Civil Infrastructure

Manitoba winter roads now open

Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation has announced that the winter road network is now open, allowing large trucks and other vehicles to get needed goods to 23 remote communities.

Budget could be balanced with construction delays: Wildrose Party

The leader of the main rival party in Alberta says the province's budget could be balanced immediately, even with spending increases, if the government would delay hospital and museum construction for one year.

Metrolinx, Ontario Road Builders’ Association contemplate joint transit contractors’ council

The Ontario Road Builders’ Association’s (ORBA) members have a large role to play in how Metrolinx delivers its transportation agenda, said the transit organization’s CEO, Bruce McCuaig. Metrolinx and the ORBA board have been speaking about developing a joint transit contractors council.

TradeUpAlberta addresses anticipated shortage of skilled workers

Employer and labour organizations from across Alberta's construction industry, with help from the provincial government, are developing a new website (www.TradeUpAlberta.com) to provide young Albertans, their parents and educators with information on the benefits and opportunities for a career in the construction industry.

Ajax, Ontario capital budget includes recreation centre, waterfront bridge

The town council for Ajax, Ontario passed its 2012 capital budget, which includes $32.5 million in capital projects, including construction of the Audley Recreation Centre, located northeast of Toronto.

Nova Scotia awards construction contract for Trans-Canada Highway widening near Antigonish

The Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal department announced last week a recently-awarded $16.75-million contract to Dexter Construction will complete the first phase of a project to widen the section of the Trans-Canada Highway bypassing Antigonish to the south. The federal government, though the Building Canada Fund, will contribute up to 50 per cent of eligible costs.

Drummond report makes sweeping public transit reform recommendations for Ontario

Creating a more efficient transit system in the GTHA (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area) and charging for GO Transit parking lots are some of the transit recommendations the report from the Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services.

Drummond report on Ontario public service recommends full cost pricing for municipal water

The Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services today recommended Ontario municipalities charge rate payers the full cost of water and to consolidate the 80 local electricity distribution companies along regional lines.

Drummond report recommends changes to infrastructure asset reporting in Ontario public service

The much anticipated report from the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services calls public infrastructure, from a fiscal perspective, a double-edged sword for the province.

WorkSafeBC launches safe driving website

WorkSafeBC, in partnership with BCAA Road Safety Foundation, has launched an on-line safe driving website, aimed at employers whose workers are required to drive in the course of their work.

Alberta budget could be balanced with construction delays: Wildrose Party

The leader of the Wildrose Party in Alberta says the province's budget could be balanced immediately, even with spending increases, if the government would delay hospital and museum construction for one year.

B.C. boosts HST rebate cap for new homes ahead of April 1, 2013, return to PST

The B.C. governmentannounced Friday it will officially return to the seven-per-cent provincial sales tax by April 1, 2013, ending a bleak period in the history of the B.C. Liberal government.

Crushed concrete and asphalt are the new gravel pits

It has been a good winter in Saskatchewan to crush concrete, says a project engineer with PSI Technologies in Saskatoon.

Ledcor is repairing overpass in Kelowna

Ledcor is undertaking repairs to the retaining walls at the Westside Road Interchange in Kelowna, B.C., after structural engineers carried out an assessment to find out why a section of concrete facing collapsed last year.

Wind farm requires 40,000 tonnes of crushed rock

Construction on what could be Vancouver Island’s first wind power generation project is scheduled to begin in June with 30 kilometres of access roads, which will require almost 40,000 tonnes of crushed rock pulled from the site and adjacent quarries.

Co-op receives licence to export

A unique partnership between the Haisla First Nation and a Texas-based company has been granted a federal licence to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a small-scale facility on the Northwest coast of British Columbia to Pacific Rim markets.

PST transition rules are best possible solution for construction industry

The construction industry can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the Feb. 17 announcement of the transition rules that will take our province back to the old-fashioned Provincial Sales Tax system.

Negotiations on glacier walk moving forward

Parks Canada and Brewster Travel Canada are moving forward with negotiations about a proposal for the construction of a glass and steel bridge in Jasper National Park, which will allow tourists and visitors to walk suspended above the Sunwapta Valley and the Columbia Ice Fields.

Manitoba's winter road network is now open

Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation announces that the winter road network is now open, allowing large trucks and other vehicles to get needed goods to 23 remote communities.

First Capital Realty raises $75 million for commercial property development, acquisitions

First Capital Realty Inc. (TSX:FCR) of Toronto, which owns properties occupied by drug stores and supermarkets across Canada, has raised $75 million through a sale of convertible debentures. It will use the net proceeds for development and redevelopment activities, acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.

Takeover by Quebec real estate firm Cominar of Canmarc nearing completion

Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: CUF.UN) of Quebec City announced after hours Tuesday it has taken an additional step of taking over Canmarc Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: CMQ.UN) of Montreal by acquiring more than 90 per cent of the Canmarc units not owned by Cominar or its acquisition group. Canmarc’s properties include the Montreal Canadian National Railway passenger terminal, Place Longueuil shopping centre and the 27-storey Plaza Tower apartment building in Westmount.

McMaster U civil engineering professor Razavi involves industry in academia

Saiedeh Razavi, the Chair in Heavy Civil Construction at Hamilton, Ontario-based McMaster University, says industry involvement is an integral part of educating the future of heavy civil construction. Her position is a product of a fundraising campaign where 13 associations, including Ontario Road Builders’ Association. Her background includes sensing, automation, information and communication technology for construction, infrastructure management, transportation and logistics.

Alberta budget could be balanced with construction delays: Wildrose Party

The leader of the main rival party in Alberta says the province’s budget could be balanced immediately, even with spending increases, if the government would delay hospital and museum construction for one year. Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith was reacting to the 2012-13 budget recently presented by Premier Alison Redford’s Progressive Conservative government.

