When Hammad Chaudhry left EllisDon earlier this year to join construction technology startup Timescapes, the news circulated quickly through Canada’s construction industry. Chaudhry had spent more than a decade rising through EllisDon’s ranks, eventually leading national innovation and digital strategy efforts. His departure raised eyebrows not because it was controversial, but because it was rare. Few people make that kind of leap from a secure leadership role at a Tier 1 contractor to a startup environment.
Six months later, Chaudhry says the move was not about dissatisfaction, but about timing and opportunity. After years of evaluating, piloting, and deploying technology within a large organization, he wanted to gain hands-on experience on the product side.
“I had always worked with startups from the outside—as a client, a partner, sometimes an advisor,” he said. “But I’d never built something from within. I felt like if I didn’t do it now, I might never get the chance.”
Chaudhry joined Timescapes, a company focused on visual jobsite intelligence through automated camera systems and software. He was already familiar with the product through past collaboration and saw a practical advantage in how easy it was to use. In contrast to many construction tools that require complex onboarding or technical fluency, Timescapes stood out for its accessibility—something he believes is increasingly important as user expectations evolve.
“A big reason I was drawn to it was the simplicity,” he said. “It just worked. People on site didn’t need a tutorial to understand it, and that’s where a lot of technology falls short.”
Now embedded in a smaller team and faster-paced environment, Chaudhry has shifted from corporate innovation strategy to direct product involvement. His focus is on ensuring that Timescapes stays aligned with jobsite realities, drawing from his background working with project teams across Canada. He said the change has been refreshing—less process, more immediacy, and a stronger connection between decision-making and outcomes.
The move also highlights a broader trend in the industry: experienced professionals crossing into the tech space to help shape tools that are better informed by construction practice. As more contractors adopt digital workflows, there is growing recognition that successful technology must be intuitive, field-ready, and integrated into the way projects actually run.
“One of the biggest challenges in this space is building tools that match how construction really works,” he said. “If you’ve never built a project, it’s easy to miss the mark.”
Looking more broadly at construction technology in Canada, Chaudhry remains cautiously optimistic. He acknowledges that progress is being made—particularly in regions like Alberta and British Columbia—but believes the national ecosystem still lacks the strategic support necessary to retain and grow early-stage contech companies. Many promising startups, he notes, continue to scale by shifting their focus to U.S. markets. That reality underscores the importance of creating more supportive conditions for innovation at home.
At Timescapes, Chaudhry is focused on product strategy, customer integration, and ensuring that field workflows inform the company’s development roadmap. “We want to be known as a trusted, reliable tool that’s actually built for construction—not just for tech’s sake,” he said. “That means staying close to the people who use it every day.”
While the startup environment has its own challenges, Chaudhry believes the shift reflects a necessary convergence between construction and technology. “This wasn’t about leaving construction,” he said. “It was about contributing to it in a new way.”
Mass timber is reshaping Canada’s construction landscape, and several innovative companies are leading this sustainable charge. Our recent video highlights seven prominent firms making significant contributions to the sector.
These companies are not just constructing buildings; they’re shaping the future of sustainable architecture in Canada.
Mass timber offers a range of advantages that are transforming the way we design and construct buildings. Engineered for strength and precision, products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), glulam, and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) provide structural performance comparable to steel and concrete, while being significantly lighter.
This can reduce foundation requirements, lower transportation costs, and speed up construction through prefabrication and on-site assembly. Mass timber is also a sustainable building material—renewable, carbon-storing, and often sourced from responsibly managed forests—making it an attractive option for reducing a project’s embodied carbon footprint.
SiteNews Editor Russell Hixson breaks down the nation’s top mass timber firms.
Key Takeaways:
Ottawa is investing over $21.5 million in five Alberta-based carbon capture and storage projects to accelerate clean energy innovation and reduce emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like diesel engines and industrial processing.
Key recipients include Bow Valley Carbon, Enbridge, Enhance Energy, OptiSeis Solutions, and OCCAM’s Technologies, with projects focusing on CO₂ storage, monitoring technologies, and diesel emissions reduction — several of which include Indigenous partnerships.
The funding supports Canada’s broader clean energy strategy, aligning with $93 billion in clean investment tax credits and contributing to the 2050 net-zero target while aiming to position the country as a global energy leader.
The Whole Story:
The federal government is investing more than $21.5-million in five Alberta-based carbon capture and storage projects as part of its push to reduce emissions while bolstering Canada’s energy sector.
