OS - September 2025

40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2025

CONSTRUCTION LAW: ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE PLEDGES

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Nuances and accolades

I see a lot of surveys and reports, and a recent one from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors cued up memories of an insightful lesson learned many years ago.

The report, Q2 2025 Canada Construction Monitor, presents a quarterly look at industry workloads and sentiment within several segments of Canada’s construction sector. Taking just a high-level view, it would appear that construction has been tapping the brakes in the early part of 2025, but that’s only partially true.

Digging a little deeper, the numbers indicate that residential construction is on a much different path than the infrastructure sector, which continues to see investment in new projects and has expectations of growth.

Reber’s Law postulates the more one investigates a subject, the more complex that subject becomes, and it applies quite well when we go deeper than a headline or summary in a report.

If we only rely on high-level summaries, we can miss the data that truly matters to our sector, or our company. This can impact our success going forward, so I find that the digging is often worth the effort.

Speaking of successful paths and effort, this issue sees us celebrating young leaders in Canada's construction sector who are forging strong career paths.

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This year's class of 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction honourees is the sixth group of individuals to be recognized through our program, which has continued to grow and attract an ever-higher amount of quality nominations year after year. Surviving the competition to land in the 40 is no small feat, as our judges can attest.

Helping to select our 40 this year were Nadia Todorova of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario, Kenny Leon of the Canadian Construction Association, Jesse Unke of MNP, Joshua Gaglardi of Orion Construction, and Andrew Hansen of SitePartners.

I would like to thank each of these individuals for the hours spent reviewing the nominations, and for their dedication to our industry.

And congratulations to our newest 40 Under 40 honourees!

Until next time, stay safe and do good work.

Adam Freill / Editor afreill@on-sitemag.com

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INDUSTRY>NEWS

Edmonton project earns Guinness accolades

Edmonton’s cityscape recently gained a unique, and record-breaking feature. As part of a deep energy retrofit undertaken by Chandos Construction, in partnership with Avenue Living, M.O. George Architect, and Claroscuro Architecture, The SunRise Building, formerly Capital Tower, has incorporated the world’s largest Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) mural, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Built in 1970, the 12-storey, 11,400-square-foot structure underwent major upgrades that saw the 179-unit building get reimagined as a modern, mixed-use space focused on affordable rental housing and environmental performance through decarbonization of greenhouse gas emissions. Chandos says it took on the project because it aligned with its values.

“This was the kind of challenge we thrive on: complex, collaborative and

community-focused,” explained project manager Dustin Tonsi. “We saw not only the opportunity to revitalize a neglected space but to help lead a meaningful urban renewal effort.”

With primary goals of achieving a 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improving aesthetics, the energy retrofit included full mechanical and electrical upgrades, abatement and remediation, a modernized building envelope, redesigned suites, and new amenity spaces.

“This was a complex retrofit, however by collaborating and focusing on sustainability and efficiency, we transformed an underused property into modern, affordable housing,” stated Neal Shannon, executive vice-president of capital projects at Avenue Living. “It highlights how smart retrofits can breathe new life into existing structures, and the neighbourhoods around them.”

Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the project is the world’s largest solar panel mural. Designed by Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal, the 85-foot mural titled “The Land We Share” integrates Indigenous and Chinese symbolism, celebrating Edmonton’s diverse cultural heritage. It was painted over the 30,000 square feet of the building’s Mitrex eFacade PRO plus BIPV system.

In addition to being a massive new piece of art in the city, the solar electric system has the capacity to provide 265 kW of renewable energy, and powers a significant portion of the building.

BIPV solar mural on the SunRise Building in Edmonton.

CAA supporting use of recycled aggregate

With the support of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), the push for the use of recycled asphalt and concrete is gaining momentum in Canada. The CAA has joined nine other influential organizations representing civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers and engineers who are united in their goal of increasing the use of Recycled Crushed Aggregates (RCA) in public infrastructure projects across Ontario.

The coalition, which launched earlier this year, is advocating for policy changes that will incentivize and mandate the use of RCA in projects like roads, subdivisions, highways, bridges and tunnels and, above all, harmonize municipal specifications through provincial standards to build greener, more cost-effective and high-performing public infrastructure that residents can rely on.

The push for using recycled asphalt and concrete is gaining momentum as the Canadian Automobile Association joins nine other influential organizations representing civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers and engineers united behind the goal of increasing the use of recycled crushed aggregates in public infrastructure projects across Ontario.

is reduced, along with carbon emissions, project costs, traffic congestion, and wear and tear on roads, but despite being a proven material already used in projects across the province, RCA use in municipal projects is severely limited due to existing local policies.

TARBA estimates that a 20-per-cent mandate for RCA in infrastructure projects by Ontario municipalities would save these communities more than $260 million annually while reducing greenhouse gas emis-

sions equivalent to removing 15 million gas cars from the road every year.

The 10 members of the coalition are CAA, Concrete Ontario, Good Roads, the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Construction Association, the Heavy Construction Association of Toronto, the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario, the Ontario Road Builders Association, the Ontario Sand, Stone, and Gravel Association, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and TARBA.

LESS HASSLE, MORE HUSTLE

THE UTILITY INDUSTRY GOES TO GROW

Investment in non-residential construction, June 2025 (in millions)

Canada

Newfoundland

Prince

Nova

$6,740.6

$25.7

$23.6

$125.2 New

Nunavut

TABLE: STATISTICS CANADA

$2.3

$11.4

A selection of data reflecting trends in the Canadian

GROWTH IN RESIDENTIAL DRIVES RISE IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT

Investment in building construction rose $454.4 million to $22.7 billion in June, reports Statistics Canada. The residential sector gained 3.1 per cent in value over the May report, while the non-residential sector edged down by half a per-cent. Year-over-year saw some significant growth in investment in building construction in June, as the industry posted an eight per cent gain compared to June of 2024.

Investment in residential building construction reached $15.9 billion, with the multi-unit component leading the charge. Multi-unit construction investment rose $362.3 million to $9.1 billion as Quebec and British Columbia posted sizable gains.

The story in the non-residential sector was not as good for June, edging down $30.8 million to $6.7 billion from May. All three components in the non-residential sector decreased in the monthly assessment, with industrial falling 1.9 per cent, and the institutional and commercial components both posting slim 0.1 per cent decreases.

ROUGH JULY FOR CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT

CONSTRUCTION INTENTIONS SLOW IN JUNE

Canada’s industrial construction sector was the only segment to post monthly building permit growth in June, according to Statistics Canada tracking. Overall, the total value of building permits issued in Canada decreased by $1.2 billion from May, or nine per cent, to come in at $12 billion for the month. Despite the significant drop, permit values were up by more than 11 per cent compared to June of 2024.

After driving growth in May, Ontario’s institutional component led the decline in construction intentions in June as the value of non-residential building permits decreased by 15 per cent, to land at $4.9 billion. Ontario’s institutional component receded from $1.9 billion in May to just $538 million. Despite this decrease, institutional construction intentions remained relatively strong at the national level, coming in at $1.7 billion. Commercial construction intentions across Canada declined by $87.4 million in June, coming in at $2.14 billion. And the industrial component was a bright spot in this latest report, increasing by $192.7 million to reach $1.1 billion.

Residential construction intentions fell by 4.3 per cent, to land at $7.1 billion. The multi-family component receded $4.6 billion, while the single-family component declined to $2.4 billion.

Employment in Canada’s construction sector took a heavy blow in July, falling 1.3 per cent as it shed roughly 22,000 workers, according to the most recent Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada. This comes on the heels of five consecutive months with little change in employment numbers in the sector. Despite the drop, the number of people working in construction in July was little changed compared with 12 months earlier. Overall, employment in Canada fell by 0.2 per cent, while the employment rate declined 0.2 percentage points to 60.7 per cent. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.9 per cent. Workers are remaining confident in their employment prospects even though the nation is facing an uncertain economic outlook, reported the agency. A survey of construction sector workers indicated 61.2 per cent were very confident in their employment prospects. This may be reflective of their work not being directly dependent on U.S. demand for Canadian exports.

21,020,400

1,619,200

HOT FOR HYDROGEN

Heavy equipment manufacturers are exploring the use of hydrogen, electricity, and more.

BY NATE HENDLEY

When it comes to alternative fuels for construction equipment, hydrogen rules — sort of. Several OEMs have either introduced hydrogen powered equipment or are taking a close look at this fuel. At the same time, manufacturers are expanding their range of electric models and investigating other alternatives to diesel as well.

Like their electric counterparts, machines powered by hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element, generate minimal to zero noise, emissions and vibrations. Hydrogen and electric machines are well-suited for environments in which diesel machines aren’t welcome. This

includes sites near schools, hospitals and residential areas. Hydrogen and electric machines are also ideal candidates for night work.

“When you consume hydrogen as a fuel, especially in a fuel cell, the byproducts are heat and water. So, it couldn’t be a less polluting fuel. It’s ideal in that sense,” notes Ray Gallant, vice-president of sustainability and productivity services at Volvo Construction Equipment.

Until recently, battery size has largely limited electrification to mini and compact models. By contrast, hydrogen works well in mid to large-sized equipment. Hydrogen’s downsides are that it is expensive,

and refuelling infrastructure is pretty much non-existent at present.

“Even if we can make machines that are running on hydrogen and are 100 per cent zero emission, we still have a lot of problems to solve around infrastructure,” states Gallant.

For all that, Volvo lifted the veil on its pioneering HX04 hydrogen-powered articulated hauler at the CONEXPO show. The first of its kind in the world, the six-wheeled machine weighed about 35 tons and emitted nothing more than water vapour during its operation.

Built for research purposes and not commercial production, the HX04 was

part of a four-year research program within the company.

“It was purely a concept machine for us to learn about hydrogen fuel cells and how to incorporate them into heavy engineering, and all the challenges that would come along with doing that,” states Gallant.

As Gallant notes, the HX04 was powered by hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) which produce electricity. Unlike the time needed to recharge an electric vehicle or machine, which can take hours, refuelling the articulated hauler with around 26 pounds (12 kg) of hydrogen every four hours reportedly took less than eight minutes.

While HFCs represent the most common form of hydrogen power in construction equipment at present, British construction equipment manufacturer JCB has taken a very different approach. JCB’s new 540-180H Loadall telescopic handler is powered by hydrogen but doesn’t use fuel cells. Rather, the 540-180H is fitted with a unique hydrogen internal combustion engine.

JCB’s group director for special projects, Tim Burnhope, recently explained that his company is the first to use hydrogen gas to fuel an internal combustion engine for construction and quarrying machines. It introduced the industry’s first hydrogen powered excavator, the 20-ton 220X, in July of 2020.

The 540-180H model was recently put through performance tests to see if it could be used for the upcoming Lower Thames Crossing project. That project is a huge roadway initiative that includes the construction of new traffic tunnels beneath the River Thames in England. The leaders behind the project want to use non-polluting, non-diesel equipment during construction, which might commence next year, barring any delays.

By all accounts, the 540-180H telehandler performed well on its tests and generated no tailpipe emissions.

To address the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, JCB created portable refueling trailers that can fill hydrogen

PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLVO CE

PHOTO COURTESY OF JCB

JCB’S 540-180H Loadall telescopic handler undergoing performance testing in Birmigham.

machines in the field. In early 2025, JCB received the go-ahead to start selling its hydrogen combustion engines on a commercial basis for construction and agricultural equipment in Europe.

Hyundai, meanwhile, displayed its HW155H concept wheel excavator at this year’s bauma trade show in Munich. The 15-tonne excavator, which was introduced at CONEXPO 2023, is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell offering 90 kW of power, zero emissions and 12 hours of run-time.

Developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company, the company says the HW155H provides the power and performance of a diesel-powered machine and expects low-pressure hydrogen storage and mobile refuelling solutions to allow the manufacturer to make hydrogen a viable energy source for the construction sector.

In May of 2023, Komatsu announced it had developed a new medium-sized hydraulic excavator fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell. This conceptual machine is evidence of Komatsu’s commitment to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 50 per cent from its product lineup and the production of its products by year 2030.

Despite these developments amongst several notable heavy equipment manufacturers, only a handful of hydrogen machines have actually been built, while electric equipment has already entered mainstream construction markets.

This is despite large equipment requiring large electric batteries, adding weight and cost, not to mention time-consuming recharging that can be impractical on remote, off-grid construction sites unless the contractor has a portable charging unit.

“Energy consumption is the key factor when it comes to electrifying a piece of construction equipment. Smaller machines have lower energy demands for their realworld application. Lower energy demands allow for smaller batteries, which are easier to charge and less expensive to build,” explains Brady Lewis, product manager for emerging products and technology at CASE Construction Equipment.

