Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

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.

In July 2025, significant developments marked Toronto's skyline and transit system. The construction of supertall towers continued, with plans for taller structures at College Park. The Eglinton Crosstown Line 5 West Extension reached substantial completion, and there were significant rejections and approvals of high-rise proposals by the City Council. Additionally, Toronto's bus network is poised for a major overhaul.

The article highlights various hires, promotions, and retirements in the real estate and development industry in Ontario for July 2025. Key movements include Joseph Feldman becoming President and COO of Camrost Felcorp and Khan Tran joining Capital Developments as Executive VP of Investments. Prominent changes occurred across sectors such as development, brokerages, government, finance, and more. This rundown is part of a regular monthly feature by STOREYS to spotlight changes in the workforce.

The City of Toronto has launched a new Housing Development Office with the aim to separate policy from execution, part of efforts to address the housing crisis. The office will be led by Hugh Clark and work closely with other divisions like the Development Review, focusing on building 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030. Jag Sharma, Deputy City Manager, emphasizes a unified approach and streamlined processes to expedite housing development. The initiative responds to previous criticisms of slow and inconsistent decision-making within city-led projects.

Toronto has introduced a new Rental Renovation Licence bylaw aimed at curbing 'renovictions,' where landlords evict tenants under the guise of renovations to increase rents. Landlords must now obtain this licence, which includes a $700 fee, and fulfill specific requirements before evicting tenants for renovations. While the bylaw is intended to protect tenants, there are concerns it might slow necessary renovations amid an already challenging housing market. Some argue that this could discourage investment and delay maintenance work in older rental properties.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has granted Ontario Power Generation permission to build and run the Pickering Component Storage Structure at the Pickering Waste Management Facility. This facility is essential for storing low and intermediate-level waste from the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station units. The approval marks a significant step forward in managing nuclear project waste effectively.

Pinnacle International is requesting a minor variance to increase the height of the third tower in the Pinnacle One Yonge project from 92 to 95 storeys, raising its total height to 320.35 meters. This change will include two additional residential floors, bringing the total number of units to 1,014, while maintaining compliance with existing zoning permissions. The project is located in Toronto and is part of a five-tower master plan approved by the Ontario Municipal Board in 2017.

The Government of Ontario is investing over $13.7 million in the development of a multi-purpose complex in Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation and upgrades to sport facilities across northwestern Ontario. These projects aim to enhance community wellness, support local economies, and promote active lifestyles. Key investments include improvements to arenas in Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Reverend Tommy Beardy Memorial, Kasabonika Lake, Deer Lake First Nation, and the Ignace Recreation Centre. The initiative is part of the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, dedicated to revitalizing local infrastructure and fostering community engagement.

Doug Ford, Ontario’s Premier, recanted his initial statement about the province issuing work permits, emphasizing a need for greater immigration authority. Ford's comments followed frustration over long wait times for asylum seekers to receive permits, though federal data suggests shorter processing times. The federal agency clarified that claims can commence to acquire work permits shortly after necessary conditions like medical exams are fulfilled.