Articles from Construction Canada

SixtyEight, a new 20,000-square-foot event and meeting space, has opened on the top floor of Scotia Plaza in Toronto’s financial district. Developed by KingSett Capital and operated by Oliver & Bonacini, it offers modern design, breathtaking city views, and amenities such as a cafe and bar. The venue is designed for corporate events, weddings, and more, with facilities including a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 250 guests. Scotia Plaza, a Class ‘AAA’ office complex, integrates three buildings in Toronto’s heart.

Greenbuild 2025 is an annual event for green building professionals, scheduled for November 4-7, 2025, in Los Angeles, aiming to improve resilience and sustainability in buildings and communities. Attendees will gain insights into sustainable development, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions. The event offers numerous learning opportunities, including CE credits, and will emphasize social equity and diverse participation.

The Canadian Wood Council and the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction have partnered to promote steel-timber hybrid structural solutions in Canada. This collaboration aims to leverage the strength of steel and the sustainability of timber to enhance structural performance, cost efficiency, and construction speed in larger and taller buildings. Hybrid systems like steel-timber composite floors are particularly beneficial where structural demands are high. This initiative underscores the industry's shift towards more sustainable construction practices.

Fabric structures have transitioned from niche applications to mainstream use due to advancements in design and materials. The shift to using solid I-beams instead of web-truss frames has increased their structural credibility, allowing them to compete with conventional buildings. Innovations in fabric materials, particularly the use of advanced PVC, offer durability and cost-competitiveness. These developments have broadened the application of fabric structures in sports, industrial, and municipal buildings, with improved speed of installation and structural flexibility.

The article discusses the growing trend towards constructing high-performance, net-zero energy-ready buildings. It highlights the importance of advanced building envelopes, efficient systems, and the integration of renewable energy. A quiz is offered to test knowledge on these sustainability strategies within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Mitten has introduced the industry's first black vinyl siding that can withstand extreme heat without warping or fading. Tested in Arizona under harsh conditions, the siding uses a PVDF film to reflect heat and resist UV damage, maintaining its color. This innovation provides a high-performance and cost-effective alternative to metal or wood for achieving a true black exterior. For more information about the product, visit their website.

The article discusses a quiz centered around the importance of sustainability in the construction industry, emphasizing the sector's significant contribution to global CO2 emissions. It highlights the role of sustainable building methods, materials, and construction models in reducing these emissions. The quiz aims to test readers' knowledge of pathways toward achieving a net-zero future by understanding the impact of the built environment. The content invites readers to engage with tools that can help the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in reshaping sustainable construction practices.

The M3 building, currently under construction at M City in Mississauga, will be the tallest in Ontario outside of Toronto. RJC Engineers overcame challenges such as zoning and construction on a sloped tower, implementing innovations like a tuned mass damper and tapered structural lean for stability. The project demonstrates how suburban centres in Canada are evolving with complex high-rise developments. The integration of a mixed-use podium highlights the engineering complexity and innovation involved in creating this ambitious structure.

The new Fancsy Family Hospital in Windsor and Essex County is set to enhance healthcare in the region with a multi-phase development. The project includes an 11,613-square-meter education and administration center adjacent to the main hospital. This facility will feature an auditorium, simulation training center, classrooms, and office space, and will connect to a new multi-level parking garage. The design firm Diamond Schmitt and construction manager EllisDon will oversee the first phase, with construction expected to start in early 2026.

The Canadian and Quebec governments, together with the City of Montreal, have launched a $130 million affordable housing project in the Bridge-Bonaventure district. The development will include a 20-storey non-market high-rise with 376 units, designed to provide a complete living environment with necessary community amenities. This project aims to address local housing needs and will begin construction in summer 2026. It represents a significant investment in Montreal's housing infrastructure.

DIALOG is transforming the Community Centre for Wellbeing in Lethbridge into a medical education and clinical facility, part of a partnership between the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge. The project will include 5,000 square meters of purpose-designed space featuring teaching areas, an anatomy lab, and a new clinic. The design emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and inclusion, incorporating Indigenous-informed elements. Construction is set to begin soon, with a planned opening in July 2027.

The article discusses the challenges and methodologies of conducting airtightness testing in large and multi-zone buildings. It highlights the limited availability of data for such buildings due to complexity and lack of regulation, in contrast to the well-documented data for single-zone residential buildings. The research presented aims to fill existing knowledge gaps by providing additional data from tests on 29 buildings in British Columbia, focusing on factors like building archetypes and air barrier strategies.