Special Report

Regional Crane Rentals Ltd.

When gearing up for a major construction or industrial project, understanding the rigging and lifting strategies is essential. Crane rental services offer an effective solution for lifting heavy materials, streamlining operations, and ensuring safety. In this guide, you’ll learn how proper equipment selection and operational planning can make your project both efficient and secure.

Crane rental services, including hydraulic, all-terrain, and rough terrain options, are designed to meet various project needs. When evaluating your lifting needs, consider the following:

•  Equipment Specifications: Ensure the crane’s lifting capacity, reach, and operational range fit your project scope.
•  Safety Protocols: Prioritize fleets that adhere to rigorous health and safety standards.
•  Operational Expertise: Benefit from experienced operators who understand local regulations and project dynamics.

For businesses in Ottawa and surrounding areas, local knowledge can be a game-changer. You may discover that combining technical expertise with a detailed risk assessment helps mitigate common challenges on-site. This comprehensive approach not only improves project timelines but also enhances overall operational safety. Embrace these industry insights to drive smarter, safer lifting decisions on your next project.

Unleashing the Potential of Crane Rentals in Construction

Crane rental services are revolutionizing the construction landscape by providing versatile solutions tailored to a variety of lifting challenges. Modern construction projects benefit from an array of crane types designed to address unique site conditions and operational demands. From hydraulic cranes that deliver impressive reach and precision to all-terrain and rough terrain machines built for rugged job sites, each option plays a vital role in streamlining project workflows.

Key advantages include:

•  Enhanced efficiency: Precise lifting capabilities reduce downtime.
•  Safety and reliability: Specialized equipment ensures secure load handling.
•  Flexibility: Adaptable crane solutions cover multiple construction applications, from high-rise building lifts to large-scale ground projects.

When planning a project in urban centers like Ottawa or regional areas nearby, consider how different crane types can support your work. Evaluate factors such as load capacity, reach height, and mobility to determine the optimal fit for your needs. Implementing the right crane technology not only elevates productivity but also fosters a safer working environment for construction crews. This practical guidance offers actionable tips to help your project achieve success through smart equipment choices.

Safety-First: Essential Protocols for Crane Operations

In today’s dynamic construction and heavy lifting environment, robust safety measures are a must-have. A strong safety culture not only protects workers but also minimizes downtime and costly damages. Operators and site managers are encouraged to adopt a structured framework that emphasizes pre-operation assessments, continuous training, and adherence to local codes, especially in bustling regions like Ottawa and Western Quebec.

Key practices include:

• Routine Inspections: Implement thorough daily checks for equipment integrity, looking for wear and tear that could compromise safety.
• Comprehensive Training: Ensure that all personnel are proficient with updated operational protocols and emergency procedures.
• Site Hazard Evaluations: Conduct job site assessments to identify potential risks such as unstable ground or proximity to obstacles.
• Communication Systems: Establish clear channels for reporting hazards and coordinating movements on site, ensuring swift, decisive action in emergencies.

Adopting these strategies can significantly reduce accidents while boosting efficiency. By integrating these actionable tips, companies can manage lifting and rigging tasks with greater confidence and control, ensuring a safe working environment across all projects.

Real Experiences Driving Industry Confidence

Customer testimonials bring tangible insights into everyday challenges and successes in the construction and lifting industry. One notable narrative highlights how proactive communication and precise equipment selection can transform a project’s outcome, especially in urban centers like Ottawa. Clients appreciate the consistent delivery of safety-focused practices and customized service solutions that cater to diverse environments—from bustling cityscapes to more rural contexts.

Key benefits shared by customers include:

•  Enhanced Safety Measures: Detailed adherence to rigorous safety protocols ensures minimal on-site risks.
•  Tailored Operational Plans: Flexible service approaches align services with project-specific requirements.
•  Transparent Communication: Regular updates and feedback loops build trust and foster smooth project execution.

These firsthand accounts not only validate the significance of robust lifting and rigging solutions but also serve as practical guidance for industry professionals. Evaluating testimonials can help in identifying best practices and optimizing resource allocation for complex projects, ensuring a balance between efficiency and safety. Leveraging this shared knowledge empowers contractors and site managers to implement strategies that overcome common industry challenges, leading to more successful outcomes in local markets like Ottawa.

