From project challenges to practical solutions: Highlights from CCA’s Best Practices in Construction Symposium
Construction productivity, project delivery, and collaboration were among the key themes at the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Best Practices in Construction Symposium, held October 6–7 in Toronto.
The event brought together construction professionals from across the industry to examine practical approaches to project challenges, share lessons from major infrastructure developments, and explore how emerging tools and delivery models are changing the way projects are built.
The program combined discussions on industry-wide issues, including job-site productivity, procurement, artificial intelligence (AI), digital construction tools and infrastructure financing, with in-depth looks at two major Canadian projects: the Union Station Enhancement Project and the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital and Shah Family Hospital for Women and Children.
Examining the challenges facing construction
Sessions throughout the Symposium addressed issues that affect project performance at every stage, from procurement and planning to execution on active job sites.
Speakers explored approaches to improving productivity, advancing project delivery models and applying AI and digital tools in construction. Discussions also examined infrastructure funding and financing, highlighting the broader considerations that shape how major projects are planned and delivered.
The range of topics reflected the industry’s need to respond to increasingly complex project requirements while improving efficiency, managing risk and strengthening coordination among project partners. By focusing on practical experience, the Symposium gave participants an opportunity to consider how different approaches could be applied to their own projects and organizations.
Two major projects offer lessons in delivery
Sponsored by Buildots, the Symposium’s two major project spotlights brought project owners, contractors and consultants together to discuss the challenges and decisions involved in delivering complex infrastructure.
The Union Station Enhancement Project spotlight brought together representatives from Metrolinx, Kiewit, and WSP to explore the complexities of delivering improvements at one of the country’s busiest transportation hubs. Eric Flaubert of WSP Canada Inc., Marcia Medrano of Metrolinx and Tim Shepherd of Kiewit shared perspectives on the project, while Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA President, moderated the discussion.
The session offered insight into the demands of managing complex infrastructure work where construction activities, operational requirements, and stakeholder priorities must be aligned.
The second project spotlight turned to healthcare infrastructure, examining the delivery of the Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital and Shah Family Hospital for Women and Children. Marco Dipelino of PCL Construction, Matthew Kenney of Trillium Health Partners and Scott Hunter of EllisDon discussed the project, with Rodrigue Gilbert again serving as moderator.
The discussion focused on collaborative delivery models and approaches to managing the demands of a major healthcare development. With multiple project partners working toward shared objectives, coordination and alignment are central to addressing challenges throughout the project lifecycle.
Connecting industry experience with better practices
Whether addressing productivity on the job site, evaluating new digital tools, considering alternative delivery models or coordinating large infrastructure projects, construction professionals must make decisions within complex environments shaped by competing priorities, risk, and resource constraints.
The Symposium provided a forum to examine those challenges through the experiences of people working directly on projects. By bringing owners, contractors, consultants and other industry stakeholders into the same conversations, CCA created an opportunity to share practical knowledge across the construction value chain.
Thank you to our sponsors
The event was supported by sponsors Buildots, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Aon, MNP, Northbridge Insurance, and Platform.
Marketplace participants Buildots, Ford Pro, Milwaukee and SignaSur also contributed to the event, showcasing products and services relevant to the construction industry.
