Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government is granting nearly $12 million to six businesses and organizations to advance innovative housing solutions across Southern Ontario. The recipients are: Arctic Acres, Axe Buildings, BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd., Dyck Exterior Installations Inc., Infrastructure Development Partners Inc., and the University of Windsor (U of W).
The U of W is receiving $2 million to showcase new 3D printing technology through the construction of a net-zero student residence.
The project includes a research component to provide hands-on training for 60 participants – including students, construction professionals, engineers and government officials, as well as a virtual conference and dedicated website to promote 3D printing and automation in homebuilding.
Ottawa is also allocating $2.5 million to Tecumseh-based BK Cornerstone to upgrade its facility with state-of-the-art machinery to develop a first-of-its-kind automated wall panel manufacturing line.
When used in construction, these panels will reduce energy consumption, lower construction costs and decrease build times, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario said in a statement. The project is expected to support more sustainable and timely housing materials.
It said the government is making investments to scale innovation and increase productivity, bringing new housing-related technologies to market and contributing to the goal of building homes smarter and faster for Canadians.
Several projects receive funding from the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative.
The remaining funding is allocated to:
Arctic Acres, which is receiving $1.5 million to adopt high-tech manufacturing equipment at its Portland location to improve manufacturing for geodesic homes – strong, energy-efficient and self-supporting dome-shaped buildings made from connected triangles.
Axe Buildings: $2.09 million to expand manufacturing at its Thorold location and implement advanced semi-automated machinery to enhance efficiency, reduce construction costs, and increase the production of affordable, sustainable and high-quality prefabricated housing.
Dyke Exterior, which is receiving $1.5 million to enhance production through adoption of advanced equipment to automate processes and increase capacity at its Aylmer facility.
Infrastructure Development: $2.3 million to enhance manufacturing capabilities for prefabricated housing through the adoption of advanced equipment and facility upgrades at its Chesterville manufacturing facility.
