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AUGUST 2026

Power Forward

The story (so far) of RTS Rentals.

www.canadianrentalservice.com

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AUGUST 2026 Vol. 50, No. 4

EDITOR I Mike Lacey mlacey@annexbusinessmedia.com (416) 510-5115 ASSOCIATE EDITOR I Colin Leggett cleggett@annexbusinessmedia.com (416) 510-5207 BRAND SALES MANAGER I Nav Matharu nmatharu@annexbusinessmedia.com (226) 931-5095 ACCOUNT COORDINATOR I Barb Comer bcomer@annexbusinessmedia.com (519) 429-5171 AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Shawn Arul sarul@annexbusinessmedia.com (416) 510-5181

MEDIA DESIGNER I Kelli Deconinck GROUP PUBLISHER I Danielle Beavan dbeavan@annexbusinessmedia.com (226) 931-0375 CEO I Scott Jamieson sjamieson@annexbusinessmeda.com Publication Mail Agreement #40065710. Printed in Canada ISSN 0383-7920 Subscription Rates Canada- 1 Year $ 47.74 + tax U.S.A. - 1 Year $108.73 (CDN) Occasionally, Canadian Rental Service will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above. Annex Privacy Officer Privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374 All rights reserved. Editorial material is copyrighted. Permission to reprint may be granted on request.

Serving the Canadian rental industry for 45 years.

ELEVATED EXPERIENCE Electric scissor lifts ideal for working indoors or outdoors.

POWERING THE BOOM The latest low-noise, fuelefficient mobile generators.

POWER FORWARD

FLEET INTELLIGENCE

The journey so far of Sarah Rath and RTS Rentals.

Having the lowest rate doesn’t guarantee rental success.

SMART ROLLERS

LET’S BE REALISTIC

New advancements in roller safety and efficiency.

Data centres are coming, but don’t panic.

EDITORIAL

EVENTOLOGY

How I learned to stop worrying and love AI.

Make everybody feel like a somebody.

AT YOUR SERVICE Look after yourself so you can look after your business.

www.canadianrentalservice.com August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 3

EDITORIAL

Technology always wins AI is a tool, just like any other.

D by Mike Lacey

ata centres are not new. They have existed for decades. So, why so much talk about them in the last year? Well, what is new is the scope of data centres. These hyperscale facilities are significantly larger than their past counterparts. This size is required to power the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, which is now seeping into every facet of our life. I was an AI skeptic a year ago. I saw its use as limited and potentially harmful for the creative process. Then, I began playing around with it and realized just how useful of a tool AI actually is. As one example, what once would take me a week to research, AI can help achieve in half a day. It’s not perfect and one must recognize the potential problem areas when using it, but that is true with any tool we have. Today, an AI platform is like Google on steroids. Yet its uses are equally as valuable for those operating machinery. At this year’s CONEXPOCON/AGG, the potential of AI was on full display. Imagine being told the precise moment a part on a piece of machinery is going to fail so you can replace it beforehand. Imagine being told the exact nature of why a machine is grounded before the tech goes to fix it so he can bring the proper parts and tools to the site. Those are just two near-future tools coming this way. Combine that with automation and GPS mapping and you can begin to see the future. But what is truly exciting about AI is that this tool is more accessible and cost-effective for smaller operations than larger organizations. The upfront costs are far lower and suddenly the advantages large operations once held are now liabilities. A general contractor doing residential renovations can easily use AI to show a client what their renovated kitchen will look like and make immediate changes as they refine the design. By using exact measurements, AI can accurately calculate

the material costs for specific designs. All of in the time it takes to measure the area, take photos and upload into a platform. Of course, to power all of this requires data centres. Building and operating these facilities are the big challenge jurisdictions around the world are currently facing. First, they require tremendous amounts of energy. Second, they need fresh water to cool them down. We area already seeing government and the market adapting. For example, the province of Alberta is open to the data centre business with a caveat – the facility must build its own power plant. On the cooling front, some of the newest data centres can recirculate water so they no longer require a continuous source of fresh water. And companies such as Amrize have engineered heat-conductive concrete specifically designed to dissipate thermal buildup around a facility’s power infrastructure. More advancements will be on the way. While we can all appreciate the concerns people have with a new technology, the move to ban data centre construction will inevitably fail. The technology of AI is simply too useful to go away. I recently watched a documentary on England in the late 1700s. During that period, a Scottish engineer created the first thrasher machine to harvest wheat. The machine immediately spread throughout Scotland and northern England, and then quickly to all of England. It transformed agriculture. A task that once required a hundred or more workers now only needed two or three. As you could imagine, this led to massive rural protests as farmworkers suddenly found themselves without work. Of course, that didn’t stop the thrasher. The tool was simply too useful to not use. But this did lead to mass poverty, violent protests and significant upheaval in rural areas. For our governments, the lesson from this is not to ban a new technology, but instead try to manage the impacts this will have on the population. CRS Mike Lacey is editor of Canadian Rental Service. He can be reached via email at mlacey@ annexbusinessmagazine.com

@CRSmagazine 4 CANADIANRENTALSERVICE | August 2026

crs.magazine

INDUSTRY NEWS ONTARIO INVESTS IN NIAGARA DISTRICT AIRPORT UPGRADES

The Ontario government is investing nearly $10 million to support design work and critical infrastructure upgrades at Niagara District Airport. The Province says the investment will advance Niagara District Airport’s

20-year vision to transform the airport into a modern regional gateway. Work will include terminal upgrades, new service buildings and improvements to taxiways, aprons and runway infrastructure needed to support future growth. The airport upgrades are part of Ontario’s Destination Niagara Strategy, a multibillion-dollar plan to create new

CRA ANNOUNCES CANADIAN RENTAL WEEK

The Canadian Rental Association has announced its Canadian Rental Week for October 13 to 16, 2026. Canadian Rental Service will provide more information as it is released.

ROBERTS BANK TERMINAL 2 PROJECT FINDS PREFERRED CONSTRUCTION PARTNER

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has selected TerraMarine as the preferred proponent for the landmass and wharf component of the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project. The TerraMarine team has experience in delivering major marine infrastructure projects and demonstrated expertise in health and safety, regulatory compliance, project management, environmental protection and community engagement. It is comprised of: • FlatironDragados Canada, Inc. • Van Oord Canada Ltd. • Aecon Constructors, a division of Aecon Construction Group Inc. • Carlson Construction Group Inc. • Supported by design firm Arcadis Professional Services Canada Inc. and sub-consultants Stantec Consulting Ltd., TYPSA Inc., and Tetra Tech Canada Inc. The construction contract involves the delivery of a marine landmass; wharf structure and berth pocket; widened causeway; expanded tug basin; and select environmental mitigation and offsetting projects. TerraMarine will now work with the port authority, First Nations and regulators to advance construction planning, including logistics, work planning, costs, schedule, early works and sub-contracting opportunities, including for Indigenous-owned businesses. Once initial work has sufficiently advanced and following financial close, the port authority intends to award a target price design-build agreement to TerraMarine. Financial close, construction mobilization, and early works are set to occur in late 2027, with construction (land reclamation) starting in 2028. Terminal operations are expected to begin in the mid-2030s.

world-class attractions, boost local arts and culture and improve the region’s transportation network. The strategy aims to attract 25 million visitors a year and double the region’s tourism impact to generate an additional $3 billion for Ontario’s GDP. The strategy includes plans to improve highway, transit and air access to the Niagara region.

