Yesterday, our team attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Danakiiwiin Lofts, a former 1952 Federal Building and post office that is being redeveloped into an 82-unit apartment building with commercial space. Led by an Indigenous partnership between Missanabie Cree Business Corporation and Pic River Development Corporation, the project aims to provide safe and affordable housing in Thunder Bay.
Through collaboration between our Thunder Bay office, Form Studio Architects, and other partners, the design achieved an estimated 56% reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, exceeding the original target.
The mechanical scope includes the full replacement of existing HVAC and plumbing systems to support the building’s new use, including an air source heat pump system with four-pipe fan coils, new domestic water, sanitary, and storm piping, and updates to the fire protection system.
Key engineering challenges included:
🌟 Energy modelling to meet funding requirements
🌟 Coordinating new ductwork and piping within existing ceiling cavities
🌟 Routing systems around the existing structure
🌟 Designing new sanitary distribution throughout the building
"The design was done in REVIT, which provided an advantage in visualization, multidisciplinary coordination, and overall project efficiency. For this adaptive reuse project in particular, the use of REVIT helped in coordinating the complex renovation within the existing building constraints and helped identify potential issues early in the design process, ultimately improving project quality, reducing rework, and supporting a more efficient construction process," shared Jody Swartman.
📣Our Winnipeg office is looking for a Construction Manager (on-site) to join the team. This role is a great opportunity for someone interested in working on energy and sustainability-focused projects, supporting complex builds, and collaborating with a highly engaged team throughout construction.
Apply on our website: /en-US/mcwconsultants/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/2053
#ConstructionManager #WeAreHiring #JobPost
Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society (CHES) Manitoba 2026 Conference & Trade Show is happening this Thursday, May 14, and team members from our Winnipeg office will be at booth #3 to connect with attendees and discuss building energy solutions for healthcare facilities.
Joining the team will be Adam Long, CEM, Associate from our Halifax office, who will talk about how MCW Connect can help organizations maximize short-term savings opportunities while building operational capacity for the medium and long term through data-driven operations and capital planning.
If you are attending the conference, stop by and say hello!
#Healthcare #EnergySolutions
Supporting one of Canada’s largest infrastructure projects is an honour we don't take for granted. Led by Andrew Rotoff, Partner in Winnipeg, our team provided distribution design and engineering services to BC Hydro for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project across British Columbia.
Our work included overhead and underground distribution modifications to support pipeline construction, including pole relocations, wire raises, crossings, and new service connections. Working through complex terrain, permitting, clearance, and constructability requirements, the team developed engineering solutions using advanced modelling and option-based design approaches.
Over 300 design packages were delivered as part of the project, supporting infrastructure upgrades across BC Hydro’s distribution network. “It is an honour for MCW to be part in this critical infrastructure project which plays a key role in Canada's energy future. The TMEP project nearly tripled our capacity for overseas exports using the original corridor. We, as Canadians, are seeing immediate economic benefits from this project at this pivotal time,” Andrew shared.
Project highlights:
💡 750 km pipeline length across BC
💡 300+ design packages delivered under evolving construction priorities
💡 Approximately 40,000 consulting engineering hours from 2018 to today
A steady, dedicated, and respected presence in our Toronto office, Karin Schembri, Associate, will be retiring on May 8, 2026, after more than 30 years in electrical design.
Celebrating Karin’s career is also celebrating a meaningful chapter in MCW’s history. Throughout her time with the firm, she has been an integral part of the electrical department, known for her technical expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work.
“It’s been a true honour working directly with Karin over the years. I’ve come to know her not only as a highly capable professional but also as a genuinely kind person with a wonderful sense of humour. I’m especially happy that her retirement will give her the opportunity to spend more time with her family, including her two grandkids,” says Peera Butrsingkorn, Partner in Toronto.
Thank you for over 30 years of dedication, leadership, and excellence. You have helped shape the culture at MCW. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Karin!
Next week, Jeff G. Provost, our Indigenous Relations Leader, will be in Calgary for the Forward Summit West, which happens on May 13 and 14 at the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino.
