Hosting world leaders demands flawless execution. From security to comfort, every detail is crucial, and MCW was proud to play a critical role as mechanical and electrical consultants in ensuring the 2025 G7 Summit ran smoothly at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in the beautiful Kananaskis Country, in Alberta, last June.

The summit brought together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and invited nations including Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine. Behind the headlines, our team worked to ensure that the infrastructure could handle the event’s demands while meeting the highest standards of safety, comfort, and sustainability.

Leading the project was Gus Paiva, Principal in MCW’s Calgary office. His 41 years of experience with information and communications technology and project management for institutional, commercial, industrial, and recreational facilities were instrumental in the project’s success. His experience with complex, fast-track projects made him a natural fit to guide the team through this global event. Here, he shares his behind-the-scenes G7 Summit view.

What challenges came with designing for such a high-profile event, and how did the team manage the tight timelines?

The biggest challenge was the timing, as we had to complete tasks very quickly. The existing conditions of the facility were also a factor. The site was initially built for the 1988 Winter Olympics, so we needed to ensure that the infrastructure could support both the new design and the meeting requirements.

We were just one part of the solution. We collaborated with partners, including the RCMP, to address security issues and the existing mechanical and electrical conditions of an older facility.

We had weekly meetings to ensure everything lined up from the start. We also conducted site visits to confirm conditions and make design decisions that aligned with Global Affairs’ recommendations. Communication within the team was critical, as it allowed us to stay on track.

What did it mean to you personally to work on this global event, and what part of the project are you most proud of?

It’s always exciting when you get hired for such a high-profile event. For me, it felt like a personal achievement to contribute to something on a global scale, with leaders from around the world coming together.

I am very proud of the team. We delivered on the design criteria and the schedule. During construction, unexpected issues came up, and we had to make quick decisions. But together, we made it happen and delivered on time.

In what ways did our work support the comfort and operational needs of the event?

Because leaders and delegates were coming from all over the world, comfort was a significant consideration. For example, even though the event took place in June, temperatures in Kananaskis can drop at night. We ensured that the mechanical design provided additional heating in hotel rooms, ensuring guests’ comfort.

What steps did we take to minimize environmental impact, given the project’s location in Kananaskis?

We took steps such as using low-energy lighting and ensuring the proper recycling of waste materials. While landscaping wasn’t part of our scope, the landscape architect ensured the use of local, low-water, and environmentally friendly plants. On our end, energy efficiency and sustainability were always essential considerations.

Challenges accepted and overcome at G7 Summit

By overcoming challenges of aging infrastructure, tight timelines, and complex security requirements, our team demonstrated the depth of MCW’s expertise and adaptability and the capacity to deliver under pressure, collaborate with multiple stakeholders, and ensure outcomes that balance comfort, safety, and sustainability.  

Whether it’s a global summit, a national institution, or a community project, our approach remains the same: trusted expertise, strong teamwork, and solutions that stand up to the conditions.