2 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA WELCOME TO CANADA’S ELECTRIC HIGHWAY™ COAST-TO-COAST EV FAST CHARGERS A Suncor business ™Trademark of Suncor Energy Inc. Used under licence. To learn more visit petro-canada.ca/EV
EDITOR’S LETTER This month’s cover story features Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC), the economic arm of the Seabird Island Band. Located in Fraser River, 3km east of Agassiz in British Columbia, SqDC creates opportunities to empower members through sustainable employment, business development, financial well-being, and independence through the lens of Stó:lō culture, traditions, and values. Indigenous communities play a huge role in Canada’s economy and will continue to do so— Canada’s Indigenous economy has the potential to grow from $32 billion to $100 billion in the next five years. Developed in 2014, SqDC relies on the pillars of Economy, Employment, and the Environment to strengthen its foundation building the economy of Seabird Island to empower members to become self-sufficient and self-reliant. This issue also features some of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects, community centres, and a special Executive Profile on Ms. Annette Verschuren, one of Canada’s most successful business executives. We hope you enjoy this issue. The BEC Team 3 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
PREVIOUS ISSUE Business Elite Canada First Canadian Place 100 King Street West—Suite 5600 Toronto, ON, M5X 1C9 Ph: 416-304-3959 Email: info@becmag.com Web: www.BECmag.com Editor Anna Guy Creative Art Director Kulvir Singh Chief Executive Officer Milos Bulatovic President & Publisher Sanjeev Amirthanathan samir@becmag.com 10 Sqewqél Development Corporation 4 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA C O N
n 6 Executive Profile: Annette Verschuren 10 Sqewqél Development Corporation 18 Huu-ay-aht First Nations 30 Kitikmeot Corporation 42 Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre & Library 50 The Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project 58 Metrolinx Davenport Diamond Guideway project 64 The United Association Local 254 of Winnipeg 70 Westridge Construction Ltd. 80 The Portage Foundation: Celebrating 50 Years 5 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA N T E N T S
EXECUTIVE PROFILE 6 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Annette Verschuren is a superstar of Canadian business, though her Nova Scotian roots would perhaps make her uncomfortable with that designation. Verschuren is an Officer of the Order of Canada for her contribution to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility, and an inductee in the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2019. She is a board member of Liberty Mutual, Air Canada, Saputo Inc. and Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL). Verschuren is also the Chair of both the MaRS Discovery District Board and the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) on behalf of the Federal Government and is on the board of the Ontario Energy Association. These are just some of the highlights. Verschuren is the recipient of 14—yes, 14—Honorary Doctorates from Canadian Universities, including her alma mater, St. Francis Xavier University. But it is her North Sydney, NS, upbringing that formed her educational foundation. Verschuren’s parents immigrated from Holland to Canada and started a dairy farm. She and her four siblings participated a great deal in the family business and saw first-hand the connection between hard work and sustaining a business. “I’m a farmer’s daughter, and grew up in a small business,” says Verschuren. “I learned that the
Photo Credit - Natalia Dolan 7 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
8 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA cheque had to cover the expenses at a very young age.” “I learned a lot from those years,” she says. “I had great determination; I was a hard worker and relied on common sense. Those attributes really helped me get to where I am today.” This confidence led her to Saint FX, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Straight out the gate, Verschuren worked as development officer for the Crown Corporation Cape Breton Development Corp., one of Canada’s largest underground coal mining operations, at a time when coal mining was the engine of the provincial economy. After nine years there, Verschuren “really wanted operational experience,” and then moved to Toronto for the role of executive vice-president of Canada Development Investment Corp. Verschuren then parlayed this experience to the retail sector when she cofounded Michaels, the arts and crafts stores in Canada, expanding from no storefronts at all to 17 stores in just 27 months. Then as President of The Home Depot Canada, she famously oversaw the growth of the company’s Canadian operations from 19 to 179 stores from 1996-2011, increasing revenue from $600 million to $6 billion. After Home Depot, she took a year off and went around the world. In her travels, she saw energy as a global issue, with enormous business potential, and many benefits to developing economies. “I really wanted to think about what I wanted to do next,” says Verschuren. “While travelling, I saw the challenges associated with sustainability of the planet. I came back and said I don’t want to do another retail job as I have in the past. What I want to do is make money, but do it in a purposeful way.” ENTER NRSTOR Verschuren founded NRStor in 2012 with an investment from Northwater Capital. NRStor’s vision is to be the leading profit-with-purpose energy storage developer. NRStor develops, owns, and operates industry leading energy storage projects in partnership with Indigenous communities, progressive stakeholders, and technology providers. “It’s been really exciting because I am an entrepreneur, truly and deeply, an entrepreneur,” says Verschuren. An example of NRStor’s work is its Oneida Energy Storage Project, the largest of its kind in Canada and amongst the largest in the world. In partnership with Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, the Oneida project will provide a gigawatt-hour of much needed capacity to the Ontario grid, while prioritizing local Indigenous partnerships and environmental benefits. The Project will supply the Ontario electricity system
