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 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.

AtkinsRéalis has secured a $450 million contract from Ontario Power Generation for a small modular reactor (SMR) project at the Darlington new nuclear project site east of Toronto. This reactor, the first of four planned, is expected to generate enough power for 300,000 homes. The scope of services provided by AtkinsRéalis includes project management, design, and construction support among others, with construction scheduled for completion by 2030. This project marks Canada's first nuclear new build in 30 years and is a major step in nuclear energy for the region.

J.L. Richards & Associates has promoted Patrick Carrozzi to director of industrial and manufacturing. With 25 years of industry experience, Carrozzi will lead projects in various sectors like manufacturing, chemical, and power generation. He succeeds Neil Farr, who now becomes VP of mining and industrial, and aims to use emerging technologies to enhance collaboration and sustainability in designs.

EkoBuilt has finished constructing a net-positive model home in West Ottawa. The development includes a 1,634-sf four-bedroom bungalow and a separate two-car garage with office space and a solar panel system. The buildings are designed to produce more energy than they consume, significantly contributing to sustainability objectives. Consulting firms Egis and Gemtec provided structural and geotechnical engineering services, respectively.