Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Napanee Battery Energy Storage System is now in commercial operation, marking one of the largest battery storage projects in Canada and a significant expansion of Ontario’s electricity storage capacity.

The 250-megawatt (MW) facility can supply enough power for up to 250,000 homes for as long as four hours during peak demand periods. Valued at approximately $600 million, the project was selected through the Independent Electricity System Operator Expedited Long-Term 1 procurement process launched in 2022, part of what is described as the largest battery storage procurement in Canadian history.

Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said the project strengthens the province’s electricity system at a time of growing demand.

“Ontario is building the infrastructure needed to power growth, protect jobs, and keep energy reliable and affordable for families,” Lecce said. “The completion of the Napanee Battery Energy Storage System is a major step forward in strengthening our clean electricity grid and securing eastern Ontario’s energy future. This project will help power up to 250,000 homes in eastern Ontario during peak demand, support three highly-skilled jobs and reinforce our plan to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant province.”

Ontario’s electricity demand is forecast to rise by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, increasing the need for storage systems that can offset peak demand and help manage extreme weather events.

The Napanee facility includes 284 battery storage units, transformer stations, transmission connection infrastructure and ancillary components. It is designed to store electricity generated during low-demand periods — including output from Ontario’s nuclear fleet — and release it back to the grid when demand increases.

The project also highlights local supply chain involvement, including 72 medium-voltage transformers manufactured by Stein Industries and procured through Nbisiing Power.

“Through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, Atura Power and Ameresco worked closely with all project partners to successfully deliver this important energy infrastructure ahead of schedule,” said Bob McCullough.

“Reaching commercial operation early is a significant milestone and a clear reflection of the dedication, expertise, and teamwork across the entire project team. We’re proud to support Ontario’s energy future through coordinated efforts that prioritize reliability, innovation, and local impact.”

Construction and development of the facility supported about 120 jobs across skilled trades, engineering, transportation and manufacturing. The completed site is expected to support ongoing operational and technical employment in the region.

The project follows the refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, another major Ontario energy infrastructure milestone completed on time and on budget.

Ontario officials say battery storage, nuclear refurbishment and hydro expansion are central to a broader strategy aimed at ensuring reliable, affordable electricity while supporting domestic supply chains and long-term economic growth.

“At Atura Power, we are investing in modern technologies that strengthen system reliability and enable the integration of more intermittent non emitting generation, while maintaining the dependable electricity supply Ontarians rely on every day,” said Tom Patterson.

“Delivering this project ahead of schedule and on budget reflects the skill and dedication of our project team, including our joint venture partner Ameresco Canada, and the many trades and engineering professionals who made it possible.”

Vittoria Bellissimo, president and CEO of the Canadian Renewable Energy Association, said energy storage is becoming increasingly important for grid stability.

“Energy storage is the Swiss Army knife of the electricity system,” Bellissimo said. “It can store energy for later, step in when demand spikes, and keep the grid stable and costs down.”

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The City of Belleville is looking for input to shape the future of Meyers Pier as it moves ahead with a study examining long-term rehabilitation and potential redevelopment options for the waterfront landmark.

Public Information Centres (PIC) will be held Mon, May 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. in the SMB Room, 3rd Floor, Belleville City Hall, 169 Front St., as part of the Meyers Pier Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) and Preliminary Design Study.

An online drop-in option will also be available, with access details available on the project webpage.

Information presented at the PICs will include the project’s Problem and Opportunity Statement, a summary of technical studies completed to date, alternative solutions being considered and a preliminary evaluation of potential impacts and benefits. City staff and project consultants will be available to answer questions and collect public feedback.

Meyers Pier is a key feature of Belleville’s waterfront, located along the Bay of Quinte, and serves as a popular destination for recreation, tourism and community gatherings.

Engineering assessments have identified structural deterioration in the existing pier infrastructure, making rehabilitation necessary in the short to medium term. The study will assess a range of options, including rehabilitation, full replacement and possible expansion opportunities.

Through the MCEA process, officials aim to identify a long-term solution that improves the pier’s sustainability, functionality and overall user experience while maintaining its role as a community hub.

Two planned PICs will provide opportunities for the public and stakeholders to review preliminary concepts and provide input that will help guide the next stages of design and planning.

Public feedback will be considered as part of the environmental assessment process before any final decisions are made on the future of the site.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

New home sales in Ottawa surged in April, driven largely by recent expansions to new home tax relief, according to the latest data from the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA) and PMA Brethour Realty Group.

The region recorded 744 new home sales, representing a staggering 203.7 per cent increase from the 245 homes sold in April 2025. April’s totals also mark a 164.8 per cent jump from March, which saw just 281 sales.

Year-to-date sales now stand at 1,558, up 41.3 per cent compared to the 1,103 homes sold during the same period last year.