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson made the announcement Thursday in Calgary, saying the funding will support the development of technologies that permanently store carbon, improve monitoring of underground storage sites, and reduce emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors like diesel engines.
“We are taking action to make Canada a conventional and clean energy superpower,” Hodgson said. “Today’s announcement highlights how Canada is showing the world that we are not just talking about clean energy — we are building it.”
The projects are funded through the federal Energy Innovation Program’s Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) stream, which was established following a $319-million commitment in Budget 2021. Ottawa says the goal is to drive down the cost and increase the viability of next-generation carbon capture technologies.
Among the recipients is Bow Valley Carbon, a partnership between Inter Pipeline and Entropy Inc., which will capture emissions from the Cochrane Extraction Plant and explore long-term carbon storage in western Alberta.
“Bow Valley Carbon will help ensure society can count on these products for decades to come,” said Paul Hawksworth, CEO of Inter Pipeline. “It will also create a path for long-term emissions reduction across the region.”
Enbridge is receiving support to advance its Wabamun Hub, a large-scale CO₂ transportation and storage network near Edmonton. The company says the project is being developed with plans for co-ownership opportunities for five nearby Indigenous communities.
Other funded projects include Enhance Energy’s Origins CCS Hub, designed to permanently store carbon from a range of industrial sources, and OptiSeis Solutions, which is validating subsurface geophysical technologies for monitoring underground carbon storage.
OCCAM’s Technologies will also receive support to demonstrate its emissions-reducing system for diesel engines at a commercial scale — part of an effort to target emissions from smaller but widespread emitters.
The funding announcement aligns with the federal government’s broader push to create jobs and reduce emissions through clean energy development. Ottawa has pledged $93 billion in clean investment tax credits through 2034–35, including incentives specifically targeting carbon capture technologies.
Officials say the projects will help meet Canada’s 2050 net-zero target while securing the country’s role as a global leader in both conventional and low-carbon energy.
“These investments are examples of how innovation can help Canada strengthen and modernize our energy industry, support good local jobs, reduce pollution and grow a cleaner economy,” the government said in a statement.
Key Takeaways:
Toronto is introducing pre-approved building plans for garden and laneway suites to help homeowners and builders save time and money during the design and permitting process.
Online building permit services are being expanded, allowing digital submissions for various residential projects, including new homes, secondary suites, and multiplex conversions.
The City is widening its reliance on professional engineers’ seals, a move expected to cut permit-to-occupancy timelines by nearly a month for some housing types.
The Whole Story:
Toronto is rolling out a slate of new measures aimed at accelerating home construction, including standardized building plans and expanded online permit services, as the city works to address housing supply and affordability challenges.
Mayor Olivia Chow announced the initiatives Thursday, saying they are designed to cut red tape and help builders and homeowners get shovels in the ground faster.
“We need to build more affordable homes faster that people can afford,” Chow said. “Today’s announcement will simplify approvals at city hall by enabling online applications, supporting faster approvals and providing pre-approved designs to accelerate building.”
The new actions include:
Pre-approved building plans for garden and laneway suites that comply with the Ontario Building Code and are freely available to the public. The standardized designs will reduce time and costs during the early design phase, although applicants must still undergo site-specific reviews.
Expanded online services for building permit applications, allowing digital submissions for new homes, secondary suites, multiplex conversions and accessory dwellings. Automation features are expected to reduce manual processing and allow reviews to begin sooner.
An expanded reliance on professional engineers’ seals, allowing qualified engineers to take responsibility for compliance with building code requirements. The program, launching July 14, will now include laneway and garden suites, mechanical systems and fire protection upgrades. A pilot of the program found it shortened permitting timelines by about 28 days.
The city is also publishing demonstration models to help residents visualize how so-called “missing middle” housing can fit into existing neighbourhoods, including pre-approved designs for multiplexes and secondary units.
The moves come as Toronto continues to grapple with a historic surge in housing proposals. Between 2020 and 2024, the city recorded its largest-ever residential development pipeline, with over 850,000 homes proposed.
City officials say the new tools will support both homebuilders and skilled trades, while helping Toronto meet the growing demand for diverse housing options.
Key Takeaways:
Net Zero Now is building a 320-acre energy campus in Alberta to support data centres with 400MW of base load power, aiming to ease constraints in Canada’s fastest-growing data centre market.
The project offers a workaround to Alberta’s grid limitations, allowing hyperscale operators to connect directly or virtually to on-site generation, bypassing AESO’s interim cap on large load connections.
Alberta is being positioned as a rising data centre hub, with Net Zero citing low electricity costs, a favourable tax environment, and fully permitted, construction-ready sites as key advantages.
