On August 28th, Governor Greg Abbott announced the commencement of construction for the new Terrell State Hospital. The 415,000-square-foot building will replace the original hospital and has an approved $573 million in funding from the Texas Legislature. It is expected to be completed in late 2027.
The new hospital will have 250 beds, including 35 adolescent beds, 50 maximum-security beds, and 165 non-maximum-security beds. Each unit will be separated from the others, and the maximum-security wing will have more stringent security measures to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the community in North Texas.
Terrell State Hospital courtyard. Rendering courtesy of Office of the Texas Governor.
The new Terrell State Hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art therapeutic spaces that meet the needs for evidence-based mental health treatments. The natural light within the building will promote recovery, peace, and healing. There will also be common areas for patients to gain social interaction in appropriate scenarios.
“Since 2017, Texas has provided more than $2.5 billion to build, renovate, and improve our state hospitals to ensure that Texans in every corner of our state have access to the quality inpatient psychiatric care they deserve,” said Abbott at the ground-breaking ceremony. “I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their work on this new hospital as one of seven projects to provide better behavioral health services to those in need.”
The hospital serves around 31 counties, and since 2017, the Texas Legislature and Governor Abbott have invested more than $2.5 billion in hospital renovations and expansions across the state.
Birmingham, Alabama-based Robins & Morton, joined by New York City-based architectural firm CannonDesign, was selected as the general contractor for the project.
Courtyard and patient care units at Terrell State Hospital. Rendering courtesy of Office of the Texas Governor.
Bird Construction Inc., a leading Canadian contractor, has secured five major contracts totaling $575 million, reinforcing its stronghold in the national construction industry. These contracts span key sectors, including industrial, petrochemical, and healthcare, highlighting Bird Construction’s enormous capabilities.
The most notable among these projects is the civil and concrete work for Dow’s Path2Zero initiative in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta—a $6.5 billion project dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions in the petrochemical sector. This contract is a part of Bird Construction’s initiative for sustainable industrial development in Canada.
Fort Saskatchewan Path2Zero expansion project. Image courtesy of Dow Canada.
Additionally, Bird Construction will be active in the Aspen Power Station project in Saskatchewan, where its 2NationsBird joint venture has been awarded the foundation and underground utilities work. This 370-megawatt power station is crucial for strengthening renewable power generation in the region, ensuring a reliable energy supply for the future.
Other significant wins include:
A multi-year master service agreement within the petrochemical sector
An expansion of an ongoing task order in Ontario’s nuclear sector
A long-term care project in British Columbia
These projects are expected to bring several economic benefits to multiple provinces across the country, including job creation during construction and long-term operational roles once the projects are completed.
Teri McKibbon, President and CEO of Bird Construction, expressed pride in the company’s ability to secure these contracts, stating, “We continue to grow our diverse portfolio with projects spanning multiple sectors, with healthy contributions from multi-year recurring revenue awards. Our proven track record in successfully delivering early works on major industrial projects strategically positions us to pursue full project life cycle opportunities.”
The awarded contracts showcase Bird Construction’s capacity to lead complex and environmentally significant projects, further solidifying its position as a key player in Canada’s construction industry.
According to a recent U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics revision to the preliminary benchmark announcement, the labor market is unlikely to be as strong as initially forecasted. The total unemployment for the last annual period until March 2024 was 0.5% less than estimated—a reduction of 818,000 jobs. The construction industry, in particular, was down 0.6%, or 45,000 jobs from the previous estimation.
Every year, the Current Unemployment Statistics (CES) estimates are compared to the total employment counts for March, providing early insight into the year’s employment data. The CES data from the last period shows an increase in total jobs, with about 8.2 million added to the construction space. However, this revision statement shows the projected growth was overstated, similar to the housing sector, and has been revised down by 45,000 jobs.
This is the largest overestimation since 2010, including the three straight years of downward revisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some sectors saw an upward trend in employment revisions, including private education and health services, warehousing and transportation, and utilities. Industry counts come from state unemployment insurance (UI) tax records, which are mandatory for nearly all employers to file.
