2023 was a busy year for B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon as he helped get several major pieces of housing legislation passed and he has his eyes on more reforms. With so much movement on speeding up construction, SiteNews caught up with the minister to talk construction barriers, prompt payment, his own experiences in the trades and much more.
SiteNews: B.C. has been on a massive run of legislative reforms to speed up the development and construction of homes. What sort of effort did it take to get these reforms across the finish line?
B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon: These changes are a reflection of the basic concept that we can’t do the same thing and expect different results. We know the system needs reform and we started engaging in that better path back in 2018. Premier Eby made it clear that we need change because things are not working for too many people. Our staff worked around the clock and stakeholders worked with us aggressively to ensure that we land on the right policies.
What do you feel is the biggest barrier to home construction in the province and what are the next major ones B.C. is looking to address in the coming years?
There are process barriers that we are reforming through legislation. This means getting to decisions quicker. One of the biggest frustrations is we develop these community plans and then require projects to go through an extensive process again. That is why we are reforming the process, including CACs and ACCS. We have also moved to allow housing as-of-right to ensure we get housing faster. Then there is the actual construction. We have to find ways to build differently. We are looking at allowing single-egress stairs. We are looking at mass timber to allow housing to be built much quicker because we know it can be built with less people, as we will have a labour shortage for the next few years. So there is the process side and the construction side and we are working on both at the same time.
Tell me about the role data and modeling played in crafting some of B.C.’s policies. I understand you looked at Washington State and New Zealand. The province also worked with economic and planning experts to analyze potential impacts.
The policies that were brought into place, we believe, are best practices across North America. Our BC Housing advisory group recommended many of the things that we have done. We also looked at Ontario’s housing reports and incorporated things from both reports. We also brought in economists to quantify the economic impacts, but that analysis didn’t drive the changes. It was nearly there to ensure that what we were doing aligned with the targets we want.
Many in B.C.’s construction sector are frustrated that prompt payment legislation has yet to be passed in the province. Is this something that is on the ministry’s radar and do you have any updates on this?
The attorney general is actually leading this and they started just now on engagement, getting the scope of the problem and a possible path for us here in B.C. but that is being led by the AG and not the Ministry of Housing.
I read that your father worked at a sawmill. How did this impact your view on people who work blue collar jobs in construction, manufacturing etc.?
I was raised on jobs that required hard work, rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. After I graduated high school, I thought about maybe taking a year off. My dad said ‘great’ and sent me off to work for a company installing new windows in old homes. I worked for a plumbing company digging ditches in the winter to lay pipes. It gave me a real good understanding of the amount of work it takes to build housing and how hard that work is. I have many family in the trades or homebuilding sector so it is a comfortable space for me to be in. It is critically important for building the housing and important infrastructure in our communities.
Of all the skilled trades in the construction sector, if you had to choose one to learn, which one would it be and why?
There’s something wonderful, beautiful and artistic about being an architect and designing some of these homes. If I took one trade, I’d say it would be frame just because you can see something put up and into a structure. I enjoyed plumbing work but it was a bit to challenging for me. Maybe I’d have to revisit it again so plumbing would be my third.
Priestly crews conduct night work for the Essa Road Interchange/ Highway 400 Overpass Replacement project in Barrie, Ont.
PCL Construction / Mitch MacMaster
Member’s of PCL’s Special Projects team meet with some otters at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. PCL was involved in the facility’s redevelopment, constructing larger, more complex habitats for the bighorn sheep, muskox and river otters.
Henry Foundation Drilling
Henry Foundation superintendent Rick Dalkeith works hard drilling a battered pile as part of a bridge construction project.
Whitemud Ironworks / Mikaul Maygard
Crews make progress on the massive the new Lake City Studios in Burnaby, B.C.
VINCI Construction / Matthieu Longhini
A horse and carriage rolls over the recently completed Calgary Ring Road.
Orion Construction
The sun rises over the recently completed Empire Business Park, constructed by Orion and developed by Cedar Coast.
Lafarge Canada
Lafarge Canada’s cement trucks are getting into the Christmas spirit for holiday parades
PCL / EllisDon
PCL Construction and EllisDon have been mass excavating in front of Centre Block in preparation for the new Parliament Welcome Centre.
The shot of the month goes to …
Province of B.C.
Ministry of Transportation crews prep the Port Mann Bridge in Surrey for winter weather.
Cesar Boccardo, Bird Construction’s senior digital construction coordinator, has received the Digitalization Strategy Award by Building Transformations. Boccardo said the award holds a special place in his heart, and receiving it feels like a dream come true.
Jeffrey Busby has been named TransLink’s new COO. Busby has led the crown corporation’s engineering team for the past few years.
Jeffrey Busby
Kent Ferguson is Suncor Energy’s new senior vice president of strategy, sustainability and corporate development after spending 23 years at RBC.
I would like to thank everyone for the kind words and warm wishes as I embark on a new journey in my professional career. I look forward to working with the UCPG board and the entire UCPG team to build on the success that has been University District and help bring University Innovation Quarter to life.
Novy Cheema, president and CEO, University of Calgary Properties Group
Austin Lee has started a new position as operations manager at Industra Construction. Lee will work closely with the vice president of operations, all project managers and all superintendents on a routine basis, bridging the gap between management and field operations.
