Category: Technology

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.

Key Takeaways:

• Isobloc and CarbiCrete have launched Isobloc ZÉRO, the first insulated masonry block made from decarbonized concrete in North America, combining thermal efficiency with drastically reduced carbon emissions.
• The product leverages CarbiCrete’s patented process, which replaces cement with steel slag and uses captured CO₂, significantly lowering the environmental impact of concrete production—an industry responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions.
• Designed and manufactured in Quebec, Isobloc ZÉRO meets ASTM standards and supports green building certifications like LEED and WELL, offering contractors and developers a practical solution to meet growing environmental requirements without sacrificing performance or profitability.

The Whole Story:

Quebec-based companies Isobloc, known for its high-performance, durable insulated concrete blocks, and CarbiCrete, a world leader in decarbonized concrete, are proud to announce the launch of Isobloc ZÉRO: the first insulated masonry solution made from decarbonized concrete in North America.

This 100% Quebec innovation combines thermal performance, ease of installation, and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—helping to make building construction more sustainable.

Concrete is the most widely used construction material globally due to its affordability and durability. However, producing one of its key ingredients—cement, the binding agent—is responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions, more than the entire aviation industry.

By combining CarbiCrete’s patented process—using steel slag and captured CO₂ to produce cement-free concrete—with Isobloc’s energy-efficient insulated block system, Isobloc says the ZÉRO product delivers the same performance as standard concrete while significantly reducing construction’s carbon footprint. Their team noted that the Canadian construction industry is expected to reach USD 417.3 billion by 2033, making such solutions more critical than ever.

“Many cities and municipalities have committed to decarbonizing construction in the coming years,” says Eric Dionne, President of Isobloc. “With Isobloc ZÉRO, we’re not just building walls—we’re building for future generations. This is a real revolution in construction. An insulated masonry solution that’s durable, easy to install… and now decarbonized.”

Designed and manufactured in Quebec, Isobloc ZÉRO is intended for architects, contractors, developers, and institutions looking for tangible solutions to meet new environmental standards without compromising quality or profitability. Company officials added that it offers real added value, meets ASTM 90 performance standards, and contributes to certifications such as LEED, BBCA, WELL, and SmartScore.

“CarbiCrete is constantly pushing the boundaries of green building,” says Jacob Homiller, CEO of CarbiCrete. “By combining our cement-free concrete technology with Isobloc’s energy-efficient solution, we’re giving building professionals a powerful tool to reduce both embodied and operational carbon in buildings.”

Founded in 1984, Isobloc manufactures insulated masonry blocks that combine structure, thermal insulation, and architectural finish. The company is known for its local, sustainable, and innovation-driven approach. 

CarbiCrete is a Montreal-based carbon removal technology company whose patented technology enables the production of cement-free, decarbonized concrete made with industrial by-products and captured carbon dioxide. 

Key Takeaways:

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

The Whole Story:

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

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

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

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

Other measures in the act would:

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

• Canada Growth Fund Inc. (CGF) is committing up to $138 million to Calgary-based Eavor Technologies to accelerate the commercialization of its innovative closed-loop geothermal system, Eavor-Loop.
• Since CGF’s initial $90 million investment in 2023, Eavor has made major technical advances at its first commercial-scale project in Germany, including new drilling technologies and proprietary systems like Eavor-Link AMR and Rock-Pipe.
• CGF’s investment supports the retention of Eavor’s leadership and talent in Canada, aligning with its broader mandate to scale homegrown clean technologies and strengthen the country’s low-carbon innovation ecosystem.

The Whole Story:

Canada Growth Fund Inc. (CGF) and Eavor Technologies Inc. announced a financing commitment by CGF of up to $138 million to accelerate the development and commercial deployment of Eavor’s geothermal technology.

Founded in 2017, Eavor is an advanced geothermal technology company based in Calgary, Alberta. Eavor has proven pilot versions of its proprietary closed-loop geothermal system (Eavor-Loop) and a first commercial project is under construction in Geretsried, Germany. In connection with the transaction, CGF executed a definitive agreement committing it to invest up to $138 million: $89 million on financial close and $48 million upon the achievement of certain milestones.

