Articles from Canadian Consulting Engineer

Consulting engineering firms Gemtec and Keystone, along with modular bridge supplier Acrow and contractor Looby Construction, have replaced the aging Blakeney Bridge in Mississippi Mills, Ontario with a new two-bridge system. Originally built in 1915, the single-lane bridge had been repaired over time, most notably in 2000. The replacement project began in 2023 and involved foundational investigations and design recommendations by Gemtec, followed by construction of prefabricated modular steel bridges, one 150-ft long and the other 90-ft long. The project concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 17.

The city council of Guelph, Ontario, has approved Fusion Homes’ plan for the Guelph Innovation District, a sprawling 325-acre 'city within a city'. Engineering firms MTE, NRSI, and GHD are part of the project, providing services from civil engineering to environmental consulting and traffic analysis. The development aims to integrate workplaces, homes, and amenities while emphasizing sustainable design. The next phase of planning involves an official plan amendment, zoning, and subdivision applications.

Margaret Parkhill has joined Arup's Toronto office as a principal and bus rapid transit leader for the Americas. With more than 20 years of experience in transportation planning and design, she has worked with major consulting firms such as HDR, Hatch, and Arcadis. Parkhill will lead the expansion of Arup’s BRT services across the Americas, working with transit agencies, municipal governments, and private-sector clients. She aims to enhance systems that positively impact communities.

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 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.

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.

GHD is designing the new Woodbine GO Station in northwest Toronto for Metrolinx. The station will replace the Etobicoke North Station and serve approximately 7,000 daily riders by 2041. The project involves civil engineering, track addition, and station infrastructure, including platforms, pedestrian bridges, and accessible facilities. It aims to support more frequent train services and improve connections to local transit and amenities.

Diverso Energy has partnered with Mattamy Homes to provide exclusive geothermal services for select residential developments across Canada. This joint venture aims to enhance sustainability by reducing carbon emissions in new homes, leveraging Diverso's energy-as-a-service model. The partnership will allow for larger outdoor spaces in homes by using compact geothermal systems. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the adoption of geothermal technology in residential buildings in Canada.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) awarded several Canadian engineers for their achievements and contributions to the society and the built environment during its annual conference in Phoenix. Doug C. Cochrane from Mississauga received the Exceptional Service Award for his exemplary effort and service to the society. Amanda Forest, a mechanical engineer from Windsor, received the William J. Collins, Jr. Research Promotion Award for her fundraising excellence, while Gregory Scrivener from Calgary was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. ASHRAE president emphasized the commitment to excellence and sustainable building practices shown by the recipients.

Englobe plans to acquire Cambium, a consulting engineering firm based in Peterborough, Ontario, which specializes in environmental and geotechnical services. The acquisition aims to increase Englobe's service capacity in the ecological sector, with Cambium operating as a separate division. This marks Englobe's third acquisition in 2025, aligning with their strategy to expand their market reach in Ontario and beyond.