OSHA launches Safety Champions Program

In an effort to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently launched the Safety Champions Program, a tool that helps employers develop and implement an effective safety and health program in the workplace.

The program has three advancing steps (introductory, intermediate, and advanced), each featuring content in a tiered structure to help employers build health and safety programs gradually, tailoring the practices best suited for their business. It is self-guided, so participants can work at their own pace, and participants may also request a Safety Champion Special Government Employee (SGE) to assess their safety and health program and progress at any time.

The Safety Champions Program incorporates the seven core elements of OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification and assessment, prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation and improvement, and communication and coordination.

In order to complete the Safety Champions Program, participants are required to advance through all three levels, implementing all seven elements

and showed plans for continuous improvement of their safety and health programs, thus demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

This endeavour hopes to help increase OSHA’s outreach and help employers develop the necessary tools to improve safety and health for all employees.

Ditching the Dirt: The Practical Perks of Artificial Grass

The yearly battle to grow a “perfect” lawn is a fiscal and logistical nightmare for many condominiums. Managing expectations around weed growth, mysterious brown spots, and the realities of pest damage is close to impossible despite best efforts by landscapers to fertilize, over-seed and top-dress. Add to this the financial burden of adequate watering to keep lawns as green-as-can-be, and it is easy to understand why the landscaping contract is one of the “big ticket” items in any condominium budget.

Once viewed as an asset to property value, natural grass is increasingly being seen as a maintenance liability. As an alternative, properties choosing to install artificial turf can effectively remove the entire lawncare portion of their landscaping budget. While traditional seasonal landscaping upkeep requires seven to eight months of a strict mowing and fertilization regime, artificial turf requires minimal labour, making it a tempting prospect for boards looking to reduce budget costs while providing a durable solution to turf care.

High quality artificial turf is designed to withstand severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow and hail, without becoming waterlogged or damaged.

Engineered for Ultimate Drainage

“Modern turf systems have evolved enormously over the last decade and are now engineered to outperform the drainage capabilities of natural grass,” says Bran Lakoseljac, President of Toronto-based Lazy Lawn^®, who notes that a well-installed lawn can last up to 20 years.

“A professional installation involves excavating three to four inches of soil and replacing it with ‘high-performance bedding”—a specific type of porous stone. This bedding creates a base as stable as concrete but with a drainage rate of approximately 60 inches per hour,” Bran explains. “This system ensures water stays on-site and filters through the stone rather than overwhelming municipal sewer systems.”

The turf is anchored using 10-inch non-galvanized nails around the perimeter. These nails are designed to rust once underground, creating a permanent bond with the earth that firmly fixes the turf in place, even in areas of heavy foot traffic.

Beyond the Regular Blade

Advances in the design of the grass itself have helped with historical issues with heat retention. Models like “Lemongrass^®” have adopted a specialized W-shaped blade which ensures that as the sun moves, the blade casts a shadow on itself, keeping the surface significantly cooler than traditional, flat-bladed products.

Modern turf is also built for resilience, with blades manufactured to be thicker in the middle ensuring they spring back to an upright position after being compressed. After a heavy winter season, maintenance is simply a matter of “combing” the lawn with a brush machine or broom once the snow has melted away.

Safety and fire code compliance are also of high importance in building envelopes. While the turf itself is plastic, it is engineered with fire retardants to meet building and fire codes.

“If a lit cigarette is dropped, the turf will melt at that particular site, but will not ignite or spread flames,” Bran says.

For many properties, the first consideration of artificial lawns has been in areas designed for pet-friendly spaces, where natural grass is easily damaged. Artificial turf features an antimicrobial sand infill which helps neutralize ammonia in pet urine, reducing unpleasant odours associated with pet-relief areas. For contained areas, specialized scented washing systems are available.

Introducing “Awesome” Artificial Grass

Transitioning to artificial turf does not require a total site overhaul. A phased rollout method allows boards to target high-impact areas first. Lazy Lawn^® recommends a three-step implementation strategy:

High-Traffic Areas: Focus on “nuisance” areas first, specifically parking lot medians and common areas where pet traffic is concentrated.
Developer Integration: For new builds, artificial turf integration during the construction phase using heavy machinery already on-site reduces mobilization and excavation costs.
Selective Preservation: Maintain natural grass for low-traffic areas while converting smaller high-maintenance locations to artificial turf.

Looking ahead, Bran envisions large-scale turf installations which serve as filtration beds, purifying water within the stone bedding and redirecting it back into the building for non-potable uses like plumbing or plant irrigation.

“Particularly in cases such as schools or universities with large, open sports fields, I believe these institutions will be able to hold water underneath those fields, purify that water and send it back into the school,” Bran suggests.

By utilizing the stone bedding beneath artificial turf installations to purify and redirect water for non-potable building uses, condominiums can transition their landscapes into a sustainable asset that supports the building’s overall efficiency.

Lazy Lawn^® offers a 25-year warranty on the artificial turf product, providing long-term security for boards considering the investment.