Accel continues construction on Art Condominiums in Toronto

Accel Construction Management has completion of the 11-storey Art Condominiums in Toronto scheduled for early 2013. The owner is Triangle West Development Ltd. and the architects are Oleson Worland Architects and Hariri Pontarini Architects.

Quebec government sues firms over Montreal highway tunnel concrete collapse

The Quebec government is seeking compensation from an engineering consortium it blames for the collapse of a huge concrete slab onto the Ville-Marie expressway in the Viger Tunnel on Autoroute 720. The province is seeking millions from Cima+, Dessau and SNC Lavalin.

Apprenticeship ratios stifle competition in construction: Progressive Contractors Association of Canada

The restrictions on the employment of apprentices in Ontario and shortages of qualified journeymen in some regions, makes the construction industry less competitive, according to the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada.

Ruskin Construction gets $3.3 million bridge contract

uskin Construction of Prince George, British Columbia has been awarded a $3.35 million contract to build a two-lane bridge on the dangerous goods route in Dawson Creek, B.C.

Residents return after gas line strike

Residents of three Coquitlam, British Columbia, apartments spent almost eight hours out of their homes after an excavator ripped through a gas line in that Vancouver suburb.

Construction still behind at some 2014 Winter Olympics sites in Russia

Construction for the 2014 Winter Olympics may be behind schedule elsewhere, but the Alpine skiing venue in Krasnaya Polyana is ready. Further down the road toward Sochi, both a rail link and a modern highway are being built to connect the coast and airport with the Alpine venues. Along with completely new venues for each sport, these Olympics will require more construction than any previous Winter Games.

SNC Lavalin parts ways with two execs after published report of internal turmoil

SNC Lavalin has parted ways with two of its executives after acknowledging that the conduct of its employees has recently been questioned in public.

Infrastructure investment an economic tool: Chiarelli

Bob Chiarelli, the Ontario Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, said the relationship between the Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) now includes Infrastructure Ontario (IO), which is engaged in procurement or project management for $12 billion worth of infrastructure.

SNC-Lavalin dismisses execs over conduct, internal turmoil

SNC-Lavalin, the Montreal construction and engineering firm, says executive vice-president Riadh Ben Aissa and vice-president finance Stephane Roy are no longer with the firm.

Don Smith Commercial Building Awards recognize innovation in and near London, Ontario

The winners of the Don Smith Commercial Building Awards, named after EllisDon Corp.’s co-founder, were announced in London, Ontario. The awards were established by the Regional Commercial Council of the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors.

Ruskin Construction awarded $3.35 million contract for Dawson Creek bridge

Ruskin Construction of Prince George, British Columbia has been awarded a $3.35 million contract to build a two-lane bridge on the dangerous goods route in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

Ontario College of Trades will drive up infrastructure costs: Conservative leader Tim Hudak

At the Ontario Road Builders’ Association’s (ORBA) 85th annual convention, provincial Conservative leader Tim Hudak reiterated his calls to disband the College of Trades and establish one-to-one apprentice ratios

Ottawa City Council approves affordable housing capital projects

Ottawa City Council has endorsed a $42.9-million affordable rental housing program. Requests for proposals will be issued in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Edmonton roofer dies

A construction worker is dead after falling of the roof at a worksite in southwest Edmonton last week.

Excellent news for Canada from December’s merchandise trade data

Canada’s merchandie trade surplus rose in December, according to Statistics Canada, but exports of natural gas to the United States dropped. Hydraulic fracturing means shale gas is promoting switches from other energy sources and there will be new investment in chemical and plastics plants using natural gas as a feedstock.

SNC Lavalin parts ways with two execs after published report of internal turmoil

SNC Lavalin has parted ways with two of its executives after acknowledging that the conduct of its employees has recently been questioned in public.

Alberta pre election budget hikes spending, raids savings, runs deficit

Premier Alison Redford's Alberta Tories delivered a pre-election budget Thursday that increased spending to record levels and raided billions from the piggy bank, but promised the province will be out of the red within a year.

Montreal firms submit proposals for fire station redevelopment

The Town of Hampstead, Quebec announced that Crofton Moore Developments Inc. and DevMcGill, both based in Montreal, have submitted proposals for the redevelopment of the property containing the former MacDonald Fire Station.

Toronto employer fined over worker using metal pliers in electrical panel

An Ontario court has fined the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Centre $70,000 for violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act over a May, 2010 incident. A maintenance worker attempted to use metal pliers to remove a fuse from an electrical panel, resulting in an explosion and the worker suffered first, second and third-degree burns.

BUILDEX BLOG: Construction Hot Topics

"Construction Hot Topics" was a sold-out seminar at the Buildex Vancouver conference, held on February 9th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Oliver C. Hanson, Samantha Wilson, Anna Sekunova and Satinder Sidhu of Clark Wilson LLP, along with Brian Lawson of Wylie-Crump Ltd covered some of the hot-button topics at the intersection of construction and the law.

BUILDEX BLOG: Quality at the Edge - Emerging Hardware and Software for Design and Construction

Brian Palmquist, the director of quality management at Ledcor Construction, explained how tablets and other cutting edge technology are bringing new opportunities and challenges to construction in his Buildex seminar, entitled "Quality at the Edge - Emerging Hardware and Software for Design and Construction."

McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd takes top award for specialized engineering services at eighth annual Consulting Engineers Awards

Surrey, British Columbia based McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd took the top award for specialized engineering services at the eigth annual Deputy Minister's Consulting Engineers Awards.

