Articles from Construct Connect Canada

The Canada Housing Design Catalogue, released by CMHC, has garnered recognition for its approach to building design and operational energy efficiency. The catalogue is not meant to be comprehensive for all types of developments, but it provides valuable insights into these specific aspects. The focus appears to be on improving processes and efficiency in residential building designs.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's first federal budget highlights major investments aimed at driving economic transformation and growth. The budget outlines billions in infrastructure funding and new tax opportunities designed to stimulate business activity. These initiatives represent a departure from previous policies under Justin Trudeau, emphasizing economic revitalization through substantial public spending.

A year ago, Austin was set to begin new commercial construction projects set to revitalize its downtown area. However, these projects are currently on hold, and stakeholders are waiting for updates on their commencement. The construction industry in Austin has grown quiet recently, presenting a stark contrast to the activity anticipated last year.

The article discusses how public servants involved in procurement have been rumored to create hurdles in the competitive procurement process. They reportedly use innovative methods to maintain the appearance of fairness while manipulating the outcome of tenders or RFPs. The focus is on ensuring that proper procedures are followed to genuinely uphold competitive procurement standards.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is advocating for denser housing development to address the city's affordability crisis. This initiative aims to help individuals like Liam Murphy, who struggle to afford homes in San Francisco and have been forced to live far from their workplaces. The plan seeks to make the city more livable for its residents by increasing the availability of housing.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has given approval to Enbridge for rerouting a 41-mile section of an oil pipeline around the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's reservation in northern Wisconsin. This rerouting replaces an older 12-mile section. Enbridge is taking these measures to avoid traversing the tribal lands.

In this special Halloween episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Vince Versace and Lindsey Cole discuss scary literature that involves the construction industry and delve into real-world fears that affect construction professionals. The episode highlights a piece called the Sinister Seven, which is a guide to haunted construction books. Through these discussions, they explore the various challenges and fears within the industry.

The article discusses the rising influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the construction industry, emphasizing its potential to enhance efficiency, save time, and improve safety. However, it also highlights the new risks, considerations, and challenges AI introduces. Mitigating these risks is crucial, as failures can come with significant costs. A report from digital consultants underlines the importance of addressing AI-related challenges in construction.

The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) is urging the federal government to reform funding models to ensure future infrastructure projects meet modern, cost-efficient standards. The organization highlights the need for changes to address the nation's housing crisis and strengthen infrastructure projects as crucial nation-building undertakings. CIQS's call stresses the importance of adapting to current economic and social needs through enhanced financial frameworks.

Innovations in construction machinery are transforming building processes by integrating electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered machines. These advancements, introduced in 2025, also include AI-assisted equipment, offering improved building speed and efficiency. These technologies are gaining traction across construction sites, suggesting a shift towards more sustainable and tech-driven operations.

The Canadian federal budget will allocate $75 million over three years to enhance an apprenticeship training program for building trades. This funding is directed towards the Union Training and Innovation Program, which aims to improve job retraining and foreign credential recognition. The investment is part of a broader employment strategy unveiled by Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu.

The Council on Vertical Urbanism, once known as the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, has awarded the title of Best Tall Building Worldwide for 2025 to ZIN in No(o)rd, a building located in Brussels, Belgium. This accolade was announced during their annual international conference held in Toronto. ZIN in No(o)rd was selected from entries submitted by 24 countries worldwide.