Like most OEMs, CASE “started with smaller EV units” and then applied lessons learned to larger equipment, continues Lewis.

Back in 2020, CASE released the 580EV, the world’s first completely electric backhoe loader. Powered by lithium-ion batteries and weighing 19,947 pounds (9,048 kg), the 580EV is designed to provide the same performance as its diesel equivalent.

“We utilize many common components, for example, the hydraulic cylinders, to ensure that the EV model can perform in the same applications as a diesel model,” explains Lewis.

Of course, the 580EV is much quieter and requires less maintenance than a traditional, diesel backhoe loader. These aspects make the backhoe loader an eco-friendly presence on worksites while enabling clients to meet sustainability goals, he added.

Two years ago, Volvo released the L120 Electric Wheel Loader and EC230 Electric Excavator, the first medium-sized machines in the company’s electric lineup. The L120 Electric wheel loader weighs between 43,431 and 46,297 pounds, and offers runtimes of five to nine hours, depending on the workload, and bucket capacities ranging from 4.3 to 7.2 cubic yards.

The EC230 is a general-purpose machine weighing between 47,010 and 57,690 pounds (21,322 to 26,170 kg), with a runtime of up to eight hours. The EC230 is designed to offer equivalent lifting capacities and digging forces as a diesel model during earthmoving, extraction and grading applications for site preparation. Now on its second generation, the latest EC230 model has a longer duty cycle, says Gallant.

PHOTO BY ADAM FREILL

The Hyundai HW155H prototype wheeled excavator is powered by a hydrogen-fuelled engine.

The 580EV electric backhoe loader from CASE.

Equipment

“We designed these machines to be as close to diesels as possible. The reason for doing that is so the operator feels comfortable jumping from one to the other,” he states.

For all that, operators sometimes express the opinion that electric models are more powerful than diesels. This has nothing to do with specifications or hydraulics but stems from the fact electric models offer instantaneous torque, so throttling up is not necessary, explains Gallant.

In April of this year, Hyundai introduced the HX230e, a full-size, 25-tonne electric crawler excavator fitted with a 420-kWh battery pack, which the company says is capable of eight hours of operation. The manufacturer also offers a 503-kWh battery pack as an option for extended work time.

This concept machine’s performance is comparable to a diesel equivalent, albeit with reduced noise, smell, vibrations and maintenance. If all goes to plan, the HX230e will enter into commercial production by late 2027.

At the last CONEXPO show, Komatsu featured its 20-ton PC210LCE electric excavator for the construction sector. That machine is powered by lithium-ion batteries with 451 kWh of capacity and offering an eight-hour run-time. According to Komatsu, this excavator is ideal for indoor and urban locales and nighttime work.

Not absent in the research and design stages, Caterpillar has developed a 320 Electric Medium Excavator prototype with an operating weight of between 56,400

and 60,200 pounds (25,600 to 27,300 kg), offering an eight-hour run-time. The company also has a 950 GC Electric Medium Wheel Loader prototype. The latter has an operating weight of 43,647 pounds (19,798 kg), a bucket capacity range of 4.0 to 5.75 cubic yards (3.1 to 4.4 cubic metres), and an eight-hour run time with a mid-shift 45-minute charge.

The company also has a 395 Tethered Electric Large Excavator prototype with an operating weight ranging from 201,723 to 228,619 pounds (91,500 to 103,700 kg), bucket capacity of 7.8 cubic yards (6.5 cubic metres), and unlimited runtime when connected to the electricity grid.

BEYOND THE H2

Hydrogen isn’t the only alternative fuel making waves in the construction equip-

ment segment. OEMs are investigating the potential of biogas and other intriguing fuels as well.

Volvo CE has equipment that can run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a product made from vegetable oils, animal fats, etc., without extensive engine modifications. Two years ago, Komatsu announced it was using HVO for factory-fill fuel at its European plants, and Volvo Trucks North America uses HVO for the same purpose at its Virginia plant in the U.S. Komatsu claims HVO reduces greenhouse gas emission by up to 90 per cent.

A few years back, CASE introduced a wheel loader powered by methane at CONEXPO 2020. Produced through an initiative called ProjectTETRA, this experimental wheel loader reduced emissions by up to 80 per cent and cut operating noise nearly in half, compared to diesel.

“The ProjectTETRA wheel loader was a concept machine in partnership with our sister company FPT Industrial. While the performance of the machine was similar to a diesel-powered model, there were some real-world challenges created by the sourcing and storage of biomethane, both on the vehicle and at the jobsite,” recalls Lewis.

As a result, it was decided that the agricultural sector was better suited for methane technology than construction.

Lewis admits that the ProjectTETRA wheel loader provided helpful insights about the practicality of alternative fuels, however, knowledge that CASE is putting to good use for further developmental work, just as Volvo gleaned valuable performance data from its HX04 hydrogen powered concept hauler research.

“Our sister company FPT Industrial has projects with a variety of alternative fuel options, including hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cells. HVO [and other sustainable fuels] are of particular interest since they would require minimal modifications to today’s diesel-powered equipment,” notes Lewis.

Nate Hendley is a freelance writer and author and is a regular contributor to On-Site Magazine.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLVO

Volvo’s EC230 electric excavator.

KUBOTA SVL75-3 HELPS SMALL EXCAVATION COMPANY DIG UP NEW BUSINESS

Purchasing your first piece of equipment is a big investment when you run your own small business, and Jason Rottier was intent on getting it right.

“It was a giant, and I mean giant, step for a small company less than three years old,” explains the owner of Rottier Excavating in Wallaceburg, Ontario. “I looked at used and new machines, I looked at horsepower, hydraulic output, high flow capability, user comfort, I looked at everything.”

His search led him up the road to SouthPoint Equipment, a full line Kubota dealer, where he met Eric Vanderlinde. “Once I talked to Eric, it was seamless. He kind of put me at ease,” says Rottier.

After first purchasing the SLV65-2 compact track loader and experiencing nothing but the durability and reliability he needed for his business, Justin quickly returned to SouthPoint to add an SVL97-3 to his line-up, for all the following reasons.

JASON’S

FAVOURITE

SVL75-3 FEATURES

• Track design: Floats smoothly, won’t plug up, makes long days comfortable

• Vertical lift: Adds 8-10 inches of reach – a game changer for loading trucks

• Full-colour rear-view camera: Exceptional clarity for safer maneuvering

COMFORT THAT COUNTS

At over six feet tall, Jason appreciated the SVL75-3’s spacious cab and Air Ride seat, which eases his lower-back pain during long days. The roll-up door and wide entrance make getting in and out effortless.

BUILT FOR PRODUCTIVITY

Jason uses the SVL75-3 for everything – from landscaping and bush removal to loading dump trucks and cutting wood. “If it lasts for what I do, it’s solid equipment,” he says. Its pushing power is like a small dozer, perfect for heavier jobs like forestry mulching.

A TRUE SWISS ARMY KNIFE

Compatible with a wide range of attachments, the SVL75-3 offers exceptional versatility, making it suitable for virtually any jobsite. Jason highlights his extensive toolkit, including grapple buckets, trenchers, soil conditioners, a Kubota land plane, forks, buckets, and even a snow blade. This diverse selection of attachments enables the SVL75-3 to tackle a variety of tasks, unlocking new business opportunities across multiple applications.

EASE OF MAINTENANCE

Maintenance is simple and fast. Jason recalls, “I changed the hydraulic filter in 10 minutes. No panels off, just open the hatch and go.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON

Eric and the SouthPoint team provide expert training and reliable parts availability, ensuring minimal downtime. “When I call, someone answers, and if Eric’s busy, he calls me right back,” Jason shares.

LOOKING AHEAD

Jason’s next goal? The Kubota KX080-5 excavator – a machine he’s confident will pay for itself and fuel continued business growth.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

THE RACE TO ELECTRIC POWER

Safety the driving force behind electric machines for demolition.

BY JEFF KEELING

With electric machine launches from virtually all large- and mid-sized heavy equipment manufacturers over the past few years, it might surprise some to learn that electric machines are not new to the construction sector. Some equipment manufacturers developed electric equipment decades ago and have spent years perfecting it.

Long before electric equipment became a trend, demolition equipment manufacturers identified a need for innovative, safe ways to finish dangerous, labour-intensive tasks, so they created machines powered by electricity. As time has gone on, these manufacturers have continuously optimized their machines for power and performance, since the real question when it comes to equipment is: Does the product have the power to get the job done?

IN THE BEGINNING

Demolition has always been dangerous. Back in the '70s, there weren’t many options available to solve issues contractors would run into, like navigating limited access, confined spaces, low floor loads and not disturbing nearby occupied spaces. The only way to get the job done was to send in workers with hand tools. This put workers at risk. The first remote-controlled and electric demolition machines were born out of the need for safer, more efficient demolition options.

Today’s electric machines may look like small excavators, with a three-part arm that often wields a breaker but can use a variety of attachments. Robots tend to range in size from just under two-feet-wide and a little over 1,200 pounds to almost 85 inches wide and over 25,000 pounds. The smaller robots

can drive through a standard doorway, fit in a passenger elevator, or even climb stairs.

But don’t let the compact size fool you. Demolition robots are engineered starting at the tip of the breaker for maximum hitting power. Pound-for-pound, demolition robots provide some of the highest power-to-weight ratios in the industry. Combined with a three-part arm, an electric-powered demolition robot offers exceptional reach and power in all directions, providing maximum precision and accuracy while the operator works from a safe position.

ADVANCING ATTACHMENTS

A variety of attachments further increases the value of compact electric power. Equip the robot with a shears attachment and efficiently and safely tear out concrete reinforcements, sprinklers, conduit, wire and cables. Or use a concrete crusher for “silent” demolition.

The crusher attachment “chews” down a wall as opposed to using the force of the

First introduced in the 1970s, electric demolition machines were created to solve such issues as limited access, low floor loads and working in confined spaces.

breaker to knock it down, reducing noise and vibration. For top-down applications where noise and vibration are primary concerns, crushers allow contractors to work during the day, sometimes without neighbours noticing.

These capabilities have years of experience behind them, making electric demolition machines the go-to for everything from soft demolition to refractory removal, ladle cleaning, underground mining, tunnelling and many other unique applications, including driving helical piers.

Electric equipment solutions are nothing new in the demolition sector. For many contractors, it’s become just another day on the job. For manufacturers, they continue to develop new equipment and attachments, with focus on creating equipment that can meet the high-power demands of today’s demolition and construction sectors.

Jeff Keeling is the vice-president of sales and marketing at Brokk Inc.

The Northbridge Construction Bursary

Saluting the Class of 2025!

On behalf of Northbridge Insurance, we are proud to sponsor the 2025 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, presented by On-Site Magazine and SitePartners.

This year has been a significant one for the construction industry, defined by significant growth and innovation. Adapting to these changes is no small feat, but the outstanding individuals recognized in this year’s 40 Under 40 have not only risen to the challenge but have excelled beyond expectations.

At Northbridge, we are proud to celebrate this group of forward-thinking, innovative young leaders who are driving the evolution of Canada’s construction industry. These individuals are not only shaping the future of the sector but are also dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals.

The nominees share several standout qualities, including a commitment to ethical practices, fostering innovation and leading by example. They represent companies behind some of Canada’s largest and most notable infrastructure and ICI projects, leveraging cutting-edge construction techniques and the latest technologies available to the sector. Their confidence in the future of our dynamic and diverse industry is inspiring, and we share in their vision.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to recognize and nominate members of their organization or work communities, as well as the companies that provide these individuals with the opportunity to grow and excel in their roles.

Congratulations to all who have been recognized. Northbridge Insurance thanks you for your contributions to the construction industry, which has driven remarkable progress. We’re proud of everything you have accomplished, and we look forward to seeing what you achieve in the future. We remain committed to supporting the construction industry as a trusted insurance partner and are excited to contribute to building a safer and brighter future.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Graham Underwriting Director Northbridge Insurance

CELEBRATING PROGRESSIVE AND INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP

On-Site Magazine and SitePartners are proud to recognize the newest members of the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction. The Class of 2025 is filled with exceptional, progressive and innovative young leaders who are advancing the construction industry in Canada, across a broad range of roles, from operations, project management, engineering, estimating, legal, risk management, technology and specialty contracting, and more.

Congratulations to the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, Class of 2025!

AARON BUCKLEY

Design Manager Jacobs Consultancy Canada

Aaron Buckley manages a portfolio of major water infrastructure design projects and has been instrumental in delivering several of Canada’s largest multi-billion-dollar infrastructure developments, including the Iona Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Coquitlam Lake Water Supply Program, Northwest Langley Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade, Coastal GasLink Pipeline, and Trans Mountain Expansion Project. Aaron founded his own consulting firm before joining Jacobs and now leads multidisciplinary design teams located across multiple continents. Aaron has expanded Jacobs’ business by developing new water supply planning services for clients and innovative software tools that automate design workflows for Jacobs. A mentor, leader and volunteer, he has developed a reputation for delivering complex megaprojects safely and efficiently.