Frequently Asked Questions on Crane Rental Pricing and Availability

What factors influence crane rental pricing?
Rental pricing is determined by several factors including the crane’s capacity, type, and operation duration. Additional costs may include transportation, setup, and on-site operational fees. Being aware of local market trends in regions like Ottawa and surrounding Ontario areas is essential for effective budgeting.

How is crane availability managed?
Availability often depends on fleet size and current project demands. Companies typically maintain an updated schedule, and customers are encouraged to inquire well in advance to align rental plans with project timelines.

What safety measures should be expected?
Operators and equipment are subject to rigorous safety standards. Customers can look for service providers who emphasize regular equipment inspections, proper certifications, and adherence to established workplace safety protocols.

How should one choose the right crane for a project?
Consider the project’s size, site conditions, and lifting requirements. A detailed needs analysis can help in selecting between hydraulic, truck-mounted, or rough terrain cranes.

For more information, visit regionalcrane.ca

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Request for Proposals (RFP) stage has closed for the Quinte Detention Centre Expansion Project, marking a key milestone in the procurement process to increase correctional capacity in eastern Ontario.

Following a competitive and transparent Request for Qualifications process, four companies were shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals in November 2025. By the June 25 deadline, three firms have submitted bids:

• EBC Inc.
• EllisDon Corporation
• Pomerleau Inc.

Over the coming months, submissions will undergo a comprehensive evaluation process. A fairness monitor is overseeing procurement activities to ensure the process remains open, competitive, and impartial. A successful proponent is expected to be announced in fall 2026, pending final approvals.

The project is being delivered jointly by Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of the Solicitor General as part of the province’s broader strategy to expand adult correctional capacity and improve safety for both staff and inmates.

Once completed, the expansion in Greater Napanee will add 91 new beds, increasing the facility’s total capacity to more than 300. The project also includes upgrades and expansions to key operational areas such as reception and visitation, administrative offices, health services, admitting and discharge functions, and staff facilities.

Additional improvements will include new public and staff entrances, expanded recreational spaces, increased capacity for female inmates, and additional parking for both staff and visitors.

The project is being delivered using a Design-Bid-Build model, which provides the province with greater control over design and construction phases while allowing flexibility to respond to evolving project requirements.

Construction timelines will be confirmed following the selection of the successful bidder and receipt of final approvals.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Ottawa city council has approved a long-term financial strategy aimed at addressing a $1.23-billion infrastructure funding gap while also endorsing new transit investments, affordable housing measures and participation in a federal clean fuel credit program.

The Long-Range Financial Plan for tax-supported capital provides a 10-year framework for funding the renewal and expansion of municipal infrastructure. To begin closing the funding gap, the city will increase annual contributions to capital by $12 million, including $4.5 million to service $120 million in new debt planned for 2027 and 2028, councillors decided at the June 10 meeting.

Council also approved directing 0.15 per cent of annual property tax growth revenues, estimated at $3.5 million a year, to capital growth projects and authorized a one-time $32-million draw from the capital reserve.

Beginning in 2029, the city plans to increase annual borrowing by $36.5 million, bringing average annual debt issuance to $96.5 million through 2035. Additional funding will come from annual base budget increases, savings from facility rationalization and proceeds from surplus property sales.

A reserve fund will be created to support climate-related infrastructure projects using a portion of Hydro Ottawa dividend revenues and savings generated through climate initiatives.

In a separate decision, council approved Ottawa’s participation in the federal Clean Fuel Regulations Program which allows municipalities to generate and sell credits for supplying clean transportation energy that replaces fossil fuels.

Ottawa plans to register its zero-emission bus program in July and use revenue from the sale of credits to help purchase additional electric buses. City staff estimate the program could generate about $1.3 million in revenue in 2026, rising to $3.9 million in 2027 and about $4.3 million annually once Ottawa’s electric bus fleet reaches 350 vehicles.

A package of transit reliability measures was approved, including installing heat tracing on the Confederation Line overhead catenary system and expanded transit priority measures.

Changes to the city’s Housing Accelerator Fund spending plan are expected to improve flexibility in how $44 million in anticipated federal funding expected in 2027 will be used with about 90 per cent supporting affordable housing construction, acquisitions and enabling infrastructure while allowing greater flexibility to pursue new partnerships.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a modernized First Aid Program it says will help ensure safer workplaces across Ontario. The updated program, in place as of June 22, will improve the quality and consistency of workplace first aid training, making effective training easier to access from anywhere in the province, the WSIB said in a press release.

