Spotlight Feature

An Update From Ottawa

Post Date

February 9 2023

Our Client-Focused Approach to Growth

Towards the end of 2022, we officially opened our newest office in the heart of downtown Ottawa, conveniently less than a 20-minute walk from a dozen of our project sites.

While we’re quick to point out that we’ve been working in Ottawa for over a decade, opening a local office was the next logical step in our growth strategy. It’s positioned us to do what we’ve already done in Calgary, Edmonton, New York, and Vancouver: be where our clients need us most, for whenever they need us.

Our history is built on this approach.

Megan Rhind, Senior Associate, relocated with her family from Toronto to lead the Ottawa office last fall.

“Within a month, I knew it was the right choice,” Megan says. “Some of our longest-standing clients have teams here. Between several recent project wins and a flourishing team, we’re on track to see steady growth going forward. It’s exciting to think about what the future holds for us here.”

Deepening Our Local Footprint

Notable local projects include Centre Block, “the largest, most complex heritage rehabilitation project ever seen in Canada,” where we’re providing construction engineering and temporary shoring, the Rideau Centre Revitalization & Expansion for Cadillac Fairview, and a multi-tower, mixed-use development at 400 Albert Street, with terracing lower levels, curvature up the corners of the towers, and a ground-level, three-story podium for commercial and amenity space connecting the buildings.

Construction has also started on the Cadillac Fairview Rideau Registry building, a mixed-use building attached to the east side of the CF Rideau Centre, marking a highly walkable, transit-oriented development within the area. The project includes moving, supporting, and protecting the historic Old Registry building, originally built in 1873, and integrating the new 21-storey residential building alongside the heritage landmark.

“Not unlike the work we’ve done on Union Station in Toronto, these opportunities are allowing Entuitive to work on some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, giving us a chance to add to the longevity of Canadian institutions. There’s no denying the excitement that comes with a brand-new building or bridge, but there is nothing quite like extending the life of a treasured space.”

Growing Multi-Service Offerings on Projects

We’ve also kicked off work on an important project west of Ottawa where Entuitive will deliver multiple services on one major development. The project brings together our structural engineering, mass timber, building envelope, and sustainability services to support the delivery of a large-scale net-zero development. Stay tuned for more to come.

Finally, we’ve most recently been shortlisted for two exciting P3 projects: providing structural engineering on a new integrated treatment centre at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and the renovation and modernization of the Taxation Data Centre Complex. The latter project involves renovating a heritage complex to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Silver, providing structural engineering, building envelope consulting, and sustainable consulting.

“We’re excited by the opportunity right in front of us: growing our team here in Ottawa to continue serving our client base and continuing to work on the city’s most interesting projects.”

More From the Capital Region

Parkway House Mixed-Use Development

Rendering courtesy of Diamond Schmitt.

Parkway House is a new-mixed use residential development by Windmill Developments that includes a seven-story building designed in mass timber, alongside two residential towers of 16 and 28 storeys each. The development will also include an accessible new home for adults with physical disabilities.

Entuitive is providing structural engineering and is excited to work with Windmill on a project that defines their mission of making an impact through co-creating regenerative communities and providing a framework for sustainable living.

World Exchange Plaza Redevelopment

Rendering courtesy of QuadReal.

Encompassing an entire city block, the World Exchange Plaza consists of two office towers, a retail complex, and outdoor plaza in downtown Ottawa.

The World Exchange Plaza is undergoing a dynamic modernization requiring several renovations to update and repair sections of the building. With a major focus on common areas, the food court, Queen Street entrance, and the amphitheatre and plaza, the redevelopment will serve to attract the community and inspire a new appreciation for this legendary destination.

The Queen Street façade required structural alterations, while repairs included localized building envelope replacements and upgrades. Within the amphitheatre and plaza, the overall health of the building was boosted by way of waterproofing upgrades structural repairs.

Entuitive is providing structural engineering and restoration services on this redevelopment project.

Les Terrasses de la Chaudière Renovation

Rendering courtesy of bbb architects Ottawa.

Les Terrasses de la Chaudière in nearby Gatineau, Quebec, is a complex of four interconnected towers that accommodates approximately 6,500 federal employees. As part of its modernization and energy efficiency improvements, the existing prefabricated precast and brick veneer panels will be replaced with a high-performing modern curtain wall system. Construction on this complex project began last fall and the towers will remain occupied throughout construction. Entuitive is providing structural and building envelope services to replace the exterior wall assembly.