“This month’s sales activity clearly demonstrates how directly policy decisions can influence housing markets,” GOHBA executive director Jason Burggraaf said in a statement. “The expansion of sales tax relief to all new home buyers has helped restore confidence in the market and encouraged many buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines to act.”

Burggraaf added that the robust spring figures are proof that “meaningful policy reform can directly support housing activity, improve affordability, and help get more homes built.”

Geographically, Ottawa’s south end led the region in April, accounting for 41 per cent of all new home sales. The west end followed closely at 37 per cent, while the east end captured 20 per cent of the market. Central Ottawa made up the remaining three per cent.

When breaking down by housing type, townhomes maintained a steady stronghold on the market, accounting for half of all sales (50 per cent). Single-detached homes saw a 16 per cent increase from March to capture 46 per cent of April’s sales activity. The remainder of the month’s sales were divided between condo townhomes and condo apartments.

The monthly report is published in partnership between GOHBA and PMA Brethour Realty Group to provide market data on local housing activity in the nation’s capital.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The City of Brockville has received $24.6 million in provincial funding to replace the Centeen Park Main Pumping Station, a long-planned upgrade to one of the area’s most critical pieces of wastewater infrastructure.

The funding was announced by Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds–Grenville–Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, at Brockville City Hall ahead a City Council meeting in May.

The investment will allow the City to move forward with replacing aging infrastructure that supports public health, protects the St. Lawrence River, and ensures Brockville’s wastewater system can accommodate future housing and employment growth.

“This project has been identified as a priority for many years,” said Matt Wren, Mayor of Brockville. “This provincial funding allows us to advance a critical infrastructure project that strengthens our wastewater system and supports long-term growth, without placing the full financial burden on local taxpayers and water system users.”

“From an operational perspective, this upgrade is essential to maintaining a reliable and resilient wastewater system,” said Peter Raabe, Director of Engineering and Infrastructure. “City staff are pleased to see this long-planned project move forward and are focused on delivering it safely and effectively.”

The funding is provided through Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Health and Safety Water Stream, which supports projects that improve water and wastewater systems while enabling community growth.

Replacing the Centeen Park Main Pumping Station will improve system reliability, reduce environmental risk, and help ensure Brockville’s infrastructure keeps pace with future demand.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

Construction and design professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of architectural wood have a unique hands-on educational opportunity coming up in Ottawa  next month.

The Ottawa chapter of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) is hosting an in-person continuing education seminar, “Specifying Wood with Confidence,” on Wednesday, June 3.

The event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will be held at Heritage Grade Woodwork at 2280 Stevenage Dr.

Designed to help the industry confidently specify wood in architectural applications, the collaborative session brings together experts from Heritage Grade, Upper Canada Forest Products (UFP), and the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC).

The seminar will cover essential topics to strengthen material specification expertise, including:

• Wood species, cuts, and grading
• Veneers and sheet products
• Specification best practices

The session will also feature an in-depth segment on the restoration and rehabilitation of historic woodwork. This portion will draw on the latest AWMAC North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (NAAWS) Guide, specifically addressing Section 3 (Lumber), Section 4 (Sheet Products), and Section 12 (Historic Restoration).

Featured speakers for the event include Laurie Suikki, AWMAC Ontario chapter manager; Mark Paddison, retired program director of Humber College Cabinetmaking; and Sam Pollock, lead at Heritage Grade Woodwork.

Following the educational session, attendees will receive an exclusive guided tour of Heritage Grade’s workshop. The event also includes networking opportunities with industry peers and a complimentary boxed lunch provided by Chef Ric’s.

Attendees can drive directly to the workshop or take advantage of optional transportation via a limousine service. Those interested in coordinating the shuttle service can contact Maria Cristina Villalba, CSC Ottawa events officer, at ma************@****sh.com.

Registration is $60 for CSC members and $85 for non-members, plus applicable fees. Space is highly limited, with a maximum capacity of 24 attendees.

Those interested in attending must register by May 31. For more information or to secure a spot, professionals can visit the event’s page on Eventbrite.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The Ontario government is launching a fifth year of Level Up! skilled trades career fairs, with events planned in 12 communities across the province to connect students and jobseekers with careers in construction, infrastructure and other in-demand sectors.

The 2026 fairs are expected to attract more than 60,000 attendees through a series of multi-day events running from Sept. 23 to Dec. 10. Organizers say the fairs will feature interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to meet employers, unions and training providers representing Ontario’s 144 skilled trades.

The events are aimed primarily at students in Grades 7 to 12, but will also welcome parents, guardians, educators and jobseekers interested in apprenticeship and training opportunities.

“Level Up! Career Fairs play a critical role in engaging students, giving them hands-on exposure to in-demand careers, and helping them see the real opportunities these pathways can lead to,” said Ian Howcroft, chief executive officer of Skills Ontario.

