Articles from Nenew 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.

EllisDon has conducted a large-scale fire demonstration test on its Hybrid Timber Floor System (HTFS) to showcase its performance under extreme conditions. The system, developed in partnership with DIALOG, uses a combination of Cross-Laminated Timber and concrete to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. The test, which took place in Richmond, B.C., confirmed the structural integrity and fire resistance of the system, demonstrating its potential for use in commercial buildings. This unique demonstration was part of EllisDon's efforts to advance mass timber usage in non-traditional building typologies.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit is set to upgrade the Coquitlam River Bridge on Highway 7B, enhancing the infrastructure's resilience and safety. The project includes seismic improvements, drainage upgrades, climate adaptations, and the addition of a multi-use path. A contract for $6.5 million has been awarded to Coquitlam River Constructors Ltd., with work starting in the fall and expected completion by fall 2026. Traffic will mostly remain open with some limited closures, and safety measures will be implemented for pedestrians and cyclists during construction.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is set to receive more than 500 new student beds designed for upper-year undergraduate and graduate students, with $121 million in funding from the Province and $57 million from UVic. The construction will feature sustainable and climate-resilient designs aiming for LEED Gold certification. These new accommodations will alleviate local rental market pressure and enhance on-campus support for students. The project is expected to begin construction in spring 2026.

EllisDon has completed the Freedom Mobile Arch canopy in Vancouver, making it one of the largest free-span mass timber structures in the world. The project utilized glue-laminated beams and cross-laminated timber panels to achieve a striking starburst-shaped roof. The amphitheater is designed to host a variety of events for up to 10,000 guests, enhancing Vancouver's cultural landscape. This complex construction demanded exceptional planning, engineering, and teamwork.

Northern Health has announced the preferred proponents for the design and construction of the new acute care tower at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia: EllisDon Corporation for construction and DIALOG BC Architecture Engineering and Interior Design Planning Inc. for design. The $1.579 billion project aims to enhance surgical, cardiac, and mental health services for residents of Northern B.C. through an Alliance Contract. Construction is expected to start in fall 2026, with the facility opening by winter 2031.

Stantec and Seaspan have completed a new outfitting pier at Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards, supporting Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy. The pier, engineered for large navy and coast guard vessels, features advanced utilities and environmental safeguards suited for extreme conditions. The project, which began in 2020, is key to Canada’s shipbuilding and infrastructure growth, with Seaspan contributing significantly to the economy. The initiative is a major milestone for shipbuilding on Canada's west coast.

Metro Vancouver has substantially completed the construction of the Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel, which lies 30 meters below the Burrard Inlet. This major infrastructure project enhances the region's water supply capacity and is seismically robust, containing three steel water mains designed to withstand significant earthquakes. Once fully operational by 2028, this tunnel will deliver more than one million liters of water daily and is part of Metro Vancouver's ongoing efforts to upgrade regional water infrastructure. The project has been recognized with several prestigious awards for its engineering excellence.

The Government of British Columbia has unveiled North Island College's first on-campus student housing complex, providing 217 beds in multifamily and family-oriented apartments. The project, built using sustainable mass timber and meeting high energy-efficiency standards, alleviates the local housing shortage and supports diverse student demographics. Developed in collaboration with the K’ómoks First Nation, the $77-million 'tul’al’txw' project enhances student community life, offering cultural and social support. The provincial government contributed $75 million towards the project to further educational opportunities on Vancouver Island.

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.