Canada—and the Bay Adelaide Centre. Ozz Electric is recognized for its innovative approaches and commitment to sustainable building practices, integrating cutting-edge technology into their electrical solutions.

Plan Group

Plan Group is one of Canada’s largest technical services providers, delivering integrated solutions in electrical, mechanical, and communications contracting. With over 60 years of industry experience, Plan Group has contributed to significant projects like the Humber River Hospital in Toronto, Canada’s first fully digital hospital, and the Bay Adelaide Centre. Their work spans healthcare, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, emphasizing innovation and collaborative project delivery methods to meet complex project demands.

Guild Electric Limited

Based in Toronto, Guild Electric Limited has been providing electrical contracting services since 1954. Specializing in transportation infrastructure, utilities, and commercial projects, they have been pivotal in the maintenance and installation of traffic signal systems throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Guild Electric has also worked on large-scale endeavors like the Toronto Transit Commission’s Line 1 subway extension and various high-rise commercial buildings, showcasing their expertise in both public and private sectors.

Smith and Long Limited

Established in 1930, Smith and Long Limited is a full-service electrical contractor operating primarily in Ontario. Offering services across industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors, the company has undertaken notable projects including electrical installations for the Toronto Pearson International Airport and multiple healthcare facilities. Their comprehensive services encompass design-build, maintenance, and emergency response, reflecting a longstanding commitment to excellence and reliability in electrical solutions.

Ainsworth Inc.

Ainsworth Inc. is a leading provider of integrated facility solutions, including electrical, mechanical, and technical services across Canada. With a history spanning over 75 years, Ainsworth has been involved in major industrial and commercial projects such as maintenance services for large retail chains like Walmart and energy management solutions for various enterprises. They have also provided critical infrastructure support for data centers and telecommunications facilities, emphasizing their role in advancing technological integration.

Canem Systems Ltd.

Founded in 1960, Canem Systems Ltd. specializes in electrical and data communication construction, operating across Western Canada. The company has delivered services for sectors including healthcare, commercial, and institutional projects. Notable endeavors include the electrical systems for the Calgary South Health Campus, the TELUS Spark Science Centre, and contributions to the development of educational institutions like the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus, highlighting their versatility and commitment to quality.

E.S. Fox Limited

E.S. Fox Limited, based in Ontario and established in 1934, is a multi-trade industrial contractor offering electrical, mechanical, and civil/structural services. With a strong presence in the industrial sector, they have been integral to projects in energy, mining, and manufacturing. Significant projects include work on nuclear power plants such as the Bruce Power facility, automotive manufacturing plants for companies like General Motors, and involvement in large-scale infrastructure projects, underlining their expertise in complex industrial environments.

Alltrade Industrial Contractors Inc.

Alltrade Industrial Contractors Inc., headquartered in Ontario, provides electrical and mechanical contracting services with a focus on industrial, energy, and infrastructure sectors. The company has been involved in significant projects like the Waterloo Light Rail Transit system and renewable energy installations including wind and solar farms. Their work on various industrial plant projects requiring specialized electrical expertise demonstrates their capacity to handle complex and technical assignments.

Pro Electric Inc.

Pro Electric Inc., established in 1973 and based in Ontario, offers electrical contracting services for commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. The company has worked on significant endeavors such as electrical installations for educational facilities like Fanshawe College, healthcare institutions including London Health Sciences Centre, and various commercial developments. Pro Electric is known for emphasizing safety, quality workmanship, and client satisfaction, maintaining long-term relationships with clients through consistent performance.

Key Takeaways:

• The refurbished Unit 1 at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station will provide 875 MW of clean energy for over 30 years, powering 875,000 homes and helping meet Ontario’s forecasted 75% electricity demand increase by 2050.
• The $12.8 billion refurbishment project is expected to generate $90 billion in economic benefits and create 14,200 jobs annually over its lifespan, with 96% of costs spent within Ontario, significantly boosting the provincial GDP.
• Completed five months early, Unit 1’s refurbishment showcases Ontario’s ability to deliver large-scale, complex nuclear projects safely, on time, and on budget, highlighting the expertise of a 6,000-member workforce, including skilled tradespeople and industry partners.

The Whole Story:

Ontario has completed the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station five months ahead of schedule.

Refurbishing and returning Unit 1 to service provides 875 megawatts (MW) of power for the next 30-plus years, enough to power 875,000 homes.

“Ontario needs more electricity – 75% more by 2050 – to power new homes, historic new investments and an electrifying economy,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Delivering this massive clean energy project five months ahead of schedule is a testament to the incredible knowledge and skill of Ontario workers and positions us for success as we build out our plan to meet the soaring energy demand over the next 25 years.”

The Darlington Refurbishment Project is one of Canada’s largest energy projects. The refurbishment of Unit 1 involved the successful removal and replacement of major components of the reactor and its associated equipment including pressure tubes, calandria tubes and feeder pipes, as well as inspection and upgrades of the Turbine Generator equipment.

