Articles from Construct Connect Canada

Oxford Economics analysts assert that Canada is currently in a recession, largely attributed to the ongoing trade war with the United States. The consequence has been a significant decline in exports and a halt in capital expenditures, particularly impacting the construction sector. This economic downturn has led to apprehension among constructors as new projects and spending are being postponed.

Demolition crews in Baltimore have started removing the last remaining sections of Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bridge collapsed last year when a container ship veered off course, leading to six fatalities. The bridge's replacement is projected to open in 2028.

A project is underway in Canada to explore technologies that could lower carbon emissions from off-road heavy equipments used in construction and other industries. GHD has been contracted by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to identify obstacles to the market adoption of these technologies. The initiative aims to pave the way for the construction sector to become more environmentally sustainable.

Chicago's South Side is set to see the expansion of the largest minority-owned tennis facility, XS Tennis Village, in one of the city's poorest neighborhoods. The project exemplifies a significant investment in transforming an abandoned area into a thriving community hub. Founder Kamau Murray views the expansion as a strategic step, notwithstanding the challenges in seeking city approval to start construction later this year.

Green Corridors, LLC, a private infrastructure technology company, has been granted approval by the White House to build, maintain, and operate an autonomous electric freight line. This line will run between Laredo, Texas, and Monterrey, Mexico, spanning 165 miles. Laredo is a key land trade crossing in the United States, making this development significant for cross-border trade.

Enbridge Inc. is developing a US$900 million solar project in Texas to enhance its renewable energy portfolio. The Clear Fork project, located near San Antonio, will generate 600 megawatts of solar power to support the data center needs of Meta Platforms Inc. Known for its oil pipeline network, the Calgary-based company is expanding into renewable energy solutions.

Canada's housing shortage is prompting a focus on increasing residential density, especially for structures ranging from seven to 12 stories. There is an emphasis on environmental sustainability, which may lead developers to consider Mass Timber Construction as a viable solution. Additionally, combining cross-laminated timber with cold-formed steel is being suggested as a promising hybrid approach for construction.

Construction at the new Tennessee Titans Stadium in Nashville has been halted due to the discovery of a noose at the site. The Metro Nashville Police Department is investigating the incident. The Tennessee Builders Alliance, a joint venture involved in the project, is cooperating with authorities. This development has paused construction while the investigation is underway.

A recent analysis by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. suggests that removing interprovincial trade barriers could result in an additional 30,000 housing starts annually. This increase would bring the total annual housing starts in Canada closer to 280,000, potentially making significant progress in addressing the country's housing challenges. The study highlights the impact of such policy changes on the national housing market.

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs of 25 percent on steel and aluminum and the subsequent increase to 50 percent in June, Canada has implemented several measures. The government quickly enacted retaliatory tariffs the next day. These actions are part of Canada's broader strategy to manage economic impacts and protect its industries.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has once again revised its 2025 home sales forecast downward. Despite this adjustment, home sales in Canada improved in June, rising by 3.5% compared to the previous year. The association noted that although the market had a rough start, it has been gradually recovering.

The construction sector is experiencing an increase in demand due to the proliferation of data center projects, specifically with a focus on AI data centers. These centers require significantly more electricity, which in turn is impacting energy infrastructure. This shift points to a growing opportunity for large-scale nuclear projects, particularly those valued over a billion dollars, as they offer a solution to the increased energy demands. The article discusses the implications of this trend in the construction and energy sectors.