Biogen pledges to go fossil fuel-free by 2040

Biogen is embarking on a 20-year journey to eliminate fossil fuel emissions across its global operations by 2040, making it the first Fortune 500 company to commit to such an initiative.

The Massachusetts-based biotechnology company, with an office in Ontario, has pledged $250 million for the “first-of-its-kind” program called Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives. It will also involve collaborating with institutions like MIT and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to advance the science around how fossil fuels impact human health, taking action to promote climate and health equity.

“I am not aware of any other company that has pledged to go fossil fuel-free across their entire global operations,” Bill Sisson, executive director, World Business Council for Sustainable Development North America, said in a press release. “While others are taking significant steps to get to net zero carbon emissions, Biogen is taking the next step by eliminating fossil fuel use in all aspects of its business. I applaud their ambition.”

Fossil fuel emissions play a direct role in the worsening of various health conditions, and emerging data suggests possible links to COVID-19 as well as brain health. Biogen’s objective is to advance the science in this area.

In 2014, the company was first in the life sciences industry to achieve carbon neutrality.

“We believe that it is time to take even greater action by implementing a well-defined program that examines how we live, how we do business and how we consume energy,” said CEO Michel Vounatsos. “By doing so, Biogen will play its part to address and impact dramatic health disparities among people around the world, as well as build a stronger, more sustainable future for all.”

Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives has two principal components. It aims to move beyond carbon neutrality by eliminating emissions on an accelerated timeframe. A long list of targets include powering operations entirely by renewable energy and increasing investments in high-performing ESG companies and investment funds. It will also ask suppliers to phase out fossil fuels. The goal is that 80 per cent of suppliers commit to science-based targets by 2025 and that 50 per cent source 100 per cent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2030, expanding to 90 per cent of suppliers by 2040.

Global leaders like Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment (Harvard Chan C-CHANGE) will guide Biogen on using data science and predictive analytics to drive strategies to stop environmental and health impacts from climate change, influence policy and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

“Climate change has a direct impact on health today, and people of colour and low-income communities are being hit first and worst by this crisis,” said Dr. Aaron Bernstein, interim director of Harvard Chan C-CHANGE. “The climate crisis is an urgent public health issue and one that healthcare systems, particularly community health centers, are unprepared to address, whether in terms of infrastructure, operations or standards of care.”

Minoru Centre Active Living set to open in Richmond

The City of Richmond will open its new state-of-the-art indoor aquatic centre at Minoru Centre for Active Living on Monday, September 21.

This Centre, at 7191 Granville Avenue, will be a premier aquatic facilities with six bodies of water including Canada’s largest hot tub as well as the Polar Plunge, the country’s only municipal cold plunge pool with a temperature of 15 degrees.

“The Minoru Centre for Active Living is a facility that everyone in the city can be proud of and we are delighted to finally be able to showcase its many features,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “While we are only able to provide access in a controlled manner right now due to our COVID-19 safety protocols, we encourage everyone to take some time to come and experience the centre themselves.”

The facility boasts a 650-square-metre (7,000 square-foot) leisure pool featuring a Mega Drop Bucket, a rapid flowing River Channel, a slide and an Errant Rain Cloud shower. Two 25-metre pools with 14 lanes provide a variety of opportunities for recreational and lane swimming, as well as aqua fit classes, while an over water climbing wall, drop slide and diving board also provide a myriad of options for water lovers of all ages.

The project was designed by HCMA Architecture + Design, and the general contractor was Stuart Olson.

The Minoru Centre for Active Living includes the aquatic and fitness centre, a two-storey seniors centre, sport programming and support space, a full service cafeteria and bistro, commercial kitchen, and three outdoor public plazas.

The $80 million facility’s seniors and events centre opened to the public as planned in March 2019, but the aquatic centre opening was delayed after one of the concrete bases of the six swimming pools shifted.

Vancouver airport cancels infrastructure projects

The Vancouver Airport Authority will be terminating the CORE Program, a large infrastructure project at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), that has kept hundreds of construction workers, designers and engineers busy over the past two years.

Due to the ongoing decline of air travel caused by the pandemic, YVR no longer has the immediate need for the additional capacity in utilities or parking.