Eavor-Loop leverages Canada’s talent and expertise to build the next generation of geothermal innovation. CGF first invested $90 million in Eavor in October 2023, through a direct commitment in its Series B preferred equity fundraise. Since CGF’s initial investment, Eavor has progressed construction of its first commercial-scale facility in Geretsried and achieved major milestones including successfully intersecting wells using its new Eavor-Link Active Magnetic Ranging (AMR) system; deploying its proprietary insulated drill pipe to enable well construction in high-temperature environments; setting, sidetracking, and retrieving whipstocks to drill deep multilateral wells; and implementing its proprietary Rock-Pipe technology to seal the multilateral wells.

CGF’s scaling capital will continue to facilitate the Company’s Canadian presence by ensuring the majority of its leadership and employee base remain in Canada and leverage Canada’s drilling knowledge and know-how to catalyze the next generation of global geothermal innovation. Eavor’s continued growth will secure its innovation and employment footprint in Canada at its Calgary, Alberta headquarters.

“Our continued investment in Eavor, as the company completes the first commercial-scale application of its technology, is a prime example of CGF’s steadfast commitment to scaling up Canadian companies and investing at a critical stage of their development,” said Yannick Beaudoin, President and CEO of Canada Growth Fund Investment Management Inc. (CGFIM). “CGF was established to drive innovation and competitiveness across new and traditional sectors of Canada’s industrial base, and Eavor is well aligned with our mandate.”

CGF has announced 13 investments since its launch in June 2023 and has committed approximately $2.7 billion to Canadian projects and companies. It has a mandate to invest in Canadian clean technology businesses that are scaling innovative technologies at the demonstration or commercialization stages of development.

“We are grateful for CGF’s continued commitment to our Canadian company, which uses Albertan expertise to drive innovation in the development of new advanced geothermal technologies,” said John Redfern, Co-Founder and CEO of Eavor. “Eavor has achieved significant development and technical milestones in scaling clean, reliable, dispatchable heat and power using its proprietary closed loop geothermal system, and we look forward to building on this progress in the months ahead.”

CGF is a $15 billion arm’s length investment vehicle that helps attract private capital to build Canada’s clean economy by using investment instruments that absorb certain risks, in order to encourage private investment in efficient low carbon projects, technologies, businesses, and supply chains.

Key Takeaways:

• EllisDon has partnered with The Phil App to transform how it sources and disposes of excess soil and aggregate. By using Phil’s open marketplace and tracking tools, EllisDon aims to streamline its material handling processes while enhancing operational efficiency and environmental compliance.
• The partnership is expected to reduce average haulage distances by more than half (from 65 km to 25 km), leading to meaningful reductions in carbon emissions and transportation costs. This shift supports EllisDon’s broader sustainability and digital transformation goals.
• By listing its excess material needs on The Phil App, EllisDon is promoting transparency and collaboration across the construction value chain. The platform enables municipalities, contractors, and developers to easily find and repurpose materials, helping the industry adopt more sustainable and compliant practices.

The Whole Story:

EllisDon Corporation has announced the addition of a new Technology Ecosystem Strategic Partner, The Phil App, as a fundamental change in its excess material sourcing and disposal process. EllisDon will list and source excess soil and aggregate in Phil’s free and open marketplace, then digitally track from source to destination. The Phil App joins EllisDon’s Technology Ecosystem as a part of its ongoing commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and digital transformation.

This partnership will assist in diverting materials away from landfills to nearby projects for beneficial reuse. By doing so, EllisDon could achieve a 60% reduction in haulage distance; Phil’s load tracking users are hauling materials 25 kilometers on average to their destination compared to the provincial average of 65 kilometers – driving meaningful economic and carbon reduction benefits.

The adoption of The Phil App aims to support EllisDon in reducing compliance risks, gaining new levels of operational visibility, and making it easier for partners across the value chain to adopt sustainable practices.

“This partnership is more than moving excess material from sites, it’s about tracking our carbon impact and understanding our impact on the environment and the industry,” said Brandon Milner, Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President of Digital & Data Engineering, EllisDon. “Working alongside the team at The Phil App means we can now track and evaluate every kilometer our material travels. Furthermore, this single platform will provide our construction teams with a great technology to future-proof our sustainability and technology efforts across the organization.”

