Articles from On-site

Nine of Canada's largest general contractors have formed the Canadian Construction Sustainability Alliance to tackle carbon emissions in the construction industry. Partnering with The Transition Accelerator, they released a report recommending five actions to reduce emissions at job sites by up to 75% by 2040. These actions include transitioning to electric vehicles, optimizing heating, using renewable diesel, and connecting sites to grid power. Early adoption could see significant emission reductions by 2030, signaling a strong industry move towards sustainability.

In August, investment in building construction in Canada increased by 0.1% to $22.8 billion. The non-residential sector grew by $22.9 million, while the residential sector increased by $10.5 million compared to July, reflecting an 8.7% year-over-year rise. The commercial and institutional sectors saw gains, with Ontario and Alberta contributing significantly, while the industrial component experienced a decline. The residential investment was buoyed by single-family homes, while multi-unit construction decreased, primarily due to downturns in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

Rogers Real Estate Development, Urban Capital, and EllisDon have celebrated the topping off of M City's third tower, M3, in Mississauga, Ontario. Standing 81 stories tall, M3 is now the tallest building in Mississauga and the tallest tower in Canada west of Toronto. This milestone marks a significant development in the M City project, which aims to deliver over 6,000 new homes across eight towers. The building features unique designs and amenities, including Canada's largest tuned mass damper for stability.

The Canadian Cancer Society is funding four research projects to study work-related cancers in the construction sector. With nearly $800,000 in funding, the initiative aims to improve awareness and prevention of cancers like lung and skin cancer caused by workplace exposures. The research, conducted in collaboration with labor unions and compensation boards, will cover topics like asbestos exposure and the occupational risks of handling anti-cancer drugs. The effort is expected to lead to better prevention strategies and improvements in worker safety.

Construction has been completed at NextStar Energy's new battery manufacturing plant in Windsor, Ontario. The facility, which is Canada's first large-scale battery manufacturing plant, has a production capacity of up to 49.5 gigawatt hours annually and aims to create 2,500 local jobs. Collaboration among LG Energy Solution, Stellantis, local authorities, and the construction company Alberici-Barton Malow played a critical role in finishing the project on schedule. Minor construction in non-operational areas continues, while the main facility is approved for production occupancy.

Construction of the Confederation GO Station in Hamilton has been completed by EllisDon, enhancing the GO train network and potentially increasing annual ridership by nearly half a million. The station will begin service on October 27 and includes features such as accessible platforms and parking spaces. This new station is part of the Ontario government's transit expansion efforts and marks the first new GO station opening in four years. The development is expected to alleviate transportation demands and support economic growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

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.