Articles from Nenew Canada

Nak’azdli Development Corp. and Deadwood Innovations have created a new prefabricated home model in Canada that uses mass timber panels made from local lumber, aiming to address housing shortages in remote and rural communities. The Timber House project leverages local resources and involves collaborations with academic institutions to enhance affordable and sustainable housing solutions. The expedited construction process involves producing panels in controlled environments during winter to speed up assembly in summer. The initiative also revitalizes local sawmills by transforming low-quality timber into high-quality components.

Bird Construction Inc. is set to acquire Fraser River Pile & Dredge (FRPD) for approximately $82.3 million, with the transaction expected to finalize in early 2025. FRPD, a leading marine construction and dredging company based in New Westminster, B.C., has a strong reputation for quality work across Canada. This acquisition aims to integrate FRPD's expertise into Bird's operations, enhancing its capacity to undertake large-scale projects in Canada. The merger underscores both companies' historic roles in significant Canadian infrastructure projects.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has opened the Tall Timber student housing residence at its Burnaby campus, adding 469 beds and expanding affordable on-campus housing for the first time in 40 years. The 12-storey building, constructed with sustainable mass timber, meets B.C.'s highest energy efficiency standards and supports the institution's effort to create vibrant student communities. Funded with $129 million from the B.C. government and $3 million in donations, the facility aims to reduce commute times, ease local rental market pressures, and promote student success. It is recognized as the tallest mass-timber building in Burnaby.

Construction on the new Surrey hospital and BC Cancer Centre is progressing rapidly, with the project having advanced to above-ground levels. The facility is expected to open in 2030 and will enhance cancer services in one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing regions. Design development is nearly complete, with significant input from Indigenous communities and other partners to ensure cultural relevance and patient-centered care.

BC Hydro has completed the commissioning of the final generating unit at the Site C project, enabling the facility to generate over 1,100 megawatts of electricity. This development increases BC Hydro's total electricity supply by about eight percent, providing power for approximately 500,000 homes annually. The project enhances clean energy capacity, supporting British Columbia's future energy needs. Remaining construction includes completing the powerhouse and addressing safety concerns surrounding the Site C reservoir.

The Top100 Projects Key Players and Owners Dinner was held in Vancouver to celebrate over $300 billion in infrastructure development projects across Western Canada. BC Hydro CEO Chris O’Riley emphasized the importance of these projects for energy security and economic prosperity. Held at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, the event brought together leaders and stakeholders from the public sector infrastructure domain. The event also marks the beginning of preparations for the 2026 edition of the Top100 Projects report.

Metro Vancouver has put an independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program on hold, citing ongoing litigation with former contractor Acciona as the reason. The review will proceed only after resolving the legal matter, scheduled for trial in March 2027. The project is significant, ranking 21st on ReNew Canada's 2025 Top100 Projects list, and Metro Vancouver provides monthly updates to the public. Randal Kaardal now oversees the review, succeeding the late John J.L. Hunter.

The City of Vancouver has officially opened the Granville Connector, a protected walking and cycling path on the west side of the Granville Bridge. The project reallocates two vehicle lanes to create a safe and accessible route from downtown Vancouver to Central Broadway and the Arbutus Greenway. Funded in part by TransLink, the $54 million project aims to enhance Vancouver's active transportation network and address infrastructure deficits. Construction on the project began in early 2023, with continuous improvements planned through 2026.

The construction of a new $386 million BC Cancer centre in Kamloops has begun, aimed at providing enhanced cancer care access to the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region. Set to open in 2028, the facility will offer comprehensive cancer treatments including radiation therapy, significantly reducing travel for patients. EllisDon Corporation will lead construction, and the project is a key capital investment from the Province of British Columbia. The centre will operate in partnership with Interior Health and includes upgrades to the existing community oncology clinic and pharmacy.

Creative Energy in Vancouver is undertaking one of Canada's largest fuel switch projects, aiming to transition its district energy network from natural gas to low carbon electricity. In collaboration with BC Hydro, the project will involve constructing new substations and replacing old natural gas boilers with high-efficiency electric ones, targeting a reduction of 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. This project is part of broader efforts to comply with strict GHG emissions targets set by Vancouver, potentially influencing numerous downtown buildings to connect to the newer, more sustainable energy system. These initiatives reflect Vancouver's continued transformation towards being a leader in green city standards.

The Canadian Government announced a $13.4 million investment for infrastructure enhancements at the Rogers Pass Centre in Glacier National Park and the Trans-Canada Highway through Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. This initiative aims to improve visitor experiences and public safety by making essential roadway improvements and installing eco-passages for wildlife. The funding supports economic sustainability by safeguarding tourism and natural heritage. A temporary facility, Summit Station, will ensure travelers continue to have access to services during the improvements.

The City of Surrey has commenced the second phase of the 72 Avenue Corridor Project, widening 72 Avenue between 188 Street and 196 Street to four lanes and adding sidewalks and bike lanes. This major infrastructure project, the largest in Surrey's history, aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve city mobility. Additional improvements include new left-turn lanes, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and additional on-street parking spaces to accommodate high demand. The multi-phase project is set to continue with further expansions planned up till 2025.