BUILD BACK BETTER REBUILDING TOWARD NET ZERO - ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE LOW CARBON CONSTRUCTION CLEAN POWER CAPACITY - RENEW CANADA
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May/June 2021
Essential
Infrastructure
Low Carbon
Construction
Clean Power
Capacity
BUILD BACK
BETTER
Rebuilding Toward Net Zero
Contents
MAY/JUNE 2021
GOVERNANCE ENERGY
8 Infrastructure 32 Powering the Arctic
Leadership Nunavut’s Qulliq Energy
How Minister of Transportation Corporation carries out
and Infrastructure Rob Fleming an extensive energy
is facing down difficulties upgrade program.
to build back better in B.C. By Carroll McCormick
By Connie Vitello
34 Constructing
12 Addressing Capacity
Disadvantages Contemplating the driving force
The evolution of Community of energy project decision-
Benefits Agreements in Canadian making and development.
infrastructure development. By Connie Vitello
By Tim Runge
8 TOP100 PROJECTS
FINANCE 38 Top100 Projects
16 Project Bundling Keeyask hydro project
Effective alternatives to accelerate ahead of schedule and
the financing of municipal mega transportation
infrastructure projects. projects underway.
By Andy Manahan
DEPARTMENTS
BUILDINGS 4 Editor’s Note
Building the way out of crisis
18 Low Carbon and into more resilient and
Construction innovative infrastructure.
Examining the need for a more By Corinne Lynds
24 consistent approach to construction
standards for net zero buildings. 5 Front
By Ryan Zizzo First-Ever National
Infrastructure Assessment,
New Net Zero Landmark
ENVIRONMENT
Library, and more.
24 Green Infrastructure 22 Panorama
Redefining green infrastructure
Toronto’s Quayside
and calculating a more accurate welcomes smart city
accounting of natural assets. building on the waterfront.
By Connie Vitello
33 People
Appointments and
WATER announcements of the
INFRASTRUCTURE infrastructure industry’s
28 32 26 Pipeline Predicaments movers and shakers.
Innovative options to address 42 Closing Shot
the renewal of linear water Making a case for the
infrastructure systems. pandemic-proof backbone
By Simran Chattha of the regional economy.
and Connie Vitello By Bruce Ferguson
View this year’s Top100 Projects
at top100projects.ca
For details regarding our
annual celebration visit
renewcanada.net/top100-projects
12
renewcanada.net May/June 2021 ReNew Canada 3
Editor’s Note
BUILDING
A WAY OUT May/June 2021 Volume 19 Number 3
By Corinne Lynds INTERIM EDITOR Connie Vitello
I
t hardly seems possible now, but in early March. And Toronto’s first PRESIDENT Todd Latham
more than a year ago COVID-19 modular supportive housing project PUBLISHER Nick Krukowski
struck, and we were all at home opened its doors in December.
CONTENT DIRECTOR Corinne Lynds
for two weeks, baking bread, mastering Prefabricated building technology
1,000-piece puzzles, and binge- certainly isn’t a new concept, but given ART DIRECTOR AND
Donna Endacott
SENIOR DESIGNER
watching Netflix. Weeks turned into the challenges of physical distancing
months, and it became painfully clear on jobsites, it has proven an excellent ASSOCIATE EDITOR Simran Chattha
this pandemic wasn’t something that option. It allows manufactured DIGITAL MARKETING
Shannon Clark
MANAGER
could simply be waited out. components such as walls, panels, or
So, we got on with business, from our even full units to be built off-site in a DIGITAL EDITOR Connie Vitello
home offices, bedrooms, and kitchen factory and then assembled onsite Lego- EVENT MANAGER Natasha Mawji
tables, and found ways to keep Canada’s style. This not only reduces the number
CONTRIBUTORS Bruce Ferguson, Tim Runge,
most important infrastructure projects of workers onsite, but also accelerates Andy Manahan, Carroll
safely moving forward. We became construction by as much as 50 per McCormick, Ryan Zizzo
experts at Zoom calls, physically cent, according to a 2019 report from Nick Krukowski
ADVERTISING
distanced meetings, and orchestrating consulting firm McKinsey & Company. nick@actualmedia.ca
elaborate job-site schedules to While modular construction allows ADVISOR James Sbrolla
accommodate reduced workforces. the physical building to come together
Arguably, there has never been a quickly in a controlled setting,
time in history when the proverb accelerated procurement drives
“Necessity is the mother of invention,” innovation and gets shovels in the
has rung more true. ground faster.
After months of delays driven With accelerated procurement,
by supply chain and workforce governments dispense with the need
issues, the industry came together for reference design, and instead
with a variety of measures to bring decide what they want as an output.
projects to completion. A great Then industry figures out how to meet
example of this is the Accelerated the functional requirements and build ReNew Canada is published
Build Pilot Program that the Humber the project. Design teams start with a six times a year by Actual Media Inc.
River Hospital, Government of blank canvas and are given the space
Ontario, and Infrastructure Ontario to come up with innovative solutions. 150 Eglinton Ave. E, #806, Toronto, ON M4P 1E8
partnered on. Employing a range of The real speed in this process comes Phone: 416-444-5842
accelerated measures such as modular from the fact that the major tasks of Subscription/customer services: 416-444-5842 ext. 1
construction, rapid procurement, procurement and planning approval
and extended construction hours, the run in parallel.
project is expanding long-term care We need to keep these creative ReNew Canada subscriptions are
capacity in North York by 320 beds in juices flowing if we’re going to build available for $39.95/year or $64.95/two years
and include the annual Top100 Projects report.
months, not years. our way out of this pandemic. But
And this magic formula of creative juices alone are not going to be ©2021 Actual Media Inc. All rights reserved.
accelerated procurement plus modular enough. All levels of government need The contents of this publication may not be
reproduced by any means in whole or in part, without
construction is gaining popularity. to deliver on promised infrastructure prior written consent from the publisher.
Beyond the Humber River project there investments in order to help rebuild the Printed in Canada
are plans for two further long-term care Canadian economy. "ReNew Canada" and "ReThink. ReBuild. ReNew"
facilities in Ontario (640 beds in Ajax are Trademarks of Actual Media Inc.
and a further 320 beds in Mississauga).
