February 2024

News Design Profiles Tech Business

Build Canada February 2024

Whelan Construction GENERAL CONTRACTOR & PROJECT MANAGEMENT LEADER

HOMES BY CREATION

EKOBUILT

URBAN PIONEER INFILL

A BETTER BUILDING EXPERIENCE

SPREADING THE CONCEPT OF PASSIVE HOMES ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

DELIVERING SMART GROWTH TO EDMONTON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

14

29

20

35

Featured Stories

20

A Better Building Experience with Creation Homes Owner Gobi Singh discusses the company’s key team and core values, their dedication to quality, and the pursuit to crafting valued communities that families can be proud to call home.

29

Whelan Construction lays the groundwork as Vancouver’s premiere contractor Operating across multiple market sectors including institutional, healthcare, light rail, airport, renewable energy and building performance upgrades.

35

Urban Pioneer Infill delivers smart growth to Edmonton Bard Golightly of Urban Pioneer Infill believes in the approach that building infill projects that foster interconnectivity and well-being at the architectural and urban level.

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IN THIS ISSUE MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jason Alexander jason@build-canada.ca EDITORAL ASSISTANT Paul Jones editor@build-canada.ca AD DESIGN Richard Martinez designer@build-canada.ca ACCOUNTS MANAGER Danielle Meville accounts@build-canada.ca CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Milton Shook Shudeep Chandrasekhar David Taylor MAGAZINE DESIGN Robert Nabil WEBSITE OPERATIONS Tristan Singkala Amit Ranjan

Published by

bcmedia

BRANDING & MARKETING

Advertising Call 416.835.9669 or email at ads@build-canada.ca Readership Build Canada interviews top executives and features leading projects, personalities, and profiles in the construction industry.

Editorial All submissions should follow proper manuscript format. Submissions should be emailed to editor@buildcanada.ca 73 Echovalley Dr. Stoney Creek, Ontario L5J0H5 Connect with us

Good communication can improve teamwork and lead to better project collaboration.

Welcome to the latest issue of Build Canada Magazine where we once again discuss several key topics with some of Canada’s leading home builders and general contractors. On the cover we have Vancouver’s Whelan Construction is a versatile general contracting and construction management organization providing comprehensive construction services at every stage of your project. Brian Whelan, has been engaged in many notable and challenging projects over his 22 years in the industry. Brian Whelan joins us their services extend to Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Squamish-Lillooet regions, and we specialize in Institutional, Healthcare, Light Rail, Airport, Renewable Energy and Building Performance Upgrade projects ranging from $1,000,000 to $25,000,000 in the region.

On the residential side we head to Airdrie, Alberta and check in with Gobi Singh from Creation Communities to discuss the company’s key team and core values, their dedication to quality, and the pursuit to crafting valued communities that families can be proud to call home.

Continuing our smart growth series we run back our Winter issue lead feature with Bard Golightly and Urban Pioneer Infill. Golightly brings more than 30 years of experience in the industry; having served as the past president of the Canadian Homebuilder Association (CHBA) and Chief Operating Officer for Christenson Developments.

For those stories and more, keep flipping the pages as we continue to Build Canada.

JASON ALEXANDER MANAGING EDITOR Build Canada Magazine

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NEWS FROM ACROSS CANADA

CONFERENCE >

Heads up, World: B.C. to host International Mass Timber Conference in 2025 The choice of Vancouver could be seen as appropriate because, on a per-capita basis, B.C. has 11 times more mass-timber buildings than the rest of North America, and is a leader in wood and mass-timber construction. Vancouver is also a centre within North America for timber-design and engineering professionals.

Skeptics of using mass timber in construction might fear that the structures would be more heavily damaged if there were to be a fire. Bailey said that she has heard of studies from a centre in Prince George that tests mass timber construction.

The experiment raised the temperature on mass timber to about 815 degrees Celcius, while concrete and rebar was separately also heated to that level.

"Mass timber is a strong, clean building technology that is at the centre of our province's future construction blueprint," said Brenda Bailey, minister of jobs, economic development and innovation. "Through our Mass Timber Action Plan, the BC government, First Nations and industry are taking a leadership role in wood construction."

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SOLAR >

Maple Leaf Foods' facility receives green building certification Maple Leaf Foods, the world's foremost carbon-neutral food company, has been awarded the esteemed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certification by the Canada Green Building Council for its Heritage plant in Hamilton, Ontario. The certification recognizes the company's exceptional green building practices.

Additionally, the City of Hamilton granted Maple Leaf Foods $2.6 million to support the integration of innovative and environmentally responsible design features that provide environmental and community benefits. "Our journey to attain this recognition has been challenging, and we're excited to apply the knowledge we've gained as we continue to pursue our objective of becoming the world's most sustainable protein company," stated Randy Huffman, Chief Food Safety and Sustainability Officer at Maple Leaf Foods.