“For more than 35 years, Skills Ontario has worked alongside the Ontario government to strengthen the skilled trades and help build the workforce of the future. Together, we are opening doors, inspiring the next generation, and equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed.

“We are proud to support Level Up! once again and look forward to another successful year.”

Last year, more than 58,000 people attended Level Up! career fairs across Ontario.

The 2026 fairs will be held in the following communities:

• Cobourg — Sept. 23–24
• Kingston — Sept. 29–30
• Barrie — Oct. 6–7
• Timmins — Oct. 14–15
• Thunder Bay — Oct. 21–22
• Sudbury — Oct. 28–29
• Hamilton — Nov. 3–5
• Windsor — Nov. 11–12
• London — Nov. 17–19
• Ottawa — Nov. 24–26
• Oshawa — Dec. 1–3
• Mississauga — Dec. 8–10

Each fair will include daytime sessions for students attending with their schools, followed by free public open houses intended to help families learn more about skilled trades careers.

“Five years on, Level Up! continues to open doors for young people across Ontario, giving them real, hands-on exposure to the skilled trades and the careers they could build,” said Candice White, chief executive officer of Skilled Trades Ontario.

“The career fairs make that possible by connecting students and jobseekers directly with the tradespeople and employers shaping the work today.

“Skilled Trades Ontario is proud to deliver Level Up! alongside the Ontario government, and proud to support every young person discovering a career that is in demand, well paid, and built to last.”

The province said roughly one in three tradespeople is nearing retirement and hundreds of thousands of additional workers will be needed over the next decade. Ontario has set a goal of engaging 500,000 youth in the skilled trades by 2030 through programs including Level Up! and the Trade and Tech Trucks initiative.

The government said one in six job openings in Ontario is expected to be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2034, as the province continues work on a $236-billion infrastructure plan that includes housing, highways, hospitals and schools.

The post Ontario launches fifth year of Level Up! skilled trades career fairs appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

Ottawa Construction  News staff writer

Construction and design professionals looking to deepen their knowledge of architectural wood have a unique hands-on educational opportunity coming up next month.

The Ottawa chapter of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) is hosting an in-person continuing education seminar, “Specifying Wood with Confidence,” on Wednesday, June 3.

The event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will be held at Heritage Grade Woodwork at 2280 Stevenage Dr.

Designed to help the industry confidently specify wood in architectural applications, the collaborative session brings together experts from Heritage Grade, Upper Canada Forest Products (UFP), and the Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada (AWMAC).

The seminar will cover essential topics to strengthen material specification expertise, including:

• Wood species, cuts, and grading
• Veneers and sheet products
• Specification best practices

The session will also feature an in-depth segment on the restoration and rehabilitation of historic woodwork. This portion will draw on the latest AWMAC North American Architectural Woodwork Standards (NAAWS) Guide, specifically addressing Section 3 (Lumber), Section 4 (Sheet Products), and Section 12 (Historic Restoration).

Featured speakers for the event include Laurie Suikki, AWMAC Ontario chapter manager; Mark Paddison, retired program director of Humber College Cabinetmaking; and Sam Pollock, lead at Heritage Grade Woodwork.

Following the educational session, attendees will receive an exclusive guided tour of Heritage Grade’s workshop. The event also includes networking opportunities with industry peers and a complimentary boxed lunch provided by Chef Ric’s.

Attendees can drive directly to the workshop or take advantage of optional transportation via a limousine service. Those interested in coordinating the shuttle service can contact Maria Cristina Villalba, CSC Ottawa events officer, at ma************@****sh.com.

Registration is $60 for CSC members and $85 for non-members, plus applicable fees. Space is highly limited, with a maximum capacity of 24 attendees.

Those interested in attending must register by May 31. For more information or to secure a spot, professionals can visit the event’s page on Eventbrite.

The post CSC Ottawa to host seminar and workshop tour on specifying architectural wood appeared first on Ottawa Construction News.

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

You can view it in page turning software here.

Stories in the current issue include:

• • • Turn Group enters Ottawa highrise market with $21 million acquisition of Little Italy development site;
    • Ottawa homebuilder Glenview announces expansion into Greater Houston area;
    • City clears path for 137,000 sq. ft. SerenVita wellness spa in Kanata North.
    • Ottawa finalizes $400 million federal housing pact, announces first eight shovel-ready projects;
    • Lifestyles Group proposes 188-unit seniors’ residence at former CFB Rockliffe;
    • Ottawa Mayor Sutcliffe proclaims ‘GOHBA Day’ as association celebrates 75th anniversary at 2026 AGM;
    • Decade-long height battle nears end as landmark Centretown towers clear final committee hurdles; and
    • Sound matters: AMBICO Limited highlights the science of acoustic door assemblies at CSC Ottawa event;

      Ottawa Construction News (May 2026)

      By Mark Buckshon in ontario publications

      32 pages, published 5/8/2026

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

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

Ottawa Construction News staff writer

A joint municipal committee meeting May 5 reviewed the progress of Ottawa’s Housing Acceleration Plan, reporting the city has completed more than half of its targeted actions over the past six months to speed up home construction.

