All the best, The Editorial Team We will keep adding business units that enhance our offering and separate us from our competition. “ ” Editor From The Dear Reader, Welcome to the latest issue of Construction Source Canada, the magazine that highlights the best in building and building products across the country. The time out, we’ve taken a look at a wide variety of industry players – including some leading-edge custom homebuilders, real estate investment and development companies, architects, specialty subcontractors and suppliers, hospitality brands, and even one city in Saskatchewan that has upped their development efforts recently and wanted to talk about it. Rivir Builders is an example of a leading-edge custom homebuilder – they service Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, and they are known for providing clients with everything needed to create a “masterpiece of craftsmanship and innovation,” according to Matthew, one of the company’s founders and owners. Todd Waller is another one of those founders and owners. We talked to both about the company’s origins, their commitment to achieving “the utmost standard of excellence,” and about some of their recent awardwinning homes – of which there are many. Horizons Group, meanwhile, is a leading real estate investment and development company currently focusing on condominiums and land development in Windsor and Essex County. Since forming in 2018, they have played a key role in the revitalization of the region. They have done that by diversifying the housing inventory with chic condos and trendy amenities, and by delivering some of the largest and most acclaimed residential developments the region has ever seen. Wing On Li, the company’s executive director and CEO, talked to us about some of those developments, and about all their developments coming up. Then there’s the City of Swift Current, the aforementioned city in Saskatchewan. As the economic, cultural, and transportation hub of the province’s south west, it is a city that offers a fertile ground for both familial roots and entrepreneurial dreams to flourish. For more on that fertility, we caught up with the city’s mayor, Al Bridal, and the city’s business development and tourism officer, Denise Wall. They discussed some of what makes Swift Current such an appealing place to live and work, and they talked about some of the initiatives the city is considering to attract more business and residential development. For those stories – and a lot more like them, about more industry leaders across the construction spectrum – just keep reading.
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THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA With a readership exceeding 145,000 senior executives, The Construction Source takes immense pride in providing an enticing platform to amplify your message to the most pivotal audience – your valued customers. Whether your aim is to promote an exciting new condo development, attract crucial financial investments for upcoming projects, or establish a commanding brand presence, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. To explore opportunities for featuring your company or showcasing your latest project in The Construction Source, please reach out to our Group Publisher. Jermaine Poulsen e: info@theconstructionsource.ca The Costruction Source Canada 202 - 1200 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A5 E: info@theconstructionsource.ca Executive Publisher Jermaine Poulsen COO Alexandra Box Editor in Chief Zach Janes Director of Operations Cathy Ditchburn Jacqueline Van Belois Director of Business Development & Marketing Tamara Breen Business Development Managers Mary Ann Taylor Mike Turenne Scott Carter Douglas Thomson Marnie McGhie Production Manager Brennan Midghall Digital Strategist Pranim Thapa Administration Manager Belyn Quijance-Dorero
JUNE 2024 RIVIR BUILDERS Quality and Service HORIZONS Seeing the vision THE CITY OF SWIFT CURRENT The city of swift current IVY STUDIO INC Out of the ordinary BRIGHT CONSTRUCTION Professional Exterior Contracting Services in South Eastern Ontario HINTON SCAFFOLD SOLUTIONS A revolution in safety BASECAMP RESORTS Home away from home CJS EXPRESS PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL LTD Always showing up INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS INCINERATING TOILETS IN THIS ISSUEJUNE 2024 IVY STUDIO INC BRIGHT CONSTRUCTION BASECAMP RESORTS
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA DURACON CONCRETE The right mix, on time ALDG At the forefront of high-rise innovation RS FOUNDATION SYSTEMS Pride in safety and quality BEST BUILDERS Being the best WESTWOOD FINE CABINETRY Fine cabinetry with deep roots BONNEY CONSTRUCTION 50 years of quality WIEBE’S STEEL STRUCTURES The right kind of company LOPEZ CONTRACTING A perfect combination WEIBE’S STEEL STRUCTURES WESTWOOD FINE CABINETRY
JUNE 2024 Industry INNOVATIONS MODERN & ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TOILET SOLUTIONS
THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA Water connection not required Requires little space No odour Easy installation No frost protection needed Secure for children ash to be emptied No waste handling, only and more Bunkies, For Home, Cottages, Shops, 3 - 4 visits per hour High capacity Propane&Electric models ABOUT CINDERELLA ECO GROUP Cinderella Eco Group is a family-owned company located in the north-western coastal community of Midsund in Romsdal, with deep roots in the beautiful Norwegian fjord-landscape. We have more than 20 years’ experience with the Cinderella Incineration Toilet, a water-free, ecological solution for the management of toilet waste. Cinderella, the natural first choice for those who place high demands on quality and functionality. HIGHLIGHTS OF INCINERATION TOILETS:
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Quality and service