The CORE Program was designed when YVR was experiencing double digit growth and included a new central utilities building, geo-thermal heating and cooling system and a ground transportation centre including a new parkade.

The authority will focus its financial resources on projects that support the recovery and restart of aviation, including trials for health screening and testing. Additionally, the Airport Authority will improve data and technology infrastructure, enhance cargo facilities, and pursue projects that are best completed while the airport is less busy, such as airfield infrastructure.

“Cancelling this major infrastructure project was a difficult but necessary decision. We simply do not need the capacity this project brings for the foreseeable future and need to prioritize our resources elsewhere,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority.

“I want to emphasize that making this decision is one more step in preserving the ongoing financial stability of Vancouver Airport Authority so that we can continue to serve our community and focus our resources on the immediate needs of the airport.”

Vancouver Airport Authority has a long history of planning for the future with big infrastructure projects and since 1992 has invested $4.5 billion in building and maintaining the airport. By the end of 2020, the Airport Authority will complete the $300 million Pier D International Terminal Expansion, another key project in the major capital program.

Vancouver Airport Authority and EllisDon will work together to finalize wind down arrangements with the intent that all work will be concluded on the site by November 30, 2020. The project will be halted in its current state and can be restarted when the need arises.

August rents declined in most Canadian markets

With August rents in Canada down 7.6 per cent annually, experts agree that the lower demand is a continued reflection of several COVID-related factors, including: job loss; a decline in immigration; virtual learning as post-secondary classes resume; and young professionals moving back home with their parents.

According to the latest rental report from Rentals.ca, August rents were also impacted by the fact that more employees are working from home, allowing them to move away (or consider moving away) from the more expensive downtown rental markets.

“The average rent for all property types in Canada remains flat, but rental rates for the most expensive central properties in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal continue to decline,” said Ben Myers, president of Bullpen Research & Consulting. “Despite the lower rent levels and incentives offered by landlords recently, there is less financial motivation to move during a pandemic, especially with Ontario freezing rent hikes on all rent-controlled properties for 2021. The lifting of COVID-19 eviction bans in several provinces could lead to further supply hitting the market and further depressing rent levels.”

At the national level, average monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit in August was $1,597, almost $100 cheaper than the average recorded in January. Toronto continues to lead Canadian cities for highest average monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit at $2,013, a number that has dropped for the sixth straight month. Eight of the top nine priciest cities and areas for renters are located in the Greater Toronto Area, with 12 of the top 14 most expensive cities being in Ontario.

Meanwhile, Vancouver took the top spot again for average monthly rent for a two-bedroom unit at $2,709.

Growth markets in August

Kitchener led the way for year-over-year growth for average monthly rents for rental and condominium apartments among major municipalities in Canada at 14.6 per cent.

Three Quebec municipalities, Montreal, Gatineau and Quebec City, have seen growth of 14 per cent, 10 per cent and 5 per cent respectively, contributing to the large rent growth in the province.

What’s drawing renters

In the Vancouver and Montreal metro areas, the most important amenity to would-be tenants, according to Local Logic is transit, with transit-friendly being the second most important amenity to tenants in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA).

Elementary schools are also important to tenants in the Toronto CMA, taking the top ranking, with day care ranking eighth.

Proximity to groceries and good high schools are also highly ranked amenities across the three geographic areas. Other notable rankings include quiet outranking vibrant.

“Interest in living near a grocery store is the highest it’s been since Local Logic started reporting these numbers in March — higher even than peak pandemic,” said Guy Tsror, data scientist for Local Logic. He said in Montreal, there was a 28 per cent increase in the past three months, from just under 11 per cent of renters looking at nearby grocery stores in May, compared to almost 14 per cent in August.

Shopping is more important than nightlife. Car-friendly is more important than pedestrian-friendly or cycle-friendly. And lastly restaurants and cafes are more important than parks.