ADRIEN RAHBAR

Vice-President, British Columbia

Gracorp, a subsidiary of the Graham Group of Companies

As vice-president for Gracorp’s British Columbia development

arm, Adrien Rahbar manages six high-rise rental projects totaling roughly 1 million square feet, or 1,500 housing units, while also building Gracorp’s B.C. team from the ground up. A University of British Columbia alumnus with 15 years’ experience, he has fostered successful partnerships on landmark developments, such as the 50-storey, $330 million Edmonds mixed-use project, a partnership with BC Builds and The Neighbourhood Church. Adrien has a track record of standardizing processes, optimizing forms of development for simplicity, and creating near net zero buildings. Adrien has served with several industry organizations, including the Vancouver Urban Design Panel, the City of North Vancouver Planning Commission and the Urban Development Institute’s U40 Leadership Committee.

ATHAVAN NADARAJAH

Construction Director Metrolinx

Athavan Nadarajah is a leader, innovator and mentor shaping Toronto’s infrastructure. With over 14 years of experience and dual degrees in civil engineering and an MBA through the Jeffrey Skoll program at the University of Toronto, he leads Metrolinx’s $6-billion-plus Ontario Line South. He has managed billion-dollar mine shutdowns, led award-winning flood protection works and oversees tunnelling beneath Toronto’s dense

core as part of Ontario South. His work on the Port Lands project helped shape Ontario’s soil reuse policies and advance sustainability. His impact spans mining, marine, road and transit sectors. He was recognized with the 2024 Metrolinx Innovation Award and OPWA Project of the Year for Bayview.

AVI HORWITZ

Founder & President

Sterling Floor and Tile

Ltd

Avi Horwitz founded Sterling Floor and Tile at 22 and has grown the company from his basement into a major flooring contractor employing 25 staff and over 100 subcontractors. His portfolio includes high profile projects like Vancouver’s Apple flagship store and the Brentwood developments. A finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year and BC Business 30 Under 30, he champions mentorship, investing heavily in training and systems, and he sits on the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s (VRCA) board and multiple trade associations.

BAHAA HAJAR

Senior Virtual Design & Construction Specialist Pomerleau Inc.

Bahaa Hajar is a seasoned construction engineer with over a

decade of expertise in digital design and construction. He holds a master’s degree in construction engineering and management, holds CanBIM P3 certification, is an ISO 19650 information management practitioner and is a LEED Green Associate. At Pomerleau, Bahaa is instrumental in advancing innovation by championing digital technologies and facilitating the adoption of international BIM standards across projects. His work encompasses digital project delivery, IoT integration and robotics to enhance construction efficiency, quality, sustainability and overall productivity. Passionate about education and industry collaboration, Bahaa is expanding the curriculum in engineering leadership and design innovation at the University of New Brunswick with a focus on advanced technologies in architecture, engineering and construction. He is fully committed to supporting the digital transformation of the Canadian construction industry.

BLIMA EHRENTREU Founder & CEO

The Designers Group Blima Ehrentreu is the founder and CEO of The Designers Group, an award-winning interior design firm in New York, Toronto and Miami. With over 15 years of experience, Blima has led her team on more than 500 residential, healthcare, hospitality and commercial projects. Her innovative approach to design, combined with a strong commitment to community impact, has earned her numerous recognitions. She is also a passionate advocate for women in construction and leads several philanthropic initiatives.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MATT BUDAU!

CHAD EKDAHL

President & COO

A&H Steel Ltd.

As president and COO of A&H Steel, Chad Ekdahl has led a dedicated team in growing annual

revenue beyond $100 million, expanding market share in B.C. and Alberta, and earning recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. With two decades of experience and a Six Sigma Green Belt, he has implemented procurement strategies that balance offshore sourcing to navigate tariffs with expanded domestic supply to help stabilize pricing. He has provided strategic oversight for the PNE Amphitheatre’s low-carbon build, and launched a mentorship program that provides training and employment for newcomers. Chad also serves on the Project Management Association of Canada board and chairs the George Spady Society, reflecting his commitment to community and workforce development.

CHRIS GREENE Vice-President, Innovation & Insights

American Global of Canada

Chris Greene, vice-president of innovation and

BUILT ON AMBITION, POWERED BY TALENT

At Amrize, we’re proud to celebrate the talent and dedication of our industryleading team—trusted experts working alongside customers to build their ambition.

Kiewit is proud to celebrate Matt’s leadership, dedication, and contributions to building the projects that shape our communities.

Congratulations to Jemma Moore, Nicolas Ginouse, and Xavier Berger on being selected for this year’s OnSite Top 40 Under 40.

Your leadership is shaping a world where better building means better living for all.

To learn more about Amrize, visit amrize.com

insights at American Global of Canada, blends insurance, construction and data expertise to modernize risk management. He created the C-RISQ platform, allowing contractors to assess risk in real time and integrating third-party data with underwriting intelligence. With more than a decade in the field and a bachelor’s degree focused on management information systems, he leads cross-functional teams in North America, mentors staff and builds client-facing tools that leverage AI, IoT and automation. An active industry speaker and podcast host, he is passionate about technology adoption.

CHRIS JAKUL Vice-President

Stormtec Water Management

Chris Jakul joined Stormtec 16 years ago as a junior water technician and rose to vice-president, where he oversees water filtration, emergency dewatering, pump supply operations and trenchless sewer repair projects. He led Stormtec’s emergency response for Calgary’s Bearspaw water main break in 2024, coordinating rapid river pumping stations, and managed a $7-million trenchless sewer repair in Kelowna. Chris champions innovation and profit improvement, introduces trenchless methods, mentors employees, serves on the SAIT EVT Advisory Board, and uses education sessions and book learning incentives to advance the industry.

CHRIS TERRIFF

Operations Manager

PCL Industrial Management

Chris Terriff is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience shaping Canada’s industrial construction landscape. A mechanical engineer, he’s led major PCL projects by blending frontline insights with innovation. Known for empowering crews and mentoring future leaders, Chris brings energy and clarity to complex builds. His leadership has earned multiple awards, but he’s just as

proud to ride bikes for MS and catch pies in the face for United Way. Off the jobsite, Chris is a devoted husband to Shaina and dad to Wynn and Dane. His purpose, “to lead with energy and develop crews to navigate new horizons together,” reflects the integrity, passion and mentorship that define his career and character.

CHRISTIAN CORREA

Director of Operations

EllisDon

Christian Correa is director of operations for EllisDon’s Ottawa office, directing a high-value

ICI portfolio and leading large, multidisciplinary operations teams in delivering complex, high-profile projects. A Civil Engineering Technologist with Gold Seal and CM-Lean certifications, he is a recognized champion of Lean construction and an early adopter of TouchPlan, introducing the platform that later achieved company-wide adoption. He has led landmark undertakings including the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex P3 and is known for converting complex challenges into on-time, on-budget outcomes. Having progressed from field engineer to senior leadership, Christian mentors future leaders, volunteers with the CCA, and is a member and supporter of LCI-Canada and AGC.

CHRISTINE CHAN Special Projects Division Operations Manager

Canadian Turner

Construction Company

With over 15 years of experience and a bachelor of engineering degree from Concordia University, Christine Chan is a seasoned leader in the construction industry who is known for delivering complex, high-profile projects. Her portfolio includes TRIUMF IAMI New Cyclotron Project, Parq Resort & Casino, Red Fish Healing Centre, Penticton Regional Hospital and the award-winning tenant improvements for Plenty of Fish. Proficient in P3, GMP, design-build and construction management

delivery models, Christine excels at fostering collaboration, mentoring emerging talent and driving inclusive workplace culture. As a leader within Turner’s MOSAIC employee resource group, she has championed culture-shaping initiatives and promoted diversity across the organization. Christine is also a passionate advocate for the next generation of builders, engaging students for greenhouse projects and community fundraising events.

DANE FLYNN President &

General Manager

Maxan Interior Systems

Since acquiring Maxan Interior Systems in 2019, Dane Flynn has led the company through a period of remarkable growth, tripling its size, expanding to more than 160 employees and entering new markets. With over 15 years of experience in estimating, project management, operations, sales and executive leadership, he is a strong advocate for a people-first culture. Dane invests in emerging technologies such as point cloud scanning, digital measurement and advanced robotics, and he founded Maxan Academy to help develop the next generation of construction leaders. He’s also committed to women-in-construction initiatives, has introduced company-wide safety days, and supports numerous charitable events.

EAMON SEXTON Vice-President, Construction

Axiom Builders

Emigrating from Ireland

with a master’s in engineering, Eamon built his career in Canada from the ground up, starting as a carpenter’s helper to now leading one of Axiom Builders’ largest divisions. Today, he oversees a team of construction professionals responsible for $1.5 billion in active projects and a $3 billion pre-construction pipeline. Leveraging his technical background and hands-on expertise, Eamon endorses industry innovation by champion-

ing new technology, expanding pre-construction services, and developing company-wide tools to streamline information between the field and office. A people-first leader, he is known for nurturing talent and fostering long-term partnerships, actively participating in mentorship initiatives and supporting new Canadians with career transitions.

GEOFF CAPELLE

Director, Project Development & Collaborative Delivery

Bird Construction

Since joining Bird Construction in 2020, Geoff Capelle has led the adoption of Integrated Project Delivery and Alliance contracting on 15 projects ranging from $20 million to $1.6 billion. Geoff works with owners from project inception through design, construction and commissioning to effectively implement collaborative structures and develop high-performing teams.

With degrees in sociology, urban planning and an MBA, he built a high-performing team focused on Lean Construction and collaborative delivery, founded the Pride@ Bird employee resource group, and co hosts the Building Good podcast. Geoff regularly speaks at industry events on collaborative contracting and champions diversity and inclusion.

GEOFF OLDFIELD

Operations Manager & Partner

Northern Industrial Construction Ltd.

Geoff Oldfield joined NIC in 2017 as its first office hire and helped grow the company from four staff and less than $1 million in revenue to more than 70 employees and over $40 million. He manages residential and civic projects across remote communities in the Northwest Territories, having delivered over 175 units, including wellness

EBC’S 40 UNDER 40 HONOUREE: CONGRATULATIONS TO GUILLAUME DUBOIS

centres, seniors’ homes, community housing and RCMP housing via innovative methods for Northern communities. Geoff’s other notable projects include a unique fish-shaped preschool as well as a major arena upgrade in , the birthplace of hockey. Holding an MBA, PMP, and multiple construction certifications, Geoff sits on the board for the NWT and Nunavut Construction Association as well as the Yellowknife Development Appeal Board and promotes modular solutions.

GRAEME LANGDON

Operations Director Alberici

Over 15 years, Graeme Langdon has risen from project coordinator to operations director, overseeing landmark projects such as the $1.3 billion Union Station Enhancement Project (Canada’s first Alliance contract), the Humber Treatment Plant upgrade

EBC is proud to recognize his expertise, elevate his impact, and celebrate his inspiring journey.

Guillaume Dubois Project Director –Industrial Group

DOUBLE ACCOLADES!

PCL Construction congratulates Sara O’Malley and Chris Terriff on being named to the 2025 On-Site Magazine + SitePartners Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction list. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence ensures PCL’s continued success atop Canada’s construction industry.

CHRIS TERRIFF Operations Manager, PCL Industrial Management Edmonton, AB

SARA O’MALLEY Senior Project Manager Toronto, ON

and SaskPower clean energy initiatives. A licensed professional engineer with a degree in engineering and management, he co-led an ACT mentorship program that reduced team turnover to nearly zero and pioneered value for money strategies saving more than $100 million. Graeme mentors students, chairs development programs, and is recognized for his people first culture and innovative approach to collaborative delivery.

GUILLAUME DUBOIS

Project DirectorIndustrial Group EBC inc.

Guillaume Dubois progressed from planning manager to director of major projects in less than a decade. He now leads one of EBC’s largest projects, demonstrating strong leadership in delivering complex, large-scale infrastructure. His leadership extends beyond work, serving as captain and co-administrator of the Phoenix

ÉTS dragon boat team, reflecting his ability to inspire and unify. Guillaume bridges best practices with cutting-edge technology, fosters bilingual collaboration and enhances project data management. His rapid rise reflects not only technical excellence, but also the forward-thinking leadership essential to modern construction, driven by innovation, team development and performance.

