Articles from Nenew Canada

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 article discusses the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on municipal transportation by outlining the potential benefits and the need for a strategic approach. It emphasizes identifying pain points, scanning industry practices, evaluating costs and risks, and starting with small pilot projects to integrate AI solutions effectively. Several AI applications such as traffic management, predictive maintenance, and public transit optimization are highlighted. The importance of data governance and organizational alignment for implementing AI on a broader scale is also discussed.

At the 2025 FIDIC Global Infrastructure Awards in Cape Town, Canadian firms and professionals were honored for their outstanding contributions to engineering and infrastructure. Negin Tousi from Vancouver received the FIDIC Future Leaders Award for her achievements in consulting engineering. Quebec's engineering firm gbi won in the Large Projects category for their innovative dual energy transfer loop in the Royalmount commercial building. CIMA+ was recognized for the Mill Creek Flood Mitigation Project in Kelowna, demonstrating sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure solutions.

The Canadian Wood Council has announced the winners of the 41st annual Wood Design & Building Awards, recognizing exceptional wood design and construction projects from Canada and around the globe. This year, a diverse array of projects highlighted wood's versatility and its role in connecting people with nature. The event, held at the Woodrise Conference in Vancouver, BC, honored 38 projects across various categories, showcasing creativity and high-performance solutions. The awards aim to acknowledge projects that enhance community well-being and address the need for housing, schools, and community spaces.

The Canadian government has launched Build Canada Homes, a federal agency focused on rapidly increasing the supply of affordable housing across the nation. The initiative aims to address homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing, leveraging public lands, and using modern construction methods like factory-built homes and mass timber. With an initial $13 billion investment, the agency will collaborate with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to build at scale, utilizing Canadian materials to support domestic industries. Key projects are set to launch in multiple cities, prioritizing innovative, sustainable construction and the preservation of existing affordable rental housing.

The Canadian government has announced a series of major infrastructure projects to be reviewed by the new Major Projects Office (MPO). These projects include LNG expansion in British Columbia, a new nuclear project in Ontario, and a terminal expansion in Québec, among others. The aim is to streamline project approval processes and attract significant investment while strengthening Canada's position in global energy and trade. The MPO's efforts are expected to close regulatory gaps and coordinate with various stakeholders to expedite project completion.

A report by Info-Tech Research Group highlights urgent risks facing the construction industry, including policy shifts, supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and labor shortages. The report stresses the need for construction IT leaders to adopt a proactive, strategic approach to mitigate these risks and ensure project continuity. It provides a four-step framework to assess risk, align resources, develop critical response plans, and execute with confidence. The report aims to help construction organizations build resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.

The Women’s Infrastructure Network held its 11th Annual Awards ceremony across six Canadian cities to honor female leaders in the infrastructure sector. Angela Clayton of Infrastructure Ontario was named Outstanding Leader, recognized for her impactful leadership in overseeing major infrastructure projects in Canada. Holynde Smiechowski from PCL Construction received the Emerging Leader award, praised for her innovative project management skills and dedication to mentoring others. The event highlights the importance of diversity and leadership development within the construction industry.

The article discusses the impact of U.S.-Canada tariffs on the construction industry in Canada, highlighting challenges such as increased costs, procurement complications, and potential project delays. It outlines legal strategies like contract clauses for change-in-law, taxes, and force majeure as methods to mitigate these risks. The authors suggest that those involved in construction projects should carefully draft contracts and consider potential tariff impacts to allocate risk appropriately.

The Canadian government is investing nearly $16 million in renewable energy and grid modernization projects across the Maritime provinces of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. These investments will enhance electricity grids, advance carbon capture technologies, expand renewable energy projects, and support clean energy initiatives in Indigenous and remote communities. The funding is aimed at making energy systems more reliable and affordable, reducing emissions, and developing job opportunities while fostering partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.

A new report by the Canada Climate Law Initiative and the Canadian Construction Association urges the construction sector to integrate climate resilience into core governance. The guide offers a roadmap for industry leaders to address climate risks, emphasizing the role of directors and leadership in implementing long-term strategies for sustainable construction. Enhanced climate governance is depicted as a competitive advantage, requiring a coordinated, systems-level approach across all project stages. The report aims to help construction companies navigate climate action and align with a transition to a low-carbon economy.