Latest Construction News

The City of Vancouver is predicting a 7% increase in property taxes for the next year. However, Mayor Ken Sim has requested city staff to propose strategies to limit the hike to under 2.5%, with a scenario even considering a zero percent increase. This move is part of the mayor’s effort to manage the financial burden on residents amidst current economic strains. The discussions aim to balance the city's budget needs with taxpayer concerns.

Kalesnikoff Mass Timber has opened a 100,000 sq. ft. mass timber pre-fabrication and modular facility in Castlegar, B.C., making it North America's first. The $30 million investment aims to expand the company's product line and create around 100 new jobs. The initiative supports Canada's sustainability goals and was partially funded by various government programs. This facility will produce prefabricated wall panels, mass timber modules, and other products for efficient construction.

BC Hydro is implementing a significant solar energy project at Anahim Lake Station, in partnership with the Ulkatcho First Nation, to integrate power from the Anahim Lake Solar Farm. This initiative aims to reduce diesel dependency in remote communities through a 3.8-megawatt solar farm and advanced microgrid technology. The project, supported by federal funding, represents a step forward in renewable energy and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

Condo sales in Vancouver have plummeted by 37% from mid-2022 to early 2025, primarily due to increased interest rates impacting affordability and investor returns. The decline in sales has resulted in a surplus of unsold units and a drop in resale prices. This has also led to a significant rise in project cancellations, with a tenfold increase in canceled units reported from 2022 to 2024. Although there may be short-term benefits for buyers, the long-term effects are expected to exacerbate housing shortages.

Danielle Smith is promoting a pipeline project in British Columbia, emphasizing the benefits it holds for the entire country. She is adopting a collaborative 'Team Canada' approach to gather support. However, she acknowledges the necessity to address the concerns of Indigenous communities impacted by the project.

Vancouver city council has approved Crombie REIT and Westbank's revised plans for redeveloping a Canada Safeway store in the Commercial Drive area. The project will now focus exclusively on rental apartments, providing 1,044 units including both market-rental and below-market options. The development will feature three towers and a larger Safeway, along with retail, restaurants, and a city-owned childcare facility. Chicago-based Perkins & Will's Vancouver office is responsible for the architectural design.

The movement towards electrification in highrise rental apartment buildings in British Columbia is gaining momentum. This shift is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as buildings burning natural gas are the largest contributors to such emissions in Vancouver, responsible for nearly 60% of GHG emissions. Brad Badelt, Vancouver's director of sustainability, emphasizes the importance of this transition in meeting the city's environmental targets.

David Eby clarifies that the main hindrance to the oil pipeline project desired by Alberta is not opposition from British Columbia, but rather a lack of financial backing and a committed proponent. There are numerous potential projects that British Columbia and Alberta could pursue together to enhance economic prosperity in Western Canada.

Amazon has inaugurated its first storage and distribution fulfillment center in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, with a facility named YXX1 spanning 825,000 square feet. This center aims to enhance Amazon's ability to deliver faster to local customers by supporting regional fulfillment activities. The project involved multiple local and national contractors, and Amazon is also contributing to local sustainability by funding bike-repair stations. The opening of YXX1 marks a significant milestone in bolstering Amazon’s operations and local economy contributions in the region.

The Vancouver city council has approved a change to its 20-year Granville Street Plan to address the issue of Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing in the Granville Entertainment District. The plan aims to shift SRO housing to areas outside this district by offering land elsewhere in Vancouver for development. This initiative seeks to revitalize the district while providing alternative housing options. The council's decision was unanimous.

A 30-year-old worker drowned in an industrial accident at a mill in British Columbia, Canada. The incident prompted a response from multiple first responders including police, fire, and ambulance services, with additional support from the Canadian Coast Guard divers to perform a rescue operation. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the worker could not be saved. The tragedy highlights the potential dangers in industrial settings.

The British Columbia government has given a preview of the ongoing Broadway subway tunnel construction in Vancouver, part of a $2.95 billion extension of the SkyTrain Millennium Line. The project, which includes six underground stations and is slated to open in 2027, is expected to triple the passenger capacity compared to the current rapid bus service. Although there are slight cost overruns common to underground construction, it remains largely under control. The project is expected to expand the overall SkyTrain capacity by over 27% by also extending the Expo Line to Langley.