The Whole Story:
A Calgary-based infrastructure company says it has completed environmental studies for a new “energy campus” aimed at solving one of the biggest bottlenecks facing Canada’s growing data centre industry: access to reliable power.
Net Zero Now Ltd. plans to build the campus on a 320-acre site in Alberta, which it says was strategically chosen to align with the infrastructure needs of electricity generation and data centre operations. The development will include 400 megawatts of base load generation, power quality services, backup supply, and a co-located data centre campus.
“With the AESO’s large-load interconnection queue growing exponentially, we recognized the need for a fundamentally different approach to powering these large loads,” said Scott Martin, Head of Energy at Net Zero, in a statement. “We’re giving hyperscale operators the ability to directly connect through a co-located energy campus or contract virtually through the grid to bring their own generation online.”
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has placed a temporary cap on large load connections at 1,200 megawatts, even as applications from data centre operators have ballooned to over 16,000 megawatts. Net Zero’s approach—providing pre-permitted, construction-ready sites with embedded power infrastructure—is designed to bypass those constraints.
“While Alberta is not currently ranked as a top-tier global data centre market, we expect that will change in the near future,” said Logan Downing, Head of Carbon Strategy at Net Zero. “We provide fully permitted, construction-ready campuses that enable speed-to-market, low-cost electricity, and best-in-class carbon intensity.”
The company said it will also deploy net zero building techniques, such as advanced insulation and sustainable materials, to reduce both embodied and operational carbon from the data centre structures.
Net Zero’s campus model is pitched as a win for both the tech industry and the province. The company says the project will create jobs, add tax revenue, and contribute more supply to Alberta’s electricity system at a time of rising demand.
The province has recently seen increased interest from global data centre operators due to its low electricity prices, favourable tax climate, and relatively stable political environment. Net Zero says it is evaluating additional sites across Alberta to support future demand.
Key Takeaways:
One Bloor West is now officially the tallest residential building in the country at 308.6 metres, making it Canada’s first building to surpass the 300-metre “supertall” threshold.
Designed by Foster + Partners and CORE Architects, the tower showcases complex design features, including a champagne bronze structural frame and the integration of 19th-century heritage buildings at its base.
Located at Bloor and Yonge, the tower will house 476 condos, retail space, and a five-star hotel, reflecting both Toronto’s vertical growth and its increasing emphasis on high-end, mixed-use development.
The Whole Story:
Canada’s first supertall building has officially topped out in downtown Toronto, marking a major milestone for the country’s high-rise development industry.
One Bloor West, a 308.6-metre, 85-storey tower at the intersection of Bloor and Yonge Streets, is now the tallest residential building in the country and the second tallest man-made structure in Canada, after the CN Tower. The term “supertall” is reserved for buildings exceeding 300 metres in height.
The tower — developed by North America’s largest residential builder, Tridel — is being hailed as a landmark moment in Canadian urban development, both for its engineering scale and its visual impact on the city skyline.
“As the first supertall in the country, One Bloor West marks a pivotal moment not just for Toronto, but all of Canada,” said Jim Ritchie, President and CEO of Tridel. “We are moving into a new era of development, marked by a level of ambition and engineering excellence not previously seen before.”
Construction on the tower continues, with structural work largely complete and interior fit-outs advancing across multiple floors.
Designed by global architecture firm Foster + Partners in collaboration with Toronto-based CORE Architects, the tower combines commercial uses at its base with residential units above. The upper structural frame is clad in champagne bronze and features a pattern of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal elements that emphasize the building’s height and rhythm. The development also integrates heritage structures from the site, preserving the 1883-era William Luke Buildings at street level.
“Foster + Partners is delighted that One Bloor West has now reached its highest floor and has already become a reference point for Toronto’s unique and distinctive skyline,” said Giles Robinson, Senior Partner with Foster + Partners. “The building is a remarkable feat of design and engineering and is a testament to the ingenuity and creative collaboration of the design team and contractors.”
The tower will include 476 condominium suites, world-class retail, and a five-star hotel. Its location straddles the bustling downtown core and the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood, reinforcing its place as a new centrepiece of the city.
“This project offered us a defining opportunity to demonstrate our ability to execute visionary architecture at the highest level of complexity and urban impact,” said Babak Eslahjou, Principal of CORE Architects Inc.
The tower is scheduled for full completion in the coming months.
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.