“Our mission is for every truck load of construction material to travel the shortest distance possible to a compliant site. That level of haulage optimization is only possible with our unique marketplace and tracking tools. We make it simple for estimators, engineers, contractors, haulers, owners, and municipalities to cut their haulage distance and related emissions in half.” said Bryan Kerr, Co-founder of The Phil App. “We have cracked the code on incentivizing good compliance in a very challenging environment; Ontario companies who create quality listings can now get matched with leaders like EllisDon.”

EllisDon’s excess material requirements can now be viewed publicly on The Phil App at  www.getphil.app. Projects seeking to source locally available soil or excess materials can search, match, and coordinate directly with EllisDon through the platform. Listings are updated regularly and are accessible to developers, contractors, municipalities, and other stakeholders looking to reduce their haulage costs and carbon footprint.

720 Modular has broken new ground on the East Coast, successfully delivering the region’s first complex, multi-storey modular housing projects.

For 720’s Founder and CEO Troy Ferguson and Project Development Partner Craig Mitchell, it wasn’t just an opportunity to create desperately needed homes for vulnerable people — it was a chance to act as ambassadors for the entire modular sector. The pair showcased how modular construction can rapidly deliver housing with efficiency and precision.

The opportunity came at a time when the modular industry was looking to diversify. With a slump in the oil and gas sector, demand for multi-unit commercial modular buildings had plummeted so Ferguson decided to pivot toward the growing demand for Canadian housing. The company was born in 2020 and was quickly engaged by the Canadian Mental Health Association in PEI and local stakeholders because of its experience delivering complex modular projects across the country.

Building local

As the first project of its kind in the region, 720 brought its west coast expertise to Prince Edward Island, a region that has been hit hard with housing shortages. All they needed was a willing team. 

“In modular construction in general it’s all about the strength of the team and the strength of the partners and so what we really wanted was a good collaborative team that was willing to try something new,” said Mitchell, who began connecting with companies. “They were all willing to give modular a try.”

Through 720’s progressive design-build delivery model, early feasibility discussions were translated into actionable modular solutions. The process began by evaluating site constraints, the target population, and the required unit mix. From there, 720 engaged its architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and site partners in a collaborative planning process that emphasized constructability, speed, and community integration.

“We’re bringing our design-build experience to a new market that really has never done modular,” said Mitchell. “It was an opportunity for us to teach.”

Staying on track

You can’t control everything on a construction project — some variables can threaten to derail budgets and timelines. Fitzroy was no different. But 720’s modular approach enabled the team to mitigate risk and maintain certainty for the client.

Partway through permitting, additional funding from the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CHMC) allowed the project to add a fourth floor with minimal delay, thanks to the flexibility of modular design. Permits were re-submitted and approved within two months.

Foundation work was completed before winter, while modules were built in a factory during the colder months. Once the weather cleared, 36 modules were craned into place over just seven days — including a rain delay — transforming an empty lot into a four-storey building in one week.

“Local residents had never seen this before,” said Mitchell. “There was just an empty lot but in a week there was a four-storey building. People were amazed.”

After erection, finishing work — including siding, electrical, and basement completion — took five more months. The full project, from contract award to occupancy, was completed in 14 months, just slightly beyond 720’s internal 12-month goal. Mitchell noted this was still a strong result for a first-time collaboration among a new consultant team, contractor, and owner.

“As builders, we talk a lot about product and process, but at the end of the day, it’s about people,” said Ferguson. “To know that our work is contributing to a safe, supportive space for women and vulnerable individuals is humbling. Our team takes that responsibility seriously, and we’re proud to be building not just homes, but opportunities for stability, dignity, and community.”

Rather than being a one-off, 720 hopes the Fitzroy project will serve as a positive case study that showcases the potential of modular construction when done right.

Leveraging experience

Ferguson and Mitchell have spent decades in modular construction, amassing a wide range of experience. Ferguson is a successful entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in modular housing, shelters, forestry, and hospitality in Canada and the U.S.

Mitchell has worked as an ambassador for modular for almost 30 years, leading numerous offsite manufacturing and on-site construction projects, specializing in affordable housing and multi-storey commercial developments.

Now, as they enter the back half of their careers, both want to put that experience to good use. 720 specializes exclusively in modular multifamily housing. Unlike many builders who retrofit modular into conventional processes, they’ve developed a process to leverage the advantages of modular, from concept to completion. 