Photo Credit - Natalia Dolan 9 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA through a 250 megawatt / 1,000 megawatt-hour Tesla Megapack system in southwestern Ontario and is scheduled to be completed in 2025. “I learn by doing,” says Verschuren. “I’m a hands-on person. I saw how important storage (product warehouses) was to the success of Home Depot. We’re pretty good at storing water, pretty good at storing food, but not so good at storing electricity. Storage is really a great opportunity because there are all these electricity generation types, like coal plants, natural gas plants, nuclear plants, hydro plants and renewables, but they only go one way—they solely generate electricity to the grid when needed. What’s great about energy storage, including battery storage, is that it goes both ways— it can take in electricity when there is excess and store it, as well as generate electricity back to the grid exactly when it is needed most.” “I don’t know whether it’s because of my Dutch heritage but I hate waste,” says Verschuren. This applies to NRStor as well as how Verschuren plans her own time. “I want to organize and use my time efficiently both in my professional and personal life.” Verschuren sees energy storage as being a bridge to reducing and managing energy costs. “We must make our existing assets perform better. I see energy storage, particularly battery energy storage, being critical to making and delivering better quality, lower carbon energy to the customer and the local distribution company. It’s a critical bridge that needs to be attached to all parts of the supply chain.” Verschuren’s mantra is “you’re as good as the capacity of your team”. Which is why she highly values diversity of input around her. She also prioritizes the input of her First Nations partners for their invaluable perspective and talent. As the need for energy storage continues to grow, it’s exciting to see how Verschuren’s expertise will influence the future of this industry. No doubt it will be fun to watch. “If I have a talent, that talent is surrounding myself with really good people, talented people, and creating a big enough sandbox to innovate in and take calculated risks in and then grow our business.” For more information: http://nrstor.com/
BUILDING THE SEABIRD ISLAND ECONOMY 10 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Economy, Employment, and the Environment. These are the pillars Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC) uses to strengthen its foundation building the economy of Seabird Island to empower members. Nestled on the banks of the Fraser River, 3km east of Agassiz in British Columbia you will find Seabird Island, a First Nation community rich in cultural tradition and natural splendor with a little over one thousand Stó:lō people calling it home. Seabird Island Band (SIB) is the band government that promotes a healthier, self-sufficient, self-governing, unified, and educated community, while SqDC acts as the economic arm of Seabird Island Band to create a sustainable, diverse, and healthy economy. SqDC was developed in 2014 to create opportunities to empower members through sustainable employment, business development, financial well-being, and independence while respecting the Stó:lō culture, traditions, and values. SqDC operates with integrity and respect for the land and culture. “SqDC has brought a great sense of pride for the community,” says Paul Andrew, SIB Council member for Economic Development and SqDC board member. 11 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
SEABIRD ISLAND BUSINESS PARK The Seabird Island Business Park is one of many aspiring projects SqDC and SIB are developing to benefit the community economically. Sprawling over many acres and inspired by the spectacular natural attributes and the upper Fraser River Valley environment, this progressive and innovative Business Park has Highway access, CP Rail frontage and is located about 25 km east of Chilliwack in British Columbia. The Business Park will provide various opportunities for economic business ventures while respecting residents, the river environment, and the surrounding areas. The development will be built to high professional standards and set a benchmark for more sustainable industrial development in the region. “The Business Park encourages resource conservation, energy efficiency, recycling, and innovative use of building materials, water, energy materials, waste, and by-products. The Seabird Island Business Park will become a source of community pride, creating an economical and sustainable business venture,” says Andrew. NATIONS CREATIONS Another business venture SqDC took on is Nations Creations. SIB bought Nations Creations An aerial shot of the Business Park development. 12 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Paul Andrew, SIB Council member for Economic Development and SqDC Board Member. Don Clarke, Director of Operations of SqDC. 13 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Environmental Protection Economic Reconciliation Northern Mat & Bridge is committed to developing trusted relationships based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership. Since our inception in 1999, we have learned from our Indigenous Partners, we recognize our responsibility and we embrace our role in economic reconciliation. northernmat.ca
in 2020, and it has grown significantly. This is where Indigenous culture and art meet, providing a platform for Indigenous artists to showcase their work. Furthermore, Nations Creations also offers the manufacturing and production of corporate clothing, uniforms, and various promotional products. The talented team of Nations Creations is client-centric and offers curated products and graphic design services that fit the needs of its clients whether it is laser etching and engraving, UV printing, embroidery, sublimation, or vinyl transfer. SQÉWQEL GAS BAR The new, revamped Sqéwqel Gas Bar opened in 2015 and has been servicing Seabird Island and surrounding communities 30 years. You can get fuel, convenience and household items, loyalty programs, commercial card locks, EV fast chargers, and Indigenous artwork unique to the local community at Sqéwqel Gas Bar. Tiernan Short and Cameron Chattleborough from Nations Creations showing some Indigenous artwork. Rose Charles (Gas Bar Manager) and her friendly staff at the Sqewqel Gas Bar. 14 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