According to an independent report by the Conference Board of Canada, the entire $12.8 billion project, and the subsequent 30 years of station operation, are expected to generate a total of $90 billion in economic benefits for Ontario and create 14,200 jobs per year. With 96% of project costs spent in the province, for every $1 spent on the project, Ontario’s GDP will increase by an average of $1.40.

“Unit 1 is the third unit we will have refurbished months ahead of schedule, safely and with quality,” said Ken Hartwick, OPG President and CEO. “Through the planning, dedication, skill and innovation of OPG and its project partner team, including hundreds of skilled tradespeople, we are now in year 9 of this 10-year refurbishment project execution phase, clearly demonstrating we can complete large, complex nuclear projects on schedule and on budget.”

According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75% by 2050, the equivalent of adding four and a half cities the size of Toronto to the grid. Continued operation of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station during that period will help tackle the rising demand while reducing emissions, taking the equivalent of two million cars off Ontario’s roads per year.

The project involved the removal and replacement of major reactor components, including pressure tubes, calandria tubes, and feeder pipes, as well as inspection and upgrades of the turbine generator equipment. The work was carried out by a team of approximately 6,000 people from OPG and its vendor partners, including skilled tradespeople, project management professionals, and support services personnel.

The team comprised members from various unions, such as the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and several others.

Since the project began in 2016, OPG has applied thousands of lessons learned on each subsequent unit to achieve major efficiencies and schedule savings. This includes an industry-first combined pressure tube and calandria tube removal process.

Unit 1 now joins Darlington’s Units 2 and 3, which were successfully refurbished in 2020 and 2023, respectively, as OPG’s latest nuclear success story.

Unit 4, the final unit undergoing refurbishment, is currently in the reactor rebuilding phase and progressing on schedule to be completed by the end of 2026 to wrap up the ambitious 10-year, $12.8-billion mega-project.

What started as a high-tech whiteboarding solution designed for brainstorming sessions has become an essential tool for some of the largest construction projects in North America. 

“Whether you’re building a doghouse or a $5 billion hospital, Hoylu works,” says Zach Hurvitz, Senior Vice President of Sales and Customer Success for Hoylu. 

Originally, Hoylu wasn’t even intended for the construction industry. But the tool’s intuitive blend of task management, whiteboarding, and collaboration tools—paired with an eclectic expert team that has mastered ease-of-use—caught the attention of contractors looking for something different. Now, Hoylu has become a software solution for some of Canada’s biggest names in construction, like EllisDon and Chandos.

Hoylu’s origins are deeply rooted in innovating to meet customer needs. Starting in 2016, the company initially focused on interactive whiteboarding and display technology for all sectors. 

“We began by offering in-person collaboration tools, but we quickly recognized an opportunity in the construction industry,” says Hurvitz. 

The company’s journey from display solutions to a full-fledged software as a service (SaaS) company has been marked by the shift toward digital-first project management, a transition prompted by the global pandemic’s acceleration of online collaboration.

While Hoylu’s early focus was broad, spanning industries like agile development and general collaboration tools, it wasn’t long before construction emerged as their primary target market.

“We noticed that construction teams were buying our whiteboarding solutions, even when they had access to other tools,” Hurvitz explains. “They loved how intuitive and easy it was to use compared to other software on the market. So, we doubled down on construction.”

Hoylu’s success in the construction industry can largely be attributed to its user-centric approach. Hurvitz explained that many construction management tools on the market today are comprehensive but unwieldy, bogged down by complex features that deter widespread adoption. Hoylu, on the other hand, prides itself on ease of use.

“We wanted to create a tool that construction teams, who are often more familiar with hands-on work than software, could adopt quickly without a steep learning curve,” says Hurvitz.

Hoylu’s interface is clean and minimal, with an emphasis on visual clarity. This simplicity is crucial for on-site teams who need real-time updates without technical hassles. Hurvitz points out that Hoylu’s automatic generation of look-ahead schedules—a task that traditionally takes hours of manual input—saves users considerable time. 

Hoylu’s team is so focused on clarity and ease of use, that they recently implemented dynamic text resizing so content doesn’t get lost when users are looking at the bigger picture. 

When it comes to Hoylu’s recent entry into the Canadian market, Hurvitz explained that it happened organically. 

“The construction industry in Canada, especially with firms like Chandos and EllisDon, is extremely forward-thinking,” said Hurvitz. “They understand the value of tools that enable collaboration and streamline complex workflows.”

EllisDon implemented Hoylu on major projects like the Royal Columbian Hospital redevelopment in B.C. Chandos Construction has adopted Hoylu across several regions as a standard part of their project management toolkit, particularly in the Calgary area.