“Modular is a process and you need a shepherd to guide the process,” said Ferguson. “That’s what was missing in the industry. And as a result, you got some poor case studies. Traditional site-build construction teams just didn’t have that offsite knowledge and the ability to look through a lens that could tie it all together and that really is what we have brought as a value proposition to the Maritimes, and the construction industry.”

Key Takeaways:

• VEERUM secured $12 million in Series B funding, led by Veriten and Emerson Ventures, to enhance its reality-based visual operations platform. This funding will support platform improvements, client scalability, and increased adoption of digital reality technologies.
• VEERUM’s VisOps platform enables remote visualization, collaboration, and decision-making by turning reality capture data into actionable insights. It aims to expand access from 5–10% of industry workers to over 90%, reducing costly unplanned events and improving safety and efficiency
• With the digital twin market projected to reach $150 billion by 2032 and 80% of enterprises adopting reality capture technology in 2025, VEERUM is well-positioned as a leader in operationalizing reality capture across energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors.

The Whole Story:

VEERUM, a Calgary-based provider of visual operations for industrial assets, announced today that it has successfully closed its Series B funding round, raising a total of $12 million. The round closed on March 26, 2025 and was led by energy-tech investors Veriten and Emerson Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of industrial technology leader Emerson, with additional participation from existing investors BDC Capital and Evok Innovations.

“VEERUM is setting a new standard for how industrial asset owners access and contextualize their critical operations and engineering data,” said Thurston Cromwell, head of Emerson Ventures and vice president of development and innovation at Emerson. “Its innovative approach to delivering reality-based visualizations and supporting the digital asset management ecosystem is transforming the way people work and collaborate. As a global automation leader, we are excited to support their growth and vision.”

VEERUM CEO David Lod adds, “Our newest investors share the passion in creating this category of visual operations, and they are selecting the strongest companies with the most potential to make these changes in the world. This funding will allow us to enhance our platform’s capabilities, optimize delivery for clients of all sizes, and scale our offering to meet the growing demand for operationalizing digital reality.”

“Currently, only 5-10% of industry workers have access to reality capture. It’s VEERUM’s goal to make that 90%+ across client organizations, and make it common practice across all industries. By having access to current site conditions, we are de-risking unplanned events for industrial asset owners. Events like mechanical or equipment failures, severe weather, and sensor failures, result in hours, days, or weeks of lost production, costing asset owners millions of dollars in lost production each year,” says Rob Southon, CTO at VEERUM.

VEERUM stated that the digital twin market is experiencing rapid growth, with market analysts indicating a 30% to 40% annual growth over the next few years, reaching up to $150 billion by 2032. Furthermore, 80% of enterprise businesses currently use, or are expected to adopt reality capture technology in 2025.

“As an investor focused on accelerating digital transformation across the energy sector and other asset-heavy industries, we’re excited to support VEERUM in this latest funding round,” said Maynard Holt, CEO of Veriten.

He explained that VEERUM’s platform allows organizations to remotely visualize and interact with their operations in ways that were previously unimaginable. Construction teams can virtually walk through job sites before setting foot on location, dramatically improving safety and reducing field exposure. Maintenance crews can inspect assets and plan work from anywhere, cutting down on unnecessary travel. He added that by structuring and sharing reality capture data, VEERUM makes it easier for teams to collaborate, manage information, and drive smarter decisions in real time.

“We’ve seen first-hand how these capabilities deliver meaningful cost savings and efficiency improvements across the energy community,” said Holt. “As a firm deeply committed to long-term energy innovation, we believe VEERUM is leading the way in operationalizing reality capture data at scale — and we’re proud to support them on that journey.”

VEERUM’s team says they have made the world’s first VisOps platform, helping industrial teams turn reality capture data into a scalable advantage. The platform consolidates reality capture data and transforms it into actionable insights. VEERUM removes data silos by providing a central location to upload, visualize, and analyze complex data sets, reducing site visits and enabling better decision-making from anywhere. VEERUM is purpose built for asset owners, operators, and data capture companies in heavy industries like energy, mining, and infrastructure.