The final revision for the employment estimate will be updated at the end of the next period, in March 2025.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has launched a major project to modernize the western half of Terminal 3, marking a significant step in enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and services. The $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project aims to renovate 650,000 square feet of space while adding 200,000 square feet of new facilities, including expanded security checkpoints, more retail and dining options, and improved passenger amenities.
Render of connector between Terminal 3 F Gates and International Terminal G Gates. Image provided by San Francisco International Airport.
The renovation includes a seismic retrofit to ensure safety during earthquakes and updates to accommodate future passenger growth. San Francisco Mayor London Breed emphasized that the upgrades reflect the city’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating a welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike. The project is expected to bring 500-600 jobs during its peak, with a significant portion of contracts awarded to local businesses.
One of the standout features of this project is the commitment to eco-friendly construction. SFO is aiming for LEED Platinum certification, which means the design incorporates energy-efficient elements such as daylight harvesting, displacement ventilation, photovoltaic cells, and waste heat recovery. In addition, the materials used will be low-carbon, further demonstrating the airport’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Render of renovated Terminal 3, anteroom and SFO Museum Gallery. Image provided by San Francisco International Airport.Render of Terminal 3 corridor with SFO Museum Video Art Gallery. Image provided by San Francisco International Airport.
A new six-story building will house airline lounges and operational offices, enhancing the airport’s capacity to serve more travelers. The project will add a Federal Inspection Service (FIS) sterile connector for those arriving internationally to provide direct access to the Customs Hall in the International Terminal. This expansion is slated to open in phases, with the western half expected to debut in fall 2027, followed by additional facilities in early 2028 and 2029.
Passengers will continue to have access to the airport during construction via a temporary walkway that will be operational by the 2024 holiday season, ensuring that the renovations do not disrupt travel. With these updates, SFO aims to raise the bar for airport experiences, offering travelers enhanced convenience, safety, and sustainability.
M. Sullivan & Son Limited has been awarded a $95 million contract to build the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) in Ontario. This project represents a major milestone in the region’s healthcare infrastructure. This state-of-the-art facility will replace the existing hospital, significantly enhancing healthcare services for the local community. The new PECMH will feature a 24-hour emergency department, a helipad, a surgical suite, and specialized units, including a dialysis center.
Image courtesy of PECMH
Construction began at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital on August 1st, 2024, following a rigorous procurement process in March 2023 involving extensive evaluations and bids from four shortlisted companies. Through Infrastructure Ontario and Quinte Health, Ontario’s government is leading this redevelopment project, which is crucial for the local population and forms part of a broader strategy to modernize healthcare infrastructure across the province. The project is expected to bring substantial economic benefits, including job creation during construction and long-term healthcare positions once the facility is operational.
The PECMH will serve the community’s needs with advanced medical services and a sustainable design. The hospital will include a modern 24-hour emergency department, ensuring round-the-clock access to urgent care. Additionally, it will house specialized units such as a dialysis center, which is vital for patients requiring regular renal care, and an up-to-date surgical suite to support a wide range of medical procedures. The facility will also have a helipad for rapid patient transport in critical situations.
Other key features of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will include:
20 inpatient beds with the potential for expansion to 23 beds
Diagnostic imaging facilities, including a CT scanner, x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, and cardio-diagnostics
Ambulatory care services, including clinics, medical day care, endoscopy, and medical device reprocessing
A central laboratory for comprehensive diagnostic services
An inpatient pharmacy
These elements ensure that the hospital will meet the community’s current needs and be equipped to adapt to future demands, making it a cornerstone of healthcare in Prince Edward County.
Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith highlighted the significance of this project, stating, “With an approved contract for M. Sullivan and Son Limited to build the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, we’ve reached the finish line after a long journey together. Our government is turning its promise into action.” He also emphasized the project’s role in bringing advanced medical care to the area and supporting the community’s needs for future generations
Peggy Payne, Chairperson of the PECMH Foundation, expressed her excitement about the project reaching this significant milestone, noting, “We always knew that the new build would keep sustainability in mind to serve many generations in this community.”
This redevelopment is part of a larger $27 billion investment by the Ontario government in hospital infrastructure across the province, aimed at upgrading facilities and ensuring that all Ontarians have access to high-quality healthcare services.
On August 16th, the Government of Canada published a news release detailing plans to invest in attracting young people, women, and other marginalized groups to the skilled trades. More than $13.6 million in funding under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) will support five projects in the Greater Toronto Area.
