The second World Plumbing Day is happening next month to draw attention to the importance that plumbing plays in relation to public health and the environment. On March 11, plumbing organizations across the country are joining the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) to participate in activities with the aim of raising awareness to the important role played by Canada’s plumbing industry.

A theatre, a university, and an airport hotel were among this year’s Awards of Excellence in Architecture winners from the Ordre des architectes du Québec (OAQ). “The awards program is much more than just a competition,” OAQ’s Sylvie Champeau, told Construction Canada Online. “The formula is aimed at saluting and showcasing top-quality architecture by publicizing a number of achievements, all carefully selected by three juries of experts.”

Work on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ new stadium has finally started—and football and construction fans alike can watch. The Canadian Football League (CFL) team’s management, the Winnipeg Football Club, announced the first of many steel piles were driven into the ground at the University of Manitoba (U of M) last week.

Toronto’s Yorkdale mall is undergoing a $220-million expansion that includes more than 13,470.9 m² (145,000 sf) of additional space, 40 stores, and more than 800 underground parking spaces. Additionally, the food court will re-locate to the third floor level of the former Eatons store. It will offer double the seats, 14 new food vendors, and will reduce waste by 85 per cent with reusable tableware.

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.