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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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The federal government is moving to protect Canada’s steel industry from intensifying global trade pressures by introducing stricter import controls and offering new financial supports for producers and workers.

Canada is among the countries most affected by global steel tariffs and is one of the world’s largest per capita importers of steel. Canadian producers are highly trade exposed, exporting just over half of their annual production in 2024, more than 90 per cent of which went to the United States.

The government said the steel sector is critical to infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and the clean economy, and that action is needed to prevent market disruption and ensure long-term stability.

Effective Aug. 1, tariff rate quotas (TRQs) will be strengthened to prevent the Canadian market from being flooded with cheap foreign steel. TRQs allow a set volume of steel to be imported at a lower or zero tariff rate, with higher tariffs applied to imports exceeding that limit.

For countries with a free trade agreement in force with Canada, excluding the United States and Mexico, a 50 per cent surtax will apply to imports exceeding 100 per cent of 2024 volumes. For countries without a free trade agreement, the quota for tariff-free steel will be reduced to 50 per cent of 2024 levels, with the same surtax applied beyond that threshold.

A 25 per cent surtax will also be applied on steel imports from all countries except the U.S. if the steel was melted and poured in China. This measure, which aligns with Canada’s existing China Surtax Order, is expected to come into force before the end of July and aims to improve transparency and prevent circumvention of trade controls.

Up to $1 billion will be allocated through the Strategic Innovation Fund to help Canadian steel producers modernize operations, expand product lines, and strengthen domestic supply chains. The funding is intended to support the production of steel not currently manufactured in Canada, help meet the needs of strategic sectors such as defence, and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

To support workers affected by U.S. tariffs and global market shifts, Ottawa is investing $70 million over three years through Labour Market Development Agreements with provinces and territories. The funding will help retrain and upskill up to 10,000 steelworkers, with targeted training and job retention supports.

Up to $150 million of the previously announced $450-million Regional Tariff Response Initiative will be targeted to small and medium-sized steel businesses. The program will be delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, with more details expected soon.

The Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, introduced in March with up to $10 billion in available financing, is being updated to better support large steel producers. Changes include lowering the minimum revenue threshold from $300 million to $150 million, reducing the minimum loan size to $30 million, extending repayment terms from five to seven years and decreasing interest rates. The facility will also allow the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation to hold equity in supported companies, which must commit to worker retention.

The government is also making changes to federal procurement rules. Companies contracting with the federal government will be required to source steel from Canadian producers where possible. An exemption will be granted only if a company can show that no domestic producer is able or willing to supply the steel, or if using Canadian steel would lead to unsustainable cost increases or delays to projects related to defence, national security or other critical areas.

The Business Development Bank of Canada’s $500-million Pivot to Grow fund, launched in early 2025, will also offer more flexible financing to small and medium-sized steel companies facing liquidity concerns. Further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

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The Ontario government has announced $82.2 million over four years to upgrade infrastructure across the St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s properties, including major improvements to Mille Roches Beach and Campground on the Long Sault Parkway.

Work will modernize aging water, septic and wastewater systems—some of which haven’t been updated in more than 60 years. The project aims to improve operations, support environmental protection and enhance the visitor experience across the parks network.

“Every summer, Ontario’s lakes, rivers, beaches, and parkland attract millions of domestic and international tourists,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Our investment will help ensure the St. Lawrence Parks Commission has the modern infrastructure it needs to improve its visitor experience and continue welcoming locals and guests from near and far for generations to come.

“Now more than ever, we need to protect Ontario by supporting the places and experiences that boost our economy and celebrate our heritage, culture, and natural beauty.”

Construction and upgrades will continue throughout the park system as the 2025 summer season progresses.

Project includes:

construction of drinking water and wastewater connections to the neighbouring townships of South Stormont and South Dundas

decommissioning of associated septic systems and wells

construction of a new canteen, change rooms and washroom buildings at Mille Roches Beach and Campground

Upgrades will provide SLPC with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to enhance environmental stewardship, reduce operational costs, create jobs, and save taxpayer dollars.

“The Ontario government’s investment is crucial to our promise to modernize the essential infrastructure within our parks,” said Bob Runciman, Chair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “With the support of the province, we’re improving our parks, attractions and facilities that have long been gathering places for families and communities, ensuring they remain accessible, welcoming and sustainable for future generations.”