COMING EVENTS 2026-2027 Oct. 21-22, 2026 BUILDEX Alberta Calgary, Alta. informaconnect.com/buildex-alberta/ Dec. 2-4, 2026 The Building Show Toronto, Ont. informaconnect.com/the-buildingsshow/ Jan. 18-21, 2027 World of Concrete Las Vegas, Nevada www.worldofconcrete.com Feb. 10-11, 2027 Canadian Concrete Expo Mississauga, Ont. canadianconcreteexpo.com Feb.14-16, 2027 The ARA Show New Orleans, LA arashow.org April 22-23, 2027 Alberta Equipment Expo Edmonton, Alta. albertaequipmentexpo.ca Visit canadianrentalservice.com for updated Coming Events listings August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 5

ELEVATED EXPERIENCE W

ith so many varied projects underway across the country, it’s important to remember some construction projects require work to be done both outdoors and indoors. While machines running on traditional fuelpowered engines can deliver more power and are dependable outside, they are not an option when working in spaces with little to no ventilation. This is where electric equipment becomes essential, particularly electric scissor lifts. These machines need to be able to maneuver easily, leave the floors unmarked and provide enough height for workers to perform their job duties. On top of that, they need to be easily maintained and stored efficiently when they are not in use. Safety is also a consideration, for workers and the jobsite itself. There are a number of great options on the market providing good working heights, easy storage and hassle-free maintenance for rental companies to consider.

SKYJACK SJ5545 E Skyjack’s SJ5545 E launched in October 2025 and features the highest working height of any of the company’s slab scissors. Its low vehicle weight and wide,

non-marking tires make it ideal for indoor or outdoor use. The SJ5545 E boasts a working height of 51 feet with a load capacity of 770 pounds. The scissor stack design features fully welded cross-bracing to increase rigidity and improve operator comfort at height. The SJ5545 E is drivable at full height and offers a two-person wind-rating at 22 feet. The intelligent adaptive variable speed brushless drive system provides smooth automatic transition from high to low speed on a grade including 25 per cent gradeability. The all-steel, anti-slip platform provides the largest working areas in its class while minimizing space between platform and workface. The platform incorporates multiple

6 CANADIANRENTALSERVICE | August 2026

lanyard attachment points and a manually operated 3-foot roll-out extension deck. The modular rail system folds down to reduce stowed height for transportation. All major service points are easily accessible to enable straightforward troubleshooting and repairs for a rental company’s maintenance team. The SJ5545 E is branded with Skyjack’s ECO mark, meaning it delivers benefits in environmental performance and long-term sustainability. These include 60 per cent fewer hydraulic connections, 20 per cent improvement in duty cycle compared to a hydraulic drive machine, remote diagnostics and quiet operation under 70 decibels.

JLG ES2632M MICRO SCISSOR The ES2632M is a fairly new addition to the JLG family. It was introduced in January 2026 and made an appearance at the JLG booth during CONEXPOCON/AGG 2026. The compact scissor lift offers a maximum indoor height of 25 feet, 6 inches and 18 feet outdoors. It can be driven at full height and can support up to 600 pounds. The ES2632M can raise or lower a rated load in 26 to 34 seconds. It is rated for a maximum side-to-side tilt of 1.5

degrees and a fore-and-aft tilt of three degrees. The ES2632M can support two occupants indoors and one outdoors on its 25.4 by 62.7 inch platform. A standard 33.7-inch platform extension can support up to 265 lbs. An optional integrated mid-rail deck can add another 19.5 inches of height. With a footprint of just 72.3 by 32 inches, the ES2632M is ideal for working in tight spaces, further exemplified by its zero inside turn radius. It offers a maximum gradeability of 24 per cent and can travel at speeds up to three miles per hour when stowed and 0.5 mph when the platform is raised.

LIFTING The machine sits on four 12.7inch non-marking tires. The ES2632M is powered by a 24V AC drive system with four 6V 220 Amp batteries, and includes a USB charger, phone holder and 110V AC receptacle for tools. Additional safety features include the active pothole protection system, variable tilt visual zone indicator, a manual descent cable and a tilt alarm and light.

GENIE GS-4655 E-DRIVE The GS-4655 E-Drive is the tallest of Genie’s E-Drive models with an indoor working height of 15.95 metres and an outdoor working height of 8.55 metres. The nine by four-foot platform also features a fourfoot extension deck to offer more working space. The GS-4655 E-Drive can support a maximum occupancy

of three people indoors and two people outdoors, with a maximum lift capacity of 770 lbs (330 lbs. on the extension deck). It can navigate ramps and slopes with a 25 per cent gradeability with a 14 degree breakover angle. The GS-4655 E-Drive can be driven at full height with a drive speed of 0.5 mph. When stowed, it can drive at 2.5 mph. It is powered by a 24V DC sys-

tem utilizing four 12V batteries, available in either flooded lead acid (FLA) or AGM maintenance-free configurations. The lift’s maneuverability is highlighted by a tight 12-inch inside and 10-foot outside turning radius. Lifting and lowering speeds are 92 seconds and 58 seconds, respectively. Standard features include AC electric drive motors, a platform load sense system, SmartLink dual-zone control, pothole protection, descent, tilt, and motion alarms, dual LED flashing beacons and a platform control guard. The GS-4655 E-Drive is equipped with Lift Connect telematics and an on-board diagnostic system for maintenance and fleet management.

SNORKEL S3219 PLUS The Snorkel S3219 PLUS is defined by its small foot-

print, which makes it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor work. At just 32 inches wide and 70 inches

TRENCHERS

2026-07-21 9:38 AM

LIFTING long (72 inches if the step is attached), with a stowed height of 77.9 and inside turning radius of five inches (58 inches outside), this lift is made for navigating tight spaces. The lift offers a maximum gradeability of 25 per cent and can travel at speeds up to two miles per hour when stowed, which reduces to 0.4 miles per hour when elevated. It is powered by two 24V 60Ah lithium-ion batteries, which Snorkel says offer zero maintenance and are backed by a five-year replacement warranty. The S3219 PLUS provides a maximum working height of 25 feet and has a platform capacity of 600 lbs. It is rated for two occupants indoors and one outdoors. The platform measures 31.5 inches by 69 inches in its stowed configuration but can be extended to a total length of 105 inches using the 36-inch roll-out deck extension. The lift’s all-electric drive and steer system operates with no hydraulic hoses. It is equipped with 12.7-inch non-marking solid rubber tires and features swing-out service trays for maintenance access. Standard features include proportional controls for drive and descent, an hour meter with an on-board diagnostics display and a descent alarm.