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Rivir Builders is a full-service, award-winning home builder renowned for its commitment to excellence and uncompromising focus on quality. Servicing Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, they provide clients with everything needed to create a “masterpiece of craftsmanship and innovation,” according to Matthew, one of the company’s founders and owners. “Our team works closely with each client to make sure we are meeting and exceeding their expectations. Our highly skilled team of carpenters and long-term team of subcontractors are committed to ensuring every project is completed to the highest standard.” Founders Matthew Hussey, Todd Waller and Corey Pendleton each bring unique backgrounds to Rivir Builders, collectively contributing more than 50 years of experience in building in the Atlantic Provinces. Matthew comes from a background as an architectural specialist where he spent over 10 years working directly under an esteemed architect, Thomas Johnson, Saint John NB ; he then spent seven years in a leadership role with another executive homebuilding company as a project manager. Todd, a master electrician, has extensive expertise in the mechanical trades and smart home integration, meeting Matthew while working as a subcontractor on common projects. Corey Pendleton acquired his BBA from UNB after which he transferred into carpentry and eventually worked his way into the office beside Matthew, rounding out the team’s expertise. “Leveraging our extensive previous experience and a well-established business model, we were able to hit the ground running from the very start,” Todd says. “We assembled a highly skilled and competent team, and through continuous refinement of our processes, we significantly increased our capacity for taking on new projects.” Matthew notes, “By building a solid foundation, we positioned ourselves to not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. Our strong team and streamlined processes have enabled us to expand our workload and deliver exceptional results consistently.” JUNE 2024
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Modus operandi These days, Rivir Builders primarily works in New Brunswick, though they also take on projects in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. They specialize is executive highend architecturally designed homes. According to Matthew, clients looking for that calibre of home are usually drawn to Rivir by their “uncompromising commitment to an exceptional project” and “outstanding recommendations from past and present clients.” “Our biggest focus has always been quality and customer satisfaction,” he says. “That’s certainly been a big part of our appeal to our clients.” Rivir also has a reputation for being reliable and upfront with the cost of their custom homes. According to Todd, “we’re there for clients when they need us, and we take an honest approach to pricing and budgeting jobs.” “We have a meticulous and THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
transparent budgeting process that allows our clients to see the full cost of their project and fully understand what they are getting for their money.” Too often, others in the construction industry will underestimate project costs in order to secure a job, leading to unexpected budget overruns. That’s not how Rivir operates, however. “You hear so often about projects going over budget,” Corey says. “Whereas we focus heavily on properly pricing a project at the beginning, so that clients aren’t left with a big surprise at the end. Our goal is to be upfront and honest with them from the start about what it’s going to cost and what it’s going to entail.” Todd believes that clients highly appreciate that honesty and transparency – though he still believes their commitment to quality is what really sets the company apart. “Above all else, I think we’re recognized for our quality,” he says. “We’re focused on achieving the utmost standard of excellence.” Achieving that “highest level,” Todd explains, starts with using top-notch building materials. To ensure they are doing this, Rivir works with only the most reputable suppliers, and stays up to date on the latest advancements in construction technology and products. “Through home shows, independent research, and knowledgeable product representatives we are making sure we provide our clients with the best options available.” JUNE 2024
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Todd comments, “It starts with knowing what the right products are. You’d be surprised how many builders will look no further and just buy off the shelf from their local building supply store.” He continues, “We know what the right products are, we know what’s available, and we know where to source them. That’s half the battle.” He says the other half of the battle is assembling the right team to install the products – which Rivir Builders also knows how to do, and they employ many of those skilled tradespeople directly. “We have a labour force that knows how to get the job done properly. Along with carpenters we employ seam-fillers, painters and more. Having all those people in-house we can ensure a higher level of control of the finished product and guarantee consistency and efficiency across all our projects.” Todd emphasizes another aspect of work that is often underestimated: what lies behind the walls. From high-efficiency mechanical systems to comprehensive home security and seamless integration of smart home technology and lighting, he says that Rivir is setting new industry benchmarks. “These systems not only ensure the comfort and safety of our clients but also offer unmatched convenience. Moreover, they provide our clients with peace of mind, especially when they are away from home.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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Ongoing relationships Rivir Builders relationships with their other industry stakeholders tend to be just as strong as their relationships with clients. Their subcontractor relationships, for example, tend be very long-lasting. They strive to work with partners who share their dedication to excellence, and when they find partners with their same core values, they continue to collaborate with them as often as possible. Matthew says these ongoing relationships are “immensely valuable” to the company’s success. “Having contractors who are used to our process, level of quality and who are familiar with our team and the way we operate helps make the construction process as seamless as possible.” Matthew also says that a lot of the company’s relationships with subcontractors and materials suppliers go back THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