More than $10.5 million was announced in 2021 for capital projects, including $3.1 million for the revitalization of Brown’s Bay where the Mille Roches campground includes the largest sand beach on the St. Lawrence River corridor.

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Work has officially started on a major construction project at Canadian Forces Base Trenton that will support a new fleet of air-to-air refuelling and transport aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The $850-million project will include extensive upgrades and new buildings built at the base over the next several years. The work is tied to the arrival of Canada’s new CC-330 Husky aircraft, which will eventually replace the aging Polaris fleet.

Upgrades will allow CFB Trenton to become the main eastern hub for the new planes, with room to support up to seven of the large aircraft. A second base in Edmonton will handle up to three more.

The project is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs in the Trenton and Belleville area.

Initial construction will include resurfacing the runway, aprons and taxiways. Crews will also begin preparing for a new hangar, training facility, fuel depot and ramp extension. Work is expected to continue through 2026, with full completion expected by 2033.

Col. Andy Bowser, commander of 8 Wing Trenton, said the project is a major step forward for Canadian air operations.

“These upgrades will ensure our personnel have the facilities and resources they need to operate the CC-330 Husky safely and effectively for decades to come,” he said. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation.”

The CC-330 Husky will serve a wide range of roles, including long-distance refuelling, cargo and passenger transport, and medical evacuation. Canada is purchasing nine of the aircraft — four new and five used — from Airbus in a contract valued at about $3.6 billion.

The Trenton work is part of a broader federal effort to modernize Canada’s air defence capabilities under a $38.6-billion plan to upgrade NORAD systems.

Trenton is home to much of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s air mobility operations, making it a natural choice for the new tanker fleet’s main base.

Federal officials say the project will strengthen both national security and the local economy.

“Equipping the Canadian Armed Forces to meet the complex challenges of today and tomorrow is a top priority for our government. This project delivers on that commitment—by strengthening our operational capabilities and supporting economic growth and good jobs here in the region,” said David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence. “It’s a clear example of how smart defence investments benefit both national security and local communities.”

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The City of Kingston has been recognized with two national awards for its progress in cutting emissions and improving energy efficiency across its municipal buildings.

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) presented the city with its Government Leadership Award, recognizing the work of Kingston’s Facilities Management and Construction Services (FMCS) team. The award highlights efforts to reduce energy use and emissions across more than 160 city-owned buildings. Russell Horne, the city’s Manager of Facilities Energy & Asset Management, was also named Green Building Champion, an individual honour for his role in pushing forward sustainability and decarbonization initiatives.

CAGBC handed out the awards at its Building Lasting Change Gala in Toronto on June 19.

The FMCS team has taken a broad approach to cutting emissions. Their work includes mechanical system upgrades, installing solar PV arrays on 16 buildings, rolling out more than 100 electric vehicle chargers, and expanding building automation systems at 32 major sites to improve efficiency and comfort. They’re also testing what’s believed to be Canada’s first municipal liquid desiccant dehumidifier at the INVISTA Centre.

Since 2018, greenhouse gas emissions from municipal buildings have dropped 21 per cent per square foot, according to the city.

In accepting the Government Leadership Award, Speros Kanellos, Director of FMCS, said the recognition reflects years of work to modernize and rethink how public buildings are built and operated.

Russell Horne’s Green Building Champion award recognizes both technical achievement and community outreach. Over the past seven years, Horne has led decarbonization programs, expanded the city’s building automation systems, integrated carbon budgeting into capital planning, and developed a Net Zero Transition Plan that maps out how each city facility can lower emissions and what the upgrades will cost.

He also helped organize the 2024 Kingston Climate Expo, which brought together residents, experts and partners to share ideas on tackling climate change locally.

The city has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040 under its Climate Leadership Plan. Officials say buildings — which account for a major share of municipal emissions — are a central focus.

Neil Carbone, Commissioner of Corporate and Emergency Services, said the awards validate Kingston’s hands-on approach to sustainability. “Russell and the FMCS team have shown real leadership in making our buildings smarter, greener and more efficient,” he said.

Horne added that climate action is “about creating a cleaner, healthier community for everyone. The city is working every day to reduce emissions, save energy and protect Kingston’s shared future.”

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