Why are these contractors choosing Hoylu? Hurvitz explained that unlike traditional construction software that can feel rigid or overly complex, Hoylu strikes a balance between structured and unstructured data, allowing teams to customize their workflows while maintaining essential analytics and reporting capabilities. 

“We’re providing the structure that construction teams need while offering the flexibility to adapt to each unique project,” says Hurvitz. This ability to serve both small projects and multi-billion-dollar developments, like hospital projects, gives Hoylu a competitive edge.

Looking ahead, Hurvitz sees the future of construction management heading toward widespread digitization, with tools like Hoylu at the forefront of that change. 

“There’s going to be a clear separation between companies that embrace digital transformation and those that don’t. The firms that adopt tools like Hoylu will be able to operate more efficiently, make fewer mistakes, and ultimately be more profitable. We’ve just scratched the surface of what Hoylu can do for the construction industry.”

Key Takeaways

• Carbon Upcycling’s CO2-enhanced concrete mix demonstrated significant environmental benefits, reducing cement use by 12.5% while increasing strength by 28% at 28 days and 32% at 56 days.
• A three-year study, conducted on an active Minnesota highway by Carbon Upcycling, MnDOT, and the NRRA, rigorously tested 16 concrete mixtures.
• With over 3,000 tonnes of low-carbon cement deployed since 2021, Carbon Upcycling is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable construction.

The Whole Story:

A recent study shows Canada’s low-carbon cement producers have a winning formula for road construction. 

Carbon Upcycling Technologies, Inc. (Carbon Upcycling), a Calgary-based decarbonization and carbon capture & utilization (CCU) company, along with, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) has successfully completed a three-year study on the use of low-carbon cement in highways.

The study, managed by Sutter Engineering LLC and sponsored by the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA), rigorously tested 16 unique concrete mixtures in real-world conditions on an active Minnesota highway to identify options that could reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure without sacrificing strength or durability.

Completed in early 2024, the study aimed to find materials that could significantly lower the carbon footprint of concrete paving without compromising durability. Carbon Upcycling’s CO2-enhanced mix achieved a 12.5% reduction in cement content while matching the workability of traditional concrete, allowing seamless handling, placement, and setting times for construction crews.

Carbon Upcycling officials say these findings provide valuable data to guide future low-carbon infrastructure projects across North America, as the seamless integration into existing workflows offers a drop-in, low-carbon alternative without compromising ease of use or performance.

The study revealed significant performance and environmental benefits of Carbon Upcycling’s concrete mix:

Increased Strength: 28% stronger at 28 days and 32% stronger at 56 days compared to the advanced control concrete.

Reduced Cement Use: The CCU process allowed a 12.5% reduction in cementitious material, effectively reducing both carbon emissions and material costs.

 “Infrastructure is the very foundation of a sustainable future, and at Carbon Upcycling we’re committed to creating materials that support this vision while establishing a secure, stable North American supply chain,” said Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling. “Our collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation highlights how Carbon Upcycling can transform captured emissions into local materials that strengthen our infrastructure. By focusing on resilience and sustainability, we’re contributing to a vision where our essential structures are clean and built to last.”

Carbon Upcycling partnered with BURNCO to deploy and test 140 m³ of its CCU-enhanced concrete mix, monitored by Larry Sutter, Principal Engineer at Sutter Engineering LLC, for strength, workability, and environmental impact on a Minnesota highway.

“Carbon Upcycling submitted a very impressive mixture design to the trial,” said Larry Sutter, MnDOT’s Principal Engineer and the project’s technical manager. “Their material not only achieved the highest reduction in cementitious content among all submissions but also demonstrated remarkable strength. By embedding CO2 and reducing the reliance on portland cement, Carbon Upcycling’s technology addresses one of the concrete industry’s most pressing challenges—lowering its carbon footprint as global demand for cement is expected to double by 2050. This project data will be invaluable as the industry works toward its 2030 CO2 reduction targets.”

Since 2021, Carbon Upcycling has deployed over 3,000 tonnes of low-carbon cement and has attracted investment from some of the world’s largest cement industry players such as Cemex, CRH and Titan Cement. 

Quickly, an early payment solutions provider for the construction industry, has announced the launch of its integration with Sage, an accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology company for small and mid-sized businesses. The integration is now available on the Sage Intacct Marketplace and enables construction businesses to automate early payments, streamline payables, and improve cash flow management.

Following its successful integration with Sage 300, Calgary-based Quickly is expanding its partnership
with Sage, bringing its early payment platform to an even larger base of customers. According to Quickly, construction businesses can approve and schedule early payments to suppliers more efficiently, unlocking up to 2.5% in discounts while maintaining their usual payment terms by automating the payables process. Suppliers also gain faster access to funds, improving their cash flow and strengthening contractor relationships.

“Our integration with Sage brings even more value to construction businesses,” said Kyle Friedman, Co Founder & CEO of Quickly. “By simplifying payables and automating early payments, we’re helping general contractors improve their cash flow while supporting their suppliers with faster, more flexible payments.”

