Earlier this month, the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) announced the winners of the annual Awards of Excellence.

This year, 15 projects from across Canada were honoured with awards recognizing design, research, and management accomplishments. Winners are selected by a jury of experts both regionally and nationally, in three categories—Honour, Merit, and Citations.

February’s housing starts have remained in line with levels seen throughout the past six months, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Starts were reported at 192,236 units in February, while January saw slightly lower with 191,513. These rates have remained within the 185,000 to 195,000 range since August 2013.

The second annual Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Symposium is coming to Toronto this spring.

Taking place at the Allstream Centre on April 24, the event aims to provide attendees with knowledge on how to integrate solar PV into building design while replacing other standard materials.

On March 3, Wood WORKS! B.C.—a division of the Canadian Wood Council—held its 10^th annual awards in Vancouver, recognizing design professionals and innovative projects using forest products.

A jury deliberated over 113 nominations in 12 categories (ranging from ‘large institutional’ and ‘interior beauty’ to ‘multi-unit residential’ and ‘environmental performance’), with projects showcasing wood in various uses, such as light framing and structural mass timber.

Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) announced a record-breaking year for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects in the country for 2013.

A total of 574 Canadian projects were certified last year; bringing the total to 1484. Additionally, 598 new projects registered to pursue certification, for a grand total of 4685 projects either certified or on the path toward it.

Toronto’s Sharp Centre for Design at Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) has been ranked one of the world’s most spectacular university buildings.

Emporis, the international building data provider, recently named the project, jointly designed by Will Alsop, of Alsop Architects, and Robbie Young + Wright Architects, to its Top 13 list. The centre was part of a $42.5 million redevelopment in 2004.

A new market forecast suggests younger workers who are willing to travel will be needed to meet upcoming construction project requirements.

According to BuildForce Canada’s 2014–2023 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward, labour demands in the West are increasing, while slowing eastern markets will drive workers elsewhere over the next few years.

Housing starts are predicted to hold steady for this year and next, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reports.

According to CMHC’s first quarter 2014 Housing Market Outlook, the factors contributing to the stabilized forecast include improved economic and demographic fundamentals, gradual increase in mortgage rates, and decreased demand from first-time home buyers.

Entries are now being accepted for the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute’s (PCI’s) 2014 Design Awards competition.

Winners are chosen by a panel of industry experts and awards are distributed in two general categories—buildings and transportation structures—that include several subcategories.

Earlier this month, the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) received funding from the federal government to promote women into positions of leadership in the construction industry.

The volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization is the recipient of $249,900 from the Ministry for Status of Women Canada. The money is intended for a three-year project that will conduct research and develop a plan to improve the advancement of women across the industry.