Balraj Mann, president of BM Group of Companies, has been named the H.D. Stafford Good Citizen of the Year by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce for his philanthropic efforts.
Balraj Mann, BM Group President, attends a fundraiser for Langley Memorial Hospital. – Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation
This recognition, presented annually by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce, is a reflection of your exceptional efforts and the positive influence you’ve had on Langley. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour, and thank you for your continued contributions to the community.
BM Group of Companies
Troy Farmer is celebrating 25 years with Bosa Construction where he works as a finishing carpenter foreman. Bosa used these words to describe him: loyalty. results. mentorship. Grit.
He does things the right way, without cutting corners. He goes above and beyond to ensure the product is installed above quality standards. He truly lives and breathes carpentry and is always willing to teach.
Troy Farmer’s team
Matthew McGee has joined Environ-Ex Contracting as vice president of strategic partnerships and client success. He brings with him a wealth of experience in managing large-scale construction projects. The company says he will be at the forefront of expansion efforts.
Gregg Lintern, Toronto’s chief planner, is leaving city hall this month. His colleagues say he will be remembered as one of the most transformative people in the role, helping champion efforts to increase housing density.
Warren Singh, centre, meets with government officials and other leaders in his first few weeks as executive director of the Alberta Construction Association. – Alberta Construction Association
Doug Porozni has announced he will retire at the end of the year as chairman of Ronmore Developers. Doug thanked his partners at Ronmor for their 25+ years of support and providing the opportunity to participate in a variety of development projects in Western Canada.
During his incredible career with Ronmor, Doug transformed the company as we know it today. His keen understanding of the real estate ‘deal’ and his unwavering work ethic allowed Ronmor to grow in unimaginable areas. He truly became the face of Ronmor. It will be a face we will continue to see, but one that we will miss at Ronmor.
Kim Corea has been promoted to chief financial officer at Ecora.
Congratulations to Kim Corea on her well-deserved promotion to CFO at Ecora! Starting as our Director of Finance, Kim has consistently showcased exceptional talent and dedication, playing a pivotal role in steering our financial strategies.
Kelly Sherman, principal and founder, Ecora Group of Companies
Tim Visscher is celebrating 15 years with Wesgroup Properties. Visscher joined Wesgroup in 2008 as a project manager and now works as construction manager.
As we celebrate this milestone in Tim’s career, we extend our deepest appreciation for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and the positive impact he has had on our organization.
Fort Modular has become one of the largest, most successful modular construction specialists in B.C.
Despite this growth, the owners believe that keeping their family-business culture intact is the key to continued success.
The company also believes strongly that there is no substitute for experience, and their decades in the sector allow them to outperform newcomers to the space.
The Whole Story:
Fort Modular is on a trajectory for major growth as modular construction becomes more accepted as a way to rapidly build homes, student accommodations, remote work camps, indigenous infrastructure, social amenities and other projects.
After a decade in business and acquiring assets from several other companies in the modular space, Fort is now the largest locally- and privately-owned modular building supplier in B.C. But as they expand, Fort’s leaders are determined to maintain the family-owned company values that got them there.
Staying small while growing big
Originally established with a focus on renovations and rentals, the company has since expanded operations to include new custom-built structures and permanent solutions to serve a wider array of clients. Fort operates out of a 40,000-square-foot facility located on a five-acre site in Aldergrove and now owns a 17-acre location in Barrière to further cement its reach.
Despite all this growth, brothers and company owners Bryan and Mark DePedrina are adamant that Fort doesn’t become bogged down with corporate complexity and bureaucracy.
The pair have lived and breathed modular work ever since they were kids. Their father got into the modular construction business back in the 1980s and the brothers worked there for a decade, doing projects as far away as Louisiana, Alaska, Russia and Japan.
After their father’s company was bought out, Bryan and Mark decided to go against its new corporate culture and form their own business in 2013. They’ve never looked back. In fact, by coincidence they now work out of the same factory site their father did.
“We are trying to maintain some of those ‘mom and pop’ values while we take the company to the next level,” said Mark. “It can be a challenge, and when all the new people join us, that’s exactly what I tell them. We can’t have it so corporate that everyone feels as if their hands are tied. We empower our employees to do what they were hired to do without micromanaging. These are the things that brought us success in the past and we need to continue with it even through a growth period.”
Bryan explained that this approach allows Fort to move faster than other modular providers by making common sense decisions as our team has direct access to the owners.
“This ‘get it done’ mentality has been a huge reason for our growth on both fronts, custom manufacturing and rentals,” he said.
One of Fort Modular’s units is air lifted into Lytton, B.C. – Fort Modular
Knowing the details
The DePedrinas have been about modular from day one.
“For me, it’s all I’ve done,” said Bryan. “I’ve never had a job outside the industry.”
The brothers believe this in-depth knowledge is another reason for their success.
“Bryan and I did our time in the factory and in the field,” said Mark. “We know. We’ve done this. We’ve seen all aspects of it because we’ve grown up in it. So there’s another level of confidence. We can tell if people’s modular construction project ideas will be successful or not right away. We also educate them about the challenges they may have to face for a successful outcome.”