The integration syncs bill data between Sage and Quickly’s platform, allowing construction finance teams to manage early payments more efficiently while maintaining real-time visibility into cash flow. The solution also includes comprehensive reporting features, giving businesses the insights they need to optimize their financial operations.

Dennis Stejskal, Head of Strategy at Sage Construction & Real Estate, added: “Quickly streamlines efficiency by offering subcontractors faster payment options with no risk to general contractors. It’s a win-win, improving cash flow for subcontractors and boosting overall project success.”

The integration is now live on the Sage Intacct Marketplace and is available to construction businesses in the U.S. and Canada.

Last year Quickly announced it had raised $10 million in debt and equity during its seed financing round to expand its early payment platform. Led by Thin Air Labs with participation from Plug and Play and ATB Financial, the funding was intended to support Quickly’s U.S. expansion, recruiting, and continued product development.

This acquisition enhances SiteTechnology’s service offerings, allowing the company to provide a truly full-stack solution that covers all aspects of technology for its customers. 

With the acquisition of Quicktech, SiteTechnology has expanded its team to nearly 40 professionals, strengthening its capacity to serve mid-market, growth-oriented businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, resources, and distribution. Quicktech will operate under the SiteTechnology brand, with its founder, Dustin Cassar, joining the executive team as Chief Technology Officer and equity partner.

This move positions SiteTechnology as a comprehensive, one-stop technology partner, offering a full range of services including Technology Advisory, Business Applications (ERP/CRM), Application Development, Data & Analytics, and Managed IT Services. Clients will now benefit from a single, trusted provider for all their technology needs, ensuring seamless integration and long-term support.

Brandon Peterson, President of SiteTechnology, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “We’re excited to welcome the team at Quicktech as they become part of SiteTechnology. With the excellent staff and skillset joining us, this serves as a key platform for how we will continue to serve growth-oriented businesses across North America.”

Dustin Cassar, Chief Technology Officer, commented on the strategic alignment: “It’s long been a goal of ours to expand beyond Managed IT Services, knowing that to truly be a partner to many of our customers, we have to add value in all areas where technology is utilized. I’m excited to join the team and contribute to the growth of SiteTechnology for many years ahead.”

SiteTechnology’s focus on building long-term partnerships with executive leaders sets it apart, as it provides ongoing innovation and value to its clients. Businesses no longer need to engage with multiple providers; SiteTechnology’s integrated approach simplifies technology management and helps clients achieve their growth goals.

For more information, please visit, sitetechnology.com

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.

Kitselas Geothermal

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.

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 legislation aimed at making “last mile” electricity connections for new homes and businesses easier and more affordable. This move is intended to reduce upfront capital costs and lower the financial burden on future homeowners and businesses.
• The government plans to amend the Distribution System Code (DSC) to extend the revenue horizon for infrastructure costs from 25 years to 40 years, spreading costs over a longer period. This change will make it more financially viable to connect residential developments to the grid.
• Ontario is establishing a Housing Electricity Growth Forum to bring together stakeholders, including municipalities, local utilities, and industry leaders, to discuss strategies for accelerating grid connections and reducing associated costs for housing developments.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government is introducing legislation intended to make “last mile” connections for construction easier and cheaper.

According to Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator, the province’s demand for electricity is forecast to increase by 75 per cent by 2050. That includes growing demand from new homes and industry, each of which will need to be connected to the province’s growing grid. Under existing rules, the process can be slow and burden homebuyers and new businesses with unreasonable costs.

“Too many families face barriers to homeownership, and that is why we are acting on all fronts to reduce the cost for future homeowners and investors,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “We are taking a generational lens to fixing a long-standing barrier for young Canadians to enter the housing market. As our population increases, our government will act decisively to implement our plan to connect the “last mile” so that ultimately, we cut costs for prospective homeowners and end the barriers to job-creating investment.”

The government intends to introduce legislation that will, if passed, support the construction of new homes and businesses by making it easier and more affordable to make those “last mile” connections. The legislation would amend the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 to enable regulation making authority to protect existing ratepayers while reducing upfront capital costs of new lines that would otherwise increase the costs to new homes and businesses.

Minister Lecce has also asked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to implement all recommendations from its Housing Connections Report, to dramatically reduce barriers to home building, job-creating investment, and agricultural expansion. Ontario’s plan to reduce costs for families and businesses owners includes:

• Amending the Distribution System Code (DSC) to extend the revenue horizon for connecting residential developments from 25 years up to 40 years, allowing the costs of new infrastructure that will serve this province for generations to be spread over a longer period.
• Amending the DSC to provide clarity regarding the conditions under which a local distribution company should extend the connection horizon for new developments.
• Establishing a new capacity allocation model that considers multi customer, multi-year projects.
• Establishing a Housing Electricity Growth Forum to bring together designated municipalities with housing targets, impacted local utilities, industry and construction leaders, and the OEB to discuss ways to accelerate connections while reducing costs.
• Minister Lecce also asked the OEB to consider further amendments to the DSC to extend the connection horizon for new electricity lines to housing development projects to 15 years.

