Articles from On-site

Amrize has launched the MV Tamarack, a new cement carrier designed for efficient and sustainable transportation on the Great Lakes, marking the first new vessel of its kind in two decades. This ship, operated by Eureka Shipping, can carry over 10,000 cubic metres of cement and is equipped with advanced technology to minimize emissions. The MV Tamarack supports Amrize's efforts to supply building materials for infrastructure projects, particularly in Ontario, which plans significant investments in construction. The collaboration with Eureka Shipping strengthens Amrize's capacity, replacing older ships with this more efficient, environmentally friendly vessel.

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is organizing an online housing summit on September 24 to address the urgent housing crisis caused by cumbersome planning processes, high taxes, and regulatory challenges. Ontario's housing starts have significantly declined, exacerbating economic issues and causing job losses in the construction sector. The summit aims to gather insights from industry leaders and suggest policy changes to boost homebuilding. Key speakers include Ontario's Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister and senior economists, who will discuss strategies to address the low levels of new home and condo sales.

The Ontario government has initiated the construction of Highway 413, awarding contracts to Fermar Paving and Pave-Al for early phases of the project. The highway aims to connect several Greater Toronto Area (GTA) regions, reducing travel times and alleviating gridlock. The project anticipates generating over 6,000 jobs annually and adding more than $1 billion to Ontario's GDP. Despite protests, officials emphasize the economic and infrastructure benefits, projecting long-term advantages for residents and businesses.

Beau Brooker has been appointed as vice-president of construction at Northcrest, where he will lead the YZD project, turning the former Downsview Airport lands in Toronto into a major urban development. Brooker brings a wealth of experience from large-scale projects like the ICE District in Edmonton, and will oversee both job creation and contractor selection for YZD. This appointment signifies a significant step for Northcrest as the YZD project shifts towards its construction phase, starting with the Hangar District. The groundbreaking work is anticipated to begin in early 2026.

The Ontario government plans to invest $75 million to train up to 7,800 more students in construction-related fields to meet the demand for skilled workers. The funding will support new seats in colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes for programs such as welding, carpentry, and urban planning. This initiative aims to strengthen Ontario's workforce and ensure the province can meet its future infrastructure needs. Colleges and universities across Ontario will benefit, enhancing their capacity to train the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is backing a coalition advocating for the use of Recycled Crushed Aggregates (RCA) in public infrastructure projects in Ontario. The coalition, comprising ten organizations, calls for policies that mandate RCA use to improve road safety, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions. By including recycled materials, the initiative aims to standardize construction practices, curb construction costs, and accelerate project delivery. An estimated mandate of 20% RCA use could save communities $260 million annually and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

In June, Canada's building permits saw a decline, with only the industrial sector experiencing growth. The total value of building permits fell by nine per cent to $12 billion, despite an annual increase of 11 per cent compared to June 2024. The decline was particularly notable in Ontario's institutional sector, though non-residential construction reached a record high in the second quarter, driven by increases in Ontario and Alberta.

George Brown College in Ontario is offering a free 16-week Building Code Skills Development Program to address the high demand for certified building officials in the booming construction sector. Developed in collaboration with the Ontario Building Officials Association, this program prepares participants for careers as municipal building officials, with graduates receiving a Building Officials Fundamentals Certificate. The program includes technical training and support for writing the BCIN exams and offers job search assistance through GBC’s Community Partnerships Office. Graduates can also access municipal job listings via OBOA.

A new commercial carbon capture facility, Carbon1 Mississauga, is being developed in Ontario by Carbon Upcycling Technologies and Ash Grove. This facility will utilize patented technology to sequester carbon dioxide from cement production to create low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials. The project, slated to begin operations in 2026, is supported by Canadian government funding and marks a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry. It reflects a collaborative effort among various stakeholders to promote a sustainable future.

Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, has commenced construction on its largest capital project to date—a new student residence. The project, aimed at enhancing student life and community ties, is being undertaken by partners including Fengate, Tilbury Properties, Ball Construction, Teeple Architects, and Varsity Communities. Set to open in September 2027, the residence will mark the college's 60th anniversary and reflects a long-standing community legacy. The groundbreaking ceremony saw participation from college officials, partners, and local dignitaries.

Oxford Properties Group has started construction on a $750 million rental development named Alta in Scarborough, Ontario, marking the area's first major purpose-built rental project in decades. The development will include three residential towers providing 1,285 rental units, with a portion designated as affordable housing. A $650 million loan from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation supports this project, which aims to intensify land use around Scarborough Town Centre. Alta progresses as part of Oxford's broader master plan involving over 10,000 residential units in the area.

The Spirit Garden in Toronto is among the ten projects honored in the 18th North American Copper in Architecture Awards by the Copper Development Association. This project, designed by Gow Hastings Architects and other collaborators, integrates cultural storytelling with architectural elements to commemorate Indigenous history. Winners were judged on criteria such as copper system design and integration, craftsmanship, and sustainability, and the awarded projects spanned both new constructions and restorations across North America. The Spirit Garden, built for the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, highlights the importance of copper’s use in modern architectural design projects.