construction

atlantic canada's construction sector is multi-faceted, boasting engineering achievements like the 13-km (8 mile) long confederation bridge that connects prince edward island to new brunswick, intense activity in energy-related projects and highway construction, and a solid base of residential and commercial work.

Atlantic Canadian companies have won three of the last seven Canadian Construction Association Environmental Achievement Awards. The Maritime Road Development Corporation won the award in 2002 for the construction of the four-lane highway between Fredericton and Moncton, NB. Nova Scotia's Sable Offshore Energy Incorporated won the award in 2001 for its environmental efforts in offshore construction. The Confederation Bridge also received the prestigious award. These award-winning projects have helped contribute to the solid infrastructure Atlantic Canada possesses.

Construction is the seventh largest employer in Atlantic Canada, with more than 61 000 people in more than 100 occupations, including architects, engineers, engineering technicians, electricians, plumbers, blasters and other certified trades. Many of these people work at various research institutes in the region, examining the role of new technology in the construction industry.

Construction costs in Atlantic Canada are among the lowest in North America. The 2002 KPMG Competitive Alternatives Report compared business costs in more than 100 cities throughout North America, Europe and Japan. The study found that construction costs for a typical manufacturing facility were the lowest in Atlantic Canadian cities. A low cost of doing business, excellent infrastructure and commitment to innovation make up the rock-solid foundation Atlantic Canada's construction sector continues to build on.