“Our government knows that we need all hands-on deck when it comes to addressing the province’s growth and housing supply challenges,’’ said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We owe it to the hardworking people of Ontario to help deliver the fully functioning infrastructure that supports the homes they need.”

These moves to reduce the costs of connecting to the grid will form a key part of the government’s vision for the future of the energy sector, which will be released in the coming days.

As builders look to the future of construction, it isn’t just about finding new ways to assemble concrete, steel, and wood. An invisible digital backbone is rising to support and optimize projects.

But it’s a shift that comes with challenges. Every day, new tech solutions enter the market. Knowing what to implement, and how, can be daunting.

That’s why the experts at Timescapes, a leading timelapse and job site analytics technology specifically designed for the construction industry, have released a new eBook aimed at helping firms overcome these hurdles and align their tech strategies with business goals. The eBook draws on observations gained from working with some of the industry’s leading builders, including EllisDon, but aims to make these insights accessible to small and mid-sized firms facing similar challenges.

“We wanted to share ideas about things companies should consider when selecting new technology, how to implement it, how to handle change management, what stakeholders to involve, and why technology needs to be viewed as necessary,” said Chester Boyes, co-founder of Timescapes. “The eBook is really designed to be a practical guide for tech adoption in the construction sector, especially for companies that maybe don’t have the dedicated resources that EllisDon has to adopt new technology.”

Aligning tech with business goals

One of the report’s most important takeaways is that technology adoption must align with a company’s business objectives and look at long-term strategies in addition to immediate benefits. Boyes emphasized the importance of this holistic approach.

“It’s more than just looking at a specific tool. Companies need to zoom out and examine the broader picture—it’s about aligning technology with your business goals and making sure the whole team is brought into it as well,” he said. This ensures that everyone, from project teams to those in head office, are on the same page.

Common mistakes in tech adoption

One of the most common mistakes companies make, according to Boyes, is not getting buy-in from project teams early on.

“You can spend a lot of money selecting technology and implementing it,  but if you don’t get the right buy-in, it’s not actually solving any problems—you haven’t validated it in the right ways and it’s not delivering value. You end up spending all this money on something that is seen as a hindrance rather than value-add so it just sits on the sidelines,” Boyes explained.

Timescapes customer EllisDon echoed this sentiment in the eBook, where they shared some of their own insights.

“If our field teams receive tools that they won’t use because they’re inefficient, create bottlenecks, and don’t work within the process, then we’re not going to get anything out of it. This is the biggest success piece,” said Hammad Chaudhry, Vice President, Innovation & Construction Technology at EllisDon. “People must use it because it’s making their jobs easier, not because they were told to use it.”

Boyes also pointed out that AI is the hot, current trend, but that doesn’t mean any solution that uses it will be beneficial for your business.

“AI is a bit of a buzzword at the moment. But the question is: how does it actually add value?” he said. For Timescapes, the focus is on delivering practical tools with immediate, measurable impact. “One example is looking at when a concrete pour was done on-site. We can tell you when they started and when they finished—much simpler things like that. We aren’t generating just a bunch of noise masked as insights. We focus on just starting with the basics and delivering real value and information that people need.”

Collect data today, reap benefits tomorrow

A crucial element of the eBook is the role of data collection and analysis. Boyes stressed that before companies can leverage data, they need to collect it in a structured, meaningful way. “You have to start collecting data in the first place, otherwise you can’t do anything with it down the line,” Boyes explained.

Nobody knows what tools will be available in the coming years. That’s why Timescapes encourages companies to start collecting data—even if they don’t yet know how it will be used—because having organized, structured data will be invaluable in the future in order to train machine learning algorithms. Boyes also cautioned that ensuring the quality of the data is key.

“If you have garbage in, you’ll get get garbage out,” said Boyes. “This is a problem with a lot of AI. If you’re feeding it low quality data and information, you’ll get completely worthless results.”

Invest in technology now

Boyes believes the construction industry is at a pivotal moment, where those that embrace technology will see significant gains.

“Construction is a very process-driven industry,” he explained. “What technology does is add a lot of value to the process in terms of optimization. The more you can optimize those processes, the more of a competitive advantage you can build. I think the opportunity for construction is massive.”

For smaller and mid-sized companies, the eBook serves as a blueprint for adopting technology in a strategic, phased way. Timescapes provides practical tactics on how to start small with pilot projects, validate tools with project teams, and then roll out successful initiatives on a broader scale.

