Souris River Bridge reconstruction receives $19.6 million investment from Manitoba

The Government of Manitoba is making a significant investment of $19.6 million into the reconstruction of the Souris River Bridge on Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 3 in Melita, Manitoba. This project is being carried out by MD Steele Construction Limited, with the goal of creating a new three-span steel I-girder bridge that will have improved hydraulic capacity for flood resiliency.

One of the key features of the new bridge is its increased width, which will include two 3.7-metre travel lanes and 2.5-metre shoulders. This expansion will provide greater safety and efficiency for motorists using the bridge. During the construction process, traffic will be detoured onto a shoo-fly detour adjacent to the existing highway. Despite the detour, the bridge will remain open throughout construction, with traffic controlled by signal lights at each end.

Construction on the new Souris River Bridge has already commenced and is expected to be open to traffic by the fall of next year. The full completion of all work related to the project is slated for later in the fall or early winter of 2025. This project is not only essential for the infrastructure of Melita, but it also highlights the commitment of the Manitoba government to enhancing transportation systems and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.

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British Columbia allocates up to $7 million for Okanagan Falls mass-timber manufacturing plant

The Government of British Columbia is making a significant investment in the development of mass-timber manufacturing in Okanagan Falls, B.C. with a contribution of up to $7 million through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. This funding will support Mercer Mass Timber (MMT), a subsidiary of Mercer International, in modernizing their facilities, improving production efficiencies, and expanding their product offerings.

MMT plans to produce cross-laminated timber and increase their production of glued laminated timber (glulam) by 25%, all while enhancing the quality of their finished products. These mass-timber products are predominantly used as structural components for multi-tenant buildings, contributing to sustainable construction practices.

With this support, MMT aims to create jobs, boost the local economy, and solidify British Columbia’s position as a global leader in the mass-timber industry. Brian Merwin, MMT’s senior vice-president, expressed excitement for the partnership and the opportunity to lead the way in sustainable mass timber production.

Overall, this investment highlights the commitment to innovation, job creation, and sustainability in the mass-timber industry, setting a positive example for the future of construction and manufacturing in British Columbia.

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ATCO Electric faces $3 million fine for inflating rates and exaggerating expenses

**ATCO Electric Agrees to Pay $3 Million in Fines for Misleading Expenses**

A recent case has brought attention to ATCO Electric, a prominent Alberta company, agreeing to pay $3 million in fines for misleading the province’s utilities watchdog about its costs in two separate projects. The company has also agreed to refund $4 million for unearned rate increases, pending approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission.

The violations in question spanned from 2013 to 2017 and involved inaccurate reporting of expenses by ATCO Electric. In one instance, the company reported costs three years before actually incurring them, resulting in Alberta consumers paying a rate increase to compensate for expenses that had not yet been paid. Another discrepancy involved the inflation of accommodation costs at a construction site, where ATCO Electric overstated the number of rooms it was paying for.

The statement released by the commission highlighted the importance of ensuring that only legitimate costs are reflected in the utility rates paid by consumers. The settlement reached between ATCO and the investigators is now under review to determine if it is in the public interest.

Despite the fines and refunds, the commission acknowledged that ATCO Electric has made significant improvements to its compliance program since a previous enforcement decision in 2023. The recent violations were brought to light by an internal whistleblower, leading ATCO to conduct thorough investigations with the help of Deloitte.

Moving forward, scrutiny will remain on ATCO Electric’s rate applications to ensure transparency and accountability in cost disclosures. The company has stated its commitment to ethical practices and cooperation with the AUC to address any necessary corrective measures.

It is crucial for companies like ATCO Electric to uphold transparency and integrity in their financial reporting to maintain trust with consumers and regulators. By learning from past mistakes and implementing corrective measures, ATCO Electric aims to demonstrate that its policies and practices are beyond reproach.

As stakeholders continue to monitor ATCO Electric’s compliance with regulations and commitments, the company’s actions will be closely watched to ensure accountability and ethical conduct in the future.

**Key Takeaways:**
1. ATCO Electric has agreed to pay $3 million in fines and refund $4 million for misleading expenses and unearned rate increases.
2. Violations involved inaccurate reporting of expenses and inflation of accommodation costs at a construction site.
3. The company has made significant improvements to its compliance program and cooperation with regulators since previous enforcement actions.
4. Transparency and accountability in cost disclosures will be closely monitored in future rate applications.
5. ATCO Electric is committed to ethical practices and implementing necessary corrective measures to uphold trust and transparency.

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Construction begins on Calgary’s $16 million multi-service development

The Cornerstone community in Calgary is set to receive a new $16 million multi-purpose development that will serve the needs of residents while also promoting environmental sustainability and community prosperity. The project, which includes a fire station and a household hazardous waste drop-off, will also feature future non-market housing to address affordable housing needs in the area.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized how this development reflects the city’s commitment to integrated civic facility planning and improved service delivery to Calgarians. By combining essential services like a fire station with affordable housing, the project aims to lower construction costs and increase operational efficiencies, ultimately benefiting public safety, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

Furthermore, the development is striving for LEED Gold certification, incorporating advanced air quality ventilation and low-emitting building materials to ensure a healthy indoor environment. The fire station itself will prioritize firefighters’ health and wellness with features like improved acoustic separation and indoor environment controls for lighting, daylighting, and thermal comfort.