Coquitlam residents back home eight hours after crews rip through area gas line

Residents of three Coquitlam, B.C., apartments spent almost eight hours out of their homes after an excavator ripped through a gas line in that Vancouver suburb.

Alberta budget scales back slightly on infrastructure spending

The 2012 Alberta Budget is step in the right direction for achieving a balanced budget, but reduces public sector investment in the construction of basic infrastructure.

Saskatchewan mayors want cash

Urban leaders in Saskatchewan want help with building costs, but the premier is suggesting there won't be any more money for now.

$2 billion oilsands expansion gets the green light

Imperial Oil Ltd. has dusted off some old plans and is moving forward with a $2 billion expansion project at its Cold Lake operation in northeastern Alberta.

Retired Canadian Army Gen. Hillier addresses Ontario Road Builders’ Association

There are so many reasons why Canadians should be optimistic and with that optimism, they can change the world, attendees at the Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) 85^th annual convention were told this week.

Environmental assessment underway for Niagara, Ontario wastewater plant construction

The Regional Municipality of Niagara, Ontario announced a public information centre is scheduled February 8 for the possible construction of a new wastewater treatment plant in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

York Region, Ontario approves subway construction expenditures

The Regional Municipality of York, which is the upper level of municipal government for cities and towns immediately north of Toronto, recently approved a capital budget that includes $332.2 million for rapid transit construction projects.

Ottawa city budget proposes $13.6 million in capital spending on wastewater treatment plant

The City of Ottawa environment committee has received a staff-proposed rate-supported budget for water and wastewater that includes several construction projects at the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre.

Province of British Columbia to widen part of Highway 101 for cyclists

The province of British Columbia has awarded a $900,000 contract to Capilano Highway Services to widen the highway between Bay Road and Nestman Road in Sechelt, British Columbia.

Governments of Canada and Manitoba partner with Bloodvein First Nation to build access road

The governments of Manitoba and Canada announced on February 3rd that they will partner with the Bloodvein First Nation to build an access road which will connect the First Nation with the province of Manitoba’s all-season road network.

Ontario Road Builders’ Association focused on partnerships at convention

The theme of this year’s convention, “Partners in Progress: Keeping Ontario Moving Together” is an important one, said Rob Bradford, ORBA executive director. The convention will break new ground this year with the involvement of Metrolinx, a government of Ontario agency, created to improve the coordination and integration of all modes of transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Burlington, Ontario announces preferred hospital redevelopment site

The City of Burlington, Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, McMaster University and the Regional Municipality of Halton announced that Brant hospital is the preferred site for the Halton McMaster Family Health Centre. The hospital will begin the redevelopment phase with request for proposals and tender on Phase 1 in 2012 and construction in 2013.

Ontario should review Municipal Class Environmental Assessment criteria: Report

A review of Ontario’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) concluded that the province should review certain criteria that will help determine projects likely to have fewer rather than larger environmental impacts. The report, by environmental lawyer Frank Zechner, was commissioned by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO)

Ottawa recognizes Westmount, Quebec for architecture, landscape

The City of Westmount, Quebec on the island of Montreal is recognized by Environment Minister Peter Kent and Parks Canada as a historically significant place due to the role of architecture in neighbourhood development before 1930. The Cataraqui cemetery in Kingston, Ontario was recognized as an example of a rural or garden cemetery.

Saskatchewan urban leaders want more building cash; premier says it's not coming

Urban leaders in Saskatchewan want help with building costs, but the premier is suggesting there won't be any more money for now.

Hampstead, Quebec to spend $4 million on road construction

The town council of Hampstead, Quebec, on the island of Montreal, approved a three-year capital works program that includes $4 million on road rehabilitation in 2012.

$1.8 billion in improvements planned for Vancouver airport

Vancouver Airport Authority has a 10 year strategy which involves almost $2 billion in construction designed to improve the facilities competitiveness and maintain its role as an economic driver in the provincial economy.

Pennecon registers proposed quarry near Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador for environmental assessment

Pennecon Ltd. has registered a proposed sand and gravel quarry near Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador for environmental assessment. The Newfoundland and Labrador department of environment and conservation stated public comments are due Feb. 23 and if the proposal is approved, aggregate material would be excavated, crushed, washed and screened at the site.

Wind farm contract awarded

Capital Power Corporation has hired Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Canada Inc. as the main contractor for construction of the Halkirk Wind Project, which could become the largest wind project in Alberta

Canada’s leading indicator series continued to charge ahead in December

Canada’s leading indicator series continued to set a torrid pace in December, according to Statistics Canada.

Construction set to start on Evergreen transit line

The long-awaited Evergreen Line in Metro Vancouver is taking a major step forward after two local companies were awarded pre-construction contracts, which officially marks the start of work on the project.

Construction scheduled for St. John’s, Newfoundland theatre complex

Empire Theatres Ltd. of Stellarton, Nova Scotia plans to build an eight-screen movie theatre in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Construction is scheduled to begin this year and the complex will open in 2013.

Canadian Auto Workers to picket Caterpillar dealers, service centres

The Canadian Auto Workers plans to set up information pickets at equipment centres and dealers of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) construction products in Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton , Surrey, British Columbia, Chicoutimi, Quebec and in the Ontario cities of Windsor, St. Catharines, Sudbury, London and Concord (north of Toronto).

Building permit values up in Mississauga, Ontario

The construction permit values for industrial buildings in Mississauga, Ontario 2011 was $129.194 million, up from $42.415 million in 2010. The figure for commercial buildings was up about 35 per cent, from $131.454 million in 2010 to $170.914 million in 2011.

Woman dies after car plunges off of Winnipeg bridge

Construction activity doesn't appear to be a factor in death of young woman, who died after her car collided with another vehicle and then plunged off Winnipeg's Disraeli Bridge in a construction zone.