STQÓ:YA CONSTRUCTION Stqó:ya Construction is a majority-owned Indigenous construction company formed in 2012 through a unique collaboration between SIB and Jake’s Construction. This partnership allows for connecting the vast potential of the Indigenous workforce with the immense industrial opportunities within Seabird Island’s traditional territories and throughout British Columbia. Stqó:ya Construction employs experienced, dedicated tradespeople who share their commitment to project success through effective management, quality workmanship, and unwavering focus on client satisfaction. “It means something for our community when we’re able to work with our community. We provide 70 GEOSYNTHETIC SOLUTIONS BY TERRAFIX Terrafix® products and solutions have been extensively used by public and private industries around the world. From engineering to construction, our team of experienced professionals are committed to providing the most advanced engineered solutions to our client’s challenges. We look forward to working with you on your next upcoming project. Connect with us Today! info@terrafixgeo.com (403) 803-1982 www.terrafixgeo.com An aerial shot of Sqewqel Gas Bar. 15 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
construction jobs directly with pipeline work that provide good paying jobs for people who can work throughout the region, and it gives them a great sense of pride,” says Andrew. YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE (YEI) With the SIB population growing rapidly, many young people will enter the workforce in years to come. It is paramount for SqDC to invest in programs to raise awareness and educate the youth about entrepreneurship to increase sustainable growth and shared prosperity within the community. In 2022 the first Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative was held, and this year will be even bigger and better. “The youth is our future, and we need to invest in them to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to create a bright future for themselves,” Don Clarke, Director of Operations at SqDC, said. The SqDC team. Front: Brady Redden (Business Coordinator), Jonathan Espley-Jones (Director of Finance & Administration), Karen Pitman (Administrative Assistant). Back: Carla Pretorius (Sr. Communication and Engagement Coordinator), Adriëlle Mittet (intern), Chantel Walker (Financial Officer), and Bryon Mason (Finance Clerk) The first Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative was held at Seabird Island in 2022. 16 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
According to Andrew, the focus should be on economic development when supporting Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities play a huge role in Canada’s economy and will continue to do so. “We rely on understanding the triple bottom line, being Economy, Employment, and the Environment. We are looking at the sevengeneration model, which means we look to our past, present, and future generations. We are always seeking joint ventures with partners who are closely aligned to our vision and understanding this triplebottom-line.” For more information, visit www.sqewqel.ca YOUR TRUSTED BUSINESS ADVISOR FOR LIFE info@manningelliott.com Contact us The Band office at Seabird Island 17 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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20 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Visitors on the Kiix̣in tour learning about the standing remains of traditional architecture. 21 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Huu-ay-aht Elected Chief Councillor Robert Dennis Sr. 22 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Aerial view of Blenheim Pit where gravel supply came from to gravel the Bamfield Main Road. 23 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Huu-ay-aht Land and Natural Resource staff survey the Barkley Sound for signs of herring by placing cedar boughs and catch nets for herring fish (Credit: Tyra Fabrick) 24 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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26 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations
27 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations
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29 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA Photo submitted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Kitikmeot Corporation (KC), a 100 per cent Inuit-owned company, is an economic the Kitikmeot Region of Canada’s Arctic. Since 1990, Kitikmeot Region has created economic activities that contribute to the overall wealth and wellbeing of the Kitikmeot region under the mission of helping to define the Kitikmeot region through strong professional relationships. As experts in connecting companies in the North, the KC team prides itself on fostering the relationships, resources, access to help the Kitikmeot region prosper. KC connects companies directly with opportunities in the Kitikmeot region by providing access, training, resources, governance, and more. There are abundant opportunities in the North for those who can approach them with creativity and an open mind, and as guides and Nuna Hope Bay Naartok Pit Loading HG Sundog (Photo credit - Darko Filipic Feb 2020) 30 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
advocates in the region, KC promotes and fosters constructive growth. HISTORY The early 90’s saw substantial legislative advancement for Inuit land claims that led to the establishment in 1999 of Nunavut as a territory lead by independent Inuit government. During this lead up regional Inuit associations such as the Kitikmeot Inuit Association were established to administer legislated land claim benefits to local Inuit. Nagipakvik was renamed Kitikmeot Corporation and restructured under the KIA as a wholly owned subsidiary. “Our shareholder’s goals and purpose are what defines our own mission, which is to generate 31 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
