Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

Nonresidential construction spending has decreased for the sixth time in seven months. This slowdown is attributed to uncertainties surrounding tariffs and labor, leading many construction owners to delay or cancel planned projects. The challenges in the industry might be linked to external economic factors affecting the overall confidence among stakeholders.

During the construction holiday in Quebec, there was a significant increase in road fatalities, with 38 deaths reported in 30 collisions, more than double from the previous year. Factors such as human error, speeding, and distracted driving contributed to these accidents. The Sûreté du Québec has noted a high number of single-vehicle crashes and infractions for safety belt violations. Additionally, motorcyclists were heavily impacted, with 14 fatalities involving motorcycles.

Construction is set to commence in September on a new $200 million ballroom at the White House, realized from President Donald Trump's long-held vision. The 90,000-square-foot project, designed by McCrery Architects in a luxurious style inspired by Trump's private clubs, will replace the East Wing with a seating capacity for 650 people. Trump is personally funding the project along with private donors, aiming to create a legacy space for hosting large events. The ballroom is expected to preserve the neoclassical architectural heritage of the White House.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MRNF) will temporarily close the R0253-01 bridge over the Boiteuse River in Saguenay for repair work starting August 11, 2025. Traffic will be prohibited for a few days, and alternative routes are available via designated pathways. Signage will be in place to guide and ensure the safety of travelers. Residents are advised to plan their routes accordingly and drive cautiously.

The City of Montreal owns 78 vacant and deteriorating buildings, and it would be cheaper to rebuild them than renovate due to their poor conditions. Some notably decrepit structures, like the former Dickson incinerator, are so worn down that repair costs surpass their replacement value. Criticism arises as these buildings remain unused amidst a housing and homelessness crisis, with suggestions to incentivize affordable housing developments. The city's plan involves selling some buildings at favorable terms to organizations for residential use.

The article highlights ten abandoned buildings owned by the City of Montreal, illustrating their deterioration and the city's efforts or lack thereof in repurposing these structures. Buildings such as the former Dickson incinerator and meat inspection clinic show significant historical and cultural value but remain unused. The city is exploring various options for redevelopment, including housing projects and potential economic revitalization efforts. Despite ongoing evaluations, many properties face challenges such as vandalism and structural decay.

A serious road accident in Cowansville, Quebec, involves three vehicles and results in one fatality and several injuries. The accident occurred during Quebec's construction holidays, a period known for increased road fatalities. A collision reconstruction expert is investigating, with speed potentially being a contributing factor. The construction holidays in Quebec frequently see higher traffic incidents, with a notable rise in fatalities this year compared to last.

The Bank of Canada has maintained its interest rates for the third consecutive time, maintaining stability in the housing market. According to economists and real estate experts, this decision suggests that the market may not require another rate cut to improve. The current conditions in the housing sector are being viewed as a 'new normal,' which resembles the 'old normal,' due to steady economic parameters. This stabilization points toward a period of gradual recovery for the housing market without further intervention.

A year after the demolition of a century-old bascule bridge in Kingston, a series of lawsuits exceeding $70 million have ensued. The bridge was damaged during repair works in March 2024, leading to its demolition and major disruptions in mobility within the city. Landform Civil Infrastructures and other contractors are fighting in court for compensation against federal authorities, who have also filed a counter-lawsuit. Meanwhile, local businesses like St. Lawrence Cruise Lines report significant financial losses due to interrupted access and demand proper compensation.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) is investing $225 million in a 54-megawatt hyperscale data-centre expansion in Cambridge, Ontario. The funding is provided through a joint loan with Deutsche Bank, and the facility has been preleased to a major AI cloud-compute provider. The project is part of CPPIB's broader strategy to expand its data-centre presence globally. The federal government has also committed to supporting Canadian AI innovation through significant investments.

The article discusses Toronto's ongoing and future construction projects aimed at enhancing the city's transit infrastructure. As Toronto grows, underpinned by its robust development and increasing population, there is a focus on transit-oriented projects and station upgrades. Developers are investing in mega projects that incorporate transit elements to ensure sustainability and improve connectivity. The article highlights the potential for improving processes to maximize benefits from developments and enhance the existing transit systems through better coordination.

A new commercial carbon capture facility, Carbon1 Mississauga, is being developed in Ontario by Carbon Upcycling Technologies and Ash Grove. This facility will utilize patented technology to sequester carbon dioxide from cement production to create low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials. The project, slated to begin operations in 2026, is supported by Canadian government funding and marks a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry. It reflects a collaborative effort among various stakeholders to promote a sustainable future.