Articles from Nenew Canada

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 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 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.

A report by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis indicates that standardizing asphalt mix designs in the Greater Toronto Area could save nearly $1 billion over the next decade. Currently, municipalities in the GTA use over 300 different asphalt mix designs, causing inefficiencies and higher costs. Harmonization could also lead to paving an additional 1,800 lane-kilometers of roads while protecting local jobs and wages. Standardizing these practices could unlock broader economic gains, reducing infrastructure deficits without increasing taxation.

The Goreway Drive overpass connecting Mississauga and Brampton is now open, aiming to enhance traffic flow by eliminating delays caused by trains crossing the road. The project, costing roughly $40 million, included building a four-lane overpass over CN railway tracks, complete with new sidewalks, street lighting, and updated water systems. Initiated in September 2023, the project was funded by the City of Mississauga, City of Brampton, and CN Rail. The overpass aims to improve safety and connectivity between key employment and growth areas.

The City of Toronto and the federal government have commenced construction on a new transit-oriented community in Scarborough Southwest on City-owned land near Victoria Park Station. The development will include 705 rental homes, with 256 being affordable, financed by over $291 million in federal investment. The project features mixed-use elements such as a childcare center and community spaces, and supports the city’s climate goals with a geothermal energy system. This initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to repurpose public land for public benefit.

The Government of Ontario has announced a $50 million investment for planning a new Lake of the Woods District Hospital and $1.9 million for the expansion of the Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care home in Kenora. The new projects aim to improve healthcare accessibility for Kenora and surrounding areas, including Indigenous communities. Expanded services will include modernized facilities, diagnostic and specialized care, and new community health spaces. The initiative is part of Ontario's broader strategy to enhance its healthcare infrastructure and services.

The Government of Ontario, in partnership with the City of Toronto and Habitat for Humanity GTA, is constructing 33 modular homes in a six-story condominium at 355 Coxwell Avenue. This initiative aligns with the Ontario-Toronto New Deal, utilizing surplus properties for affordable housing. The homes are aimed at income levels between the 60th and 70th percentile in Toronto, with a maximum contribution of $500,000 in 2025. Construction is set to begin shortly, with sales starting next year and homes ready by mid-2027.

The Government of Ontario has commenced construction on the Caledonia GO Station in Toronto, which will connect the Barrie Line to TTC bus service and future Line 5 Eglinton. The project is part of historic investments in public transit aimed at reducing gridlock and enhancing access to housing and jobs. Grascan Construction Ltd. has been contracted to build the station, which will include heated platform shelters, bicycle racks, and a pedestrian tunnel. This new GO Station is expected to become a major transfer point for various transit services.

The City of Toronto and the federal government are progressing on the 11 Brock Ave affordable housing project, utilizing a Public Developer model involving innovative mass timber and prefabricated construction. The project will deliver 42 supportive homes for low and moderate-income residents, with wrap-around support services, and is set to complete by Fall 2026. It has received significant funding from the federal government and aims to adhere to the Toronto Green Standard for sustainability.