As the construction industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact, a wave of Canadian manufacturers is stepping up with innovative, sustainable building materials. From carbon-negative concrete alternatives to hemp-based insulation and self-healing infrastructure, these companies are reshaping how we build—and what we build with. Here are some of the trailblazers leading the charge toward greener, smarter construction solutions.

Hemp Block Canada

Hemp Block Canada offers the nation’s only interlocking, load-bearing hempcrete block system. Made from hemp, lime, and water, these blocks are carbon-negative, fire-resistant, and provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. They can reduce construction time by up to 60% and are suitable for various building types, including homes, schools, and offices.

AtlantisFiber

Developed in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, AtlantisFiber’s self-healing concrete incorporates specialized fibers that intercept cracks, acting like internal band-aids. This technology enhances durability, reduces maintenance costs, and is being piloted in projects like the Chawathil First Nation’s parking lot and approach road.

CarbonCure

Halifax-based CarbonCure Technologies has pioneered a method to inject captured CO₂ into concrete during mixing, where it becomes permanently embedded. This process not only strengthens the concrete but also significantly reduces its carbon footprint. Their technology has been utilized in major projects, including Amazon’s HQ2 and General Motors’ manufacturing plant.

Canadian Greenfield Technologies

Canadian Greenfield developed NForce-Fiber , the world’s only ASTM/CSA-compliant hemp reinforcement fiber for concrete. It chemically bonds with the concrete matrix, enhancing strength and reducing plastic shrinkage cracking. Used in over 100 commercial projects, including the 2022 Beijing Olympics, it’s a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers.

Hempcrete

Hempcrete specializes in hempcrete construction, offering services from consultation to contracting. They have developed hempcrete blocks compatible with standard North American framing and have been instrumental in projects like Alberta’s first code-inspected commercial hempcrete building.

Giatec Scientific

Ottawa-based Giatec Scientific Inc. is a technology leader in smart concrete solutions, with a strong focus on self-healing technologies. Their flagship product, Smart Concrete, incorporates advanced sensors and healing agents that activate when cracks appear, enabling both real-time structural monitoring and automatic self-repair. This approach significantly improves the durability and lifespan of concrete structures while delivering valuable data for proactive maintenance. Giatec’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions its self-healing concrete solutions at the forefront of addressing the demands of modern construction.

Pultrall

Pultrall Inc., based in Thetford Mines, Quebec, is a leading manufacturer of composite materials for the construction industry, specializing in fiberglass and carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) rebar under the V-ROD brand. In collaboration with Canadian researchers, Pultrall has played a key role in advancing corrosion-resistant, high-strength reinforcement for concrete structures, including bridges and parking garages. Their partnership with the University of Waterloo led to the integration of the FiberLoc anchoring system, enabling wider use of CFRP tendons in pre-stressed concrete.

Battle Lake Design Group

Battle Lake Design Group is an Edmonton-based design firm renowned in Western Canada for its expertise in straw bale building design and construction, alongside other sustainable materials. The firm has modernized straw bale techniques for both rural and urban applications, adapting them to the region’s challenging climate and integrating them with conventional building systems. Their approach emphasizes energy efficiency, durability, and moisture protection, earning recognition for advancing sustainable, climate-appropriate architecture in Alberta and British Columbia.

HempWorks Canada

Located in Kelowna, B.C., HempWorks Canada supplies construction-grade hemp hurd, binders, hemp batts, flooring, and lumber. They also offer rental equipment and consulting services, supporting projects from conception to completion.

Northstar Clean Technologies

Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. is a Canadian clean technology company specializing in the sustainable recovery and reprocessing of asphalt shingles, with headquarters in Vancouver and commercial operations in Calgary. Founded in 2015, Northstar has developed a proprietary process that extracts liquid asphalt, aggregate, and fiber from discarded or defective asphalt shingles-materials that would otherwise end up in landfills-and repurposes them for use in new hot mix asphalt, construction products, and other industrial applications. 

Asinikahtamwak

Asinikahtamwak is an Indigenous-owned company based in Elk Point, Alberta, producing environmentally sustainable bio-fibre concrete blocks made from cement, water, and natural fibres such as hemp. Their blocks are lightweight, mold- and fire-resistant, and designed to provide durable, affordable housing solutions that support the vision of “seven-generation homes.” Operating from a 13,000-square-foot facility, Asinikahtamwak aims to scale production from 250 blocks per day to 1,000, using locally sourced natural fibres and waste materials.