Jeff will be part of the roundtable Employment, Training and Procurement (Indigenous and Industry Partnerships) on May 14. In the session, leaders will discuss workplace inclusion, employment and training pathways, and Indigenous procurement. The panelists will share proven strategies that create sustainable, community-driven growth.
Registration is still open: /FSW26?utm_source=header&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=header
#ForwardSummitWest #IndigenousLeadership
#TBT to the grand opening of the renovated Royal Centre last month. Led by Rob Gregg, Partner in Vancouver, the project included updates to mechanical and fire protection systems, along with energy modelling.
Located in downtown Vancouver, the Royal Centre is a landmark mixed-use complex with office, retail, and public spaces. Originally developed in the 1970s, the recent upgrades focused on refreshing key areas, supporting new tenant uses, and bringing building systems in line with current codes and performance expectations.
"Renovation work often presents unforeseen challenges, and it is both demanding and fascinating to see how the entire project team collaborates to overcome them. From a mechanical perspective, we have supported the development of solutions for constrained spaces with existing services, as well as coordinating new penetrations through existing structures, among other challenges," shared Autumn S., Mechanical Designer.
Our team supported a range of upgrades, from lobby expansion and base building improvements to targeted studies such as tenant overheating, kitchen exhaust feasibility, and chilled water system optimization. The work also included key infrastructure updates to improve system performance and reliability.
"The dedication of the entire team and the owners has been exceptional. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute and have gained valuable experience throughout this process," shared Autumn.
📣 Our Calgary office is hiring an Electrical Engineer. In this role, you will work closely with project leads and multidisciplinary teams to support the delivery of electrical designs, from early coordination through to construction. You’ll be involved in developing sustainable solutions, preparing drawings and specifications, and contributing to project management and site activities.
If you’re an Electrical Engineer looking for your next challenge, apply on our website: /en-US/mcwconsultants/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/2019
#ElectricalEngineer #ConsultingEngineering
MCW is pleased to support an infrastructure renewal and decarbonization project to improve resilience at 5 Wing Goose Bay, one of Canada’s key Defence Bases in the North. The project demonstrates Canada’s ongoing investment in Defence and its commitment to advancing more sustainable operations. More details on our website: /news/mcw-group-proud-to-be-project-delivery-partner-on-5-wing-goose-bay-energy-performance-contract/
That's what we call a night to remember! Yesterday, our team in Winnipeg attended the 26th Annual Awards of Excellence Gala hosted by ACEC Manitoba, where MCW received two project awards and celebrated Steve Reaburn’s Lifetime Achievement Award. "Steve Reaburn was a mentor to me and a driving force in my growth and career. As a longtime partner at MCW, he not only guided the direction of the mechanical department and the Winnipeg office but also fostered the next generation of engineers, sharing his knowledge and shaping future leaders," shared Steven McMillan, Principal in Winnipeg.
Held at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, the evening also recognized two of our projects:
🌟Award of Merit in Building Engineering for the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation Prevention Centre
🌟Award of Merit in Energy Resource Development for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project in BC
Congratulations to everyone involved!
We take fun very seriously here, which is why the annual Top Dawg Competition is a team favourite across our Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver offices. In Calgary, Associates Dale Robertson and Tara Ellis went head-to-head in a close competition, with Tara taking the trophy home with a delicious jalapeño popper hot dog.
In Edmonton, Electrical and Mechanical Associates faced off in a flavourful battle, with the K-pop recipe from Electrical coming out on top. In Vancouver, it was the partners’ turn to compete, with Rob Gregg's Japadog beating Graham Lovely’s chilli cheese dog.
Congrats to all the winners! We’re already looking forward to next year!
The buildings and construction sector contributes to nearly 30% of Canada's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making early, informed design decisions critical. From planning for increased electrical demand, to integrating energy management strategies, and aligning upgrades with equipment life cycles, each step plays a role in improving building performance and reducing impact.
On this hashtag#EarthDay, as we reflect on the theme "Our Power, Our Planet," we are reminded of how thoughtful decisions can have a lasting effect.
