Ottawa Construction News staff writer

U.S. President Donald Trump has paused plans to impose a 50% tariff on hundreds of Canadian goods including cement, drywall, hardwood products and other construction materials, less than two hours before the new duties were set to take effect.

Trump said late Tuesday that he was delaying the tariffs for three days as Canada and the United States work toward a potential agreement.

“I have paused the 50% Tariffs against Canada, that were scheduled to kick in tomorrow morning for a three day period, based on the fact that Canada and the U.S.A., subject to the finalization of documents, have a DEAL!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Prime Minister Mark Carney stopped short of announcing a deal in his statement late Tuesday.

“Substantial progress has been made, although there is important work still to be done,” Carney wrote. “As this work is ongoing, the United States has agreed to postpone the implementation of its 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 until end of day, August 21.

“While we continue this work, Canada remains focused on building a stronger, more independent and more competitive economy at home.”

Trump also referred to the Keystone XL pipeline, saying it “may be awoken from the grave,” but did not provide details about what role the pipeline could play in a potential agreement.

The pause comes after several days of negotiations between the two countries. Carney and Trump spoke Monday and Tuesday as officials worked to resolve the trade dispute.

Carney described the negotiations as “very delicate and intense.”

In a statement Tuesday night, Carney confirmed the tariffs had been postponed until the end of the day Aug. 21.

“Substantial progress has been made, although there is important work still to be done,” Carney said.

Trump has accused Canada of making it more difficult for U.S. companies to export dairy products, cars and alcohol to the Canadian market. Canada was also the only country besides China to retaliate against Trump’s earlier tariffs, although Carney’s government later removed most of those measures.

The proposed tariffs would have affected hundreds of Canadian products and could have had a significant impact on industries on both sides of the border, particularly construction materials and other goods incorporated into U.S. supply chains.

Unlike some of the other tariffs imposed by Trump under different authorities, the duties proposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 do not appear to have a specific expiration date. If imposed, they could remain in place indefinitely unless Trump or a future president removed them.

Carney has previously called the tariffs a “direct violation” of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned Tuesday that higher tariffs would hurt both countries by increasing costs for consumers, disrupting supply chains and putting jobs at risk.

The chamber said about 13 million U.S. jobs depend on trade under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The three-day pause gives Canadian and U.S. negotiators until Aug. 21 to finalize an agreement and determine whether the threatened tariffs will be withdrawn, modified or imposed.

The post President Trump pauses 50% Canadian tariffs for three days, says deal has been reached appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The federal government is moving forward with a major redevelopment of the former Federal Study Centre at 1495 Heron Rd., with plans to construct roughly 1,100 residential units using factory-built and modern construction methods.

The 7.3-hectare (18-acre) property, also known as the Campanile Campus, is serving as one of the lead “Direct Build” initiatives under Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency launched in September 2025 to accelerate housing delivery.

While a builder has not yet been selected, the procurement process is advancing. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a design-build contractor closed on Jan. 12, 2026, pushing the site toward active development phases.

The Heron Road site is part of a larger collaborative effort between Build Canada Homes and the City of Ottawa that also includes development at Phase 7 of Wateridge Village. Together, these initial sites are targeted to deliver approximately 2,000 mixed-income and affordable units to the region.

According to an Altus Group cost analysis presented to Ottawa city councillors in April 2026, the estimated construction cost to develop the combined 2,000 housing units across both sites sits between $1 billion and $1.2 billion. A standalone cost specific to the Heron Road parcel has not been publicly separated from the broader package.

To facilitate the initiative, the City of Ottawa is waiving an estimated $200 million to $250 million in development charges, building permit fees, and property taxes for the affordable units over a 75-year period.

“Eliminating development charges, as proposed, will result in a $50-million shortfall at the city. That’s money that’s intended to build infrastructure that we need to support growth,” said Coun. Jeff Leiper, chair of the planning committee, during discussions on the fee waivers.

Despite concerns over foregone municipal revenue, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe has maintained that the city is “not putting any cash” directly into the agreement. The project relies on surplus federal land and low-cost financing from the new federal agency.

At 1495 Heron Rd., the master plan submitted by the Canada Lands Company (CLC) calls for a mixed-use neighbourhood featuring new construction ranging from three to nine storeys. Originally built in the 1960s as a Catholic educational campus and acquired by the federal government in 1973, the site has largely sat vacant since 2014.

