Rock to Road

The governments of Canada and British Columbia have signed an agreement to accelerate construction on energy projects including the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project. The Canada-British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement includes a plan to provide up to $3 billion to replace the aging four-lane transport tunnel along Highway 99 with a modern eight-lane tunnel.

The Board of Directors of the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) has announced Felicia Wiltshire as the Association’s next President & CEO. The appointment is effective December 1, 2026. Wiltshire will be the fourth President & CEO and the first woman to serve in the role. Wiltshire will succeed Chris Lorenc, who announced earlier this year that he will retire at the end of 2026 after more than 35 years leading the organization.

Alberta and Ontario recorded increased construction costs over the second quarter of 2026. According to a Construction Cost Report from Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), Calgary and Toronto recorded annual cost increases of 4.12 and 4.47 per cent, respectively. The report says Alberta’s capital projects under construction totaled over $78.9 billion to mark an increase from $73.3 billion the previous year. The industrial sector made up 39 per cent of projects, followed by infrastructure at 20.2 per cent.

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has delivered the world’s first A30 Electric articulated haulers for use on a Hafslund hydropower project. Four A30 Electric articulated haulers have been delivered, with three scheduled to follow next month, says Volvo CE. The machines will be used by LNS, one of Norway’s largest contractors, on behalf of Hafslund Kraft AS, for the construction of the Hemsil 3 power plant in the Hallingdal region, spanning the Hemsedal and Gol municipalities.

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, manufacturers showcased advancements in crushing and screening technology, emphasizing speed and efficiency. Terex introduced its largest tracked jaw crusher, the MT130J, capable of processing 1,000 tons per hour. Companies like Wirtgen and Astec highlighted digital innovations for real-time monitoring and maintenance improvements. Terex's MT130J is engineered for high-output quarry applications and can be set up in half a day.

The Ontario Government and the Webequie First Nation have announced the start of construction on the Webequie Supply Road. The province says this milestone puts construction on roads to Ontario’s Ring of Fire five years ahead of schedule. The Webequie Supply Road itself is scheduled to open by November 2030, four years ahead of schedule. The 107-kilometre all-season road will connect Webequie First Nation to the Ring of Fire region and serve as a vital link for future mineral development projects.

Glen's letter says municipal intervention will not solve the problem of the deteriorating road conditions. June 24, 2026 By Rock to Road Staff The CEO of the Alberta Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (ARHCA) warned the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) against taking over summer maintenance for Highway 63.

The Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA) is asking municipalities to adopt an Asphalt Cement Price Index similar to what is used by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). In a letter to its municipal and regional partners, TARBA notes the Price Index rising 43 per cent from $1,067.25 per tonne in February 2026 to $1,530.00 per tonne in May 2026.

Canadian researchers are developing high-performance asphalt concrete (HPAC) to address the challenges posed by heavier traffic loads and climate change. HPAC offers improved durability and sustainability by incorporating waste materials like asphaltenes from oil sands and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibres. This innovative approach enhances resistance to rutting and cracking, critical for Canadian roadways. HPAC is engineered for superior performance compared to traditional asphalt.

Amrize has broken ground on the modernization of its Saint-Constant, Quebec cement plant, with plans to make it the most advanced and sustainable in Eastern Canada. The company says the project represents the largest investment in the Canadian cement industry over the last decade. It will introduce state-of-the-art operational efficiency and enhanced sustainability while expanding local manufacturing and production capacity.