Digging In

Sometimes construction hurts. This week we had a deep conversation with James Boseley of Pain BC about the hidden reality of chronic pain in the trades, how workers are often taught to ignore injuries and "tough it out," and why that silence can lead to worsening physical and mental health. James shares his own experience with severe, long-ignored injuries, the stigma around pain in industrial work, and the importance of self-advocacy, documentation, and having the right support systems. The conversation also highlights the hope he sees in newer pain education, text-based support, counseling, and other resources that are finally making it easier for tradespeople to get help without shame.

Here are some resources if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self harm:

Crisis Centre BC

https://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-support/crisis-lines/

Family violence helplines and services

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html

If you are having immediate thoughts of self harm or suicide, dial 9-8-8.

Contact James directly here: [email protected]

Canadians are told over and over that to conquer some of the nation's biggest challenges, modular construction must be embraced. But what does it take to succeed in the modular construction business? After finding success in the European market, Sapphire Balconies brought its approach to Canada. I spoke with Antonio Manchisi (Vice President of Construction at Sapphire Balconies Canada) and Luke Haughton (President of Sapphire Balconies Canada) to learn more about what works and what doesn't.

In this episode of the Digging In Podcast we chat with Bhragan Paramanantham, a civil engineer and creator of Last Week in ConTech newsletter, about the biggest global trends shaping construction technology today. We explore how AI is becoming the backbone of new construction workflows, why pre-construction is a major area of innovation, and where robotics, visual data, and automation are creating real value on job sites. The conversation also looks at regional hotspots like the US, Europe, India, and China, along with the growing impact of defense, infrastructure, and even space construction on the future of the industry. It's a wide-ranging, forward-looking discussion for anyone curious about where contech is headed next.

Here's what we covered this week:

• Tumbler Ridge Modular Campus: Specialized modular units from ATCO and Fort Modular are being rapidly deployed to provide a trauma-informed interim school solution following the tragedy at the original secondary school site.

• CMHC Financing Overhaul: The new "Prefab Plus" program and modernized draw schedules aim to accelerate housing supply by finally aligning mortgage insurance and developer funding with the unique technical phases of modular construction.

• Nisutlin Bay Bridge Setbacks: Yukon's largest-ever infrastructure project is in flux after the government ended its contract with Graham Infrastructure and WSP due to critical soil instability and structural hurdles.

• Bruce C Nuclear Planning: Ontario is investing $300 million into the pre-development of four new reactors, a massive energy expansion that hinges on 2028 federal approvals and crucial negotiations with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.

Huge thanks to this week's sponsor, Procore. SiteNews is partnering with Procore to research how builders are using AI. If you want to participate, you could win a $2,000 spa and golf getaway. Just click this link to start.

• B.C. cancels healthcare infrastructure contracts after saying they would be "repaced".
• Trump OKs new pipeline that could revive part of the Keystone XL route.
• Hamilton celebrates LRT milestone.
• Canada is poised to become a leader in modular nuclear construction.
• The Canadian Construction Association releases its latest economic data.

• How the federal government's $6 billion plan could add 80,000 to 100,000 skilled trades workers by 2030.
• Ontario's $1.6B boost to school infrastructure.
• The design of a new memorial to honour construction workers killed, injured or made ill on the job.
• The new sovereign wealth fund for building major infrastructure projects.

Huge thanks to this week's sponsor, Procore. SiteNews is partnering with Procore to research how builders are using AI. If you want to participate, you could win a $2,000 spa and golf getaway. Just visit this link to start.

• The strategic alliance of Canada's largest GCs analyzing data from 600+ projects to cut emissions, the five key steps involved, and what that means for your projects and future costs.
• What the Lafarge case reveals about industry ethics and compliance risks in a geopolitically tense world.
• The contentious debate around BC's community benefits policies is back.
• The recent escalation in Toronto's waste management wars, with charges against a rival business founder and a glimpse into fierce industry rivalries.
• The $9.4 billion real estate transaction and its impact on Toronto's iconic neighborhoods.

And we want to thank this week's sponsor Procore, who we are teaming up with to investigate technology usage in the industry. Enter to win a $2000 golf and spa getaway by taking our Great Canadian AI Build survey here today (terms and conditions apply).

In this episode, we chat with SiteMedia's Chief Content Officer Corinne Lynds and award-winning Leadership & Burnout Prevention Specialist Shauna Moran. They detailed how women in the construction sector can overcome systemic biases and professional hurdles by leveraging innate strengths like systems thinking, empathy, and intuition. The pair have partnered up to develop Calibrated, an innovative event taking place in Vancouver this May designed specifically for women across technical, industrial, and heavy sectors. To learn more and secure your spot, visit calibratedevent.com.

The Digging in podcast was in-studio for this week for a special chat with Stéphan Lacombe, Vice-President Buildings West, for Pomerleau. Lacombe spoke about the company's distinct corporate culture, his advice for those new to the industry, and the strategy behind Pomerleau's push for work in Western Canada.

• Ontario and the federal government have reached an $8.8B collaboration deal on housing and transit projects.
• Nova Scotia is the latest province to work out a "one project, one review" environmental framework with Ottawa.
• BC Hydro finds a home for Site C's empty work camp.
• The White House is getting a major security upgrade with plans for an underground bunker.