Bird Construction was awarded two Corinne Lynds is content director
accelerated projects in Northern of Actual Media Inc.
Ontario for correctional facilities corinne@actualmedia.ca
Undeliverable mail return to:
Join the conversation. For daily news and discussion, visit 150 Eglinton Ave. E, #806, Toronto, ON M4P 1E8
@ReNewCanada /ReNewCanada ReNew Canada Canadian Publications Mail
Product Sales Agreement 40854046
ISSN 1715-6734
4 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.net
ABOUT THE COVER Front
The Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada
renewal project will make significant enhancements to the CANADA’S FIRST NATIONAL
joint facility to achieve net-zero carbon performance.
For more on low carbon buildings, see page 20. INFRASTRUCTURE
For more on green infrastructure, see page 24.
ASSESSMENT
NEW NET ZERO
PUBLIC LIBRARY INFRASTRUCTURE
The spire of the Parliamentary
Library is in the foreground
Credit: Library and Archives Canada
and the Interprovincial and
McDonald-Cartier bridges are in the
background, joining Ontario and
The new Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Facility Quebec across the Ottawa River in
will feature an innovative and energy efficient design. downtown Ottawa and Gatineau.
C
The project to rebuild the Ottawa Public Library (OPL)–Library and atherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure
Archives Canada (LAC) Facility includes an innovative design that and Communities, has launched an engagement
complies with the LEED Gold standard, an independent certification initiative for Canada’s first national
that takes into account ecological land and water use, energy efficiency, infrastructure assessment: Building the Canada We Want
and sustainable materials. in 2050.
Additional federal funding of $34.5 million will now also allow for: “The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the greatest
building envelope and insulation upgrades; triple-glazed windows; recession since the Great Depression and we have a
rooftop and façade solar panels; an indoor “green wall;” and, more once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the Canada
sustainable materials.
we want as we invest in our recovery,” said McKenna.
“As we know, tackling climate change requires a concerted effort and
“But we will not achieve our ambition by accident.
collaboration across all sectors and levels of government. Our Ottawa
Working with Canadians, using the best available data
Public Library – Library and Archives Canada Joint facility will be an
iconic part of our city and thanks to this Federal funding we are able to and guided by global best practices, we can guide our
enhance the design to be a net-zero carbon facility,” said Ottawa Mayor infrastructure spending to chart a strong path to 2050,
Jim Watson. “This supports Council’s ambitious targets to reduce our creating good jobs, tackling climate change, and building
city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050 and is a great example cleaner, more inclusive communities. Working together,
of collaboration that helps us proactively manage climate impacts.” this project can be nation-building.”
The five-storey OPL-LAC will measure 216,000-square-feet (20,067 The paper sets out the purpose and benefits of
square-metres) and will include reading rooms, an archive and research undertaking a National Infrastructure Assessment
centre, a children’s area, exhibition and collections spaces, a genealogy and seeks input from the public, Indigenous Peoples,
centre, and a cafe. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2024 provinces, territories, municipalities, and stakeholders
and officially open to the public in 2025. on three main priorities of the assessment:
“During the public engagement process, we heard loud and clear
that sustainability is key and the joint facility should set the bar for • ssessing Canada’s infrastructure needs and
A
other public libraries and institutions,” said Matthew Luloff, city establishing a long-term vision;
councillor and chair of OPL’s board. “This is something all of us can • I mproving coordination among infrastructure owners
be very proud of.” and funders; and
• etermining the best ways to fund and finance
D
NEXT ISSUE: JULY/AUGUST infrastructure.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION Following the engagement process, the federal
government will consider the next steps, including
reviewing priorities, establishing an independent
Future Cyber Transportation
advisory body, setting out the processes for obtaining
Forward Attacks Infrastructure
expert advice, ongoing public engagement, and producing
The Digital Age of How to Protect Update on interim studies and reports to inform infrastructure
Construction Municipal Assets Transit Projects policy and investment.
Once in place, the National Infrastructure Assessment,
will help identify Canada’s evolving needs and priorities
Advertising Deadline: May 14, 2021 in the built environment and undertake evidence-based
To reach our influential readers in print long-term planning toward a net-zero emissions future.
and online, contact nick@actualmedia.ca The deadline for providing feedback is June 30, 2021.
renewcanada.net May/June 2021 ReNew Canada 5
Front
Canadian Urban Transit Association
CLEAN
PUBLIC
TRANSIT
RECEIVES
A BOOST
T
he Government of Canada is investing to investing $1.5 billion in zero-emission in zero-emission buses and associated
$2.75 billion in funding over five buses,” said Ehren Cory, CEO of CIB. “We infrastructure as part of its three-year
years, starting in 2021, to enhance will help create jobs, reduce greenhouse Growth Plan.
public transit systems and switch them to gases, and make commutes cleaner.” “Zero-emission buses (ZEBs)
cleaner electrical power, including supporting This investment will create more well- will benefit Canadians by creating
the purchase of zero-emission public transit and paying jobs in Canada’s robust and growing manufacturing and energy jobs in the low-
school buses. electric vehicle manufacturing sector and carbon economy, while also transporting
This funding is part of an eight-year, $14.9 infrastructure system. Nova Bus in Saint- Canadians in a way that is safe, green,
billion public transit plan that will support Eustache, Lion Electrique in Saint-Jérôme, healthy and sustainable,” said Josipa
municipalities, transit authorities, and school GreenPower in Vancouver, and New Flyer Petrunic, president and CEO of Canadian
boards with transition planning for the in Winnipeg are examples of innovative Urban Transit Research & Innovation
electrification of transit systems, including the companies that are already delivering zero- Consortium. “Transit agencies and
delivery of 5,000 zero-emission buses over the emission transit solutions. municipalities in Canada are ready for
next five years. Infrastructure Canada will ensure electrification, and these funds will
“As part of its $10 billion Growth Plan, the coordination between this investment and empower them to move forward towards
Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is committed the CIB commitment to invest $1.5 billion the goal of 5,000 ZEBs.”