MEC MICRO 19-XD+ The ‘XD’ in MEC’s Micro 19-XD+ stands for ‘XtraDeck,’ referring to the lift’s platform-within-a-platform allowing operators to reach an additional 20 inches into tight overhead spaces without standing on guardrails. It has a 300 lb capacity, can be deployed in under 10 seconds, and includes four guardrails so

For maintenance, the Micro 19-XD+ features lubrication-free scissor bearings, onboard diagnostics without the need for an external analyzer tool and slide-out service trays.

Safety and operational features include proportional controls, an all-motion alarm and an autobrake system. The ZS2632AC also features a self-closing entry gate, a flashing beacon and an emergency descent system. Options such as platform work lights and an air line to the platform can be added for specific site requirements.

ZOOMLION ZS2632AC that no lanyard is required for the occupant. The Xtra-Deck is standard on this model, on top of a 53.9 by 27.6 inch platform with a 24-inch roll-out deck extension which can reach a maximum working height of 24 feet, four inches indoors and 19 feet outdoors. The Micro 19-XD+ has a 600 lb maximum platform capacity and is rated for two occupants indoors and one outdoors. The non-marking tires on the Plus model are more durable. Their advanced rubber compound and tread pattern are designed to withstand curb/edge abuse and wear. The Micro 19-XD+ is equipped with fully proportional drive and lift controls, active pothole protection, a multi-axis tilt sensor and automatic parking brakes. Standard productivity enhancements include perimeter lighting, integrated pipe racks, an anti-fatigue mat, and a self-closing, full-height platform gate. An integrated Leak Containment System (LCS) protects flooring from hydraulic leaks.

8 CANADIANRENTALSERVICE | August 2026

As Zoomlion makes its way further into the North American market, options like its ZS2632AC electric scissor lift are becoming a competitive choice. With a maximum working height of 10 metres and a total platform capacity of 510 lbs, the ZS2632AC is built for larger indoor construction environments. The platform itself is seven feet, seven inches long and two feet, eight inches wide. It is supplemented by a threefoot extension deck rated for 250 lbs. Foldable handrails allow the machine’s stowed height of seven feet, 11 inches to be reduced to six feet, three inches. A highlight of the ZS2632AC is its four-inch inside turning radius. Inside, the lift is powered by a 24V AC system featuring a 3.3KW lifting motor and dual 0.75KW drive motors, powered by four 6V 225Ah batteries. The AC system includes IP67 rated waterproof protection on the wheel motors while the knuckles and AC motors are engineered to be lubrication- and maintenance-free.

CAEL SL8M The CAEL SL8M self-propelled scissor lift is a straightforward machine without too many bells and whistles. It offers a maximum working height of 10 metres and a significant load capacity of 705 lbs. The 7.9 by 3.8 foot platform can be extended by an additional 2.3 feet via the slide-out deck, which can support up to 249 lbs. The SL8M is driven by two 24V/1.1 kW drive motors and a 3.0 kW lifting motor, powered by 6V/200Ah batteries. These allow it to reach a stowed travel speed of 3.5 km/h and a lifting speed of three to five metres per minute. Despite its large platform and high load capacity, the SL8M remains compact enough to work in confined spaces. This is further highlighted by its 25 per cent gradeability and 7.2-foot outside turning radius. The self-propelled design allows for smoother movement. CRS

EVENTOLOGY

Make good memories

by Michelle Nicol, CERP

here is a quote I have tried to live by throughout my career: “Make everybody feel like a somebody.” It’s simple advice, but I believe it captures the very heart of great customer service. As rental professionals, we naturally spend much of our time focused on the details that keep our businesses running. We talk about inventory, delivery schedules, tents, tables, chairs, linens and equipment. We invest in maintaining our inventory, replacing damaged items, hiring seasonal staff during our busiest months, and making sure every order arrives on time and in excellent condition. Yet when an event is over, they are rarely what customers remember most. Months later, very few clients will recall the style of chair they rented or the exact size of the dance floor. What stays with them is the experience they had working with your company and, more importantly, how you made them feel throughout the process. Were you easy to work with? Did someone answer their questions quickly? When they called with a concern, did someone take the time to listen? If something unexpected happened, did your team remain calm, communicate honestly and find a solution? Those are the moments that define customer service, and they are often the moments clients remember long after the last truck has left the venue. Our industry is unique because we become part of life’s most meaningful occasions. While we are focused on logistics, schedules and equipment lists, our customers are focused on something entirely different: they’re creating memories with family and friends. To us, it may be another delivery on a busy Saturday. To them, it’s an event they’ve spent months, sometimes years, planning. That perspective changes everything. The companies that stand out understand they aren’t simply delivering equipment, they’re helping create experiences during some of the most important days in a person’s life.

That is why customer service isn’t confined to one department. It starts with the first phone call and continues through every email, quote, delivery and installation. It doesn’t end until the final pickup is complete. It’s often the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impression: taking an extra few minutes to explain how a piece of equipment works, helping a nervous bride feel reassured that everything is under control, or following up after an event simply to thank someone for their business. These moments don’t require a significant investment of time or money, yet they build trust, strengthen relationships and remind customers they matter. Of course, no business is perfect! Most customers understand unexpected situations happen and what they remember isn’t necessarily the problem itself, but how it was handled. A sincere apology, clear communication and a willingness to take ownership will always leave a stronger impression than excuses or finger pointing. In today’s competitive marketplace, customer experience has become one of the few things that truly sets a business apart. It creates loyal customers, generates referrals, earns positive reviews and builds relationships that last far beyond a single event. Every member of your team contributes to that reputation, whether they’re answering the phone, preparing equipment in the warehouse, making deliveries or working behind the scenes in the office. As another busy season continues, remember that while people may rent your equipment for only a day, they’ll remember their experience with your team for much longer. Every conversation, every email, every delivery, and every interaction is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression. After all, it’s never really been about the tables and chairs. It’s always been about the people. And when you make everybody feel like a somebody, they’ll never forget it. CRS Michelle Nicol, CERP, is an award-winning account executive for Element Event Solutions in Toronto. August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 9