They noted that many have seen headlines about large, flashy modular projects and tried to enter the space assuming it will be easy.
“We understand what we’re selling, but I feel like there’s a lot of fly-by-nighters right now,” said Bryan. “All the sudden, everyone is a modular provider even though they’re basically acting as brokers and have never been in the industry. You look at these scenarios and you feel bad. Someone is going to learn the tough way about going with an inexperienced group for their large-scale project, which in turn will hurt the industry as a whole.”
Fort also prides itself on being able to provide that expertise to customers without having to go through layers and layers of bureaucracy.
“I think the biggest thing for our clients is our ability to answer questions and make decisions quickly to get things done effectively,” said Bryan. “Fort’s owners are right there in the office. It happens in 30 seconds instead of three months.”
Leadership changes
Diversification has been part of Fort’s strategic strength.
“We have a two-pronged approach to our business with two income streams,” said Bryan. “We have the rental division and the manufacturing division. if you are purely a manufacturer and things slow down you’re taking some punches to the face. It can be very detrimental to the business. Since we have our rental division it can be a bonus. We can build our own inventory during these gaps and breaks. We can avoid the ramping up and down of operations and instead have a steady flow of production.”
The latest part of Fort’s growth strategy has been hiring renowned modular expert Rick Welch as vice president of its permanent modular division and promoting company veteran Greg Tymchyna to vice president, rentals & fleet. Fort believes this will strengthen both parts of its business.
Tymchyna has been with Fort Modular for 5 years, with 15 years experience in rental and fleet management prior.
Welch has over 30 years of experience in modular construction with a versatile background in education, commercial, industrial, housing and hospitality markets. Bryan and Mark said he is one of the most knowledgeable people in the entire country when it comes to modular structures and will bring a wealth of knowledge to Fort’s operations.
They added that during Tymchyna’s years at Fort, he has embraced the company’s culture, making him an excellent person to lead part of the business.
“While we’re experiencing all this growth and pushing the boundaries, we are still holding true to our core values and beliefs, which has been the best thing about Fort Modular,” said Tymchyna. “And it’s just so much fun. The owners are our friends. We are a family. We are living and working a dream job.”
The DePedrinas believe these leadership changes will help set them up for future success as the growth continues.
“The idea behind some of these hires is to alleviate some of the day-to-day operational work so we can do higher-level decision making and take us to the next level,” said Bryan.
Attracting talent
Arguably one of the nation’s foremost experts in the field of modular construction, Welch felt Fort was the best place for him to be.
“Fort Modular is the fastest growing modular company in B.C. and is a good personal fit for me. The company is privately owned by like-minded brothers, Bryan, and Mark DePedrina,” he said. “Both are long-time modular industry professionals with a proven track record for integrity, humility, partnerships, and customer accountability. Fort Modular’s reputation for their positive work culture also makes it easy to attract and empower employees.”
“The modular industry needs to recognize what it does well: deliver the modular buildings. Unfortunately, some have tried to become a developer or a large general contractor,” said Welch. “So you start competing against stick-build general contractors as opposed to partnering with them.”
If you are looking for a modular specialist to help you rent or build, contact Fort’s team of specialists here. And those who are looking to join Fort’s unique company culture, information about careers can be found here.
With the end of 2023 in sight, it’s time to start planning your schedule for 2024. Here are some fast approaching events you want to keep on your radar for the new year.
CCA Annual Conference
The 2024 CCA Annual Conference is taking place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at the Paradisus Palma Real Golf and Resort on March 12-15, 2024. The event will bring together leaders from across the country for incredible content, networking and to celebrate Canadian Construction Association (CCA) member accomplishments through the group’s National Awards program (you can nominate a deserving candidate for one of nine categories here).
Wood Solutions Conference – Ottawa / Calgary
The Canadian Wood Council will host a Wood Solutions conference in Ottawa. It will take place Feb. 1, 2024, at the Shaw Centre. Attendees can learn about the latest in wood innovations from presenters and make industry connections. There will also be a wood design conference and trade show for Alberta which will take place in Calgary and is being hosted by WoodWorks Alberta on January 16, 2024. The specialized design and construction conference is dedicated to showcasing innovative advancements and applications for wood products and building systems in design and construction. It will feature leading-edge experts. The venue is Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre.
Navigating Risk in Construction Contracts & Projects
This conference features two days of workshops, case studies and lectures on managing risk in construction. It will feature talks on negotiation skills, supply chains, liens, payment rights, competitive bidding and more. The event takes place Feb 22-23 at the Sandman Signature Toronto Airport Hotel in Toronto. For those who aren’t out east, there is also a Western Canada version in Edmonton Jan. 24-25.
The Construction Expo
The Construction Expo connects buyers and suppliers; planners and contractors; companies and designers – all in the construction industry. The event will focus on innovation, trends, quality materials, contemporary architecture, green technologies and solutions. In addition to exhibitors, the event will features construction seminars. The event takes place in Surrey, B.C. at the Cloverdale Agriplex Building April 6-7.