A
grow i n g coalition of to impress the importance of inclusive
Carpenter’s District Council of Ontario
government and construction workplaces and to reiterate zero tolerance
industry representatives for discrimination on job sites.
is making a public commitment to “EllisDon has zero tolerance for racism,
promote inclusive, equitable, safe, and and as an employer, we have a pivotal
respectful workplaces. role to play in this movement. We will
Developers, contractors, unions, continue to work closely with our union
associations, and workers involved in partners to promote education and action
the construction of large and critical across all areas of our industry,” said Geoff
infrastructure projects are uniting to Smith, president and chief executive officer
support the Toronto Declaration of of EllisDon.
Inclusive Workplaces & Communities. The Carpenters’ District Council of
The declaration affirms the health and Ontario (CDCO) is also proud to be a part
safety of every person and supports the of this industry coalition. The council
construction industry’s zero tolerance is calling on the collective responsibility
policy for discrimination or acts of hate of the industry to demonstrate that
of any kind. construction is a welcoming path for
Many employers in the construction the next generation of tradespeople—
CONSTRUCTION industry have not just signed on to
this declaration but are taking further
regardless of their background.
“We’re working with a third-party
INDUSTRY action to educate their members about
the importance of eliminating racism
company to deliver anti-racism training for
staff, shop stewards, and eventually all of
ADVOCACY FOR and discrimination in the industry. For
example, EllisDon has hosted diversity
our members,” said Chris Campbell, equity
and diversity representative for the CDCO.
MORE INCLUSIVE and inclusion town halls to discuss
these crucial issues with employees,
“Our partners across the labour movement
have also begun rolling out this training to
INFRASTRUCTURE
and Daniels Corporation has organized their members and we encourage everyone
site meetings with construction teams to join us and do the same.”
6 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.net
Governance
The Trans-Canada Highway is a vital link in
British Columbia. Widening the highway to four
lanes will provide better safety and capacity.
Inset: Rob Fleming
BUILDING
BACK
BETTER
IN B.C.
Forging a brighter future with Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming. By Connie Vitello
I
n his mandate letter, British Columbia On any given year, this list would be is to help everyday people, especially in
Premier John Horgan outlines a challenging but during the ongoing pandemic the urgent context of COVID-19 recovery.
challenging variety of duties for Rob the difficulty dial is turned up. ReNew This was true at the Ministry of Education
Fleming, British Columbia’s new Minister Canada recently engaged Minister Fleming and it’s also true at the Ministry of
of Transportation and Infrastructure. Over to reflect on his relatively new role and bring Transportation and Infrastructure.
the course of his mandate, he’s expected to us up to speed on his progress so far. Our government has made a commitment
deliver on a tall order of infrastructure tasks. to make life more affordable for British
Build a range of important infrastructure How is your previous experience in Columbians, to deliver the services that
projects. Ensure that infrastructure education, finance, and public transit people count on and to build a strong and
investments deliver benefits for local helping you to perform in your new role? innovative economy that works for everyone.
communities and workers through the
I am delighted to be in my new role as Minister We remain committed to these goals and
use of Community Benefit Agreements.
of Transportation and Infrastructure. I are putting people at the forefront of all the
Develop a strategy to streamline consultation,
have been extremely impressed by the decisions we make.
tendering, and construction of infrastructure
level of dedication that our ministry staff
projects without unnecessary delays. Work What are some of the key goals that
have—from their great work on highway
with BC Transit to help families get around you have for B.C.’s transportation and
more affordably. Improve transit options for improvements to major infrastructure
projects and active transportation projects. infrastructure ministry?
rural communities. Make BC Ferries more
responsive and accountable. Expand networks I also have the privilege of working with Right now, our government is focussed on
of active transportation to meet the CleanBC our partners like BC Ferries and BC Transit. COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding. From
goal of doubling trips taken by walking, The level of commitment, expertise, and the outset of the pandemic, our government
biking, and other kinds of activity. Help energy the ministry staff give to their put COVID-19 safety protocols in place
lead work on the Integrated Transportation jobs is incredible. on road and highway job sites across the
and Development Strategy to ensure greater My previous cabinet position has helped province to help prevent the spread of
alignment between transportation and land- me to prepare for this new challenge because COVID-19. Because of that commitment
use planning. And that’s not all. the overarching priority of our government we were able to continue work on our
8 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.net
Governance
highways, keep people employed, and keep that are focused on economic, social, and We recognize that work on improving our
the economy moving. environmental sustainability. It’s important transportation corridors—everything from
Investment in our transportation that as we look to the future beyond this building new infrastructure, to repairing
infrastructure has never been more pandemic that B.C.’s transportation networks roads and bridges, to fixing potholes—is
important as we recover economically from are even more robust and resilient. critically important to allow for the safe and
efficient movement of people and goods.
We need to keep our supply chains open
We are making priority investments in large projects and keep our routes as safe and as efficient
that will help us rebuild, create good-paying local jobs, as possible. To that end, we are working to
stay on track with our current infrastructure
and at the same time make our transportation networks project and accelerate others.
The population of Metro Vancouver is
even stronger and more robust. growing at a rapid rate and needs several
major infrastructure investments. That’s
the pandemic. This has meant good progress Are there specific steps your team why we are so excited to see site preparation
on important projects like work to widen is taking to deduce how to address works getting underway for the Broadway
Highway 1 to four lanes east of Kamloops, certain current challenges facing Subway Project—which will transform how
the new replacement for the Pattullo Bridge, transportation and infrastructure people get around.
Highway 1/Lower Lynn Improvements on development and maintenance? This project is an example of the
the North Shore, the Highway 4/Kennedy Government of B.C., the Government
Hill Safety Improvement Project east of COVID-19 has certainly been a huge of Canada and the City of Vancouver,
Tofino, and many more across B.C. challenge in so many ways. But everyone in coming together to deliver a fast and
Looking ahead, keeping our economy the transportation construction industry has frequent SkyTrain service to B.C.’s second-
moving is an integral part of BC’s Restart worked together to put proper workplace largest jobs centre. When completed, the
Plan. We’ve been busy supporting recovery policies and procedures in place, like physical Broadway Subway will provide quicker
efforts from the effects of the pandemic. distancing on the job site and reducing access to health-care services, an emerging
We continue to work closely with the the number of in-person meetings, so the innovation and research hub, and growing
federal government to make investments industry could keep projects moving. residential communities.
renewcanada.net May/June 2021 ReNew Canada 9
Governance
Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley to
Credit: TransLink
Abbotsford. It also includes looking at
other options, such as commuter rail, a
Surrey SkyTrain extension to Langley
Town Centre and high-speed connections
with our neighbours to the south.