During the ceremony, Mr. Huffman extended a warm welcome to Deputy Mayor and Councillor Tammy Hwang and Councillor Mark Tadeson and expressed gratitude to the City of Hamilton for its support. Maple Leaf Foods, a frontrunner in the sustainability industry, established its Hamilton plant in 2014, consolidating operations from five other smaller sites into a single, automate

PIPELINES >

LNG Canada project 85% complete

Image: Flexrack by Qcells

SOLAR >

Canada’s largest behindthe-meter solar project Two solar energy projects have commenced construction in Alberta, Canada, with one of them featuring an integrated flow battery energy storage system.

Flexrack by Qcells and Alltrade Industrial Contractors, a company specializing in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), have formed a partnership to construct two solar projects in Alberta, both featuring bifacial solar modules on fixed-tilt trackers.

The Scotford project, with an estimated capacity of 81 MW, is expected to be the most extensive solar project in Canada operating behind-the-meter. The Saddlebrook project, with an anticipated capacity of 101 MW, plans to incorporate a flow battery energy storage system, which is slated to be one of the first of its kind in North America.

These projects, presently under construction, are generating hundreds of local employment opportunities. Both initiatives have a target completion date in Q4 2023. The Saddlebrook project will be owned and operated by an energy infrastructure company, with a presence in the natural gas, oil, and power industries, and is partially supported by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA). The projects encompass a range of clean energy solutions, from new solar initiatives in coal-affected communities to electric transportation and energy storage.

LNG Canada, located in Vancouver, has made significant progress in constructing its 14-million tonne/year (tpy) liquefaction plant in Kitimat, BC, Canada. With the recent arrival of the final module by ship from Zhuhai, China, Fluor Corp. has successfully completed the module fabrication program for the LNG Canada project.

Fluor and its joint venture partner, JGC Corp., have been involved in delivering various aspects of the project, such as engineering, procurement, fabrication, delivery of modules, construction of infrastructure, utilities, marine structures, and an LNG storage tank.

The project has received a total of 215 modules of varying sizes, with the first major module, measuring 145 ft tall and weighing over 5,000 tons, received in March 2022.

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SOLAR >

Feds slow down timeline for faster Toronto-Quebec City railway The Canadian government has adjusted the anticipated timeline for the high-frequency rail line project extending from Toronto to Quebec City. Transport Minister Omar Alghabra now estimates the railway will be operational by the mid-2030s, indicating a delay from his earlier projection of the early 2030s, which he stated

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in projection of the early 2030s, which he stated in March of this year. "The forecast is that I'd love to see the service in operation in mid-2030s. That is where we expect the service to be ready," he told reporters, with construction to kick off "a few years from now. But it is a lengthy process, I acknowledge that. But this is the best way to do it, because we want to do it right." Alghabra said.

At a news conference at the Montreal Central Station, the minister announced a request for proposals from three consortiums that have made it onto a short list, the latest step in an enterprise announced in July 2021. That year Alghabra pegged the likely cost at between $6 billion and $12 billion.

NEWS FROM ACROSS CANADA

SOLAR >

Tridel works with government, industry, and CAMH, to bring mental health to the forefront on safety in construction Tridel, Canada's leading condominium builder, alongside government and industry stakeholders, came together for an event focused on mental health in the workplace, held at Tridel's Auberge on the Park community in North York. This event aimed to raise awareness about workplace mental health and wellness, focusing on addressing the stigma around mental health in the construction industry. Guests included the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario, Andrew Pariser, Vice President of RESCON, Dr. David Gratzer, medical doctor and Centre for Additional and Mental Health (CAMH) psychiatrist, and other industry and Tridel guests.

This event is a part of Tridel's Built for Respect mandate, first launched in 2020, as a collective effort by industry, union, and government stakeholders to create safe, healthy, and inclusive workplaces.

"Mental health is just as important as physical health. At Tridel, we believe that creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for the wellbeing of our employees. This event and our Built for Respect initiatives continue to raise awareness and expand the topic of safety to include mental health. Standing alongside members of the homebuilding industry and government officials who share our dedication

Members of Tridel, including President Jim Ritchie, alongside the Honourable Stephen Lecce, Ontario's Minister of Education, Andrew Pariser, Vice President of RESCON, Dr. David Gratzer, medical doctor and CAMH psychiatrist, and other industry and Tridel guests, gathered at an event today to raise awareness about workplace mental health and wellness in the construction industry. (CNW Group/Tridel Corporation)

to safe communities, we are committed to providing the necessary resources to to support the mental well-being of our employees,” said President of Tridel Jim Ritchie. Tridel has invited government officials and industry associations to help amplify the conversation in support of mental wellness, noting that the ability to work collectively and reach a wider audience can bring change to this large-scale issue.