In addition to rapid modular construction, the project aims to balance density with historical preservation. ERA Architects, retained as the heritage consultant, prepared Conservation Design Guidelines for the property. According to the firm’s redevelopment strategy, the proposal involves retaining and adapting the historic Campanile Campus at the heart of the site, blending conservation and renewal alongside the new builds.

Under the Direct Build approach, Build Canada Homes requires developers to utilize cost-effective building techniques while adhering to “Buy Canadian” procurement provisions. The successful contractor identified from the RFQ process will work closely with CLC to finalize site plans and ensure compliance with both technical and heritage requirements.

The city is completing public consultations and heritage reviews on the site.

“In the case of 1495 Heron Road, Build Canada Homes and CLC have already undertaken a multi-phased communications and engagement approach to support the proposed redevelopment,” Marcia Wallace General Manager Planning, Development and Building Services Department, wrote in a memo to city councillors on Aug. 13.

“ CLC filed several Planning Act applications on the land prior to the creation of Build Canada Homes. Activities as part of those applications have included project communications materials, interest holder outreach, newsletters, and digital communications to build awareness of the project and keep the public informed as planning progresses. While the process has changed, the engagement with the community has continued and much of the project intentions for the site have remained. A dedicated Ottawa Engage Page is being created that will provide information on work completed and provide updates on the Heritage and Planning process as the project advances.

She reported on a final public information session scheduled for Aug. 25.“As this site conforms to much of the current planning requirements, a municipally-initiated minor rezoning and site plan (both staff delegated decisions) will be required. The proposed development on this site does require heritage approvals, a report is expected to come before the Built Heritage Committee on Sept. 15, 2026.”

The post Federal government advances factory-built housing project at former Heron Road study centre appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa’s mayoral candidates will take part in a debate focused on housing, development and the city’s future growth as the 2026 municipal election approaches.

The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and the Ottawa Real Estate Board are co-hosting the moderated debate Sept. 24 at the Saint Elias Banquet Centre.

Registered candidates Alexander Lawson, Jeff Leiper, Neil Saravanamuttoo and incumbent Mayor Mark Sutcliffe are scheduled to participate.

The event will give candidates an opportunity to outline their positions on issues affecting Ottawa’s housing supply and development landscape, while providing industry leaders and community stakeholders with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.

The debate is scheduled for 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and will be conducted in a structured format focused on key municipal issues and Ottawa’s continued growth.

Organizers said the event is already 80 per cent sold out.

Tickets are refundable up to seven days before the event. After that deadline, tickets can only be transferred. Click here to register.

GOHBA members who do not have a GOHBA account and want to register online can contact Christina Pliatsika at ch*******@***ba.ca for login access.

The post Ottawa mayoral candidates to debate housing, development and growth appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ontario Construction News

Pomerleau Inc. has been awarded a $121.6-million contract to construct a new Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) facility in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The construction award follows an approximately $8.8-million design contract awarded to Moriyama & Teshima Architects on Nov. 30, 2023.

The new Crown-owned facility will be built at 80 Kelsey Drive with modern, accessible and purpose-built space for CRA employees and operations in the region. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with completion targeted for 2029.

The project will replace the existing CRA Data Tax Centre at 290 Empire Avenue, a facility constructed in 1980 that the federal government says has reached the end of its expected life. The existing property will ultimately be disposed of through standard federal processes.

CRA operations, including the agency’s National Verification and Collections Centre and Tax Services Office will be located on site. Previous federal project information showed the facility will need to accommodate a workforce that can reach approximately 3,000 employees during peak tax-filing periods.

The project is also being designed around the federal government’s environmental objectives. It aligns with the Greening Government Strategy and is targeting low-carbon and climate-resilient building performance.

Construction procurement was carried out through a pre-qualification process. Public Services and Procurement Canada issued a request for proposals to five pre-qualified suppliers selected through an earlier Invitation to Qualify process.

The contract also incorporates the federal government’s new policies prioritizing Canadian suppliers, Canadian value-added content and Canadian materials in strategic federal procurement. The policies came into effect Dec. 16, 2025.

“With this investment in St. John’s, we are making a clear choice: investing in our public services, supporting local jobs, and putting Canadian businesses to work,” said Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement. “By modernizing Canada Revenue Agency facilities and prioritizing Canadian suppliers and materials, we are building a stronger economy while delivering better services for Canadians.”

The Kelsey Drive site was selected through an open process in April 2022, with the federal government completing its purchase of the property in October 2023.