Cranes are the muscle behind Canada’s biggest builds. From lifting precast concrete panels on high-rises to placing turbines in remote energy projects, crane companies play a vital role in nearly every corner of the construction industry. Whether it’s a mobile crane navigating tight urban streets or a tower crane reaching into the skyline, these machines — and the people who operate them — are essential to getting the job done.
This list highlights some of the top crane companies operating across Canada. These firms supply and service the equipment that makes vertical construction, industrial expansion, and infrastructure development possible — safely, efficiently, and at scale.
Sterling Crane
Sterling Crane, part of Marmon Crane Services under Berkshire Hathaway, is one of Canada’s largest crane rental providers. With a 625‑unit strong fleet spanning All Terrain, Rough Terrain, Boom Trucks, Carry Decks, Hydraulic Truck and Crawler cranes (up to 885 ton capacity), they operate from at least 27 locations coast‑to‑coast in Canada. Headquartered in Edmonton, they serve the industrial, infrastructure, power and commercial sectors with both bare-rentals and fully operated services. Known for their engineering-backed lift planning, ISO‑9001 quality systems, and heavy-lift contracting, they’re a go-to for complex and large-scale projects.
North West Crane Enterprises Ltd.
Founded in 1993 and based in Leduc, Alberta, North West Crane is a premier Western Canada provider of truck, Rough Terrain, All Terrain, crawler cranes and telehandlers. They are Canada’s exclusive dealer for Ferrari knuckleboom cranes and also distribute Weldco, XCMG and Manitex machinery. Their fleet ranges from 40 ton units to massive 4,000 ton cranes, and their services include sales, rentals, in-house installation, custom fabrication, crane certification, and parts servicing. With locations in Leduc and Grande Prairie, they’re recognized for high-quality support and regional excellence.
Atlantic Crane & Material Handling
Headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with branches in NS, NB, and Newfoundland, Atlantic Crane & Material Handling was founded in 1997. They specialize in overhead cranes, custom material handling systems, crane design/engineering, equipment modernization, preventive maintenance, inspections, rigging solutions and operator training. A team of 11–50 technicians, they deliver tailored, safe, and efficient material handling across Atlantic Canada, from design and installation to service and training.
GWIL Crane Service
GWIL Crane Service is a B.C.-based mobile crane provider with over four decades of experience. Operating out of Burnaby and Castlegar, the company offers a diverse fleet that includes all-terrain, rough-terrain, truck-mounted, carry-deck, lattice boom, and crawler cranes ranging from 6 to 500 tons. Known for its 24/7 availability and certified operators, GWIL emphasizes computerized lift planning and strict adherence to provincial safety standards.
Eagle West Crane & Rigging
Based in Abbotsford, Eagle West Crane & Rigging is a major player in the B.C. crane rental market and part of the TNT Crane & Rigging network. Their fleet includes over 650 cranes, ranging from hydraulic and folding boom to crawler and rough terrain models. The company also manufactures and supplies precast concrete barriers and retaining walls. Eagle West is known for engineered lift planning, industrial moving services, and a strong safety culture backed by COR and IIF certification.
RKM Crane Services Ltd.
RKM Crane Services operates across British Columbia with yards in Langley, Chemainus, and Kamloops. They specialize in mobile crane rentals, offering boom trucks, rough terrain, all terrain, and crawler cranes with capacities from 8.5 to 500 tons. The company provides engineering-integrated lift planning, rigging, hoisting, and 24/7 emergency services, serving sectors such as construction, energy, and infrastructure.
Regional Crane Rentals Ltd.
Operating since 1972, Regional Crane Rentals is based in Ottawa and serves both Ontario and Western Quebec. The company offers a wide range of hydraulic truck, boom truck, and all-terrain cranes, with capacities reaching up to 550 tons. They also provide repair, inspection, and certified operator services, maintaining a strong reputation for safety and reliability in the region.
Elite Crane Rental Inc.
Elite Crane Rental is a family-owned company based in Hamilton, Ontario, with additional yards in Toronto and Niagara Falls. Since 2015, they’ve provided a wide range of mobile cranes including all-terrain, boom truck, carry deck, rough terrain, crawler, and spyder cranes, with capacities from 8 to 600 tons. All operators are Red Seal-certified, and the company offers full project coordination with a focus on safety and customer service.
TNT Crane & Rigging Canada
TNT Crane & Rigging operates one of Canada’s largest crane fleets, with over 700 units and capacities reaching 900 tons. Headquartered in Edmonton and serving the country through a national network, TNT offers mobile, tower, carry-deck, and crawler cranes. They are known for in-house engineering, specialized rigging services, machinery moving, and industrial storage, serving large-scale industrial and infrastructure clients.
