Articles from Construct Connect Canada

Sault Ste. Marie and the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority have formed a partnership to establish a trade corridor linking northern and southern Ontario. This corridor aims to incorporate rail, highway, and marine links with services available for an extended season. It is suggested that the plan will be anchored by new developments to enhance connectivity between these regions.

In the current era of widespread disinformation, the residential construction industry experiences a notable gap between perception and reality concerning the costs associated with housing. A survey by Liaison Strategies highlights misconceptions about how fees and taxes contribute to home prices. This disparity exemplifies the challenge of discerning true costs amid prevalent misinformation. The article seeks to demystify these costs to provide clearer understanding for stakeholders.

Harden, a real estate development company, in partnership with Crombie, has commenced construction on Faubourg Contrecœur, a new commercial development located in Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Quebec. The site, covering 240,000 square feet, will offer over 52,000 square feet of Gross Leasable Area. The project is set to include green spaces and bicycle-friendly amenities.

A report from the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada highlights the significant contribution of mechanical contractors to the Canadian economy, injecting over $30 billion into the GDP while employing more than 205,000 workers. The report, titled 'Building Canada Now: The Economic Impact of Mechanical Contracting in Canada,' was commissioned by the association to showcase the sector's economic importance.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is constructing a new Ironworker Tower on its campus in Burnaby, B.C., to replace the existing multi-storey, structural steel training facility. The tower is integral to ironworker programs and involves students assembling and dismantling it as part of their training capstone project. This initiative aims to enhance the hands-on learning experience for students.

In Ottawa, a long-term care home has been completed, providing support to seniors in the area. Meanwhile, Peterborough, Prescott, and Lancaster have begun construction on similar projects. These developments are part of efforts by the Ontario government to enhance long-term care facilities across Eastern Ontario. The announcement signifies progress in addressing the needs of aging populations in these communities.

A major milestone has been completed for the Northlander passenger rail service with the new North Bay Rail Bypass in northern Ontario. The bypass stretches 982 meters and is designed to cut travel times to North Bay Station by 15 minutes. This development ensures that trains will no longer run through the busy North Bay Rail.

The report from Cushman & Wakefield highlights that the average vacancy for commercial office space in Canada was 17.2% in the second quarter of 2025. This figure, although slightly better than the previous year, still surpasses pre-COVID levels, despite the increasing momentum of the return-to-office movement. The article explores the feasibility of converting these vacant offices into residential spaces as a potential solution.

Ana Bailão, a former Toronto city councillor, has been chosen by the federal Liberals to lead efforts in improving Canada's affordable housing situation. With over a decade of experience in affordable housing at the Toronto City Hall, Bailão was first elected to city council in 2010 and also served as a deputy. Her appointment comes as part of a wider effort by the government to address the housing crisis across the nation.

The article discusses the appropriate procedures for using the tender and RFP process in construction. It emphasizes the importance of clearly understanding the contracting authority's needs before selecting a tender. If needs are not clear, alternatives that allow for a more complete comparison of goods and services should be considered. The content originates from constructconnect.com, a source focused on the construction industry.

Construct is celebrating its fifth anniversary this September with a skills training program that offers an intensive eight-week session in construction trades for job seekers in York, Durham, and Peel Regions of southern Ontario. These programs are designed to help individuals facing employment barriers. Emma Wood, the director of employment and expansion at Construct, noted the anniversary celebration will culminate with an event in October at their training center.

New York City has introduced new 'landmark legislation' for construction workers and supervisors. This legislation mandates additional Site Safety Training (SST) to include modules on mental health and wellness, specifically targeting suicide risk and prevention, as well as education on alcohol and substance misuse. This move aims to enhance the overall safety and well-being of construction site personnel.