wealth and employment opportunities for Kitikmeot Inuit as they are represented by our shareholder.” Dino Forlin Chief Operating Officer, tells Business Elite Canada. “I think its fair to say that from its humble beginnings, KC has grown to become the cornerstone of business in Western Nunavut by and for Kitikmeot Inuit land claim beneficiaries.” KC’s initial investment strategy focused on regional business opportunities—primarily in developing commercial and residential real estate, local construction and establishing support services for the local resource industry. “Slow and steady regional growth in these sectors has built a solid foundation that in turn has allowed us to expand and diversify our portfolio in a manner that aligns with Kitikmeot Inuit interests,” says Forlin. “For example, we’ve made significant investments in businesses that can sell varied products and services throughout Canada and globally and yet still maintain a strong business presence in the North.” KC has decades of experience creating strong networks and resources, allowing the team to offer a holistic approach that ensures the region, and partner companies prosper and thrive. Most recently, KC branched out into infrastructure development, with multiple projects in development focused on telecommunication and energy solutions that address the service gaps we currently experience in Nunavut. KC is proud to partner with companies seeking to expand North, and its support and networks have helped dozens of businesses grow and thrive in the Kitikmeot region and beyond. Larga Kitikmeot Yellowknife Outside Entrance 32 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
NUNA GROUP OF COMPANIES KC is the majority shareholder of the Nuna Group of Companies, one of the largest Indigenous-owned civil construction and earthworks businesses in Canada, with over 30 years of experience working in remote northern locations and arctic environments. Nuna has had a role in virtually all major mine development in northern Canada and is active elsewhere in Canada as well, such as in Ontario, where it has a strong presence delivering heavy civil works to mining operations in the resource intensive region known as the “Ring of Fire”— one of the most promising mineral development opportunities for critical minerals in the province. KC also participates in property development and management through several channels, holding a substantial portfolio of commercial and residential properties in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. “We are a shareholder of NCC Investment Group, Nunavut’s largest construction and property Dino Forlin, Chief Operating Officer 33 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Kitikmeot Tire Mine Service 34 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
management company. NCC has recently been tasked by the Nunavut Housing Corporation with building 2000 housing units in Nunavut over the next ten years to help address our housing crisis,” says Forlin. KC is also a shareholder of Nunavut Sealink and Supply Inc, a marine transport firm that delivers annual cargo and fuel sealift to communities throughout Nunavut during the summer thaw. The Company also holds a minority ownership position in medical boarding homes based in Yellowknife and Edmonton. These facilities, each operating under the business name Larga, provide a home away from home to Inuit beneficiaries that must travel south to access medical services. Nuna Hope Bay Equipment in Pit TMAC 35 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
IMPACT ON THE KITIKMEOT REGION By partnering with quality operators and working with industry, employers and the KIA, KC encourages local Inuit owned business development and we help put practices in place that support employment training and professional development for Kitikmeot Inuit. “Regional unemployment rates continue to remain much higher than the national average, primarily due to lack of local opportunity,” says Forlin. “Our goal is to work with local stakeholders to correct this situation, both by continuing to develop opportunities in the local resource industry and by incorporating employment and training requirements in our current infrastructure initiatives.” KC’s success in local business development means it has the resources to finance business growth as well as deliver a consistent dividend to our shareholder. The KIA provides essential social and culture services to Kitikmeot Inuit beneficiaries and the dividend income we contribute helps finance these activities. Geotech Driller Training Candidates 36 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
KC also offers continual training programs for employment opportunities with its subsidiaries in construction, drilling and camp catering and housekeeping. KC fulfils its obligation to identify, train and onboard Kitikmeot Inuit candidates to support labour requirements for its businesses that provide labour intensive services. Sometimes this requires creative solutions, such as moving its annual driller training programs from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, to its operating partner’s facilities in Prince George BC. “Our partner, Geotech Drilling Services, can now deliver more applicable and focused operational and safety training to our Inuit candidates,” says Forlin. “Trained candidates are then deployed to the Hope Bay mining operation in Nunavut, where our subsidiary Geotech Ekutak has a three-year contract to provide exploration drilling services to Agnico Eagle Mines.” “These changes to the training environment naturally improve effectiveness and confidence for candidates as they are deployed to work the rigs, and ultimately improves retention once they’re there,” says Forlin. “We’re also currently in the implementation stage of an initiative that we’re Nuna Logistics Grading Eureka Airstrip 37 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
calling the Kitikmeot Inuit Employment Readiness Project. The objective of this project is to improve Inuit employment opportunities and engagement, particularly with respect to the more skilled and better paying positions at our industrial work sites. This project, sponsored by KC and facilitated by the Ottawa-based Stratos Consulting Group, is using a cross-functional approach to meet our goals by engaging both industry employers and community stakeholders to collaboratively identify and implement solutions.” PARTNERSHIPS “Our mandate is to encourage and support the growth of Kitikmeot Inuit-owned business in our region,” says Forlin. “The most visible gap in the Kitikmeot between local expertise and market demand is with resource industry support services.” Kitikmeot Corporation fills this gap by partnering with quality operators that are often based outside of Nunavut. “We’ll establish an Inuit business that Nuna Hope Bay Airstrip Grading 38 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