Construction set to start on Evergreen transit line

The long-awaited Evergreen Line in Metro Vancouver is taking a major step forward after two local companies were awarded pre-construction contracts, which officially marks the start of work on the project.

Plans to build Canada’s first public electric charging network announced

The locations for the first 90 240-V charging stations for plug-in electrical vehicles have been announced and will be available to the public this spring.

Consumer debt in Canada going into home ownership rather than retail sales

Retail sales in Canada are up 3.1 per cent over the past year, according to Statistics Canada. But the growth rate is 7.6 per cent in the United States, according to the Census Bureau

Caterpillar workers to protest at London, Ontario Conservative fundraiser: Report

Workers who are locked out of a London, Ontario locomotive plant by a subsidiary of construction equipment maker Caterpillar Inc.(NYSE:CAT) plan to protest at a fundraiser dinner today for a local Conservative Member of Parliament, according to a published report.

Progressive Contractors Association of Canada moves Ontario office near Hamilton

The Ontario office of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) has a new location in Stoney Creek, east of Hamilton.

Toronto council approves $1.1 billion in capital projects

Toronto City Council has approved a capital budget that was essentially unchanged from that recommended by the executive and budget committees recently.

Outlook strong for Windsor, Ontario construction industry

Jim Lyons, executive director of the Windsor Construction Association, says projects such as the Windsor-Essex Parkway and aquatic centre bode well for the industry in Windsor, Ontario.

Port Mann bridge off-ramp flipped overnight

The ongoing construction for the Port Mann Bridge Highway One Improvement project moved the 152nd St off-ramp in Surrey from the right side of the left overnight on January 23.

IBI to prepare land use strategy for Thunder Bay, Ontario

The City of Thunder Bay, Ontario announced has retained the services of IBI Group, which is scheduled to deliver a presentation January 24 on a land use planning strategy for the Golf Links Road and Junot Avenue corridor.

Niagara Region completes preliminary design, environmental study for bridge construction

The Regional Municipality of Niagara has completed an environmental assessment and preliminary design study for the Burgoyne Bridge in St. Catharines, Ontario. The region has decided to replace the existing Burgoyne Bridge, built in 1915 and carries traffic on St. Paul Street, also known as Regional Road 81, over Twelve Mile Creek and Highway 406, with a single steel truss-arch span supporting two steel box girders from inclined hangers on a hybrid alignment of the existing central and eastern alignments.

Deltera works on Ventus at Metrogate in Toronto

Glass work moves upwards at Tridel Corp.’s Ventus at Metrogate condominium towers in Toronto. General contractor for the two 30-storey towers, located near Kennedy Road and Highway 401 in the former City of Scarborough, is Deltera Inc.

Bolton, Ontario Sneath Road Bridge rehabilitation project required careful work

When compared to the numerous multi-million dollar construction projects currently underway in Ontario the $230,000-restoration of the historic Sneath Road Bridge in Bolton might be considered somewhat minor.

Federal gas tax supports solar energy projects in Wawa, Ontario

The Municipality of Wawa, Ontario has installed solar panels on five municipal buildings with partial funding from the federal Gas Tax Fund.

Hamilton, Ontario bridge funded by gas tax

Construction was recently completed on a new bridge on Parkdale Avenue over Lawrence Road, thanks to the Gas Tax Fund, in Hamilton, Ontario.

Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association lauds Toronto 2012 water rate change

As Toronto politicians, labour leaders and pundits argue over the city’s tax-supported proposed budget the head of the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) is praising city council for approving a nine per cent increase in water rates.

Windsor-Essex Parkway on track: Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Construction of the Windsor-Essex Parkway is on track, says the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. The project is an 11-kilometre addition to Highway 401, connecting to the Windsor- Detroit border.

Construction executive Thomas Sullivan dies in Arnprior, Ontario

Thomas E. Sullivan, chairman of M. Sullivan & Son Limited, passed away on Jan. 14 at the age of 80.

Toronto city council approves capital budget with minor amendments

The City of Toronto tax-supported capital budget calls for a total project cost of $1.124 billion and a 2012 cash flow of $2.832 billion in 2012. Major projects in the ten-year capital plan include $411.322 million on extensive renovations on Union Station and $287.660 million to continue installing an electronic signaling systems on the Toronto Transit Commission subway.

Humphrey Construction Ltd. awarded $2.8 million contract for Delta, British Columbia animal shelter

Delta, British Columbia's city council approved a recommendation on February 16 to award a $2.8 million contract to Humphrey Construction for the design and construction of a new animal shelter.

Construction resumes after road blockade removed on Highway 27 in northern British Columbia

Construction can resume at the Mount Milligan Mine, after the removal of a First Nations blockade, which halted industrial traffic on Highway 27, near Fort St. James, British Columbia.

Worker Crushed in Calgary crane accident

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) is investigating after a construction worker was seriously injured last week, while working on the southeast ring road in Calgary.

Office project uses seawater for heating and cooling

A 12-storey tower in St. John's, N.L. stands to be the first building in that Atlantic Canada province to use seawater for heating and cooling.

Committee looks into oilsands transportation

The Alberta government is forming a committee of municipal, industry and provincial representatives to review and make recommendations on the design, construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure in the Athabasca oilsands region.

Cornwall, Ontario invites bids for wastewater plant construction

The City of Cornwall, Ontario is taking bids for a construction project at its wastewater treatment facility. Bids are due February 14 and an information session is scheduled Jan. 18.

Ontario Federation of Labour demonstrates at London, Ontario Caterpillar plant

The Ontario Federation of Labour announced two of its executive officers planned Monday to visit the picket line outside a London, Ontario plant owned by heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. OFL has asked workers to mobilize for a massive rally Jan. 21 in London, where CAW says members of its Local 27 are locked out of the Electro-Motive Canada plant.