COVER STORY

POWER FORWARD

The journey so far of RTS Rentals and a young ‘hustler’ with a bright future ahead of her

veryone in the developed world is hearing a lot about data centres right now, facilities containing large numbers of computer servers that carry out unprecedented levels of data processing.

by Treena Hein

But before these centres – and also various electrical systems or types of electrical equipment – can be put into use, their electrical load must be tested using something called a load bank. Enter Toronto/Montreal-based RTS Rentals, the only company firm in Canada that exclusively rents out these devices. RTS owner Sarah Rath explains that load banks are used in a variety of applications, among them commissioning of turbines and diesel gen sets, periodic exercising of stand-by gen sets, testing of battery systems and ground power sources, load optimization in prime power applications and prevention of carbon build-up on generator piston rings. “This means that load banks are used in many sectors including military, telecom, mining, aviation, healthcare, construction, oil and gas, railways and utilities,” Rath explains. “But right now, our units are mainly rented for data centre commissioning and utility projects.” Load banks test an electrical system by simulating an electrical load through converting electrical energy into heat through heavy-duty resistors. More specifically, a load bank presents electrical characteristics similar to a system’s intended load (if new) or standard operating load (if not new). Load banks also typically feature instruments for metering, as well as systems for load control and overload protection. These are large and pricey devices – and since they are typically only required once, at commissioning, it’s better to rent them than to buy. At this point, RTS has 22 ‘small’ load banks, 150 to 400 kW each (the equivalent to the power used by a neighbourhood of houses) and one ‘large’ (3.2 MW) unit. Rath rents these units in varying combinations to about 15 clients in Ontario and Quebec.

10 CANADIANRENTALSERVICE | August 2026

She stores her load banks mostly in the GTA and has contracted electricians at Quartz to service the units between rentals. This involves testing all wire connections, fuses, breakers and resistors, then replacing anything that needs it. Rath notes that Quartz is family-owned and has been in business for more than 30 years. In addition to load bank maintenance, Quartz loads and unloads the units in and out of storage. The smaller units weigh less than 1,000 pounds, so a regular lift gate on the back of a truck or a forklift can be used. The large unit stays on its own towable trailer.

THE ROAD TO RTS After high school, Rath got a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University, but as she explains, “I’ve kind of always been a bit of a hustler.” “I’ve always been either in commission sales or doing my own little sales of this and that through the internet,” Rath says. “I always knew I wanted to have my own company, so I needed to make and save as much money as I could.” After a stint in banking, she looked around at what could provide lucrative sales commissions. Large items provide large commissions, and some of the biggest items out there are in mining. It was also a somewhat familiar sector, as Rath was born in the mining community of Timmins in northern Ontario. In 2025, she received an offer to work at Caterpillar (Hewitt). Rath loved equipment sales and was good at it, but after a few years, Colorado-based ComRent approached her for their rentals – but of a piece of equipment she wasn’t familiar with at that point. “They’d come up here to visit me, and I started to learn about load bank testing,” Rath explains. “I started asking around in our energy division

PHOTO: RTS RENTALS

RTS Rentals is the only company firm in Canada exclusively renting out load banks.

and did some market research. I realized there’s a lot of potential in it.” In 2018, Rath decided to accept a job offer from ComRent. In the first year, she increased revenues in her territory by more than five times and maintained that level until the pandemic hit. At that point, she started to think about new options. Some Canadian company leaders she had relationships with urged her to get into load bank rentals here. “They asked me, ‘Can you get some load banks?’ and I could only say, ‘I don’t know,’ but enough people kept asking me and enough people supported me, that I said, ‘maybe I can,’” Rath recalls. “I had been saving money for years and years, I’d bought rental prop-

erties and so I sold one of them and took all my savings and got a loan too, and I decided to take the risk.” The company leaders who had encouraged Rath to go for it had promised to rent load banks from her, which they did. She was on her way.

EVOLVING SECTOR Even though Rath has only been operating about three years (due to the pandemic, her first load banks didn’t arrive until 2023), there have been significant changes in the sector. “One of the biggest changes is the Colorado company I used to work for, the go-to load bank rental company in North America for many years, was sold to Sunbelt Rentals,” says Rath.

“That created a bit of a vacuum in the industry in terms of expertise. They started the whole concept of using load banks over 20 years ago. Suddenly there was no company that was completely dedicated to renting load banks.” Another change has been the rise in demand. It was strong from the start, but due to all of the data centre construction that’s started recently, there are not enough load banks available for rent at any given point in time. And because there’s so much demand, Rath and companies like Sunbelt and United Rentals are on friendly terms and collaborate often. “We do a lot of projects together and we will both support clients at the same time,” says Rath. August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 11

COVER STORY “There are not a lot of Canadian players and it’s a really positive thing that we all support each other.” Rath has also started partnering with a load bank manufacturer in Mississauga, MegaResisters, in order to help the owners grow their industry presence. She’s very impressed with the firm. “We just did a huge utility project together,” she remarks. “MegaResisters built, installed and fully commissioned 14 units on site, on schedule. “It’s really great in my view that Canadian companies can work together and grow.”

THE PRESENT AND FUTURE

12 CANADIANRENTALSERVICE | August 2026

RTS has 22 ‘small’ load banks, 150 to 400 kW each, and one ‘large’ (3.2 MW) unit.

PHOTO: QUANTIC69/GETTY; TOP: RTS RENTALS

For now, with rising fuel costs, Rath and her small team are very busy making sure her clients get the best shipping costs possible through working with a large number of brokers. She also spends a lot of time making sure every contract goes smoothly. There’s a lot of logistical tracking, keeping up with site details and more. Rath also spends time each week keeping up with technology advancements, such as the emergence of liquid cooling systems for data centres. At the same time, every year she’s buying more load banks just to service projects in Ontario and Quebec. “I do want a presence in Alberta at some point,” Rath adds. “I attended an energy conference in Alberta in June and my research will continue.” Rath is grateful for those who have encouraged her along the way, and also to those who have shown respect for her in operating her business, a young woman in a very male-dominated field. Reflecting on her journey, she explains, “I didn’t have a background in this, I didn’t have a mentor, I didn’t even have a partner. I was just open and receptive and prepared for whatever was about to come up at the time of the pandemic and it was this. “It has been a real blessing, and I’m especially pleased to work with other Canadian companies and help the manufacturers here grow.” CRS

Load banks are an integral part of data centre construction and testing.