Other takeaways from the September National Rent Report:

On a provincial level, Ontario had the highest August rents, with landlords seeking $2,071 per month on average; this is down 10.8 per cent annually. British Columbia had the second highest rental rate at $2,001 per month, up 5.7 per cent year over year;
Quebec is seeing huge rent growth, with the average rent of $1,656 up 15.3 per cent annually;
Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba have all experienced declines in average rent levels year over year, with Alberta down 6.6 per cent to $1,206, Saskatchewan down 9.5 per cent to $1,020, and Manitoba down 17.0 per cent to $1,240 per month.
As many offices start to re-open for white collar employees, demand could start to shift back to central core areas of major municipalities. As the Local Logic data shows, despite the major drop in transit usage since the COVID-19 pandemic started, tenants are still interested in rental housing in proximity to transit.
There is a significant gap between the rents charged in Ottawa versus Gatineau. Ottawa’s downtown average monthly rents are mostly between $1,900 and $2,050. Right across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, the average rent in many of the surrounding areas have rental rates that average close to $1,000 per month.
Lloydminster took the last spot on the list for cheapest rents, with Red Deer coming in next to last. Average monthly rents in Red Deer are down 19.5 per cent annually for a one-bedroom and 15.9 per cent for a two-bedroom.

Ontario hospitals get funding for critical upgrades

A provincial funding boost of $175 million will address critical upgrades, repairs and maintenance in 129 hospitals across Ontario this year, including $50 million for COVID-19 related and other urgent projects.

Through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, this funding will help hospitals maintain their infrastructure and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients to receive care. As part of this funding, Trillium Health Partners will receive more than $3.4 million to support projects across all three sites. Projects include replacing HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality, installing newer and more reliable nurse call systems for patients, and repairing roofs and elevators to maintain the facilities.

“Our ongoing investments to support essential projects like repairing roofs and windows and adding more isolation spaces can make a big difference to a patient’s experience,” said Christine Elliott, deputy premier and Minister of Health. “It’s part of our plan to build the capacity we need to end hallway health care in Ontario.”

Other urgent issues on the table include upgrades to security systems, backup generators and fire alarms. Projects will also support hospitals responding to COVID-19, such as updating HVAC systems to enhance patient and staff safety, creating additional isolation spaces and negative air pressure flow rooms to increase capacity, and enhancing infection prevention and control measures.

“This funding is an important part of creating a better environment for our patients to recover in and will allow us to make critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades across our three hospital sites,” added Michelle DiEmanuele, president and CEO, Trillium Health Partners.

New record set for Montreal home sales

This year, the Montreal Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) recorded the highest number of home sales ever for the month of August since 2000, according to the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers (QPAREB).

A total of 4,878 residential sales were concluded in August 2020, a 39 per cent increase compared last year. Julie Saucier, president and chief executive officer of the QPAREB, notes that many transactions lost during the lock-down in early spring have almost recovered during July and August—traditionally quieter months. Like other areas in Canada there has been a renewed interest in buying single-family homes.

“Against all expectations, this enthusiasm is supported by a notable increase in the savings rate of many buyers in recent months,” she said. “The situation is particularly present in the suburbs, where cases of overbidding are increasing and market conditions are still extremely favourable to sellers.”

Home sales by geographic area

All six of the Montreal CMA’s main areas saw a remarkable increase in sales in August. Vaudreuil-Soulanges, the North Shore and Laval led the way with respective increases of 62, 51 and 48 per cent, compared to August of last year. The South Shore ( up 39 per cent), the Island of Montreal ( up 29 per cent) and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu ( up 17 per cent) also performed well.

Home sales by property type

There were 2,601 single-family home sales—the largest increase at 47 per cent. Condo sales jumped by 36 per cent (1,861 transactions), while sales of plexes (two to five dwellings) rose by 12 per cent (410 transactions).

Prices

Property prices surged across the CMA in August for all three property categories.
The average price of single-family homes increased by 24 per cent compared to August of last year, reaching $427,500. This was the highest increase ever recorded from the realtors’ provincial database. Single-family home sales above $1 million more than doubled compared to August of last year ( up 136 per cent), which had an impact on the increase in median price.

The average price of condos stood at $312,000, a 12 per cent increase since last year, while the average price of plexes was $599,500, a 13 per cent increase.

