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MTE Consultants Acquires RIZZ Engineering, Strengthening Expertise in Structural Design and Precast Concrete

Spur Line Common
Residential

Spur Line Common

Partners

Martin Simmons Sweers Architects, Reid’s Heritage Homes

Key personnel

Rebecca Kerr, P.Eng., Steve Shugg, Dan Gonser, P.Eng.

Project overview

Located at the intersection of Roger Street and Moore Avenue in Waterloo, the Spur Line Common redevelopment transforms the former Ontario Die Company (ODC) site into a mixed-use residential community. Developed through close collaboration with the City of Waterloo, local residents, and the ODC family owners, the project aimed to revitalize a historically industrial site into a safe, livable, and connected urban space.

The redevelopment involved the phased demolition of existing industrial buildings, comprehensive environmental remediation, and construction of new residential infrastructure. Environmental risk mitigation measures, including soil capping and vapor intrusion protection systems, were incorporated to address site contamination.

The completed development features 248 residential units across two six-storey mid-rise buildings and 68 stacked townhomes. The community is enhanced with thoughtfully designed public amenities, including a park, a corner parkette, and pedestrian pathways that connect with the surrounding neighborhoods and nearby King Street.

MTE's Involvement

Since 2017, MTE has proudly provided multi-disciplinary engineering services to support the successful transformation of the Spur Line Common site.

Our involvement began with site assessments and strategic planning to address known environmental concerns associated with the brownfield property. MTE’s Indoor Environments team conducted a Designated Substances Audit (DSA) for all eight buildings slated for demolition. The audit identified hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, mercury, and silica, which informed a targeted abatement strategy implemented prior to site redevelopment.

Our Environmental Engineering team completed both Phase One and Phase Two Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), soil vapor assessments, and remediation activities. This included lateral and vertical delineation of chlorinated solvent contamination and the development of risk management measures in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). To reduce exposure risks, vapor mitigation systems were installed in buildings identified as high-risk.

In addition, MTE supported brownfield funding applications and completed multiple Records of Site Condition (RSCs), helping the development move forward in accordance with provincial regulations.

Beyond environmental services, MTE also provided surveying, geotechnical, site development, and building engineering services. Our integrated, multidisciplinary approach allowed us to support the project through all phases—from initial assessment through to final construction.

MTE is proud to have contributed to the successful redevelopment of Spur Line Common, helping to turn an industrial site into a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive community in the heart of Waterloo.