over a decade. “We’re pretty adamant on most of our jobs about using all of our normal subcontractors, because we know they can deliver. They might not be the cheapest option, but we know we can rely on them, we know they’ll be there when we need them, and we know they’ll do the job to the best possible standard, and stand behind it once completed.” One example of a longstanding partner is Marvin Canada, which is a storied and industry-leading window and door manufacturer. Marvin’s history in Canada goes back over 36 years and their company history dates back to 1912. They have an emphasis on creating windows and doors with the goal of enhancing the lives of the people who use them. To achieve that goal, they work closely with homeowners, architects, and contractors like Rivir to custom construct products to the unique specifications of their project. JUNE 2024
Past, present, and future Over the years, Rivir Builders’ quality excellence has been consistently recognized. Most of the time, that recognition comes from clients in the form of repeat business and referrals, which is how the company generates most of their work. “We feel honoured that after the construction process is done our clients feel confident in recommending us to their friends and family,” Corey notes. In recent years, however, the company has also received recognition from their peers in the industry in the form of awards and accolades. For example, at the 2022 Lieutenant Governor’s Awards of Excellence in Architecture – as hosted by Architects’ Association of New Brunswick (AANB) – four separate projects that Rivir delivered received Awards of Merit. “That kind of recognition means a lot to us,” Todd says. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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“Regardless of the awards, we always feel a great sense of pride when a job is done and we can stand back and see what we’ve achieved – but when we’re recognized with an award, that’s just icing on the cake.” The 2022 award-winning projects include Run Ragged (award winning), On The Boardwalk (nomination), The Gallery House (nomination), and The Sheds of Charlotte County (nomination). All four of those projects were designed by Acre Architects, an acclaimed design firm led by partners Monica Adair and Stephen Kopp. According to Matthew, the relationship between Rivir and Acre is so strong that “we almost always have one or two Acre builds on the go at any given time.” “The very first project we did together was such an amazing experience, and the relationship has been really great ever since,” Matthew says. “If anything, the relationship has actually only gotten better over time.” Rivir and Acre’s 2022 award winning collaboration, called ‘Run Ragged,’ is a net-zero-ready home nestled along the Wolastoq River in Saint John. It was meticulously designed and crafted to facilitate outdoor living in all weather conditions. ‘On the Boardwalk,’ meanwhile is a commercial project. A café and wine bar situated on the banks of the Saint John River. The building “harmoniously blends fine wood craftsmanship with modern warmth,” Matthew says. Finally, there is ‘The Sheds of Charlotte Country,’ a sprawling home located on the rugged coast THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
of the Bay of Fundy, just steps away from the ocean. The house was designed to be “protected amongst the trees” while providing “stunning views from every room.” Rivir is also very proud of the relationships they have built and projects they have completed with other inspired architects such as ARCHwork Studio Inc. A stunning example of their collaboration is ‘The Hill House’ – perched high, this ranch inspired home boasts a warm wood and stone filled interior, perfectly complimented by views of sprawling fields and the Saint John River beyond. On that project, Rivir is working with Tim Phelan, principal architect of ARCHwork Studio Inc. from PEI. Rivir also works closely with other renowned professionals including Will Perkins, one of the three principals of Place of Work | Architecture Studio from Nova Scotia, and landscape architects, Matthew Brown and Sandra Cooke, principals of Brackish Design Studio, without whom the projects would truly not be complete. Moving forward, in collaboration with design firms of that calibre, Todd envisions Rivir’s future as a continual journey of growth and learning. “We are a fairly young team and the big thing for us is we want to continue to move forward,” he says. “We’re always trying to evolve as a company and we’re always striving for continual improvement on our projects.” No matter how big the company grows, Matthew says that they want to remain hands-on as the leaders of the company. Currently, they are the project managers on all their jobs – and though they are open to eventually sharing some of that responsibility, they never want to grow to the point where they can’t personally guarantee their projects. “We’re never going to compromise the integrity of our builds,” Matthew asserts. “It’s always going to be quality over quantity for us.” “We have built teams in the three Atlantic Provinces, and those teams can accommodate several projects per year. We are in a good spot,” Todd concludes. “At this size, we can deliver our projects to the highest standards of quality, which will always be our number one priority.” JUNE 2024
For more on Rivir Builders, their full service offering and their past project – and to get in touch with their expert team – visit https://rivirbuilders.com/ Photography By Julian Parkinson Damian Kolarova Doublespace Photography THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Seeing the vision
