Once the site of the famous Sam the Record Man building, the Toronto intersection of Yonge and Gould Streets will soon be home to Ryerson University’s Student Learning Centre.

Designed in collaboration between Toronto-based Zeidler Partnership Architects and Snøhetta of Oslo, Norway, the 14,443-m² (155,463-sf) building will draw students and visitors in with bright, open, barrier-free spaces for individual and group studying.

Commercial and industrial construction revenues will return to almost pre-recession levels due to increased spending, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s Winter 2011 forecast.

“Following two years of decline, industry revenues and profits are on the rise again,” said Michael Burt, associate director of Industrial Economic Trends.

A footbridge, an aquatic centre, and a domed carousel were among the winning projects in this year’s Wood Works B.C. Wood Design Awards.

Recognizing leadership and innovation in wood use, while encouraging continued excellence in the building and design community, 82 projects were entered from across the province, as well as some national and international submissions.

Architecture Canada/Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) has named Toronto-based Montgomery Sisam Architects as the recipient of its Architectural Firm Award. The company was cited for its quality of architecture, service to clients, innovations in practice, contributions to architectural education, professional institutions, and associations, and public recognition.

Burnaby, B.C., has been named the country’s first Blue Community by the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

A Blue Community “is one that treats water as belonging to no one, and the responsibility of all. Because water is central to human activity, it must be governed by principles that allow for reasonable use, equal distribution and responsible treatment in order to preserve water for nature and future generations.”

The Journal of Commerce (JOC) will commemorate its 100th anniversary in June.

“We’re truly excited and grateful to embark upon this monumental occasion to celebrate 100 years of service to the construction profession in Canada,” said Mark Casaletto, vice president and general manager for the publication’s company, Reed Construction Data (RCD) Canada.

A Canadian art gallery won the Overall Excellence award in the Metal Construction Association’s (MCA’s) 2010 President’s Awards. Edmonton’s 7897-m² (85,000-sf) Art Gallery of Alberta includes 5574 m² (60,000 sf) of zinc with a quartzite backing, 4682 m² (50,400 sf) of coil-applied stainless steel, 2090 m² (22,500 sf) of painted aluminum, and high-performance glazing.

After lagging behind in the second half of 2010, housing starts are forecast to stabilize this year and next, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC’s) first-quarter report, “Housing Market Outlook–Canada.” Housing starts are expected to range between 157,300 to 192,900 units this year, with a point forecast of 177,600 units.

Calgary’s Jamieson Place is the largest new construction project in Alberta to be certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. Awarded Gold, the 84,100-m² (905,245-sf) office tower contains ground-floor retail and various sustainable features, including an efficient HVAC system, high-efficiency lighting, and low-flow water fixtures.

The first wildlife bridge in Ontario is being constructed across the new section of Highway 69 to provide a safe crossing for animals across the roadway. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is building its first four-lane overhead ‘eco-passage,’ with construction and landscaping expected to be complete in the summer of 2011.