BUILDEX Vancouver
This is not one to miss for Western Canada. The event features expert-led programming, continuing education credits, exhibits from leading suppliers and industry networking. But if you can’t attend in person, BUILDEX On Demand allows professionals to watch educational sessions and production demonstrations on demand after the show. The event takes place Feb. 14-15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The Canadian Concrete Expo
This national trade show is jam-packed with all the industry essentials. It will feature more than 350 exhibitors, draws a crowd of more than 8,000 and has 300,000 square feet of show floor. It includes conference sessions, live demos and stage presentations. Organizers say they are expanding for 2024 and are bringing back the large equipment demonstrations. The expo takes place Feb. 14-15 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.
CEGQ Convention
Hosted by the Corporation des Entrepreneurs Généraux du Québec, the conference programming combines both a training component, with conferences and expert panels, and a more interactive component, with discussion sessions following each presentation. Throughout the conference, more than 30 expert speakers will address various issues in the construction industry, both at the technical and legal levels and in project management. The event takes place Feb. 14-16 at the Trois-Rivières Delta in Trois-Rivières, Que.
OCA Construction Symposium & Trade Show
The Ottawa Construction Association, along with its eight supporting associations, is hosting its fourth-annual Construction Symposium and Trade Show event at Ottawa’s E.Y. Centre, April, 27. It features a full-day of topical presentations combined with a trade-show floor of 160 exhibitors. Session topics include construction law, cybersecurity, AI, decarbonization and more.
Regional Oil Sands Operating Alliance (ROA) has announced the launch of its industry focused business portal, ROA Supplier Gateway, that will help connect industry suppliers with leading producers in the Alberta Oil Sands Region.
ROA Supplier Gateway will allow businesses from across Canada to register and gain access to opportunities with its participating partners: Suncor Energy, Cenovus Energy, ConocoPhillips Canada, and Imperial Oil. The ROA Supplier Gateway aims to play a pivotal role in fostering opportunity, valuable collaborations, innovation, and supplier inclusion.
“We are proud to offer a new innovative portal for the business community as a way to connect suppliers to our participating producers and reduce barriers of entry including access to relevant industry information, a list of available opportunities, and direct support through our help centre,” said Mark Morrison, chair Regional Oil Sands Operating Alliance. “ROA Supplier Gateway will focus on collaboration, building capability, and increasing exposure for small and medium businesses.”
ROA Supplier Gateway features include a personalized dashboard for all registered businesses, a resource library, an event listing, a business spotlight section and more. All businesses operating within Canada that are interested in gaining access to new opportunities within the Alberta Oil Sands Region with participating partners are invited to register.
“ROA Supplier Gateway is a key resource that’ll increase the ability of businesses within the Oil Sands industry, like Suncor, to connect with a more diverse set of suppliers,” said Steve Hogan, senior vice president, supply chain & field logistics, Suncor Energy. “I believe the efficiency and transparency inherent to the portal will drive innovation and expansion among our supplier base and will ultimately create a more competitive landscape throughout the Oil Sands.”
SiteNews is proud to announce Construction’s Most Influential People, a new awards program that will honour outstanding individuals who are impacting the construction sector.
The annual program will shine a spotlight on Canadians having a massive positive impact on the built environment and the construction process. They are thought leaders, innovators, wizened veterans, young disruptors, politicians, legal masters, inventors, trades advocates and more.
Why it matters
The SiteNews team noted that they want to cast a wide net to capture exceptional individuals that might be getting missed by other awards.
“Most Influential will be open to all ages, all disciplines and all regions of the country,” said Russell Hixson, SiteNews editor. “We want to leave no stone unturned when it comes to celebrating the men and women who are pushing construction forward.”
The SiteNews team explained that there are so many different roles and responsibilities that go into getting a project built, that there should be a holistic program to recognizing excellence. These roles include tradespeople, supervisors, educators, lawyers, engineers, financial experts, investors, technologists, developers, architects, researchers, politicians and more.
How will winners be chosen
The criteria and process are simple. Winners will be those in any industry, position or discipline whose efforts are generating a positive impact on the construction sector. SiteNews will be soliciting nominations from the industry and winners will be chosen by a panel of SiteNews staff.
This includes SiteNews co-founders Andrew Hansen and Brett Rutledge, and Hixson, who have spent their careers saturated in the construction sector in a wide range of roles. The team noted that they plan to build on the success of SiteNews’ 25 Innovators in Construction awards program, which recognized companies, by zooming in on individuals.
Coming together
Encouraged by their 25 Innovators in Construction awards event that maxed out capacity in Vancouver earlier this year, the SiteNews team is planning to take its in-person events one step further by hosting a celebration for Most Influential winners. More details will be released on this in the coming months.
To nominate someone you think is deserving, fill out this form. Winners will be announced early next year.
Ghella
Ghella crews lift part of a tunnel boring machine at the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension project.
Shindico
Asphalt placement has officially begun at 990 Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg, marking a significant milestone in the construction of Shindico‘s flex building at Grant Park Pavilions.
AECOM
AECOM celebrated the start of passenger service on the $1.8 billion Valley Line Southeast Light Rail Transit line. AECOM served as lead of the owner’s engineer team.