The Finance and Corporate Services Committee and the Planning and Housing Committee met to evaluate the plan, which city council originally approved in October 2025. A City of Ottawa news release said the plan encompasses 58 actions designed to fundamentally overhaul the municipality’s approach to housing. The initiative also aligns with federal and provincial priorities, supporting Ottawa’s eligibility for upper-tier housing funding programs.

Over the past six months, the city has completed 53 per cent of the plan’s actions. Officials expect to finish 78 per cent of the measures by the end of 2026, with the remainder slated for completion in 2027.

The local construction industry has taken note of the ongoing regulatory shifts. In an April 30 statement, Jason Burggraaf, executive director of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association (GOHBA), praised the municipality’s efforts to reform its planning environment.

“Over the past year, the City of Ottawa has made meaningful progress to streamline and improve its development approvals process, with the goal of becoming the most housing-friendly city in the country,” Burggraaf said. “While the market has been stuck in a very long period of low activity, it is critical that the city remain committed to these reforms. When demand returns, these improvements will allow us to scale up housing construction more quickly and efficiently.”

The city’s overarching goal is to reduce development barriers by simplifying regulations and expediting approvals. Progress to date includes:

• Simpler regulations: Adoption of an overhauled Zoning By-law that expands housing permissions, simplifies the planning framework and removes barriers to modular and prefabricated homes.
• Expedited approvals: A reduction in the number of required studies for new development applications and increased capacity in the city’s Legal Services department to speed up reviews.
• Financial flexibility: Temporary reductions to Community Benefits Charges and the deferment of residential development charges and cash-in-lieu of parkland collections to aid project cash flow and feasibility.
• Community housing: Simplified regulations to help not-for-profit providers accelerate the delivery of affordable homes.
• Transit and downtown growth: The removal of zoning barriers near transit stations, the rollout of a pre-approved building design program and a new downtown revitalization strategy.

To track the effectiveness of these measures, the city is introducing a measurement framework using 2025 data as a baseline. The framework evaluates three key outcomes:

• Shorter approval timelines: Measured by faster application reviews, fewer incomplete submissions and quicker completion of legal agreements.
• More housing construction: Emphasizing urban and transit-oriented areas, measured by an increase in building permits issued.
• Increased affordable housing: Measured by a rise in building permits for affordable and supportive housing units.

The joint committee’s recommendations will go before the full city council on Wednesday, May 13. A subsequent progress update, which will include results from the new measurement framework, is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

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Ottawa Construction News staff writer

The federal government says it will provide $1.5 billion in tariff relief after the United States broadened and intensified duties on metal products, a move Canada warns is placing growing strain on the manufacturing sector.

The package includes a new $1 billion program through the Business Development Bank of Canada aimed at supporting manufacturers, along with a $500 million top-up to the regional tariff response fund.

The BDC initiative will offer three-year, low-interest loans of up to $50 million to companies in the steel, aluminum and copper sectors affected by U.S. tariffs. Repayment will be deferred for the first three years, with the goal of helping firms maintain operations and adapt to shifting trade conditions.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon announced the measures Monday, saying businesses require immediate liquidity and longer-term support to diversify export markets.

“We’re in a trade war. We are on the front lines and the goal is to protect workers and actually keep companies afloat,” Joly said at a news conference in Ottawa.

The announcement follows an April 2 proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump expanding tariffs on steel and aluminum and extending them to certain copper derivatives. The changes have raised costs for Canadian exporters and added complexity to tariff classifications, creating challenges for manufacturers and customs brokers.

Industry groups say the federal response is a step forward but may not be sufficient. Nicole Vlanich of the Canadian Association of Moldmakers said many firms are already under financial strain and warned that additional loans could deepen long-term pressures.

“These tariffs are putting them in the red,” she said, pointing to cases where single shipments have incurred tariff costs reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Catherine Cobden, president and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, welcomed the financial support but urged Ottawa to strengthen trade protections against imported steel derivatives that compete with domestic production.

Conservative industry critic Raquel Dancho described the measures as a temporary solution and said they signal a lack of progress toward resolving the dispute with the United States.

The announcement was made at a dump truck manufacturing facility in the Ottawa area, where Liberal MPs from tariff-affected regions joined the ministers. Dominique O’Rourke said uncertainty remains the biggest challenge for manufacturers, particularly as tariff rules continue to evolve.

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