Calgary construction worker crushed between flatbed truck and crane

A Calgary construction worker working on the southeast ring road at Marquis of Lorne Trail and 52nd Street S.E on January 12 was crushed between a flatbed truck and a crane and has been sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Toronto budget proposals include $1.5 million Infrastructure Ontario loan for Leaside arena construction

The executive committee of Toronto City Council voted Thursday in favour of a capital budget that includes a cash flow in 2012 of $2.832 billion. It also recommends the city loan the Leaside Arena Board $9 million for an expansion project, which would include a loan of up to $1.5 million from Infrastructure Ontario.

Recycling aggregates focus of new advocacy group

Recycling aggregates removed from demolition sites and road construction projects are the immediate focus of a new Ontario organization.

Former Cadillac Fairview VP Andrea Stephen appointed to First Capital Realty board

Andrea Stephen is now an independent director with First Capital Realty Inc. (TSX:FCR). She recently retired as executive vice-president of investments at Cadillac Fairview Corp. Ltd.

Windsor, Ontario women construction group hosting a networking event January 12

The Windsor women in construction group is hosting a networking event Jan. 12 at Grill 55 at the Holiday Inn Select on Huron Church Road.

NorthWest Healthcare Properties gets right of first offer to purchase Owen Sound, Ontario medical building

NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:NWH.UN) has been granted a right of first offer to purchase a medical office building in Owen Sound, Ontario, about 200 kilometres northwest of Toronto. It also completed the $10.3 million purchase of a property near Aberdeen Regional Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.

Experts discuss parking infrastructure at Transport Futures Mobility Pricing Stakeholder Forum

Speakers included Dennis Burns of Phoenix-based Kimley-Horn and Associates, Transport Futures organizer Martin Collier, Jens Schade, of Dresden University of Technology, Traffic and Transportation Psychology and Andy Manahan, Executive Director of the Residential and Civil Construction Association of Ontario.

Alberta municipalities demand funding meeting with Premier Redford

Alberta's cities and towns want a meeting with Premier Alison Redford to discuss a new way to fund the building of roads, sewers and bridges.

Call for change after flagger struck for second time

A B.C. paving contractor is asking provincial regulators to improve training for flaggers and stiffen penalties for drivers who disobey their directions, after an employee was hit by a vehicle in two separate incidents last year.

Construction possible cause of falling boulder

The Ministry of Transportation is investigating to determine if construction activity caused a boulder to crash through the forest and crush the front of a car on a highway in central British Columbia

A new year could bring new innovations

As we clear our heads from the effects of the holiday season, we can look forward to a new year filled with trends that will continue to emerge in the architecture-engineering-construction (AEC) sector.

Mine construction traffic resumes on Highway 27 after blockade removed

Construction can resume at the Mount Milligan Mine, after a First Nations blockade was removed after halting industrial traffic on Highway 27, near Fort St. James, British Columbia.

Warm winter means no Manitoba ice roads

One of Manitoba<0x2019>s grand chiefs says climate change is threatening the province<0x2019>s ice road system, driving up prices in northern communities.

Engineers inspect British Columbia construction site where boulder crushed passenger car

Engineers hope to have answers later this week as they try to figure out how a boulder came loose at a construction site and smashed onto a vehicle on Highway 97, north of Kelowna, British Columbia last Friday.

Engineers inspect British Columbia construction site where boulder crushed passenger car

Engineers hope to have answers later this week as they try to figure out how a boulder came loose at a construction site and smashed onto a vehicle on Highway 97, north of Kelowna, British Columbia. They will be inspecting containment beams that were supposed to stop debris from falling from the new Oyama-Winfield highway.

Canada stands firmly in the middle of the road as it enters 2012

I’m not sure what T. S. Eliot would have thought about the matter, but 2011 is closing out with neither a bang nor a whimper.

Warmer winter means a lack of ice roads in Manitoba

One of Manitoba's top aboriginal leaders says climate change is threatening crucial ice roads, driving up prices in northern native communities and underlining the need for the federal government to build more permanent highways.

Burnaby pool and community centre on time and on budget

The $30 million Edmonds Pool and Community Centre remains on schedule and target according to the project's architects.

Three people survive boulder crushing car in work zone section of British Columbia highway

A boulder crushed a car on a highway in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley Friday but the three people inside survived.

St. John’s office project to use seawater

A 12-storey tower in St. John’s, N.L. stands to be the first building in that Atlantic Canada province to use seawater for heating and cooling.

A new year could bring new innovation

As we clear our heads from the effects of the holiday season, we can look forward to a new year filled with trends that will continue to emerge in the architecture-engineering-construction (AEC) sector.

Late season paving is an avoidable reality for road construction

Late season paving is going to occur in road construction despite precautions which should be taken to avoid it, members of the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA) were told at the association’s recent annual conference.

Concrete vs. asphalt on roads, who wins?

One there is a high volume of trucks on roads, concrete wins almost all of the time, says the Ready Mix Concrete Association of Ontario (RMCAO).

Nova Scotia to spend $610 million on capital projects, including schools and roads

Nova Scotia's capital budget for fiscal 2012-13 will include $610 million for new schools, hospital renovations and highway work.

Rebuild gains momentum in Slave Lake, Alberta

The town of Slave Lake, Alta. is on the road to recovery after a wildfire destroyed the town in May of this year.

Shift to warm mix paving in road construction continues

An international, provincial, and local perspective on the growing use of warm mix asphalt (WMA) in road construction was presented to the members of the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association at the their recent annual conference.

