Articles from Canadian Consulting Engineer

Arsalan Zargar has been appointed as senior vice-president of transportation at CIMA+ for Western Canada and Ontario. With over 20 years of experience in the transportation and infrastructure sectors, Zargar will lead the development and implementation of CIMA+'s strategic transportation plans. He has previously worked with companies such as WSP, Infrastructure Ontario, and EllisDon, and has taught infrastructure financing at York University. His appointment has been effective since September 8.

The Construction Plastics Initiative (CPI) Benchmarking Study by Vancouver-based Light House assesses plastic waste management in Canadian construction projects. It highlights that plastics are often under-tracked and under-managed, calling for better reporting and recycling practices. The study aims to guide the industry towards a circular economy, supported by initiatives like pilot programs in British Columbia. It suggests that plastic diversion rates could eclipse 80% with improved practices and partnerships.

CIMA+, based in Quebec, and Keywest Projects from Calgary have formed a strategic partnership focusing on sustainable energy projects in Western Canada. The partnership integrates CIMA+'s engineering capabilities in various fields with Keywest's experience in energy-sector projects. This collaboration aims to address the evolving needs of the energy sector, with a focus on innovation and efficiency for clients. The partnership was effective since July and officially announced in late August.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the first series of infrastructure projects to be referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO), aimed at expediting large-scale national projects through streamlined regulatory assessments and financing structures. The five projects include expansions and new developments in LNG, nuclear energy, container ports, and mining, with a combined estimated cost of over $60 billion. The MPO will also focus on emerging projects in critical minerals, wind energy, carbon capture, and transportation infrastructure. These efforts are intended to align with fast-track approval within two years.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has selected CIMA+ to design its new centre in Ignace, Ontario, focusing on sustainable development and community engagement. The center, expected to open in 2028, will support research and development on nuclear waste management and will include public viewing areas. CIMA+ will also assist with procuring a constructor and will act as an engineering representative during the construction phase. This project represents collaboration with local and Indigenous communities and aims to contribute to economic prosperity in Ignace.

Stantec has been selected by Toronto's municipal government for a $16 million project to manage the rehabilitation of 28 bridges over the next five years. This is Stantec's third consecutive bridge program management assignment in Toronto, following the recent completion of work on 63 bridges as part of two previous contracts. The project aims to enhance transportation safety, improve bridge durability, and reduce environmental impacts. Upon completion of all three assignments, a total of over 90 bridges will have been rehabilitated.

RJC Engineers is undertaking the structural redesign of Calgary's Glenbow Museum to transform it into a welcoming, light-filled, and accessible space. The renovation includes replacing the museum's concrete exterior with a modern glass and tile façade, adding features such as a bay window and a skylight. Rather than a complete rebuild, RJC is working within the existing structure to preserve structural integrity. The museum will reopen next year with free admission, featuring numerous exhibitions over eight floors.

AtkinsRéalis has been selected by the York Region government to design and engineer the widening of Highway 27 in Vaughan, Ontario. The project will expand the road from two to four lanes and enhance infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. Key components of the project include the rehabilitation or replacement of the Humber River bridge and the design of noise barriers and active transportation features. The local team will be supported by national and international specialists.

McCallumSather and CityHousing Hamilton have completed a groundbreaking affordable housing project in Canada, featuring a six-storey, 42-unit building constructed with mass-timber and certified to Passive House standards. The project, located on 1620 Main St. E. in Hamilton, Ontario, demonstrates a replicable model for quickly delivering sustainable and livable affordable housing. Achieving superior energy efficiency and reduced thermal bridging, the building incorporates features such as overinsulated windows, an energy recovery ventilation system, and a rooftop solar array.

AECOM has appointed Laurel Murphy as the vice-president and director of operations for water in Central and Western Canada, succeeding David Humphreys. With over 20 years of experience in consulting engineering, Murphy has contributed to infrastructure projects in various Canadian cities and is a registered professional engineer in multiple provinces. In her new role, she will lead strategic initiatives and oversee project delivery for water-related infrastructure. Murphy's appointment reflects her extensive background and strategic leadership in the water sector across Canada.

WSP is set to provide engineering and technical services for an expanded waste-to-energy facility in Charlottetown, replacing an existing district energy plant. The facility, designed to nearly double its current capacity, aims to divert 49,000 tonnes of municipal waste annually and reduce 908,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions by 2052. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall, with operations commencing in 2028.

AtkinsRéalis has extended its partnership with Montreal-based Kinova for three more years, focusing on nuclear robotics. This decision follows successful demonstrations and deployments of Kinova’s robotic arms at various sites, including Sellafield in the UK. The partnership will aim to enhance and broaden the technology's capabilities for global use in handling hazardous materials. Both companies emphasize the integration of commercial technology into nuclear systems to advance remote operations.