🔥Firestop

Together with

Good morning! ⛏️ What’s the deepest hole you’ve ever dug? A global team of scientists, including a Manitoba researcher, has drilled what may be the longest continuous ice core in Antarctica, 2,800 metres. They believe this could offer a glimpse into Earth's climate history stretching back 1.2 million years.

⏰ Today’s read: 5 minutes

MARKETS

Economy: In November, the total value of building permits issued fell by 5.9% (-$739.5 million) to $11.7 billion, marking a second consecutive monthly decline. Residential permits dropped 7.5% (-$588.1 million) to $7.2 billion, driven by a sharp decrease in multi-unit construction, particularly in B.C. Non-residential permits fell 3.2% (-$151.4 million) to $4.5 billion, with declines in Ontario offset by gains in B.C., Quebec, and other provinces. Overall, 17,300 multi-family and 4,700 single-family dwellings were authorized.

NEED TO KNOW

The week's headlines

Going home: 🏠 New data shows more than 80,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness in 2024, a 25% increase since 2022. Groups are calling for an additional $11 billion over 10 years to end chronic homelessness through affordable housing, support services, and prevention programs, and $2 billion over 8 years to address encampments. 

Staying on track: 🚃 The high-frequency rail project between Toronto and Quebec City faces further delays after the federal government extended the bid deadline, potentially pushing partner selection beyond late 2024. The uncertainty is compounded by Prime Minister Trudeau's planned resignation and a possible federal election, which could jeopardize the project under new leadership.

Tariff update: 💵 Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss Canada-U.S. relations amidst concerns over potential 25% tariffs on Canada if measures to address illegal immigration and drug smuggling aren't enacted. Smith emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship but warned Canadians to prepare for the tariffs, set to take effect January 20.

Winter road: 🚛 The proposed Grays Bay Road and Port project, which would construct a 230-kilometre all-weather road connecting southern Canada to the Arctic coast, is facing mixed reactions. The Nunavut Impact Review Board has recommended a full environmental review following public and stakeholder input.

THE BIG STORY

Fighting fire: How to rebuild stronger communities

America’s west coast went up in flames this month, impacting some of its most affluent California neighbourhoods and overshadowing recent wildfire seasons. Experts expect it to be one of the costliest natural disasters in the country’s history. 

Close to home: As the fires in California still rages, data was released showing a record $8.5 billion in insured losses in 2024 for Canada, driven by wildfires in Jasper, a hailstorm in Calgary, and flooding in major cities, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Rebuilding better: Some argue that Canada's building codes are not evolving fast enough to address climate risks, with some suggesting a national wildfire-specific building code. Developers are increasingly factoring climate resilience into their investment decisions, recognizing the long-term. And if you think cost is an issue, studies have found negligible cost differences between a typical home and a fire resistant one. 

Bolstering defences: Jasper is taking some lessons to heart. To enhance fire resilience, new buildings will be required to use non-combustible materials for exterior finishes, eliminating wood roofing and siding. Additionally, each home will need a 1.5-meter buffer zone of non-combustible materials, and coniferous trees must be planted at least 10 meters from buildings.

Weathering the storm: This approach can work and has, even in California. Rancho Santa Fe emerged as an example of resilience, with homes built with noncombustible materials, fire sprinklers, and defensible space. Measures included using fire-resistant roofs and siding. As a result, no homes were lost in the newer neighborhoods in 2007 when flames ripped through, highlighting the effectiveness of proactive construction standards.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Front and centre

Centre Block is a major 2+ million sq. ft. commercial and institutional development in Surrey City Centre, aimed at advancing the city’s central business district and boosting its commercial tax base. Led by Surrey City Development Corporation (SCDC) in partnership with Simon Fraser University and the City, the project will unfold in up to four phases. The phased demolition of the former Recreation Centre will begin in early 2025, with completion expected by summer 2025.

PROJECT UPDATES

Pomerleau partners with GEC on $135M tower project

11 tall towers proposed for Midtown Oakville

67 storeys tower proposed across from Eaton Centre

Manulife Place in Edmonton to get $45M in renovations

$20M redevelopment vision for Festival Plaza approved

Get our full breakdown of the week’s project updates in the link below

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

REPORT: 🤖 2025 must be the year of proving AI’s value in construction

READ: 🏠 Toronto plans residential property tax increase

WATCH: 🔨 Why do we still build homes with nails, not screws? 

CHART: 📉 A brief history of housing corrections

READ: 🏗️ Developer denied WW1 heritage status removal

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Sometimes in construction the most expensive thing is ‘saving money’.” - Ian Gray, Account Executive, SALUS

TOP CONSTRUCTION JOBS

🔥 Check out all roles up for grabs right now at SiteNews Jobs or put your job post in front of tens of thousands of construction professionals here. Hurry up before our free trial ends!

Struggling to fill a role? send us an email at [email protected] to connect with one of our specialized recruitment experts.

ADVERTISE WITH SITENEWS

Get your message and brand in front of Canada’s construction leaders and decision-makers by advertising in our newsletter. Learn how to partner with us here.

Here’s to a great rest of the week!

Disclaimer: SiteNews is an independently-operated news website. Views expressed are that of the editorial team and are based on publicly available information unless otherwise noted through sponsored content.