Topic
Construction
From the editor… SNC-Lavalin retreats from construction, but don’t expect a bonanza
August 22, 2019 David KennedyThe writing’s been on the wall for months, and a few weeks back, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. finally confirmed the speculation. Facing a laundry list of problems, the company said it plans to turn away from construction, stop taking on lump-sum…
On notice: Contractors told to prepare to restart construction on Trans Mountain pipeline expansion
August 22, 2019 The Canadian PressConstruction firms have been given 30 days to hire workers, prepare detailed construction plans and mobilize equipment
Liberals unscathed by latest twist in SNC-Lavalin saga, poll indicates
August 21, 2019 Joan Bryden, The Canadian PressA report last week from the ethics commissioner concluded Trudeau violated the Conflict of Interest Act when pressuring the former attorney general to halt criminal prosecution of the company
Getting on track: Urban transit projects roar to life, creating opportunity for Canada’s construction sector
August 21, 2019 Jillian MorganWorking in tandem along a stretch of highway in Montreal, a pair of launching gantry cranes hoist 50-ton concrete segments into the air off flatbeds below. The gantries slide the prefabricated segments into place, steadily forming a single 30-metre span…
With election campaign looming, Trudeau makes $1.2B transit commitment to Quebec City
August 20, 2019 Giuseppe Valiante, The Canadian PressThe infrastructure cash will help the city build a new 23-kilometre tramway line and let it join the ranks of Canadian urban centres modernizing their transit networks
City of Saskatoon works to get back $1M from fraudster posing as construction firm
August 20, 2019 The Canadian PressSASKATOON—The City of Saskatoon may be getting back most of the $1 million it mistakenly sent an online fraudster. City manager Jeff Jorgenson told a news conference Aug. 19 that nearly all the money has been traced to between 10…
Adding to the mix: Using admixtures to get your concrete to do what you want it to
August 19, 2019 David KennedyLooking up at the coffered dome of the Roman Pantheon, several thousand tonnes of ancient concrete overhead, the majesty of the nearly 2,000-year-old temple is lost on few. The building’s dome, still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world,…
Work starts on new Corner Brook hospital; $750M project to last four years
August 19, 2019 On-Site StaffCORNER BROOK, N.L.—Work trailers, crew and the big iron has begun arriving at the site of a new hospital in western Newfoundland. Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador Dwight Ball was among the officials last week to officially kick off construction…
Construction labour market comes back to life in July with addition of 25,000 jobs
August 19, 2019 On-Site StaffThe positive numbers mark just the second month the construction industry has added jobs this year
Trudeau announces advisory committee aimed at promoting skilled trades
August 17, 2019 Keith Doucette, The Canadian PressHALIFAX—A new advisory committee will help promote apprenticeships and skilled trades across Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Aug. 16. Trudeau made the announcement prior to a roundtable meeting focused on promoting trades for women at a Nova Scotia Community…
Small excavators go big: Compact job sites force contractors to do more with less
August 16, 2019 Nate HendleySmall-sized excavators have hit the big time. And surging growth in the segment isn’t finished yet. According to a research report released this March, the global market for mini-excavators accounted for US$7.2 billion in 2017, with construction making up the…
Bird Construction posts profit in second quarter, but revenue dips
August 16, 2019 On-Site StaffTORONTO—Bird Construction Inc. swung to a profit in the second quarter of 2019, but saw its construction revenues decline from a year ago. The company posted net income of $1 million, or two cents per share for Q2, compared to…
SNC-Lavalin faces renewed questions over future following bombshell report
August 14, 2019 Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian PressThe latest assessment from Canada’s ethics commissioner is bad news for Trudeau and could mean more time in the spotlight for the Montreal-based company
Handling big data has become a significant challenge for construction firms. AI is helping them cope
August 13, 2019 Jacob StollerMuch of the popular discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) is concerned with the question, “Will a computer take over my job?” While the farther-reaching answers are subject to speculation, it’s undeniable that AI out-performs humans at handling large amounts of…
Staying on target: Fall election looms as federal infrastructure plan progresses in fits and starts
August 13, 2019 David KennedyIn the early morning hours of June 24, a few minutes before sunrise, a small convoy of cars drives slowly across the freshly paved asphalt deck of Montreal’s new Samuel de Champlain Bridge. With the deep blue of twilight still…
Mandatory adjudication: What Ontario can expect based on the U.K. experience
August 13, 2019 Robert Wilson and Marie-Ève CaissyOn October 1st, Ontario will implement the final phase of extensive amendments to modernize and update its Construction Act. Among the most significant of these amendments is the implementation of a mandatory dispute adjudication system that allows parties to refer…
Firming in the construction insurance market
August 13, 2019 David BowcottTo manage risk, you and your company draw on two key risk management areas. The first is the use of risk controls and other solutions that prevent and mitigate risk. The second is risk finance solutions, which provide capital in…
PCL consortium wins $1.5B contract to rebuild four-tower government complex in Toronto
August 12, 2019 by David KennedyTORONTO—Infrastructure Ontario has awarded a contract for a major reconstruction project in downtown Toronto to a construction group led by Fengate Asset Management and PCL Constructors Inc. The government agency said Aug. 9 the Fengate PCL Progress Partners consortium will…
Stuart Olson reports another tough quarter, but expects rebound in second half of 2019
August 8, 2019 On-Site StaffCALGARY—Stuart Olson Inc. reported its second quarter financials Aug. 7, with results slipping nearly across the board. The Alberta-based contractor generated revenue of $239.5 million over the three month period, versus $249.3 million in the same quarter of 2018. It…
Finning optimism rises on better than expected oilsands, construction markets
August 7, 2019 Dan Healing, The Canadian PressSurprising strength in western Canadian oilsands and construction markets along with rising interest in driverless mining trucks and a tax cut in Alberta are fuelling optimism for Finning International Inc. The Vancouver-based heavy equipment dealer credited sales and service growth…