I know that people who commute
every day in Metro Vancouver want a
solution for the George Massey Tunnel
gridlock. Building the right project
is the priority and we have worked
closely with Indigenous groups and
regional mayors through the planning
stages. Progress is being made towards
selecting a new crossing on Highway
99 that aligns with the needs of the
region and the people that rely on this
transportation route. Our next steps are
to review the submission, consult with
our partners and make a final decision
on the two shortlisted options that have
The Broadway Subway Extension will see the
addition of six underground stations and 5.7 been presented to the public.
kilometres of track to the Millennium Line.
What are your thoughts on how to
optimally recover from the COVID-19
crisis in terms of resilient infrastructure
The Community Benefits Agreement ratios for each CBA project independently. and environmental investments for
provides quotas for apprentices, It also provides safe working conditions upcoming projects?
preferential hiring of women and free of discrimination, harassment, and
People around the province are benefiting
Indigenous workers, and a stipulation ensures a culturally competent workforce.
from more reliable roadways and local jobs
for workers to be unionized. While this means an investment
as a result of funding from StrongerBC:
Has there been a significant impact upfront, the long-term economic BC’s Economic Recovery Plan. We are
to infrastructure projects? benefits of training the next generation making priority investments in large
In B.C., we have some large infrastructure of skilled workers and expanding the projects that will help us rebuild, create
projects that are using a Community construction workforce far outweigh good-paying local jobs, and at the same
Benefits Agreement (CBA). These the costs. time make our transportation networks
projects include the Broadway Subway even stronger and more robust. Our Clean
There has been pressure to alleviate
Project, the Pattullo Bridge Replacement BC program will incent and accelerate the
Project, and the Highway 1 4-laning the gridlock in the Greater Vancouver
electrification of cars, heavy duty vehicles,
Program (Kamloops to Alberta). B.C. Area. Please provide us with an update and ferries.
is experiencing a skilled trade shortage on emerging projects such as the While we look to dramatically improve
and we know that we need to cultivate transportation study for Fraser Valley. congestion, road traffic, and safety, we also
know we need to focus on sustainability.
Our Climate Adaptation Program, which
The population of Metro Vancouver features 60 projects across B.C. will
increase the resiliency of the highway
is growing at a rapid rate and needs network and help lessen the adverse effects
of climate change. This means upgrading
several major infrastructure investments. our systems of defense to guard against
extreme flooding, erosion, and other
climate change events.
a diverse workforce to meet the demand We are looking into a range of From the lower mainland and the island,
in our growing economy. The CBA is possibilities to support smart growth to the interior and northern B.C., we will
designed to maximize opportunities to in the Fraser Valley to help ensure the continue to move transportation projects
mobilize and grow a safe, diverse, and development of affordable and liveable forward that will support communities and
skilled workforce in the province. communities. Our current study will climate goals as we recover from COVID-19
The CBA will provide priority hiring look at traffic congestion and travel and look forward to a brighter future.
for local people, Indigenous peoples, demands in this fast-growing region and
women, and other traditionally evaluate options for new transit and
underrepresented groups in the trades. transportation initiatives. The report
Greater apprenticeship and skills training will examine plans for more investments Connie Vitello is interim editor
opportunities are available by setting target in major highway projects like widening of ReNew Canada.
10 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.netGovernance
Credit: Gordie Howe International Bridge
BENEFICIAL
BUILDING TREND
The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is providing
targeted community benefits on both sides of the border.
In Windsor, the Workforce Development and Participation
Strategy is supporting workforce, training, and pre-
apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities.
The evolution of CBAs in Canadian infrastructure development.
By Tim Runge
A
Community Benefits Agreement partnered with Daniels Corp. to transform Any contractor in the construction industry
(CBA) is a legal contract that low-income social housing in Regent Park can bid on and perform project work. The
specifies community benefits for into a mixed-use community, combining agreement includes:
an infrastructure or development project. affordable housing with market-price ire workers within a 100-kilometre
H
CBAs come in three basic formats: private condominiums, commercial and retail radius of the site.
CBAs are signed between developers spaces, and community amenities.
I ndigenous people, women in trades, and
and community groups; public CBAs are Construction jobs and training were part
other disadvantaged groups have priority
requirements in government Requests for of the project.
in all hiring and training on government-
Proposals; and, hybrid CBAs are multi-party In 2018, the Government of Canada began
funded projects.
agreements with developers, governments, encouraging Community Employment
and community groups. Benefits (CEB) in projects funded through arget apprenticeship ratio of 25 per cent,
T
In Canada, several CBA models have been the Investing in Canada program. This variable on a trade-by-trade basis.
tried. Canadian CBAs have emphasized framework created targets for employment, Every worker paid union wages.
labour development; most have employed training, and procurement opportunities for
ages and benefits increased by two per
W
low-income or disadvantaged populations apprentices, Indigenous peoples, women,
cent each year to 2024.
and created apprenticeships opportunities. persons with disabilities, veterans, youth,
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and recent immigrants, small businesses, and No-strike, no-lockout clause.
Paralympic Winter Village used a hybrid social enterprises. The g ove r n m e n t c re a t e d BC
CBA. In 2005, a new non-profit, Building Federal-provincial infrastructure funding Infrastructure Benefits Inc. (BCIB), a
Inner City Businesses (BOB) was the requires community benefits. Crown corporation to handle hiring and
primary negotiator on a CBA signed with paying all workers under the CBA. BCIB
the City of Vancouver and the developer British Columbia also handles union dues deductions. Open-
to provide jobs for inner-city residents and B.C.’s CBA requires employers to hire locally, shop companies’ employees are required to
procurement targeted to local businesses. provide apprenticeship training, and give join a designated union, the new Allied
Toronto Community Housing Corp. Indigenous people and women opportunities. Infrastructure and Related Construction
12 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.netGovernance
Credit: PCL
An inclusive construction site at the Sturgeon Refinery
in Alberta. It is the first refinery built in Canada in over
35 years, and the only refinery designed from the outset
with a carbon capture solution to maximize performance
and minimize environmental impacts.