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NEWS FROM ACROSS CANADA

SOLAR >

Construction sector shows optimism amidst challenges According to The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) Construction Monitor Q2 2023 report, the construction industry is displaying durability in an uncertain economic climate.

Key takeaways from the report include despite broader economic challenges, the workload trend remains robust.

New business inquiries are at their highest in five quarters, Infrastructure is displaying notable progress, while other sectors also exhibit resilience. Also, scarce availability of skilled labor continues to hinder ongoing projects.

The Construction Activity Index has increased slightly from +23% to +28%, primarily due to ongoing projects. However, skill shortages in the U.S. are affecting activity levels.

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EVENTS OF NOTE

BUILDEX VANCOUVER

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February 14th-15th Vancouver Convention Centre West Buildex Vancouver provides an opportunity for professionals in various fields to network, gain knowledge, and discover the latest advancements.

It includes sessions, discussions, presentations, and hands-on activities centered around climate resilience, decarbonization, innovative building technologies, and workforce solutions..

CANADIAN CONCRETE EXPO February 14th-15th The International Centre Mississauga, Ontario BUILDEX events have been providing essential continuing education, new product sourcing and networking opportunities for Alberta's building and construction industry for over 20 years. This year, BUILDEX is BIGGER and better than ever. With even more seminars, workshops, product demos, innovation showcases and exhibitors, it's your source to stay up to date on current trends and issues in the built environment.

PEI PROVINCIAL HOME SHOW March 1st-3rd Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown, Canada We are excited to announce the merging of the PEI Provincial Home Show and PEI Outdoor Show, creating an extraordinary event showcasing everything you need for your dream home and outdoor adventures. Join thousands of visitors at the PEI Provincial Home Show, your one-stop destination for innovative products, expert advice, and inspiration for all projects. Find everything you need under one roof, from home renovations to outdoor activities.

CMPX CANADIAN CONFERENCE AND EXPO Mar 20th-22nd Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada The CMPX Show, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building is one of North America's largest trade shows for the mechanicals and Plumbing industry. It's THE event to source products, information, equipment, and applications for industry professionals who want one-on-one access to the latest information and hands-on opportunities to come face-to-face with tomorrow's trends.

NOVA SCOTIA SPRING IDEAL HOME SHOW Mar 22nd–24th Halifax Exhibition Centre 200 Prospect Road Halifax, NS Calling all home improvement companies in Atlantic Canada! The Nova Scotia Spring Ideal Home Show is the ultimate platform for connecting with homeowners in search of their next project partner. Don't miss out on this prime opportunity to showcase your products and services to an engaged audience...

GEOAMERICAS 2024 April 28th - May 1st Sheraton City Centre Hotel, Toronto Canada The (IGS) North American Chapter (IGS North America) has announced the dates for GeoAmericas 2024, the 5th Pan-American Conference on Geosynthetics. The quadrennial event will be held 28 April – 1 May 2024 at the Sheraton City Centre Hotel in Toronto.

The gathering will bring together stakeholders in mining, transportation, energy, sustainability, and other sectors for technical exchange, networking, career development, and commercial connection.

LANGLEY HOME SHOW May 31st-June 2nd George Preston Recreation Centre Langley, British Columbia Langley's premier home improvement, renovation, building, and decor event returns to the George Preston Rec Centre! The ultimate one-stop-shop for the best and newest products and services for your home is all in one convenient location over three big days!

DHI CANADA CONFERENCE AND EXPO June 20th-22nd The Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax, Nova Scotia

NATIONAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT SHOW April 9th-11th International Centre - 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario Featuring cutting-edge products and machines on display, the National Heavy Equipment Show (NHES) will be filled with products and services for the road building, construction, crushing and screening, and infrastructure sectors when it hits the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., in April. The event brings together the leaders of the heavy equipment and construction industries and features cutting-edge equipment, huge displays and an educational seminar program.

The DHI Canada Conference and Expo supports the architectural openings industry in Canada, promoting safety, security, and sustainability in the built environment through education and the enhancement of DHI programs for Canadian members.

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BEAST MODE

TURBOFARMER 65.9

TELESCOPIC HANDLER

Big Rigs

Manulift launches the fast and powerful Merlo Turbofarmer 65.9 telescopic handler in Canada

BuildBuild Canada Canada 14 14

M

ANULIFT breaks new ground in the Canadian market with an exceptional new telescopic power equipment for the industrial and agricultural markets: the TurboFarmer 65.9.

Telescopic handlers can compensate and make up for certain productivity deficits. Considering the lack of

manpower availability that we are experiencing these days, it is no surprise that companies are using them more and more" continued Mr. Drolet.