To learn how artificial grass can transform your landscaping, visit www.lazylawn.ca

VRCA earns national award

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) has been named the Partner Association of the Year by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), recognizing a period of bold transformation, rapid member growth, and an increasingly influential voice for construction across the Lower Mainland.

The annual CCA National Awards recognize the changemakers, leaders, and champions from across the country for their contributions to Canada’s construction industry. The Partner Association Award of Excellence, established in 1992, honours an integrated CCA partner association demonstrating leadership in industry advancement, education, and member growth.

Over the past two years, VRCA has grown by more than 200 member companies, expanding from a long-standing base of approximately 750 to more than 1,000 members today. This growth reflects a deliberate shift: becoming more visible, more vocal, and more connected to the evolving needs of the industry.

“This recognition reflects the strength and momentum of our members, and the role associations play in times of change,” said Jeannine Martin, president of VRCA. “We made a conscious decision to show up differently – to be more active, more accessible, and more engaged in the conversations shaping our industry. That’s what’s driven our growth.”

Rather than relying on tradition, VRCA is focusing on a new model – one that prioritizes advocacy, regional accessibility, and real-time responsiveness to member needs. With a renewed focus on the Fraser Valley and a stronger presence at industry events such as BUILDEX and the Construction Expo, the association has expanded its reach and deepened its connection to the broader construction community.

At the same time, VRCA has elevated its voice through stronger advocacy efforts, ensuring that industry perspectives are not only heard, but represented where decisions are being made amid increasing political and economic uncertainty. By leveraging its integrated network with the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) and CCA, VRCA has been able to amplify its impact on issues that matter most to members.

Programs like Bring Trades to Schools, The Builders’ Bench podcast, the Construction Leadership Forum, and the Awards of Excellence reflect this approach, creating meaningful opportunities for workforce development, leadership growth, industry recognition, and dialogue. Initiatives like LEAP: Women in Construction Conference further support a more inclusive and future-ready industry, ensuring new voices and perspectives continue to shape construction across British Columbia.

he Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) has been named the Partner Association of the Year by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), recognizing a period of bold transformation, rapid member growth, and an increasingly influential voice for construction across the Lower Mainland.

Over the past two years, VRCA has grown by more than 200 member companies, expanding from a long-standing base of approximately 750 to over 1,000 members today. This growth reflects a deliberate shift: becoming more visible, more vocal, and more connected to the evolving needs of the industry.

“This recognition reflects the strength and momentum of our members, and the role associations play in times of change,” said Jeannine Martin, President of VRCA. “We made a conscious decision to show up differently – to be more active, more accessible, and more engaged in the conversations shaping our industry. That’s what’s driven our growth.”

Rather than relying on tradition, VRCA has leaned into a new model – one that prioritizes advocacy, regional accessibility, and real-time responsiveness to member needs. With a renewed focus on the Fraser Valley and a stronger presence at industry events such as BUILDEX and the Construction Expo, the association has expanded its reach and deepened its connection to the broader construction community.

“The VRCA is 98 years old, but most of our team has been here less than four years,” Martin added. “That combination of legacy and new energy has allowed us to challenge how things have always been done and try new approaches that are resonating with industry. We’re proud of how far we’ve come – and we’re just getting started.”

UFV opens new student housing and dining hall

More housing options and and an expanded dining hall are now open at the University of the Fraser Valley Abbotsford (UFV).

The six-storey mass timber student housing building adds nearly 400 new beds for students, tripling the number of available on-campus accommodation and taking pressure off the local rental market.

The building is currently referred to as Lá:léms Ye EverGreen [la-lums-yuh-ever-green], a name that reflects a sense of home, belonging and continuity grounded in the Halq’eméylem language, and the deep connection between people and place on Stó:lō territory. The name and spelling were guided by Siyamiyateliyot (Elizabeth Phillips), an Elder from the Stó:lō Nation who received an honorary degree from UFV in 2018 and continues to provide guidance to the university. This name serves as an initial option, while UFV continues a broader, consultative process to determine a permanent name for the building.

The project also included construction of a new active transportation hub adjacent to the student housing building, which provides secure indoor bike storage and shower facilities to students living on campus as well as the wider UFV community.

The Cascade Café dining hall has also been renovated and expanded, increasing the seating capacity from 121 to 350 seats and adding a second floor and feature staircase. This dining hall offers improved food service and much-needed space to support the additional students living on campus along with the UFV community.

Green premium could be deep retrofit linchpin

A relatively modest construction premium could yield significant performance improvements in Canada’s commercial building stock. Early evidence from one effort to motivate deep retrofits suggests a 40 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in keeping with the Canadian government’s 2030 target, could be achieved for an average incremental cost of about $10 per square foot.

Those numbers might crunch even more favourably if capital budgeters could count on a green premium. Yet, despite general recognition that sustainability influences net operating income (NOI), marketability and the physical condition of assets, there is no consensus on how it flows through to value and credit risk. Appraisers and lenders need credible, standardized metrics to produce valuations and inform underwriting, and those key pieces of the financing puzzle are still emerging.