can meet the needs of local industry by working with partners that can not only provide quality service but that also have the resources and desire to train and employ the local Inuit workforce,” says Forlin. KC now has over 15 Inuit majority-owned businesses that leverage this type of relationship to provide support services in the Kitikmeot region. Some examples of the types of service KC deliver to local industry through its partnerships include freight forwarding and logistics, marine transport, medical services, mine construction, drilling, environmental engineering and remediation, waste management and camp operations. “In some cases, the strength of our relationships with our partners has resulted in a decision to invest in our partner’s businesses,” says Forlin. “For example, over years of working with BBE Expediting Ltd, an Edmonton based logistics firm, we developed a strong respect for the competence and vision of its leadership team and a good understanding of the company’s growth potential. We’re now proud to be 39 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
a shareholder and a participant in leading the future of this business.” More recently, KC become a shareholder in Geotech Drilling Services Ltd, a Prince Georgebased geotechnical drilling company that operates throughout Western Canada and overseas. “Again, our confidence in this investment decision grew out of a long-term partnership that was originally established to provide exploration drilling services to Kitikmeot customers.” The length and strength of KC’s existing partnerships speak for themselves. The team has a proven track record of working with quality operators to develop and grow business opportunities in our region, and has earned its reputation of bringing commitment, skill and experience to our governance responsibilities and helping its partners navigate the unique challenges in doing business in Nunavut. As Forlin points out, KC’s network of relationships is viewed as an asset to our business partners. “We are often able to create value for our customers by strategically leveraging our network to develop complementary and collaborative offerings that in turn grow revenues for our individual businesses.” With such a successful history, the horizon is very bright for Kitikmeot Corp. “Relatively recent NSSI sedna II 40 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
geopolitical developments and changes in national policy direction are having local impacts that in turn create game-changing opportunities for us,” says Forlin. “NORAD modernization, increased marine traffic through the Northwest Passage, renewable energy initiatives, broadband ubiquity as an essential service—for each of these areas of development we’re still in their early days of understanding local impacts to our region.” KC is positioned to get in front of the new infrastructure requirements and support services that will be required as each of these areas of development proceed over the coming years. The Corporation is ideally placed to take a lead role in moving these opportunities and initiatives forward in a manner that aligns with the interests of the Kitikmeot Inuit. “Our Board has recognized that organizational transformation will be necessary if we are to achieve our ambitions. In the short term the main areas of focus for KC’s management team will be to build out our organizational capabilities and adapt our capital allocation strategy in order to better meet our fiveyear growth objectives.” For more information, please visit www.kitikmeotcorp.ca BBE Edmonton 41 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
The Wendat name Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ (pronounced Etta-nonna wasti-nuh) translates to “where they had a good, beautiful life.”—a fitting name and vision for the City of Toronto’s latest Community Centre and Library, which hopes to add joy and happiness to the lives of those who use it. “It’s an aspiration of the new community centre and library is to help the community to have a good and beautiful life for many years to come,” says Mario Pecchia, Program Manager, Capital Projects Design and Delivery from Parks, Forestry and Recreation at the City of Toronto.” Indeed, the new facility will meet the needs of approximately 10,000 to 12,000 residents living in the surrounding community. The facility is slated to open this July for recreation programming and will offer summer CampTO programs – and spaces 42 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
are still available. The official City of Toronto ribbon cutting ceremony will take place later this year. To say the local community is excited is an understatement. The facility will replace former distribution and warehouse site and bring in a multi-use Community Recreation Centre with an Aquatic Centre, Child Care Centre and a Toronto Public Library branch—with much needed services and programs that will contribute to the wellbeing of the community now and for future generations. “The project was advanced in order to respond to the high level of population growth and increased density, resulting from the redevelopment of a in this area of Toronto,” says Pecchia. “The official plan framework for the redevelopment of the lands was set out in the Sheppard East Secondary Plan.” The site is adjacent to a significant Huron-Wendat (L-R) (Eastern Construction Team) Mick Sullivan, Gillian Kozsurek, Tina Malek, Paulina Boudreau, (City of Toronto Project Management Team) Douglas Giles, Mario Pecchia, (MJMA Architecture & Design Team) Woosuk An, Viktors Jaunkalns, Brad Vokey, Arnav Grande 43 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
LOCATION 100 Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Lane, Toronto, Ontario OWNER/DEVELOPER City of Toronto ARCHITECT MJMA Architecture & Design GENERAL CONTRACTOR Eastern Construction Company Limited STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Blackwell Structural Engineers MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Smith + Andersen TOTAL SIZE 218,400 square feet TOTAL COST $96 million Entrance Lobby 44 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