Thanks to its mixed use, the TurboFarmer 65.9 will meet all the challenges in terms of handling and moving very heavy loads.

Michael Waldner of Truss Community in Manitoba, who owned the very first TF65.9 unit long before its official arrival in Canada, said this new piece of machinery will meet the growing needs of his company, which manufactures and stores huge prefabricated roof structures. "This telescopic handler is a tool that will allow us to increase our productivity tenfold on a daily basis," he said.

In an effort to lighten the ever-increasing burden of handling and moving heavy loads in all industries, MANULIFT is establishing itself as a performance gas pedal with the TurboFarmer 65.9 from worldrenowned equipment manufacturer Merlo, for which it has exclusive distribution in Canada. The company's president and CEO, Martin Drolet, said that this new product is a piece of equipment that will revolutionize the daily lives of businesses.

"The TF 65.9 is truly a unique model, designed to handle the most difficult jobs. Its load capacity of 6,500 kg, in addition to its great maneuverability in

"Telescopic handlers can compensate and make up for certain productivity deficits. Considering the lack of manpower availability that we are experiencing these days, it is no surprise that companies are using them more and more" continued Mr. Drolet.

Thanks to its mixed use, the TurboFarmer 65.9 will meet all the challenges in terms of handling and moving very heavy loads.

tight spaces, makes it one of the most compact and efficient machines for repetitive and robust tasks," said Mr. Drolet in a burst of enthusiasm for its maneuverability and operating speed, which give it almost Formula 1 performance status.

Michael Waldner of Truss Community in Manitoba, who owned the very first TF65.9 unit long before its official arrival in Canada, said this new piece of machinery will meet the growing needs of his company, which manufactures and stores huge prefabricated roof structures. "This telescopic handler is a tool that will allow us to increase our productivity tenfold on a daily basis," he said.

In an effort to lighten the ever-increasing burden of handling and moving heavy loads in all industries, MANULIFT is establishing itself as a performance gas pedal with the TurboFarmer 65.9 from worldrenowned equipment manufacturer Merlo, for which it has exclusive distribution in Canada.

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HELLY HANSEN

ALTA

COLLECTION

When you have to work in wet conditions, this Helly Hansen Gale rain jacket will provide excellent protection. You get great coverage with an adjustable, packable hood, collar with chin guard and a front zipper protected with a double storm placket.

Learn more at hellyhansen.com Helly Tech® Performance EN ISO 20471 CL 3 HiVis EN 343 3,3 Waterproof/Breathable 100% Polyester - 200 g/m² 100% Polyamide - 140 g/m² Lining: 100% Polyamide Fully taped construction

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Q A &

Paul Kealey President & Co-founder Paul Kealey

EkoBuilt, based in Ottawa, Canada, is dedicated to spreading the concept of passive homes across North

America. The company actively shares information through their blog, social media channels, and their YouTube series, The Passive House Show. They believe that their system is the ideal solution for individual homeowners and those interested in constructing multiunit dwellings, as the building industry must evolve to meet Net Zero goals.

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Q: Could you provide an explanation of what a Net Zero Passivehouse is?

A: This question is so important for anyone building a new house because the building code will soon require net-zero homes as standard building code.

A net-zero Home is a house that produces the same amount of energy as it uses whereas a passive house is simply an ultra low energy home. Passive homes can be built anywhere with any orientation or shading situation and there are 4 main parts - air tightness (0.6 ACH), high Insulation (R75-R110), high-performance windows (net gain energy during winter), and high heat recovery ventilation (90% efficiency at -15°C) The low energy benefits of a passive house are amazing, for example, cost to heat and cool an average size home for the entire year is less than $150 using an air source heat pump. Most passive homes can be net zero with a small 4 to 6 kWsolar array allowing anyone to build affordably. Typically a solar array Is connected to the “grid“ On a net metering (credit incentive) program, which allows the cost of the Hydro bill to be offset.

The connection fee still applies, but a Hydro bill for a net zero home As described above is as little as $40 per month.

Q: What are the steps involved in constructing an affordable home?

A: The passive house construction model has proven time and time again to be the most affordable construction model as minimal incremental cost to build is more than offset by savings in utilities. There is approximately a 5% increase in cost to build when compared to a standard “code built” house. By removing the gas or propane (heating) cost that a passive home does not require is how the home is cheaper to live when compared to code built alternatives.

One of the greatest reasons to build a passive house is the incremental cost savings It will have with respect to increasing energy costs over time.

Building passive also prevents future energy retrofits that all other homes will (Eventually) need as petroleum-based fuels become more and more expensive and soon obsolete. As result, a passive house is considered “future proof“, one that best protects your investment.

Q: What makes the home healthy?

A: We look at the healthy part of the home from two angles - planetary health and personal health.