Fire Chief Steve Dongworth highlighted the importance of the Cornerstone Fire Station in meeting response time targets and providing essential services to the growing community and surrounding areas. The collaborative effort between various City of Calgary departments, including infrastructure services, fire department, waste and recycling services, and housing solutions, demonstrates a holistic approach to address community needs and promote sustainable growth.

With an anticipated completion date of spring 2025, the Cornerstone Multi-Service Development represents a responsible investment in Calgary’s future, showcasing a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and community well-being.

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CIB invests $337 million in infrastructure for hydrogen development in Western Canada

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Vancouver-based HTEC are teaming up to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen and refuelling infrastructure in British Columbia and Alberta. With a $337 million loan from CIB, HTEC will expand its operations and implement its H2 Gateway, a sustainable fuel supply chain aimed at reducing emissions in the transportation sector.

HTEC plans to construct an interprovincial network of up to 20 hydrogen refuelling stations, along with three new electrolyzers and a facility for liquefying vented byproduct hydrogen. This initiative will support the deployment of fuel cell vehicles and promote the adoption of zero-emission transportation. In addition, 14 of the new stations will accommodate the refuelling of up to 300 heavy-duty vehicles per day, making a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.

The collaboration between CIB and HTEC is the latest in a series of investments in charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. HTEC has previously received funding from PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity program and Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program for its low-carbon hydrogen production facility in Burnaby.

President and CEO Colin Armstrong expressed enthusiasm about the strategic investment, highlighting the potential for creating sustainable hydrogen ecosystems and larger regional hubs. This partnership underscores confidence in HTEC and its commitment to providing safe, low-carbon energy solutions that position Canada as a leader in renewable transportation.

Overall, the partnership between CIB and HTEC is a significant step towards advancing the development of hydrogen infrastructure and promoting the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in Canada. The investment not only supports HTEC’s growth but also contributes to the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future for transportation.

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British Columbia government allocates $33 million for improving infrastructure in northern rural areas

The Province of British Columbia is continuing to invest in strengthening infrastructure in northern B.C. with the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). In the second intake of REDIP, as much as $33 million is being allocated to support projects in rural areas, with northern B.C. receiving $13.3 million for 42 approved projects.

The upcoming third intake of REDIP will have an additional $33 million available, with applications opening in July and remaining open until the end of October. In addition to REDIP funding, the province is also contributing up to $1.2 million through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund for four projects in northern B.C.

These projects include support for manufacturing businesses such as DH Manufacturing Inc., Tsi Del Del Development Corporation, Prolenc Manufacturing Inc., and Grosso Precast Ltd. These investments will help these businesses enhance their manufacturing capabilities, increase efficiency, and create new job opportunities.

For more information on the approved intake two projects, you can visit the official government website here. With ongoing support from the province, these infrastructure investments will contribute to the economic growth and development of northern B.C.

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B.C. allocates over $250 million in funding to expand heat pump program

The Province of British Columbia and the federal government have joined forces to facilitate the widespread adoption of heat pumps in British Columbia. With funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Energy and Natural Resources Canada, residents now have the opportunity to transition from oil, propane, or natural gas heating systems to cleaner alternatives like heat pumps. This initiative is a part of the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program, which aims to support income-qualified homeowners and tenants in upgrading their buildings to promote energy efficiency.

The federal government will contribute up to $103.7 million from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program, while the provincial government will invest up to $151 million. Through the OHPA program, eligible applicants can receive rebates of up to $16,000 to switch to high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently using oil heating. This financial support extends to homes using natural gas and propane heating systems as well.

Northern B.C. residents who qualify for the program can also access an additional $3,000 towards heat pump installation, including necessary electrical upgrades. As an added incentive, successful OHPA applicants who transition from oil heating to electric heat pumps will receive a one-time payment of $250 from the federal government.

With these new funding initiatives and incentives in place, the transition to heat pumps is not only financially viable but also beneficial for the environment. By encouraging the use of cleaner heating and cooling options, the Province of British Columbia and the federal government are taking a significant step towards reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to make their homes more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

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Quebec allocates up to $40 million for cleaning and repairing efforts

The recent fire at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium has prompted the Quebec government to award up to $40 million for repairs and decontamination. The extensive smoke damage has necessitated cleaning of nine kilometers of ventilation ducts and offices in the tower. The stadium’s tower and attached sports complex, closed since the fire, are expected to reopen in late summer or early fall.

Montreal police are still investigating the cause of the fire, which originated at the base of the stadium’s tower. This incident follows the government’s earlier commitment to spend approximately $870 million on replacing the stadium’s roof.

The funding allocated for repairs and decontamination showcases the government’s dedication to restoring this iconic landmark. As work progresses, public safety remains a priority, and the completion of these renovations will ensure the continued use and enjoyment of the stadium for years to come.

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