“It is very case-by-case. We don’t have granularity yet in the Canadian market on what the composition of that premium is,” Colin Guldimann, a senior director of sustainable finance at RBC, told attendees at a recent seminar sponsored by the Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC).

JLL research, based on the firm’s global real estate advisory practice, concludes that green-certified assets do command a premium over non-certified competitors. That’s pegged at an average of 8.5 per cent worldwide, but, speaking at the CAGBC seminar, Julian Smith, JLL’s climate and decarbonization practice leader in North America, acknowledged there is wide variation from market to market. In Toronto, where more than 90 per cent of Class A office buildings carry some form of green certification, the premium is calculated to be less than 5 per cent.

Meanwhile, the financial penalties now attached to exceeding New York City’s allowable threshold for GHG emissions from buildings (known as Local Law 97) appear to be accentuating green premiums there. JLL analysts found low-carbon assets significantly outperforming those with more carbon-intensive profiles, and Smith speculated there is potential for a more pronounced divergence in Toronto based on tenants that have committed to the 2030 target for a 40 per cent reduction in GHG emissions relative to 2005 levels.

“There’s an 80 per cent shortfall in supply of low-carbon stock. Right now there are other issues in the market that are kind of slowing things down, but this marker really shows that there’s going to be a supply and demand gap at some point,” Smith submitted. “Have decarbonization measures increased asset value? The answer is yes. Increased NOIs and cashflows are happening right now globally. Is it standardized and somebody can apply it in the Canadian market? Not yet, but it is happening.”

Facilitating preparedness

Recently released estimates of the square footage costs of hitting the 2030 target are based on identified measures to reduce energy use and carbon emissions within a selection of portfolios participating in the Purpose Retrofit Accelerator. The initiative — part of a nationwide network of capacity-building exercises that draw on federal funding to promote and ease the implementation of deep retrofits — was launched in April 2024, by the sustainability consulting firm, Purpose Building, in collaboration with the CAGBC.

Through the accelerator program, owners/managers of commercial and multifamily buildings are eligible for rebates of up to 50 per cent on various elements of deep retrofit planning, design and project management. Thus far, enrollment encompasses roughly 1,700 buildings at some stage of mapping out how to achieve a minimum 50 per cent reduction in energy consumption and 70 per cut in GHG emissions. That includes 380 assets with completed net-zero transition plans and 26 where design and/or construction are now underway.

The $10/ft² assumption is derived from a smaller cohort of 16 properties with finalized plans that collectively entail 135 retrofit measures. Accelerator program administrators also focus on these participants, along with some broader industry survey data, to assess the level of emissions reductions that might be deliverable by 2030 and what’s needed to make more aggressive gains. Those observations and related recommendations are highlighted in a new summary report of the accelerator program’s first-year activities.

The Canadian government’s stated goal for the capacity-building initiative is to develop preparedness, delivery models and expertise for deep retrofits to occur on the scale and at the pace necessary to achieve targetted reductions and, ultimately, net-zero emissions by 2050. Incentives are meant to facilitate future investment and work — ideally, in a way that cost-effectively maximizes emissions reductions using a straightforward, systematic approach that can be widely replicated — and help recipients sharpen the business case for required capital expenditures.

Authors of the CAGBC report caution that the initial dataset is comprised of assets that have been flagged as retrofit candidates and, thus, “may not represent ‘average’ Canadian buildings”. However, that still aligns with the program objectives.

“High-level observations help demonstrate what’s possible when committed owners and portfolio managers apply a clear and proven methodology to energy and carbon retrofit projects at prioritized assets,” the report states. “This figure ($10/ft²) is preliminary and based on a relatively modest pool of retrofits. We share it here with the hope that it will spark discussion, innovation and collaboration across the sector.”

CAGBC industry surveys that bookend the accelerator program’s first year show some progress on deep retrofit preparedness. When questioned in 2024, 30 per cent of respondents envisioned they would undertake future retrofit projects; that percentage jumped to 55 per cent in 2025. In 2024, respondents collectively envisioned they would finalize net-zero transition plans for about 6 per cent of their holdings before the end of 2026; that climbed to 17 per cent in 2025.

Nevertheless, there are some continuing financial, technological and policy-related drags on execution. Notably, 44 per cent of respondents indicated financing was more onerous in 2025 than 2024. Although 46 per cent saw pricing improvements for technology during that 12-month period, 62 per cent said they struggled to integrate it into their operations. Meanwhile, 67 per cent said a fragmented policy landscape caused them frustration and/or confusion in 2025, up from 65 per cent who voiced that sentiment in 2024.

Overlooked costs and paybacks

The report tallies several costs of inaction that aren’t necessarily acknowledged when decision-makers consider the upfront costs of retrofits — including “costs of utilities, insurance premiums, mitigating risks or repairing disaster damage, retaining tenants or attracting new ones” — and contends building owners/managers are not alone in overlooking this reality.