Number of properties for sale

With 12,953 active residential listings, the number of properties for sale continued to drop, falling by 21 per cent year over year. The last time there was a similar level of active listings in the Montreal CMA was back in August of 2003.

Alberta construction sector gets $6.3 million to innovate

The Smart Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure Association (SSRIA) is receiving $6.3 million to help Alberta’s construction and engineering industry innovate and grow.

The funding from Alberta Innovates and Western Economic Diversification Canada will be used to create a network of test buildings for small and medium-sized construction firms to develop new innovations in energy-efficient construction through testing, commercialization and adoption of new products and technologies.

“The technology developed with SSRIA will significantly reduce emissions and support the growth of the building and construction sector in Alberta. The project reimagines buildings themselves as clean tech and will drive transformative work around built environments, creating new opportunities and new markets. This initiative is another compelling example of innovation growing the economy,” said Alberta Innovates CEO Laura Kilcrease.

Products and services expected to be commercialized through this initiative include:

materials for walls, roofs and foundations;
mechanical and electrical system improvements;
sensors and lighting products that reduce energy consumption; and
software for storing and analyzing building performance on energy efficiency and greenhouse gases.

“Developing and commercializing new technologies in the construction sector will build the Alberta of the future, using the same entrepreneurship and innovation that has made Alberta the engine of Canada’s economy,” adds Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer.

The total investment is comprised of $2.8 million from Alberta Innovates, $3 million from Western Diversification Canada and $165,000 from the SSRIA.

“Our shift towards green technologies is both the right thing to do for our environment and the smart thing to do for our economy. This investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada will support good, well-paying jobs in communities across Alberta while helping the province’s construction industry stay on the cutting edge,” said Melanie Joly, the federal minister of economic development and the minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.

“It will help many small and medium-sized businesses across the province innovate and grow while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and I’m excited to see the difference it will make.”

Nexii Building announces new leadership hires

Green construction technology company Nexii Building Solutions Inc. has announced new leadership hires in engineering, architecture and manufacturing divisions.

Rob Simpson has joined the company as senior vice-president of engineering. Formerly with structural engineering firm Glotman Simpson, he has more than 35 years of experience and is one of Canada’s most well-regarded structural engineers and designers. His notable projects include Vancouver House, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver’s Olympic Village, the Richmond Speed Skating Oval, and Whistler’s Peak to Peak Gondola.

In his new role, Simpson will spearhead design investigation into the structural application of Nexii products, and continue to explore and innovate new methods to enhance Nexii’s sustainable building designs.

Laurenz Kosichek, formerly a principal at Stantec Architecture, is now vice-president of architecture with Nexii. He was lead architect for the complete refurbishment of BC Place Stadium, and also the Architect of Record for The Amazing Brentwood shopping mall in Burnaby from 2013 to 2017.

Passionate about designing high-quality, sustainable buildings, Kosichek’s focus will be on the application of the company’s products to architecturally innovative projects.

Nexii’s senior leadership team has also brought on Brian Carter, P.Eng., as executive vice-president of manufacturing, and David Fisher as VP of business optimization.

Founded in 2018, Nexii is headquartered in Vancouver and is committed to accelerating the supply of sustainable and cost-efficient buildings. A new player in the construction industry, Nexii has developed an innovative solution that has the potential to both significantly reduce the construction sector’s impact on the environment and help tackle the global housing crisis. The company’s Nexiite concrete-replacement material is a granite-like composite designed to reduce a building’s carbon footprint.

RESCON kicks off anti-racism campaign

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) initiated a campaign to bring employers, unions and government together to combat and address racism in the construction industry.

This past summer, nooses were discovered at Toronto construction sites. The disturbing acts were impetus for “meaningful changes.”

“While the recent incidents in no way exemplify the majority of the 400,000 workers, contractors and builders who work in Ontario’s construction industry, RESCON is aware that there is a problem and will continue to do all that we can to learn and educate the workforce,” says Bruno Giancola, chair of RESCON’s board of directors and senior vice president, project management at Tridel.

So far, actions include a RESCON-hosted webinar held on September 10, which featured a legal discussion on employers’ obligations when dealing with racism and discrimination incidents and a separate panel discussion on anti-racism and diversity efforts undertaken by builders and labour.