AT YOUR SERVICE

Take care of yourself

by Russ Dantu

ave you ever thought about how exercise can actually help performance? As business owners and leaders, we sometimes get stuck in a rut with work. It seems like some leaders are going 100 miles an hour every day to stay ahead of what is coming next. Shortage of decent staff, not wanting to delegate to new staff because they’ll probably get it wrong until they’ve been trained properly or just wanting to do it themselves because they know it will be done. The list of reasons goes on and on. This is not sustainable for anyone. Eventually, it will catch up to you. You’ll start making mistakes, lose your temper with your staff and then the ever-dreaded burnout may kick in. What happens if you get sick and need time off because of burnout or stress? Will your business run without you? I’ve almost been there several times in my life. My wife says I’m a workaholic, but my response is I don’t work nearly as much as I used to, plus I love work and I take care of myself. I still work 60 to 65 hours a week and I do at least a couple of hours on each day of the weekend and holidays (even Christmas Day if my wife is still in bed when I get up), but that is down from 70 to 75 hours a week, so I am getting better. I know we are all different, but there are certain things you can do to help get through the very busy times: 1. Learn how to delegate: Lean on those you trust the most but also give newer hires more responsibilities. They don’t have to be tasks where it could hurt your business, but we have to let employees grow and sometimes mistakes are made. Have them start on projects where mistakes won’t hit you in the pocketbook or affect your customer base. Maybe it’s helping with calling customers, updating databases, arranging meetings or special events. 2. Hire outside of your company: I rely on several contractors to do things I could do myself. They do it better and faster, and it frees up a lot of my time. In my branding business, I hire outside

graphic designers I have used for more than 15 years and extra help on pulling and processing orders when I am too busy. I pay couriers instead of having one of my staff do deliveries. Yes, there is a cost, but it frees up my time when I could be doing more sales or catching up on other important items. 3. Lunch breaks: This is a must for us all. Most of us eat lunch but whether you do or not, you need to push away from the proverbial “desk” and take a break: go for a quick walk, run some personal errands, or call someone you love to just say hello. Giving yourself a mental break will revitalize your mindset. Think of it as a daily reset. 4. Company Culture Building Events: This doesn’t have to be a huge event. It can be as simple as making Friday “cookie day” where someone bakes cookies or a BBQ mid-week during the warmer times. Anything to bring you closer to your team will help develop a stronger culture and a place where people love to work. Having to retrain new employees takes time and is more costly than treating your current employees well so they stick around. 5. Exercise: This one is huge. For you workaholics out there, please take some time for yourself every day. I play hockey two to three times a week, golf occasionally, do a spin class and walk our two Golden Retrievers twice a day for about an hour total. The funny thing is the more exercise I do, the better I feel. My mind becomes clearer and I can focus better on any pressing tasks. It’s great if you love what you do or consider yourself Wonder Woman or Superman. However, if you don’t look after yourself properly, you won’t be able to look after your business properly. Take care of your yourselves, and your employees. CRS Russ Dantu is a 30-year veteran of the rental industry and has been delivering workshops, keynotes and seminars on customer service for 25 years. Visit russdantu.com. August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 13

FLEET INTELLIGENCE

BUILDING RENTAL SUCCESS Smarter utilization and insights can turn your rental fleet into a competitive advantage

t’s 8 a.m. and your driver just delivered an excavator to a customer’s jobsite. The crew is behind schedule, so the machine sits idle for several days, rental charges accumulating. No one calls it off-rent, and by the time the invoice is sent, the cost has doubled and you’ve got a frustrated customer on the phone. by MIKE WIJAYASUNDAR, Cooper Equipment Rentals

Customers paying for performance they don’t use, or don’t need, is a scenario more common than we would like to admit. A 20-foot scissor lift when a 15-foot would do. A compact roller that’s too small, stretching the timeline when a larger model could have finished the project faster. How we handle underutilized equipment shapes how customers see us, influences repeat business and affects long-term profitability. Idle machines may generate short-term revenue, but they also erode trust if customers are left paying for the wrong machine or a machine that’s not being used. At the same time, competing on the lowest price isn’t the solution. Because when rental rates rise, and there’s no added value, customers start to look elsewhere. When they have clearer visibility into equipment utilization, availability and performance, they can use that data to make smarter decisions on the jobsite.

SHIFTING RENTAL FROM A SIMPLE TRANSACTION TO A STRATEGIC SOLUTION Today’s customers expect more than a rate, a machine and an invoice. They want a partner who understands each project can help them reduce costs and lower risk. Every rental request is a new opportunity to add value to your customer’s business, but only if you go deeper than the standard order. 14 CANADIANRENTALSERVICE | August 2026

It starts with asking the right questions instead of defaulting to the machine they’ve always used. Several factors influence equipment selection – ground conditions, lift height, attachment compatibility, space constraints, timelines and site access. Every jobsite is different and small changes in conditions can affect performance, efficiency and cost. With a better understanding of the jobsite we can match capacity to workload, helping customers manage budgets and easily scale up or down as demands shift. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, equipment becomes a strategic decision. The result is better productivity for the customer and stronger asset utilization for you.

WHEN FLEET DATA SHIFTS THE CONVERSATION A customer rents three large excavators for an eight-week period. Utilization data shows one machine operating at just 15 per cent of expected runtime over the past 10 days, while another is running near capacity. Instead of waiting until the monthly invoice, your team flags the low-usage unit in real time, notifies the customer, offrents the underutilized machine and replaces it with a smaller, lower-cost unit better suited to the scope of work. The customer saves money and you redeploy the machine to another jobsite. Everyone wins. Without accurate data, these opportunities don’t

exist. Units sit idle, assets remain on rent longer than necessary and mismatched machines are used. Utilization reports, GPS tracking and performance analytics should go beyond dashboard features. Used strategically, they can drive action, helping identify and remove underperforming assets before a customer is billed for equipment they didn’t use. Combined with real-time access to rental rates and year-on-year spend, equipment renewals become strategic discussions rather than transactions and your operation becomes aligned with actual customer demand.

LEADING WITH VALUE, NOT RENTAL RATES Price is what customers see first when they rent a machine, but it’s rarely what determines profitability. Contractors are under constant pressure to maximize productivity without inflating costs. But a lower rate means little if equipment breakdowns delay the schedule, drive up costs

or force a last-minute equipment swap. Fuel efficiency, equipment utilization, uptime and availability have a direct impact on productivity and project margins. But when customers don’t have clear visibility into these rental performance KPIs, price often becomes the deciding factor. Factors like service reliability, technical expertise, flexible terms, technology and a well maintained, low-age fleet often protect schedules and margins far more effectively than a low rental rate. And when we can demonstrate that impact with real data, the conversation moves from “what’s your lowest rate?” to “how can you help us run this job more efficiently?” Suddenly we’re competing on performance and partnership rather than just price alone.