Bigfoot Crane Company Inc.
Bigfoot Crane Company, based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, specializes in tower cranes, self-erecting cranes, and high-angle material handling solutions. Founded in 2014, the company also operates a crane training academy that offers certification programs for folding boom, stiff boom, self-erecting, and tower cranes. Bigfoot is recognized for its focus on safety, innovation, and comprehensive support services for material handling.
Morwest Crane & Services Ltd.
Morwest Crane & Services is a Calgary-based tower crane provider founded in 1988. The company is the exclusive Canadian distributor for Wolffkran tower cranes and offers services including crane rental, erection, dismantling, climbing, and sales. With operations across Canada and the U.S., Morwest serves high-rise construction and major infrastructure projects with a reputation for quality and engineering support.
NATIO GRUES
Serving the Greater Montreal area including Laval, Montreal, and Terrebonne within a 120 km radius, NATIO GRUES has over 35 years of industry experience providing crane and boom truck rental services. They offer comprehensive assembly, dismantling, and operation services for construction projects across commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, and agricultural sectors.
Tremblay Grues
Founded in 1976 and covering all of Quebec, Tremblay Grues offers boom trucks and mobile cranes for rent with 24/7 emergency service. They serve commercial, industrial, agri-food, metallurgical, oil, gas, and chemical sectors, providing both equipment rental and certified operators throughout the province.
Able Crane Services
Operating since 1977 and based in Winnipeg, Able Crane Services has established itself as Manitoba’s leading crane rental company with over 30 modern cranes ranging from 9-ton carry deck units to 270-ton all-terrain cranes. They provide comprehensive services including 3D lift analysis, precast concrete installation, heavy haul, and machinery moving throughout Manitoba and surrounding provinces.
NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Corporation
Founded in 1987 and based in Edmonton, NCSG is a leading industrial services company with approximately 700 employees and an extensive fleet of over 280 mobile cranes. They serve the geographic region from Western Canada through Montana and North Dakota down to Texas, specializing in oil sands, oil and gas, LNG, mining, refining, and wind projects. Their comprehensive services include crane rental, heavy haul, jack & slide systems, and hydraulic gantries.
Cropac Equipment Inc.
Established in 1977, Cropac has become the Canada-wide authorized distributor for Tadano rough terrain, all terrain, and telescopic boom crawler cranes. With locations in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C., they provide comprehensive coverage with factory-trained technicians serving coast-to-coast.
Konecranes Canada
As a global leader in overhead crane services and manufacturing, Konecranes maintains significant Canadian operations with locations in Burlington, Windsor, Ottawa, Dartmouth, and Newfoundland. They specialize in overhead cranes, hoists, warehouse automation, and provide comprehensive service networks for industrial crane maintenance and repair across Canada.
Sarens Canada
Acquired Canada Crane Services in 2011 and rebranded as Sarens Canada in 2014, this company has become a major player in wind energy, oil & gas, and civil infrastructure projects. Based in Leduc, Alberta, with expanding presence across B.C. and Ontario, Sarens Canada features the specialized LG1750 crane designed specifically for wind turbine projects, offering unique advantages over traditional crawler cranes in the growing renewable energy sector.
Mammoet Canada
One of the world’s largest crane rental companies with significant Canadian operations, Mammoet operates both western and eastern divisions. Mammoet Canada Western spans nine branches from Regina to Vancouver with capacities from 3 to 750 tons, while Mammoet Canada Eastern services Northern Ontario with specialized heavy lifting and transport solutions for mining and industrial sectors. Their global expertise and extreme capacity equipment (including 1,600-tonne crawler cranes) make them essential for major infrastructure and industrial projects.
Amherst Crane Rentals
Amherst is a Toronto-based leader in crane rental and concrete pumping services, serving Southern Ontario for over 60 years. Founded in 1962, it has grown from a small startup to one of Canada’s most recognized heavy equipment service companies, still family-operated and renowned for its reliability and expertise. They boast an extensive fleet of state-of-the-art cranes, including mobile cranes, rough terrain cranes, and boom trucks, with capacities ranging from 8 to 600 tons.
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.”
Canada’s data centre sector is rapidly expanding to meet the growing demand for cloud services, AI processing, and secure data storage. From hyperscale campuses to regional colocation hubs, the country’s infrastructure push is being led by a mix of general contractors, dedicated developers, and multinational operators. Here’s a look at the key players building out Canada’s data centre ecosystem.