Horizons Group (Lankor Horizons Inc.) is a real estate investment company currently focusing on condominiums and land development in Windsor and Essex County. Since forming in 2018, they have played a key role in the revitalization of the region. They have done that by diversifying the housing inventory with chic condos and trendy amenities, and by delivering some of the largest and most acclaimed residential developments the region has ever seen. Wing On Li, the company’s executive director and CEO, first migrated to Canada in 2006, bringing with him decades of experience in real estate investment in China and Hong Kong. He came to the country as a 50-year-old retiree, but he ended up being inspired by the potential of the Windsor area, and in 2014 he got back into the game. He started by scouting for distressed properties and turning them into high-yield long-term rental properties, which he then managed, mostly on behalf of family members. In 2018, however, he was approached with a development opportunity – there was a piece of land on Banwell Road in East Windsor, it was zoned for multi-residential, it was “shovel-ready,” the price was good. He was asked if he was interested. “At first I said I wasn’t,” Li recalls. “I said I was retired. I didn’t want to get back into the development business. But my nephew Jason was young and he said ‘Uncle, I am interested.’ So we agreed to start a development business together. Ultimately the land price was so attractive, and the location was so good that I couldn’t resist helping.” The first iteration of their Windsor development business – called Eastside Horizons Inc. – was responsible for the planning, financing, and marketing of that original project, which comprised 180-unit, spread across three sevenstorey condominium towers. They delivered the entire project in just two years – “which broke all the records in the history of Windsor, I believe,” JUNE 2024
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Li says. “Nobody has built as fast as us before or since.” Prior to that, Li explains that there wasn’t much of a demand in the area for condominiums. Since the 2008 global financial crisis and the collapse of the automotive industry, the housing market in the region had been stagnant, but Li and Jason saw the potential for a turnaround. They saw property prices in nearby communities going up and they thought it was a good time to move in and build condominiums. At first, few others believed in their vision: “People were saying to us ‘Why are you building there?’” Li remembers. “They said ‘Nobody’s going to buy a condo in Windsor. Land is so cheap there. You can buy a house for $300,000, why would you buy a condo?’ There was a lot of scepticism at the time.” “But we marched forward, and we were proven right,” he adds. “Now the prices are so high in Windsor. It’s not an easy task to own a single family home right now. A lot of demographics can’t afford a new home – that includes first-time home buyers, retirees looking to downsides, even young professionals. They can’t afford a home, but what they can afford is a condo.” “We caught the wave of those people,” Li says. “We were in the right place at the right time.” Following the success of Eastside Horizons, they were joined by two local partners, Imad and Ayman, who were well-connected in the THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
community and well-versed on the WindsorEssex property market. The extended Horizons Group picked up a 58-acre approved subdivision in LaSalle, a high household income municipality west of Windsor. Besides offering 140 lots for single family homes, the Group decided to build four more condo towers there. They felt that condos would be appealing to buyers in the area for several reasons. Not only are they more affordable than single-family homes, as previously established, but they also better fit the lifestyle requirements of some of their target demographics. Empty nesters, for example, don’t need four-bedroom homes with huge yards, as those yards are laborious to maintain, and those homes require maintenance if left behind for the winter. “So condominiums are a natural choice for those people,” Li explains. “They can just live there, enjoy the amenities, and in winter they can just pack their bags, book a flight to Florida, lock their doors and go. They don’t have to worry about burst pipes or anything like that.” JUNE 2024
Local experts Ever since the company was formed, Horizons Group has remained “laser-focused” on Windsor and Essex County. That focus is important, Li says, because he’s personally been in the development sector a long time, and he’s seen a lot of other developers falter by expanding too fast, too quickly, and too far: “To be successful, you have to be a local expert,” he explains. “Every area has different bylaws, different planning standards, the people there want different things – what works in one area won’t necessarily work in another.” “That’s why we’re focusing on Windsor,” he continues. “We’re experts in Windsor. We know the turf well. We know the rules and regulations. We can turn projects around very quickly. We can go from purchasing a piece of land to finishing a mediumrise apartment in less than 18 months, usually. That’s great for cash flow purposes, and we THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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couldn’t do that everywhere else.” Within Windsor and the surrounding areas, Horizons Group has also formed closeknit relationships with local architects and subcontractors, which has also added to their local effectiveness. According to Li, when it comes to architects, they like working with firms that are based in Windsor but have earned experience elsewhere in Canada and the States. He says they have built repeat relationships with several firms that fit that description, and they are able to strategically assign them the projects they feel best fit their experience and skillsets. When it comes to their subcontractors, meanwhile, Li says that Horizons Group has worked with “most of the trades in Windsor” in their time there. Through that experience, they have learned who’s reliable and who’s not – and the reliable ones keep using. “We work with the best trades in this community,” Li says. “They are very good people, they have very high standards, and we love to work with them. We very seldom have to work with people from out of town.” Since completing Eastside Horizons in 2021, Horizons Group and their new partners have remained very busy. In 2023, for example, they completed LaSalle Horizons, which is an 80-unit boutique condo in the quiet and beautiful suburb of LaSalle. That project includes a 5,000-squarefoot indoor and outdoor clubhouse space, as well as other amenities including a “posh lobby,” a party room, a co-work lounge, a state-of-theart gym room, a Zen yoga studio, a sunroom, an THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