“Financial institutions, appraisers and other market actors need to account for the tangible advantages of efficient, low-carbon buildings,” it asserts. “Today, market valuations often lag performance, underestimating true gains in efficiency, comfort and resilience that high-performing buildings achieve.”

Recent findings from CBRE Canada’s 2026 survey of lenders’ sentiment do seem to show diminishing endorsement of that upside across a base of 47 financial institutions that collectively hold more than $200 billion worth of Canadian commercial real estate loans. This year, a smaller percentage indicated they would be willing to offer credit spread discounts for loans on projects with strong sustainability metrics (37 per cent) than did so in 2025 (41 per cent) and, when available, that potential discount is generally expected to be more modest. As well, just 8 per cent of surveyed lenders confirmed that a building’s carbon footprint currently influences loan conditions, while 20 per cent expressed the opinion that it never would.

Even so, green building advocates and practitioners within the sustainable finance field are striving to adjust that perception. CAGBC is currently working with the Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) and appraisal specialists from Canadian real estate advisory firms to develop standardized approaches for assessing sustainable attributes. Guldimann confirmed lenders are grappling with the same issues.

“We’re engaged in industry groups right now trying to whittle down the information that we could be gathering into what’s financially relevant to the way that we think about lending to buildings so that we can price risk better, price loans better, underwrite these buildings differently,” he advised. “We’re really trying to understand: What does this do to vacancies? What does this do to lease-up? What does it do to all the different parts of NOI? And how does that translate to valuation?”

Guldimann and Smith concurred that the connection to value is rooted in how green attributes sway underlying risk and returns — drive higher rents, shorten lease-up time, reduce utility, maintenance and insurance costs, etc.. That relies on convincing proof, which, for now, tends to be more piecemeal than comprehensive.

“To ask a valuator to put that to a valuation is near impossible because they don’t have the evidence,” Smith said. “That hard data is not there and it makes it challenging, but those are the markers that need to be focused on.”

Occupational exposure registry a first in Canada

Ontario-based workers can now track their exposure to 11 hazardous substances through Canada’s first-ever occupational exposure registry (OER). The province’s newly launched online portal is designed to prevent workplace-related diseases and provides users with a long-term record for medical assessments and future compensation.

The OER follows legislative changes introduced through Ontario’s Working for Workers Act, 2023, and responds to recommendations from the 2023 Occupational Disease Landscape Review. A 2020 government-commissioned study, published by epidemiologist Dr. Paul Demers, revealed that fewer than 10 per cent of Ontarians with occupational cancers receive compensation because proving workplace attribution is challenging.

Occupational illnesses are caused by on-the-job contact with physical, chemical or biological agents, but they are frequently underreported and often difficult to diagnose due to long latency periods between exposure and the onset of symptoms. The most current data reveals they accounted for roughly 76 per cent of workplace fatalities between 2010 and 2019. In addition, there were 20,886 approved occupational disease claims in 2025, according to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), however, the real toll is believed to be higher.

Jeff Lang, president of WSIB, said the new registry will create more data, which in turn could expedite access to services. The tool can also generate meaningful discussions with employers who, under occupational health and safety legislation, are required to identify the presence of hazardous substances, assess exposure risks, and implement appropriate control measures.

To support the effort, workers can now anonymously submit information about how incidents occurred and what protective measures were in place, such as ventilation, training or personal protective equipment. They can record exposures to asbestos, lead, mercury, silica, arsenic, ethylene oxide, acrylonitrile, benzene, vinyl chloride, isocyanates, or coke oven emissions.

Exposure risks fuel delayed consequences

Asbestos poses the most significant risk in the mechanical insulation trade. Although Canada banned asbestos-containing products in 2018, many existing buildings still harbour the known carcinogen in their floors, ceilings, pipes and insulation.

There is no safe level of exposure, but inhaling or ingesting the fibres over time increases the risk of lung cancer. Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer often caused by asbestos, can take 20 to 60 years to develop, making early diagnosis difficult. The most recent mortality data states that 472 Canadians died from the disease in 2022.

“For workers in trades like ours, exposure doesn’t always show its impact right away,” says David Gardner, business manager of Ontario Insulators Local 95. “Sometimes it takes decades. This registry is about accountability, transparency, and making sure no worker’s history is lost. But strong enforcement and ongoing health monitoring must continue to be part of the solution.”

Ontario Insulators, Local 95 is the provincial representative for the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators, which played a key role in advocating for the registry. Many of its members, who are also exposed to silica, face serious risks during asbestos abatement and redevelopment work in aging industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities. Tasks such as removing pipe insulation, boiler coverings, fireproofing materials, and spray applied products are dangerous if not properly controlled.

Yet even with rigorous safety training, advanced PPE, and strict procedures, exposure can still occur. Some variables like undocumented materials or inconsistent employer compliance, remain outside a worker’s control.

The sector believes centralized exposure tracking is crucial for health and safety because its members often move between employers and projects. Without a registry, exposure histories can become fragmented or lost.

