Future of Infrastructure Group and Arup launch roadmap to unlock the power of digital twins for Canada’s infrastructure

Research shows that using digital twins across planning, delivery, and operations can improve capital and operational efficiency by 20–30%. The paper underlines how digital twins, alongside better data and digital standards, could lead to lower costs, greater efficiency, better decision making, and faster project completion.

“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, Arup’s Americas Digital Rail Leader and Chair of the FIG Digital & Data Working Group. “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.”

“Infrastructure projects involve complex webs of organizations who all 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,” said John Allen, Executive Director of Future of Infrastructure Group. “Technology can be a truly transformative force if we provide the rules, the processes, and prepare the people to get the most out of it.”

Unlocking Digital Twins in Canada was developed over a year-long engagement by FIG’s Digital & Data Working Group, chaired by Arup’s Lindsay English. The group brought together 15 industry experts to review the current state of play, discuss challenges, and outline international best practices. Further workshops and roundtables convened industry, government, and academic experts from across Canada to uncover barriers and share insights about digital twins already being deployed. One example is the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project, which is currently under construction in Toronto. Arup led the development of a digital twin pilot for the project in collaboration with Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx, which is already improving efficiency and anticipating conflicts before they arise.

The research, case studies, and workshop discussions are distilled into a set of recommendations that chart a path forward for widespread adoption of digital twins for Canadian infrastructure. FIG and Arup call for a national digital twin strategy built on consistent data standards, early‑adopter pilots, strengthened skills training, and regulatory modernization.

The white paper was unveiled at an industry event in Arup’s downtown Toronto office, where the Honorable Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure, provided remarks on the ambitions of the province to drive innovation in the sector.

“As Ontario delivers the largest infrastructure plan in its history, our government is embracing digital tools that help build projects better and faster,” said Acting Minister McCarthy. “These technologies can strengthen project delivery, support jobs, and help us build stronger, more resilient communities. We look forward to working with the sector to advance this innovation across our province.”

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