outdoor terrace and BBQ plaza. Horizons Group’s following project was called Forest Glade Horizons, and was completed late in mid-2024. That was a pure residential development comprising four six-storey condominium towers totalling 199 units located in the established, safe, and peaceful neighbourhood of Forest Glade. Within the development, amenities include a party room, outdoor BBQ plaza, shuffleboard court, outdoor fitness station and a sunbathing sanctuary. The location also offers easy access to plenty of external amenities, including recreation amenities, shopping, restaurants, banks, gas stations, schools, and public transit. Then there’s Laurier Horizons, which is an ongoing development that Horizons Group started in 2022. Phase I consisting of two 6-storey towers were completed this June. Phase II is scheduled for completion by summer 2025. That project will ultimately consist of four mid-rise condo towers with a total of 239 units, with both open and covered parking spaces. Luxury units include: twostorey condo villas and penthouses and 20 twostorey condo town homes at street level along Laurier Parkway and Huron Church Line Road. Furthermore, the highlight of the Group’s 2024 building program is a 12-storey 84-unit upscale eco-friendly condominium tower by the Detroit River, in the prestigious neighbouring of Riverside Drive. To heat and cool those units, Horizons Group will utilize a geothermal system, as well as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to power all the common areas. As builders, Horizons is also investing in triple-glazed windows and they are striving to make the building as airtight as JUNE 2024
possible. According to Li, their goal is to help the people living there “pay minimal utility fees.” To help even more with that goal, they will equip all condo units with an independent utility submetering system which records the net amount used. “So it’s a very energy-efficient building, but at the same time it’s a very posh facility,” Li adds – and the list of amenities proves his point. That list includes: a 10,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor clubhouse with hot and cold open air spa, Chef’s Kitchen, roof terrace for BBQ parties and sunbathing, a gymnasium with state-of-theart fitness equipment and a dog-washing station. “Our hope is that the project becomes the newest waterfront landmark in Windsor,” Li says. Finally, a little further down the pipeline is Colchester Heights, which is estimated to be completed by the end of 2025. That development represents a bit of a departure for Horizons Group – instead of condo towers, that project comprises 52 thoughtfully designed raised ranchstyle homes, “each embodying a commitment to eco-friendly living.” In Li’s words, these residences will “seamlessly blend sustainability with modern elegance, boasting a harmonious fusion of comfort and environmental consciousness.” The homes in Colchester Heights will also come with an additional dwelling unit, which can be rented out to offset the cost of the home or as an additional source of income. The main-level unit, offering an expansive 1,500 square feet of saleable space, allows residents to choose between two or three bedrooms, complemented by an additional room on the lower level. The lower-level unit, spanning approximately 1,000 square feet, stands as a self-contained, private two-bedroom haven carefully-oriented to optimize natural light. Each residence also comes equipped with a covered two-car garage featuring an EV battery charger – which, again, Li calls “an embodiment of our commitment to a sustainable and forwardthinking lifestyle.” Location-wise, Colchester Heights lies immediately south of Essex County Road 50 – a popular wine route along the north shore of Lake Erie – and just steps away from Colchester Center where a beautify beach and a mariner lie. “Colchester is the perfect area for unwinding and enjoying the outdoors,” Li describes. “And with many restaurants, shops and wineries all within a 10 minute drive, residents will be able to relax and truly enjoy the best Colchester has to offer.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Making a contribution Moving forward, Li’s sights remain firmly locked on Windsor and Essex County. He believes the region still a lot of potential yet unrealized, and he wants to help realize it before he thinks about expanding geographically. At the same time, however, Li says that Horizons Group does have room to grow in other ways. For example, he says they have big plans to grow their service offering and get into other development typologies. “We want to go from being a condo developer to being a real estate conglomerate,” he explains. “We want to do not just condominiums, but also subdivisions, apartments, hotels, spas, resorts. We’re already taking steps in that direction.” A master-planned community with about 450 homes, for example, is planned in Colchester with a spa resortcum-hotel. This is an example of such a step. Li says that more steps like that are already in the pipeline. He says all those steps are in service of the company’s ultimate goal, which is not just to make money, but to leave a legacy in the Windsor-Essex region. “We want to be remembered as a developer that’s made a significant contribution to this community,” Li concludes. “We want to make an impact in terms of climate change, we want to bring in new architectural designs, and we want to provide good value for money – that’s what we want our legacy to be.” JUNE 2024
For more on Horizons Group, their development philosophy, their past projects, and their current and upcoming projects – and to get in touch with Li and the rest of his expert team – visit https:// www.horizonsgroup.ca THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
The City of Swift Current
