📈 Positive influence

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Good morning! 🤖 Artificial intelligence is ushering in a whole new class of facility. Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly in discussions regarding a new data center project to be headquartered in the U.S. The facility, which would house an AI supercomputer called Stargate, could cost over $100 billion, easily surpassing price tags of Canada’s largest projects.

⏰ Today’s read: 4½ minutes

MARKETS

*Stock data as of last market close; currency, oil and crypto data as of 12:00 AM ET April 23rd, 2024.

Economy: The shortage of skilled trades workers is hitting every Canadian in the wallet. A new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that small Canadian firms lost $38 billion in business opportunities due to labour shortages in 2022, with the construction sector bearing the largest portion.

THE BIG STORY

Construction’s ‘Most Influential’ have arrived

We’d like to introduce you to some of Canadian construction’s biggest movers and shakers. Our first-ever list of Construction’s Most Influential People just dropped. The list of 50+ individuals includes builders, CEOs, educators, architects, lawyers, association leaders, social media stars and more. 

What we looked for: To get our list, we eased restrictions for nominees. This included age, sector or experience level. All we wanted was to find people who are setting a bold example by influencing the next generation of workers, government policy, the industry as a whole and more. 

How winners were chosen: After receiving a nomination from someone in the industry, our team researched their career, looking for signs of impact, leadership, innovation, and accomplishments that set an example for others.

Why did we did it: More than bulldozers, computers or tools, construction gets done because of incredible people. Our team wanted to introduce another way to recognize individual accomplishments in the industry that might be getting overlooked by other programs.

NEED TO KNOW

The week's headlines

🚘 Officials expect Honda to announce a multi-billion dollar commitment to build electric vehicles and their parts in Ontario. According to anonymous senior government sources who spoke to CBC News, the deal is expected to involve new facilities to build batteries, process cathode active materials — a component of the batteries used in electric vehicles — and assemble battery-powered vehicles.

🏗️ Local governments in B.C. are being urged to pursue more ambitious projects with the latest round of climate action funding. The province unveiled plans to allocate almost $72 million through the Local Government Climate Action Program, aimed at assisting communities in reducing emissions, transitioning to clean energy, and adapting to climate change. This funding initiative is included in Budget 2024.

🏠 A citywide rezoning discussion has captured the attention of Calgarians. Officials announced a marathon city council hearing is in the works that could span seven days, making it the largest and longest council meeting in Calgary’s history. Nearly 700 people have registered to speak  regarding zoning changes that would allow semi-detached or duplex dwellings, and row houses — on parcels previously zoned only for single-family detached homes.

🏒 After finishing 17 points outside the playoffs, the Calgary Flames say building a new stadium is a critical part of their strategy. The city and the Flames have an agreement in place to replace the 41-year-old Saddledome, which is one of the NHL’s oldest buildings, but shovels have yet to hit the ground. Officials say a new facility could attract more hockey talent.

TOGETHER WITH ICBA

Don’t miss one of the events of the year

Listen up, Calgary! If you missed SiteNews’ sold-out Vancouver last year, hold on to your cowboy hats. SiteNews and our friends at ICBA Alberta are throwing a celebration for Construction’s Most Influential People in your backyard next month (Well, not literally. It’s in the city’s East Village). If you want to chat up some of construction’s most influential people over drinks, we have an exclusive deal for SiteNews subscribers. Use promo code CALGARY2024 when buying your ticket to receive 20% off. We will see you on May 15th.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Rosemont blooms

Îlot Rosemont showcases Montreal’s progressive attitude towards mixed-use living. The L-shaped complex, is a subway station-topping complex that offers affordable housing for 200 seniors, as well as holding the headquarters of the Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal (OMHM)—a not-for-profit responsible for the management of some 880 buildings and close to 21,000 social housing units across the region.

PROJECT UPDATES

Southwest B.C. delivered record housing starts in 2023

Okanagan Gondola project takes another step forward

Ontario Launches $730M Overhaul of Niagara Hydro Stations

Regina General Hospital parkade construction nearing halfway point

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

PHOTO: 🗺️1940s planners assemble models of Ottawa  

READ: 🚗 What happens when you remove parking minimums

READ: The $12B bullet train from La La Land to Sin City 

PHOTO: 🌳 Construction dad creates backyard treehouse

READ: 🌍9 solutions to cut construction carbon emissions

TOP CONSTRUCTION JOBS

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Here’s to a great rest of the week!