University of Manitoba

A research team at the University of Manitoba, led by Professor Mercedes Garcia-Holguera, is pioneering the use of mycelium-the root-like structures of fungi-as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. By growing mycelium in agricultural waste substrates, the team produces biodegradable bricks and insulation panels, aiming to address supply challenges in remote and Indigenous communities. Their research focuses on testing mycelium’s resilience to harsh Canadian winters and scaling the technology for practical, environmentally responsible construction applications.

ZS2 Technologies

ZS2 Technologies, headquartered in Calgary, is a North American leader in advanced magnesium cement technology, pioneering the development of next-generation, low-carbon building materials for the construction industry. Their patented process transforms waste into high-performance, climate-resilient cement products that are fire-resistant, water-resistant, non-toxic, and mold-resistant, offering a robust alternative to traditional gypsum and oriented strand board.

Carbon Upcycling

Carbon Upcycling, based in Calgary, is at the forefront of circular decarbonization solutions for heavy industry, transforming industrial CO2 emissions and solid waste into new, low-carbon cementitious materials for construction. Their proprietary technology enhances the reactivity of industrial byproducts-such as legacy coal ash, steel slags, and clays-by infusing them with captured CO₂, producing high-performance supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) that can replace a significant portion of traditional clinker in cement. This process not only permanently sequesters carbon but also results in stronger, more durable concrete, achieving up to 60% emissions reduction and 50% clinker replacement compared to conventional blends.

Canadian construction sites are undergoing a technological transformation, with innovations enhancing safety and efficiency across the industry. From AI-driven cameras monitoring worksites to smart machinery reducing human-machine interaction, cutting-edge tools are providing new ways to identify hazards and prevent incidents before they occur. We spoke with some of the industry’s top experts to see the biggest safety tech trends happening right now and what is on the horizon. 

1. Eyes in the skies

Builders now have a new set of eyes to view jobsites with. These ubiquitous cameras, when paired with sophisticated analyses, are quickly becoming a powerful combination. 

Structural engineer Dr. Tony Yang, a professor of civil engineering and lead researcher of the Smart Structures lab, explained that surveillance technology now means jobsites can be monitored for safety hazards and compliance. 

“It can autonomously identify workers without proper gear, like if they are not wearing a hard hat,” said Yang. “The ability to auto-identify things and document them is available right now.”

Shawn Gray, founder and CEO of advisory firm ConstructIQ, noted that it goes beyond just recognition of safety violations. 

“In live jobsite scenarios, it can detect a failure to follow safety protocols or a scenario of high likelihood for a safety incident to occur,” he said. 

Gray noted that some of the industry’s largest construction firms have fully scaled out technologies like this, giving supervisors much greater visibility. 

“Most jobsites these days have some time of video surveillance in place and this is giving you the ability to tap into that and put some more intelligence behind what you are seeing,” he said. “Are you wearing the right PPE, did a public vehicle just enter your transportation project’s workspace, anything like that. It has legs in all different avenues. The sky’s the limit.” 

2. Smart machines

Workers getting struck by machines is far too common. 

According to CNESST, in Quebec alone, 27 workers have died in the past five years after being hit by a heavy vehicle. And at least 577 are believed to have suffered injuries due to a collision with a heavy vehicle.

But technology is working to prevent this by coordinating human-machine interaction.

“Technology is being developed and has started working ultimately towards a machine that can avoid you and moves away,” said Yang. “It’s an active technology to help equipment stay away from workers and keep them from contacting machines. Those technologies were designed to prevent injury when workers are in a construction area where a machine is working.”

Yang and his team have been working to create smart construction robots that, in addition to performing jobsite tasks, can make autonomous decisions such as navigating around obstacles or instantly stopping work to protect a worker who is in danger.

“You also have more basic technology where beacons on hardhats and vests track where everyone is on site,” said Yang.

What’s even safer is having humans physically separated from machines completely. Yang noted that as robotics improves, more tasks can become automated, particularly ones that place people in danger. 

