Articles tagged with "Technology"

A KPMG survey indicates that Canadian construction companies continue to face a skilled labor shortage. Despite this challenge, advancements in technology have enhanced productivity and efficiency in the sector. The report highlights a shift towards increased tech investments as a strategic response to address the labor gap.

A panel discussion at York University focused on the need for streamlining the development approval process and the adoption of innovative technologies to boost new housing construction. These insights were part of a larger event aimed at celebrating infrastructure advancements and addressing housing challenges. Suggestions included leveraging Mark Carney's technocratic ideas to improve the efficiency of housing development. Overall, the discussion emphasized the critical role of government policy and technology in advancing the construction industry.

Cyclic Materials, a Canadian startup, is planning a US$25-million magnet recycling facility in Kingston, Ontario. The 140,000-square-foot plant will house a research and development center and commence processing 500 tonnes of rare-earth elements annually by early 2026. This facility will play a pivotal role in the energy transition by recycling materials for EV motors, wind turbines, and more. Cyclic also plans to open its first commercial REE recycling facility in Mesa, Arizona by 2026.

Humber Polytechnic, in partnership with CourseCompare and Pomerleau, has launched a Project Coordinator for Construction micro-credential program. This 16-hour course aims to fill a skills gap in Canada's construction sector by offering practical training relevant to current market demands. The course includes technical instruction and simulations conducted by industry professionals to help boost Canada's housing and infrastructure capacity. It is available to companies for upskilling employees, with flexible delivery options and pricing based on cohort sizes.

Giatec, a digital concrete technology platform, has formed a strategic partnership with Sika AG, a specialty chemicals company. This collaboration aims to advance smart testing technologies and the real-time analysis of concrete data, enhancing quality and sustainability in concrete construction. Giatec expects this investment to boost global adoption of its technologies and plans to expand further into European and international markets. The partnership aims to improve efficiency and reduce carbon footprint in the construction industry.

The Government of Canada has contracted Bird Construction Group Ltd. to manage the construction of the new Transportation Safety and Technology Science hub in Ottawa. This facility, part of the Laboratories Canada strategy, will support advanced research in transportation safety by enabling collaboration between the National Research Council of Canada and the Transportation Safety Board. The hub will focus on developing new safety technologies across various transportation sectors, and construction is set to begin in 2025 with completion expected in 2030. This initiative aims to consolidate Canadian expertise in transportation safety and contribute to national scientific research capabilities.

Peakhill Capital has introduced a new division called Peakhill Project Advisory, focusing on providing project advisory, development management, and delivery oversight. The division aims to help real estate stakeholders navigate complex projects by offering strategic risk management, procurement strategies, and construction oversight. Led by Michael Grossman, the division combines project leadership with financial strength to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. It offers tailored services for clients throughout all project phases, leveraging proven processes and tools.

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.

Canada is facing a significant affordable housing shortage, with an estimated need for 3.5 million homes over the next five years. Various provinces, including Ontario, are taking steps to address this shortage by implementing measures such as reducing regulatory barriers. Prefabricated housing solutions, inspired by successful European models, are seen as a potential method to effectively increase housing supply.

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.

A new four-storey affordable housing complex in Toronto’s Kensington Market will be constructed with a cross-laminated timber (CLT) superstructure. The project will feature 78 units built on a former public parking lot with a concrete foundation and a CLT elevator core. This innovative use of CLT is part of the design by Montgomery Sisam Architects.

Diverso Energy and Mattamy Homes have formed a joint venture to advance sustainable homebuilding in Canada. Diverso will exclusively provide geothermal services to select residential developments by Mattamy, which include single-family homes, townhouses, and multi-family buildings. This collaboration highlights an important step towards integrating geothermal solutions in various housing projects across Canada.