News roundup: Pedestrian problems

Here’s a quick look at some of things happening in the world of Canadian construction recently. Specifically, we seem to have some construction-related challenges in the nation’s two largest cities.

In Toronto, for instance, a recent Toronto Star column by Matt Elliott pointed out how frustrating — and potentially dangerous — it is for pedestrians forced to cross streets because of sidewalks closed for construction purposes. He presents a few ideas to address this issue.

Meanwhile in Montreal, CTV News is reporting that there have been sinkhole issues in Technoparc Oiseaux, a wildlife sanctuary popular with bird watchers. Twice within the last month, sinkholes have been found that have gotten local environmentalists up in arms. They claim that these are being caused by the construction of the REM, the city’s new light rail system. REM officials are reportedly looking into the issue, but have yet to comment on the second hole.

How about some good news? BIV reported that as per StatsCan, Canada gained 90,000 jobs in August and the construction sector accounted for almost a quarter of those gains — an increase of 1.4 per cent for the industry.

To wrap up this week’s news roundup, let’s see what some of the nation’s biggest contractors are saying on Twitter.

Edmonton-based PCL is a shining example of a Canadian contractor that’s gained international success and is on the forefront of technological advancements. Case in point is this project at LAX which employed both GIS and BIM systems.

Learn how our team at the Los Angeles International Airport Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility is using ArcGIS GeoBIM, a GIS and BIM integrated product, to get the job done: https://t.co/FH1LYXj9kO#pclcalifonia #innovation #flylax #conrac@flyLAXairport

— PCLConstruction (@PCLConstruction) September 9, 2021

Aecon is leading by example through its corporate social responsibility initiatives. Kudos to them!

We’re #AeconProud to continue supporting the Bermuda Women’s Resource Centre through a donation that will benefit services and programs for Bermudian women and their families who need it most. pic.twitter.com/h6XMywGlto

— Aecon Group Inc. (@AeconGroupInc) September 10, 2021

In another example of a Canadian construction giant doing work south of the border, Graham offered a visual update of its SR 520 Montlake to Lake Washington Interchange Bridge Replacement Project in Seattle.

Our team is working hard at our SR 520 Montlake to Lake Washington Interchange Bridge Replacement Project. The first phase of the Montlake Lid structure is now complete! 🎉 #BuildingTogether #GrahamBuilds #ProjectUpdate #WSDOT #InstagramTakeover #whatwebuild #roads #bridges pic.twitter.com/AJNCmIHyIK

— Graham Construction (@GrahamBuilds) September 9, 2021