While the new platform isn’t intended as an enforcement tool, Ontario Insulators Local 95 say health and safety obligations are non-negotiable.

“Stronger oversight, consistent inspections, and meaningful penalties for non-compliance are critical to ensuring standards are upheld across all jobsites,” it stated over an email. “Expanded presumptive disease coverage and continued research into occupational illnesses are also necessary to protect workers long term.”

This concern resonates across other industries. Last year, there were close to 580,000 construction workers in Ontario, all of whom were at risk of occupational exposures. In late February, Adam Melnick, executive director of the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario, agreed that a clear understanding of exposure history will strengthen prevention efforts.

“A well-designed registry can support better clinical communication and long-term health monitoring,” he maintained. “CECCO looks forward to working closely with the Ministry to ensure the registry’s implementation is transparent, avoids unnecessary duplication, and provides clarity for both workers and employers on how information will be used in practice.”

The occupational exposure self-tracker can be accessed here.

Burnaby Hospital unveils new purpose-built facilities

Burnaby Hospital welcomed a six-storey health-care pavilion and new support facilities building as part of its first major redevelopment project in more than 40 years. Patients now have greater access to maternity, mental health and substance-use services.

The $633-million purpose-built additions to the 73-year-old hospital mark the project’s first phase, which includes renovations to existing facilities, such as the outpatient lab, pharmacy and optimization centre that opened in 2025.

“In just four years, over 10,000 donors came together to raise $30 million for Phase 1 of the redevelopment, and we are deeply grateful for their generosity,” said Kristy James, president and CEO, Burnaby Hospital and Community Foundation. “We are proud to be part of this vital project and inspired to see the impact of our donors come to life in the new, modern spaces that will serve patients and families for years to come.”

The new pavilion includes 83 beds, primarily in single-patient rooms with ensuite washrooms. It will be home to a mental-health inpatient unit with a secured outdoor space to enhance healing, maternity and neonatal intensive care units with dedicated family areas, including couches for partners, a medicine unit with negative-pressure rooms and outbreak zones to enhance infection prevention and control, outpatient clinics to support maternity, pediatric, neurology, multiple sclerosis and diagnostic cardiology patients, and a spacious cafeteria.

The expanded support facilities building features a larger Burnaby Community Emergency Department, adding 23 new treatment spaces and a dedicated mental-health zone, six spacious operating rooms in the Jim Pattison Surgery Centre, a modern medical device reprocessing department, a kitchen designed for preparing nutritious meals to support patients’ healing, additional education and collaboration spaces for clinical teams, and a modern energy centre.

The first phase focused on renewal. When fully complete, the project will replace aging infrastructure, meet current building and clinical standards, and enhance the patient experience through modern, comfortable facilities.

Design inspiration comes from Burnaby’s diverse landscape, including the waters of the Fraser River and Burrard Inlet, lush rainforests, serene lakes, and Burnaby Mountain’s sky views. The patient-centred approach welcomes elements of the natural world into health-care settings to boost recovery. Each floor reflects a distinct landscape theme to create a restorative environment.

Reducing restroom waste

Restrooms generate a substantial amount of waste, and as more companies strive to lower their carbon footprints, examining restroom waste is a good place to start to improve corporate environmental efforts.

“Restrooms are high-traffic areas that generate significant waste, yet they’re often the last place businesses consider when building a sustainability strategy,” said Tahnie Gilliland, Sofidel marketing specialist.

To help companies reduce waste and support sustainability efforts, Sofidel shared tips for facility managers:

Choose certified paper products. Choose paper towels and toilet paper made from trusted third-party organizations, such as Green Seal or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensuring you are supporting responsible sourcing practices and limit reliance on virgin fibers, which it accelerates deforestation, consuming high amounts of energy and water.

Sort waste properly. In an office with 250 people on one floor in an office building, and only paper towel dispensers in the washroom, each person uses an average of 2.6 paper towels per visit, visiting the restroom about three times daily. This totals an average of 750 visits to the washroom and 1950 paper towels used per day. With this amount of volume, effective recycling practices are a must. Place well-labeled bins in accessible areas to encourage guests to dispose of the waste appropriately.

Switch to automatic dispensers. Touchless paper towel dispensers help reduce paper by premeasuring each use, eliminating over-pulling and over-use that can add up quickly. traffic restrooms.

Educate staff and visitors. Make your sustainability goals known to encourage support from staff and guests. Display simple recycling instructions and equip custodial teams and staff with training to improve recycling efficiency and reduce waste on a daily basis.

Use high-capacity products. High-capacity paper towel and toilet paper rolls last longer, do more, and require fewer changeouts, which helps reduce packaging waste without diminishing a consistent supply. Review usage data to better manage inventory and labour to reduce waste wherever you can.

Companies benefit from reducing restroom waste by improving their sustainability efforts, lowering labour costs, improving inventory management efficiency, and enhancing brand reputation. Using these tips to improve restroom operations is one way that companies can move forward in reducing their carbon footprint.