JEN COL
The JEN COL crew is hard at work on the initial phases of the new Fort McMurray 468 First Nation’s Nikinan Community Building, making the most of the sunny weather on the site shores of Greoire Lake in Fort McMurray, Alta.
Axiom Builders
Crews celebrate the structural completion of Building 1B at RC at CF Richmond Centre. So far, the Axiom team has excavated a total of 300,000m3 of dirt and installed 16,500 metric tonnes of rebar.
Drew Monnier / Graham
Crews work on the Portage la Prairie Bypass project. Traffic driving is now driving in all directions after 18 months of work. Graham said it worked closely with Meseyton Construction Ltd., many other key trade partners, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) and Dillon Consulting Limited.
Teleo
Eddie Duff, a veteran operator with John Aarts Group in Ontario, loads a concrete plant with Teleo‘s remotely-operated heavy machine technology, a first for the concrete industry.
Emil Anderson Construction
Emil Anderson Construction crews are getting treated to fall colours at the Jaffray Overhead project. The team the midst of installing two new bridges just outside of Jaffray, B.C.
Chandos
Chandos crews have unearthed hundreds of fossils during excavation work for cables and piping in Edmonton, Alta. They include evidence of dinosaurs, prehistoric plants, extinct horses, bison, and elk. Chandos worked with their archaeology partners, Aeon Paleo, to safely remove the remains so its team could continue work.
Apprentice electrician Dee Durant enjoys a sunset from her jobsite in Oakville, Ont.
Jacob Bros
A Jacob Bros worker lifts a piece of pipe for the Gilbert Trunk Sewer – Phase 2 South Project in Richmond B.C.
DSM Excavation and Contracting
Bright lights, big trucks and falling rain make a great combo. DSM Excavation and Contracting announced plans to to expand its trucking division with some epic evening vehicle shots.
The shot of the month goes to…
BC Hydro
Crews use a 550-tonne crane to install three transmission towers on the intakes at the Site C Dam in B.C. Eleven towers and three new transmission lines will send electricity generated inside the powerhouse to the nearby substation. The three-layered background of white sky, grey water and brown earth is beautiful. The orange-clad workers in the foreground pop against it, suspended in the sky. Truly an epic shot!
Key Takeaways:
SiteNews’ newsletter is expanding with another weekly email, Talent Thursdays.
It will feature popular topics around the ‘people’ part of construction, including professional updates, job postings, in-person events, labour data and more.
The SiteNews team believes Talent Thursdays will streamline its existing newsletter and provide valuable insight for subscribers.
The Whole Story:
One year after launch, SiteNews is expanding to better fulfill its mission to equip, educate and elevate the Canadian construction sector.
To serve its thousands of newsletter subscribers and respond to industry trends, the digital publication’s team is launching a second newsletter blast, Talent Thursdays. The weekly email will spotlight everything to do with labour and professional development in construction.
It will feature weekly People Moves, which gives updates on hiring, promotions, retirements and awards. Subscribers will get data, studies and updates on the efforts to recruit, train and retain workers. It will also include Hot Jobs, a regular round-up of high-level construction job postings.
SiteNews stated that their own analytics show there is high demand for stories and content centered around people and their work. This includes job postings, personal achievements, in-person events and information on how to address the industry’s workforce challenges.
With so much news and information coming out about Canadian construction, the team also wanted to make sure content is streamlined, focused and useful for subscribers.
“We’re really inspired by the sense of community we’ve encountered over the last year. The industry genuinely loves celebrating the people who bring these projects to life,” said Brett Rutledge, SiteNews co-founder. “Construction isn’t just about buildings; it’s about the individuals and the relationships they form. This newsletter is a tribute to that human element.”
According to BuildForce Canada, overall hiring requirements in the industry are expected to exceed 299,000 by 2032 due to the retirement of approximately 245,000 workers (20% of the 2022 labour force) and growth in worker demand of more than 54,000. They are predicting a possible retirement-recruitment gap of more than 61,000 workers.
SiteNews editor Russell Hixson explained that getting enough skilled workers to meet construction demand has easily emerged as one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
“It’s a complete misconception that anybody can walk onto a jobsite and do construction work. The complexity, size and performance requirements for the built environment are skyrocketing,” he said. “This requires sophisticated, skilled workers. These people take years and years to create and many workers with these skills are reaching retirement age.”
Hixson noted that as technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, prefabrication and more become adopted, jobsites will require workers with even broader technical skills.
To subscribe to Talent Thursdays and SiteNews’ weekly flagship newsletter for free, visit here.
Mary Van Buren is leaving her role as president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) after six years in the position. Van Buren made history as the group’s first female president. She will be leaving the association in the spring. A search process is underway with a goal of a smooth transition and continuing the positive momentum gained under Van Buren’s leadership.
The construction industry is essential to Canada’s economic success and quality of life, yet it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. I am so proud to have brought more attention to an industry that has such a profound impact on our country and affects positive change in our communities every day.