BUILDING STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS WITH INSIGHTS AND RELIABILITY Focusing on reliable, fuel-efficient equipment, responsive service, competitive

pricing and clear utilization data enables a different conversation with customers. Because an operation powered by accurate, actionable insights changes everything. You move from guessing to forecasting and from competing on rate to competing on performance. Understanding regional demand across Canada allows you to operate as both a supplier and strategic partner. Guiding customers through seasonal constraints, shifting availability and pricing fluctuations can give them clarity in an uncertain market. You help them secure the right equipment at the right time, avoid last-minute price increases and confidently bid on and plan projects. In an environment of rising costs and tighter budgets, long-term partnerships matter. When you help customers control project costs instead of chasing the lowest rate, you build stronger, lasting relationships. CRS Mike Wijayasundar is Director of Rental Equipment with Cooper Equipment Rentals.

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2026-08-04 1:14 PM

Today’s data centre construction rush requires immense, flexible power. We look at the latest lownoise, fuel-efficient mobile generators ready to meet this grid-bridging need. By Mike Lacey

POWERING THE BOOM

hile data centres have powered the modern world for decades, only recently have they taken on a new and more important role. As artificial intelligence quickly becomes an integral feature to the economy, it requires significantly more capacity. These data centres of the future, called hyperscalers, are popping up across the world and Canada is a leading player. One of the most recent announcements came from Meta, which plans on building its first Canadian data centre in Sturgeon County, north of Edmonton. The $13-billion investment will see a 1-gigawatt facility built over 700 hectares of land. It will be powered by a natural gas plant and create up to 3,000 construction jobs and 300 permanent operational roles. While Alberta is the epicentre for data centre construction, such facilities are being built across Canada. The generator is a key piece

of equipment to meet these needs, both for build out and operation. “For rental equipment providers looking to capitalize on data centre growth, available generators should be built for phased, temporary and high-coordination work,” says Ryan Fredrickson, Senior Product Marketing Manager, ECHO Industrial Power Equipment (IPE). “For rental fleets, it’s about having equipment that is scalable, low-noise, fuel-efficient and flexible to handle the changing demands of modern data center construction.” Below, we look at generators on the market that are suitable for use during the construction phase of the project or during operations as backup emergency power.

WACKER NEUSON MOBILE GENERATORS 8 www.wackerneuson.com/ us/products/power-generation/ mobile-generators/g100 Wacker Neuson mobile generators can handle all the

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requirements for most applications on a construction site. Engineered to withstand extreme conditions and provide consistent operation on

jobsites of varying size and complexity, models feature large fuel tanks to ensure long run times and separate excitation windings for improved

CREDIT: GERVILLE/GETTY

GENERATORS

Generators are a key part of powering data centre construction.

motor starting. Their ability to quietly provide reliable prime power over months and months of use makes them a great choice for the large data and logistics centres under construction today, as well as in year-round oil and gas applications. What makes Wacker Neuson models from 25-105 kVA special and unique is the company’s new Thermal Recovery Loading System (TRLS), which is designed to eliminate wet stacking by automatically applying load to the generator when low or no external load is detected. The system also matches specific engine load requirements to minimize fuel consumption, while helping maintain proper engine operating temperature. Integrated within the generator cabin, TRLS warms the engine block by using the coils to create load and warming the coolant. Heat generated by this load is recovered with the cooling system, to bring the

engine up to optimum operating temperature faster. TRLS is maintenance-free, has no moving parts and is vibration resistant. It can be ordered as an option on the G25, G35, G50, G70 and G100 or ordered separately as a DIA kit.

PG1140 PORTABLE GENERATOR 8 www.bobcat.com The Bobcat PG1140 portable generator is a high-output power solution designed to streamline transport and setup while delivering consistent performance for demanding applications. Ideal for largescale construction sites, critical infrastructure projects and industrial power needs, the PG1140 combines high-powered output, advanced load management and efficient transport into one integrated package. By consolidating power generation into a single trailer-mounted unit, it can help

reduce setup time and transportation complexity. The PG1140 integrates two PG570 portable generators into a single 48-foot trailer, combining their power output while maintaining a compact, jobsite-ready footprint. Designed to simplify deployment and reduce transportation costs, the unit combines high-output power and advanced load management in one rugged package. It is built to withstand rigorous operating conditions and support productivity and consistent operation during

extended use. Powered by dual Cummins X15 engines, the generator operates without exhaust gas recirculation, eliminating minimum load requirements and ensuring dependable operation in extreme temperatures down to -25°C. With more than 1,300 gallons of onboard fuel and 92 gallons of diesel exhaust fluid, the PG1140 delivers more than 27 hours of runtime at 75 per cent load. Additional features include an oversized alternator for high motor starting demands, ground-ac-

August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 17

GENERATORS

Ryan Fredrickson, Senior Product Marketing Manager, ECHO Industrial Power Equipment (IPE)

cessible controls, modular protective railings, and 1140 kVA (912 kW) output at 60 Hz with Tier 4 final emissions compliance.

PG570 PORTABLE GENERATOR 8 www.bobcat.com The Bobcat PG570 portable generator combines high-output power with versatile configuration options for demanding jobsite operations. Powered by the Cummins

X15 engine, the PG570 features no EGR, no minimum load requirements and supports operation in temperatures as low as -25°C. An upsized alternator delivers improved motor starting, superior harmonic response and longer alternator life. At roughly 20 per cent smaller and lighter than comparable models, the PG570 is a towable generator built to maneuver challenging jobsites. Designed for rental, con-

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struction and special event applications, the PG570 delivers 570 kVA (456 kW) of prime power with 480V, 208V and 120/240 1Ø voltage configurations. It provides up to 24 hours of runtime in typical applications. A standard DEIF paralleling controller allows up to 32 generators to operate together, providing scalable power capacity and additional operational flexibility for growing site demands. The PG570 is also designed for easy serviceability, with a low-maintenance after-treatment system accessible from the front and all operator controls located on the rear. Bobcat’s CoolBox solution maximizes performance to achieve industry-leading noise levels and minimizing water ingression. www.bobcat.com

CUMMINS C200D2RE 8 www.cummins.com Designed to support data centre construction projects, such as powering small construction trailers, lighting, security systems, small tools and temporary HVAC, the Cummins C200D2RE diesel generator set delivers dependable, high-performance temporary power for critical site operations, with up to 200 kW of standby output. Built to perform in demanding environments, it operates in temperatures from freezing to 122°F without compromising output. A multi-voltage selector allows operators to quickly adapt to evolving site requirements, while paralleling capabilities provide

additional flexibility to scale temporary power as project demands grow. Intuitive controls and integrated receptacles enable fast, straightforward setup for tools, lighting and temporary systems. With up to 24 hours of runtime at 75 per cent load, the unit helps minimize downtime and maintain construction productivity. Remote operation, GPS and telematics capabilities provide improved visibility and fleet management, while onboard diagnostics simplify maintenance. Its sound-attenuated enclosure supports use in noise-sensitive areas surrounding data centre developments. It is powered by a fuel-efficient 6.7-litre engine meeting EPA Tier 4 Final standards.