Being part of the solution

Timescapes isn’t just helping companies pick tech solutions. They want to be part of the solution. They specialize in construction timelapse and job site analytics. Using smart, rugged construction cameras, their system captures high-resolution images and real-time data from sites, enabling project teams to monitor progress remotely. Their platform integrates AI-powered analytics, providing critical insights that help construction managers make informed decisions, resolve disputes, and enhance communication among stakeholders.

Boyes stressed that from the very beginning, one key focus of Timescapes’ technology is making sure it’s easy to use, so it doesn’t become a choke point in operations. Their team has put a lot of effort into ensuring the cameras can be installed in under 20 minutes and the platform is so user-friendly that information is accessible in just a few clicks.

“It’s really a collaboration tool that has a really fast speed to value, which is something that we’ve really focused on,” said Boyes. “You can decide that Timescapes is a good idea for your project, and get a camera up the next day so it starts collecting data.”

As construction companies look to the future, Timescapes’ eBook provides a clear path forward, demonstrating that tech adoption, when done right, can enhance both immediate project performance and long-term business success.

Get access to the full eBook, Don’t Get Left in the Dust: A Practical Guide to Tech Adoption in Construction, here.

Key Takeaways:

• Vancouver will cut permitting times for multiplex housing applications by 50% starting in 2025, aiming to accelerate the development of “missing middle” housing.
• The new process combines the development and building permit stages, reducing redundancies and streamlining the approval process for smaller multiplexes.
• The City plans to expand this pathway to include more multiplex types, enhancing housing diversity in Vancouver.

The Whole Story:

Effective early 2025, the City of Vancouver says it will cut permitting times for certain multiplex applications by approximately 50% through a streamlined Development Building Permit application pathway. 

This initiative is a major milestone for the City’s Permitting Improvement Program. The goal is to closer to achieve the City Council-adopted 3-3-3-1 Permit Approval Framework and enable faster approval of much-needed housing. 

“As Vancouver grows and evolves, it’s crucial that our housing options meet the diverse needs of our community,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The streamlined development building permit for multiplexes is a key example of how we’re cutting red tape and prioritizing the approval of more ‘missing middle’ housing, which bridges the gap between single-detached homes and large apartment buildings.”

Currently, multiplex projects are required to apply for a separate development permit followed by a building permit. The development building permit combines these two processes into one application. This eliminates redundancies and significantly reduces both staff review time and applicant revision requirements. Multiplex applications with up to four dwellings on a single site and no more than two units per building will qualify.

“This change will streamline the journey from planning to construction for multiplex developers,” says Corrie Okell, General Manager, Development, Buildings & Licensing. “It underscores our commitment to transparency, predictability, accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in the permitting process.”

Looking ahead, the City plans to expand the development building permit pathway to encompass more types of multiplex developments, further supporting the growth and diversity of Vancouver’s housing market.

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario has started construction on the York BESS, a facility that will store 120 MW of electricity, enough to power 120,000 homes.
• The Ontario government recently secured 3,000 MW of new battery energy storage capacity, the largest procurement in Canadian history, positioning the province to have the largest battery storage fleet in the nation and the third-largest in North America.
• In addition to battery storage, Ontario is advancing nuclear, hydroelectric, and transmission infrastructure projects to meet the growing demand for power.

The Whole Story:

The Ontario government has broken ground on a new battery energy storage project in York Region.

Once completed, the new York Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will store and release 120 MW of electricity, enough to power 120,000 homes.

“Here in York Region and across the province, energy demand is rising. That is why our government is moving forward with an ambitious plan to generate and store more affordable, reliable and clean power for our families, farms, and businesses,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Thanks to projects like this one, Ontario is on track to have the largest battery storage fleet in the nation and the third largest in North America, which will result in a more efficient grid and help keep energy costs down.”

In May 2024 the Ontario government concluded the largest battery storage procurement in Canadian history, which secured about 3,000 MW of new battery energy storage, enough to power three million homes. Capital Power was selected during the government’s first procurement framework to build two battery storage projects – including the York BESS – representing a total of 170 MW of energy storage. Capital Power anticipates that the York BESS will reach commercial operation by August 2025.

“Building affordable, clean, and reliable electric generation for our growing communities in Northern York Region and South Simcoe is essential to supporting local families and businesses,” said Caroline Mulroney, Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe. “By bringing the York Battery Energy Storage System to our region, we will ensure our electricity system remains one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world.”

The York BESS is expected to help meet rising demand for power in the Greater Toronto Area and across the province. Officials also intend for it to make the province’s grid more efficient by drawing and storing electricity off-peak when power demand is low and returning the power to the system at times of higher electricity demand.

“Capital Power proudly provides reliable electricity to power homes and businesses across Ontario. With our York Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), we’re actively deploying balanced power solutions that will enhance grid reliability and support Ontario’s thriving economy. Flexible solutions like natural gas and battery energy storage are critical to supporting the urgent need for reliable power across the province,” said Avik Dey, President and CEO of Capital Power. “We’re also proud to be partnering with Ontario Power Generation on assessing the feasibility of deploying small modular reactors in Alberta. Ontario is becoming a clean energy superpower and we’re excited to be a part of that story.”