Mary Van Buren, CCA president
Mary Van Buren
Al Norgaard, president and general manager of Norgaard Ready-Mix, announced he will be closing his the family business after after 60 years. The sand, gravel, specialty aggregates, precast product and ready-mix concrete provider was part of major B.C. projects, including the Railyard Mall, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, the original Coquihalla Highway and the recent Coquihalla Highway rebuild.
the trucks at Norgaard Ready-Mix will pour their last loads of concrete on December 22, 2023 and the business will close on January 12, 2024. – Norgaard Ready-Mix
It is definitely with mixed emotions that we close the business, but it feels like the right time to move onto the next chapter and spend more time with my partner, kids and grandkids. It’s a hard choice for me to close the business, but we’re wrapping up work on the Coquihalla rebuild and it feels like the right time.
Al Norgaard, president and general manager, Norgaard Ready-Mix
David Howard been promoted to senior project superintendent after more than eight years at Bird Construction. The Metro Vancouver resident has more than 18 years of experience in site supervision.
Rick Welch has joined the Fort Modular team and Greg Tymchyna has been promoted. Welch has been hired as vice president of the permanent modular division. Tymchyna has been promoted to vice president of the rentals and fleets division.
Fort Modular has spent November raising funds for men’s health with its special Movember units. – Fort Modular
Nick Marini is stepping into a new consultative role as director of property management at Macdonald Property Management Group and Zora Chen is taking on overall management responsibilities at the company’s signature property management group. In his 23 years with the organization, Marini has worked to build a comprehensive third party property management and strata services business representing clients both locally and globally from around the world. Chen has been with Macdonald for nearly a decade and has become an accomplished property and strata management professional.
Sean’s leadership style — characterized by respect, constructiveness, and enthusiasm, and guided by our corporate objectives — is instrumental in nurturing and building valuable relationships with the Nation and our external partners.
Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation
Cheryl Schindler is MBC Group‘s new director of business development of engineering in B.C. Schindler brings with her 27 years of experience. Her past projects include work in institutional, commercial, residential, transportation, water/wastewater treatment, and industrial industries and she has been involved in major projects with budgets exceeding $5 billion in Canada and internationally.
I’m beyond grateful to the team at VRCA for welcoming me as their new Marketing and Events Specialist. Can’t wait to discover all the opportunities ahead of me in this next phase of my career
Maddy Jamieson, VRCA marketing and events specialist
Whether forging connections between FNMPC members and the private sector, championing Indigenous economic inclusion in the Canadian economy, or instrumentalizing the 5% procurement precedent with the federal government, JP’s tireless efforts have indelibly shaped and uplifted Indigenous nations, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates throughout Canadian society.
First Nations Major Projects Coalition
Darcy Waters has begun a new position as marketing coordinator for Anthem Properties. Waters previously worked as a digital marketing coordinator for Alberta homebuilder Mattamy Homes.
On behalf of the OSSGA Board, we are pleased to have Michael as our new ED at this pivotal moment in our sector’s history. Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association finds itself at a crucial moment in time as all three levels of government are committed to the largest infrastructure investment and spend that our Province has ever seen.
OSSGA Board of Directors Chair Rob Pierce
Scott Henson and Chris Davis have joined CarbonCure Technologies as chief operating officer and vice president of carbon products and public policy, respectively. The company says the pair bring big tech expertise to scaling CarbonCure’s climate tech. Both new additions offer a wealth of experience, including tenures with tech giants Amazon and Microsoft.
Their impressive backgrounds demonstrate their ability to drive innovation, execute strategy and deliver results with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Together with our talented team, they will play a pivotal role in our work to transform concrete into a climate solution.
CarbonCure Technologies
CarbonCure recently signed an agreement Heirloom to permanently store atmospheric CO2. – CarbonCure
Alexander Annikov will take over as Dream Industrial‘s new president and CEO in the new year. Sannikov has been with Dream for 15 years, since joining in 2008. He joined the Dream Industrial management team in 2019 and is currently serving as the president and chief operating officer.
Xavier Lissoir has joined Stack Modular as its new pre-construction manager and Santiago Lazala-Silvahas joined as its new marketing specialist. Lissoir is a certified project management professional with a Masters in Civil Engineering and 14 years of experience overseeing building, marine, and civil works. Lazala-Silva is a communications professional with more than five years of experience specializing in graphic design, web design, marketing and corporate identity development.
Joël León Danis has been appointed executive director of the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA). The group stated that Danis has served the TAS as programming director for the last three years, and as a volunteer since 2016.
Joël’s advancement to Executive Director recognizes his extraordinary efforts in supporting the TSA’s mission including ongoing membership and audience growth, the continued variety, excellence and relevance of the organization’s programming offerings, and the positive impact of its educational and advocacy efforts on discourse on the built environment within our City and region.
Toronto Society of Architects
Joël León Danis
Elise Mailloux has been named Craftsperson of the Year by the General Presidents’ Maintenance Committee for Canada and the National Maintenance Council for Canada. The announcement was made at the annual Canadian Safety Achievement Awards. The award goes to a Canada Building Trades Union member who shows outstanding craftsmanship, professionalism and safety leadership through their performance or contribution on a maintenance job. Mailloux made history in 1998 when she became the first fully certified female ironworker in the nation.
Gordon Stifanyk has joined Burns & McDonnell as the leader for the firm’s transmission & distribution group in Canada. During his 20-year career, Stifanyk has supported clients and gained experience in high voltage interconnection, with utilities and renewables clients across North America and Australia.