CUMMINS C1000D6RE 8 www.cummins.com The Cummins C1000D6RE is a high-capacity generator set engineered to support data centre construction and operations as bridge power, offering the flexibility to meet onsite construction needs as well as bridging the gap to commissioning and enabling earlier operational readiness, where continuous, reliable power is essential. Delivering up to 1000 kW standby output, it is well suited for backup, redundancy and supplemental power during maintenance events or grid instability. Its fully integrated, sound-attenuated ISO container enables reliable performance in operational environments while maintain-

GENERATORS ing controlled noise levels. Advanced control systems provide precise voltage and frequency regulation, along with remote monitoring and paralleling capabilities. This supports scalable, mission-critical power solutions. Built around Cummins’ engine platform, featuring a 15-litre engine with CVC technology, the unit offers strong load response, fuel efficiency and Tier 4 Final compliance. With extended runtime, robust filtration systems and service-friendly design, the C1000D6RE helps maximize uptime and reduce operational risk, making it a dependable solution for data center continuity and resilience.

ECHO DGK400F 400 KVA 8 www.echo-usa.com The ECHO DGK400F 400 kVA generator is a practical mid-range unit for construction-phase power. Whether for initial construction or back-up power during maintenance, its broad voltage output options make it easy to support different temporary loads, from

tools and equipment to support systems that may require different voltages. The DGK400F meets the noise and efficiency demands of modern jobsites. It features a unique enclosure design, vibration control and smarter engine management for ultra-quiet performance. Its fuel efficiency comes from the Isuzu diesel engine’s direct injection and turbocharged design. ECHO’s S.E.T. Smart Emissions Technology also helps the generator run more efficiently under lighter or changing loads, which is useful on data center sites where power demand can shift throughout the day. ECHO units are also Tier 4f/CARB compliant to ensure they are ready for regulated jobsite use. The generator’s trailer fuel capacity and auxiliary tank support also help it stay on site longer with fewer interruptions, which is valuable during long shifts or critical commissioning windows. Built-in overload protection and a rugged enclosure add to its appeal for demanding conditions.

GENERAC MDE1450 8 www.generac.com Generac’s MDE1450 TwinGen is a dual-genset mobile power solution designed for prime applications in challenging industrial environments. With redundant, fuel-efficient dual engines, high adaptability, and real-time IoT monitoring, the MDE1450 delivers 1450 kVa (1 MW) of reliable power while meeting Tier 4 Final emissions standards. This compact, containerized generator is an ideal choice for data centers, Generac states. It is adaptable for data centre jobs, with various options and configurations including: • Trailer or skid-mounted configurations for transport flexibility. • Cold weather package operates down to -25°C with heated components.

• 110 per cent fluid containment for environmental protection (not including coolant in remote radiators) • Integrated Generac Link IoT Monitoring provides real-time diagnostics and remote management. • Soundproofed ISO container enclosure with internal lighting.

GENERAC MDE2900 8 www.generac.com The Generac MDE2900 is a high-capacity mobile diesel generator engineered for prime and standby power. Built with four Tier 4 Final– certified Volvo engines in a containerized design, the MDE2900 provides up to 2,900 kVA of reliable, prime power. Designed for redundancy, efficiency, scalability and ease of operation, Generac states this mobile power solution is ideal for data centres where uptime is critical. Key features include: • Integrated Generac Link IoT Monitoring for remote visibility, diagnostics, and fleet management. • 110 per cent fluid containment for fuel, DEF and engine oil. • Sound-attenuated, weatherproof ISO containers with internal lighting and service access. • Inverter controlled fans for optimal temperature and lower sound levels. • Designed for operation up to 50°C and down to -25°C ambient temperatures. CRS

August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 19

A major theme running through CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 was technological advancement. This was especially true in regards to compaction. By Colin Leggett

GET SMART

s the construction industry goes through shifts and changes in 2026, it’s not just the workers becoming smarter, it’s the machines. Advancements in roller safety and efficiency were on display at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 from companies like BOMAG, Sakai and Hamm. These new systems allow workers to perform their jobs more effectively while also increasing jobsite safety. With older, more experienced professionals retiring, new technology can be a draw to the industry by making the work more intuitive and promising a safer work environment.

SAKAI GUARDMAN SYSTEM WITH ECHELON MODE Sakai’s booth at CONEXPO provided a look at rollers outfitted with the company’s Guardman technology. The Guardman auto brake assist system works similarly

to automatic braking in new cars. When the system detects an object or person behind the roller, it will first sound alarms to alert the driver and brake automatically if the roller gets too close. Sakai’s SW884 and SW994 models also feature Guardman technology on the front of the rollers. Guardman works by using millimetre radar or 3D LiDAR (depending on the roller model) in full integration with the machine’s hydraulic drive and spring-applied, hydraulically released (SAHR) braking system. An intelligent controller can even compensate for compactor speed and day or night visibility. Guardman technology can detect objects or people through dust and steam and was designed for paving next to walls setting off false alarms. “We are the only ones that offer this technology and we launched it in Japan probably six or seven years ago,” said Daniel Margrave, product training and marketing manager at Sakai. “There are over 15,600 machines in Japan with Guardman. The majority of machine sales in Japan are equipped with Guardman.” Guardsman’s Echelon mode was introduced in 2025. “It

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allows two highway class rollers equipped with Guardman to work in close proximity without worrying about false alarms,” said Margrave. “If they’re going to collide, it’s going to stop at the last minute. If someone ran between the two rollers, it would still be able to stop, but it allows them to closely roll in an echelon overlap formation.”

HAMM SMART COMPACT PRO WITH REALTIME DENSITY SCAN The Wirtgen Group had plenty to talk about during a tour of its CONEXPO booth, including the Smart Compact Pro system with Realtime Density Scan. This enables the roller driver to constantly monitor the development of the density in real-time, even during static compaction. The Realtime Density Scanner is bolted to the underside of the compactor and calibrated to the asphalt

mix. Local weather data can also be included as an option. “We can run this machine in a couple different ways,” said Cory Fuhrmann, vice president and head of sales, Hamm Products. “One is kind of a passive read only where an operator still has full control of machine functions but is able to see the asphalt density live on the screen. “We can also put this machine into automatics for the smart compact pro system. The operator can select a density target value and while running the machine, it automatically starts up the vibration and will change amplitude or run the machine static to achieve the density value that he has put into the machine.” Smart Compact Pro can help to ensure that an asphalt surface is not over- or undercompacted, freeing up Quality Control professionals for other tasks and keeping them out of harm’s way on a jobsite. “And the big thing for us is to eventually, hopefully eliminate destructive coring testing in the field,” said Fuhrmann. Smart Compact Pro is designed so even inexperienced operators can achieve optimum compaction results without any prior knowl-

COMPACTION edge, putting in line with many other technological advancements presented at CONEXPO 2026.