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) now forecasts that the province’s electricity demand alone will increase by 75% by 2050. Building energy storage facilities is just one part of the government’s plan to meet that growing energy demand and reduce emissions by expanding Ontario’s energy grid. Other efforts include:

• Nuclear Energy – Advancing nuclear power through the largest pre-development work at Bruce Power in 30 years, four small modular reactors at Darlington and supporting Ontario Power Generation’s plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
• Hydroelectric Energy – Investing in existing hydroelectric stations, including a $1 billion refurbishment program that the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station in Niagara Falls.
• New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creators, including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
• Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs on January 1, 2025, and building on the government’s $342 million expansion of existing energy efficiency programs.
• Additional Competitive Procurements – Launching the largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources in the province’s history in addition to successfully re-contracting existing capacity resources at about a 30% discount.

Key Takeaways:

• PCL has partnered with safety intelligence software company HammerTech to enhance safety and efficiency across global operations, emphasizing a “zero-incident” future.
• The partnership will allow PCL to gather sophisticated safety data, streamline administration, and enhance decision-making, aiming to create a safer work environment on construction sites.
• HammerTech’s platform, used on over 20,000 projects globally, will contribute to the safety culture in the construction industry. This deal also follows HammerTech’s $70 million investment for further growth and technology integration.

The Whole Story:

 PCL Construction (PCL) has signed a multi-year deal with safety intelligence software company HammerTech to help make job sites safer and boost efficiencies across global operations. 

Built on the premise that efficient and effective workflows are key to robust safety programs, HammerTech’s safety intelligence platform, will provide PCL with agility and adaptability to changing processes, enhanced reporting and data management, and greater efficiencies when collecting and analyzing safety documentation. 

“Safety is a guiding principle that shapes every decision we make at PCL,” says Jim Barry, vice president of health, safety and environment, PCL. “HammerTech will equip our teams with the technology they need to streamline administration, collaborate more easily with our trade partners, and propel us towards our pursuit of a ‘zero-incident’ future.” 

“As the latest addition to our technology ecosystem, HammerTech will allow us to gather more sophisticated data around our safety programs,” says Mark Bryant, chief information officer, PCL. “Robust data helps inform decision-making, improve processes and ultimately creates a safer workplace for everyone on our job sites.” 

Founded in 2013, HammerTech now serves over 500 clients across North America, Australia, and Europe. The platform is used on over 20,000 live construction projects worldwide, with more than 3.6 million workers having completed orientations via the platform to date. 

“Jim and PCL’s leadership team share the same fierce commitment to worker safety and continuous innovation as we do at HammerTech,” says HammerTech Co-Founder and CEO Ben Leach. 

“This new partnership underscores HammerTech’s ability to solve the most sophisticated safety operations and intelligence needs of a global construction industry leader. I have no doubt this partnership will have a positive impact on the culture of safety in the construction industry.” 

At PCL job, site safety is paramount. The partnership will support the PCL safety program in helping prevent the known risks of working on a construction site. According to data from the US Department of Labor, nearly one in five workplace deaths in 2022 occurred in the US construction industry. The sector accounted for nearly half (47.4 percent) of all fatal falls, slips and trips in the same year. 

HammerTech’s multi-year deal with PCL comes shortly after the software firm announced a US $70 million (CAD $97 million) of growth investment from US-based private equity firm Riverwood Capital. The new capital will spur growth and accelerate research and development, including the integration of AI and other technologies into the HammerTech platform.    

Do you know a Canadian construction company that is changing the landscape of the industry?

SiteNews wants to hear about it.

Back for its second year, the 25 Innovators in Construction award is returning to recognize the groundbreaking companies shaping Canada’s construction industry.

“The construction sector is on the cusp of massive change,” said SiteNews Editor Russell Hixson. “If Canada wants to solve some of its most pressing issues, including climate change, energy production, affordable housing, healthcare capacity, transit and more, we need a cutting-edge approach. That’s why we are bringing back this competition. We want to celebrate companies who are already leading the way.”

Nominations are now open to celebrate the trailblazers driving advancements in robotics, AI, sustainability, workforce development and beyond.

If you know a company deserving of this recognition, be sure to nominate them today. Winners will be celebrated at an exclusive event and join the ranks of last year’s top 25 innovators. Nominations close October 18th, 2024.

For the inaugural year of Innovators, cutting-edge companies were celebrated in downtown Vancouver with a sold-out celebration that featured in-depth discussions, networking and awards. The competition garnered hundreds of thousands for website visits and millions of impressions, shining a bright light on the industry’s most innovative companies.

Last year’s winners including Carbon Upcycling, Crewscope, DOZR, ETRO Construction, OpenSpace, CM Labs and more.

