Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Local homebuilder Glenview Homes is taking its “Start with More” philosophy south of the border with a planned expansion into the Texas market.

The Ottawa-based company announced on April 20 that it will begin its U.S. expansion in the Greater Houston area. To lead the market entry, Glenview has hired Blake Roberts, a veteran Texas homebuilding executive.

Roberts will work with Glenview Homes during its initial U.S. formation phase before transitioning to a full-time leadership role as president of the company’s Texas operations.

“At Glenview Homes, we’ve always focused on thoughtful design, quality construction, and putting people first,” Jake Shabinsky, managing director of Glenview Homes, said in a statement. “Texas represents an exciting opportunity, and we’re approaching it with the same values that have guided our success to date.”

Shabinsky praised Roberts’ multi-decade track record in both private and public homebuilding organizations, noting his “principled value system” complements the local builder well.

“I am excited and honoured to join the Glenview family of companies,” Roberts said. “The team’s extensive combined experience and shared vision regarding business strategy and company culture create a strong foundation for success.”

Glenview Homes was launched in 2012. Its parent company has been an established commercial and residential real estate builder and manager in Ottawa since 1966.

The post Ottawa’s Glenview Homes sets sights on U.S. expansion, starting in Texas appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

The April 2026 issue of Ottawa Construction News has been published.

You can view it in page turning software here.

Stories in the current issue include:

• • • Contract stalemate stalls $94-million Larga Baffin expansion in south Ottawa;
    • OCH awards $7.8 million for supportive Sandy Hill housing redevelopment;
    • Ottawa new home sales remain show modest gains in February despite sluggish start to the year;
    • Ottawa committees endorse refreshed 10-year housing plan with shift toward income-based affordability;
    • Dan Leduc to lead Ottawa Construction Association in 2026 as group posts record membership, healthy finances;
    • Ottawa leaders rally behind ‘Yes to Housing at 35th Merkley Supply Show
    • Orleans 1,500-unit development proposal tests Ottawa’s new no-minimum parking rules; and
    • Ottawa housing market requires diverse supply to meet projected 1.7 million population, GOHBA executive says.

  Ottawa Construction News (April, 2026)

  By Mark Buckshon in ontario publications

  24 pages, published 4/7/2026

  News and information for Ottawa’s architectural, engineering and construction community

The post April issue published: Ottawa Construction News appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) is looking to expand its eastern Ontario operations, launching a recruitment drive for a new provincial representative based in its Ottawa member centre.

The position, based out of the union’s office at 38 Antares Dr. in Nepean, will see the successful candidate take on a multifaceted role as a lead advocate for employees in CLAC-unionized workplaces across the region.

According to the job posting, the provincial representative will be responsible for the full spectrum of labour relations, including collective bargaining, grievance handling, and the training of workplace stewards.

Unlike traditional trade unions, CLAC operates on a “wall-to-wall” multi-sector model, meaning the new representative will likely oversee diverse bargaining units ranging from construction and maintenance to healthcare and service sectors.

The role carries significant legal and administrative weight. Key duties include enforcing employment rights, navigating the Labour Relations Board (LRB) application process, and conducting all facets of collective agreement negotiations—from collecting member proposals to presenting final contracts for ratification.

CLAC, which remains independent of the Canadian Labour Congress, emphasizes a “partnership model” of labour relations. The organization notes that the provincial representative is expected to resolve workplace issues with a view toward reducing conflict and promoting stability on the job site.

The union is seeking candidates with a firm grasp of labour and employment law, as well as an “intimate familiarity” with provincial labour legislation and arbitral jurisprudence.

The hiring process for the Ottawa post reflects the union’s rigorous standard for field staff; new hires typically undergo a year-long probationary period featuring regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure they can handle what the union describes as the “rough and tumble” of labour relations.

In addition to member advocacy, the representative will also be tasked with “solidarity work,” aimed at expanding CLAC’s presence in the Ottawa area through local initiatives and the organizing of new groups of workers.

Qualified applicants are expected to have strong public speaking skills and the ability to address media inquiries regarding union policy.

Interested parties can find more information or apply through the union’s career portal at clac.ca.

The post CLAC seeking new provincial representative for Ottawa member centre appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

BROCKVILLE – GerrAudio Distribution has been appointed as the exclusive Canadian distributor for CEDAR Audio, a global leader in digital dialogue noise suppression and audio restoration.

The partnership, announced March 25, brings CEDAR’s full portfolio of Emmy and Academy Award winning technologies to the Canadian market, supporting sectors ranging from broadcast and live sound to forensic analysis and security.

Based in Cambridge, U.K., CEDAR Audio is credited with inventing digital dialogue noise suppression and spectral editing. Its solutions are used worldwide to enhance audio clarity and remove noise in high-stakes environments, including film studios, newsrooms, and live concert venues.