JAMES MCCORMACK Director, Construction Technology & Data Strategy

Modern Niagara Construction Services

A 20-year veteran who began as a field labourer, James McCormack has delivered more than 2,500 general contracting pursuits, including pre-construction as well as strategic project delivery for projects across the contractual spectrum and into billions of dollars of contract value. He ascended to chief estimator by age 25,

CONGRATULATIONS

PEDRO PINTO

for being named on the 40 Under 40, 2025.

As Renokrew’s Chief Operating Officer and Project Sponsor, Pedro leads projects from concept to handover, including Passive House-level social housing, rapid emergency housing programs, and complex community, child, and family care centers.

He delivers impactful projects on time and on budget, through positive stakeholder engagement and upholding community values across all endeavours.

helped triple company revenue, and has driven a culture that prioritizes the value the trade community brings to projects. James introduced Power BI to a number of pre-construction processes, uses parametric building analyses and mentors students through the Toronto Construction Association. At Modern Niagara, James’ focus has shifted to use this wide-ranging experience to lead enterprise-wide initiatives that connect data, people and processes to drive operational performance. His work focuses on practical and scalable technology adoption, field innovation and delivering measurable impact.

JEMMA MOORE

Head of Resource Management & Mine Planning, Canada

Amrize

Jemma Moore championed Amrize’s reserves and resources reporting by leading the transition to SEC compliant SK1300 stan-

Tyler MacFarlane Vice President, Civil & Facilities

dards across Western Canada, prompting her promotion to head of resource management and mine planning for Canada. A dual chartered geologist (P.Geo. and EurGeol) with a master’s degree in engineering geology, she built a multidisciplinary team, developed digital tools for volumetric tracking and spearheaded geotechnical safety training. Active in Women of Mining Canada, she mentors early career professionals, participates in industry committees and is recognized as a “unicorn” for combining technical prowess with leadership.

JESSE REYNOLDS Vice-President & District Manager

Chandos Construction

With 23 years in construction and Gold Seal certification, Jesse Reynolds has delivered more than 100 projects, rising from general labourer to district vice-president. He champions Lean

construction and sustainable construction practices, oversees a portfolio ranging from affordable housing to commercial developments, and received the 2024 Chandos Leadership Award for his inclusive, people-focused approach. Jesse is known for cultivating future leaders through co-op programs, professional development and mentorship, ensuring continuous improvement across the organization.

LINA SAVCHEVA Director, Major Projects & Environmental Lead Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.

Lina Savcheva leads major infrastructure projects and environmental safety programs at Green Infrastructure Partners. She spearheads adoption of company wide safety frameworks, such as Home Safe Rules and “5 to Stay Alive,” which reduce incidents and improve compliance. She holds multi-

ple certifications (Gold Seal, CRSP) and mentors teams through empathetic, strategic leadership while overseeing COR and ISO recertification initiatives. Named among Canadian Occupational Safety’s Top Female Leaders for 2025, she is a sought after speaker on safety and inclusive leadership.

MARIA ROBIBERO

Senior Health, Safety & Environment Manager

Ledcor Construction

Maria Robibero is an influential safety leader with over 15 years of experience. She has supported more than 50 projects at Ledcor, where she led the development of their new Ontario HS&E Management System. A Certified Registered Safety Professional and Certified Safety Professional, she earned Ledcor Construction’s first Gold Flag and COR 2020 Certification while reducing the total recordable injury frequency. Maria

leads a team of 10, combining technology and strategy by standardizing Procore, developing Power BI dashboards, enhancing training compliance, and actively mentoring women to thrive in the industry. Maria serves on multiple industry committees, including the OGCA, IHSA and CAWIC, and was recognized as one of OHS Canada’s Top 25 Under 40.

MATT BUDAU

Project Manager Kiewit

With 18 years in civil construction, Matt Budau manages Kiewit’s $286 million 264th Street Interchange, the first diverging diamond interchange in British Columbia. He previously led the Trans Mountain Expansion Spread 5B pipeline and Calgary Ring Road. A mechanical engineer and licensed P. Eng., he oversees teams of up to 1,000 craft workers and mentors young managers

while implementing constructability first design reviews. Matt’s innovations include real-time slope redesigns that unlocked kilometres of stalled pipeline, cold weather hoarding systems and cost-saving wall redesigns. He is a member of the Langley Chamber of Commerce and advocates for safety training and community engagement.

MATTHEW WALMSLEY

Project Director

Pomerleau (Buildings West)

Matthew is a transformative leader in Canadian construction and currently serves as project director for Pomerleau Buildings West in British Columbia, where he oversees operational execution for the business unit. With over 13 years of experience and a project portfolio exceeding $1.2 billion in total value, Matthew has consistently delivered complex institutional, industrial and commercial

• 15+ major projects delivered through collaborative contracting — from $20M to $1.6B

• Founder of Pride@Bird employee resource group

• Co-host of the Building Good podcast

• Leader in Lean Construction and collaborative project delivery

• Advocate for diversity, inclusion, and high-performing teams

Bird is proud to celebrate Geoff’s remarkable leadership and achievements! Where

builds across North America. Drawing on his educational background in economics and engineering technology, Matthew has successfully delivered over 80 projects across North America and has created proprietary project management tools, standardized KPI metrics, and spear-headed cross-border labour programs. His commitment to building and fostering high-performing teams, promoting safety and innovation, and mentoring younger staff through various associations align perfectly with Pomerleau’s core values and continues to elevate Pomerleau’s regional brand.

MOHAMMED KAMAL (KEMOO) EL SAYED

Co Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Infrastructure United Inc.

Kemoo El Sayed has spent over 15 years delivering more than $50 billion worth of infrastructure, includ-

Alberici proudly congratulates Graeme Langdon on being recognized among On-Site’s 2025 Top 40 Under 40!

ALBERICI.COM

Learn

why the Industry’s Top Talent and Top Contractors choose American Global

A key driver of a successful brokerage is having the best talent. At American Global, we’re proud to attract and retain some of the industry’s most knowledgeable and experienced professionals.

With our team of seasoned insurance experts, construction industry specialists and rising technical trailblazers, American Global provides clients with a broad perspective and innovative solutions. This collaborative culture and unique approach keeps us at the top of our game, so we can help you stay at the top of yours.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Chris Greene, Vice President of Innovation & Insights on your selection as a member of On-Site’s 2025 ‘T op 40 Under 40’ in Canadian Construction.

American Global proudly celebrates your accomplishments and salutes you for all you have achieved and all that is yet to come!

ing the Ontario Line, Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Yonge North Subway Extension. A professional engineer, he co-founded Infrastructure United, where he developed the PARPRO digital quality management system and spearheads initiatives in P3 advisory, EV charging infrastructure and workforce development. He serves on the boards of the Toronto Railway Club and TRACCS, and is a regular speaker on sustainable infrastructure and inclusive transportation.

NICK THOMPSON Chief Estimator

EllisDon Corporation

With 16 years of experience, Nick Thompson leads the estimating team at EllisDon Calgary, managing budgets and RFPs ranging from $1 million to $1 billion-plus. Since 2021, he has grown his team from eight

to 18 people, overseeing procurement of $3.7 billion across more than 130 projects. Rising through six roles with EllisDon, he blends operational expertise with strategic leadership, pioneering AI-driven estimating, Target Value Design and standardized cost frameworks. Nick co-developed EllisDon’s national Project Execution Plan and contributes to the Palantir Foundry Steering Committee. He is an advocate for inclusive hiring through his work with the Centre for Newcomers and serves as a mentor across several post-secondary institutions. His impact spans project delivery, innovation and workforce development.

NICOLAS GINOUSE General Manager, BMQ and Technical Director, Ready-Mix Amrize Canada Inc.

Nicolas Ginouse is a Ph.D. trained civil engineer leading Amrize’s Ready-Mix

research and development in Eastern Canada, driving technical innovation on major high-profile infrastructure projects. With over 15 years of industry experience, he manages a team of 90 professionals and oversees 30 active R&D initiatives focused on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing material performance and durability. Notably, Nicolas was involved in several iconic projects, such as the Samuel de Champlain Bridge project, which required more than 100 specialized concrete mixes. Under his leadership, Amrize successfully launched the ECOPact low-carbon concrete program in Eastern Canada and made significant advancements in ultra-high-performance concrete and dry mortar technologies. Passionate about mentorship and industry progress, he actively supports the growth of his team and contributes to technical committees that promote innovation and help shape global standards in concrete technology.

Behind every great project, are great people.

Nick Thompson Chief Estimator

Christian Correa Director, Operations

At EllisDon, our values drive innovation and our culture breeds excellence, shaping the best in the industry. We proudly celebrate our people who exemplify these ideals and lead the way forward. Congratulations to those recognized by On-Site Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Awards.

PAUL BOYLAN Vice-President, Preconstruction Stainton Group Inc. (SG Constructors)

Paul Boylan is a standout leader in Ontario’s construction industry, overseeing preconstruction for such landmark projects as the 75 James Street Condos, the Yonge Sheppard Centre revitalization, and the 355 Adelaide Street tower. A construction management graduate and LEED AP, Paul is known for driving innovation, most notably through the development of an advanced estimation model that has enhanced both accuracy and profitability. His unique cohesive and collaborative approach fosters strong partnerships across consultants, trades and clients, thereby streamlining desired outcomes. Beyond project delivery, Paul is a committed industry contributor, having chaired the Young

Construction Leaders and currently leading the Toronto Ireland Development Alliance. His work reflects a deep commitment to shaping a more efficient, connected and forward-thinking construction sector.

PEDRO PINTO Chief Operating Officer

Renokrew

Renokrew COO Pedro Pinto, P.GSC, knows that strong buildings are rooted in strong communities. His journey began at a young age, working alongside his father in the family’s cabinet and woodworking business. Through years of hands-on experience, education and persistence, he mastered his craft and took the initiative to grow the family business. Now, with over 14 years of industry experience, he leads as COO of Renokrew, overseeing ground-up builds, renovations, fit-outs and historical restorations. In his role as project sponsor,

Pedro guides projects from conceptual design through planning and construction, ensuring each one aligns with client goals and community values. His expertise extends to working closely with federal, municipal, vulnerable and Indigenous communities, delivering culturally respectful and collaborative results. As a member of the Canadian Construction Association’s Gold Seal Committee, Pedro remains deeply involved in shaping industry excellence. Beyond construction, Pedro is passionate about giving back. Under his leadership, Renokrew has actively supported a number of charitable partnerships and campaigns.

RALY CHAKAROVA

Executive Director

Toronto and Area Road

Builders Association

Raly Chakarova is modernizing Ontario’s road building standards by advocating for recycled crushed

Congratulations Chris!

Congratulations to Chris Jakul for being named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in Construction - a testament to his leadership, innovation, and impact in the water management industry.

Stormtec is proud to celebrate Chris’ achievements and his commitment to building a better future.

Chris Jakul VP, Prairies Stormtec.ca

aggregates, harmonized specifications and streamlined procurement to drive cost-efficiencies and reduce carbon emissions.

Dedicated to building a skilled, future-ready workforce, she collective agreements used by over 180 companies, revitalized TARBA’s scholarship program, and supports youth recruitment through Building Up and Skills Ontario. With a master of public administration degree and board roles on RCCAO and ACCES Employment, she is a champion for continued infrastructure investment and circular economy principles.

RYAN MATHWIG

General Manager

Vancouver Ready Mix (A BM Group company)

A third-generation concrete professional with 21 years’ experience, Ryan Mathwig grew Vancouver Ready Mix’s annual volume substantially during his tenure as sales manager, pivoting

the company toward multi-family and major projects. Now general manager of three ready mix operations (Vancouver, Princeton and Merritt), he visits each site, fosters safety and values employees beyond production numbers. As vice-chair of Concrete BC, he advocates for sustainable technologies like Portland limestone cement and driver training subsidies.

Ryan instructs certification courses and lobbies government to modernize procurement, championing the next generation of concrete professionals.

SARA O’MALLEY

Senior Project Manager

PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

Sara O’Malley has held significant leadership roles for multiple P3 healthcare projects across Eastern Canada, including Niagara Health System’s St. Catharines Site, Humber River Hospital,

the Milton District Hospital Expansion and Western Memorial Regional Hospital. Currently managing the $3.2 billion QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion, she is known for her strategic planning, negotiation and modular build expertise, earning PCL’s 2018 Innovation Award. Sara co-founded PCL Toronto’s diversity, equity and inclusion team, co-chaired United Way campaigns and mentors peers through PCL’s Mentor and Sponsorship programs. She is also an active participant in the Women's Infrastructure Network and the Construction Association of Nova Scotia.

