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.

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.

Construction has commenced on the Woodbine GO Station in Toronto, Ontario, an important step in improving the GO Transit network. The project will cost approximately $170 million and feature expanded capacity with new platforms, pedestrian bridges, and a bus loop. This station will enhance connectivity to several transport services including the Union Pearson Express and local transit systems. Metrolinx awarded a contract for key infrastructure and utility upgrades to accommodate future developments at the station.

One Bloor West is set to become Canada's first supertall building, reaching a height of 308 meters. Located in Toronto, this mixed-use skyscraper combines commercial space with luxurious residential units and a hotel. Its eye-catching design by Foster + Partners includes champagne bronze cladding and a unique pattern of framing elements. Construction is progressing well, with major structural milestones complete and interior work advancing.

GWL Realty Advisors announced plans to revitalize Toronto's College Park, preserving its original 1920s architectural design while transforming it into a mixed-use development. The project will restore the building's interior arcade, enhance connections to Yonge and College Streets, and introduce three residential towers. It also plans to expand The Carlu, an Art Deco event venue, with new outdoor terraces and conference space. The redevelopment aims to establish College Park as a retail and cultural hub by its centennial in 2030.

Montgomery Sisam Architects has designed an innovative modular affordable housing project in Durham that features Scandinavian-inspired architecture. The design includes elements like a reading nook, community space, and a spacious terrace, aiming to integrate harmoniously with the rural environment. The project addresses urgent housing needs in the region, utilizing off-site prefabrication to reduce construction time, waste, and emissions. A total of 47 fully self-contained suites have been developed, showcasing sustainable construction practices.

The Shudell House, designed by Weiss Architecture + Urbanism, showcases innovative aging-in-place features in Toronto's older neighborhoods. The design includes a distinctive diamond pattern and buff brick facades, blending heritage with modern functionality. Key features include an elevator, a roll-in shower, and a universally accessible kitchen. Natural light is enhanced through light wells, skylights, and a double-height dining area.

The article discusses the role of the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) in Ontario, which regulates the licensing of builders and ensures compliance with construction standards. The HCRA works to reduce illegal building activities through mandatory education and enforcement measures. It provides resources like the Ontario Builder Directory for transparency and a newly launched website with resource hubs for builders and consumers. The authority aims to maintain a high standard in homebuilding, protect consumer interests, and enhance industry confidence.

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) announced the winners of its 2025 Award of Excellence competition, which focuses on sustainable development practices. Canadian towers honored include T3 Bayside, Alberni by Kengo Kuma, Ontario Court of Justice, TD Terrace, and CIBC Square. The award categories highlight buildings that use low-carbon materials and innovative designs in sustainable urbanism, with submissions required to include data on carbon and material usage as part of a pilot program. The awards cover projects across 20 countries, showcasing leadership in vertical urbanism.

Marianne McKenna and Shirley Blumberg, founding architects of KPMB Architects, have been awarded the 2025 RAIC Gold Medal, the highest honor in Canadian architecture. McKenna is recognized for her contributions to cultural architecture, notably her work on The Royal Conservatory of Music and Massey Hall in Toronto. Blumberg is celebrated for architecture promoting inclusion and equity, exemplified by her projects like the Montreal Holocaust Museum and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. The award will be formally presented at the RAIC Conference on Architecture in June.