Swift Current, the vibrant heart of southwest Saskatchewan, stands as a beacon of opportunity in today’s economic landscape. Boasting below national average unemployment rates and one of the lowest crime rates among cities in the province, Swift Current beckons with promises of security and prosperity. As the economic, cultural, and transportation hub of the region, it offers a fertile ground for both familial roots and entrepreneurial dreams to flourish. Mayor Al Bridal, a stalwart figure in Swift Current since making it home in 1980, underscores the city’s commitment to safety and its strong work ethic. “We are a very safe city, and people might scoff at that, but it’s important,” he says. “Swift Current is a very, very safe place to have children and raise a family. It’s a family-oriented city.” Another defining factor, Mayor Bridal adds, is “we have a great work ethic here in Swift Current.” He says that’s true of the residents who have been in the city for generations, as well as the newcomers – of which the city has an increasing population, as they are the most popular mid-sized city for immigration in the province. “So, for businesses looking to get set up, we have a great work pool to draw on.” His words resonate with the spirit of a community dedicated to nurturing families and fostering business ventures. Denise Wall, the city’s Business Development and Tourism Officer, echoes these sentiments, emphasizing Swift Current’s rich cultural tapestry and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. JUNE 2024
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She points out that they have a “great arts and culture community,” with live theatre and music events happening around the city, as well as their annual Windscape Kite Festival – which happens every June, rain or shine, windy or still. Also, with recent immigration trends, she says the city has “a very significant multicultural component.” This is due to the crucial role played by The Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre, offering a variety of services to help immigrants settle and integrate into the community. The City of Swift Current is also home to a “very rich community of entrepreneurs,” Denise says, “and we’re very proud of the entrepreneurial spirit we have here.” As an example of that spirit, she cites the city’s downtown, which is full of businesses “that are really up-and-coming” and that have completed recent improvements to their facades. The result is a downtown area that is “quite a nice place to stroll around, do some shopping, have a coffee, that type of thing.” The city’s allure extends beyond its cultural and economic vibrancy. Swift Current boasts wellestablished municipal infrastructure, and the modern Cypress Hills Regional Hospital, laying the foundation for sustainable growth. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, Swift Current also offers a myriad of recreational opportunities, including two beautiful golf courses. The Chinook Golf Course, owned by the city, is a spectacular 18-hole course nestled in the valley along the Swift Current Creek. It offers a variety of golfing options for the entire family, and is one of the best conditioned golf courses in the province. They also have the Elmwood Golf THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
and Country Club, which is privately owned, and one of the oldest and most premier courses in Saskatchewan. On top of all that, the City of Swift Current is centrally located, which Denise believes is one of their biggest advantages of all. “We’re the hub of many areas that you could go,” she says. “You can start your journey here in Swift Current and go in any direction.” “We’re central to many tourism destinations,” she adds. “The Grasslands National Park is two hours away. We are a half hour from two wonderful water locations where you can camp and do water sports, with Lac Pelletier Regional Park to the south of us and the Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park to the north of us. Or you can head northwest towards the Great Sand Hills near Sceptre, and west on the #1 Highway to scenic Maple Creek and the Cypress Hills destination areas.” JUNE 2024
Near future and beyond Looking forward, Denise is excited for the opportunities ahead in her Economic Development position. “I’ve learned that economic development is a slow process,” she says, “but we’ve been working on a number of things that we’re hoping we can push forward in 2024.” For example, the city has been carefully evaluating their tax incentives and land prices with the goal of attracting new businesses and more residential development to the city. As a result, the administration plans to bring forward to Council two new tax incentive policies, and plans for residential lot price reductions. This, in tandem with the recent decrease in the Bank of Canada policy rate, should provide an improved environment for housing starts. Business-wise, the city is aiming to attract new agri-business – Swift Current is already home to some of the country’s THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
most rich and fertile land and world-leading research and agricultural manufacturing facilities, so they are a natural fit for companies in that sector. Other key industries with the potential to flourish in Swift Current are those centered around natural resources, and helium in particular. According to Mayor Bridal, the city also hopes to attract and retain more players in those sectors. Swift Current’s proximity to helium-rich areas, and opportunistic access to major roadways to facilitate efficient distribution, offers a compelling case for hosting a helium liquefaction plant. It has been recently suggested by the Saskatchewan Resource Council that a possible location for a mid-sized liquefaction facility would be near Swift Current. Meanwhile, when it comes to residential development, the city already has a couple apartment projects set to start in 2024/25 – one 81-unit development, and another 24-unit development. There are also some infill areas in the city with land that has been vacant for several years, and the city is actively working with potential developers. “We have some beautiful infill areas that we want to take advantage of,” Denise explains. “Some of these areas are in communities that are quiet, that are amid beautiful green space – they are great locations for housing.” These areas would be great for affordable housing, or seniors housing, Denise adds. There are a lot of outlying farm areas with farmers set to retire in the next decade or so, and their goal JUNE 2024