SEAN THOMPSON

Vice-President Prairies

Flynn Group of Companies

Sean Thompson began his construction journey as a roofing apprentice fresh out of high school, steadily climbing Flynn’s operational ladder to become

CONGRATULATIONS!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Pomerleau’s rising stars – Warren Dietrich, Bahaa Hajar, and Matthew Walmsley – for being named to On-Site Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. Their outstanding leadership, construction expertise, and commitment to community service have set them apart, and we couldn’t be more proud.

GET TO KNOW THEIR STORIES

Matthew Walmsley Project Director Vancouver, BC

Bahaa Hajar VDC Senior Coordinator Fredericton, NB

Warren Dietrich Project Manager Halifax, NS

vice-president for the Prairies. With 18 years of experience, a business degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and certifications in contract administration and leadership, Sean has led significant structural changes while reinforcing the high-performance culture of Flynn. A strong advocate for inclusive leadership and coaching, he champions relationship-driven sales, community engagement, and peer-supported growth. His mentorship, cultural integration efforts, and advocacy for women in construction, underscore his impact as a leader.

SELVARAJ RAMASAMY Senior

Contracts Manager

Parsons Inc.

Selvaraj Ramasamy leads the commercial strategy for Edmonton’s multibillion-dollar Valley Line West LRT P3 project, overseeing contract management, multimillion-dollar claim negotiations, and

stakeholder alignment to deliver project and public value. With 17 years of experience across Canada, the UAE, Oman and India, he has delivered high-value infrastructure and real estate projects, introducing innovations such as real-time commercial dashboards, automated notices, performance metrics in cost value reconciliation reports and risk-tiered variation protocols. A civil engineer with an MBA in finance, Selvaraj holds MRICS, PQS, PMP and CCP credentials. A former AACE International Section president, he mentors professionals toward MRICS chartership and volunteers on industry certification committees, earning Parsons’ 2024 CEO Retention Award.

STEFEN PALAM

Associate Vice-President, Construction Dream Unlimited Stefen Palam is a seasoned construction leader with over a

Congratulations to Adrien Rahbar

recognized as one of Canadian Construction’s Top 40 Under 40

decade of construction experience driving complex, high-value projects. He has successfully been involved in more than $1 billion in construction across office, retail, hospitality, civil and multi-residential sectors. Stefen began his career with top-tier general contractors PCL and Turner Construction, building deep expertise in operational excellence and large-scale execution. As head of the commercial and multi-residential construction divisions at Dream Unlimited, he oversees strategic delivery across diverse portfolios, leading a team that is 75 per cent women, a reflection of his commitment to inclusive leadership and talent development. Recently, he led the $100 million-plus revitalization of the Bay Street Collection, featuring flagship restaurants Milos and Daphne. Stefen also serves as vice-chair of the Toronto Construction Association’s Young Construction Leaders executive committee, where he leads the strategic vision to empower emerging talent and driving industry innovation.

Adrien Rahbar Vice President, Real Estate Gracorp

We don’t just construct buildings. We build leaders, and Top 40 under 40 winners!

Developing our people is at the heart of our growth. Through programs like Flynn University for the Next Generation (FUNG), we invest in our people, giving them the tools they need to shape the future of our industry.

We strongly believe in promoting from within and creating real opportunities for our next generation of leaders to grow and develop.

Consider a meaningful future with Flynn. Visit our Careers page for information on open positions.

TYLER MACFARLANE

Vice-President, Civil & Facilities

Bird Infrastructure Ltd.

Tyler MacFarlane

progressed from carpenter to vice-president at Bird, integrating a civil contracting firm after Bird’s acquisition of R.G. MacDuff Contracting in 2017, and overseeing civil operations and facilities management across Canada. He helped build procurement and project support departments, helped triple revenues, and is known for developing teams and mentors while aligning operations with strategic goals. He has completed an HBA degree from the University of Toronto, a graduate diploma in education from the University of Wollongong, executive training at Ivey, holds numerous safety certifications, and actively supports community charities.

VINCENT WALSHE

President & CEO

Erritt Construction Ltd

Vincent Walshe founded Erritt Construction Ltd and transformed it into a nationally recognized trenchless and heavy civil contractor. With more than 18 years’ experience and a civil engineering degree from the University of Galway Ireland, he has been directly involved in the delivery of more than 130 kilometres of micro tunnels across Canada while pioneering one pass HDPE lined pipe installations, cast in place caisson shafts, and a self-perform model that reduces risk and improves efficiency and quality. Vincent mentors a safety-focused workforce, collaborates with municipalities to improve design standards and champions trenchless technology through client education and industry committees.

WARREN DIETRICH

Project Manager

Pomerleau Construction

Warren is the director of the Construction Specifications Canada Atlantic Chapter and serves on the Executive Leadership Committee for Light the Night Halifax. His leadership promotes diversity, knowledge-sharing and low-carbon practices. As a civil engineer and Certified Low Carbon graduate, Warren manages complex projects across Atlantic Canada in healthcare, water treatment, recreation and housing, including the LEED-certified Gros Morne Visitor Centre. He champions sustainable development, integrates BIM, AI and Procore to drive efficiency, and applies Lean construction principles across his work. Warren also chairs Pomerleau Atlantic’s charity golf tournament, which is expected to raise over $145,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

XAVIER BERGER

Technical Manager, Ready-Mix & Concrete Amrize Canada, Inc.

Xavier Berger is a technical leader driving Amrize’s success in Quebec’s ready-mix market, developing innovative concrete mixes for such major projects as the STM Ligne Bleue subway extension and the Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge. A Ph.D. candidate researching embedded sensors for real-time quality control, he guides Amrize’s transition to recycled aggregates, securing regulatory approvals and improving sustainability. Xavier mentors teams, liaises with the Ministry of Transport and the Association Béton Québec, and has co-developed digital tools recognized with an American Concrete Institute Award, demonstrating his commitment to research and industry leadership.

SALUTING JUDGES

Sorting through the hundreds of nomination forms to come up with just 40 individuals to recognize is no small task. The following individuals volunteered their time and lent their expertise to ensure that we could put together this sixth edition of the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, recognizing young professionals driving the construction sector forward.

The teams at On-Site Magazine and SitePartners would like to thank our esteemed panel of judges for supporting our efforts to recognize the industry’s rising stars

OUR JUDGES

Nadia Todorova – Nadia Todorova is the executive director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO). Nadia is a member of the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction program’s Class of 2024.

Kenny Leon – A strong supporter of industry advancement and recognition, Kenny Leon is the vice-president of member services and technology with the Canadian Construction Association.

Jesse Unke – A partner of MNP’s Consulting team in Vancouver, Jesse leads the firm’s capital projects and infrastructure consulting practice. He was recognized in the inaugural edition of the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction program in 2020.

Joshua Gaglardi – Joshua Gaglardi is the founder and president of Orion Construction. Joshua became a member of the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction in 2020.

Andrew Hansen – Andrew Hansen is the founder and CEO of SitePartners, a marketing and consulting services group serving the construction sector.

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is proud to congratulate Gold Seal Certified (GSC) and Professional Gold Seal Certified (P.GSC) professionals who have been named to this year’s 40 under 40!

Become Gold Seal certified today!

Jesse Reynolds, P.GSC

Christian Correa, GSC

Sean Thompson, GSC

Lina Savcheva, GSC

Pedro Pinto, P.GSC

SYMPOSIUM

CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

40 Under 40 Alumni share insights and advice.

BY ADAM FREILL

As part of the build-up to announcing the newest members of the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, On-Site Magazine hosted its 2025 40 under 40 Virtual Symposium in August. The event, which was sponsored by LBX Excavators, featured presentations by 40 Under 40 Alumni members Dan Bockstael of Bockstael Construction, Vincent Davenport from EllisDon and Gabe Guetta of SALUS. Veteran construction sector editor Doug Picklyk led the discussions.

Bockstael shared an overview of his unique experiences growing up in his family’s business, which dates back four generations in Winnipeg. “As a fourth-generation family business, we are bit of a rare entity,” he said. Dan’s great-grandfather, Theodore, started Bockstael Construction in 1912, employing many of those who

immigrated with him to Canada.

“He was a recognized community leader,” Dan explained, adding that his grandfather, Robert was the next to lead the company and in the community, serving as a trustee and councillor before giving up company ownership to his sons when he became a member of parliament. Generation three includes Dan’s father, John, who has volunteered extensively in the industry.

“Their skills and leadership really expanded beyond the job, so it set the tone for what was expected of the next leaders in the company,” he said. Among the advice he shares with young workers is to find a company where the values, the approach and the culture are a fit for them, and to network – something that his father started with him at an early age.

Conversation then pivoted from lead-

ership to innovation, as Picklyk discussed product and career development with Davenport, who works with emerging construction technologies at EllisDon.

Davenport was part of the team that developed the patented Hybrid Timber Floor System. The system consists of a cross-laminated timber panel with post-tension concrete beams within it.

“The idea was to create a gateway technology for people who want some of the benefits of mass timber, but aren’t prepared to go all the way and sacrifice other things to build with mass timber,” he explained.

Passionate and engaged by the variety of his work, he advised, “Once you find people you enjoy working with, stay there as long as you can.”

Also embracing his role in developing products for the industry was the event’s third speaker, safety software developer Guetta, who explained, “You can’t protect the business if you don’t protect the worker.”

Guetta got his start as a labourer in the construction sector before shifting to tech.

“When I started in construction, safety was, ‘Wear a hard had and steel toe boots,’” he stated. An accident on a job site served as a wakeup call that put him on a path to build safety software that wokers would embrace, rather than view as paperwork.

“A worker goes to work every day. They’re not going there for safety. They’re going there to build or do something to get paid,” he explained. "Safety becomes a barrier when it’s not introduced properly."

Clockwise from top-left: Emcee Doug Picklyk, Dan Bockstael, Vincent Davenport and Gabe Guetta.

BUILDING THE FUTURE CANADA NEEDS, SUSTAINABLY

Canada’s concrete and cement industry has developed an action plan targeting net-zero by 2050.

BY ROB COONEY

Canada’s housing shortage and the need to reduce carbon emissions and enhance resiliency in the structures we build are major challenges facing the construction sector, including Canada’s cement and concrete industry.

The national housing shortage is well-documented. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that the country needs about 3.5 million more housing units by 2030 to restore affordability. Meanwhile, the Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Code Policy (CTHCCP) has identified climate change mitigation and adaptation as part of its key priorities for the development cycle of the 2030 editions of the National Model Codes. These priorities reflect the CTHCCP’s efforts to ensure new construction is lower in carbon emissions and resilient to climate change.

The Canadian cement and concrete industry, which supplies the most used building material in construction, is well-positioned to do its part to help address these challenges as it continues its carbon-reduction journey. The concrete industry’s products and solutions are known for their versatility, durability and resiliency, but our industry is only beginning to highlight our commitment and achievements in sustainability, innovation and transparency.

A CONCRETE PLAN

In 2023, the Cement Association of Canada (CAC), together with our members and partners in the concrete sector, released

Concrete Zero, Canada’s Cement and Concrete Industry Action Plan to Net-Zero

Our action plan shows that carbon emission reductions of 40 per cent by 2030, 59 per cent by 2040, and net-zero by 2050 are achievable using today’s technologies and based on our 2020 baseline.

This action plan is based on the cement and concrete value chain, identifying where emissions reductions will come from at each

stage. The plan focuses on five C’s: Clinker, Cement, Concrete, Construction and Carbon Uptake. There is also a sixth bonus C where more research and development is needed: Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage.

Clinker is the most carbon-intensive component of cement. Its emissions are lowered through the use of alternative fuels, improved efficiency and lowercarbon chemistries. Cement's emissions are lowered by producing blended cements like Portland-limestone and increasing the use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs).

Concrete puts focus on optimizing mix

designs, incorporating recycled materials and improving plant energy efficiency.

Construction highlights material efficiency, waste reduction and more innovative designs that minimize overbuilding. Finally, Carbon Uptake recognizes concrete’s ability to reabsorb CO2 over its lifecycle, offering a long-term climate benefit.

Canadian cement manufacturers have taken significant, coordinated steps to improve sustainability across their operations. They have transitioned many facilities to produce Portland-Limestone Cement (PLC), which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 10 per cent. Others are investing in using low-carbon fuels like biomass and construction waste to replace higher-carbon fuels.

One specific example of low-carbon fuel use is an investment in a low-carbon fuels facility at the Amrize Canada (formerly Lafarge) Exshaw plant in Alberta. The facility replaces up to 50 per cent of natural gas with low-carbon fuels, primarily wood-based construction demolition waste.

St Mary’s Cement is also piloting alternative fuels, at an Ontario plant.