Council of BC, after 30 days on the job. work and establish hiring requirements in must be developed outlining the number of
B.C.’s CBA is not a standard CBA since construction tenders: 30 per cent of total apprentices that will be involved, particularly
it applies to many projects across an entire in-scope contract hours to be worked by women, newcomers, at-risk youth, veterans,
province. Its labour requirements make residents for road construction, and 20 and Indigenous populations.
it closer to a Project Labour Agreement per cent for bridge construction. ESRA LTIP committed to develop a policy
(PLA), an agreement to use only union invested more than $80 million into First framework for community benefits,
labour on site. Nation communities and created about focusing on workforce development
A coalition of construction associations 600 job opportunities. opportunities for traditionally disadvantaged
opposed to the province’s CBA (specifically communities, underrepresented workers,
a requirement that workers must join trade Ontario and local residents. This set out a process
boards) filed suit in BC’s Supreme Court. The Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity for community benefits pilot projects to test
Act of 2015 (IJPA) and the Long-Term different approaches, the development of a
Manitoba Infrastructure Plan of 2017 (LTIP) committed CBF in partnership with stakeholders and
In 2010, Manitoba’s East Side Road to community benefits in all major public partners, and application of the framework
Authority (ESRA) launched CBAs aligned infrastructure projects. to all major public infrastructure projects.
with the Aboriginal Procurement Initiative IJPA’s purpose was to encourage evidence- The current provincial government
continued existing CBAs as pilot projects on
a voluntary market participation basis.
Canadian CBAs have employed
Municipal initiatives
disadvantaged populations and created A growing number of Canadian municipalities
are investigating or implementing social
procurement, including CBAs, CEBs, and
apprenticeships opportunities. Community Benefits Frameworks (CBFs).
The list includes: in B.C., Cumberland,
to increase Indigenous involvement in based, strategic, and long-term infrastructure Vancouver, Victoria, and Surrey; in Alberta,
Manitoba’s procurements. The CBAs provide planning to support job creation, training Calgary, Edmonton, and Wood Buffalo; in
contracts and training to community-owned opportunities, and economic growth. Ontario, Hamilton, Toronto, and Windsor;
construction companies for pre-construction During the procurement process, a plan and, in Quebec, Montreal.
renewcanada.net May/June 2021 ReNew Canada 13Governance
In 2018, Vancouver was the first Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the builder. Finch West Light-Rail Transit (LRT)
Canadian municipality to adopt a CBA The province finalized this agreement,
Eglinton Crosstown LRT
policy. Developer applications for rezoning setting a goal of 10 per cent of all trade
that exceed 500,000 sf are subject to 10 per and craft working hours performed by Hurontario LRT
cent local employment and 10 per cent local apprentices and journeypersons who Macdonald Block Reconstruction
procurement requirements. are historically disadvantaged in the West Park Healthcare Centre Development
The City of Toronto had experience job market.
with CBAs before instituting a social Gordie Howe International Bridge
Through this CBF, by Q1 2020 nearly
procurement policy in 2016 to leverage the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex
400 people had been hired from local
city’s purchasing power by achieving socio- Pattullo Bridge
communities in construction and
economic impacts for Indigenous peoples
professional, administrative, and technical illennium Line Broadway Extension
M
and equity-seeking residents. The city’s
jobs, and more than $7.5 million was (SkyTrain)
CBF was adopted in 2019 and is now in
purchased from local small and medium- For some P3 projects in Ontario, achieving
development and testing.
Metrolinx, Ontario’s regional transit sized businesses. LEED® silver certification is part of the CBA.
agency, negotiated a CBF with the
P3 projects with CBAs What do major P3 players think?
Toronto Community Benefits Network
for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project. Most CBAs in Canada are for smaller, We interviewed senior executives from the
It outlines the roles and responsibilities municipal-level projects, while public- private sector who are involved in P3 projects
of four partners implementing targeted private partnerships are typically used for with CBA requirements.
workforce and economic development larger projects, so there are few P3 projects While the spectrum of opinion about CBAs
goals, including the Ministry of Advanced with CBAs. In late 2019, P3s with CBAs ranged from strong opposition to strong
Education and Skills Development and were in Ontario and British Columbia: support, all stressed the need for standard
definitions of “community” and “benefits” and
of who receives the benefits, and how. Industry
HIGHLIGHTS OF SELECT P3 PROJECTS needs to know about a CBA early, preferably
before the Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
AND THEIR CBA REQUIREMENTS stage and certainly before financial close.
There was a strong call for factual assessment
P3 Project CBA Benefits and realistic development of a project’s local
labour force, on both supply and demand
ecruit for Crosslinx
R sides. How many new workers can be hired,
employment opportunities. at what levels, and for how long, was not
rovide training and workforce
P sufficiently understood by governments or
Eglinton development opportunities to youth community advocates.
Crosstown and others facing employment barriers. Also, community advocates did not always
LRT rocure goods and services from
P understand CBAs are project specific, and the
local businesses and social enterprises benefits in one project’s CBA are not always
whenever possible. applicable to other projects.
Build a green energy facility. P3 practitioners cautioned that, although P3s
are big projects, there is not necessarily more
time to advance training or apprenticeship for
nsure Peel residents access
E new hires. Who is required, when, and for how
employment opportunities. long can be unknown in the early days of the
pportunities for social enterprises
O project, and some trades might be required for
Hurontario to benefit from project procurement. only short periods, even on multi-year projects.
LRT F ocus on youth for apprenticeship, When asked for examples of successful
newcomers, and foreign-trained professionals. CBAs, two projects were prominent: Vancouver
pportunities for residents to enter careers in
O 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Village,
construction trades or their area of expertise. and Eglinton LRT.
Note: This article is based on a recent report
t least 20 per cent of new hires
A written in collaboration with The Canadian
from the local area for construction Council for Public-Private Partnerships: P3s and
and permanent jobs. Community Benefits Agreements in Canada
Gordie Howe argeted community benefits on
T (January 2021.)