LEAP Conference builds momentum for women

A sold-out crowd of 375 construction professionals gathered on March 6 for LEAP: Women in Construction, the third annual flagship conference hosted by the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) and Canadian Construction Women (CCW) celebrating women across the construction industry.

Held at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver, the event brought together industry leaders, tradeswomen, executives, and emerging professionals for a full day of discussions focused on leadership, inclusion, and the future of construction.

“LEAP reflects the momentum we’re seeing across the construction industry,” said Jeannine Martin, president of VRCA. “As our sector continues to grow and evolve, creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and thrive is not only the right thing to do – it’s critical to building the strong, resilient workforce our industry needs.”

Throughout the day, attendees participated in networking opportunities, workshops, and panel discussions exploring topics such as leadership development, allyship, mentorship, and strategies for building more inclusive workplaces.

Highlights of the conference included keynote speaker Dr. Brynn Winegard, who explored the science behind how high-performing professionals think, focus, and thrive at work. The “Allies in Action” panel featured male leaders discussing how they are using their influence to champion inclusive workplaces and support the advancement of women in construction, while the HERStories sessions delivered real lessons and practical insights from women who have lived the journey.

Beyond the conversations on stage, LEAP reinforced the importance of mentorship, leadership development, and community in supporting long-term career growth for women in construction. With labour shortages continuing to challenge the sector, industry leaders increasingly recognize that creating welcoming and supportive workplaces is essential to strengthening the construction workforce pipeline.

“Events like LEAP demonstrate how powerful it can be when women across the industry come together to share ideas, build connections, and support one another’s growth,” said Stephanie Hun, president of CCW and vice president of business development at FlatironDragados Canada. “By investing in leadership development and community-building, we’re helping ensure construction continues to be an exciting and rewarding career path for the next generation.”

CCA National Awards winners announced

The Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) National Awards ceremony was held on March 13, 2026, during the 2026 CCA Annual Conference. The annual awards recognize excellence, safety, and leadership within the industry.

“This year’s award recipients demonstrate the best of the best of our industry. Congratulations to everyone for the recognition of their great achievements,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, president of CCA.

PCL Construction was a triple winner, receiving awards for Environmental Achievement and Excellence in Innovation as well as the Young Leader Award.

PCL was recognized for its exemplary environmental conduct for the 10-storey, net-zero mass timber educational facility, Limberlost Place in Toronto. The company’s Beeline (digital construction optimization suite) was recognized for advancing innovation within the industry.

“These national recognitions are a tremendous source of pride for PCL and reflect the passion, expertise and leadership our teams bring to their work every day,” said Mike Wieninger, chief operating officer, Canadian Operations, PCL Construction. “Being recognized by the Canadian Construction Association for environmental leadership, innovation and emerging leadership speaks to the breadth of talent across our organization and our commitment to advancing the industry in meaningful ways.”

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association won the CCA 2025 Partner Association Award, which recognizes CCA integrated partner associations who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in industry enhancement (through lobbying, government relations, etc.), education and member recruitment.

In 2025, the VRCA moved beyond traditional advocacy, delivering a bold solution focused approach powered by data, storytelling, and direct member engagement. They delivered advocacy briefs, rapid response insights, weekly updates, and the Builder Bench podcast, ensuring members stayed informed, prepared, and ahead of change.

2025 NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS

CCA 2025 Pinnacle Leader Award
Geoff Smith, executive chair, EllisDon

CCA 2025 Environmental Achievement Award
PCL Construction

CCA 2025 Workforce Excellence Award
Orion Construction

CCA 2025 Partner Association Award
Vancouver Regional Construction Association

CCA 2025 Excellence in Innovation Award
PCL Construction and
JCB Construction Canada

CCA 2025 National Safety Award
Peter Kiewit Sons ULP

CCA 2025 Gold Seal Award
Simpson Building Contractors Ltd.

CCA 2025 Community Leader Award
Marco Group
Lyndsey Shaw and Rebecca Gelech

CCA 2025 Young Leader Award
Sarah O’Malley, senior project manager, PCL

Canada commits $4.4M to build hub for Calgary’s Japanese community

The Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA) is building a new hub for the Nikkei community that incorporates traditional Japanese techniques and sustainable design principles. The federal government recently committed $4.4 million to help construct the facility, which will replace the aging CJCA buildings.

Once complete, the community centre’s irregular form and asymmetry will invoke wabi-sabi, appreciating imperfection, and ma, the balancing of solid and void. The centre will host cultural, social, and educational programs, and will include event halls and other auxiliary spaces that can be rented out. It will also feature a traditional Japanese garden designed to be barrier-free.

The roof design will take advantage of Calgary’s sun path, and funnel natural light into the courtyard. Stormwater collected from the roof will be used for grey water needs and garden irrigation, while local wood and mass timber will further enhance the project’s sustainability.

“The Calgary Japanese Canadian community is truly encouraged by each step reached in working towards the realization of our Legacy Building Project,” said Roger Teshima, co-chair of the CJCA project. “We are extremely grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada, which has been an essential project keystone. The positive impact of this project will be felt by our community for generations to come.”