archaeological site, the Moatfield Ossuary and village, where inhabitants live long and healthy lives in relative peace. “City staff have engaged the Huron- Wendat Nation throughout the project and as the project nears completion will continue to engage in dialogue regarding programming initiatives, as well as the selection of indigenous art pieces that will be installed in the building,” says Pecchia. “In 2019, the City of Toronto’s Indigenous Affairs Office engaged the Huron-Wendat Nation and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to understand how the City could commemorate the site and foster dialogue between current residents and Indigenous communities.” Ultimately, the Wendat name, Ethennonnhawahstihnen’, was suggested by the Huron-Wendat Nation, which means, as stated above, “where they had a good, beautiful life”. In October 2019, North York Community Council approved renaming the street and adjacent park (formerly called “Woodsy”) to Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Lane and Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Park. Public consultations at the time showed strong support for the renaming which was considered a meaningful recognition and Indigenous placemaking, as well as a step towards the advancement of reconciliation. In 2021, the City further engaged the Huron-Wendat 45 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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Nation to understand their interest in extending the name Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ for the new community recreation centre and library facility. In March 2022, the Aboriginal Affairs Advisory Committee endorsed the name, says Pecchia. As any project of this size and scope, some challenges in the construction process were inevitable, for example, finding more ground water than expected during the underground parking evacuation. “We were able to work through them methodically and in a collaborative fashion,” says Pecchia. The building site itself is long and narrow with highdensity mixed-use towers to the east, single-family homes to the west and an existing public transit station to the north. The design was influenced by the topography which lent itself to a split-level stacked building program. The architects designed two bar-shaped volumes of unequal heights: to the west a lower, narrower bar allows for a nine-metre setback facing the single-family homes, buff¬ered by a landscaped area of terraces and a playground for the childcare centre (the western bar also houses meeting, art, and game rooms, and a teaching kitchen). The upper levels of the taller four-storey eastern bar are split into two volumes of unequal height. The east¬ern bar features full-height windows along its primary façade for transpar¬ency to an interior gymnasium and running track, multipurpose activity room, and dance and fitness studios. Both volumes North Aerial View 47 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Lounge Library Reading Nook Dance Studio Gymnasium 48 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
intersect with a street level aquatics centre and library via a 4-storey atrium that includes a main feature stair. A vegetated roof canopy colonnade lead toward the main entrance along the east side of the building stretching from Sheppard Ave to the parking garage entrance provides pedestrians with covered walkway at grade, says Pecchia. 10 per cent of the facility’s power had to be generated on site and the roof was topped with pho¬tovoltaic panels. Some of the facility’s other sustainability measures focus on the site’s water strategy, including bio¬swales and stormwater drainage and retention; additionally, passive light and temperature control was incorpo¬rated both inside and out. A project like this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it will service the community is many tangible ways, both predicted and delightfully unexpected. “Overseeing the delivery and being involved in a project of this magnitude has made my entire career as a public servant feel rewarding,” says Pecchia. “My role provides me the unique opportunity to work with a large team of dedicated individuals, whose work directly contributes to the long-term health and wellbeing of residents who use and love the facilities we build. It incredible to see a project through the many stages; planning, design and community engagement, and into to the construction process. To see the vision come to reality is very fulfilling. Knowing that I had a small part in changing the urban fabric of the city and ensuring the community will be well served with a facility that will last for many generations to come, is truly a legacy in one’s career.” For more information about the new facility and the program offerings, please visit the facility website. www.toronto.ca 49 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Photo Credit - B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 50 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
The governments of Canada and British Columbia, alongside project partners, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Tsawwassen First Nation, have invested over $260 million in safe, high-quality roads in the community of Delta and the surrounding areas. The Highway 91/17 and Deltaport Way upgrades mean improved traffic flow and more efficient routes for commuters. “Our government’s investments to improve the quality of our roads and traffic flow will help save time for residents south of the Fraser 51 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
River,” says Carla Qualtrough, Federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. “We will continue to work with our municipal and provincial partners to make improvements to our infrastructure and, in turn, improve the quality of life for all residents of Delta.” “The improved connections on this Highway will save time for commuters while also making goods movement in the region more efficient, benefitting people and businesses in Delta,” says Rob Fleming, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “The Project will improve safety and get people and goods moving faster south of the Fraser River,” says Derek Drummond, Executive Project Director. “The Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project is a series of road and highway upgrades in Delta BC, on Highway 91, Highway 17 and the Highway 91 Connector, which will provide a more reliable route through Delta for local residents, commercial truck drivers, transit operators, first responders and other travelers.” The Project created approximately 745 direct construction jobs, and comprised of an all-local workforce, as well as contracts and subcontracting opportunities with local Indigenous businesses. “Construction on the project started in spring 2020, and we reached substantial completion last fall, which means all of the interchanges and road upgrades are open at full capacity,” says Photo Credit - B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 53 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Drummond. The project is on track for completion this spring, once the remaining work including landscaping, line painting, site demobilization and other minor works is complete. Pacific