Bird Construction
Bird Construction is a leading Canadian builder with a strong track record in mission-critical infrastructure, including data centres. With over 100 years of experience and a workforce of more than 5,000 across 18 cities, Bird delivers both greenfield and retrofit projects. Notable data centre builds include the Rogers Data Centre in Edmonton, Shaw Campus Data Centre in Airdrie, and a confidential 300,000 sq. ft. facility in Calgary, built to LEED standards. The company leverages prefabrication, laser scanning, and self-perform capabilities to deliver complex, sustainable projects with schedule certainty. Bird often acts as a general contractor for hyperscale and enterprise clients, reflecting its growing role in this high-demand sector.
PCL
PCL Construction is one of Canada’s largest general contractors and has delivered several high-security, mission-critical facilities, including data centres. With expertise in integrated delivery models, building envelope solutions, and energy systems, PCL frequently partners with hyperscalers and telecom clients for custom builds. While many of their data centre projects are under non-disclosure agreements, they are widely recognized for delivering confidential hyperscale facilities across Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.
TCA Developments
TCA Developments is a Canadian builder and developer specializing in data centre and colocation infrastructure. Operating in markets such as Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver, the company focuses on hyperscale, enterprise, and telecom-ready facilities. While public details on flagship projects are limited, TCA’s business model emphasizes secure, energy-efficient infrastructure aligned with Canadian regulatory and environmental standards.
STACK Infrastructure
STACK Infrastructure is a global data centre developer that recently entered the Canadian market with major investments in Toronto and Montreal. The company targets hyperscale customers with rapid, scalable, and sustainable data centre campuses. STACK’s developments are designed to meet high-density compute needs and integrate renewable energy, reflecting growing demand for AI and cloud capacity in Canada.
Cologix
Cologix is a leading data centre operator and developer with a significant footprint in Canada. The company offers colocation and interconnection services across facilities in Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary. Cologix continues to expand its hyperscale capacity, including a new large-scale data centre in Montreal. Their carrier-neutral approach and strategic location choices have made them a key part of Canada’s digital infrastructure.
Digital Realty
Digital Realty is a global data centre developer with a strong presence in Canada through campuses in Toronto and Montreal. They serve cloud providers, telecoms, and enterprises with resilient, energy-efficient colocation and hyperscale solutions. The company has invested heavily in expansion to meet demand from cloud computing and AI workloads, offering low-latency interconnection across North America.
eStruxture Data Centers
eStruxture is a Canadian-owned data centre provider with facilities in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. The company specializes in scalable, carrier-neutral infrastructure tailored for cloud and enterprise customers. Known for its emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, eStruxture recently expanded its Montreal footprint to support growing AI and edge computing demand.
Vantage Data Centers
Vantage is developing hyperscale campuses in Canada, particularly in Montreal. Following its 2020 acquisition of Hypertec’s data centre assets, Vantage has built a presence focused on scalable, sustainable facilities for cloud and enterprise clients. The company integrates renewable energy and advanced cooling systems to meet high-performance compute needs with a smaller environmental footprint.
QScale
QScale is a Quebec-based data centre developer focused on AI, high-performance computing, and green energy. Their flagship campus in Lévis, Quebec, is designed to run on 100% hydroelectric power and offers direct liquid cooling for energy-intensive applications. The project is backed by government support and private equity and represents one of Canada’s most ambitious climate-aligned data centre builds.
AWS, Microsoft, and Google (Self-Build Hyperscalers)
Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are all expanding their infrastructure footprints in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. While they typically build and operate their own facilities, these hyperscalers contract major Canadian construction firms—often under strict confidentiality—to deliver highly secure, hyperscale-capable campuses. These builds are a key driver of Canada’s current data centre construction surge.
EllisDon
EllisDon is a major Canadian contractor with a dedicated Technology and Data Centre group. The firm delivers turnkey data centre solutions through design-build, IPD, and P3 models. While less publicly visible in the data centre space than PCL or Bird, EllisDon has worked on institutional, telecom, and enterprise-class facilities across Canada, offering strong technical and sustainability expertise. Their team says they are the nation’s top data centre builder.
Key Takeaways:
Productivity crisis at a tipping point: Construction productivity in Canada has fallen to levels below those of 1997, with output per hour worked collapsing after the pandemic—even as demand for major infrastructure and housing projects skyrockets.
Tech optimism rising: 90% of construction professionals believe tools like AI, BIM, and digital twins can boost efficiency, and over half of surveyed firms are now prioritizing prefabrication and modular building to reduce costs and timelines.