Across the country, producers are partnering with Canadian cleantech firms to pilot and scale up innovative carbon reduction solutions. For example, Ash Grove Cement formed a partnership with Carbon Upcycling to produce a high-performance cementitious material from a locally sourced byproduct and to permanently sequester CO2 emissions from the cement kiln at their plant in Mississauga, Ont. This low-carbon material is being used to reduce the clinker ratio,

CONCRETE ZERO

significantly lowering the associated carbon emissions with the cement.

Heidelberg Materials is developing the world’s first full-scale carbon capture project at its Edmonton cement plant. This is expected to capture over 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually from its cement production and integrated combined heat and power facility.

VERIFYING CARBON CLAIMS

Carbon reductions across the cement and concrete value chain are measured, tracked and verified through Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These are standardized, third-party documents offering transparent, science-based data on a product’s impacts throughout its life cycle.

Much like a nutrition label or an appliance energy rating, EPDs make it possible to understand and compare the environmental footprint of building materials. For cement and concrete, they report key metrics such as Global Warming Potential (GWP), a critical indicator of embodied carbon emissions.

EPDs play a pivotal role in building

supply chain transparency. They serve as a trusted, objective tool for manufacturers to quantify and demonstrate reductions in greenhouse gas intensity. For building owners, developers and infrastructure clients, EPDs support more informed material selection, procurement alignment with low-carbon goals and project-level carbon accounting. You can’t reduce what you don’t measure. EPDs are how the industry ensures progress is visible, verifiable and actionable.

The Canadian cement and concrete industry is a leader in the building materials industry on EPDs. Concrete producers have developed regionally specific EPDs for a range of products, including readymix, precast, masonry and pipe, and some producers have product specific EPDs. Cement producers have also developed a regionally specific EPD, but all manufacturing facilities have published facility-specific EPDs. The combination of all these declarations forms a foundational step in establishing accurate carbon baselines and mix-specific emissions profiles.

WORKING WITH SUPPLIERS

Following the five Cs to look at concrete and construction, engaging concrete suppliers early is essential for lowering carbon emissions. Design and procurement decisions made in the early stages of a project, long before concrete is poured, directly affect the embodied carbon of the final structure.

Involving concrete suppliers early allows project teams to explore innovative mix designs, agree on performance requirements, and identify opportunities to reduce carbon through cement substitution, admixtures or optimized curing strategies.

Concrete Carbon: A Guideline for Specifying Low Carbon Ready Mixed Concrete in Canada reinforces this point. The guide introduces the idea of a concrete carbon budget, which helps specifiers balance performance and constructability with climate goals. It also stresses that concrete suppliers are vital partners in identifying suitable, lower-carbon solutions, particularly when using regional EPDs and industry average self-declarations to inform procurement.

This guideline is also a great reference to support any construction professional who is working on a federal government construction project subject to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Standard on Embodied Carbon in Construction, or other jurisdictions that have adopted a similar approach.

Engaging suppliers during the design and specification phase allows project teams to unlock flexibility and avoid overly prescriptive language that could unintentionally limit low-carbon options. Whether it involves adjusting strength development timelines, selecting SCMs, or incorporating recycled concrete aggregate, early collaboration ensures that low-carbon targets are achievable, and that the final product meets structural, durability and scheduling requirements. Ultimately, early engagement isn’t just a best practice; it’s a competitive advantage.

Rob Cooney is the vice-president of construction innovation at the Cement Association of Canada. With two decades of experience in project leadership and strategy, he advances sustainable construction through collaboration and innovation.

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SUSTAINABILITY

CONTRACTORS AS TECHNICAL LEADERS

How the circular economy is reshaping the future of concrete in Canada.

BY MICHAEL MAHONEY

As Canada’s heavy construction industry adapts to the realities of climate responsibility, resource scarcity and increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks, concrete contractors are finding themselves at the centre of a profound transformation. The circular economy — a model that emphasizes keeping resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and designing for lifecycle resilience — has been gaining traction across Canadian infrastructure and building projects.

While the spotlight often falls on cement producers and material manufacturers, it is the contractors on Canadian job sites who are uniquely positioned to turn circular principles into practice.

With the federal government committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, provincial regulations tightening embodied carbon thresholds and owners increasingly demanding sustainability performance, concrete contractors are now becoming the catalysts behind an industry-wide shift.

BEYOND THE POUR

Traditionally, Canadian concrete contractors operated at the application stage: mixing, pouring, finishing and curing in line with project specifications. Today, they are integral to design-stage decision-making. During pre-construction planning and submittal reviews, contractors influence material selection, mix design and even

lifecycle strategies. Their input is critical in advancing low-carbon alternatives that reduce embodied carbon while maintaining constructability.

This shift requires not only practical experience but also technical fluency in material science. Contractors must understand the performance of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) like fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag and silica fume. They must also evaluate the properties of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), which is gaining increased acceptance in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. By integrating these materials into project specifications, contractors can help Canada meet environmental targets and infrastructure durability requirements.

EXTENDING SERVICE LIFE

In Canada’s diverse and often extreme climates, from freeze-thaw cycles in Quebec to coastal chloride exposure in British Columbia, extending the useful life of concrete structures is perhaps the most direct way that contractors can contribute to circular economy objectives. Instead of defaulting to demolition and rebuild, Canadian contractors are increasingly turning to advanced repair and protection systems that maximize durability and reduce waste.

High-performance mortars, polymermodified overlays and fibre-reinforced repair products allow concrete contractors to restore structural capacity with precision.

Carbon fibre strengthening systems are now being used in bridges across Ontario and Alberta to extend service lives without costly replacement. These interventions often rely on advanced diagnostics such as ground-penetrating radar, corrosion mapping or half-cell potential testing — technologies that are now widely available to Canadian contractors through specialized service providers.

Protective technologies are equally important. Silane-based sealers, epoxy coatings and chemically resistant surface treatments defend against de-icing salts, sulfates and alkali-silica reactions, all of which are common deterioration mechanisms in Canadian infrastructure.

By integrating protection strategies into maintenance programs, concrete contractors shift from reactive repair to proactive preservation, aligning with public asset management policies and circular economy goals.

CLOSING THE LOOP

More than just extending service life, circularity is about recovering resources from existing structures. Across Canada, municipal and provincial governments are encouraging the recycling of demolition debris into usable aggregate. Contractors in Metro Vancouver, for example, increasingly repurpose crushed concrete as road base or reintroduce it into structural mixes when quality standards are met.

The technical challenge really lies in

ensuring grading consistency, contamination control and performance compliance.

Canadian contractors who partner with certified recyclers and understand the nuances of CSA standards for RCA can deliver structural mixes that meet both engineering and sustainability criteria. In dense urban centres like Toronto and Montreal, where virgin aggregate is scarce and costly, RCA presents a cost-effective and environmentally sound alternative.

Similarly, the use of SCMs diverts industrial byproducts from landfills while reducing the demand for energy-intensive Portland cement. In Alberta, fly ash from coal-fired power plants has long been used in concrete mixes, and as Canada transitions away from coal, other SCMs like slag and natural pozzolans are increasingly important.

Contractors who understand the hydration kinetics, durability impacts and admixture compatibility of these materials are at the forefront of circular practice.

EMBRACING INNOVATION

Canadian contractors are also beginning to integrate emerging low-carbon innovations into their workflows. Carbon mineralization technologies, now available through several Canadian ready-mix producers, allow captured carbon dioxide to be injected into fresh concrete, where it is chemically bound as stable calcium carbonate.

This not only permanently sequesters carbon but also enhances compressive

strength. That is a win-win for both sustainability and performance.

At the same time, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming the gold standard in Canadian procurement, particularly for projects seeking LEED, Envision or CaGBC Zero Carbon Building certifications. Concrete contractors must now evaluate embodied carbon metrics alongside traditional parameters like slump, setting time and durability. Those who can successfully interpret and communicate EPD data gain a competitive edge in bidding for government-led infrastructure projects, where carbon disclosure is increasingly a requirement.

ECONOMICS OF CIRCULARITY

For circular strategies to achieve mainstream adoption in Canada’s competitive construction market, they must deliver economic as well as environmental value. Canadian contractors are increasingly demonstrating through practice that sustainability can align with financial realities.

Repairing rather than replacing bridges, parking structures or industrial floors avoids demolition costs, hauling fees and downtime expenses. Incorporating RCA reduces reliance on imported aggregates, which are particularly costly in Atlantic Canada.

To add to this, using SCMs not only stabilizes mix costs against cement price volatility, but can also qualify projects for federal and provincial green building

incentives, tax credits and preferential procurement programs.

A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

Circularity requires collaboration. Contractors must work closely with producers to test low-carbon mix designs, coordinate with designers to ensure constructability, and educate owners on lifecycle benefits. This alignment is critical as Canada moves toward performance-based building codes emphasizing durability, embodied carbon limits and long-term serviceability.

Concrete contractors also play an important role in shaping industry standards in Canada. Participation in CSA committees, pilot programs and continuing education ensures that their perspectives influence the regulatory frameworks that will define the next generation of Canadian construction.

By engaging in these dialogues, contractors help Canada transition from voluntary adoption of circular practices to widespread regulatory integration.

BUILDING RESILIENCE

Ultimately, the circular economy in Canada is not only about sustainability; it is about resilience. Concrete will remain the backbone of Canadian infrastructure, from urban transit systems to remote northern highways. The question is how effectively the industry can deploy it to conserve resources, adapt to climate change and extend the usable life of critical assets.

Canadian contractors are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. By championing circular principles through smarter material selection, advanced repair systems, resource recovery and the adoption of emerging low-carbon technologies, they can deliver resilient concrete structures that are not just built to last, but built to evolve with Canada’s changing needs.

Michael Mahoney is the central region manager of the National Business Development Group at Euclid Chemical. A fellow and member of the American Concrete Institute, he has served on committees for the National Pre-Cast Concrete Association and American Society for Testing and Materials, and holds a master’s degree from Dalhousie University.

Testing concrete at a jobsite.

SUSTAINABILITY

CARBON REDUCTION AT DANIELS ON PARLIAMENT

Advanced concrete mixes reduce carbon footprint of Toronto condo project.

BY ADAM FREILL

When the residents of Daniels on Parliament take occupancy early next year, some may not know just how much of a role their building has played in illustrating the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of building materials without making sacrifices in the structure or the building process.

Located at 365 Parliament Street in Toronto’s Regent Park, the condominium project consists of a 25-storey tower and a 10-storey tower, offering 642 residential units ranging from studio units to three-bedroom suites and two-storey walkouts. Once complete, the building will include underground parking, as well as retail units at ground level.

With sustainability in mind, the developer, The Daniels Corporation, worked with building materials supplier Amrize (formely Lafarge) through its subsidiary Innocon to employ carbon-smart design principles, optimizing concrete mix designs to minimize embodied carbon within the project.

As with most residential builds of this nature, concrete plays a significant role

in the construction of the condominiums and represents the largest carbon footprint of any of the building materials used, so reducing the embodied carbon became one of the goals.

“Innocon, a subsidiary of Amrize in the Greater Toronto Area, supplied ECOPact concrete, an advanced branded solution designed to deliver high-performance while significantly reducing embodied carbon,” explained Innocon president David Kelly. “At Daniels on Parliament, approximately 31,000 cubic metres of ECOPact, representing 75 per cent of all concrete pours, were deployed across foundations, structural columns, shear walls, slabs and other core building elements.”

Kelly reports that 38 tailored mix designs were developed for the project, the largest high-rise condo deployment of ECOPact in Canada thus far.

“Concrete is the single largest contributor to embodied carbon in new construction. Our goal at Daniels on Parliament was twofold: to significantly cut the project’s carbon footprint by using ECOPact low-car-

bon concrete at scale, and to gather practical knowledge that we can apply across future projects,” explained Meghan Wilson, Daniels’ senior manager of sustainability. “ECOPact mixes replace a portion of cement, the most carbon-intensive ingredient in concrete, with recycled or byproduct materials from other industries, like fly ash from steel production.”

The use of these Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) can have a significant impact on the carbon footprint of concrete, while admixtures can assist with desired concrete specifications.

“State-of-the-art admixtures were utilized to maintain the desired performance characteristics,” stated Andy Unger, regional president for Aggregates and Construction Materials (ACM) for Central Canada at Amrize. "As a result, the ECOPact mixes achieved up to 25 per cent less embodied carbon than traditional concrete."

After calculating all concrete use on the site, Wilson said the use of these new mixes reduced the average carbon footprint across the two towers by more than 15.7

per cent per cubic metre of concrete, representing a significant potential for carbon reduction for the buildings sector. Those figures are good for the environment, but

they also resonate with residents as well.

“While location and affordability remain top priorities, today’s buyers and renters are increasingly factoring

sustainability into their decisions. Green building features not only signal trust and forward-thinking but can also help with long-term affordability, especially when it comes to utility costs,” said Wilson.