Under the Investments in Training Equipment stream 2022 and 2023 calls for proposals, 114 projects will help training educators and unions improve coaching by purchasing industry-standard tools and technology.
Under the Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream 2022 calls for proposals, persons with disabilities, women, newcomers, racialized peoples, and Indigenous people are recruited and supported in 10 projects with career services, mentorship, and job-matching.
The Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship support via loans, grants, tax credits, EI during training, project funding, and support for the Red Seal Program. This investment builds a well-rounded skilled trades workforce and ensures inclusivity for the future.
“Canada is home to the smartest minds, the most talented workers and a strong education, training, and employment system,” said Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “Building on these strengths will help us adapt to a changing global economy and get ahead. By investing in the skilled trades and jobs of the future, we are setting up workers and businesses to take advantage of every opportunity, while creating good jobs for Canadian workers.”
Under the new UTIP Sustainable Jobs funding Stream, a call for proposals was launched on June 20th, 2024, to support the development of green training for trade workers. The call for proposals closed on September 5th, 2024.
New overtime rules took effect on July 1, 2024, significantly impacting the construction industry. These changes, implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), raise the minimum salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility, which could mean big shifts in how contractors manage their workforce and budgets.
Updated rules have increased the annual salary threshold for overtime exemption from $35,568 to $43,888. The change is only the beginning, as the threshold is set to jump again to $58,656 on January 1, 2025. For many in the construction industry, especially in managerial roles previously exempt from overtime, this could lead to eligibility for additional compensation.
The impact on contractors
Contractors are facing increased labor costs as more employees become eligible for overtime pay. This could challenge project budgets, requiring adjustments in scheduling, staffing, and overall project management to maintain profitability. Many companies will need to reclassify employees or raise salaries to meet the new thresholds.
The administrative burden of compliance is also expected to grow, making regular audits and adjustments in payroll practices essential. Payroll systems will need updates, and human resources departments will need to stay vigilant to avoid potential penalties.
Balancing costs and compliance
While these changes could strain resources, they also present opportunities to improve employee satisfaction and retention. By effectively managing overtime and ensuring fair compensation, contractors can foster a more motivated and loyal workforce. However, this balance requires careful planning and proactive adjustments.
For contractors, staying informed and adaptable is key. The DOL’s overtime rule is part of a broader trend toward increasing worker protections, and more changes could be on the horizon. Ensuring compliance while managing costs will be critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the construction industry.
Coastal Construction has been chosen to lead the pre-construction planning for the next phases of Marina Pointe at Westshore Marina District in Tampa Bay, signaling a significant milestone for this luxury waterfront project. Known for their expertise in upscale developments, Coastal Construction’s involvement represents the high standards that have been set for this ambitious venture.
Founded in 1988 by the Murphy family, Coastal Construction is a family-owned and operated business that has earned much respect through its various construction projects, including single-family residences, hotels, and luxury clubs.
Marina Pointe, designed by Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design and developed by BTI Partners, aims to expand Tampa’s luxury residential offerings. The upcoming phase centers on the construction of the second tower, scheduled to begin later this year. This tower will add 151 condominiums to the district, with units ranging from 1,100 to 3,300 square feet. Alongside these condos, seven single-family “Harbour Homes” will also be included, each home approximately 3,300 square feet, further enhancing the development’s appeal.
Positioned on a private peninsula within the 52-acre Westshore Marina District, Marina Pointe is a key feature of the area. The development offers residents direct access to shopping, dining, and various outdoor activities, including boating and water sports. The district’s design promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for those seeking both luxury and convenience.
Noah Breakstone, CEO of BTI Partners, expressed confidence in Coastal Construction, citing their reputation for delivering high-quality luxury developments. “Their unmatched expertise aligns perfectly with our vision for this iconic project,” Breakstone said, highlighting the collaboration’s potential to elevate Tampa’s high-end real estate market.
Sean DeMartino, President of the Central and North Florida Division for Coastal Construction, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. “We are incredibly honored to have been selected for this prestigious project,” DeMartino said. He noted that the team is eager to create an exceptional living experience that reflects the luxury and elegance of Marina Pointe’s waterfront location.