Tariffs and labour top concerns: Tariffs on U.S. materials, a chronic skilled labour shortage, and interprovincial trade barriers are major threats. Nearly three-quarters of companies expect it will become harder to meet project demand in the next decade.
The Whole Story:
Nine in 10 construction leaders in Canada say the industry must move quickly to adopt advanced technologies if it hopes to keep pace with soaring demand for housing and infrastructure.
That’s according to a new report by KPMG in Canada, which found that most companies are already starting to see a payoff from their tech investments. Tools like artificial intelligence, modular construction, robotics, and digital project modelling are beginning to boost productivity, even as the sector faces ongoing labour shortages and economic uncertainty.
Productivity push amid labour crunch
The survey of 265 construction executives found that 78 per cent of firms are still facing skilled labour shortages, and nearly three-quarters believe meeting demand will become even more difficult over the next decade as retirements outpace recruitment.
Jordan Thomson, director with KPMG’s Global Infrastructure Advisory practice, said the pressure is mounting for the sector to “do far more with less.”
While shortages have slightly eased since 2023, 70 per cent of companies still say the labour crunch is affecting their ability to bid on new projects or complete existing ones. That’s prompting many to prioritize technology that improves efficiency, streamlines work, and reduces reliance on manual labour.
Modular, AI and automation gaining traction
The report shows firms are increasingly prioritizing prefabrication and modular construction (53 per cent), along with demand-driven supply chain systems (56 per cent) and AI-powered tools (also 53 per cent). Other emerging technologies—such as drones, robotics, and wearable exoskeletons—are also being explored.
More than 80 per cent of respondents said their recent technology investments have already improved labour productivity or project outcomes.
“These investments are about to pay dividends and transform how we build in Canada,” said Tom Rothfischer, national industry leader for building, construction and real estate at KPMG. But he warned that high input costs and economic headwinds threaten to limit further investment.
Procurement reform seen as key to progress
A major theme in the report is the role of clients and procurement processes in shaping how quickly the industry modernizes. About 43 per cent of respondents said clients now play a “highly influential” role in their decision to adopt new technologies, and nearly 80 per cent said procurement is starting to evolve to support innovation.
Still, construction leaders say outdated tendering systems remain a barrier. “Too often, the system prioritizes lowest price over long-term value,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “If we want a modern, productive construction sector, governments must reform procurement to foster collaboration, ensure fair risk-sharing, and create the confidence companies need to invest and grow.”
Gilbert called for urgent action on interprovincial trade barriers and regulatory fragmentation, adding that the sector can’t deliver Canada’s housing and infrastructure targets without coordinated policy reform.
“The construction sector is the foundation of Canada’s nation-building ambitions,” he said. “Nothing gets built without us. The time to act—together—is now.”
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:
Ottawa is using a high-tech mapping vehicle equipped with LiDAR and 360° cameras to create a detailed digital inventory of traffic infrastructure, including signs, signals, and crosswalks.
The project feeds into the city’s Digital Twin program, a 3D virtual model used by planners, architects, and emergency services to improve decision-making and infrastructure management.
Privacy safeguards are in place: the system automatically blurs faces and license plates to protect personal information during data collection.
The Whole Story:
Don’t be surprised if you spot a City of Ottawa SUV cruising your neighbourhood this summer with what looks like a camera rig bolted to its roof. It’s not filming for Google Street View—but it’s not far off.
The vehicle is part of a new initiative called the Mobile Mapping of Traffic Infrastructure Project, a collaboration between several municipal departments aimed at creating a detailed digital inventory of the city’s traffic infrastructure. The effort falls under Ottawa’s broader Digital Twin and Reality Capture program, which uses advanced mapping technologies to build a 3D model of the city.
Mounted on the SUV is a Mosaic Meridian system—an advanced mobile mapping platform equipped with LiDAR sensors and a 360-degree camera. It will be used to scan and document features such as street signs, traffic signals, crosswalks, pavement markings, and streetlights.
City officials say the high-resolution digital inventory will support more efficient planning, installation, and maintenance of traffic assets. The collected data will also be integrated into Ottawa’s growing Digital Twin—a high-fidelity virtual replica of the city that helps planners, architects, and emergency services make better-informed decisions.
“Think of it like Google Street View, but purpose-built for the infrastructure that keeps our roads safe and functioning,” the City said in a statement.
The Digital Twin program relies on a suite of technologies, including LiDAR, drones, photogrammetry, and immersive 360-degree imagery, to digitally replicate both the exterior and interior built environment of Ottawa.