Construction Against Racism Everywhere (CARE) campaign also kicked off, with the hashtag #RESCONCare. Stickers are being distributed to construction employers and the industry for workers to post on their hard hats and around construction sites. Meanwhile, RESCON and its board of directors are also forming a coalition of employers, unions and sub-trades from all sectors of the industry.

The group will come up with ideas on how to deal with racism and change the culture of the industry. Members will also figure out a strategy to educate workers and engage construction stakeholders through conversations and meetings with the Ontario Residential Council of Construction Associations, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, Construction Employers Coalition and Construction and Design Alliance of Ontario.

“We are very proud of the fact that we have a multi-racial, multi-cultural and incredibly diverse workforce in Ontario’s construction industry and racist behaviour of any kind or in any form will not be tolerated by any of our employers,” says RESCON president Richard Lyall.

Concordia U bolsters real estate studies

The inaugural class at Concordia University’s Jonathan Wener Centre for Real Estate begins its studies in interesting times. The new base for teaching and research on commercial and residential real estate comes in tandem with the opportunity for students pursuing a degree through the John Molson School of Business to earn a minor in real estate.

“The Jonathan Wener Centre for Real Estate is going to add great momentum for Concordia because of its uniqueness and because of its relevance,” asserts Concordia president Graham Carr.

Already, the centre’s name and leading patron stand out in the Canadian real estate industry. Jonathan Wener, founder and chairman of Montreal-headquartered Canderel Inc., a developer, owner, manager and multi-faceted real estate services provider, bestowed $10 million in seed funding via a donation to the university’s ongoing campaign to raise $250 million to advance programs in nine strategic directions for the future.

“Real estate is a very sophisticated industry, requiring an awful lot of talent and knowledge from the people who enter the workforce,” notes Wener, who is also Concordia’s chancellor and an alumnus. “My hope is that our centre will provide the education and backing that our students need in a very demanding world.”

Faculty brings wide-ranging experience and research interests to that task. The Centre’s director, Michel Deslauriers, spent much of his career in real estate related finance before joining the John Molson School of Business last year, and continues to act as a strategic advisor to several real estate developers.

He and his colleagues are preparing to steer students toward an evolving industry, now called on to respond to demographic trends, technological advancements and environmental and health imperatives. For example, assistant professor Chongyu Wang recently co-authored a paper examining COVID-19’s impact on commercial real estate prices.

“There has never been a greater need for industry leaders, teachers and innovators to work together,” Deslauriers maintains. “The Jonathan Wener Centre for Real Estate is going to allow our students to enter the industry with a great deal of the knowledge they need to start adding value to their profession right away.”

ELI Condos to rise in Montreal’s entertainment district

ELI Condos, an eight-storey building offering 81 residential units on the corner of Sainte-Catherine street and Sainte-Élisabeth Street is coming to Montreal’s pedestrian-friendly entertainment district.

OMNIA Technologies dreamed up the urban-art inspired project in collaboration with architectural firm ADHOC, and with the McGill Immobilier sales team.

Occupants of the studio and one-bedroom suites will have direct access to the UQAM campus and to numerous public transportation options.

ELI Condos is said to be “much more than just an architectural project,” but rather a unique residential development built on a human scale. Its common areas, rooftop terrace, fitness centre, and co-working space all serve to create a living environment designed and intended to meet its occupants’ every need and to promote their wellbeing.

With an emphasis on minimalism and modern style, each unit is designed to optimize on space and is equipped with concealed built-in appliances in an ergonomic kitchen featuring sleek clean lines. Each common area presents its own visual identity, with a unique mural and a modern industrial design, a harmonious reflection of the eclectic style of the neighbourhood.

The project launched to the public on September 8th. As part of the launch, an original mural by a local Montreal artist was unveiled.

Industry resource promotes diverse expertise

Developers of the European database, Women Talk Real Estate, are exploring demand for a similar resource to help events organizers and journalists tap into more diverse expertise in the commercial real estate industry. All interested parties are invited to respond to an online survey gauging interest in a database of Black, Asian and other minority ethnic (BAME) professionals who could serve as speakers, panellists and media sources.