With Pomerleau now under contract, construction is expected to proceed this summer, launching a three-year build that will deliver a new federal workplace while replacing an aging CRA facility in the city.

The post Pomerleau awarded $121.6 million contract for new CRA facility in St. John’s appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The federal government has tapped PCL Construction Canada Inc. to lead the development of a massive new scientific research campus in the nation’s capital.

The $768.6-million construction services contract was announced on Monday (Aug. 10) by Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty, acting on behalf of Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.

The contract will fund the creation of the Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project, at the existing Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) laboratory site at 3851 Fallowfield Rd..

“Through Laboratories Canada, we are making one of the largest investments in federal science infrastructure in a generation,” Lightbound said in a statement. “RSS Main will equip Canada’s scientists and researchers with the modern tools they need to tackle emerging challenges, strengthen Canada’s resilience, support economic growth, and help keep Canadians safe for years to come.”

The newly awarded contract represents a significant portion of the project’s planned $1-billion initial phase, which itself accounts for roughly 50 per cent of the total planned scope for the RSS Main campus.

Designed as a collaborative federal research hub, the modernized campus will feature six facilities hosting approximately 275 employees across 25 science programs. The site will bring together experts from four major government departments: the CFIA, the Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s most important scientific and research institutions, and this investment reinforces our city’s role as a leader in innovation, public service, and national resilience,” said McGuinty.

The government noted the project is advancing under a “Buy Canadian” procurement strategy to leverage domestic expertise.

“Through a Buy Canadian procurement approach, we are prioritizing Canadian steel, wood products, aluminum, goods, and services wherever possible and leveraging Canadian expertise to deliver economic benefits across the country,” said Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The federal government is also working closely with the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation and other Indigenous partners to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the campus planning and design. Project contracts include specific Indigenous Participation Plans designed to create meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.

The development is part of the broader $3.8-billion Laboratories Canada initiative. According to the government, the RSS Main project is also positioned to fulfill international commitments, contributing approximately $900 million toward Canada’s NATO-related security and resilience spending over the next decade through construction, operations, and personnel costs.

The facilities are targeting high standards for sustainability and accessibility, including LEED and Fitwel certifications.

Site Preparation

2024

Initial clearing and site preparation work began at the CFIA laboratory campus.

Contract Awarded

August 10, 2026

Federal government announces the $768.6-million construction services contract to PCL Construction Canada Inc.

Target Completion

2031

The RSS Main project is slated to open, bringing together researchers from four federal agencies.

The post Federal government awards $768.6-million contract to PCL Construction for new Ottawa science hub appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Construction is underway on an expansion of the Perth Wastewater Lagoon that will increase wastewater treatment capacity and help accommodate future residential growth in the community.

The Town of Perth officially broke ground on the project in June, marking a major milestone in its long-term infrastructure planning. Louis W. Bray Construction Ltd. is carrying out the lagoon expansion.

The contractor marked the groundbreaking as an important milestone for both the company and the Town, saying the project will increase wastewater treatment capacity to serve the equivalent of 10,500 people.

“This summer, we were proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Perth Wastewater Lagoon Expansion Project, an important project for Bray and a major milestone for the Town of Perth,” the company said. “We look forward to continuing our work here into the fall as we help bring this project to life.”

The expansion is supported by nearly $3 million from the Ontario government through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund (MHIP-HEWSF).

Once complete, the additional capacity will increase the lagoon’s overall servicing capacity to the equivalent of 10,500 people. The province says the infrastructure investment will help unlock construction of nearly 2,500 homes in Perth.

“Through our government’s $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are protecting Ontario by investing in local infrastructure that drives economic growth, enables more homes and strengthens communities,” Ontario Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy said when the project was announced.

“For families and residents in Perth, this project will help unlock the construction of nearly 2,500 homes, helping support long-term growth and new jobs across the region.”

The project is being funded through the MHIP-HEWSF, which supports municipalities in building and improving critical water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needed to enable housing development across Ontario.

“Reliable infrastructure is the foundation of a growing community,” said Perth Mayor Judy Brown. “This project will help ensure Perth is ready for future growth while continuing to provide the high-quality services residents and businesses depend on every day. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for its support in helping make this important investment possible.”

Construction is expected to continue through fall 2027.

The lagoon expansion is one of the infrastructure projects being undertaken to increase Perth’s servicing capacity and support the community’s long-term housing and population growth.

The post Perth wastewater lagoon expansion gets underway to support future housing appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The federal government has tapped PCL Construction Canada Inc. to lead the development of a massive new scientific research campus in the nation’s capital.

