Articles from Canadian Consulting Engineer

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.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has selected five firms to plan and design Canada’s deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel in northwestern Ontario. The vendors, WSP, Kiewit, Hatch, Thyssen Mining, and Kinectrics, will handle various aspects of the project including architectural and engineering design, construction, and nuclear management. This initiative will employ an integrated project delivery model, engaging relevant stakeholders and the host communities of Ignace, Ontario, and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. Construction will commence after fulfilling federal and Indigenous regulatory requirements.

Stantec and CIMA+ have been chosen by the municipal government of Mississauga, Ontario, to develop the eastern portion of the Dundas bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor. The $580-million project will comprise eight stops along over 7 km, aiming to enhance public transportation with dedicated bus lanes and improved signal timing. Stantec will handle consulting and construction services, while CIMA+ will manage project oversight and infrastructure coordination. The project includes significant utility replacements and infrastructure enhancements to support better transit connectivity and flood control.

Karla Avis-Birch has joined Arup as a principal and major rail project leader, based in Toronto. With 27 years of experience in construction and project management, Avis-Birch has worked extensively in both public and private sectors, including roles at Metrolinx. At Arup, she will focus on overseeing large rail projects across Canada, aiming to enhance client service and contribute to transformational projects. Avis-Birch expresses excitement about this new role where she will leverage her expertise in engineering and leadership to impact infrastructure positively.

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is progressing with the construction of SCITHub, a fully digitally-enabled research facility aimed at testing and showcasing smart building technologies. Located in downtown Toronto, SCITHub will contribute to sustainable construction by integrating advanced building systems and promoting net-zero emissions. Once operational, the facility will support diverse research activities, particularly in 'smart commissioning'. SCITHub will feature three main areas, focusing on operations, residential testbeds, and analytics.