“Updating the First Aid Program is a critical step forward to strengthen workplace first aid training,” said Rod Cook, vice-president, workplace health and safety services at the provincial agency. “Our goal is to make sure that people have access to the highest quality first aid training, no matter their location, so they’re prepared to respond in a medical emergency.”

The WSIB’s program covers 76 per cent of Ontario businesses under the Workplace Health and Insurance Act’s first aid regulation 1101, which provides guidelines for how many first aiders are needed on worksites, as well as other requirements for first aid kits and stations.

Key updates include:

• Bringing training in line with national standards set by Canadian Standards Association Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace — Curriculum and quality management for training agencies.
• Expanding the network of approved training providers to 65 across Ontario.
• Instituting First Aid Program badges to verify the status of approved providers and their affiliates. Only WSIB-approved providers are authorized to deliver workplace first aid training in the province.

“By bringing our program up to national standards and expanding our network of approved providers, we’re breaking down barriers for businesses,” said Carrie Briley, director, health and safety program design at the WSIB. “We’re also making it easy for people to spot and access WSIB approved providers.”

The WSIB will continue to accept all workplace first aid certificates from anywhere in Canada, provided they meet the CSA Z1210 standard. Removing interprovincial barriers means it will be easier for first aiders to recertify their credentials in Ontario, the release said. All first aid certificates issued by previous WSIB-approved providers up until June 21, 2026, will remain valid until their expiry date.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Doyle Salewski Inc., acting as receiver for Rocky Ridge Aggregates Inc., is inviting offers for the company’s quarry on Loxton Line in Powassan, Ontario, along with its associated pit license.

Interested parties must submit written requests for offers by 3 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025. Access to detailed terms and conditions will be provided through a confidential data room upon signing a confidentiality agreement.

For more information, contact Vicki Russell at (613) 569-4444.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has approved the proposed Tannery development in Kingston, following a hearing process that concluded earlier this year.

The tribunal’s 78-page decision, dated July 25, approves amendments to both Kingston’s Official Plan and Zoning By-Law to allow the development to proceed in full. The City of Kingston confirmed the decision in a statement last week and amendments will be reflected in the first draft of the new Official Plan, expected to be released in mid-August.

“This development marks a major step forward for Kingston, bringing much-needed housing to the urban core, and remediating the largest brownfield property in the city,” said Mayor Bryan Paterson. “I’m excited to see how this project will contribute to the renewal and revitalization of Kingston’s Inner Harbour.”

OLT vice-chair Steven Cooke wrote that the tribunal “accepts and adopts the majority of the contested evidence” and expert testimony submitted by the developer.

“The Tribunal is persuaded by the evidence that the proposal promotes efficient development of land, accommodates a range of appropriate mixed uses, intensifies uses within the settlement area, and contributes to the range of housing options,” Cooke wrote, noting that it also supports the city’s goal of brownfield remediation.

While the tribunal acknowledged public objections to the project, it was “not persuaded that the concerns… are either sustainable given the evidence offered… or otherwise bear relevance to the land use planning merits of the proposal.”

However, the OLT denied the developer’s request to cap a section of a wetland area.

The approved plan includes a four-phase, mid-rise mixed-use development, featuring approximately 1,500 to 1,670 residential units, at least 3,600 sq. m. of commercial space, and new parkland along the Cataraqui River waterfront.

Several planning steps remain before construction can begin. The draft plan of subdivision, which was paused during the hearing process, must now be restarted. Updated technical documents will be submitted to address road and infrastructure design, shoreline and habitat protection, and other site-specific conditions. Once reviewed, city staff will bring a report to the Planning Committee and City Council with a recommendation.

The project is also part of Kingston’s Brownfield Community Improvement Plan (CIP). In October 2020, city council approved a special project area for the Tannery lands, allowing for enhanced financial incentives and extended remediation timelines.

Before the land use can shift from industrial to residential and parkland, Records of Site Condition (RSC) must be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Each phase of the project will also require separate applications for site plan control approval, along with a landscape plan to replant and naturalize the shoreline. This work will be carried out in consultation with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Parks Canada and Transport Canada.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The City of Ottawa is reviewing the 10-year housing and homelessness plan (2020–2030) and inviting input from the public.

Every municipality in Ontario is required to have a 10-Year Plan and to review and update it every five years.

The current 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan (2020–2030), which guides the City’s efforts to address local housing and homelessness needs, was approved by Council in June 2020.

