Straight prairie road in Alberta, Canada. Yellow line. Blue sky.
by SHCA SHCA

Highway 201 Now Designated Chief Kahkewistahaw Way 

Straight prairie road in Alberta, Canada. Yellow line. Blue sky.

A provincial highway north of Broadview is being named to honour one of the original signers of Treaty 4. Highway 201 will now have the dual designation of Highway 201 Chief Kahkewistahaw Way. The 20-kilometre highway runs through Kahkewistahaw First Nation. Chief Kahkewistahaw signed Treaty 4 on Sept. 15, 1874. 

“Chief Kahkewistahaw Way recognizes a visionary chief who led his people with great distinction,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “We are grateful to Chief Evan Taypotat for recommending this dual designation, which will remind us of one of the people who shaped the history of this region.” 

“Chief Kahkewistahaw was known for his unwavering commitment to his people and his ability to adapt to changing times while protecting our traditional lands,” Kahkewistahaw Chief Evan Taypotat said. “This renaming honours not just a great chief, but represents our ongoing journey of reconciliation and the important recognition of Indigenous leadership in the history of these lands.” 

When a highway receives dual designation, the original highway number remains. This ensures consistency for emergency responders, shippers, travellers and online mapping services. Commemorative signs will be added to Highway 201 markers recognizing that the road is now known as Chief Kahkewistahaw Way. The distinctive sign design was developed in consultation with community members. The name was approved by a committee that included representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Town of Broadview and Rural Municipality of Elcapo. 

Highway 201 is the third provincial highway to receive a dual designation honouring an Indigenous leader, following Highway 11 Louis Riel Trail and Highway 219 Chief Whitecap Trail. 

Saskatchewan Canada
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Construction Week: Industry Leads in Growth 

The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed Sept. 22 to 27 as Saskatchewan Construction Week. The proclamation aims to raise awareness of the vital role the construction sector plays in growing the provincial economy. In 2024, the industry contributed 7.1 per cent to Saskatchewan’s real GDP.

Saskatchewan Canada

“Our construction sector is, quite literally, helping build a better future here in this great province,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said.

“Thanks to the industry’s hard work and our focus on improving the lives of citizens, more people than ever before are choosing to call Saskatchewan home. This influx of people has led to a construction boom, which shows just how crucial this sector is to job creation.”

In 2024, 42,700 people were employed in Saskatchewan’s construction sector, rising to 51,300 as of June 2025. More than 8,000 jobs were added in the industry in the first half of the year alone. The value of Saskatchewan’s construction sector increased by 13.2 per cent between 2023 and 2024. This growth has largely been driven by new residents moving to the province, which has caused housing starts to increase by 84 per cent in the first six months of 2025. Building permits were also up 58.8 per cent in the first five months of the year. Both increases rank first among the provinces for year-to-date growth.  

These significant contributions help Saskatchewan achieve record-breaking GDP results year after year. In 2024, the province’s real GDP at basic prices reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent. 

Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for investors and outlines why Saskatchewan continues to be the best place to do business in Canada. 

Canadian Construction Association
by SHCA SHCA

Canada’s Construction Industry Celebrates the Government’s Initial Portfolio of Nation-Building Projects

Canadian Construction Association

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) applauded the Major Projects Office’s (MPO) announcement of important, nation-building infrastructure projects, which will receive expedited approvals and priority status. 

“We have been advocating for the reduction of red tape and greater investment in national, shovel-worthy infrastructure projects for many years, including through our leadership of the Canadian Trade Infrastructure Plan,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “Today’s announcement further cements the importance of our industry and the role we play in supporting and enhancing the everyday lives of millions of Canadians, enabling our national economy and bolstering our supply chains.” 

These projects send a strong signal from the federal government of its commitment to national infrastructure and a long-term plan for critical infrastructure. This new focus will boost Canada’s economy, unlock its natural resources and create well-paying jobs for countless Canadians. 

The announcement is also a major success for CCA, which has long advocated for the Canadian Trade Infrastructure Plan, a long-term investment solution aimed at spurring the next generation of economic growth in Canada through investment in road, rail, air, port and marine assets. The prioritization of several trade infrastructure projects is a step in the right direction. 