“We are pleased to welcome GerrAudio as our distributor for Canada,” said Andy Trott, CEO of CEDAR Audio, in a statement. “GerrAudio has a strong national presence and a longstanding commitment to serving the Canadian professional audio industry. The company has built deep relationships within the live and broadcast markets, and the team clearly shares our ambitions for growth and continued expansion in North America.”

For Brockville-based GerrAudio, the addition of CEDAR Audio strengthens a portfolio that already serves specialized vertical markets, including test and measurement and mission-critical communications.

“CEDAR Audio is recognized worldwide as an innovator and leader in this specialized segment of the audio industry, and their hardware and software products fit naturally into our portfolio as another valuable tool in the professional audio signal chain,” said Bob Snelgrove, president of GerrAudio Distribution.

Snelgrove noted that CEDAR’s capabilities in speech enhancement and noise suppression align with the distributor’s work in broadcast and post-production, while also complementing its support of government and industrial applications.

“CEDAR’s capabilities also complement our efforts in vertical markets where we support test and measurement, communications, and mission-critical audio systems for government, forensic and commercial/industrial applications,” Snelgrove added.

GerrAudio will provide sales, technical support, and market development for CEDAR solutions across Canada, coordinating with dealers, system integrators, and broadcasters.

GerrAudio Distribution is a leading Canadian distributor of professional audio, communications, and test and measurement solutions.

The post GerrAudio Distribution named exclusive Canadian distributor for CEDAR Audio appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

The March 2026 issue of Ottawa Construction News has been published.

You can view it in page turning software here.

Stories in the current issue include:

• • • Minto proposes 19-storey tower on Isabella Street, intends to transform ‘hostile’ pedestrian realm;
    • Boone opens new location in Vars;
    • Ottawa new home sales remain under pressure to start 2026;
    • Ottawa housing market faces “precarity mindset” and rental supply surge as industry looks to 2026 recovery;
    • 30-storey mixed-use tower proposed for St. Laurent Boulevard corridor;
    • Tomlinson wins ORBA Green Leadership and Sustainability Award for third time;
    • Smiths Falls reaches settlement with developer over Bellamy Farm development charges dispute; and
    • Kingston to purchase Lemoine Point Farm, securing 80 acres of waterfront.

The post March issue published: Ottawa Construction News appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCH) has awarded Beaudoin Construction the contract to redevelop 214 Somerset St. E., a project that will bring 23 purpose-built supportive studio homes to the Sandy Hill neighbourhood.

Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026. The construction contract was awarded through a competitive procurement process, with a value of $7,770,000. The award notice is publicly available on MERX.

City of Ottawa financial records indicate the redevelopment is supported by a $645,000 capital allocation from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). While this specific grant is a key component of the project’s funding, it represents only a portion of the total investment required for the “multi-million-dollar” sustainable build.

The new four-storey building will replace a structure dating back to 1902. Designed by CSV Architects to Passive House standards, the facility will prioritize high-performance energy efficiency, featuring advanced ventilation systems and rooftop solar panels.

“This redevelopment marks an important milestone in expanding diverse affordable housing options in Ottawa,” Stéphane Giguère, chief executive officer of OCH, said in a statement. “By combining the expertise of partners providing on-site supports with investments from all orders of government, this initiative demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration to meet the city’s evolving housing needs.”

The building will include five fully accessible units and 18 standard studio apartments. Beyond residential space, the design incorporates dedicated office space for service providers and multipurpose communal areas for workshops and programming aimed at fostering resident independence and recovery.

Denis Stocker, vice-president of business development for Beaudoin Construction, said the firm is committed to delivering a durable, thoughtfully designed space that will serve the community for years to come.

OCH is the city’s primary social housing provider, managing approximately 15,500 homes for 33,000 tenants. The Somerset Street East project is part of a broader development strategy that currently has nearly 1,000 new units in various stages of construction and planning across the capital.

The post OCH awards $7.77 million contract for supportive Sandy Hill housing redevelopment appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News Staff Writer

City BuildHERS is preparing to host its latest industry event, “The Ripple Effect,” an evening designed to highlight the influence of women in shaping the built environment.

The event will take place on April 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Huguette Labelle Hall, located within the University of Ottawa’s Tabaret building.

Organizers say the gathering is built on connection and designed for change, offering participants a chance to explore how women’s voices are fundamentally impacting design, engineering, and construction.

“This will be one of the most beautiful and inspiring events that I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating on,” said Lauren Epp, who is managing event co-ordination for the program.

The initiative follows previous City BuildHERS efforts to foster professional development and relationship-building within the local industry, such as past programs focused on enhancing golf skills to facilitate business networking.

“The Ripple Effect” is being held in collaboration with the University of Ottawa and is supported by several industry leaders and organizations, including the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA). Key organizers and collaborators associated with the event include Jennifer Cross, Kristen Buter, and Trista Lynch-Black.

According to City BuildHERS, the evening is intended to provide strategic networking with a curated group of industry leaders. The goal is to facilitate new connections, project leads, and working opportunities for women across all sectors of the construction and design industries.