Gateway Constructors, a consortium comprised of Ledcor (40%), Aecon (35%) and BEL Contracting (25%), is carrying out the contract awarded by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Pacific Gateway Constructors employed local trades for the project, and awarded over $16 million in contract value to local Indigenous businesses and partnerships through subcontracting opportunities. “The Design-Builder worked with a number of Indigenous nations to offer employment and contracting opportunities, resulting in substantial sub-contracting with member-owned and jointventure businesses,” says Drummond. “In addition, the Ministry contracted environmental consulting services directly with a local First Nation to assist with monitoring of project construction and environmental offsetting.” The Ministry also partnered with a local First Nation to undertake Fraser River foreshore clean-up and planting on a residual property outside of the project area”. As part of the broader Highway 91/17 and Deltaport Way Upgrade program, the 27B Avenue improvements were jointly funded by Tsawwassen First Nation and the Government of Canada. Photo Credit - B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 54 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Photo Credit - B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 55 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW The project is designed to improve the operation of existing roads—both from an efficiency and traffic safety perspective. “The new and improved interchanges, and the elimination of intersections and an at-grade rail crossing, promote better movement of goods and services through the province and a combination of new direct-access roads and additional turning lanes give local residents better connectivity,” says Drummond. The project supports community and economic development, with better access to employment areas, faster access between south Delta and north Delta/Surrey, improved access to cycling connections, and improved permitting and inspection service for commercial vehicle operators. “The upgrades are designed to better manage the interaction between industrial and local traffic, both of which are growing in this area of the region,” says Drummond, adding, “The project supports port-related local industrial traffic growth that is a significant contributor to our economy.” The improvements also mean better access to the Nordel commercial vehicle inspection station, including a dedicated lane to separate trucks from local traffic and improvements to truck access from the Highway 91 Connector to Highway 91. 56 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
There is an environmental perspective to the project, as well. “Improving the free-flow of traffic through the region and building the infrastructure to be more resilient to climate change-related extreme weather events are two ways that the Highway 91/17 and Deltaport Way upgrades fit into the ministry’s Goods Movement Strategy, to make goods movement smarter, cleaner, and more competitive,” says Drummond. Drummond adds that as the project nears completion, his team is already seeing the benefits to residents. “I took on the role of Executive Project Director last fall, and it has been my privilege to work with the team to ensure the Project is implemented in a matter that is safe, efficient, on time and budget, and serves the community as the Ministry intended—creating a more reliable transportation network in Delta for all.” “As we approach total completion this spring, it’s rewarding to see the improvements and infrastructure already making a difference in people’s lives.” For more information, please visit: www2.gov.bc.ca Photo Credit - B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 57 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
58 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
On April 4, 2023, the first GO Trains on the Barrie Line travelled over the Davenport Diamond on the new guideway, and above the CP freight rail tracks. The Davenport Diamond in Toronto, ON, was one of the North America’s busiest train intersections. It’s a key economic corridor where passenger rail and freight trains that move goods through the metropolis intersected. The Davenport Diamond refers to the intersection where the Barrie GO passenger corridor meets the CP rail tracks. As Metrolinx connects the GTA region with two-way all-day GO service, it means more trains would be passing through this area and a solution to this congestion problem was needed. GO Train traveling on the guideway above CP freight rail tracks. (Metrolinx photo) 59 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Metrolinx chose Graham Commuter Rail Solutions (GCRS) as the preferred proponent to design, build and finance the Davenport Diamond Guideway, part of Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program. The $175 million Davenport Diamond Guideway project improves service by allowing GO Trains to travel above the Canadian Pacific (CP) tracks, as the guideway enables more trains to run on the corridor. It also improves local pedestrian and bike connections and improves service reliability. According to Metrolinx, “This project will reduce congestion and enable more pedestrian as well as cyclist connections by enabling GO Trains to seamlessly travel above existing traffic. The project is one of several that will significantly improve service on the Barrie GO Line in preparation for more frequent, two-way, all-day train service in the future.” Construction on the guideway continues while the detailed design for the Davenport Diamond Greenway is underway. The greenway will be a A diversion track allowed crews to build the guideway while maintaining GO Train service. (Metrolinx photo) 60 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
multi-use trail running alongside landscaping and seating below the guideway and will improve the public space and connections in the neighbourhoods. Underneath this raised guideway, Metrolinx worked with the local community to create the greenway: new public space that enhances the community experience and that will promote the area as a civic destination. The Greenway will include: • Fully accessible multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists • A sustainable approach to landscaping and plantings • Beautiful pollinating gardens • Gathering spaces for the community These improvements on the Barrie Line are part of the GO Expansion program, which will transform GO Prior to opening the elevated guideway, GO trains were running on a diversion track at ground level. (Metrolinx photo) 61 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