“At Daniels, we’ve also introduced carbon labels on our floorplans — a firstof-its-kind tool designed to make embodied carbon more visible and help buyers understand the impact of their choices,” she added. “It’s part of our effort to increase education and transparency, and to give residents the confidence that their home is a smart investment for both the environment and their future.”

Within the construction industry, the inclusion of these new concrete products is gaining traction, especially as municipalities become more familiar with the newer materials. “While some building departments still approve on a project-by-project basis, codes and specifications are gradually evolving, and many jurisdictions, especially in major urban centres like Toronto, are increasingly comfortable approving low-carbon mixes when backed by engineering certification,” said Unger.

That learning curve is to be expected when using any new materials, and it is not just the building departments that are navigating these new materials. Contractors want to ensure that the concrete performs as expected as well.

“The building industry is traditionally cautious when it comes to adopting new materials, so committing to a large-scale ECOPact pilot required close collaboration with our suppliers and project teams to get buy-in,” stated Wilson. “That said, because ECOPact is a drop-in product that meets standard concrete requirements, no additional city or permitting approvals were needed beyond typical compliance.”

According to Wilson, Toronto has policies that encourage innovation in reducing embodied carbon, setting performance targets and offering incentives.

“While the policies don’t explicitly make ECOPact easier to implement, they do provide developers with flexibility to explore solutions that reduce carbon,” she said.

Daniels had previously tested the brand

SUSTAINABILITY

of concrete on a smaller scale, but Daniels on Parliament was its first deployment of this volume of carbon-reduced concrete, and project timing meant navigating a greater variety of ambient conditions.

“The main challenge came during winter. During cold weather, concrete requires special additives to ensure it cures properly. While we successfully used ECOPact with these additives in many areas, for certain critical structural elements we reverted to conventional concrete to avoid any risk of schedule delays,” she said. “It was a balancing act between innovation and maintaining construction timelines.”

That’s where the expertise of a supplier can be invaluable.

When working with a variety of mixes, or across different seasonal weather patterns, Innocon’s Unger provides advice that is similar to any project with specific performance requirements of its concrete: “Engage early with the concrete supplier to align mix designs with performance requirements; train crews on any slight differences

in workability or setting time; and document results — tracking performance helps build confidence in future projects.”

Unger says that his company has a trusted team of industry experts more than willing to serve as technical consultants to partner with customers to ensure that scheduling, mix selection and curing practices are all addressed and integrated into the construction process so that the potential for surprises is minimized.

For the Daniels on Parliament project, the companies found that curing times and performance of the ECOPact mixes were comparable to traditional mixes, as each mix had been carefully engineered to meet the specific demands of its application. “Through tailored mix designs, we ensure strength, durability, and workability align with project requirements,” said Unger.

“Daniels on Parliament demonstrates that large-scale innovation and sustainability gains are achievable without sacrificing performance or timelines,” stated Kelly. “It also shows the value of collaboration

between supplier, contractor and developer in embedding advanced, high-performance solutions into design decisions from the outset.”

“The experience was invaluable,” added Wilson. “It gave us real-world insight into how low-carbon concrete performs on a fast-paced construction site in a climate as variable as Toronto’s. That hands-on learning is what allows us to push the industry forward.”

And the industry is beginning to respond to sustainability initiatives like the Cement Association of Canada’s Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete, although Wilson admits adoption of low-carbon materials is still uneven.

“Daniels is very much among the leaders, moving early on piloting and scaling low-carbon concrete, embedding lifecycle assessments to measure and track embodied carbon into every project’s design, and aligning with policies such as the Toronto Green Standard’s optional requirements for LCAs and embodied carbon.”

EXHIBITS: JANUARY 20-22, 2026

EDUCATION: JANUARY 19-22, 2026

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ACHIEVE PEAK PERFORMANCE VIEW GLOBAL EVENTS

TACKLING CONCRETE

Success requires the right approach, equipment and attachments.

BY MIKE FITZGERALD

Concrete and demolition job sites test both operators and equipment with demanding work conditions and tight timelines. Success starts before a machine even powers up, with walk-arounds and maintenance checks that keep equipment reliable and crews safe. From there, choosing the right machine and pairing it with the right attachment ensures contractors can tackle everything from breaking down structures to hauling debris and preparing new ground.

Operating any equipment requires a proactive, mindful approach to jobsite safety. Continuous awareness of your surroundings and understanding safe machine operation are key components. Performing daily walk-arounds and regular maintenance checks will help keep equipment and attachments reliable, maximizing uptime.

There are a few foundational actions that operators preparing to tackle work should remind themselves about, and these can apply to any machine used on concrete and demolition job sites. One of the simplest ways to stay safe is to always wear a seatbelt. This helps reduce the potential for injuries.

Considering your machine and job site, before you begin your task, perform a walk around to check for any mechanical issues or new obstacles. Sometimes machines have to be moved, so when transporting your equipment, do it safely. Observe local rules and motor vehicle laws and use a transport and towing vehicle of adequate length and capacity.

Above all, stay alert. Remain aware of your surroundings,

equipment and self. Avoid autopiloting familiar tasks, regardless of whether you’ve been on the job for 20 days or 20 years.

MATCH THE EQUIPMENT TO THE JOB

Every job site is different. Smaller interior demolition projects often call for compact machines that can squeeze into tight spaces, while larger outdoor projects may require more horsepower, reach and lifting capacity. Choosing the right equipment should be based on the application and job size.

For instance, mini track loaders are effective for interior or confined or narrow space work. For larger areas like parking lots, road repairs or site prep, contractors often turn to compact track loaders, skid-steer loaders or compact excavators.

Versatility is key. When paired with the right attachments, the correct machine can handle multiple tasks, helping contractors do more with less and keeping projects on schedule.

COMPACT TRACK LOADERS

Compact track loaders have become a go-to choice for many demolition and concrete jobs because of their combination of power, versatility and operator comfort.

Available in a wide range of sizes, models with higher rated operating capacities are well-suited for handling heavy palletized loads like brick, block or bags of cement while their smaller counterparts are great for removing demolition debris and working in tight areas.

Another advantage of compact track loaders is their attachment flexibility. From breakers and buckets to grading tools and grapples, attachments make CTLs adaptable across job sites.

Contractors who clearly communicate their needs with their dealer will get the best machine for the work. Whether the priority is maneuverability in confined spaces or reach and lift for loading trucks, the right configuration will maximize efficiency and uptime.

SKID-STEER LOADERS

Skid-steer loaders remain one of the most versatile tools on any job site. While they share similarities with track loaders, a key difference is their tires, which make them ideal for hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. They excel in stable and smooth ground conditions.

Skid-steers also shine in tight quarters where maneuverability is important. Their ability to pivot and maneuver around corners allows operators to navigate small work zones with ease.

If operators are using hydraulically powered attachments like breakers, it is important to make sure the auxiliary flow is within the proper range for that attachment. Doing so ensures the attachment performs as designed without putting strain on the loader.

MINI TRACK LOADERS

Mini track loaders can be invaluable tools for specific demolition and concrete jobs. Their small size and ability to fit through narrow entries or gates make them especially useful indoors or on sites with access limitations. Crews can use mini track loaders to eliminate much of the manual labour that would otherwise be required in tight areas.

These machines combine speed and maneuverability with a compact footprint. For example, Bobcat’s MT120 mini track loader is just under 36 inches wide but can travel nearly five miles per hour. Machines like this show why mini track loaders are becoming more common in interior demo work, where traditional equipment simply cannot fit.

COMPACT AND LARGE EXCAVATORS

Excavators remain one of the most essential pieces of equipment for concrete and demolition work. Whether digging trenches, lifting heavy loads or preparing uneven terrain, excavators deliver the performance needed for demanding jobs. Contractors today can

choose from a wide variety of sizes and configurations, which is a good thing as matching the machine to the environment is critical.

Compact excavators are best for tight job sites where every inch matters. They often come with minimal or zero tail swing, making it easier to maneuver around buildings, fences and other structures. Their lighter weights and narrow profiles also make transport easier. In many cases, compact excavators can be hauled on a trailer behind a pick-up or small truck avoiding the need for special permits.

Larger excavators are designed for heavy-duty applications and can handle much greater loads. They require heavy truck-and-trailer setups and may involve special permits for transport. While they offer unmatched lifting capacity and digging power, contractors need to consider transport costs, bridge and road restrictions and other logistics when deciding if a large excavator is the right fit.

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

The best tool for a job is the one properly matched to the task. A machine that is too big can be just as inefficient as one that is too small. The goal is to choose equipment that fits the work environment, handles the workload and allows operators to work efficiently.

Contractors should also rely on their dealers when making purchase or rental decisions. Dealers can provide valuable guidance on machine performance and attachment effectiveness helping improve return on investment and profitability.

Whether it is a compact track loader, skid-steer loader, mini track loader or excavator, every machine has strengths when matched to the right application. Contractors who carefully evaluate their needs and lean on their dealer’s expertise will put themselves in the best position to succeed on the next job site.

Mike Fitzgerald is the marketing manager at Bobcat Company.

Choosing attachments to work smarter, not harder

Breakers

Hydraulic breakers turn a compact loader or excavator into a powerfully precise demolition machine, breaking through concrete, rock and asphalt effortlessly. The hydraulic breaker’s auto power regulates pressure automatically, ensuring its operation regardless of changes to outdoor temperature. Additionally, the upper and lower shock absorbers isolate the breaker, reducing noise and vibration to deliver operator comfort without sacrificing performance.

Nitrogen breakers are a perfect attachment for breaking reinforced concrete slabs or other tough demolition work. The long piston stroke, combined with a unique valve design, maximizes impact energy and minimizes recoil. The working tool is heat treated to specific hardness targets for low wear in high-impact applications.

Industrial grapples

Industrial grapples are available in bucket or

fork-bottom designs to deliver easy handling of bulky, hard-to-manage materials in industrial and construction settings. A twoarm design provides a strong, even biting force proving its worth time and time again on the toughest of jobs.

Wheel saws

Wheel saw attachments allow operators to cut through a variety of hard surfaces including asphalt, concrete with rebar and wire mesh, as well as frozen ground, which is critical on demolition job sites. Bobcat’s wheel saw can be side shifted to provide a precise cut next to curbs and walls.

Sweepers

Sweepers collect and dump dust, dirt and debris from your construction and demolition job sites. This one tool can accomplish the

work of multiple clean-up attachments with optimal bristle-to-surface contact, making them an excellent choice for site cleanup, daily dust abatement, road construction, airport maintenance, demolition, and more.

By Jacob Stoller

Interest is growing in sustainable building materials

How committed are owners to reducing their carbon footprint?

As the construction industry grapples with new ways to move forward on the path to net zero, concrete presents a massive target. The second-most widely used material in the world next to water, if concrete were a nation, its carbon footprint would be third in the world behind China and the U.S.

Accordingly, carbon-reduced concrete is part of the game plan for Edmonton International Airport as it strives to meet the requirements of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge. Working with its contractor PCL Construction, the airport selected EvoBuild, a low-carbon concrete product from global building materials provider Heidelberg Materials.

Dallas Fraser, project manager at PCL, estimates that this reduced embodied carbon by 30 per cent compared with the conventional product. And, according to Shane Mulligan, sustainability market manager for Canada at Heidelberg, using carbonreduced concrete on the project saved 200 tonnes of CO2

Embodied carbon, it should be noted, is not a physical characteristic of the concrete itself, but a proxy for the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in the manufacture of the product. Such indirect influences on the environment are classified as Scope 2 emissions by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the international body that establishes and tracks such metrics.

Traditional concrete’s carbon problem is that the process for manufacturing clinker, the primary binding agent in Portland Cement, requires kilning at approximately 1,500ºC. Reducing the proportion of clinker and replacing it with limestone or other materials reduces the energy and carbon emissions associated with a concrete mix.

“Generally speaking, for most of our markets, we’re able to achieve somewhere in the range of up to 30 to 50 per cent carbon reductions versus industry benchmarks,” says Mulligan.

The carbon reductions that are possible with a concrete mix varies on a project-by-project basis depending on the owner’s sustainability objectives and the structural and constructability requirements of the project. “As you start to get more aggressive with your carbon reductions, there can be some trade-offs, particularly where schedule is concerned,” he says.

The product also requires some adjustments in the field.

“Like any new product, there’s a bit of a learning curve there,” says Kyle Russell, construction superintendent, civil projects at PCL. “We had QC people from our supplier out on site during some of our pours, and they were able to tweak a few things in their mix design that definitely made it easier for the crews to place. And as we progressed our way through the job, we got to the point where it was pretty much like working with any other concrete.”