The 2024 Progress Report on the 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan highlighted key outcomes including:

• Over 1,000 households were housed from the Centralized Wait List
• 215 unsheltered individuals secured housing
• 398 households were supported through the Housing First Program
• 996 low-income households received new housing benefits
• 318 new affordable and 75 supportive housing units were completed
• 815 affordable and 112 supportive housing units were under construction at year-end

A mid-point review is underway, and includes:

• assessing the current and future housing needs
• creating objectives and targets to meet the housing needs
• reviewing how we’ll achieve the plan’s goals
• determining how we’ll measure progress

It’s an opportunity to assess and update the plan, making sure it continues to adapt to changing priorities in housing, and meet the evolving needs of residents.

Visit Engage Ottawa to find out more and complete the online survey. The survey will be open until Friday, August 8.

There will be a virtual webinar and a series of open house events in the fall to provide further engagement opportunities.

Visit Engage Ottawa for project updates.

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Construction of the new Belleville Agricultural Society (BAS) building is now underway. Mayor Neil Ellis, Council and the project team were pleased to join BAS members for the official groundbreaking of the project this morning.

Bel-Con Design Builders Ltd. is the contractor for the project.

The new $10.5 million facility being constructed north of Black Diamond Road and east of Highway 37 will replace the current building on Sidney Street and Bridge Street West upon completion. Key features will include exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, a kitchen, offices, lobby space and maintenance facilities, as well as ample parking and driveway access from a new road off Black Diamond Road.

The facility will occupy approximately half of the entire 75-acre triangular parcel of City-owned lands on Black Diamond Road. The remaining lands will be marketed and sold by the City of Belleville in parcels as commercial/employment development opportunities.

“Today is a historic day for our city,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “Through a close, collaborative design process with the Belleville Agricultural Society, we have created a plan that will not only serve as a versatile space for events, gatherings and agricultural activities, but also embraces the potential for future development, ensuring our facility will be a vital community hub for many years to come.”

Construction of the project is expected to be completed by September next year.

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Nominations are open until Sept. 5 for the annual Ottawa Heritage Awards and the Urban Design Awards which will be recognized together.

Winners will be announced Nov. 6 at a ceremony at city hall.

Ottawa Heritage Awards

Heritage projects completed between 2022 and 2025 are eligible for consideration of a Heritage Award. There are three types of Heritage awards. Click the links for nomination forms:

• project-based
• student-led
• community member/group

Project awards may be presented in seven categories: restoration, rehabilitation/adaptive reuse, infill, addition, government, heritage grants and other.

For more information on the Ottawa Heritage Awards visit ottawa.ca.

Urban Design Awards

To nominate a projects completed between 2023 and 2025 click the link.  Categories:

• Urban Infill, (low-rise): for buildings that introduce quality-built spaces into established neighbourhoods in ways that respect the community
• Public Places and Civic Spaces: for spaces that enhance, extend and embellish the public realm
• Urban Elements: for design elements that contribute to the unique character of the neighbourhood at a human scale
• Student Projects: for theoretical or studio projects submitted by students
• Visions and Master Plans: An unbuilt vision for the city, studies and master plans that are inspiring, trend setting and significant for the future development of the city.

For more information on the Urban Design Awards, visit ottawa.ca

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

KINGSTON — The Ontario government is granting the City of Kingston $3.2 million through the Building Faster Fund for exceeding its 2024 housing target.

Kingston broke ground on 966 new homes in 2024, reaching 145 per cent of its provincially designated target of 665 units. The funding supports municipal efforts to build more homes and community infrastructure as part of the province’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy and keep workers employed.

The three-year, $1.2-billion Building Faster Fund, announced in August 2023, rewards municipalities that meet at least 80 per cent of their housing targets by providing funds to accelerate municipal approval processes and support infrastructure for housing development.

“Kingston has once again surpassed its annual provincial housing target, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to addressing the housing needs of our growing community,” said Bryan Paterson, mayor of Kingston. “Investments like the one announced today help us stay focused on facilitating housing construction that is both affordable and accessible.”

The provincial government is also working to streamline development processes and reduce costs through the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act 2025.

John Jordan, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, said the funding “will ensure that we can keep up with the growing demand for more homes in the City of Kingston and surrounding regions.”

From January to May 2025, Ontario recorded 6,977 rental starts, a 25 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024, marking the second-highest level of rental starts on record for that time of year.

The government has extended the deadline for municipalities to spend Building Faster Fund money to 2028 to help support ongoing community growth.

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