b'CONSTRUCTION TRENDSETTERSCONSTRUCTION TRENDSETTERS:From new building methods and materials to emerging technologies and landmark developments, these stories spotlight the ideas and innovations shaping where our industry is headed.MODULAR MOVES TO THE MAINSTAGEWith the federal government spotlighting modular in its $13-billion Build Canada Homes initiative, the construction method may finally be poised for mainstream adoptionThe Halo. By Kelly ParkerHistorically, modular construction in LOCAL EXAMPLES OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION Canada has had an image problem, and Leola Village in Transcona (2021): Winnipegs first (according to a Towerin the past, that might have been well-Engineering release) purpose-built, multi-family, modular apartment complex,founded. However, with more recent, which delivered 60 rental suites across four buildings, was completed on siteinevitable advances in technology and in just seven months. technique, that image can be relegated towell, history. In this moment, Canada The Temporary Waverley West Fire-Paramedic Station (2025): The City ofcontinues to grapple with a housing Winnipeg deployed modular to provide immediate fire and rescue servicescrisis, and the federal governments to the growing Waverley West community, while a permanent station is beingannouncement of the $13-billion Build designed and built. The modular building can be moved and redeployed toCanada Homes initiative specifically other areas of the city in the future. points to modular construction being at The Daycare in a Box Initiative (20212023): A program to rapidly createthe forefront of its proposed solution.new child-care centres across Manitoba using a standardized, modularAlthough it is gaining a foothold, modular design, manufactured in Winnipeg and transported to various municipalitieshas struggled to catch a tailwind in for assembly. In 24 months from award to build, 22 child-care centres wereCanada. During a recent session at The developed, providing space for 1,718 children. Building Conference, Daniel Melendez, Star Building Materials (2025Present): Star Building Materials launchedpresident of LCM Design-Builders, noted a dedicated prefabricated wall panel service to support builders seekingthat hes often asked, If [modular] faster, more predictable framing solutions. The facility manufactures precision- is so good, why isnt it everywhere? engineered exterior and interior wall panels in a controlled environment,And my response is, well, the modular reducing on-site labour needs, improving quality and shortening projectconstruction industry has been fairly timelines. This service allows Manitoba builders to integrate prefabricatedunderdeveloped, like an underutilized assemblies into both residential and light commercial projects, representing amuscle. Its more mature in markets like significant step towards broader modular adoption in the province. Japan and Sweden, and it actually thrives in those economies.32 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'