“The aim of the database would be to support both male and female BAME professionals to find speaking opportunities to help raise their visibility, and to offer a way for event organizers to more consistently secure a diverse range of speakers,” the preamble to the survey states.

This follows the 2017 launch of the database of women working in European commercial real estate markets, directly in property and asset management or professional, financial and technical services affiliated with the industry. In addition to connecting prospective speakers and sources with those who can take the insight to a wider audience, Women Talk Real Estate also offers training and advice on communication and interacting with panellist peers and audiences.

More than 50 prominent events and business media outlets throughout Europe have signed on as partner organizations, including industry associations, investors’ networks, non-governmental organizations and publications specializing in commercial real estate. In 2016, it was estimated that women filled about 14 per cent of speakers’ rosters at European real estate events.

“We believe that visibility matters,” the Women Talk Real Estate mission statement asserts. “For the individual, it brings about better business opportunities and career progression, and it also challenges stereotypes and provides role models for the benefit of the whole industry.”

Ottawa announces plan to build 700 new affordable rental homes

The Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCH) announced it is making a $167.9 million financial commitment toward the construction of approximately 700 new affordable rental homes, the largest single investment awarded to an affordable housing provider in Ottawa under the National Housing Strategy. Financing for this project will come in the form of a mortgage from the federal government – $10.8 million of which is a forgivable loan.

With the help of the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), OCH’s affordable housing developments will be built in Ottawa and are located in areas close to public transit, community centres, and support services. Of the proposed 698 units, a total of 211 units will be earmarked at affordable rents lower than 80 per cent of median market rent for the neighbourhood.

The new affordable rental homes will support those of all ages, family compositions, and demographics, but 179 of the homes will be dedicated to priority groups such as seniors, women and children fleeing domestic violence, those facing mental health and addiction issues, and newcomers.

Providing safe and stable housing affords greater opportunities for residents to find and keep jobs, learn and build skills, and be active participants in their communities.

“Affordable housing continues to be a priority for the City of Ottawa,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Council recently approved the refreshed 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, which sets ambitious targets – including eliminating unsheltered, veteran and chronic homelessness, and creating up to 8,500 new affordable housing options by 2030. Let’s continue to work together, with our federal and provincial partners, to ensure that everyone in our city has a place that they can call home.”

The portfolio, on average, will comply with the highest level of accessibility i.e. barrier free common areas and 31%+ of units meet accessibility standards or full universal design and 21 per cent of units meet accessibility standards.

The investment also aims to achieve over 55 per cent reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions relative to the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings.

The Government of Canada and OCH acknowledge that the buildings, located at 811, 818, and 933 Gladstone, are being built on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people.

Apprentice backlog tackles certification exams

Ontario has resumed offering certification exams for the skilled trades after a five-month shutdown of provincial testing centres. Apprentices in trades requiring a certificate of qualification — including facilities operators, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, drywallers and arborists — are conventionally required to pass an exam within 12 months of finishing their initial training. However, the provincial government extended that period to 18 months last spring after the COVID-19 outbreak halted exam procedures.

In recent years, approximately 1,700 candidates per month take an exam at one of the 24 provincial testing centres or at the site of one of the Ministry of Labour’s affiliated training partners, which are typically labour unions or community colleges. All venues are now preparing to accommodate the backlog. An estimated 600 certification exams have been written in provincial centres and five partner organizations have hosted exam sessions as reopening gradually occurred over the past month..

“It is critical that they finish their apprenticeships, become journeypersons and reap the rewards for their hard work so far,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I’m proud that we could reopen these exam centres, in a safe and reliable way while helping Ontario’s economic recovery and future prosperity.”

Montreal arts venue slated for redevelopment

L’Illusion, Théâtre de marionnettes, a more than 40-year-old non-profit arts venue based in Montreal, will be demolished and then reborn on its current site with help from a $3.44-million investment from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund.

L’Illusion, Théâtre de marionnettes creates, produces and stages puppet shows. Its visual and performing arts productions are regularly selected by festivals abroad. The organization also offers creative residencies for puppetry professionals and cultural mediation activities for audiences. Its clientele comprises children aged three to 12 and adults.