“We are very happy to see that the government clearly made an effort to prioritize shovel-worthy projects, not just shovel-ready projects,” said Gilbert. “We can always find projects to build, but we must prioritize those projects that will move the needle for our economy, and we believe the federal government has done just that.” 

CCA looks forward to building on this progress by continuing its work with the federal government to ensure that the MPO and the government consult with industry and invest in projects that will strengthen our economy and build a stronger Canada together. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

From Summer Projects to Fall Planning

Shantel Lipp

Looking at summer in the rearview mirror gives our industry time to reflect on how much work was done in the province during construction season. SHCA members were busy throughout the summer, working on projects in all corners of Saskatchewan to ensure that our roads and travel paths remained serviceable and safe.  

SHCA remained busy over the summer, hosting and preparing for our fall events. We were pleased to hold our Northern Golf Tournament at the Dakota Dune Resort in Whitecap Dakota First Nation in September. The golf tournament gave us the opportunity to socialize and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Dakota Dunes Resort. It also gave us the time to discuss the industry’s future in Saskatchewan and how best to tackle issues that impact heavy construction.  

Our engagement with the government steadily continues to keep the Ministry of Highways informed about issues impacting the industry. At the end of August, the Ministry of Highways released the fall tender plan for new highway construction projects. SHCA has received feedback from several of its members, and it will ask the entire membership for their opinions and concerns regarding the plan. This will help us bring forward to the government any issues and concerns with the plan that impact our heavy construction industry.  

Engagement update

As previously noted, SHCA held its Northern Golf Tournament last month and had the honour of hosting David Marit, Minister of Highways, for a portion of the event. This was an opportunity for our members to speak directly with Marit about their businesses and the industry’s current state, and offer suggestions on ways to strengthen heavy construction in Saskatchewan.  

On Tuesday, Oct. 28, SHCA will again host its annual MLA Reception at the Legislative Building in Regina. All MLAs from the government and the opposition are invited to attend our brief presentation and then enjoy the reception. This event is always an excellent opportunity for us to talk to government members and share our success stories.  

SHCA will also co-host an industry-government mixer with Merit Contractors in Saskatoon on Friday, Nov. 7.

Classroom interior with empty desks and chairs. 3d rendering.
by SHCA SHCA

Construction Begins on New Joint Use School in Harbour Landing

Classroom interior with empty desks and chairs. 3d rendering.

The Government of Saskatchewan, Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools and the City of Regina have marked the start of construction of a new joint-use elementary school in Regina’s Harbour Landing neighbourhood. The new joint-use school facility is being built on 11 acres of land, located on the corner of Gordon Road and Campbell Street in southwest Regina.   

“The start of construction on the Harbour Landing West joint-use school is an important step toward building a brighter future,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This project is about more than just a new building, it is about creating opportunities, supporting our children’s growth and giving families access to modern, high-quality learning spaces close to home.”

The joint-use school facility is set to accommodate up to 500 Regina public students and up to 350 Regina Catholic students, and will provide an additional 90 new childcare spaces with a target opening in fall 2027.

Work at the site, such as roadworks and utility connections, got underway in 2024 in preparation for the school construction.

Construction hard hat on wooden background
by SHCA SHCA

Company Fined for Worker Fatality

Construction hard hat on wooden background

On Aug. 12, 2025, Ramage Land & Cattle Company Ltd. pleaded guilty in Regina provincial court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.  

The company was charged with contravening clause 3-1(a) of the regulations, which means an employer failed to comply with the duties of an employer at a place of employment, including the provision and maintenance of a plant, systems of work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of the employer’s workers, resulting in the death of a worker.   

As a result, the court imposed a fine of $17,857.14, along with a surcharge of $7,142.86, for a total amount of $25,000. In addition, Ramage Land & Cattle Company Ltd. will be establishing a $4,500 scholarship through Canadian Western Agribition in honour of the deceased. Further, there will be two educational articles published, including:   

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on Aug. 23, 2023, near Walpole, Sask. A worker drowned as a result of entering a dugout on horseback.   

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, intervention and enforcement. 

Unique champion golden trophy standing out of the crowd unique leadership business concepts.
by SHCA SHCA

Government of Saskatchewan Honoured with BOMA Environmental Awards  

Unique champion golden trophy standing out of the crowd unique leadership business concepts.