Planetary health, or a home that’s designed for a healthy world is one that focusses on sustainability in all aspects, therefore homes that are - carbon free by not using gas therefore, - considered climate friendly, -are low energy for maximum energy conservation, use sustainable materials having high renewable resource and recycled content, -are built to be resilient as changing weather patterns Require stronger homes.

For personal health reasons, the home should focus on the following:

-Indoor air quality (IAQ) by having a high heat recovery ventilator, such as an ERV (an recovery ventilator] that not only removes toxins from the home, but brings in highly oxygenated air -Air tight and open permeable building envelope so no toxins can enter the home from the exterior and no mold or mildew can form -radon gas barrier so this harmful potentially fatal gas becoming more prevalent, is not able to enter the house.

Q: Passive house is considered known to be optimal comfortable can you explain?

A: Yes absolutely. A Passivehouse has comfort criteria for the building envelope, windows & indoor air quality. Regarding the building envelope, an analogy we love to use is - passivehouse operates similar to a high-performance thermos. There is a highly insulated, air-tight envelope around the home that results in minimal energy loss for both heating and cooling any time of the year. As a result, there are no drafts or temperature swings inside of the home which helps keep the living spaces optimally comfortable.

The comfort criteria for windows is such that the inside face of glass temperature Requirement (during winter) is +17°C because this is the temperature gradient where your body will not sense the temperature difference so you are naturally able to sit up against a window and comfortably read a book without feeling cold during winter.

Regarding indoor air quality, the fresh air machine (ERV) delivers 17°C fresh air during winter months to living spaces keeping everything comfortable, also maintaining healthy comfortable humidity levels between 40 to 60% year-round regardless of exterior conditions so passivehouse not only protects your investment, but also protects your health.

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"Providing a quality product that reflects affordability is at the forefront of our decision making when determining where to build."

Bella Vista in Innisfail Gobi Singh

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Bella Vista is a beautiful master-planned community that embraces the open country views right out of your neighbourhood window.

Q+AQ+A BUILD CANADA MAGAZINE

IN CONVERSATION WITH GOBI SINGH OWNER | HOMES BY CREATION

A Better Building Experience Homes By Creation has built a strong reputation as an industry leader that is continuously striving to deliver the highest possible design standards in their projects that reflect the needs and desires of their clients. They go beyond giving people a better place to live: distinctive communities of lasting value are created, a solid return for homeowners and investors is delivered, and the culture of respect and empowerment is forged for its employees. Build Canada Magazine got the opportunity to speak with Owner Gobi Singh about the company’s key team and core values, their dedication to quality, and the pursuit to crafting valued communities that families can be proud to call home.

Q: Can you discuss Homes By Creation’s history?

GS: Creation’s principals have been leaders in the land/real estate development industry since 1993.

Under the stewardship of these principals, they grew one of the most successful land/real estate development companies in western Canada to $500 mil in assets. With over 60 years of combined experience in the home building industry; the company’s personnel have sold and built over 1000 homes and lots. With our staff experience, we have developed some of the most innovative development concepts and designs that have provided Creation an edge in the industry.

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Right- The Cedar is a twobedroom, two-bath bungalow.

This open concept home measures 1100 sq. ft and features a double rear lane detached garage.

"Our specialty and in-depth experience are in Master Planned Communities that include unique amenities and a strong sense of community."

Gobi Singh

Q: Do you feel having a strong team leads to that success?

GS: Yes absolutely. Additional to an effective and diligent sales and construction teams, Creation has over 40 years of experience with financial and risk analysis. With a team of 20 people, we have a unique skill set which includes both strategic and tactical perspectives required for development success.

Our specialty and in-depth experience are in Master Planned Communities that include unique amenities and a strong sense of home. Our business model is to develop Master Planned Communities in Alberta’s rural centers that have key economic growth factors.

The Creation Team has a history of community development involvement, such as helping provide funding for recreational facilities and other philanthropic activities.

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Q: What are your core values?

GS: Creation’s focus is to provide quality housing which reflects a functional design that maximizes efficiency, affordability for our prospective home buyers and accessibility to urban centres in each of our communitie in each of our communities.s.

These are overarching principals that we strive to provide.

Q: What is the process for selecting a team of subcontractors, partners, and consultants for a project?

GS: We evaluate each parties past experience and history in achieving quality and reliable work together. This is to say that we rely on our own internal sophistication, gathered through experience, to choose the right team when developing business relationships. We demonstrate ongoing loyalty to our partners and contractors as we evaluate new business endeavours in a manner that benefits everyone down to the end user.

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RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL FOUNDATIONS TELEBELT SERVICES EXCAVATION & BACKFILL MATERIAL PLACEMENT ROCK, GRAVEL, SAND

CUSTOM CONCRETE PROJECTS WATERPROOFING WEEPING TILE EQUIPMENT RENTALS

403.343.6386

www.marshallconstruction.ca

Bella Vista show home (Lotus model) located at 4231 63rd Avenue in Innisfail AB.