is to make room for those people within the city. “As much as we also want to grow our city with young families, we also would like to see those retirement couples coming our way,” Denise says. “We’d like them to stay and live out their golden years here.” In an era where remote work is on the rise, Swift Current is also emerging as an oasis of opportunity. Mayor Bridal says, “We’re trying to get the word out about everything we have to offer. We want people to know that we’re a nice, safe city – we’re a place where people enjoy living, where they can build something stable, where they can see themselves in 10, 20, or 30 years.” With its affordable housing, spacious yards, and unparalleled quality of life, the city beckons to those seeking a balanced lifestyle amidst natural beauty and urban convenience – and there is a five-to-seven minute commute to anywhere in the city. As Denise aptly puts it, Swift Current is “not just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive.” In other recent development news, Swift Current owns and operates the South Munro Industrial Park, and last year they approved the sale of an industrial lot in that park to Brovac Mobile Vacuum Services. Brovac is now in the final stages of moving into their new location on that lot. “We still have a good selection of available land ready for development by industry,” Denise says. “We’re ready for that development to happen. But we’re not just going to sit here and wait for others to come to us – we’re going to get out there and THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
make some connections and we intend to expand the park.” As Swift Current charts its course towards the future, it embraces a vision of inclusive growth and innovation. With strategic initiatives aimed at attracting diverse industries, from agri-business to natural resources, the city is poised for a new era of development. Residential expansion, driven by the demand for housing and retirement options, further underscores Swift Current’s commitment to community well-being. Despite slow historic growth, moving forward Swift Current is positioning itself to take advantage of future upturns in the economy. With a prime location at the crossroads of major highways and proximity to urban centers, the city exudes untapped potential. Mayor Bridal’s call to action resounds loud and clear: Swift Current is open for business, ready to welcome new ventures and ambitious individuals alike. As Swift Current charts its course towards the future, it invites the world to witness its transformation. From the bustling downtown to the sprawling industrial parks, the city pulsates with the energy of progress. Swift Current is more than just a destination—it’s a promise of prosperity, waiting to be fulfilled. JUNE 2024
For more on the City of Swift Current and their economic development – including a lot more on what makes the city the perfect place to start a business and raise a family – visit https://growwithswiftcurrent.ca THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Out of the ordinary
Ivy Studio is a Montreal-based one-stop-shop creative firm that specializes in architecture and interior design. Since forming only six years ago, they have won a long list of industry awards and accolades, and they have built a reputation in the city for their unique collaborative approach, which – according to Philip Staszewski, one of the founders and partners of the company – “challenges industry standards in order to create highly personalized spaces that are uniquely tailored to meet the needs and visions of the client.” Philip runs Ivy Studio alongside Guillaume Riel, David Kirouac, and Gabrielle Rousseau. All four partners originally met in 2010, when they were studying architecture at Laval University in Quebec City. After graduation, each went their separate ways and spent years earning experience in well established firms. Around 2015, Philip teamed back up with Gabrielle and together formed a company called Obiekt, which made minimalist decor objects. They ended up selling their wares through an e-commerce company called C’est Beau, and then ended up designing C’est Beau’s brick-and-mortar location in downtown Montreal. Their design of that location earned them some attention and acclaim, and other Montreal Montreal shop owners and restaurateurs started reaching out. In March of 2018, Philip parlayed that momentum into forming Ivy Studio. Gabrielle followed a few months later. David and Guillaume then joined in 2019. According to Philip, when all four of them came back together, that’s when “Ivy really started being what it is today.” JUNE 2024
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From the beginning to today, Philip says Ivy Studio has evolved “very organically.” “When we founded the company, we didn’t really have anything in mind in terms of what kind of projects we wanted to do,” he recalls. “It started by us signing one restaurant project, I decided to quit my job, and we’ve kind of gone from there.” In the years since, Ivy Studio has taken on a wide range of project types, including restaurants and bars, hospitality, retail, offices, residential, health and wellness, and more. They have cultivated that variety very purposefully. They have never wanted to be pigeonholed or put in a box. That’s also why they called the company Ivy Studio instead of something more specific: “It’s an abstract name. It’s no one’s initials. It’s not based on our last names. We didn’t want the focus to be on who’s running the firm. We wanted to put the focus on the work, and we didn’t want to limit the kind of work we could do. As partners, we come from a mix of backgrounds, so it makes sense that our projects are very mixed.” These days, when evaluating a prospective project, Ivy Studio doesn’t look at the typology. Instead, they look at the client and their objectives. According to Philip, “we’re open to doing anything where we see room for creativity.” “When a client comes to us and says ‘I want something out of the ordinary,’ that’s what excites us the most. That can be a super-small scale barbershop or it could be a multi-unit residential building, that doesn’t matter to us.” Currently, for example, Ivy Studio is working THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
