CEO is reminding members firms to carefully review contracts and to be aware of the significance of Force Majeure provisions. As the severity, uncertainty, extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, the importance of maintaining Force Majeure clauses cannot be understated. This article will briefly explore Force Majeure, its applicability, obligations to mitigate and the Doctrine of Frustration.
Government Passes Sweeping COVID-19 Recovery Legislation: Measures Broadly Impact Professional Services, Construction and Infrastructure Sectors
On July 21, 2020, the Government of Ontario passed into law omnibus legislation to enable its objectives to restart the provincial economy. Bill 197, COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020 amends a number of existing provincial statutes and enacts two new pieces of legislation. The scope of the legislation is broad and includes a number of measures that will impact Ontario’s broader construction industry, including engineers.
The Act contains a number of tools that are designed to enable the broader construction sector to increase the speed and efficiency with which projects can be completed. Notably, these tools will require the balancing of both public and private interests in the advancement of all types of infrastructure projects.
The following summaries highlight elements of the Act that will be of particular interest to CEO member firms.
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WSP and Altus Group Spin Off Surveying and Geomatics Firm
Following the close of a transaction between WSP Global and Altus Group last weekend, Canada’s newest surveying and geomatics firm—GeoVerra—opened its doors for business this week.
As part of the transaction, WSP and Altus carved out their geomatics teams to form the newly launched firm, which will provide land surveying, mapping and geospatial technology to a variety of industries, with offices in 29 cities across Western Canada and Ontario.
John G. Cooke & Associates Ltd. Canada’s Four Corners Restoration - Project Overview
The repurposing of a heritage building can add richness to a streetscape and character to a neighbourhood and at the same time contribute to a high satisfaction level for all involved in the project.
Such was the case for the Canada’s Four Corners Envelope Conservation project in Ottawa. Consulting engineers John G. Cooke & Associates Ltd. handled the project for Public Services and Procurement Canada. The task was to stabilize and conserve the loadbearing exterior walls and restore the architectural expression of the sloped mansard roof.
Canadian Consulting Engineer presents "Buildings and infrastructure in the age of COVID-19"
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic has hugely altered the way we use and interact with our built environment, from retail stores to transportation hubs to high-rise buildings to roads and sidewalks. And if we are to emerge from self-isolation safely and attempt to return to ’normal,’ many spaces that are currently underused will need to be redesigned or rethought to prevent infection. On September 28, 2020 Canadian Consulting Engineer is bringing together a variety of experts to discuss examples, trends and predictions for the new normal.
The Municipal Engineers Association is pleased to provide its 2020 6th edition of the "MEA Member Services Quarterly Update". Each issue is filled with valuable information on our services, events, news and volunteer opportunities.
Canada and Ontario Invest in Roads and Bridges in Rural Communities in Western Ontario
Joint federal, provincial, municipal, and First Nation funding through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan will support 11 road and bridge projects in Western Ontario. These investments will strengthen rural and First Nations communities and support economic growth. Click here to see the full release and project details.
The Real Economy: The Pandemic’s Disproportionate Effect on Canadian Economy
What’s next for the Canadian economy amidst significant decreases in domestic consumption and worldwide demand for our exports? Read ACEC Canada's PartnerRSM Canada’s latest installment of the The Real Economy 'Pandemic’s disproportionate effect on Canadian economy.
Do We Really Need the Office? What the WFH boom means for the future.
While this WFH shift may seem sudden for some, the trajectory toward more remote work for knowledge workers has been accelerating for years. As Derek Thompson writes in The Atlantic, “The share of the labor force that works from home tripled in the past 15 years, according to the Federal Reserve.” Now that Covid-19 has turbocharged this trend, both the possibilities and the perils are becoming clearer. Read the Harvard Business Review article.
New Timelapse Video Captures Highway 400 Bridge Lift for Finch West LRT
While many spend their weekends enjoying the summer heat, construction crews are out there building transit projects. Recently the entire bridge that crosses Highway 400 at Finch Avenue West was replaced. Don’t worry if you missed the speedy work, you can watch the whole thing right here.
Ottawa aspires to be one of the best livable mid-sized cities in North America. A key part of this vision includes vibrant traditional main streets supporting both speciality and everyday items: think of a butcher, bagel shop or bakery that are within a short walk. Read more.
Does your firm have an interesting article or news that you want the Ontario Engineering world to now about? Please have 'your people' talk to 'our people", email us at
mwest@ceo.on.ca.