Gord brings a unique blend of experiences that will be extremely valuable as he steps into his role as a leader within Burns & McDonnell,” says Darcy Wagner, managing director for the firm’s offices in Canada. “Gord has worked with Burns & McDonnell in various facets throughout his career — he knows how we operate. I’m confident that his experience and leadership will be a catalyst for our continued growth and success.
Darcy Wagner, managing director of Burns & McDonnell offices in Canada
Paul Crane, founder of Crane Steel Structures, is celebrating 50 years as a Certified Engineering Technologist. Before founding his Brandon-based company in 1981, Paul worked with a consulting engineering firm for ten years.
Charlie Webb, president and CEO of Anderson Webb Limited, has been elected president and chair of the MCAC Board of Directors for 2023-2024. He is preceded by Derek Ermen of Moncton, N.B.
I am very excited to be stepping into the role of MCAC President during this busy and transformative time for the mechanical contracting sector in Canada. Across the country our industry is dealing with unique challenges alongside exciting opportunities. Our sector has an essential part to play for a healthy Canadian economy, and our association is well-positioned to maximize that role on behalf of our members.
Charlie Webb, president and CEO, Anderson Webb Limited
I truly never expected to be in this position and it’s an absolute honour to be recognized, as this award validates all that I have done and all that I have achieved,” explains Laronde. “I love what I do, and I love the construction industry, but I cannot deny my belief that as a whole it needs to do more to promote women in leadership roles.
Lisa Laronde, RSG International president
Chris Gower has been promoted to deputy chief executive officer at PCL after 28 years with the company. Gower previously led the organization’s buildings division in Canada, the U.S. and Australia. He is a CCA Gold Seal certified estimator and project manager and was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 leaders.
Todd Craigen has been appointed COO and president, corporate services at PCL. Craigen has been with PCL for 27 years and most recently served as president for Eastern Canada. In this new role, Craigen will continue to oversee the Toronto and Solar districts and take on responsibility for corporate services departments including business technology, human resources, professional development, integrated construction services, and marketing and communications.
*Editor’s Note: Contact us at hello@readsitenews.com with your fundraising details so we can add you or your company to the list.
Men’s health issues are construction issues.
More than 86% of the construction workforce is male, making the industry acutely impacted. For many, November is a month to highlight the many struggles men face and raise money to combat them. Many of these efforts are organized by Movember, a leading charity for men’s health. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world.
Here’s what men are up against:
1 in 9 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young Canadian men
In 2019, over 3,050 men died by suicide, nearly 59 men per week
In Canada, 3 out of 4 deaths by suicide are men
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian males aged 15–44 years
Canadian builders aren’t sitting idly by. Check out some of the companies and individuals doing their part to raise funds for Movember:
The Canadian Construction Challenge
Before we dive into a few of the companies that are raising funds, it should be noted that dozens and dozens of construction teams are fundraising together in friendly competition, the Canadian Construction Challenge. The challenge consolidates the industry’s fundraising efforts in one place. As of Nov. 7, Canadian construction companies listed had raised a combined $71,317.
Gillam Group
Progressive construction management company Gillam Group has emerged as an early juggernaut for this year’s Movember fundraising efforts. These efforts have been led by Craig Lesurf, Gillam Group president and cancer survivor, who personally has raised more than $11,000.
In most cases, the outcome for men with testicular cancer is positive, but 1 in 20 won’t make it. I’m one of the 19 lucky ones & now 10 + years cancer free. Know the facts and take action early.
Craig Lesurf, Gillam Group President
Ledcor Group of Companies
Ledcor stated that its safety slogan “Think Safety, Work Safely” describes not only what they do, but its values and culture. Their Movember team explained that the company’s most important asset is its people, so they strive to ensure that each and every worker makes it home safely. This includes addressing men’s health issues. This year, Ledcor will match all employee donations up to $50,000.
Ritchie, was a Husband, Father, Brother and Friend. He taught us what it was to be a family and a friend. He was proud to have joined our family, instilling qualities in all of us that we will all cherish. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as opening presents, puzzles, and yard projects. Island Boy at heart, and craftsman, Ritchie struggled internally with an illness that none of us could see, and we lost him Feb 2017. This charity will be ongoing until there is a cure.
Bryce Borgel, Project Coordinator, Ledcor
Team Cinnamon & Oak
Taylor Smith, pre-con & estimating manager at Tahltan Nation Development Corporation, is continuing his long tradition of organizing friends for Movember fundraising with Team Cinnamon & Oak. Many members have been directly impacted my suicide, cancer and other men’s health issues during the 15 years they have been fundraising.
Each year, Movember becomes more and more personal, and the mission to stop men dying too young gains additional meaning. Just over 2 years ago, my dad was diagnosed and passed away from cancer in a less than 4 month span. I have an uncle who is living with cancer. I have friends, family, and coworkers who have been impacted by prostate and testicular cancer. I’ve worked with and been friends with people who have lost their lives to suicide. Too many lives lost far too soon.