“This is your chance to gain insights from design, engineering, and construction innovators that will leave you inspired and empowered to lean into your career,” the organization stated in its event announcement.

The venue, Huguette Labelle Hall, is a heritage space within the historic Tabaret building, which dates back to the early 20th century (with the hall itself seeing significant use and recognition in its current form since circa 1971).

Tickets for the event are currently available for purchase online. For more information on City BuildHERS and their upcoming initiatives, interested participants can visit the organization’s registration page or follow their updates through industry channels.

The post City BuildHERS to host ‘The Ripple Effect’ networking event at University of Ottawa appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

March 2026

The post March 2026 appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ontario Construction News staff writer

A key City of Ottawa committee has approved a plan to slightly decrease the one-time fees developers pay to fund the city’s growth, a move municipal officials say balances the need for new infrastructure with the demand for housing affordability.

The Planning and Housing Committee voted Wednesday (March 4) to amend the Development Charges (DC) By-law and update the 2026 Development Charges Background Study. The decision, which still requires final approval from full council, would see residential development charges for single and semi-detached homes decrease by approximately one per cent inside the Greenbelt and two per cent in suburban areas.

The shift follows an update to the city’s Transportation Master Plan and new requirements under provincial legislation, including Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025. The new rates reflect a revised schedule of infrastructure projects and a “new method” of calculating how much of a transportation project supports new growth versus how much benefits existing residents.

Geographic impact on homebuyers

The financial impact of the proposed changes varies significantly based on location, though the overall city-wide trend is a slight reduction in the “fee stack” for new builds:

• Inside the Greenbelt (IGB): Total charges for a single-detached home would drop from $56,399 to $55,982, a one per cent decrease. While area-specific road charges in this zone are set to surge by 104 per cent—climbing to $1,148—this is offset by a major 11 per cent reduction in city-wide public transit fees.
• Outside the Greenbelt (OGB): Suburban developers would see a two per cent drop, with total fees for a single-detached house falling from $63,745 to $62,568. This area benefits from decreases in both area-specific and city-wide road charges.
• Rural areas: Charges remain largely stable. Both serviced and unserviced rural developments are projected to see a nominal increase of only $130, or zero per cent.
• Non-residential development: Industrial and non-industrial rates are slated to decrease by an average of three per cent city-wide.

Legislative shifts and infrastructure funding

A major driver of the rate adjustment is the creation of a distinct “Land Acquisition” service category, a requirement under Bill 60. This adds a new fee of $1,344 per single-detached unit to the calculation. However, this new cost is countered by an 11 per cent reduction in public transit charges, stemming from the removal of the Transit Priority Network from the transit budget and its reassignment to Roads and Related Services.

Development charges are used to pay for essential services like water systems, public transit, and libraries. The city acknowledged that while these charges ensure “growth pays for growth,” they also represent a cost pressure “ultimately borne by property buyers and renters”.

The total gross 10-year capital program cost for these services is estimated at $12.3 billion. Of that, $8.0 billion is identified through grants and subsidies, which the city relies on heavily to fund large-scale Public Transit infrastructure.

The proposed changes are expected to come before City Council for a final vote on Wednesday, March 11.

The post Ottawa municipal committee moves to trim development fees in bid for affordability appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Tomlinson Group of Companies has been awarded the Ontario Road Builders’ Association (ORBA) Green Leadership and Sustainability Award for the third time, recognizing its ongoing efforts to cut carbon emissions.

The Ottawa-based infrastructure and environmental services company received the honour for a successful initiative targeting the idling time of its heavy equipment and trucking operations.

According to a company release, Tomlinson reduced its fleet’s idling time by 2.12 per cent across 288 projects in 2024. The proactive measures resulted in the avoidance of 159,724 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.

“We are honoured to accept the ORBA Green Leadership Award for our efforts in reducing CO2 emissions by minimizing idle times,” said Ryan Downing, Tomlinson’s vice-president of operations support. “Thank you to the entire Tomlinson team for their support on this initiative, this award is truly a testament of their dedication and hard work.”

The company credited the success of the emissions reduction to the unwavering commitment of its field operators, who demonstrated “exceptional awareness” in minimizing the daily idling time of their machinery. The initiative aligns with Tomlinson’s recent efforts to diligently track and report fleet energy consumption and emissions.

“Thank you, ORBA, for this prestigious award,” Downing added. “We are excited to continue building a more sustainable future.”

The company noted the recognition highlights its core values of growth, drive, and commitment to promoting sustainable practices while delivering goods and services to its customers.

Tomlinson has previously been recognized by ORBA for its environmental stewardship, having won the green leadership award for its pioneering use of recycled concrete in road construction and for innovative erosion and sediment control measures on previous bridge replacement projects.

The post Tomlinson Group wins ORBA Green Leadership and Sustainability Award for third time appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.