The CJCA has already contributed $220,271 to the project, while the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society has pledged $150,000.

Vibrant and sophisticated glamour

When it comes to modern restaurants, they are not simply places to dine; they evoke immersive guest experiences through meticulous design.

Described as “tropical allure meets cosmopolitan glamour”, Earls Kitchen + Bar’s debut in Miami Worldcenter is designed to elevate the guest experience through refined materiality, layered lighting, and lush greenery.

The restaurant spans about 8,400 square feet with an additional 2,000 square foot patio. The concept was inspired by Miami’s mix of tropical culture, art, and Art Deco glamour. The goal was to create a space that feels lively and social – somewhere people want to gather, spend time, and enjoy the atmosphere as much as the food.

“We wanted the space to feel relaxed and vibrant during the day, and then naturally transition into a more energetic atmosphere at night. Natural materials, layered lighting, and bold artwork help create a setting that reflects the rhythm and personality of the city,” says Jennifer Hoffbeck, vice president, design at Earls Kitchen + Bar. “Miami’s art scene was a big influence for the space. The city has a strong creative identity, especially around events like Art Basel, and we wanted the restaurant to reflect that sense of expression.”

The centerpiece of the space is a stunning island bar, featuring a showstopping stone countertop and a tiered wood canopy above it, which helps anchor the room and create a focal point.

Throughout the restaurant rich warm woods, handmade tile, and colourful velvet seating are used to add depth and texture. The space is also adorned with commissioned sculptural art from talented American and South American artists, and includes works by Ben Medansky, Jenn Krypell, and Mauro Fraza. The artwork anchors the space with bold personality while exemplifying the brand’s dedication to sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces.

The patio uses a custom louvered system, rattan lighting, and lush oversized planters to create a lush, tropical oasis that maintains a seamless flow.

“The wraparound patio was also a big focus. With lush plants and open views onto the plaza, it creates a great spot for people watching and helps connect the restaurant to the energy of Miami Worldcenter,” says Hoffbeck.

The overall material palette includes sand-toned plaster, warm woods, and handmade tile — contrast with teal accents and gleaming metallics to evoke both serenity and downtown glamour.

The design uses scale and dramatic lighting successfully to transform a vast glass volume into a grand experience, capturing Miami’s glamour and energy. The layered lighting strategy features dramatically up-lit plants, warm-dim coves on oversized bar canopies, and glowing chandeliers balanced with mid-level sconces and pendants.

“The space started as a very large glass box, so one of the biggest challenges was creating warmth and a sense of scale. We had to rely heavily on lighting, ceiling forms, materials, and furniture to break the space into comfortable zones,” notes Hoffbeck.

Another challenge was making sure the patio and exterior frontage felt active and inviting. Because of the location within Miami Worldcenter, it was important that the restaurant contributed to the energy of the street.

“One of my favourite parts is how the restaurant changes throughout the day. During the day it feels open and relaxed, and by evening the lighting and atmosphere shift and the space becomes much more energetic. It’s great to see the restaurant come to life in different ways,” she says.

The well-executed project embodies Miami’s cultural diversity, glamour and artistry, earning it a Shine Awards of Excellence as well as Interior Designer of the Year.

“It’s always an honour to be recognized amongst a group of our peers. I know this is commonly said, but this award is ultimately a reflection of my teams work. So what’s most meaningful to me is that my team was recognized,” says Hoffbeck, who also acknowledged the entire project team for their contributions, resulting in the Miami location becoming one of the most successful restaurants in the Canadian chain’s portfolio.

Stevenson Memorial Hospital expansion breaks ground

Construction has begun on the Stevenson Memorial Hospital expansion in Alliston, Ontario. The province’s $174-million investment will increase inpatient bed capacity by 20 per cent and add a new emergency department triple the size of the current space.

The redevelopment will also bring expanded diagnostic and surgical services, a new three-storey building, and a birthing suite, with completion slated for 2028.

“Our new hospital expansion will transform Stevenson into a modern, state-of-the-art facility, enhancing the health-care services and space our growing community needs and deserves today and for future generations,” said Carmine Stumpo, the hospital’s supervisor. “We are thankful for all our partners, donors, staff and physicians, and local municipal and provincial governments, for their unwavering support.”

Canadian construction company Pomerleau Inc. was awarded the building contract on January 30, 2026. The healthcare facility currently offers 38 inpatient beds and outpatient services to communities, including Adjala-Tosorontio, Canadian Forces Base Borden, Essa, Innisfil and New Tecumseth.

Ladder safety for spring maintenance

March is ladder safety month, and it is the perfect time to assess your ladder practices to ensure maximum safety for your teams. In the U.S. alone, anywhere from 300 to 700 people die each year from ladder-related accidents, and more than 500,000 people are treated for related injuries annually. Most accidents occur due to dangerous use like improper setup, carrying materials while on the ladder, and overreaching, so companies need to adopt and reinforce policies and practices to keep staff safe.