Explosion kills firefighter

The Enderby, British Columbia firefighter, who lost his life after an explosion at a construction site on Dec. 29, has been identified as Daniel Botkin, aged 29.

2011 Canadian top designs recognized in Canadian Architect magazine’s annual awards program

Projects constructed in Ontario scored four of the eight 2011 Awards of Excellence in Canadian Architect magazine’s annual awards program.

New tunnel solution to connect the city’s south shore with the island of Montreal

A recent closure of a Montreal area tunnel has renewed the call for a new tunnel to connect the city’s south shore with the Island of Montreal.

Hot on hot paving not so hot yet in Ontario but outlook is promising

Hot on hot paving may be on the brink of a major breakthrough in this province judging by the comments from a joint presentation at the recent Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association’s annual conference.

Project flow to remain steady in 2012: experts

Ontario’s construction industry is in good shape heading into the next few years, say industry experts.

Municipal infrastructure procurement’s future

Municipal infrastructure has been one of the main topics for discussion in national news articles for the past decade.

Manulife Real Estate buys $555 million worth of commercial property

Manulife Financial Corp.’s (TSX:MFC) real estate unit announced Tuesday it acquired York Mills Centre, a 549,000-square-foot office complex in Toronto, for $161 million from Ivanhoe Cambridge, the Montreal-based real estate subsidiary of Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec. It also announced the purchase of two American office complexes for a combined total of US$394 million: One near San Diego, California and the other in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Edmonds Pool and Community Centre in Burnaby, B.C. on time and on budget

 The $30 million Edmonds Pool and Community Centre remains on schedule and target according to the project’s architects.

What construction needs in the New Year

Every year, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) takes the pulse of the industry by asking our 1,100 members how they think business will be in the coming year.

Metro Vancouver rings in New Year with diesel emissions tax

Some construction industry leaders in the Lower Mainland are concerned about the impact of the new Non-Road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation Bylaw.

Nahwitti windfarm gets permit

The Nahwitti Windfarm Project north of Port Hardy, a $280 million initiative by Nomis Power Corporation, has undergone a successful review from the B.C. Environmental Office.

Fallen Enderby, British Columbia firefighter identified

The Enderby, British Columbia firefighter who lost his life after an explosion at a construction site on December 29, 2011 has been identified as Daniel Botkin, aged 29.

Vision Electrical inks contract for Woody Point, Newfoundland school

Vision Electrical has been awarded a $185,000 contract to perform electrical upgrades at Bonne Bay Academy in Woody Point, Newfoundland. The Newfoundland and Labrador government has spent $437,470 on roofing and other interior and exterior upgrades at the school, north of Corner Brook.

What awaits the Ontario construction industry in 2012?

The Ontario Building Together plan, the new College of Trades, Chief Prevention Officer George Gritziotis and the Workplace Safety Insurance Board are in the forefront of industry associations in Ontario.

Province of British Columbia marks 2011 as one of the "busiest ever" for transportation construction

The province of British Columbia is calling 2011 one of the "busiest ever" years for transportation construction.

Ontario's infrastructure plan is construction story of the year

Ontario’s 10-year infrastructure plan was the highlight of 2011 for many construction industry stakeholders. Other major stories for the year included the appointment of the Ontario College of Trades Board of Governors and the appointment of George Gritziotis, former executive director of the Construction Sector Council (CSC), as Ontario’s first Chief Prevention Officer

British Columbia voters wary of some proposed P3 projects

British Columbia is showing resistance for public-private partnership (P3) deals involving drinking water.

GALLERY: 100 Years of photos in the Journal of Commerce

The Journal of Commerce has been around for 100 years. Western Canada's Construction Newspaper celebrated the milestone on June 9, 2011 with a gala and special commemorative edition of the newspaper.

Legal tips for construction firms pursuing LEED

Sustainable building is transforming the Canadian construction industry. However, new construction techniques and new contract terms may be creating legal risks around liability, insurance and project certification that have not yet been fully explored.

Vancouver Island wind farm project clears environmental review

The Nahwitti Windfarm Project north of Port Hardy, a $280 million initiative by Nomis Power Corporation, has undergone a successful review from the British Columbia Environmental Office.

Rebels kidnap construction workers in Bihar, India

Indian police say they have launched a rescue operation for seven road construction workers kidnapped by Maoist rebels in eastern India as they were building a bridge in Bihar state’s southeastern Jamui district.

Winter road equipment trapped in Manitoba muskeg

A track hoe and bulldozer which were being used to build temporary winter roads in remote Northern Manitoba have fallen through ice and are now stuck in muskeg.

Governments celebrate completion of Ontario stimulus projects

Through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed funding to a total of more than 2,000 projects in communities across Ontario, from the rehabilitation of water infrastructure in Kingston, to upgrades of municipal roads in Sudbury, to the construction of a new transit facility in Oakville, to a new facility for the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara.

Union demands Industry Canada review Caterpillar acquisition of London, Ontario assembly plant

Citing concern over jobs at a London, Ontario locomotive assembly plant, Canadian Auto Workers president Ken Lewenza wrote Wednesday to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking the federal government to review the acquisition by construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT)of Electro-Motive Diesel Inc.

Ottawa, Newfoundland fund low-income housing project in St. John’s

A $495,000 housing project for low-income adults on Mundy Pond Road in St. John’s was recently completed. Funding was allocated through the Affordable Housing Trust fund ($383,000) and Canada’s Economic Action Plan: Renovation and Retrofit of Social Housing ($112,000). This is the second reconfiguration project undertaken by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).

Windsor, Ontario construction projects recognized by local association

In all, 51 projects in the Windsor, Ontario area were recognized by the Windsor Construction Association with the presentation of its 2011 Awards of Construction Excellence.

