INDUSTRY>NEWS

Net-zero carbon capture and storage facility coming to Canada

The cement industry’s first global full-scale Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) facility will be developed at Heidelberg Materials’ Edmonton location. The new facility, which Heidelberg Materials anticipates being operational by late 2026, will capture more than 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually from its Edmonton cement production facility and the combined heat and power facility that is integrated with the capture process.

“Our Edmonton CCUS project as the world’s first carbon neutral cement plant is another milestone in Heidelberg Materials’ ambitious drive to lead the industry to net zero, and we are excited to begin realizing this as soon as possible,” shared Chris Ward, president and CEO of Heidelberg Materials North America. “We are very fortunate to partner with the government of Canada in this endeavor and we look forward to continued collaboration as we move forward with this exciting project.”

A project feasibility study was completed in 2021. Last year, Heidelberg Materials committed $25 million in Q3 to support the front-end engineering and design processes critical to the project’s success.

“There is a growing urgency for rapid decarbonization in high-emitting sectors, including the cement and concrete industry, and by working hand in hand with the industry, we can support the adoption of innovative technologies that will contribute to lower emissions and increased competitiveness,” stated François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and

Toronto continues to lead crane count

Industry. “Carbon capture is an important tool in our fight against climate change, and Canada is proud to be partnering with Heidelberg Materials in the development of this innovative clean technology.”

“This pioneering initiative places the City of Edmonton at the epicenter of the cement industry’s decarbonization efforts,” said Oliver Patsch, president of the Northwest Region for Heidelberg Materials North America. “We welcome the support from the government of Canada and look forward to the next steps in this industry leading CCUS project.”

Despite continued workforce challenges and economic uncertainties, new construction projects continue to break ground, as was indicated in the most recent Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) North American crane index. As has been the trend for several years, Toronto continued to lead the look at 14 key markets in Canada and the U.S. That city’s skyline grew higher with a net of eight additional cranes in the Q1 2023 edition of the index.

In the six months leading up to the Q1 report, 31 projects were closed out in Toronto, but 37 new projects stepped in to push the count of cranes north. Residential projects saw an increase of 13 cranes, while commercial projects dropped six.

Overall in the North American index, there was a nominal increase of seven per cent (34 cranes), from the Q3 2022 count. Of the 14 cities surveyed, eight experienced an increase, two decreased, and four held steady. In Calgary, the other Canadian city in the index, the count was down one crane from the previous edition of the report.

RLB anticipates the number of cranes to remain high this year, saying that despite uncertain market conditions, construction projects will continue to break ground.

Unveiling the future of Ontario Place

The Ontario government is aiming to make a revamped Ontario Place into a year-round family destination. Details of the plan, which includes expanded parkland, beaches and waterfront access, an upgraded concert venue, the Ontario Science Centre, and a family-friendly wellbeing destination, were recently unveiled at the park.

“We’re bringing more to Ontario Place with more beaches, more greenspace, more trails and more fun with the Ontario Science Centre, a year-round Live Nation concert venue and expanded food and beverage offerings so families can enjoy a meal together,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together with our partners, we’re building a world class, year-round destination that’s fun for families, students and tourists to enjoy for generations to come.”

The Ontario Science Centre will find its new home in a custom-built, state-of-the-art facility that will include the iconic Cinesphere and Pod complex.

The province is also finalizing an agreement with Live Nation that will create a new, year-round concert venue attraction. The brand-new amphitheatre will increase capacity to 20,000 fans in an all-season venue that will still include the famous grassy amphitheatre.

“We are continuing to make progress on our vision to create a cultural and recreational landmark that will, once again, be fun for everyone,” said Kinga Surma, the province’s minister of infrastructure.

On display at the press event were a series of recommended design concepts for the future public spaces, including on the East Island and the expanded shoreline of the West Island.

The concepts include Indigenous culture and place-keeping features and illustrate how the site will be revitalized and enhanced with new public trails, parkland, beaches and swimming areas with better access to the waterfront.

Plans call for an underground public parking facility with electric bus and vehicle chargers. Other transit and transportation options will include new pedestrian and cycle paths, as well as new connections between Ontario Place and the Exhibition grounds, directly to the Ontario Line subway.

To prepare for redevelopment, site servicing work will begin this spring to upgrade and modernize Ontario Place’s existing infrastructure, such as water, electrical and gas services.

EllisDon announces Hawe as incoming CEO

Geoff Smith is stepping down as president and CEO of EllisDon this month. The company’s board of directors, board chair Gerald Slemko and Smith have appointed Kieran Hawe, EllisDon’s chief operating officer, construction, to succeed Smith as CEO.

Smith will continue to serve on the board as executive chair and will retain responsibility for the company’s digital and data strategy and execution, as well as for EllisDon’s Windjammer Landing Resort in Saint Lucia. Gerald Slemko, current chair, will assume the new role of deputy chair.

“Since Kieran joined the company, and more so in his current role, he has exhibited an ideal combination of humility, determination, and leadership both through example and direction, all of which have combined to position EllisDon as a leading construction services company across the globe,” said Smith. “As importantly, he thoroughly personifies EllisDon’s values and purpose, making him a natural fit to lead the next generation of EllisDon employees. I am both proud and excited for Kieran to assume the role of CEO.”

“The critical and difficult undertaking of selecting a successor was made significantly easier as a result of Geoff’s leadership, mentorship and development of a company full of highly skilled and capable people,” added Slemko. “Kieran is perfectly suited to take over and successfully lead the company as its next CEO.”

American Global expands into Canada

American Global, one of the largest privately held construction brokers in the United States, has announced its expansion into Canada. The Canadian operations will be led from the Greater Toronto area under the direction of Kent Peters, the newly appointed president of American Global of Canada, ULC.

Peters has more than 34 years of experience in the surety, performance security and credit products space for contractors in Canada, including more than a dozen years as a construction surety and risk management executive, serving as national director for a global broker providing products for the P3 space.

“With offices already established in Europe, the expansion across our own border, into Canada, was a natural progression that will enable American Global to provide clients with additional international capabilities and resources,” stated American Global CEO Michael Marino.