To address privacy concerns, the city confirmed that an automated system will blur any faces or license plates captured during the data collection process.
Parts of the Digital Twin are already accessible to the public via Engage Ottawa, where it is being used to support the development of the city’s new zoning bylaw.
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:
AtkinsRéalis has partnered with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, officially launching the collaboration ahead of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, with a focus on engineering innovation and talent development.
The partnership includes plans to create an engineering academy, aimed at training future engineers by leveraging AtkinsRéalis’ expertise in high-performance sectors like aerospace, defence, and nuclear energy.
Both organizations will share resources and facilities, combining cutting-edge motorsport technology with advanced engineering solutions to enhance performance, sustainability, and technical excellence on and off the track.
The Whole Story:
Engineering and nuclear services firm AtkinsRéalis has entered a new partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, marking its official launch ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
The collaboration was unveiled Thursday in Montreal by Ian L. Edwards, president and CEO of AtkinsRéalis, and Karel Loos, head of trackside engineering at Alpine. The companies say the partnership will focus on engineering collaboration, technological innovation, and skills development — including the creation of an engineering academy to help train the next generation of talent.
“We are proud to partner with BWT Alpine Formula One Team, starting at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix,” said Edwards. “By combining our global expertise with BWT Alpine Formula One Team’s pioneering spirit, we’re creating a relationship where seasoned engineers and rising talent can grow together, challenge conventions, and deliver real-world impact in performance, sustainability, and technological excellence.”
David Sanchez, executive technical director of the BWT Alpine Formula One Team, said the partnership reflects the sport’s constant need for engineering excellence.
“We are excited to enter into this partnership with AtkinsRéalis; as competitors in Formula One, cutting-edge engineering is the most important part of the team’s operations,” said Sanchez. “The wide variety of groundbreaking technology mastered by AtkinsRéalis excellently combines with the fast-paced world of motorsport and we are excited to begin this new relationship this weekend in Montreal and beyond.”
According to AtkinsRéalis, the collaboration will draw on its expertise in high-performance engineering across sectors like aerospace, defence and nuclear energy. The company says the partnership will include joint use of resources and facilities to advance both organizations’ technical capabilities.
BWT Alpine, which competes in the FIA Formula One World Championship with drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, is based in Enstone, U.K. The team has won multiple championships and secured its most recent Grand Prix victory in 2021. It finished the 2024 season with two podiums and placed sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
AtkinsRéalis, formerly SNC-Lavalin, is headquartered in Montreal and provides engineering, project management and environmental services across Canada and internationally.
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:
Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. (SAMI), backed by Mattamy Asset Management and founded by Peter Gilgan, aims to increase the supply of modular homes in Canada through automation, robotics, and AI.
Although SAMI has a strategic relationship with Mattamy Homes as both investor and future client, it will operate independently and serve a wide range of homebuilders.
SAMI plans to open a cutting-edge facility in the Greater Toronto Area, with the goal of producing thousands of homes annually to address housing affordability and align with government priorities on modular construction.
The Whole Story:
A new company backed by Mattamy Asset Management is aiming to increase the supply of modular housing in Canada by leveraging automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Stelumar Advanced Manufacturing Inc. (SAMI) has been launched by entrepreneur Peter Gilgan, the founder of Mattamy Homes. The company will focus on the advanced manufacturing of residential building components such as modules, wall panels, floor systems, cabinetry, and millwork. These prefabricated parts are intended to streamline construction and reduce costs.
SAMI plans to open a manufacturing facility in the Greater Toronto Area next year. The company says it will be one of the most advanced and automated modular housing plants in North America.
While SAMI has a strategic relationship with Mattamy Homes – both as an investor and future customer – it will operate independently and serve a broad range of homebuilders.
“We started to seriously look at the opportunity in the last couple of years,” Gilgan said in a statement. “What I think about is the young couple who wants a home where they can live and raise a family, and right now they’re facing a situation where there isn’t enough supply of quality homes and what there is they can’t afford – that’s what this is all about.”
Mattamy Asset Management Chair Kathleen Taylor said the investment aligns with the firm’s focus on addressing housing affordability in Canada.
SAMI says it intends to work with all three levels of government to scale up production and deliver thousands of new homes annually. The company also noted that its plans align with federal goals around increasing the use of modular construction.
“The team is excited about the prospects to make a real difference,” said Peter Hass, General Manager of SAMI. “By harnessing advanced manufacturing and data-driven design, we have an opportunity to build faster, smarter and more sustainably.”
SAMI will operate as a separate entity from Mattamy Homes.
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.