“If we get more and more things automated, workers not interfering with machines, then of course in that situation less injury will likely happen,” he said. “If jobs can be fully autonomous and humans and machines are completely separate, then safety will be increased.”

Finally, Yang highlighted active monitoring technology, which can determine the condition of equipment, like cranes, which require regular inspections and maintenance to be safe. 

“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” said Yang. “If you have active monitoring technology, it can be useful to prevent failure.” 

3. Big data and AI

Construction is collecting more data than ever. But tools are starting to catch up and put this information to work making sites safer. 

“Safety was one of the first major areas where we saw the most significant use of technology and the first instance where we saw mass data sharing between major competition organizations,” said Gray. “Safety was the beachhead where these things took off.”

Much of this data, for insurance and legal reasons, involves providing documentation of safety protocols and procedures, and if they are being followed.

“But that doesn’t really prevent incidents,” said Gray. “The evolution has been that we have all this data, let’s use some analytics.”

Gray explained that in the past five years, firms have been digging into their data to find where the highest areas or risk are and addressing potential incident scenarios at the source before they happen.  

“That’s what a lot of groups are working on with predictive AI capabilities,” said Gray.

AI also presents a big opportunity to solve the productivity and efficiency challenges in construction.The administrative and paperwork burden around safety processes is a problem ripe for solving.  

“There is still a huge amount of time wasted manually entering safety information. Everyone is excited about predictive analytics, as are we, however the highest value to teams right now is time back in the field on high-leverage work. Powering-up safety workflows to speed up data capture is a big focus of ours right now,” Ben Leach, CEO of HammerTech, a construction-specific safety intelligence and compliance software provider.  

Looking ahead, getting to a point of reliable and valuable predictive analytics for safety is going to require a new and more rigorous view of software capabilities. 

“In addition to efficiency, [contractors] will want to look for solutions that produce reliable, credible data and support codified connected safety processes. These are needed for the application of AI to produce predictive analytics,” said Leach.

“Connected could look like worker profiles and certifications connecting to equipment pre-start inspections and hazard analysis. This gives you a 360 view of process interactions. We have always prioritized connectivity because it will provide far more useful preventative insights. You can imagine the multiplier effect of this with AI – the insights that we are going to see for safety are about to move the industry leaps and bounds ahead.”

4. Software consolidation

Software is nothing new for the construction sector. But as more solutions have entered the fray and technology has become more sophisticated, consolidation is happening. 

“As we start talking about the consolidation of all these platforms, a big frustration for contractors is the integration piece,” explained Leach. “You are working on all these projects and putting project information into all the different systems. There isn’t a “nirvana” one system solution – construction processes are incredibly specialized making it unlikely one provider can solve everything well.”

He noted that contractors are using fewer solutions that are purpose-built for a subset of workflows or stakeholders, like field teams underpinned by great integrations.

HammerTech itself has integrations with Autodesk, Procore, CMiC and others so information can flow between the office and the jobsite. 

“We would have liked to have built everything, but it’s impossible to be able to do that,” said Leach. “Instead, we are coming together with other partners to provide a holistic ecosystem.”

Key Takeaways:

• EllisDon Community Builders has introduced Base Design, a scalable and licensable template system aimed at speeding up affordable housing projects across Canada. It streamlines the process for non-profits, Indigenous groups, and government agencies by reducing design time, lowering costs, and minimizing project risks.
• Base Design supports multi-unit buildings up to ten storeys and bridges the gap between low-rise and high-density housing. It meets CMHC Affordable Housing Fund requirements for energy efficiency, emissions, and accessibility, while also being adaptable to regional housing needs
• A new free proforma tool on EllisDon’s website complements Base Design, offering housing providers early-stage technical and financial insights. This helps them build stronger funding proposals and make more informed development decisions

The Whole Story:

EllisDon Community Builders has launched Base Design, an innovative solution to address the urgent need for rapid housing development across Canada. This licensable, scalable ‘kit-of-parts’ template is designed to expedite the creation of affordable housing.

The adaptable templates of Base Design lay the groundwork for multi-unit developments up to ten storeys high, effectively filling the void between low-rise buildings and high-density residences.

Aiming to abbreviate the design process for non-profits, Indigenous groups, and government agencies, Base Design enhances their ability to execute housing projects more efficiently. By utilizing standardized designs, housing providers and their development partners can now complete projects with greater speed, lower costs, and less risk.

