Articles tagged with "Infrastructure"

The Pattullo Bridge, a vital connection between Surrey and New Westminster in British Columbia, is being replaced by a new cable-stayed bridge. The project, valued at $1.22 billion, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025, following adjustments made due to pandemic-related delays.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's first budget is set to include large-scale infrastructure investments, requiring approval from additional parties due to the minority government status. The investments include a Canada-wide initiative for housing and increased defense spending. The budget vote, which is also a confidence vote, comes amid economic challenges like U.S. tariffs. Parties are undecided on supporting the budget, with conditions varying among them.

Construction has begun on a new BC Cancer centre in Nanaimo, with the facility slated to open in 2028. This centre, located on the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital site, will offer comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The project, costing $311 million, aims to serve patients throughout central Vancouver Island, reducing the need for long-distance travel for treatment. The BC Cancer centre will be operated in partnership with Island Health and is part of broader investments in health-care infrastructure in the region.

A Richmond company has been denied financing for a $100 million project following complications related to a land title in the Cowichan area. Councillor Alexa Loo has expressed a desire for the provincial government to resolve the uncertainties surrounding the land title. This situation has resulted in setbacks for the construction project. The resolution of the land title issue is seen as crucial for moving forward.

Metro Vancouver is progressing on a large-scale tunnel project, which remains on track for completion within schedule and budget. This tunnel, part of their water supply infrastructure, is expected to be integrated into the existing system by 2028. The project is significant despite being mostly invisible above ground.

Coquitlam River Constructors Ltd. has secured a $6.5 million contract for the upgrade of the Coquitlam River Bridge on Highway 7B/Mary Hill Bypass in Coquitlam, British Columbia. The project involves seismic and drainage upgrades, climate adaptations, safety enhancements for cyclists, and the addition of a multi-use path and a new cultural art fence. Construction is slated to begin this fall and complete by fall 2026, with minor traffic restrictions in place. During construction, pedestrian access will be maintained via a vehicle shuttle service.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit is set to upgrade the Coquitlam River Bridge on Highway 7B, enhancing the infrastructure's resilience and safety. The project includes seismic improvements, drainage upgrades, climate adaptations, and the addition of a multi-use path. A contract for $6.5 million has been awarded to Coquitlam River Constructors Ltd., with work starting in the fall and expected completion by fall 2026. Traffic will mostly remain open with some limited closures, and safety measures will be implemented for pedestrians and cyclists during construction.

The construction of Kelowna's first city-owned indoor tennis facility is experiencing delays due to issues with soil remediation and weather complications. Coordination with the Tennis Clubs of Canada for park planning has also contributed to the delay. These challenges have arisen only months after the project's groundbreaking.

The B.C. construction industry is seeking assurances from the government that the new prompt payment legislation will include public sector projects. Industry leaders have voiced concerns that excluding these could undermine the legislation's intent, as was seen in Alberta's initial legislative rollout. The legislation requires payments within 28 days of invoice submission, but details and regulations are still being developed. Industry figures argue for uniform application across all sectors to ensure fairness.

The Vancouver city council has voted to implement a property tax freeze in the upcoming budget. Achieving a zero per cent increase would necessitate cutting approximately $100 million from the city's operating budget. Mayor Ken Sim believes that such a measure is feasible.

British Columbia has introduced prompt payment legislation for its construction sector, aiming to ensure timely payments to contractors. This reform is expected to accelerate project timelines, reduce costs, and improve the construction ecosystem by eliminating hidden financing charges. The new legislation is set to benefit the entire supply chain and make the sector more resilient. Mechanical contractors have been key advocates for this change, which promises to result in more efficient and affordable infrastructure development across the province.

British Columbia has enacted Bill 20 to establish prompt payment in the construction industry, addressing chronic payment delays that have caused financial hardship for contractors. The legislation sets clear payment timelines and introduces a fast-track adjudication process to resolve payment disputes. Prompt payment is crucial for maintaining healthy cash flow, especially for small businesses, and is expected to help reduce project costs and support the province's economy. The legislation applies to both private and public projects in BC, with a transition period for businesses to adapt.