He points out that the need to make adjustments is not unique. “There’s no true normal when it comes to concrete,” says Russell. “In the particular job that we used this on, we have something called corrosion inhibitor in our concrete mix. And this just by itself in a regular, conventional, non-carbon-reduced mix makes concrete very difficult to work with.”

CHANGING ATTITUDES

The adoption of carbon-reduced concrete is being driven primarily by voluntary pursuits of green building rating systems and standards.

“We have a lot of design teams and owners that are looking to get the LEED green building certification, or are just doing low-carbon construction based on their own environmental, social, and governance principles,” says Mulligan.

The Edmonton airport was a prime example. “The owner, being the airport, was interested in green initiatives and green materials,” says Fraser. “They were willing to pay for eco-friendly concrete because they saw it as a good selling point for the airport.”

While momentum for eco-friendly projects is strong at the federal and provincial levels, many local jurisdictions have yet to catch up. “The National Building Code, for example, adopts a lot of the lower carbon solutions that are available, whereas on the public infrastructure side, it’s much more local,” says Mulligan. “The municipal specifications are all independent, and often more prescriptive and difficult to navigate.”

While attitudes are changing, there’s still work to be done. “There are some mindsets that need to be changed,” says Mulligan. “Lower carbon doesn’t mean lesser performance. Performance remains the guiding principle for all the mixes we’ve designed. We’re just doing it with optimizing carbon in mind, as opposed to only optimizing economics, which has been the traditional model for most concretes.”

Jacob Stoller is principal of StollerStrategies. Send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.

Aktion Associates is a leading North American Value-Added Reseller (VAR) and trusted technology partner. We help construction businesses modernize their operations with ERP, managed IT services, and secure cloud hosting. With decades of experience in the construction industry, we deliver solutions that reduce delays, improve forecasting, and connect field to office.

IBy David Bowcott

Lean is Green

Green construction is an extension of Lean construction, and both are vital to long-term success and lowering risk.

n today’s construction landscape, sustainability has slipped somewhat from the spotlight.

Pressures around cost containment, labour shortages, digital adoption and supply chain resilience often dominate boardroom conversations. Yet green construction should not be pushed too far to the side of the table. It remains a critical long-term strategy for built asset owners and project stakeholders.

Climate change is intensifying, regulations on carbon and energy will continue to tighten in the longer run, and many investors continue to assess portfolios through an ESG lens, especially longterm money. Those who lose focus on green risk building assets that have far less value once they are complete and into operational life.

Before getting too deep into green itself, it is important to recognize the foundational role that Lean has played in reshaping construction and the management of built assets. Lean construction is often associated with efficiency and cost savings, but its principles go much deeper.

makes it practical, scalable and measurable.

At its heart, Lean is about eliminating waste, improving processes and maximizing value across the entire lifecycle of a project. These values map seamlessly onto the objectives of green construction, making Lean a foundational discipline for sustainability.

ELIMINATING WASTE REDUCES ENVIRONMENTAL BURDEN

Lean practices cut excess material use, reduce rework and streamline logistics, all of which lower carbon emissions and landfill waste.

PROCESS DISCIPLINE BRINGS SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES

Collaborative planning methods like the Last Planner System, justin-time delivery and real-time performance tracking ensure fewer inefficiencies, which in turn reduce resource use.

LIFECYCLE THINKING

Lean emphasizes value over a building’s lifespan rather than just upfront cost, aligning directly with green principles like energy efficiency, durability and lower operating costs.

For example, projects that combine Lean scheduling with prefabricated modular components have reported not only cost savings in the range of 20 to 30 per cent, but also significant reductions in waste and energy use during construction. In this way, Lean doesn’t just enable green construction, it

Lean also plays a direct role in reducing project risk. More disciplined planning, tighter coordination and continuous monitoring reduce the likelihood of delays, cost overruns and quality failures, all of which carry financial and reputational risks. From an owner’s perspective, fewer change orders, less material waste and smoother handovers mean reduced exposure.

Green practices compound this by lowering long-term operational risks such as volatile energy costs, tightening environmental regulations or extreme weather vulnerabilities. In this sense, Lean and green together create a framework not only for efficiency but also for resilience.

Green construction may not dominate today’s headlines, but its long-term strategic importance has never been greater. With Lean construction providing the discipline and framework for effective execution, green practices can deliver not only environmental benefits and long-term economic value, but they can be foundational for reducing overall project lifecycle risk.

For asset owners, contractors and investors, embracing green isn’t just about doing the right thing for the planet. It’s about ensuring assets remain resilient, efficient and competitive in the decades ahead. That’s a value for money proposition.

David Bowcott is the executive vice-president of the Construction Industry Group at Platform Insurance Management. Please send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.

SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS IN CONSTRUCTION

There are several green construction trends pushing the sector, as well as the overall built environment, into a more prepared long-term future.

NET-ZERO ENERGY BUILDINGS

Net-zero buildings, the structures that generate as much energy as they consume, are reshaping design and construction. Through a combination of efficient systems, advanced insulation and renewable sources like solar or geothermal, these projects cut long-term operating costs and shield owners from future carbon taxes. They are also increasingly attractive to tenants and investors who prioritize sustainable assets.

EMBODIED

CARBON REDUCTION

Attention is shifting from just operational energy use to embodied carbon. These are the emissions tied to materials and construction processes. Using low-carbon concrete, recycled steel or mass timber can shrink a project’s footprint before it’s even occupied. Owners who act early here are better positioned as carbon disclosure rules become stricter.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRACTICES

Designing for disassembly, using modular components and repurposing materials reflects circular economy principles. These approaches not only conserve resources but also reduce demolition costs and create opportunities for secondary material markets.

SMART AND CONNECTED BUILDINGS

IoT sensors, AI-driven controls and adaptive systems enable buildings to optimize energy and resource use in real time. By monitoring occupancy and environmental data, smart buildings can cut energy demand by 20 to 30 per cent, reducing operating costs while providing better comfort for occupants.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

Resilient design is becoming as critical as efficiency. Watersmart systems like greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting reduce strain on municipal supplies, while resilient features, such as elevated foundations, fire-resistant materials and adaptive layouts protect assets from climate risks like floods, droughts or extreme heat. Together, they help owners reduce long-term operational and insurance risks.

GREEN ROOFS AND LIVING SYSTEMS

Vegetated roofs and facades improve insulation, absorb stormwater and reduce urban heat islands while boosting biodiversity. They also enhance human wellness by improving air quality and providing access to natural spaces, which can increase tenant satisfaction and retention.

PREFABRICATION AND MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Off-site fabrication reduces construction waste, shortens project timelines and improves quality control. This Lean-friendly approach also supports green goals by lowering energy and resource consumption, with growing adoption in sectors like housing, education and healthcare.

DIGITAL TWINS FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The use of real-time digital replicas of buildings or infrastructure allows owners to simulate, track and optimize performance across the lifecycle. From energy modelling to predictive maintenance, these tools reduce emissions, extend asset longevity and help owners manage costs more effectively.

By Sinem Ersoy, Erin Cutts and Theron Davis

A promise is a promise

Legal considerations for ESG pledges.

With the rise of shareholder activism and an increased focus on sustainable investment, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) pledges have become an important part of corporate strategy for many Canadian companies. Canadian companies frequently issue public ESG pledges to advertise company values, attract investors and meet stakeholder expectations.

While ESG commitments can strengthen brand and investor appeal, they also create legal risks. Accordingly, Canadian companies should take a legally informed approach towards drafting and publicizing their ESG pledges.

LAWS, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS

ESG pledges are embedded in a complex web of legal regimes. This includes statutory and regulatory requirements as well as the common law, which introduces a variety of considerations relating to contractual and fiduciary duties. When drafting an ESG pledge, companies should be aware of potential legal risks.

Securities law: The Canadian Securities Administrators publish National Instruments, which include best practices for governance that are often later adopted by provincial and territorial securities bodies. For example, CSA NI 58-101, which has been adopted formally in British Columbia, requires that reporting issuers must disclose what steps a board of directors can take to “encourage and promote a culture of ethical business conduct.” This can be satisfied by ESG pledges, but misleading ESG pledges can invite costly scrutiny from the Canadian Securities Commission.

Continuous disclosure requirements: Under NI 51-102, reporting issuers are required to disclose on an ongoing basis, environmental risk factors including litigation risks, regulatory risks and future business activity risk. Environmental targets may be considered forward-looking information subject to disclosure. Reporting issuers should engage legal counsel to ensure their continuous disclosure obligations are met and should ensure that ESG pledges align with those reported risks.

Reporting and decision making: Both institutional and retail investors are placing increasing emphasis on ESG reporting as part of their decision-making processes. In response, companies are under growing pressure to demonstrate transparency, accountability and measurable progress on ESG-related goals. However, the landscape of ESG reporting is fragmented, with multiple voluntary and mandatory frameworks in use globally, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and more recently, the International Sustainability Standards

Board (ISSB). The lack of uniformity makes it challenging to both ensure consistent reporting and benchmark performance, and to meet the diverse expectations of stakeholders.

Greenwashing risks: It is an offence under the Competition Act to recklessly make representations to the public that are materially false or misleading for the purpose of promoting a business interest. This extends to public ESG pledges which, if breached, can lead to class action lawsuits against the corporation. In 2022, Keurig Canada was required to pay a $3 million fine after the Competition Bureau determined the company had misled consumers about the recyclability of their coffee pods. Accordingly, marketing and legal departments should communicate with each other to prevent misrepresentation in advertising campaigns.

CONTRACTUAL AND REPUTATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Environmental, social and governance pledges are also accompanied by a host of contractual and reputational risks.

ESG BEST PRACTICES AND PRACTICAL TIPS

An effective ESG pledge should be meaningful and impactful, while not over-promising or inviting unwarranted risk. When crafting such a document, consider:

Clarity and specificity: Canadian companies should prioritize the use of clear and specific language when publicly representing their ESG practices. It is better to under-promise and over-deliver. Accordingly, cautionary language and disclaimers should be included in ESG pledges.

Stakeholder engagement and transparency: Stakeholders should be consulted on a regular and ongoing basis to ensure that any ESG pledge continues to satisfy the expectations of stakeholders.

Ongoing monitoring: Internally, systems should be enshrined within every business group to ensure that ESG standards continue to be met at local business levels and not left in a corporate boardroom. Vigilance is necessary to ensure an entity making an ESG pledge is, proverbially, putting its money where its mouth is.

Board oversight and accountability: Additionally, directors should record ESG decision processes in meeting minutes. Retaining a paper trail of ESG decision making can provide security if an ESG pledge comes under public or regulatory scrutiny.

Distributors

Other

Imposition of obligations from other agreements: Every link in a contractual chain has its own set of binding rights and obligations. Oftentimes, contracts will “flow down” obligations from higher tiers in the contractual matrix, which can leave suppliers subject to and bound by commitments between parties many tiers above them.

Where one party has imposed upon its supply chain an ESG pledge, there may be downstream consequences. As a result, those entities issuing ESG pledges, and imposing those commitments upon the supply chain by way of contractual flow downs, should be aware of the overall impact and the ability of the supply chain to comply.

Conversely, suppliers ought to be cautious before agreeing to such contracts as they may be found liable if unable to meet the established targets.

Cross-border risks: Large companies that have significant assets invite greater liability risks, including when making ESG pledges. Further, ESG pledges transcend borders, and these risks are not limited to the jurisdiction in which the company is operating.

In 2023, the American Securities and Exchange Commission issued a $19 million fine to Deutsche Bank’s investment arm DWS after finding that DWS had overstated the sustainability aspects of its financial products, demonstrating that ESG pledge risks can cross borders.

FIDUCIARY LIABILITIES FOR DIRECTORS

Last, but not least, ESG pledges can give rise to fiduciary liabilities for directors. Directors have a fiduciary obligation to act in the corporations’ best interests. The corporations’ best interests can include stakeholder interests, which may include employees, creditors and the surrounding community. As a result, directors should be considering broader ESG issues in managing the overall corporate strategy.

ESG pledges can be an excellent way to attract investors and customers who wish to work with a socially responsible party. A world where corporate entities are concerned with sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusion, and ethical business practices, is a laudable outcome. However, ESG pledges are not idle language.

Canadian companies must take appropriate precautionary measures, such as consulting legal counsel, before making any public ESG pledges to minimize unanticipated liability and downstream consequences.

Sinem Ersoy is an associate, Erin Cutts is a partner, and Theron Davis is a partner, all at the Calgary offices of BLG Law. This article provides an overview and is not intended to be exhaustive of the subject matter contained therein. Although care has been taken to ensure accuracy, this article should not be relied upon as legal advice.

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