“Bringing Base Design to the affordable housing sector is an important milestone,” said Nick Gefucia, Senior Vice President, EllisDon Community Builders. “As part of our suite of development services, it is the head start housing providers need to tackle Canada’s huge supply gap and will make a meaningful impact on communities nationwide.”

Fully compliant with Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Affordable Housing Fund criteria, Base Design meets the high standards required for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and accessibility. It also accommodates specific regional housing needs. Gaining recognition for its potential, Base Design was a finalist in CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge and has garnered endorsements from housing providers across Canada.

As part of EllisDon Community Builders’ comprehensive development services, Base Design is complemented by a new, free proforma tool on the company’s website. This tool generates a swift, accurate assessment of the viability of affordable housing projects. Housing providers can use the tool to gain early clarity on technical and financial aspects of their projects, enabling them to present well-founded proposals to funders and stakeholders.

Key Takeaways:

• Lafarge Canada has received provincial approval in Alberta to operate hydraulically steered concrete delivery trailers, following a successful pilot program. This marks a significant update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act and showcases effective collaboration between industry and government.
• The new rear-steer axle trailers allow for a 30% increase in concrete carrying capacity—up from 8.5 to 11 cubic metres—while improving maneuverability. This innovation reduces the number of trucks needed, lowers emissions, and enhances both safety and delivery reliability.
• Lafarge’s success has sparked national interest, with other provinces preparing similar pilot programs in 2025. The company plans to deploy more of these advanced trailers as part of its broader Transportation Roadmap focused on modernizing logistics and reducing environmental impact.

The Whole Story:

Lafarge Canada has received provincial approval to operate trailers equipped with hydraulically forced steering axles for concrete delivery in Alberta, marking a significant milestone in transportation innovation and regulatory modernization. This advancement follows a successful multi-year pilot in Calgary and Edmonton and marks an update to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, intended to benefit all sectors involved in the transportation of goods.

“This approval showcases how innovative technologies can revolutionize logistics and deliver real benefits to our customers by boosting efficiency,” said David Schmidt, fleet manager, Lafarge Canada. “With rear-steer axle trailers, we’re able to transport more materials with better maneuverability, resulting in smarter, safer, and more reliable service.”

Conventional mixer trucks carry 8.5 cubic metres of concrete. While trailers have been used for some time to carry 11 cubic metres, maneuverability concerns have limited their adoption. With the introduction of these new trailers, Lafarge has effectively removed these barriers and can capture a 30% increase in capacity across all fleets. This improvement enables the company to reduce the number of trucks on the road, cut emissions, and enhance both efficiency and safety.

Lafarge stated that this achievement reflects a collective effort between industry and government. David Schmidt and Andrew Barnes from the Alberta Motor Transportation Association (AMTA) guided the regulatory process, engaging Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors and the province’s Transport Engineering group. With formal endorsement from the Minister of Transportation and Economic Coordinators, Devin Dreeshen, and the support of Andrew Pillman’s team at Alberta Transportation, the initiative obtained legislative approval.

While the regulations were being shaped, Lafarge worked closely with technical experts to bring the pilot project to life. Precision Mixers assembled the specialized trailers, Simard Suspensions holds exclusive rights to the forced steering axle technology, and VSE delivered the steering control system.

Over an 18-month trial in real-world conditions, Lafarge validated the system’s performance with the help of Calgary-based driver Ron Labine and Edmonton-based driver Volodymyr Dushenko. The success led to municipal approvals in Calgary and Edmonton before the province-wide green light. 

Though the approval is Alberta-specific, Lafarge’s leadership in this space has sparked interest across Canada. Additional provinces are preparing pilot programs in 2025, signaling strong potential for broader adoption.

As part of its Transportation Roadmap, Lafarge will introduce two more rear-steer trailers this year, with further investments planned to support modernized equipment, emissions reduction, and high-performance delivery solutions.

“This project is a prime example of what’s possible when industry and government work together with a shared focus on innovation,” said Ian Paine, director, Ready-Mix Performance, Lafarge Canada. “It’s a win for logistics, infrastructure, and most importantly, the communities we serve.”

Key Takeaways:

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

The Whole Story:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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