Articles from Radio Canada En continu

A year after the demolition of a century-old bascule bridge in Kingston, a series of lawsuits exceeding $70 million have ensued. The bridge was damaged during repair works in March 2024, leading to its demolition and major disruptions in mobility within the city. Landform Civil Infrastructures and other contractors are fighting in court for compensation against federal authorities, who have also filed a counter-lawsuit. Meanwhile, local businesses like St. Lawrence Cruise Lines report significant financial losses due to interrupted access and demand proper compensation.

The Council of the Federation is meeting in Huntsville, Ontario, to discuss reducing interprovincial trade barriers and advancing major projects. Key topics include the Canadian Economy Unity Act and tariff disputes with the United States. Indigenous communities have expressed concerns about fast-tracking major infrastructure and resource projects. Canadian PM Mark Carney is set to discuss trade and tariffs with visiting U.S. senators.

Toronto is implementing AI-powered traffic lights to reduce road congestion, adapting signal durations based on real-time traffic conditions, bus presence, pedestrians, and cyclists. These smart signals have shown to be particularly effective in suburban areas, enhancing traffic flow and safety. However, experts warn that AI technology alone will not solve the city's congestion problem, which stems from a structural imbalance between road capacity and vehicle demand. A holistic approach, combining technology, infrastructure development, and behavioral changes, is necessary to address the issue fully.

The construction of Toronto's Ontario Line metro is blamed for rat infestations in nearby neighborhoods. Residents like Janice Lachapelle are dealing with rodents displaced by excavations, incurring costs for extermination services. The City of Toronto is formulating a plan to manage the issue, but there are challenges due to jurisdictional authority resting with Metrolinx, a provincial agency. Metrolinx asserts the problem is typical for major construction projects and is working on solutions, including hiring exterminators.

The city of Toronto is offering free pre-approved plans for garden and laneway houses to tackle the housing shortage. Mayor Olivia Chow highlights that residents can build these without needing an architect or planner, which simplifies and reduces the cost of the process. However, only a small number of such homes have been constructed recently. The initiative also includes improving online services for faster permit approvals.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is defending a proposal to build a $400 million five-story parking structure by Lake Ontario as part of the Ontario Place revitalization project. The garage will provide 3,500 parking spaces, designed to accommodate visitors to a spa, science museum, and amphitheater. Ford claims the structure will generate $60 million annually and serve as a practical solution for event attendees. Construction is expected to start in 2026 with attractions opening by 2029.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) plans to install platform screen doors at 74 metro stations in Toronto, a project estimated to cost $4.1 billion. This safety measure has been under consideration for over a decade, especially following incidents of people falling onto the tracks. Although not yet funded, the TTC proposes a $44 million pilot project at the TMU station, due to its high traffic and frequent service interruptions caused by people on the tracks. The installation aims to enhance safety, reduce delays, and improve public perception, with potential work beginning in 2026 if funding is secured.

ArcelorMittal is closing its steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, to focus its operations in Montreal. The decision affects 153 employees, though it is unclear if they will be laid off or given positions in Montreal. A joint committee has been established to explore future options, and the closure is attributed to the company's efforts to enhance competitiveness and long-term profitability. There are additional concerns about the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel as a factor in this decision.

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported a 4% decline in average house and condominium prices in the Greater Toronto Area in May compared to the previous year, making the market more affordable. This decrease is attributed to fewer transactions and more properties being listed, enhancing buyers' bargaining power. Confidence issues related to the ongoing US-Canada trade war also contributed to the restrained market activity. A total of about 6,200 properties were sold, down 13.3% from the previous year, while new property listings increased by 14%.

The preconstruction condo market in Ontario, particularly in Toronto and Hamilton, faces significant challenges as unsold units remain high. Buyers are deterred by steep construction costs, government taxes, and risks such as possible fraud and legal complications. Some industry experts believe that future economic stabilization may revive interest, but others remain skeptical given the high prices and the potential for construction issues. Additionally, recent fraud cases have highlighted regulatory deficiencies in the industry.

There is ongoing opposition to a nuclear waste burial project at Chalk River, led by Indigenous leaders and elected officials. The Kebaowek community has been opposing this project for nearly a decade due to environmental and rights concerns. The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories argue that their project poses no contamination risk, but a Federal Court has acknowledged the lack of proper consultation with the Indigenous communities. Various advocacy groups and municipalities are also voicing their opposition to this project being built close to the Ottawa River.

The United Nations is backing Indigenous groups opposing the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline project, challenging its safety and environmental risks. The pipeline, which is over 70 years old, runs under the Straits of Mackinac and is seen as a threat to the Great Lakes and Indigenous rights. Enbridge plans to encase the pipeline in a protective tunnel, but this approach has never been tested before and faces legal opposition. Indigenous leaders and environmental groups are calling for the pipeline's closure, citing international and legal obligations to Indigenous peoples.