Construct Canada speaker says industry has waste diversion responsibility

Stefanie Dodaro, director of sustainability services for CD Sonter Ltd., made a presentation on solid waste from the construction industry at the Construct Canada tradeshow in Toronto.

Eastern Construction works on West Don Lands stormwater system for Waterfront Toronto

A $30-million project managed by Eastern Construction designed to control stormwater without disturbing the impacted soils in a former industrial area of east end Toronto is breaking ground both literally and figuratively. The project partners, which include Waterfront Toronto, are describing the system as the first of its kind because the plant will specifically treat stormwater as opposed to combined sewer systems with storm water overflows.

New air pollution regulations in 2012 to reduce diesel soot in Vancouver

New air pollution regulations will come in effect in Vancouver on January 1, 2012 to reduce diesel soot.

Poll shows growing support for public-private partnerships

About 70 per cent of Canadians are open to the private sector delivering services in partnership with government, according to a new Nanos Research poll commissioned by the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).

British Columbia gold mine gets government go ahead

A gold mine outside of Wells, British Columbia has received the green light from the provincial government to begin construction in 2012.

Hydroelectric project secures permit

The B.C. government has issued an environmental assessment certificate to the Kwagis Power Limited Partnership for the proposed Kokish River Hydroelectric project.

Transportation ministry names British Columbia's best roadbuilding contractors

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recently recognized the best roadbuilding contractors in the province at the 9th Annual Deputy Minister's Contractor of the Year Awards.

Sudbury, Ontario biosolids management facility to be funded through public-private partnership

The City of Greater Sudbury, Ontario announced the federal government will contribute up to $11 million towards construction of a biosolids management facility to be located at the Sudbury Wastewater Treatment Plant. The funding will come from the P3 Canada Fund, administered by PPP Canada Inc. for public-private partnerships.

Contractors start excavation for Windsor, Ontario highway extension

Work has started in earnest on the 11-kilometre Windsor-Essex Parkway highway, which will extend Highway 401 through Windsor, Ontario to the international border with the United States on the Detroit River in Michigan. Parkway Infrastructure Constructors (PIC) is the joint venture overseeing design and construction.

Niagara Region working on water, wastewater improvement for Port Colborne, Ontario

The Regional Municipality of Niagara, Ontario has initiated an environmental assessment to identify alternatives for providing water and wastewater service to the city of Port Colborne, where the region has identified supply security concerns on the east side of the Welland Canal. Concerns include a single watermain crossing the Welland Canal to service the east side of the city.

Province of British Columbia approves Kokish River Hydroelectric project on Vancouver Island

The British Columbia government has issued an environmental assessment certificate to the Kwagis Power Limited Partnership for the proposed Kokish River Hydroelectric project.

National P3 award winners announced

The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) has announced the eight 2011 Award Winners for Innovation and Excellence in public-private partnership infrastructure development in Canada

Joint venture secures contract for British Columbia transmission line

A joint venture between Flatiron and Graham has been awarded a contract by BC Hydro to design and build a transmission line from the interior of the province to Metro Vancouver. The project is the largest expansion to the system in more than 20 years.

Construction on $8.9 billion Alberta mine to start next year

Total E&P Canada Ltd. is starting construction next year on the $8.9 billion Joslyn North Mine project near Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Nixed Mississauga, Ontario gas plant carries big bill

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) reached an agreement with Greenfield South Power Corp. to stop construction on a 280-Megawatt plant in Mississauga and is working on an agreement to relocate the plant. A significant amount of construction has already been done, a construction lawyer says termination-for-convenience clauses are rare, the opposition Progressive Conservatives may get the Auditor-General involved and the Ontario energy minister says the province may have to improve its siting guidelines.

Ontario inches closer to mandatory one call agency

The Ontario One Call Act has passed its second reading at Queen's Park.If passed, the Act would establish Ontario One Call Ltd. as a not-for-profit call centre, a single point-of contact for all underground utility location services in the province.

Contractors install glass on Amexon South Beach Condos in Toronto

Glass installation is underway at the South Beach Condos and Lofts phase two on Park Lawn Road in the Toronto district of Etobicoke. Construction manager Toddglen Construction Ltd. has completion of the 27-storey tower, owned by Amexon Development Corp. and designed by Arsenault Architect, for 2013.

GO Transit finishes construction on parking garage in Markham, Ontario

The Ontario government’s suburban commuter bus and train service, GO Transit, has completed construction on a $16-million parking garage at its Centennial station northeast of Toronto in Markham, Ontario.

New St. Catharines, Ontario hospital designed with extensive anti-infection safeguards

The new $759-million Health Care Complex, under construction by Plenary Health Niagara west of St. Catharines, Ontario, has created 5,400 construction jobs. General contractor PCL Constructors Ltd. has used local sub-trades from the Niagara region.

Ontario one step closer to mandatory One Call underground utility location agency

The Ontario One Call Act has passed second reading in the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park. If passed, the province would establish Ontario One Call Ltd. as a not-for-profit call centre, a single point-of contact for all underground utility location services in Ontario. Ontario One Call was founded by Union Gas Ltd., Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) Inc. and Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB).

London, Ontario council receives draft budget, including $72 million in recreation centre construction

Staff with the city of London, Ontario submitted a proposed tax-supported budget to Council this week, which includes $109.8 million on main road rehabilitation and $45.4 million on heavy equipment purchases over ten years.

Three flaggers hit and injured by vehicles in Vancouver

Three traffic flaggers have been hit by vehicles in construction zones in Metro Vancouver in the last two weeks.