Visit the 25 Innovators website to make sure your nomination gets submitted before the deadline.

Key Takeaways:

• Edmonton is the first municipality in Canada to implement Auto Review for House Development Permits, allowing applicants to apply for a permit and begin construction on the same day.
• The automated process reduces the time for permit approval from an average of two weeks to one day, saving applicants an estimated $5.3 million and 67,600 days annually, while lowering carrying costs for builders and helping keep housing prices down.
• Auto Review is part of Edmonton’s broader Housing Accelerator Fund plan, aimed at increasing housing availability to meet the city’s growing population, with funding support from the federal government and a focus on building a sustainable, climate-resilient city.

The Whole Story:

The City of Edmonton is the first municipality in Canada to introduce Auto Review for House Development Permits, a digital tool that allows applicants to apply for a development permit and start building on the same day. This new process improvement leverages automation to help builders get shovels in the ground faster — the latest initiative to speed-up development to meet the growing demand for housing in our rapidly expanding city. 

“Innovation is part of our ongoing commitment to service improvement and how Edmonton has become a national leader in streamlining and speeding up development,” said Travis Pawlyk, Branch Manager, Development Services. “By saving applicants valuable time, more housing can be built, faster. Accelerating development also reduces carrying costs for home builders, helping to keep housing prices down.” 

Those looking to build a single detached or semi-detached home in a greenfield area of the city (zoned as “Small Scale Flex Residential”) can now go to the Self Service website and fill in the details of the development. If the application meets requirements and isn’t selected for a random audit, the development permit is issued immediately. A home builder can also apply for a partial building permit for footing and foundation – another automated process – and, upon same-day approval, begin construction. The process, which used to take an average of two weeks to complete, now happens in one day.

“Automation is a key part of the City’s efforts to streamline processes and reduce red tape. The process improvements we’ve made in Development Services now save applicants an estimated $5.3 million and 67,600 days annually,” said Pawlyk.

Auto Review for House Development Permits is the latest instance of the City automating a process to help Edmontonians achieve their building and development goals faster and easier. In 2022, Edmonton automated simple deck permits, which today saves an average of more than 750 annual applicants three-to-six weeks and facilitates reduced carrying costs. 

Auto Review is part of the City’s Housing Accelerator Fund action plan, which will help create more housing to accommodate Edmonton’s growing population. With funding support from the federal government, the City is making lasting changes to build a healthy, urban, climate-resilient city where all Edmontonians have a variety of housing choices and can easily access amenities and services to meet their daily needs close to home.

Key Takeaways:

• Linde is investing over $2 billion to build and operate a large-scale clean hydrogen and atmospheric gases facility in Alberta, supporting Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero Project.
• The facility will utilize autothermal reforming combined with Linde’s proprietary HISORP carbon capture technology to produce clean hydrogen, capturing over 2 million metric tons of CO2 annually for sequestration.
• The collaboration between Linde and Dow aligns with both companies’ strategies to decarbonize operations, with Linde supplying clean hydrogen to Dow’s net-zero emissions ethylene cracker, making it the largest clean hydrogen production facility in Canada.

The Whole Story:

Linde has signed a long-term agreement for the supply of clean hydrogen to Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero Project. The company will invest more than $2 billion to build, own and operate a world-scale integrated clean hydrogen and atmospheric gases facility in Alberta.

Linde’s new on-site complex will use autothermal reforming, combined with Linde’s proprietary HISORP carbon capture technology, to produce clean hydrogen and will also recover hydrogen contained in off-gases from Dow’s ethylene cracker. In the first phase, Linde will supply the clean hydrogen, nitrogen and other services to support Dow’s world-first net-zero emissions integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives site. Linde’s new facility will also supply clean hydrogen to existing and new industrial customers seeking to decarbonize their operations. In total, Linde’s complex will capture carbon dioxide emissions for sequestration in excess of 2 million metric tons each year.

Upon completion in 2028, Linde’s new complex in Alberta will be the largest clean hydrogen production facility in Canada, and one of the largest globally. It will be Linde’s largest single investment and its second new world-scale clean hydrogen project, following the announcement of its project to supply clean hydrogen to a major blue ammonia project in the U.S. Gulf Coast.

“Linde is helping to build a more sustainable future,” said Sanjiv Lamba, CEO, Linde. “This landmark project aligns with our strategy of developing high-quality projects with secured off-take. Our technology, experience and execution are enabling the transition to a cleaner economy. We are proud to partner with Dow in its mission to decarbonize its Fort Saskatchewan site and are appreciative of the support of the Province of Alberta and the Federal Government.”

“Our business strategy to decarbonize our assets and drive growth while enabling higher shareholder returns is central to Dow’s long-term success,” said Jim Fitterling, chair and CEO, Dow. “Having support from collaborators and partners across the value chain is essential. We’re glad to have Linde as a partner on this industry-leading project.”