Articles from Nenew Canada

The Canada Infrastructure Bank and George Gordon Development Limited have finalized a $42 million loan to finance the Wicehtowak Solar project in Saskatchewan. The project will generate 32.4 MW of renewable energy and is the CIB's first 100% First Nation-led clean power initiative. The solar farm aims to reduce emissions by 21,686 tonnes annually, provide economic benefits, and create job opportunities for the George Gordon First Nation community. Additional funding comes from a $33 million grant by Natural Resources Canada.

Construction has begun on a new BC Cancer centre in Nanaimo, with the facility slated to open in 2028. This centre, located on the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital site, will offer comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The project, costing $311 million, aims to serve patients throughout central Vancouver Island, reducing the need for long-distance travel for treatment. The BC Cancer centre will be operated in partnership with Island Health and is part of broader investments in health-care infrastructure in the region.

The Government of Nova Scotia has announced improvements to Highway 102, aimed at easing commuting, supporting housing, and expanding transportation options. The project includes safety upgrades and enhancements for 20 kilometers of the highway near Halifax, potentially influencing economic growth and development for the next 20 years. This initiative involves preliminary design work and assessments, with a request for proposals for a consultant now issued. Modernization efforts might include safer interchanges and high-occupancy vehicle lanes.

Infrastructure Ontario's latest Market Update reveals over $30 billion in estimated costs for 25 major projects in various stages of procurement. The update highlights 20 projects in the planning stages, with significant investments in infrastructure to bolster the economy and maintain construction jobs. Recent completions include notable projects like the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Redevelopment. Infrastructure Ontario emphasizes its commitment to building a modern, connected province with the support of industry partners.

The City of Toronto has commenced construction of a new purpose-built rental project in midtown, in partnership with CreateTO and Collecdev-Markee. This development will add 494 rental homes, including 148 affordable units, on former City-owned land at 275 Merton Street. The project seeks to create complete, inclusive communities and will include sustainability measures under the Toronto Green Standard. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to leverage City-owned sites for housing development.

The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) is urging the federal government to reform funding strategies for infrastructure and housing projects. They stress the importance of involving industry professionals for effective cost management and project efficiency. Despite government investments, CIQS identifies gaps in current practices and suggests integrating modern building methods to address the housing crisis. The construction sector significantly contributes to Canada's GDP and employment, highlighting the need for strategic planning.

Nine of Canada's largest construction companies have collaborated with The Transition Accelerator to develop a report that outlines strategies to reduce jobsite emissions in the construction industry. This report, based on operational data from over 600 projects, suggests actions such as electrifying equipment and connecting sites to grid power to significantly lower emissions. If implemented, these actions could cut jobsite emissions by up to 75% by 2040. The initiative emphasizes the roles of cooperation and data sharing in driving the construction industry's transition towards more sustainable practices.

The Province of Ontario and the federal government announced a $3 billion investment in the construction of the first small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington Nuclear Station. This project is set to produce 1,200 MW of electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes, and is expected to come online by 2030. The initiative will create thousands of high-paying jobs and significantly contribute to the Canadian economy. The project's financial model encourages further private sector and Indigenous investment opportunities.

The government of Ontario and Metrolinx announced the completion of the Revenue Service Demonstration for the Finch West LRT. The Toronto Transit Commission will take operational control by November 3, 2025, with the opening date yet to be determined. Line 6 Finch West is expected to serve 51,000 daily riders and offers connections to various transit systems. Efforts to reduce complexity and improve project timelines are underway to ensure more efficient transit construction in Ontario.

The City of Calgary has announced a shortlist of companies for civil works construction packages for the 2026-2031 segment of the Green Line LRT - SE Project. This selection process identifies constructions firms eligible to submit proposals for five major infrastructure projects. Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT, running from Shepard in the southeast to Downtown Calgary, is fully funded with contributions from various governmental levels. The project already has construction underway and expects additional tenders worth over $3 billion to be released by 2025 and 2026.

The Government of Canada has announced over $1.9 million in federal funding for a smart microgrid project in La Plonge and Poplar House District, northern Saskatchewan. Led by Aurora Renewables, this Indigenous-owned initiative combines solar power, battery storage, and advanced technologies to enhance energy resilience for local communities. The project is entirely owned by English River First Nation and aims to lower energy costs, create jobs, and reduce emissions while serving as a replicable model for energy security in Canada.

The 1620 Main St. E. project in Hamilton combines Canadian-sourced mass timber construction with Passive House certification, marking it as the first affordable housing project in North America to do so. With a budget of $25 million, it was designed to be a replicable model for high-performance, sustainable housing. The building employs advanced techniques like modular prefabrication, resulting in rapid construction and energy efficiency. It has gained national recognition as a replicable model that responds to urgent housing needs while supporting decarbonization goals.