The Government of Saskatchewan (GOS) has received several environmental certifications and awards from the Saskatchewan Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), which recognizes excellence in building performance and sustainability.  

BOMA BEST (Building Environmental Standards) is one of Canada’s largest environmental assessment and certification programs for existing buildings. It recognizes excellence in energy and water use, air quality, tenant comfort and wellness, custodial upkeep, waste management and reflects the dedication and day-to-day efforts of staff who manage, maintain and support government facilities.  

“We are pleased to see so many Government of Saskatchewan properties receiving these environmental certifications,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This reflects the progress we are making under the province’s Prairie Resilience Climate Strategy, and our growth plan goals for 2030.”  

This year, 11 GOS buildings received BOMA BEST certifications. This includes eight gold and three silver:  

  • Wiciwakan Place in Meadow Lake (Gold)
  • Regina Provincial Courthouse (Gold)
  • Paul Dojack Youth Centre (Gold)
  • Lloyd Place in Regina (Gold)
  • Government House in Regina (Gold)
  • McNevin Building in Nipawin (Gold)
  • Eiling Kramer Building in North Battleford (Gold)
  • Saskatoon Equipment Repair Depot (Gold)
  • Melfort Court of Kings Bench (Silver)
  • E.I. Wood Building in Swift Current (Silver)
  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic E.A. Davies Building in Saskatoon (Silver)  

As part of the BOMA BEST Certification process, eligible buildings also underwent ENERGY STAR assessments. Four government buildings received ENERGY STAR certification based on their scores:  

  • Eiling Kramer Building (score 84) – more efficient than 84 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.
  • El Wood Building (score 81) – more efficient than 81 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.
  • Lloyd Place (score 87) – more efficient than 87 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.
  • Wiciwakan Place (score 91) – more efficient than 91 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.  

In addition to these certifications, three government buildings earned BOMA Earth Awards for 2024, presented to buildings that obtained the highest overall BOMA BEST score in each asset class. Recipients of these include the Government House, which was the highest-ranked Universal Building, Lloyd Place for the highest-ranked Office Building and the Saskatoon Equipment Repair Depot, for the highest-ranking light industrial score.   

GOS received recognition not only for buildings, but employees as well. The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement Environmental Manager, Elena Diebel, was awarded the Lloyd Rogers Member of the Year Award and has been nominated nationally for Member of the Year. This award honours a member who has demonstrated leadership, initiative and service to the commercial real estate community.  

These certifications are a step towards the Government of Saskatchewan’s Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy. The work undertaken to receive these awards and certificates answers the strategy’s call for reduced energy consumption in government-owned buildings.   

The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to improving sustainability and taking action on climate change.

Blurred audience listening to a speaker at a professional conference event in a large auditorium.
by SHCA SHCA

Construction Professionals to Gather in Toronto for Inaugural Best Practices in Construction Symposium

Blurred audience listening to a speaker at a professional conference event in a large auditorium.

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is hosting a high-demand event for professionals from across the construction industry to showcase the tools, strategies and real-world insights they can put to work right away when delivering their next project.  

“This is a pivotal time for our industry and the opportunities ahead are endless,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “We are delivering this hands-on, skills-based event for the people that are building Canada. This is an opportunity to connect with experts so that we can all build better, faster. With a strong line-up of experts, this event is sure to be a valuable experience for all attendees and raise the standard of excellence even higher for our entire industry.”  

From engaging speakers to insightful panel discussions and networking sessions, the program is crafted to help construction professionals solve everyday job site challenges and deliver better project outcomes. Topics will include:  

  • Greener building practices – and how to implement them  
  • Data-driven decision-making from site to office  
  • Project management strategies that deliver results  
  • Equitable procurement and smarter contracting  
  • Collaboration models that break down silos  
  • Post-pandemic innovations that are here to stay  

In addition to the value that the program content will provide, all participants will also qualify for accreditation from various professional organizations, including two credits that are valid for construction management professionals applying for Gold Seal Certification or Professional Gold Seal Certification.  

“As our country looks to strengthen its economy and build major infrastructure, our industry needs to meet the moment,” said Gilbert. “The Best Practices in Construction Symposium is just one way of ensuring that we’re all operating at our best and rise to the occasion.”  

For more details on the symposium, visit CCA’s website at cca-acc.com/events/best-practices-symposium/.