After the current building topples down, the land will be excavated and construction of a new theatre will commence to include two halls with seating for 170 people.

Specialized equipment including a lighting system, sound system, stage curtains and video equipment will also be purchased. The new venue will have common areas (entrance, reception, change rooms, lobby and washrooms), two performance halls (the early childhood hall and children’s hall, which will accommodate 50 and 120 seats respectively), technical areas (dressing rooms, laundry room, workshop, green room and storage area), administrative areas and a general support area (janitorial and waste/recycling).

The funding will allow L’Illusion, Théâtre de marionnettes to welcome many more young spectators and offer them innovative experiences, with the help of modern equipment.

“Building on 40 years of research and creation, we have developed a distinct expertise in puppet theatre,” said Sabrina Baran, executive director and artistic co-director. “Thousands of spectators from here and everywhere marvel at the shows we create for them. With the strength of experience and the energy of renewal, we are looking to the future and building a space for creation and showcases dedicated to the art of puppetry.”

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. Also included are renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces.

Edmonton’s Ice District towers win global award

Two towers in the heart of Edmonton’s Downtown Ice District have earned international accolades.

Stantec Tower, JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District, and The Legends Private Residences have been awarded the ENR Global Best Project Award in the Retail/Mixed-Use Development category. The international competition by Engineering News-Record recognizes project teams for the best design and construction efforts worldwide.

“Stantec Tower, JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District and The Legends Private Residences were all designed to draw residents to the vibrant downtown core of Edmonton,” said Tim Shipton, senior vice president, communications and government relations, ICE District. “These towers have transformed the urban fabric in downtown Edmonton, and we are very proud that their design teams have received well-deserved recognition for their efforts.”

Stantec Tower is the tallest building in Canada outside of Toronto. JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District is only the third JW Marriott property in Canada.

Both project teams demonstrated exceptional innovation by implementing safety measures to combat weather elements and mitigated construction risks posed by the height of each tower, as well as created safety programs to aid the protection of the general public and workers during construction.

“Receiving this highly regarded award speaks to the quality and craft production behind each project,” said Shipton. “We are thrilled to see ICE District be recognized on the international stage for being innovative, safe and environmentally-responsible.”

The JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District and The Legends Private Residences were developed by notable contract and design firms PCL Construction, EAD Property Holdings Corp, DIALOG Alberta Architecture. Stantec Tower was developed by Stantec Architectural, which managed the design, engineering, and construction of the tower.

The Ice District development beat out mixed-use developments from several other countries including Australia, Ireland, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Submissions to the ENR Global Best Projects competition were reviewed and analyzed by an advisory committee made up of industry veterans, and were judged on criteria such as safety performance, innovation, challenges, and design and construction quality.

Amazon Canada opening fulfilment centre in Hamilton

Amazon Canada has announced plans to create a fulfilment centre and delivery station in Hamilton, located near John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Mount Hope.

The fulfilment centre represents one of the largest local investments in terms of square footage in the city’s history. These private investments in Hamilton’s goods movement sector will bring more than 1,500 new jobs when the facilities are scheduled to open in 2021.

Employees at the 855,000-square-foot fulfillment centre will work alongside Amazon robotics to pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys. In addition, a new 50,000-square-foot delivery station in Stoney Creek will power the last mile of Amazon’s order fulfillment process. Packages are transported to these delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centres, and then loaded into vehicles for delivery to customers.

With a renewed focus on air cargo/transportation, Hamilton now has a prime opportunity to develop and promote the Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD) as a North American Gateway hub for logistics, distribution and goods movement, and to develop a Hamilton alliance with partners to jointly market opportunities for development and increase the awareness of Hamilton’s infrastructure strengths.

“With Amazon Canada’s announcement of their intent to invest in Hamilton, this solidifies Hamilton’s position as a Canadian goods movement leader, encapsulates the type of investments targeted for the Airport Employment Growth District and illustrates investor confidence from one of the most recognizable brands and the largest e-commerce company in the world,” said Norm Schleehahn, director of economic development, City of Hamilton.

This will be Amazon’s ninth facility in Ontario and its 15th fulfillment centre in Canada.