Exciting RJC Engineering Developments to Watch For in 2024

In 2024, RJC Engineers is gearing up to redefine what's possible in Canadian engineering and architecture. With an eye on the future, RJC is ready to roll out a series of developments that blend bold engineering with smart design.  

For us, it isn't just about finishing projects; it's about setting new benchmarks for technology and sustainability. Here are the innovative projects set to do just that by the end of the year.  

BMO Centre Expansion, Calgary  

When the expansion comes to a close in 2024, this facility will be the largest convention centre in Western Canada and the second largest in the country. The expansion will see the total floor space increase to nearly one million square feet, accommodating a variety of events and activities on an unprecedented scale. 

The facility's exterior is set to feature a curved canopy that spans an impressive 170 feet, an enhancement that not only elevates the aesthetics but also transforms the facility into a premier venue. Capable of hosting significant national and international gatherings, this development positions Calgary as a key player on the global stage for trade and tourism. 

UBC Gateway, Vancouver 

Set for completion in 2024, this six-storey, mass-timber building symbolizes UBC's commitment to Indigenous relationships and sustainable design. The project has involved significant engagement with the Indigenous peoples of the Point Grey Campus, the Musqueam, reflecting a deep respect for the land and its original inhabitants.  

This building is the first project in North America to utilize the CREE panel system, a pioneering hybrid panel formed from precast concrete and glulam beams, showcasing innovative construction techniques. Additionally, the building is designed to achieve LEED® Gold certification and aims to be UBC's first to meet the Canada Green Building Council's (CaGBC) Zero Carbon Building Standard. 

The Well, Toronto 

This project features retail, office, and residential spaces across seven buildings at a prominent downtown Toronto intersection. Regarded as one of the most ambitious mixed-used endeavours in Canada, The Well is slated for full occupancy in Q1 of 2024.  

Each building within the Galleria space (an open-air concourse) is linked by a striking steel and glass canopy. The office component is LEED® Platinum certified, while the retail portion is targeting LEED® Gold. 

Notably, during its construction, this was the largest active site in Toronto. Upon completion, the development is expected to welcome approximately 22,000 daily visitors, including 11,000 residents! 

University of Alberta University Commons, Edmonton 

With a grand opening slated for 2024, this project creates a multi-purpose gathering space and hub for student services, academics, administration, and the community. The redevelopment encompasses 500,000 sq. ft. of buildable area, blending new construction with the renovation of the historically significant Dentistry-Pharmacy building on the main campus, originally constructed in 1922. 

Aimed at achieving LEED® certification, the project incorporates sustainability features such as rooftop PV arrays, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and a triple-glazed curtain wall.

Cowichan Secondary School Replacement, Duncan, BC 

This state-of-the-art educational facility is located on the traditional lands of the Cowichan Peoples. It represents a collaborative effort between the province, the Cowichan Valley School District, the Cowichan Tribes, the local community, and the project team. The facility features a Neighbourhood Learning Centre that encompasses spaces for innovation and technology, health and wellness, and Indigenous language and culture, along with a Gathering Place.  

The school is designed to achieve LEED® Gold Certification, adhering to the rigorous standards of LEED Building Design and Construction v4, marking a significant commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. 

The Parks, Edmonton  

The Parks stands as a unique mixed-use project in downtown Edmonton, offering both residential and commercial spaces within a pedestrian-friendly setting. Development will be seen through three phases. Phase I encompasses a 35-storey rental apartment tower set for completion in 2024, while Phase II will introduce a 13-storey podium to link the buildings. Phase III is planned to feature a 45-storey rental apartment tower, further expanding the development's scope.  

Additionally, the project facilitates indoor access to the Corona LRT station, enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors. RJC is tasked with providing structural and building envelope commissioning services, ensuring the project's integrity and performance at every stage. 

160 Front Street West, Toronto 

Set to be fully occupied in 2024, this $500M, Class-A, 46-storey office tower in downtown Toronto provides 1.2 million square feet of office space, along with over 12,000 square feet of retail space. The architecture blends modern design with historical elements by incorporating the heritage walls of an early 1900s warehouse.  

The development is ambitiously targeting LEED® Platinum and WELL Building Standard certifications, helping set new benchmarks for future projects. 

City of Burnaby Fire Hall 4 & 8 IPD, Burnaby, BC

In Burnaby, the construction of Fire Hall 4 and Fire Hall 8 has been undertaken to address the needs of its expanding community. Utilizing the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method, RJC contributed their substantial IPD knowledge and expertise to play a central role throughout all stages of the project.  

Fire Hall 4 was successfully completed in 2023, marking a significant milestone, while Fire Hall 8 is on track for completion in mid-2024. These additions will further enhance Burnaby's emergency response infrastructure. 

The One – 1 Bloor Street West, Toronto 

Construction of The One reaches new heights in 2024, towering over the intersection of Yonge and Bloor in downtown Toronto. This 85-storey building will be the tallest in Canada at the time of its completion, and Canada's first supertall tower. 

The tower, poised above a 100 x 100 ft. retail space, was engineered to eliminate the need for interior and corner columns, showcasing a groundbreaking design. This architectural showstopper incorporates a hybrid exoskeleton structural system, where the exterior is enveloped in metallic trusses that furnish the building with its support—a perfect blend of form and function. 

Although not slated for full completion until 2025, this skyscraper will see substantial progress throughout 2024.    

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