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Iron Landing showhome in Crossfield.

Q: How do you determine where to build, and how do your core values play into that?

GS: Providing a quality product that reflects affordability is at the forefront of our decision making when determining where to build. Over the last 2 years we have seen an unprecedented amount of growth in new areas throughout Canada, which was triggered by historically low interest rates, changes in working conditions due to the global pandemic and a broader desire by demographics to live in affordable, liveable and walkable communities. These factors (among others) are evaluated and weighted against market interest to determine where to build.

"As a vertically Our specialty and integrated developerin-depth builder, we haveexperience greater are in Master control over the cost Planned between the lot and Communities that house which includeprovide unique us with anamenities opportunity and a to establish affordability strong sense of community. for prospective buyers."

Gobi Singh

Gobi Singh

Lotus model. 2121 sq. ft. 2 storey, 3 bedroom + 2.5 bath + flex room (den/office) with a 3 car front drive garage. Starting at $669,900.

Q: How do you remain competitive in this market where we have seen a record number of building permits issues across the country?

Here in Alberta, we have seen consistent interprovincial migration since late 2020, from provinces such as Ontario and BC where there is a strong desire to break into homeownership as a result of being priced out of the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver markets. Combining this migration pattern along with building in areas that are smaller yet growing and a close commute to urban centers, we are able to offer a very affordable product which maintains our competitive edge.

As a vertically integrated developer-builder, we have greater control over the price point between the lot and house which provide us with an opportunity to establish an affordable price point for prospective buyers. We also work with a great group of contractors and consultants that are quite competitive respectively in their own right which allows for the end buyer to benefit at the final price point. This operating framework has allowed us to double our building operations over the last 2 years to the point that we now have consistent buyers from the Greater Toronto and Vancouver markets moving to Calgary and Alberta at large, for what they refer to as a “pragmatic lifestyle”.

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Q: What are some of your current projects?

We are engaged in several exciting projects such as Iron Landing Phase 5 in Crossfield, Alberta.

Iron Landing comprises of 119 lots and homes, providing a range of houses including: duplexes, triplexes, single family front drive and rear lane.

Homes range between 1200-2400+ square feet and start in the low $400’s.

Iron Landing is located 15 minutes from local recreational facilities, 20 minutes from major shopping centers and 30 minutes from Calgary International Airport.

We also have Saddle Ridge Crossing which comprises of 9 acres and is located in NE Calgary.

SRC is a transit oriented mixed-use site located close to two Light Rail Transit stations. The site will produce 300 multi-family units along with approximately 120,000 ft. of commercial-retail space. The anticipated timeline to break ground for this project is Spring/Summer of 2023.

For further information, call (587) 894-7677 or email at sales@homesbycreation.com Follow us on

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BUILDING TOGETHER WHELAN CONSTRUCTION LAYS THE GROUNDWORK AS VANCOUVER’S PREMIERE GENERAL CONTRACTING AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM.

With any construction project, project management is crucial. The process of communicating, strategizing, and planning from the beginning to the completion of a project can be an overwhelming task. To keep a project on track, metrics and project goals must be properly managed to meet each client's unique requirements. Enter Vancouver-based Whelan Construction, a general contracting and construction management firm that operates across multiple market sectors including institutional, healthcare, light rail, airport, renewable energy and building performance upgrades.

A cursory scroll through past projects—from the 100bed community nursing unit in Loughrea, Co. Galway, Ireland to the Pier D Expansion project in Vancouver —demonstrates how Whelan’s founder, Brian Whelan, has been engaged in many notable and challenging projects over his 22 years in the industry. “I’ve enjoyed both the successes and challenges of working on complex projects in Ireland and Canada.

Our experience has given us a clear vision of what a client needs from a contractor and construction management company,” he states. “We consider ourselves a proactive, problem-solving business, with a focus on consistent delivery and quality of service.”

The company’s proficiencies of quality, service excellence, and due diligence are interconnected. This is particularly evident in Whelan’s safety management system which lays the foundation for how the team defines excellence on their projects. “Safety is, without a doubt, a key core value for us. It’s something that we've pushed to the forefront of our approach. We want to educate, coach, and model the correct way to ensure we improve efficiency and performance while keeping everyone safe,” explained Brian.

Communication is essential. The lack of it is one of the fundamental problems when it comes to safety.

There’s a lot of planning, risk assessments, document management and safety training management required before each project begins. Whelan ensures all trade partners are completely aligned with its safety procedures throughout the entire project.