As the weather improves and managers are planning their seasonal maintenance checklists, companies can take several steps to make ladder use safer for their teams:

Schedule work for optimal weather, avoiding windy days, precipitation, or ice on the ground in early spring.
Before you begin, check applicable regulations to confirm that you do not need fall protection equipment for the job.
Choose a ladder based on the task. They range to include stepladders, extension, articulating, and platform, so determine which type best suits your needs.
Inspect the ladder’s condition. Check for any loose rungs, cracks or damage before use and avoid using a ladder with any damage.
Check the equipment load rating so you can be sure that the worker and materials do not exceed the ladder’s capacity.
Wear gear like non-slip footwear, hardhat, and gloves to improve grip and stay protected.
Set up on stable ground, turning the front or the back to face the building, rather than using it sideways.
When tools or materials are need for the job, use a toolbelt, rope and bucket system, or harness with attachments to keep hands free for climbing.
When using a stepladder for lower heights, choose a ladder that is about 3 ft. shorter than the highest point you have to reach for maximum stability and access.
Always maintain three points of contact while climbing, centre yourself, and always face the ladder to remain stable.
Lift and carry the ladder if working in multiple locations. Dragging it can cause damage, decrease stability, and make use less safe.
Use available resources as a guideline, create training manuals, and conduct sessions to ensure that staff are familiar with safety policies and procedures.

Ladders are often used for interior and exterior maintenance projects, and practicing safe ladder use protects your teams, keep you compliant, and maintains the integrity of your business.

Chartwell divests to do Sifton portfolio deal

Chartwell will sell off its Clair Hills retirement residence in Waterloo, Ontario, to get Competition Bureau Canada’s okay to acquire a six-building portfolio from Sifton Properties. The retirement residence operator’s recent agreement to divest alleviates concerns that the transaction could concentrate ownership of seniors accommodations in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

“The sale will be made to an independent purchaser to be approved by the Commissioner of Competition,” a newly released statement from the Competition Bureau announces. “The Bureau is satisfied that the sale will resolve the competition concerns that could result from the proposed transaction.”

In addition to the Waterloo property, the Sifton portfolio is comprised of three seniors residences in London, Ontario along with one in the nearby rural community of Dorchester and one in Mississauga, Ontario. Chartwell’s results for the second quarter of 2025 report the pending acquisition as a $432-million deal for a total of 1,024 suites and 29 townhomes under construction.

Chartwell’s year-end 2025 results, released in late February, confirm that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a non-core property in Ontario for $49 million, with the closing expected in the first quarter of 2026.

Mississauga unveils vision for downtown transformation

The City of Mississauga has endorsed a vision to reimagine 12 acres of land next to City Hall. The redevelopment would transform the downtown core with new cultural venues, tourism attractions, housing and office space. Staff will now develop a project plan and report back with an update in June 2026.

The concept features a convention centre, a 400-room hotel with 1,500 to 3,000 underground parking spaces, and a music hub with a performance venue, recording studios and a music school. It also includes a nine-storey office building and a 20-storey purpose-built rental tower with atrium-style retail along a redesigned Princess Royal Drive. A mix of new public spaces, including an elevated Sky Park, will connect to the downtown core.

“By revitalizing City-owned lands in a comprehensive way, we’re creating new opportunities for tourism, employment, housing and creative industry growth,” said – Geoff Wright, city manager and chief administrative officer. “This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity, and we look forward to working closely with our residents, businesses and partners to bring this transformative vision to life.”

The entire site includes four parcels of land that are currently used as parking lots and underused, passive open space, as well as the Living Arts Centre (LAC). The LAC remains a key cultural facility, but the aging building requires significant investment to meet the needs of a modern city.

Once the area is developed it will offer a connection to downtown green spaces including a new urban park and the revamped Zonta Meadows Park. The entire project is expected to generate $4 billion in total economic output.

Mississauga extends development charge incentive program

The City of Mississauga has approved a motion to extend its development charges incentive program through December 31, 2027, giving the development industry an additional year to benefit from the initiative.

Launched in January 2025 and enhanced in February 2026, the program provides significant development charge reductions for residential projects, including 50 per cent for all residential unit types and 100 per cent for purpose‑built rental apartment units.

When first introduced, the program required developers to pull building permits by November 13, 2026. With the newly approved extension, eligible projects now have until December 31, 2027 to secure permits. The City says the additional time is intended to support new housing construction and advance overall housing affordability.

According to the City, the extension announced March 12 builds on ongoing efforts to increase housing supply and improve affordability in Mississauga. In January 2025, following the release of the Mayor’s Housing Task Force report, Mississauga became one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce or eliminate development charges for residential housing.

“As a City, we’re leading development charge reforms to help reduce costs and make homes more affordable for Mississauga families,” said Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish. “The incentives also help fuel the residential construction industry, one of Ontario’s major economic engines, supporting jobs and investment.”

More information is available at Mississauga.ca/housing-taskforce.