Canada’s construction sector forecasts modest growth for 2024. Photo courtesy Bigstockphoto.com In 2023, Canada’s economic growth posed challenges for the construction industry, ranking Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal among the top 50 most expensive places for construction globally. Per findings from Arcadis’ 2024 International Construction Costs Index, in 2024, Canada’s construction sector is poised for cautious optimism, with a few bright spots on the horizon. The report forecasts continued slow growth as near-cyclical high-interest rates temper investor sentiment and moderate expe ..read more

Moisture is the number one factor for building enclosure degradation and failure, designing sustainable enclosures that are resilient and high performing will ensure durability and functionality. Understanding and applying the 2nd Law of thermodynamics in enclosure design will ensure the performance and sustainability of your wall is maintained. Hybrid wall assemblies are now pretty much standard to meet our energy efficiency needs, using the right building materials to allow for drying of our building enclosures is key for success. Join us for the engaging session presented by Professor Rockf ..read more

The current cables on the exterior of the Olympic Park Stadium total approximately 12 km (7.5 mi). Photo courtesy ©Jean-François Savaria This summer, Montreal’s Olympic Park will launch an international competition to reuse and repurpose the materials and structural components of the stadium’s roof’s dismantling. The roof’s current two membranes (outer and inner), cover an area of 42,000 m2 (452,084 sf); the cables total approximately 12 km (7.5 mi); and the roof’s framework comprises 434 steel connectors that secure cables. The Olympic Park stadium roof structure from the interior. Photo cour ..read more

BC Construction Association’s (BCCA) construction industry report suggests favourable indicators for workers in the sector. Photo courtesy ©Bigstockphoto.com Workforce numbers in the construction sector have improved over the past five years according to BC Construction Association’s (BCCA) Construction Industry Stat Pack and BCCA’s annual BC Construction Industry Survey Report. Results from this year’s industry survey suggests highly favourable indicators for those considering a career in British Columbia’s construction industry, but areas of concern were for those who employ them. The 2024 B ..read more

The Mountain Cove residence from the exterior. Photo courtesy ©Nanne Springer The Mountain Cove, a luxurious residence was introduced by MU Architecture. It is nestled in the Mont-Royal Mountain sector of Montreal’s Outremont district. Situated near Mount Royal Park, and completed in 2023, the 396 m2 (4,265 sf) dwelling graces one of the final vacant plots in the area. This residence also contains aluminum framed doors and windows with thermal breaks and low emissivity film, a central thermolacquered steel staircase, maple steps, and glass handrails. Subtle angles in both volumetry and roofing ..read more

Artist rendering of the new Etobicoke Civic Centre. Image courtesy Toronto.ca The signing of a groundbreaking construction contract for the new Etobicoke Civic Centre (ECC) project is set to reshape the ECC precinct in Toronto. Multiplex Canada has been named as the general contractor on the project, marking a significant milestone in the city’s urban development agenda. Slated for 2024, the ECC project promises to reimagine the ECC Precinct at 3755 Bloor St. W. (formerly the Westwood Theatre Lands), spanning 44,779 m2 (482,000 sf). The project’s architecture features a juxtaposition of five p ..read more

David Graham Reflecting on my year as CSC president, a Love Actually quote comes to mind: it flew by “in the flashiest of flashes.” Amidst pandemic challenges, I’ve deeply appreciated human connection’s impact on us, inspired by my daughter’s research in neuroscience and epigenetics. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how kindness in these gestures can fundamentally alter our brain and gene functions. This year highlighted the significance of kindness and human touch in our professional gatherings—from board and executive meetings to conferences and seminars—the return of handshakes and hug ..read more

The 2,136 m2 (23,000 sf) project incorporates cooperative workspaces, several common areas, conference rooms, and soundproof booths enabling a more focused working environment. Photo © Claude-Simon Langlois/courtesy v2com A major redevelopment has taken place in a section of Montreal’s Olympic Park, as part of a project to bring together its administrative and logistical departments and transform the area into a collaborative, dynamic workspace. Situated along the perimeter of the Olympic Stadium, the 2,136 m2 (23,000 sf) project— led by Montreal-based architecture and design firm, Lemay, and ..read more

Hotel Floriel in Sainte-Flore merges heritage with modern design, creating a showcase for local artistry amid the natural beauty of Mauricie. Photo by Phil Bernard/©Hotel Floriel Sainte-Flore, Que., welcomes Hotel Floriel, a Presbytery-turned-micro-hotel with seven rooms, each with a curated experience of upscale brands, local designs, and distinct themes. Expanding on principles of experiential lifestyle incubators, the new hotel blurs the lines between high-end boutique stays and showrooms, allowing guests to explore and buy curated items for their homes. This includes anything from mattress ..read more

  Ontario to revise its construction regulations to allow encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) buildings to reach heights of up to 18 storeys. Photo ©BirdImages/courtesy Getty Images Ontario plans to expand its use of advanced wood construction, particularly mass timber, for tall buildings. The province will revise its construction regulations to allow encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) buildings to reach heights of up to 18 storeys, up from the current limit of 12 storeys. The move aims to accelerate home construction, reduce costs, and bolster the province’s forestry s ..read more