The $768.6-million construction services contract was announced on Monday (Aug. 10) by Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty, acting on behalf of Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.

The contract will fund the creation of the Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project, at the existing Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) laboratory site at 3851 Fallowfield Rd..

“Through Laboratories Canada, we are making one of the largest investments in federal science infrastructure in a generation,” Lightbound said in a statement. “RSS Main will equip Canada’s scientists and researchers with the modern tools they need to tackle emerging challenges, strengthen Canada’s resilience, support economic growth, and help keep Canadians safe for years to come.”

The newly awarded contract represents a significant portion of the project’s planned $1-billion initial phase, which itself accounts for roughly 50 per cent of the total planned scope for the RSS Main campus.

Designed as a collaborative federal research hub, the modernized campus will feature six facilities hosting approximately 275 employees across 25 science programs. The site will bring together experts from four major government departments: the CFIA, the Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

“Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s most important scientific and research institutions, and this investment reinforces our city’s role as a leader in innovation, public service, and national resilience,” said McGuinty.

The government noted the project is advancing under a “Buy Canadian” procurement strategy to leverage domestic expertise.

“Through a Buy Canadian procurement approach, we are prioritizing Canadian steel, wood products, aluminum, goods, and services wherever possible and leveraging Canadian expertise to deliver economic benefits across the country,” said Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The federal government is also working closely with the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation and other Indigenous partners to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the campus planning and design. Project contracts include specific Indigenous Participation Plans designed to create meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.

The development is part of the broader $3.8-billion Laboratories Canada initiative. According to the government, the RSS Main project is also positioned to fulfill international commitments, contributing approximately $900 million toward Canada’s NATO-related security and resilience spending over the next decade through construction, operations, and personnel costs.

The facilities are targeting high standards for sustainability and accessibility, including LEED and Fitwel certifications.

Site Preparation

2024

Initial clearing and site preparation work began at the CFIA laboratory campus.

Contract Awarded

August 10, 2026

Federal government announces the $768.6-million construction services contract to PCL Construction Canada Inc.

Target Completion

2031

The RSS Main project is slated to open, bringing together researchers from four federal agencies.

The post Federal government awards $768.6-million contract to PCL Construction for new Ottawa science hub appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The National Capital Commission and Hydro Ottawa Group have signed a 99-year agreement to develop and operate a low-carbon district energy system at LeBreton Flats.

The system will provide heating and cooling to future buildings in the developing Ottawa community, replacing individual building energy systems with a centralized network.

The agreement gives Hydro Ottawa the exclusive right to construct and operate the district energy system throughout the area covered by the NCC’s LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan.

The system will be delivered through the federal government’s Energy Services Acquisition Program and is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving the reliability and resilience of energy services.

“Through this new partnership with Hydro Ottawa Group, our government is ensuring that the rapidly growing LeBreton Flats area of Ottawa will emerge as one of Canada’s most low-carbon urban developments for decades to come,” said Joël Lightbound, minister of government transformation, public works and procurement and Quebec lieutenant.

The district energy system is a key component of the NCC’s sustainability plans for LeBreton Flats, which is expected to eventually accommodate about 11,000 new residents.

The infrastructure is designed to expand as the community develops and will include future private developments, including a planned major events centre for the Ottawa Senators.

The system will draw the vast majority of its energy from clean sources through ESAP, according to the partners.

The centralized approach is also intended to provide long-term value for customers, maintain competitive energy costs and establish consistent energy standards across the neighbourhood.

“LeBreton Flats represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking community in the heart of Canada’s Capital Region,” said Tobi Nussbaum, chief executive officer of the NCC.

Hydro Ottawa said the agreement aligns with its 2026-30 strategic direction, which identifies district energy as a key business line to support local decarbonization and the company’s commitment to net-zero operations.

The partnership is part of the broader redevelopment of LeBreton Flats, a major urban development area west of downtown Ottawa.

The post NCC, Hydro Ottawa sign 99-year district energy deal for LeBreton Flats appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

A major multi-tower residential project featuring four high-rise buildings and a municipal park has been proposed for the site of the former Scouts Canada national headquarters in Ottawa’s west end.

As well, the City of Ottawa has received a planning review application for a seven-building development to replace the currently operating Meyers auto dealership at 1200 Baseline Rd.