The development is not just about luxury living spaces but also about providing a full suite of amenities that cater to an upscale lifestyle. Tower Two will offer one- to four-bedroom residences, with prices starting in the high six figures and extending into the millions. Residents will enjoy access to a private full-service marina, 24-hour concierge services, a fitness center, resort-style pools, an entertainment room, and even a virtual golf simulator. The development also includes 1.5 miles of urban trails and parks featuring public art and outdoor programming.
A notable feature of Marina Pointe is its private marina, which sits on a 13-acre deep-water basin. This marina is designed to accommodate yachts ranging from 40 to 90 feet and offers options for private boat slip ownership, adding a unique dimension to waterfront living.
Located along Westshore and Gandy Boulevards, Marina Pointe offers gorgeous views of Old Tampa Bay, enhancing its appeal. The first tower, already completed, includes 118 condominiums and seven Harbour Homes. The third tower will provide additional units ranging from 1,600 to 3,700 square feet, continuing the project’s expansion.
With Coastal Construction at the helm, the next phases of Marina Pointe are set to further establish the development as a premier destination for luxury waterfront living in Tampa Bay.
Disney has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its theme parks, with major developments planned across multiple locations. These announcements were made at D23, Disney’s ultimate fan event, showcasing the company’s vision for the future.
Magic Kingdom
Image courtesy of Never Ending Voyage
The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will see its largest expansion to date. This includes a new land themed around Disney’s most infamous villains, featuring two attractions, dining options, and retail spaces.
Alongside this, they will reimagine sections of Frontierland to create a wilderness area inspired by the Cars franchise. The new attractions include an off-road rally race and a family-friendly ride tailored for younger visitors.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Image courtesy of WDW Magic
Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando will also undergo significant changes with the introduction of a new land, Tropical Americas, set to open in 2027. Guests will explore a fictional village in a rainforest and experience new attractions, including an Indiana Jones-themed ride inside a Mayan temple and a new attraction based on Encanto.
Hollywood Studios
Image courtesy of I Want A Villa
Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, home to Toy Story and Star Wars attractions, will add a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. This area will feature a tour of the Laugh Factory and its first-ever suspended coaster, bringing the beloved Pixar franchise to life in a fresh way.
Disneyland
Image courtesy of WDW Magazine
On the West Coast, Disneyland Resort in California will see an expansion of its Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure, doubling the current size with two new Marvel-themed attractions. Additionally, a new attraction inspired by the Avatar films will be introduced, adding to the growing lineup of immersive experiences.
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, highlighted that these expansions mark the beginning of a new chapter for Disney. He emphasized the company’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences and noted that these projects are well underway, with fans expected to see them come to life in the near future.
These plans signal Disney’s continued investment in its theme parks, aiming to create new experiences that appeal to fans across generations. As these projects unfold, Disney parks around the world will continue to be a destination for storytelling, adventure, and innovation.
On August 12, 2024, Montreal-based WSP announced the acquisition of Power Engineers Inc. This 1.78 billion dollar purchase was made as part of their strategy to exceed the objectives of their 2022-2024 Global Strategic Action Plan.
Image courtesy of Power Engineers
Holger Peller, President and COO of Power Engineers Inc., is expected to drive accelerated growth by leading the P&E platform while remaining under the Power Engineers brand for the foreseeable future. The acquisition is said to complement WSP’s Property and buildings, Transport and infrastructure, and Earth and environment sectors.
“By uniting WSP’s extensive global network and POWER’s deep technical expertise, we are poised to provide exceptional solutions and service quality to foster significant advancements in the communities we serve,” said WSP’s Alexandre L’Heureux, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The trust of our shareholders and our commitment to excellence will empower us to influence the future of the energy sector as we plan to expand our reach and power a sustainable future across the globe.”
This acquisition by WSP follows four other acquisitions made earlier this year. L’Heureux says expanding energy and power expertise is key to taking advantage of the global shift towards cleaner energy.
Power Engineers Inc. is a consulting firm and leader in the energy sector. It specializes in environmental consulting and has 50 offices and over 4,000 employees across North America.
This acquisition is subject to Power Engineers’ regulatory approval in the U.S. The transaction is expected to be closed in approximately early Q4 2024.
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