on MR-63, a new cultural venue in the heart of Griffintown. That project incorporates six subway cars from Montreal’s old subway system, which are “piled on top of each other in a Jenga-like layout,” Philip describes. It also includes various exhibition halls, a restaurant bar, conference and workshop space, and a digital auditorium. “That’s a perfect project for us,” Philip says. “It’s something we’ve never seen before. I think it’s going to be something emblematic for the city. That’s a perfect example of the kind of project that we’re excited to work on.” “It’s a very technical space, and it’s a typology we’ve never really worked on, any one of us,” he adds. “It’s something very new for us, but the context of it was so interesting, so new, and so creative, that we just had to be a part of it. We jumped on it right away.” For their team to get excited, however, Philip stresses that the project doesn’t have to be that large or high-profile: “We can also find excitement in even the smallest projects,” he explains. “If someone comes to us and says ‘I want to do a co-working space, but I don’t want it to feel like a co-working space, I want people to feel like they’re working in their home, or like they’re working outside’ – that excites us too. If a client wants something out of the ordinary, we want to work with them.” In turn, Philip believes that clients with that mentality like working with Ivy Studio because of how collaborative they are and how personal they get. They also like knowing that, by the end of the process, the team at Ivy will deliver a design that JUNE 2024
could only be theirs and no one else’s. “Our designs are always so different because we’re always very strongly inspired by the client – by who they are, by what they do, by what matters to them,” Philip explains. “We take the time to understand who the client is; we don’t just ask them what they want. That way we can give our interpretation of what represents them and what represents their vision.” “We basically take what our client has, their product, their brand, and we bring it to life in their space,” he continues. “That’s what we try to sell when we explain what we do.” “Very often the clients don’t know at all what to expect, but in the end, when the final product is out, they’re like ‘This is me. Nothing else would have been better for me.’ That’s what we push forward as much as possible. I think that’s what convinces people. They know they’re going to get a product that’s really oriented towards their brand, their image, and their vision.” Over the history of Ivy Studio, their unique approach has consistently paid off in the form of repeat business, referrals, and recommendations from past clients. According to Philip, that’s how the firm has generated almost all their work since they started six years ago. “That’s very rewarding for us, because it shows that our clients are satisfied,” he says. “That’s what is really important to us. Our way of working is really focused on client satisfaction, because it’s not about us, it’s about them. It’s their space, it’s their money. We really want them to be happy at the end.” In recent years, however, Ivy Studio has not only been recognized by their clients, but also by their peers in the industry in the form of awards and accolades. For example, at the 2022 Grands Prix de Design awards – which is held in Quebec, but is international competition judged by a multidisciplinary jury of leading professionals, academics, and press members from around the world – Ivy Studio won an impressive eight awards. One award was for ‘New Talent of the Year,’ in recognition of their exemplary practice as a whole, and the other awards were for innovative office and hospitality projects the studio had recently completed in Montreal. Again, Philip stresses that their clients are what’s most important, but he says that kind of peer recognition “is always nice to have.” “We hadn’t submitted for any awards in the past, but then last year we decided to try it and see what it’s about and we ended up winning quite a few,” he says. “That’s super satisfying and super gratifying and we’re super happy – but it’s not something that motivates us in our work that much.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
Excited by challenges In addition to forming strong relationships with clients, Ivy Studio has also formed some strong relationships with their other industry partners, including a number of local artisans, builders, and material suppliers. One trusted material supplier, for example, would be Vicostone – which is one of the leading engineered stone manufacturers in the world, with warehouses and showrooms all across Canada, including in Montreal. Vicostone’s engineered stones are produced from about 93 per cent pure natural quartz aggregates, which are adhered with polymer resin with color powder, and have a hardness and flexural strength much higher than natural stones and other engineered stones. Their stones are often-described as ‘unique’ and luxurious, they can meet a diverse array of design requirements, and they are JUNE 2024
proven to be environmentally-friendly, antibacterial, and to prevent mould growth. As a company, they exemplify the kind of product quality and customer commitment that Ivy Studio looks for in all their supply partners. Currently, in collaboration with those kinds of partners, Ivy Studio is working on some of their most challenging and significant projects yet. The aforementioned MR-63 project is a prime example. Another example is their current work on a ground up 10-unit residential building, which they have been working on for several years, with construction finally commencing earlier this year. “That was a pretty complex project in terms of permitting with the city,” Philip explains. “It started out as two lots. One lot was empty and one lot had an old building, and the municipality considered that building a historical building. But the building was in really bad shape and it didn’t actually have any historical significance. We had to work with engineers and provide historical analysis in order to convince the city that it had to be demolished, that there wasn’t anything else that could be done with it. That took a very long time.” “Aside from that, merging two lots is pretty complex in itself,” he adds. “Getting approval for that goes all the way to the federal government. That also took a long time.” “Then once we had everything approved, we had to get the actual design done, and it turned out that was pretty new to all of us. All four partners here are architects, but we don’t have that much experience in terms of new build multi-residential buildings. There was a bit of a learning curve for THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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