According to planning documentation filed with the City of Ottawa (File No. D02-02-22-0062), developer Bertone and property owner Scouts Canada have submitted an application for a Zoning By-law amendment to redevelop the 3.3-acre parcel at 1345 Baseline Rd., near Clyde Avenue.

The revised submission expands upon an initial application filed with municipal authorities in August 2022, which originally proposed three towers ranging between 26 and 30 storeys containing 952 residential units.

As outlined in the updated planning filings, the revised proposal calls for four residential towers situated at the four corners of the property, rising 40, 34, 34, and 28 storeys on top of four- to six-storey podiums. In total, the project would add 1,251 residential units to the location, structured as 231 one-bedroom, 457 one-bedroom-plus-den, and 483 two-bedroom apartments.

A planning rationale report prepared for Bertone by Fotenn Planning + Design indicates that construction would occur in phases. The initial phase would construct the 40-storey tower containing 370 units, followed by the 28-storey tower and one of the 34-storey towers.

According to Fotenn’s report, the second 34-storey tower (“Tower B”) will be held in reserve until municipal servicing infrastructure in the area is equipped to support the full site capacity.

As detailed in the application filings, the project plans also include:

• Ground-level commercial space: At-grade commercial and retail spaces built into the podiums to provide street-level activation and resident services.
• Underground parking: Two subterranean parking facilities designed to accommodate 952 vehicle spaces.
• Public green space: A 1,109-sq. m. municipal park dedicated fronting onto Baseline Road.
• Transit orientation: Design integration to align with the City of Ottawa’s proposed Baseline Road Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

According to municipal records, the property is currently occupied by a two-storey, 41,200-sq. ft. office building constructed in 1959. According to statements released by Scouts Canada, the organization no longer conducts operations at the location, following an organizational asset strategy initiated in 2022 to liquidate real estate holdings and reallocate capital toward youth programming.

Scouts Canada archives show the site features a prominent 1961 totem pole near the Baseline Road entrance. The totem pole was presented as an opening gift by the Government of British Columbia and was crafted by Kwakiutl Chief Mungo Martin and his grandson, Henry Hunt.

The application at 1345 Baseline Rd. arrives alongside another major high-density redevelopment proposal on the same corridor. According to municipal planning applications submitted on behalf of Zena Investment Corporation (File No. D02-02-26-0056), an Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendment has been requested for 1200 Baseline Rd. at Merivale Road—a site where the Myers Automotive Group currently operates an active Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership.

According to Zena Investment Corporation’s planning submission, the proposed 1200 Baseline Rd. master plan contemplates a two-phase redevelopment that would allow the car dealership to continue operating during Phase 1 while constructing two initial towers of 25 and 30 storeys. Phase 2 would eventually remove the dealership facility to construct five additional buildings (towers of 14, 25, and 35 storeys alongside two six-storey mid-rise structures) and a public park along Eleanor Drive.

The zoning application for the Scouts Canada headquarters site at 1345 Baseline Rd. remains under review by City of Ottawa planning staff and will require approval from the Planning and Housing Committee and City Council before site preparation or construction can begin.

The post 11 towers planned  for Ottawa’s Baseline Road in two projects, including former Scouts Canada headquarters site appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The City of Ottawa has temporarily closed Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe and cancelled all scheduled bookings through the end of the year following water infiltration during the July 1 storms.

In a memo delivered to the mayor and city council on July 30, Dan Chenier, general manager of Ottawa’s recreation, cultural and facility services department, reported that water entering the facility caused considerable damage across multiple specialized spaces. Affected areas and assets include the main theatre stage, orchestra pit, front rows of seating, studio theatre, lower studio, lobby, flooring, and a grand piano.

A final price tag for the restoration work has not yet been established.

“Due to the specialized nature of the theatre spaces and equipment, damage assessment is taking some time to complete and is ongoing,” Chenier stated in the memo. “A timeline for development of a restoration plan, and its completion has not yet been determined.”

City staff are actively contacting clients to cancel all performances, events, and venue rentals scheduled through to the end of the year. Full refunds are being issued to ticket holders and rental clients. Staff are also offering assistance to help displaced clients relocate events to alternative municipal venues, such as the Shenkman Arts Centre.

The status of performances and facility bookings scheduled beyond December will be reassessed this fall as restoration planning advances.

“We recognize that this temporary closure is disappointing for patrons, staff, artists, and supporters,” Chenier said. “Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe is an important cultural facility that contributes to the City of Ottawa’s arts sector, and staff are working to restore operations as quickly as possible.”

The post Severe storm damage forces temporary closure of Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.