International both sides of the border.
Bridge F ocus on supporting workforce, training,
and pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship Tim Runge is a partner
opportunities, including for Indigenous with Constructive Edge,
peoples, women, and youth. a corporate advisory and
support firm with offices in
Australia, Belgium, Canada,
UK, USA, and India.
14 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.netFinance
MUNICIPAL PROJECT BUNDLING
An effective way to accelerate infrastructure delivery? By Andy Manahan
D
ue to the COVID-19 pandemic, consolidation of the procurement of two or Pennsylvania’s bridge
municipal finances are tight and more projects with the view of entering into replacement project
even with funding support from a single contract with one vendor.”
The state chose Plenary Walsh Keystone
senior orders of government, it will be IO’s paper went on to say that the “projects Partners to deliver this U.S. $1.12 billion
difficult for local governments to address that may be considered for bundling are project. Substantial completion was achieved
asset management priorities. The property those that are contiguous, of similar scope, in 2019 because the bulk of the bridges had
tax base has always had its limits and is now grouped in a defined geographical area or similar dimensions and precast structures
being stretched by operational demands. in locations separated by a considerable were used to minimize on-site time. At
Gas tax and other programs have played distance.” Translation: one municipality, the outset, Pennsylvania provided permit
an important role in funding community region, or county could be part of an initiative approvals for the first tranche of projects
infrastructure, but these are insufficient to to remediate similar assets or the contract and made process modifications relating to
meet the growing backlog of projects. could cover more than one jurisdiction. the National Environmental Policy Act.
Are there alternate ways to promote state- The U.S. Federal Highway Administration Maximizing local content was an objective
of-good-repair or even replacement of aging notes that bundling can streamline so the state was divided into sub-regions
structures in an expedited fashion and to environmental analysis and permits, design, where construction and design firms had
achieve the multiple policy goals? Canada’s contracting, and construction. To enhance access to the tenders. In total, 18 different
infrastructure and communities minister, successful outcomes, dealing with many Pennsylvania-based contractors were
Catherine McKenna, has advocated for a
projects such as bridges with similar designs involved in completing this project, with
“triple duty” approach where economic
and age profiles will result in greater cost most construction personnel from local
recovery imperatives are bolstered by greater
effectiveness due to standardization. trade unions. Further, there was a boost to
resiliency and social inclusion considerations,
including community benefits.
Source: Applied Research Associates, 2020
Project bundling provides an opportunity to TOTAL RISK
fast-track construction delivery timelines and
to do so at reduced costs. In the U.S., major
bridge bundling programs have resulted in D-B-B/IDIQ CM/GC D-B P3 (DBF/O/M)
hundreds of aging or structurally deficient
bridges being rehabilitated or replaced within
a short period of time compared to traditional
procurement methods. Agency Risk Contractor Risk
In 2017 I was the kickoff speaker at an
infrastructure forum hosted by S&P Global Contractor Risk Agency Risk
Ratings and the Canadian Council of Public-
Private Partnerships (CCPPP) to discuss
how the market potential of bundling could
be unlocked and to explore solutions to fund
smaller assets. Two major bridge bundles Total Risk
were discussed: Missouri’s Safe and Sound
Program where 802 bridges in poor condition
were replaced (554) or rehabilitated (248) PROJECT DELIVERY
by late 2012, well ahead of schedule,
and the in-progress Pennsylvania Rapid Traditional Alternative Project Delivery and Contracting Methods
Bridge Replacement Project to address 558
structurally deficient bridges. This article
Independant
expands on this presentation by examining Agency Agency Agency Agency
Cost Estimator
recent experiences such as the move to
bundle other asset classes.
Designer General Designer Construction Design- Concessionaire
What does “bundling” mean? Contractor Manager Build
A straightforward explanation of project
bundling is “awarding a single contract General Design-
Designer(s) Contractor(s)
Contractor Build
for several preservation, rehabilitation,
or replacement projects.” According to DESIGN-BID-BUILD & IDIQ CM/GC Design-Build P3
a 2011 paper prepared by Infrastructure
Ontario, bundling refers to “the grouping or
16 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.netSponsored Content
Toronto’s review of parking regulations welcomed by RCCAO
RCCAO is pleased that the City of Toronto is reviewing its We favour an approach similar to that taken by the City
parking regulations and considering removing the standard of Edmonton, called open option parking, which removes
requirements for new developments. minimum on-site parking requirements and allows developers,
This is something we have advocated for as times have homeowners and businesses to decide how much on-site parking
changed and demand for parking continues to shift due to provide on their properties based on their particular operations,
to a decrease in vehicle ownership and increases in driving activities or lifestyle.
alternatives like ride-sharing and public transit. RCCAO is also advocating for increasing the use of above-grade
parking, as digging deep into the ground can result in water issues,
Building parking adds to the cost of construction and results
and adverse impact on stormwater capacity as well as creating a
in increased housing prices. A single parking space can add
challenge for sewer infrastructure.
$80,000 to $100,000 to the cost of housing in downtown
Toronto. In addition, there is the ongoing maintenance cost Above-grade parking is less expensive and, at the same time, allows
for the parking space. for the repurposing of parking spaces if they become redundant
in future.
Toronto is looking at removing minimum parking
requirements and instead imposing a maximum number of Building above-grade parking also greatly increases the speed of
required parking spots in new developments, which would construction and thus minimizes the disruptive impact. Anecdotal
reduce the risk of a future oversupply of parking. evidence suggests that, on average, two months of construction can
be saved per parking level, which means that anywhere from six to
The city currently requires a minimum number of parking
12 months could be shaved off a construction schedule.
spaces based on the location and use of new buildings,
which varies in different parts of the city. These parking Recommendations on changes to the zoning bylaw governing
requirements are not consistently applied and oftentimes are parking requirements are expected to be presented to Toronto’s
project specific. Removing minimum parking requirements planning and housing committee in the fourth quarter of this year.
will allow market trends to determine parking necessity. Visit rccao.com to find out more.
e: media@rccao.com
@_RCCAO RCCAO
rccao.comFinance
the regional economy due to supply chain of Transportation is a proponent of project complete, but the first segments were
benefits. Construction materials were bundling but is seeking to improve decision operational in less than two years, and 13
primarily sourced from suppliers and making by moving from spreadsheet-type other states are bundling broadband and
fabricators within the state. analyses to taking advantage of artificial fiber optic projects.
