On Monday, some of the country’s finest design teams were recognized with Governor General’s Medals in Architecture for their work in notable projects. His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, governor general of Canada, presented the awards during a ceremony held at Rideau Hall.

The nation’s housing starts dropped from 198,200 in November to 171,500 units the next month, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC). “Housing starts moved lower in December due to the multiple starts segment, especially in Ontario,” Bob Dugan, CMHC’s chief economist, told Construction Canada Online.

A British Columbia project has won an American Institute of Architecture (AIA) Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture. The first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum facility of its kind in the world, Vancouver Convention Centre West—designed by LMN Architects and Prime Architects: DA/MCM—occupies a former brownfield site on the downtown waterfront.

A new study has found the strongest potential for Northern Canada’s future economic development is provided by the natural resources sector and its supporting industries.

Fred Clarke, FCSC, passed away suddenly on January 10. A longtime CSC proponent, the 64-year-old’s numerous accomplishments included important contributions to masonry Tek-Aids and being part of the team that created the Toronto Chapter’s No Frills Trade Show.

One of the largest hospital projects in Canada is being constructed in Montréal by the McGill Health Infrastructure Group, a partnership between SNC-Lavalin and Innisfree.

A new study suggests global demand for electric lighting is on the rise, but use of new technologies could eventually reduce costs and sales. “World Electric Lighting,” a December 2010 report published by The Freedonia Group, forecasts product sales will climb 4.5 per cent annually through 2014 to reach $38.5 billion.

Ad Valorem Place, the new home of the City of Calgary’s Assessment business unit is the municipality’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification under the Commercial Interiors (CI) rating system.

The Ontario Painting Contractors Association (OPCA) has adopted the Master Painters Institute’s (MPI’s) painting manual and Approved Products List to ensure all contractors, interior designers, architects, facility owners, and paint suppliers across Canada will operate from the same frame of reference.