Partnering with the best

Whelan values partnerships as the team recognizes that a best-of-breed approach delivers the best possible outcome for clients. “One important thing that separates us from other contractors is that we have a model whereby we price projects with our trade partners. We don’t tender it out to five different trades like other general contractors. Instead, we carry the people who are best suited for the project. It’s a perfect model for us and we’ve been successful to date with it.”

Building solid foundations

After graduating from the Technological University of Dublin and spending some time at ABM Design and Build in Ireland, Brian Whelan moved to Vancouver with his family in 2013, where he continued to hone his skills and expertise working on a variety of project types, many of which were based at Vancouver International Airport.

He started Whelan Construction in 2021 and extended its reach into the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Squamish-Lillooet regions.

“A US-based general contractor, Lease Crutcher Lewis, approached us about a large structural seismic upgrade package for an existing office building in the heart of Gastown,” he said. “They asked us for recommendations with regards to constructability and asked for a turnkey proposal given our experience in the field. We highlighted some solutions and constructability recommendations given the design was at 75% and we made recommendations to provide them a streamlined turnkey proposal that better suited their needs. Whelan was successful in being awarded the structural seismic upgrade project.

The project will increase the existing cable capacity which allows for higher bandwidth services, further enriching Vancouver's position as a growing global tech hub.

Glenform Building Ltd. is a leading concrete specialist in reinforced concrete form constructions. Our client portfolio includes all business sectors; spanning both the public and private sector with a large section of our work coming from repeat business and thus very satisfied clients.

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MECHANICAL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS Four Lakes Mechanical Ltd. are industry experts with extensive experience in mechanical contracting in British Columbia.

We provide high-quality plumbing, heating, ventilation, airconditioning, fire protection and specialty piping services. We work closely with our clients to manage and implement projects from conception to handover and value strong relationships and collaboration.

604-880-9034 104-8557 Government Street Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9 nicky@fourlakes.ca

Western Integrated engineers builds and installs electrical systems including machine control systems, PLC, HMI, safety, and networking solutions designed for a wide range of industries including Forestry, Mining, Manufacturing, Materials Handing, Machine Safeguarding.

604-430-1202 sales@westernintegrated.ca 200-8155 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V5J 5M8

Whelan underscores the importance of having an organized construction process and ensuring the client’s expectations are met during every step of the process. “There are various building models out there and it can be confusing for clients. We simply have a construction management model and a general contracting model. For all our contracting jobs, whether it’s a lump sum contract or construction management contract, we use the same simplified model to keep things transparent for the client.

Considering the highly technical and complicated nature of its work, it’s no surprise that Whelan embraces technology across its own operations.

“We built Whelan as a next-generation construction company with the best-in-class technologies to give us a competitive edge. Everything is cloud-based and we’ve automated some manual, repetitive back office tasks to save time and reduce the risk of human error. Our system unites office and field teams from the design phase to the construction phase and into operations.”

Exciting projects

Growth is crucial in the early stages of any business.

Whelan Construction has it covered with several outstanding community projects ongoing across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. “We recently finished phase one civil scope of works of the Vancouver International Airport bridge replacement project. We conducted all the excavation, demolition, new deep utility work and the installation of utilities to rehabilitate and upgrade the infrastructure to meet current and future needs. We were awarded phase two of that project which consists of the installation of 6 new bridges at the terminal gates in both domestic and international buildings. We are completing the base building, as well as all the mechanical and electrical scope of work, so we’re excited to start that,” said Brian.

Whelan also just finished a pre-construction seismic upgrade for Vancouver Airport Property Management and has been awarded the Air Canada Jazz refurbishment project.

The road ahead

Demand for Whelan Construction’s services remains high and Brian is optimistic about the company’s future prospects based on its trajectory.

“We will be focusing on a lot on structural upgrade projects in Vancouver and surrounding areas and hopefully we will have an opportunity to partner with Fraser Health Authority to assist in building and equipping their hospitals with new buildings, more operating rooms, and expanding their specialized care options to meet the needs of our communities,” said Brian.

In the long term, Whelan plans to invest in offsite modular construction. “Coming from Ireland, where we use a lot of system-build solutions for health care facilities, schools, and social housing, I see a big market for it here in Vancouver,” explained Brian.

“One of the big things for us is to grow slowly and deliberately. We want to bolster and grow what we have built so far so having the right people on the team is a priority for us,” he says.

In the next five years Whelan plans to have 30-40 people operating in the field to meet demand for its services. Brian concluded, "We're excited to see where the future takes us. Our people—including our valued trade partners—will ensure Whelan continues to build successful, sustainable projects across Vancouver for decades to come."

Filling the Gaps According to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB), Edmonton's metropolitan region will grow to between 1.96 million people and 2.24 million by 2044. This is higher than the city's population projection of two million, which was released in its City Plan in 2017.