A Design-Build-Finance-Operate- intelligence (AI) and machine learning to Branded as “KentuckyWired,” the program
Maintain contract ensures that quality is inform the bundling program. According to will help pay for its construction in two
high as the lead contractor is responsible Feagans, when AI is blended with expert ways: it will own its middle mile network
for maintenance over a 25-year period review and other inputs to provide insight on rather than paying private companies,
following construction completion. When unstructured data there are numerous benefits. and it will lease half of its fiber strands
infrastructure is built to a high standard Among his takeaways on this approach: to private companies. Productivity in
and properly maintained, it will have a it saves time, it improves project selection, government offices has already dramatically
longer lifespan. The consortium must hand and it results in cost optimization. In fact, he improved in rural areas where connectivity
back the bridges in a high condition rating. said that the significant cost savings—such was problematic.
This was the first P3 project in the U.S. as the 27 per cent savings for the U.S. 50
to utilize a performance bond with an Bridge Rehabilitation Corridor—are being Where do we go from here?
accelerated adjudication period, which redirected to other construction work. The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has
S&P credited in its ratings rationale as Bundling small structures, bridges, and reinvigorated its mandate and its Growth
providing greater certainty to investors. road projects into a corridor contract has Plan focuses on five areas where a positive
In a “Lessons Learned” report, the resulted in coordination and mobilization impact could be made. Could the CIB
transportation department estimated that benefits. While Indiana’s department partner with sub-national jurisdictions and
replacing the structures using conventional was quite eager to be the leader in issuing its agencies to deliver bridge, broadband, or
contract procedures would have taken bundling tenders, Feagans indicated that other infrastructure in an accelerated way?
eight to 12 years. Instead, the construction there was push back from the contractor To generate revenue, will better methods be
program took about three and a half years, community. When too many bundles were found to charge users of infrastructure?
thus reducing impacts to the traveling public released, contractors expressed that they Even though project bundling is not
compared to a traditional delivery program. could not handle the size of the projects. held out as a panacea, it is worth pursuing
on a pilot project basis. To underline the
earlier statement about limited municipal
Project bundling provides an opportunity funding, the risk of deferred maintenance
will be evident across all jurisdictions,
but perhaps more so for small towns and
to fast-track construction delivery timelines in rural areas. This is an ideal time for
senior orders of government to assist the
and to do so at reduced costs. hard-pressed municipal sector. If the CIB
provides funding and program support
for a trial in one or two jurisdictions and
it is successful, the bundling approach
Saskatoon’s new bridge project In this instance, there is a parallel with
could be replicated elsewhere and across
Ontario’s experience in 2013 when large
In 2018, the City of Saskatoon was different asset types.
bundles for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT
honoured with a CCPPP gold award for When I asked Dan D’Angelo, principal
resulted in a lack of bidders.
the North Commuter Parkway & Traffic engineer with ARA what he expects with
Bridge Project which was the first P3 Feagans also warns not to mix interstate President Joe Biden’s administration,
bundled transportation project in Canada. with non-interstate road projects; combining he responded: “I do expect bundling to
This $240 million project contract was union and non-union workforces in a become more popular due to the fiscal
not only innovative but also fostered a bundle can be problematic. He advises to constraints governments face and even
partnership with Indigenous communities. select similar project types— historic bridges more so if there is an infrastructure
A new six-lane, multi-purpose bridge should be treated as standalone projects— economic stimulus program.”
was renamed during the construction and be cognizant about scheduling on a Project bundling will allow us to build
phase and pays tribute to Chief Mistawasis, concurrent or consecutive basis. and rehabilitate municipal infrastructure
the Cree Chief who signed Treaty 6, and faster than we would under traditional
Beyond bridges to broadband
is intended to represent reconciliation procurement models. It has the potential
with Saskatoon First Nations. Indigenous Bundling in the U.S. market has moved to be transformative as we build
workers were also on construction crews. beyond bridges to other asset classes. back better during this economic and
Road extensions connect to a rehabilitated Applied Research Associates (ARA), a social recovery.
traffic bridge where a new steel-truss leader in advancing the bundling model, lists
structure preserves its early 20th-century the following types of projects: roads, traffic
character while adhering to more rigorous signals, fiber optic and broadband networks,
safety standards. travel plazas, alternative fueling stations, Andy Manahan is president
and parking facilities. of Manahan Consulting
Indiana’s infrastructure In Kentucky, a broadband bundling Services, a newly formed
rehabilitation project project was awarded to install a 3,000-mile
boutique firm with a goal
of becoming a trusted
Louis Feagans, managing director of asset (4,828-km) fiber optic network along roads advisor on infrastructure
management for Indiana’s Department throughout the state. The program is nearly and development projects.
18 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.netBuildings
Credit: Diamond Schmitt Architects
LOW CARBON
COUNTDOWN
IS ON
The new Ottawa
Library and Canada
Archives building
project is targeting
net-zero carbon
and LEED Gold
certification.
Canada’s new climate plan needs a consistent approach to net zero buildings.