View of the Barrie Line at Dupont Street: GO Trains now traveling on the new elevated guideway above existing Dupont bridge. (Metrolinx photo) 62 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
rail from a rush-hour service to a more frequent, twoway, all-day rapid transit experience. Foundational work for a second track, as well as other corridor improvements, will make it possible to deliver increased two-way, all-day service. The Davenport Diamond Guideway project is a critical part of Metrolinx’s GO Expansion program and represents important transit infrastructure that will significantly improve service on the Barrie GO Line. GO service is expanding to serve you better - with more frequent service, more stations, cleaner technology, and more connections. GO Expansion will transform the GO rail network from a commuter service into an all-day, rapid system. Source: www.Metrolinx.com GO Trains are now traveling on the new elevated guideway, located above several busy streets and CP rail tracks. (Metrolinx photo) 63 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Founded in 1890, The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada—otherwise known as UA—is Canada’s oldest United Association Union. For over 130 years, UA members have been serving their communities providing excellence in plumbing, welding and steam fitting. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, UA Local 254 has been an integral part of the City’s growth. Its members have helped build Winnipeg’s hospitals, schools, office buildings, and commercial institutions, and recently opened one of the most state-of-the-art training facilities and apprenticeship training programs in Canada. 64 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
Fittingly, on the official opening, there was a pipecutting ceremony—in lieu of a ribbon—to mark the occasion. Located on 20 Dunlop Avenue, the 31,000 sq. foot Union Hall and Training Centre sits on seven acres, and includes a 1,000-gallon recycled-water sprinkler demonstration room and the cleanest weld shop in Western Canada. The Union Hall and Training Centre has been a labour of love for Steve J. Ducharme, Executive Director/President & Quality Manager. “Now that we’ve been in our new facility for the past six months, it’s been amazing. It’s something that I’ve put my heart and soul into for the past thirteen years, something we’ve worked hard to get for our members.” UA Local 254 Training Facility 65 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
“My colleagues and I cut a copper pipe to welcome everybody to the building,” says Ducharme. “It was a momentous day and even though we had a massive blizzard that day, it was a great event.” UA Local 254’s 1,400 members service commercial and industrial mechanical needs from plumbing, steamfitting, sprinkler fitting, refrigeration and welding. Members have maintained the plumbing and fire protection systems of the institutions, buildings, and industries that keep Winnipeg up and running. UA Local 254’s strong training and certification program keeps all members upto-date with legislation and regulation as well as keep the end-users, the client and homeowner’s, safe. Ducharme says that even though UA’s national, provincial, and municipal standards are as high as they are, “they can always be better”, which is the sign of someone who truly cares about safety. “They can always be tighter,” says Ducharme. “Especially with COVID. We had to adapt to that, and we didn’t experience any kind of slow down during the pandemic. Everything stayed operational because we have two hospitals that have to stay running.” Adapting meant UA Local 254 members, during the height of uncertainty, were not only working, but working in unprecedented circumstances. UA Local 254 members pivoted to remote deliveries, and adopted new and stringent sanitization standards. UA Local 254 Training Facility 66 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
“It’s important for our members to maintain operations because even if something like COVID comes up, people still need clean, safe water,” says Ducharme. “We were able to maintain a service to our clients and our end-users which was a massive undertaking. Not everybody was able to do that, but we were.” In the Local’s new Union Hall and Training Centre, one to five-year programs. “We also do well testing for the province of Manitoba every two years,” says Ducharme. “UA Local 254 does that for the province of all the contractors to keep them licensed so they can look after the water utility and backflow prevention.” Steve J. Ducharme - Executive Director/President & Quality Manager, Piping Industry Technical College/UA Local 254 67 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
UA Local 254 Training Facility UA Local 254 Training Facility 68 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
The Union Hall and Training Centre will surely attract new members and interest young men and women who are considering a career with UA Local 254. The new Centre will offer members the best hands-on training on offer. “We bring in educators and administrators from local schools and they have no problem preaching about how good our training center is, and what we can do in our capabilities,” says Ducharme. “I find a lot of people who want to get into trades also want hands-on training. When they come here, they actually see how state-of-the-art this building is. When they come here and actually see the wet room or see the recycling systems that we’re using, they’re blown away.” Ducharme is happy that part of his legacy to the next generation of UA Local 254 members (which includes his son and son-in-law) is this Centre. “254 has grown from a small office to a brand new, state-of-the-art facility with many low environmental impact processes. We have the capabilities to grow and lead the pipe trades industry here in Manitoba.” “[With this building] We will continue to meet the needs of Manitobans, and pipe trades professionals’ educational needs. We also do deliver Indigenous plumbing and pipe trades education,” says Ducharme. “We will continue to certify and license our members to meet the needs of Manitoba.” https://www.ualocal254.ca/ UA Local 254 Training Facility 69 JUNE 2023 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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