Kingston, Ontario uses laser sensors to plan city road rehabilitation

The City of Kingston, Ontario is using a combination of laser sensors, global positioning system (GPS) satellite service and asset management software to collect and analyze data on the condition of the pavement on its streets in order to help planners set priorities for road rehabilitation. Infrastructure Management Services of Tempe, Arizona is providing its road surface tester and data is then fed into a commercial software package made by Cartegraph Systems Inc.

Legal tips for construction firms pursuing LEED

Danielle Stone, a lawyer with Blaney McMurtry LLP, advises builders to keep up to date on requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Cases in the United States involving Vertex Architects and Southern Builders have brought litigation around LEED construction to the forefront.

Injunction granted on mine work

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has ruled in favour of the Tsilhqot'in First nation in a legal battle with Taseko Mines Ltd over a revived proposal for a billion dollar gold mine in central British Columbia.

Construction gets underway on $3.25 billion potash mine in Saskatchewan

A German fertilizer company has started construction on a $3.25 billion potash mining operation in southern Saskatchewan, which is the first greenfield potash project to be developed in the province in more than forty years.

Public consulted on proposed Metro Vancouver port expansion

Public consultation for the Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project are being held by Port Metro Vancouver until January 6.

Bridge builders make technological leap with BrIM technology

The things we build become more complex all the time. Whether it's an office building or a hospital, a school or a shopping mall, it's far more complex than a similar structure would have been 15 or 20 years ago.

Nanos poll indicates growing support for public-private partnerships

About 70 per cent of Canadians are open to the private sector delivering services in partnership with government, according to a new Nanos Research poll commissioned by the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships. Regional support for P3s was strongest in Ontario. It showed sewage, water and transit categories had the largest year-over-year increase in support.

NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT acquires New Glasgow, Nova Scotia medical office building

NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: NWH.UN) has acquired for $10.3 million a 33,800-square-foot property near Aberdeen Regional Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.

Flooding forced companies to find new places to drill

Even though oil and gas producing areas of southeast Saskatchewan were still under water in early November, drilling activity within the province is 30 per cent ahead of what it was in 2010.

Heenan Blaikie construction lawyer gives tips for alliance, joint venture participants

Geza Banfai, a senior partner with law firm Heenan Blaikie, talked about the wording of contracts in team projects at the planning, advocacy, contracts and evolution of procurement (PACE) event, held by the Grand Valley Construction Association in Cambridge, Ontario.

Strong master plan needed for Halifax business complex built by Lindsay Construction

The elevated site of a Halifax business complex developed by Hardman Group Ltd. has great views but challenging foundation conditions. To stabilize the slope an architectural retaining wall about 50 feet high will be installed on one side of the building. Weaving through the development and building permits process was a challenge, according to an executive from Lindsay Construction

Eastern extension of Chief Peguis Trail in Winnipeg completed ahead of schedule

The eastern extension of the Chief Peguis Trail in Winnipeg has been completed ahead of schedule due to seven day work weeks and a spate of good weather.

Construction evolution brings complexity

The things we build become more complex all the time.

Waterfront Toronto seeks expert advice from construction firms on port lands development

The original plan for the port lands was to have mixed-use residential development, starting in eight to 10 years, but under the accelerated plan, the area could conceivably include retail, commercial, institutional or industrial construction.

Construction industry experts react to Statistics Canada employment figures

According to the Statistics Canada labour force survey, the number of full-time work declined by 72,000 jobs in October. But Canadian Construction Association (CCA) president Michael Atkinson and Construction Sector Council economist Bob Collins advise people to look at long-term trends rather than monthly fluctuations.

Ministry of Transportation to widen Highway 417 in Ottawa

The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) is about to start a series of construction projects on Highway 417, also known as the Queensway, in the west end of Ottawa near the communities of Stittsville and Kanata. The work includes widening one section to eight lanes, another to six lanes and repairs to the Carp Road, Eagleson Road and Huntmar Drive bridges.

Diamond and Schmitt project for University of Ontario Institute of Technology gets Ontario Concrete award

The General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa scored top honours in the architectural merit category in the 2011 Ontario Concrete Awards. It was designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects and constructed by Carillion Construction Inc.

Ledcor announces acquisition of Renew Resources and 12 new barges

Vancouver-based Ledcor Resources and Transportation, a division of the Ledcor Group of Companies, announced on November 30th that it has taken delivery of 12 new barges and has acquired Renew Resources, a wood fibre processing company.

Construction "inhospitable" to women: Conference Board of Canada report

Women have been left behind in the ranks of senior management in both the private and public sectors and the construction industry was singled out as being "inhospitable" in a report from the Conference Board of Canada.

New supervisor skills development resource guide released

The Asia-Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST) has released its Supervisory Skill Development Resource Guide, a free print and online tool that provides employers with a comprehensive list of supervisor skill training opportunities across the province.

Alliance enhances communication within the construction industry

Today marks the launch of Plans and Specifications, the newest addition to Reed Construction Data’s web-based project delivery platform, Reed Connect.

British Columbia mine dispute linked to guerrilla war in 1864

A legal battle between First Nations and the proponent of a billion dollar gold and copper mine in central British Columbia is linked directly to a guerrilla war in 1864.

Wind warning system helps limit damage in Calgary

A wind warning system designed to predict major storms helped the City of Calgary warn contractors at highrise construction sites before high winds damaged the downtown core.

Construction associations concerned over Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission densometer proposal

Both the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada (ACEC) and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) are concerned over a proposal by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) that firms provide financial guarantees to cover costs associated with the disposal of portable nuclear densometers in the event of bankruptcy or termination of operations.

Moncton, New Brunswick flag person injured by steamroller

A woman working as a flag person on a roadway project in Moncton has been seriously injured by a steamroller. She was sent to hospital with serious injuries to her lower body.