This growth will put pressure on housing supplies, rising prices, and the demand to develop more walkable communities. Having walkable neighbourhoods as part of sustainable urban design yields social, ecological, and economic benefits, and Bard Golightly of Urban Pioneer Infill believes in the approach that building infill projects that foster interconnectivity and well-being at the architectural and urban level.

URBAN PIONEER INFILL INC. DELIVERS SMART GROWTH TO EDMONTON

BY BUILD CANADA PHOTOGRAPHS BY URBAN PIONEER INFILL

Golightly brings more than 30 years of experience in the industry; having served as the past president of the Canadian Homebuilder Association (CHBA) and Chief Operating Officer for Christenson Developments.

“My experience particularly with the Christenson Group fed my interest and passion for revitalization.

Christenson did a lot of re-development, and I became aware that this was a great way to help the city grow in a more responsible way,” he says. “Over time, with my partner, who also has over 30 years of experience, we decided to start Urban Pioneer Infill with the idea of being able to provide a high quality and environmentally responsible build.

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My experience with the Home Builders Association exposed me to a lot of good thinking about how housing doesn’t have to be the way it’s always been, which has been focused on continued outward growth. There is substantial housing stock in Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods that has reached its useful life and needs to be replaced or rebuilt. In doing so, we can capitalize on the existing infrastructure. All these things attracted us to residential infill.”

Pride in the Details Collaborating with their clients, whether for a new home or a renovation is paramount with Urban Pioneer Infill and they work hard to develop a dynamic response to the site and to their client. The company has streamlined the process to the highest degree, ensuring a building experience replete with integrity and a focused delivery.

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“We build everything to a high standard, and we are both design and budget driven,” he says. “The collaboration with clients is very important and we spend a lot of time with them up front, working through the design to make sure they get what they want. And the other part is budget. We create very detailed budgets which work hand in hand with all design decisions.

By the time we get to the design the client wants, we’ll have a full budget and contract for them explicitly laying out what they're going to get with their home. We probably take a little longer than some other builders to get to that point, but what we're trying to do is do our best to minimize surprises for the client.”

LIVE. WORK.

PLAY.

Urban Pioneer Infill takes its leadership duties seriously and is committed to developing communities that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient.“Everything we do is certified Built Green, which is an environmental building system for builders, we made a concious decision to certify our homes. We use Built Green Canada’s Third-Party Certification to meet the compliance requirements and energy performance. Our homes are more durable and more comfortable. Beyond using less energy, our homes use less water, less electricity, and improves indoor air quality. “

We spend a lot of time internally going over the plans and making sure everybody understands what it is we're doing and what level of quality we want,” he says. “We're very proud to say we have a very strong team of sub-trades, and we tend to be quite loyal to them. We communicate with our trades frequently about the project to ensure we are all on the same page and that together, we end up delivering high quality homes with every build.”

Golightly credits Urban Pioneer Infill’s success to the knowledge, skills, experience, and dedication of the partners, their team and roster of subcontractors they have built long lasting relationships with. “We're not a big company, we have a very tight team and have a strict set of criteria when we’re designing the spec.

For infill sites to achieve both livability and functionality, they need to be designed with great care and imagination. A key component of Golightly's philosophy is the importance of incorporating design elements within existing neighbourhoods that respect and enhance existing residential patterns and developments while reinforcing the structural and functional relationships of the neighbourhoods.

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Architectural Approach

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“When we contemplate buying a lot in an infill neighbourhood, the first thing we look at is the design aesthetics in that area. What’s up and down the street, what's up and down the block, and what’s in the neighbourhood overall. We don’t copy, we compliment what’s already there with a home offering what today’s home buyer is looking for. After assessing the current surroundings that the spec will be integrated into, we determine the best creative approach that will help the home establish a connection with the surrounding area.”

Welcoming Communities As Edmonton’s urban renewal specialist, Urban Pioneer Infill not only benefits from a streamlined process and commitment to high building standards within the company, but also from a clear and united approach when it comes to their short-term and longterm future.

“We have a steady growth plan, and we’re increasing our volume over the next 5 years. We have a site in the Inglewood neighbourhood where we’re set to build a three-plex development which will be new for us.

They will be stylish and affordable homes consisting of 3 two-storey units, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, with over 1500 square feet. With Inglewood, we can bring an outstanding project in a mature community that is very walkable and has easy access to the university area, downtown, and the river valley.

We’re also exploring the idea of getting involved in the purpose-built rental market. Edmonton's rental market is experiencing a boom as home prices rise and younger adults look for homes that offer more flexibility and lifestyle options.

More Information www.urbanpioneerinfill.ca

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TJZ Structural Engineering is committed to providing the highest level of professional structural service for the clients from the project inception to completion within the budget and schedule.

403-991-8817 info@tjzstructural.com #201, 219 38 Ave NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 2M3

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