Toronto, Canada – February 18, 2026 – Future of Infrastructure Group (FIG) and Arup have unveiled a new white paper outlining a national roadmap to accelerate the adoption of digital twins for Canada’s infrastructure. The report, titled Unlocking Digital Twins in Canada, sets out strategic recommendations aimed at transforming how major infrastructure projects are planned, delivered, and operated nationwide.
A Turning Point for Canadian Infrastructure
Canada is currently experiencing one of the largest infrastructure investment waves in its history. Yet, delays and cost overruns continue to challenge complex projects such as rail corridors, bridges, and highways. FIG and Arup argue that digital twins for Canada’s infrastructure could significantly reduce these inefficiencies.
A digital twin is a dynamic, data-driven virtual replica of a physical asset. Unlike static 3D models, digital twins create a real-time feedback loop between physical infrastructure and its digital counterpart. This allows project teams to monitor performance, anticipate risks, optimize operations, and make evidence-based decisions across an asset’s lifecycle.
Research cited in the report indicates that implementing digital twins across planning, delivery, and operations can improve capital and operational efficiency by 20–30%, offering substantial economic and performance gains.
One-Year Industry Collaboration
The white paper is the result of a year-long collaboration led by FIG’s Digital & Data Working Group, chaired by Lindsay English, Arup’s Americas Digital Rail Leader. The working group convened 15 experts from industry, government, and academia to assess Canada’s digital readiness and benchmark international best practices.
“Digital twins can help designers, engineers, contractors, and owners make the most of their data, giving them greater understanding of what’s happening with complex projects in real time,” said Lindsay English. “This paper is a practical roadmap considering the people, process, technology, and data transformations necessary to realize the potential of digital twins for more efficient, resilient projects nationwide.”
John Allen, Executive Director of FIG, emphasized the importance of structured collaboration:
“Infrastructure projects involve complex webs of organizations who rely on each other to deliver projects successfully. Communication is critical, and the data created provides a huge opportunity to drive improvements in how we plan, deliver, and operate infrastructure.”
Real-World Example: Toronto Transit Project
One example highlighted in the report is the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension currently under construction in Toronto. Arup led the development of a digital twin pilot for the project in collaboration with Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx.
The pilot is already helping project teams improve coordination, detect design conflicts earlier, and enhance construction efficiency — demonstrating how digital twins for Canada’s infrastructure can deliver measurable value beyond theoretical benefits.
Key Recommendations from the Report
The roadmap calls for a coordinated national strategy built around four priority areas:
- Consistent data standards to enable interoperability across projects and jurisdictions
- Early-adopter pilot programs to test and scale digital twin implementation
- Workforce upskilling and digital literacy training to strengthen capabilities
- Regulatory modernization to support digital-first infrastructure delivery
FIG and Arup stress that technology alone is not enough. Real transformation will require cultural change, governance frameworks, and cross-sector collaboration.
Government Support for Innovation
The white paper was officially unveiled at an industry event hosted at Arup’s downtown Toronto office. Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure, delivered remarks highlighting provincial ambitions to drive innovation.
“As Ontario delivers the largest infrastructure plan in its history, our government is embracing digital tools that help build projects better and faster,” McCarthy said. “These technologies can strengthen project delivery, support jobs, and help us build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Why Digital Twins Matter Now
As Canada embarks on increasingly complex and climate-resilient infrastructure projects, stakeholders face mounting pressure to deliver faster, more sustainably, and within budget. Digital twins for Canada’s infrastructure represent a shift from reactive project management to predictive, data-informed operations.
By integrating real-time analytics, automation, and standardized data ecosystems, digital twins could redefine infrastructure governance and performance nationwide.
How to Access the Report
The full white paper, Unlocking Digital Twins in Canada, is now available through FIG and Arup’s official channels.
About Future of Infrastructure Group (FIG)
The Future of Infrastructure Group is an industry-led organization focused on advancing innovation and best practices across Canada’s infrastructure ecosystem.
About Arup
Arup is a global consultancy specializing in engineering, design, and advisory services across infrastructure, buildings, energy, and sustainability sectors.