CATERPILLAR COLLISION MITIGATION TECHNOLOGY Caterpillar featured a number of technological advancements at its booth, from its new AI assistant to its autonomous CS12 compactor. The company also showed off its Collision Mitigation Technology, an important safety system that detects objects or people behind a machine. This technology is currently being employed on Caterpillar’s medium wheel loaders. However, Morgan Grigsby, detect commercial and application specialist, said the company is exploring adding the feature to other machines.

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“I likely see that we’re going to continue to be asked for the technology from our customers, and we’re always going to work to meet their request,” Grigsby said. The system interacts with the operator by giving them visual and audio cues to let them know if they are approaching a person or object from the rear. “We’re also adding the ability to engage with people on the ground as well,” said Grigsby. “So, specifically, if our smart camera detects a person close enough to the rear of the machine, it will give them a unique audible alarm so that we can proactively encourage them to step away from the machine.” A unique aspect of Caterpillar’s technology is it will adjust its zones based on the machine speed. “So, at a lower speed, we’ll apply the brake,” said Grigsby. “At higher speeds, we will derate the machine first and then apply the brake because we don’t want to create a potential tipping situation and have an incident driven by a braking that was too hard. So,

we’ll soften it and then apply the brake.”

STUMP GRINDERS

EARTH DRILLS AND TRENCHERS

TRENCHERS, TILLERS & GRINDERS

HD 99 Hydraulic Auger

712 Micro Trencher

337-13H

BOMAG ASPHALT MANAGER AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ASSIST The Fayat Group’s CONEXPO booth spanned a large portion of the Central Hall, and its BOMAG section offered a look at the company’s rollers, as well as the accompanying technology helping them work better, including Asphalt Manager. Asphalt Manager continuously auto-adjusts compaction performance based on current conditions. It is able to do this with its infinitely variable amplitude. “If you have a soft asphalt layer behind the paver, then it’s hitting the layer with a big amplitude to get the compaction,” said Frank Reinartz, product manager, heavy tan-

dem rollers for BOMAG. “But after some passes, if the stiffness gets higher, the amplitude will be reduced to avoid overcompaction. The machine does it by itself.” BOMAG says that another advantage of Asphalt Manager is the direction-dependent control of the directed vibrator reduces the formation of “bow waves” as the material is actively pulled under the drum. In terms of safety, BOMAG is also innovating with its Emergency Brake Assist feature, which automatically slows down the roller and stops it if necessary when an obstacle is detected in the roller’s path. The system uses LiDAR to detect the speed and distance of obstacles. The steering angle or control lever position and whether the roller is in crab mode are also decisive factors. If the situation allows, the roller’s working speed is only reduced. For example, if a person is already moving out of the vehicle’s path, the roller will not need to come to a complete stop. CRS

terracutsupply.com

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Toll-free 1-800-561-5414 terracut@shaw.ca August 2026 | CANADIANRENTALSERVICE 21

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LAST WORD

Let’s be realistic Data centres are likely inevitable, but don’t panic.

by Colin Leggett

n their song “Popular 2,” the band Cheekface proclaims, “the future is now, unfortunately.” The sentiment suggests an inevitability: no matter how much we romanticize it, the future is always going to be slightly disappointing. Right now, AI systems and the data centres needed to power them are hot topics. As with most topics discussed online, sentiment is split into two extremes: AI is either the greatest gift humankind ever bestowed upon itself, or an unstoppable evil out to ruin everything on the planet. Like most things, the truth is somewhere in the middle. It is extremely heartening to see so many people rejecting AI-generated art, the demand for which already seems to be at rock bottom. On the other hand, there are plenty of intelligent people who see how AI is being utilized in workspaces: not to replace workers, but to augment jobs and allow more opportunities for more people. This is especially crucial in the wake of an aging workforce who will take a wealth of industry knowledge with them as they retire. It’s hard to talk about data centres without raising tempers, but the truth is Canada needs to keep up with the rest of the world. That means innovating, building and taking further steps into the future. There are a lot of opinions from columnists and commenters who say they want Canada to be an economic powerhouse. However, they cannot reconcile this position with building data centres and attracting the investment these projects bring. To fully see exactly how AI can benefit people, the infrastructure for it to function needs to exist. In terms of power, the Prime Minister has announced a National Electricity Strategy which he says will double the capacity of Canada’s grid by 2050. At the same time, Vipul Agrawal, Senior Manager, Demand & Conservation Planning at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), says some data centres are projected to connect to the grid in the 2040s.

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Simply put, the matter requires thinking long-term. Even before they are properly connected to the grid, data centres still require a significant amount of power and cooling. Isaac Silva, Sales Sector Leader – Mining and Utilities for Aggreko Canada, says construction, testing, commissioning and certain operational activities can often move forward while permanent infrastructure is still under development. “We’re seeing increased interest in larger, multi-megawatt power solutions that support major construction, commissioning, and bridging power applications,” Silva says. Power solutions, cooling solutions and other pieces of rental equipment are all required for data centre construction and maintenance. Even before they are fully operational, their existence is putting money into another industry. All of this is not to say there aren’t serious concerns with data centres. The people raising these issues have a right to be heard and they deserve honest answers to their questions. We can look west to see what a Canadian plan for data centres looks like, and how it plans to mitigate environmental concerns. Telus and the government of British Columbia are working together on a Sovereign AI Factory cluster, which Telus says will utilize 98 per cent renewable energy and use 90 per cent less water than traditional data centres, with plans to incorporate recycled water from BC Place. Big promises like these should be taken with a grain of salt, but the companies planning these projects are aware of the criticisms. It’s unlikely all data centre construction is going to shut down, even with a public sentiment that leans negative. AI will likely be intertwined in our personal and professional lives from now on. We can either reject it entirely or find out how it can benefit us. Just don’t use it to make art. No one likes that.CRS

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In addition to mobile generators, Wacker Neuson offers a full line of jobsite solutions built for you, including light towers, pumps and heaters.

If wet stacking is robbing your mobile generator of the performance and reliability you paid for, it’s time for a new solution. Wacker Neuson’s Thermal Recovery Loading System (TRLS) is integrated right inside the cabin and automatically applies load when low or no external load is detected. TRLS is maintenance-free with no moving parts and uses the heat created by the system to better heat the engine. So, whether your construction project is minimal or massive, a Wacker Neuson mobile generator delivers the power you need, when and where you need it. Contact your Wacker Neuson dealer or visit us online today.

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