By Ryan Zizzo
C
anada can make progress towards carbon to manufacture construction loads, water use, and other operational loads.
its climate goals while supporting materials), net-zero, and climate resiliency. It depends on the efficiency of the building
economic growth by moving beyond This new holistic life-cycle focus will systems and the carbon intensity of the
energy efficiency, ensuring new buildings push the industry forward. The federal energy sources used.
are net-zero carbon and made from local, government has the largest real estate Embodied carbon includes the emissions
low-carbon, and carbon-storing materials. footprint in the country and these changes associated with construction material
The federal government knows this and will go a long way toward meeting Canada’s harvesting, manufacture, and transportation,
has crafted thoughtful and transformative climate goals including by setting the bar as well as those required to construct the
requirements for new federal government for “future-proof” climate-smart buildings. building. These embodied emissions that
buildings. Less thoughtful is its plan But we need this comprehensive approach occur pre-occupancy are called “upfront
for other, non-government, buildings. to carbon applied to all buildings if we want embodied carbon.” Additional embodied
To maximize efficiency, public and private to meet the country’s emission targets, carbon is emitted throughout the use of
sectors need a consistent approach. not just those of the federal government. the building associated with materials
The government should be setting similar and processes for maintenance, repair,
Emissions reduction revolution requirements for commercial and large-scale rehabilitation, and further emissions
Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction building retrofits rather than simply focusing associated with building end-of-life including
roadmap, entitled “A Healthy Environment on energy efficiency, as the plan currently demolition, dis-assembly, and final recycling
and a Healthy Economy,” was released does. In other words, the same guidelines or disposal of materials.
in December 2020. The plan notes the that apply to the public sector should apply Operating carbon has been managed, via
Government of Canada will: “ensure new to the private sector. To understand why, we energy efficiency, for decades. Building codes
federal buildings are net-zero and that all need to dig a little deeper. across the country include minimum energy
major building retrofits will be low-carbon, The carbon footprint of a building can be efficiency requirements that are made
reducing embodied carbon in construction split into two major categories: more stringent with each code update. This
projects by 30% starting in 2025, and 1 Emissions associated with operating
means new buildings today are significantly
ensuring 75% of domestic office floor space the building, called “operating carbon.” more energy efficient than the ones built
(new leases and lease renewals) will be in decades ago. In addition, energy systems
net-zero carbon climate resilient buildings
2 Emissions associated with creating are decarbonizing with coal plants being
starting in 2030.” and maintaining the building; called decommissioned and replaced with lower
These requirements are forward-thinking “embodied carbon.” carbon renewable energy. Even natural gas
and best-in-class. They move beyond the Operating carbon includes the emissions has a reducing carbon footprint as utilities
outdated focus on energy efficiency and from ongoing building operations like begin adding renewable natural gas (created
rather target carbon (including embodied heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, plug from biofuels) to their distribution networks.
20 ReNew Canada May/June 2021 renewcanada.netBuildings
Source: Skanska
Carbon Emissions in Building:
‘Upfront’ Embodied Carbon EMBODIED OPERATIONAL
and Operational Carbon CARBON CARBON
Embodied Carbon:
Manufacture, transport and installation
of construction materials
Operational Carbon:
Building energy consumption
Source: Architecture2030
Total Carbon Emissions of Global New Construction from 2020-2050
(Business and Usual Projection)
10 EMBODIED CARBON
2020-2050 50%
75 EMBODIED CARBON 49% 40% 49% 51%
2020-2030
% Carbon Emissions
Trillion kg CO2e
5
74% 30%
20%
25
10%
0
0%
2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 EMBODIED OPERATIONAL
EMBODIED CARBON OPERATIONAL CARBON CARBON CARBON
© 2020 2030, Inc. / Architecture 2030. All Rights Reserved. © 2018 2030, Inc. / Architecture 2030. All Rights Reserved.
Data Sources: UN Environment Global Status Report 2017; EIA International Energy Outlook 2017. Data Sources: UN Environment Global Status Report 2017; EIA International Energy Outlook 2017.
Combined, these changes are significantly efficiency of large-scale buildings could see that and would be optimized, rather than ignored
reducing the emissions associated with apartment reskinned with large amounts of as it currently is on most projects. Once
operating buildings. insulation and metal cladding. These additional measured, designers will start prioritizing
As the amount of operating carbon continues materials should achieve the goal of increasing carbon-efficient or even carbon-storing
to decrease, the other side of the carbon energy efficiency and would also likely reduce materials, and the built environment can
equation—the embodied carbon—becomes the operational carbon if the building uses move from being a net carbon contributor
an increasingly big piece of the carbon pie. carbon-intensive operating energy. to being a net carbon sink. This approach
Recent studies by Architecture2030 have Those additional materials, however, also prioritizes local materials to minimize
shown that globally, embodied carbon is likely have a large embodied carbon transportation-related emissions and
expected to represent nearly 50 per cent of the footprint, which is not considered if we only supports local jobs.
carbon impact from new buildings between target energy efficiency. In this example, In the short term, all building programs
now and 2050. Various other studies have the overlooked embodied carbon emissions (both public and private) should evolve
shown that the embodied carbon associated associated with the renovation might take their focus on energy efficiency to instead
with typical commercial-scale new buildings decades to pay back from the resulting reduce life cycle carbon emissions, including
in jurisdictions with low-carbon electricity, annual operating carbon savings—hardly embodied carbon. This approach ensures we
including Quebec, British Columbia, and a “carbon win” towards our 2030 climate don’t retrofit our buildings with a large pulse
Ontario is equal to roughly a decade-worth reduction targets. Looking at energy of embodied carbon in the short term, only
of operating carbon. That’s a big carbon efficiency or operational carbon savings to achieve long-term carbon savings which
impact to be overlooked and left unregulated. without considering the embodied carbon could blow past our 2030 targets.
Governments and policymakers including is like considering investment returns but The government knows this—as
leaders in Vancouver and California are starting ignoring the up-front costs to buy-in. demonstrated by its thoughtful new
to roll-out requirements aimed at reporting and For a comprehensive approach to future requirements for federal buildings. Now
buildings, two paradigm shifts are required: is the time to apply this knowledge more
management of embodied carbon.
broadly to consistently craft carbon-smart
1
Shift our management metric from
Examining low carbon life-cycle solutions across all building programs,
energy to carbon. including for non-government buildings.
Canada’s green building strategy should aim to
2 Shift our period of assessment from We don’t have any time to waste.
make both new construction and renovations
comprehensively low carbon over their life- annual operating to whole life-cycle
cycle and avoid simply shifting the carbon carbon (including both operating and
burden from operations to embodied. To embodied carbon).
Ryan Zizzo is a professional
illustrate, let’s consider the example of an aging These changes would reframe how engineer and founder of
apartment building with an inefficient leaky buildings are designed and constructed. The Mantle Developments,
based in Toronto, Ontario.
building envelope. A strategy funded under the upfront carbon footprint to construct the
government’s current plan to improve energy building would become part of the discussion
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