Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

Home sales and prices in the Toronto area have declined in October compared to the previous year. The decrease is attributed to ongoing economic uncertainty according to the city's real estate board.

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.

The Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation of Western Quebec has filed a $5-billion lawsuit against the federal and Quebec governments, as well as Hydro-Quebec, claiming constitutional rights violations. Despite the large Aboriginal land claim in the Gatineau area, Chief Jean-Guy Whiteduck assures that private property will not be affected. The First Nation seeks to negotiate an agreement on resource sharing and land development. The National Capital Commission is also named as a defendant.

Procure Plus has announced a £1.6 billion framework involving over 100 companies to retrofit social housing and public buildings with low and zero-carbon technologies. The four-year project is structured into regional and technology-specific lots, extending to 2029 and including the installation of heat pumps, solar PV, insulation, and other green measures. This initiative will work alongside housing associations, councils, and public bodies to enhance decarbonisation efforts and increase local employment and training opportunities.

Canada's business community is urging federal and provincial governments to speed up infrastructure investments, highlighting concerns about underinvestment that could hinder economic productivity and future growth. Aging transportation, housing, and energy systems are struggling to meet current demands, according to industry groups. They emphasize the need for proactive measures to support economic sustainability.

Prime Minister Paul Carney's budget proposal includes a $50 billion Local Infrastructure Fund aimed at housing, transportation, and healthcare infrastructure projects. The budget requires approval from opposition parties, as the Liberal minority government is short three votes. Key components of the budget involve investments in large-scale projects but also call for significant cuts in the public sector workforce. The approval of this budget could avoid an untimely election and facilitate major infrastructure spending across Canada.

Recent updates to the St Clair-Old Weston station plans in Toronto's West End indicate significant changes. The station will accommodate UP Express trains, requiring high platforms to maintain frequent service. While these modifications have caused some concern, they align with Metrolinx's broader changes to the GO rail service, implying more defined track use for local and express trains. Ultimately, these adjustments reflect strategic decisions regarding the UP Express's role on the Kitchener corridor.

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.

The article discusses the fluctuations and risks associated with investing in gas power generation, noting that valuations for mergers and acquisitions have doubled since 2024. Despite the rising valuations, new generation projects are considered risky by analysts. This highlights the volatile nature of the energy market and the challenges faced in predicting returns on such investments.

Michigan has introduced a mass timber program to encourage the adoption of this alternative building material. The state will provide financial support, guidance, and technical assistance to accommodate rising demand. This initiative is part of a broader effort to incorporate sustainable building practices in construction.

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is preparing to use a single-bore tunneling method for the next phase of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley extension. A competitive procurement process will be conducted to select a new tunneling contractor. This selection process is an essential step before beginning the construction work on the project.

Sundt, Jacobs, and HDR have completed a $597 million wastewater treatment plant in San Mateo, California. The plant is a key part of San Mateo’s $1 billion Clean Water Program, aimed at upgrading the sewer infrastructure in the San Francisco Bay area. This project is instrumental in modernizing the region's water management systems.