Taylor Smith, Pre-Con & Estimating Manager, Tahltan Nation Development Corporation
Hall Constructors
Hall Constructors, part of the Hall Group of Companies, has come out the gate swinging. Their team has already raised more than $5,000 for men’s health issues. Hall is also helping build the Cowichan Hospital in Duncan, B.C. which is another win for men’s health.
My motivation for raising funds for Prostate Cancer is my Father. He lost his battle with prostate cancer in 2019 when the cancer spread from his prostate to the rest of his body. He was pivotal in my life, and I miss him every day. Globally, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Movember is working to reduce the number of deaths from prostate cancer, and I want to help them get there. Help me stop men dying too young.
Ford Chamberlain, Project Manager, Axiom Builders
Graham Construction
Graham’s bearded employees in Winnipeg gathered in the cold earlier this month to reset their beards for Movember. They plan to grow fresh facial hair for the cause and move 60 km for the 60 men who are lost to suicide each year globally. The various Graham teams will be documenting their weekly beard moustache progress to see who can grow theirs the quickest. Which office will take the win?
Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical
The Pitt Meadows team is in its fourth year raising money for Movember. The company is challenging all its employees team to raise funds during the month of November that will be donated to a charity focused on men’s health. The company noted that men’s health issues are particularly important as approximately 85% of its workforce is male. All donations up to $10,000 will be matched by the company. From 2020 to 2022, the team was able to raise over $72,000.
My Motivation this Movember is my Nephews Kayden and Kohyn. I want them to grow up in a world where men don’t feel uncomfortable talking about their feelings or their health. Where it’s braver to be honest about how you are doing as opposed to hiding it to seem stronger. I love these boys so much and want them to always have the resources for help readily available.
Things are getting fuzzy for Multiplex’s Canadian operations. Terry Olynyk, president and managing director of Canada for the company, announced that the group’s Movember campaign is in full swing. Established in Australia in 1962, Multiplex has delivered more than 1,100 projects with a combined value in excess of US$100 billion.
Fort Modular
Fort Modular is continuing its support of Movember with its own unique fundraiser. In addition to traditional fundraising, the portable building manufacturer has special Movember branded units for rent that support the cause.
JEN-COL Construction
JEN-COL is holding it down in Alberta for Movember. The commercial construction company specializes in building schools and critical public facilities. Support their team here.
To me Movember is a time to remember the men we’ve lost along the way. The men that have struggled with cancer and the terrible affect it has on us physically and mentally. We sometimes forget that it’s ‘OK not to be OK’.
George Legault, IT Manager, JEN-COL Construction
PCL
It’s no surprise that PCL, one of the country’s largest general contractors, is getting in on Movember fundraising efforts. The company, with teams across the nation, has already raised nearly $10,000 but they are looking to raise $50,000 by the end of the month.
My father beat prostate cancer last year. Luckily, we caught it early enough to take action. Unfortunately, in generations before our family wasn’t so lucky. Prostate cancer runs in our family, and I feel the need to encourage my fellow brothers out there to get checked early. We need to break the stigma behind Men’s Health and take action.
Steven Webber, HSE Coordinator at PCL Industrial Management
Vanessa Werden is a partner at construction law firm Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP. Named one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction in 2020, she is licensed to practice in B.C., Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Ontario. Earlier this year she was ranked by Lexpert as one of two “Leadings Lawyers to Watch” in Construction Law in BC, and one of five “Lawyers to Watch” in Infrastructure Law in Canada.
Whether a small residential development or a complex infrastructure upgrade, many factors contribute to the overall success of a construction project: relationships, weather, site conditions, labour productivity, availability of materials, and cost escalation – to name a few. One of the most challenging phases of embarking on a new project is negotiating risk allocation in the contract. Consider the following strategies to put your project team in a better position to anticipate and manage risk allocation at the outset and throughout project delivery.
Proactively negotiate the contract
Disputes arise, and are often protracted, as a result of inconsistencies and gaps between the intentions of one or more project participants. While it may be tempting to accept a contract as presented, there is often an opportunity to negotiate and make changes. A project team can be well positioned for the successful management and execution of a project when the contract documents have been carefully reviewed and negotiated prior to entering into the contract. A large part of dispute prevention is setting expectations at the outset of the relationship.
Review each contract and its supplementary conditions with a view to your risk tolerance. Consider the willingness of the other party to consider amendments and approach contract negotiations with a list of priorities, much like you would a Christmas wish-list. Even if only a few of the most burdensome provisions are struck or modified, you will be in a better position to protect your bottom line.
Drafting and re-use of old forms of supplementary conditions are often problematic. Terms that modify standard form contracts are often rife with inconsistent language, provisions that conflict with the delivery model set up by the standard form, and wholesale reallocations of risk. Review proposed supplementary conditions with an eye for provisions that:
Limit or preemptively waive claims, and in particular claims for delays, changes, site conditions, and toxic or hazardous substances;
Unreasonably shorten notice periods;
Impose obligations that are inconsistent with standard form contract terms; or
Reallocate risk for design errors to a party that had no role in the preparation of the design.
Training and legal education
Many industry associations offer courses, and conferences often have a legal education component. Take advantage of these continuing education opportunities. Having an understanding of fundamentals such as key terms, how to read supplementary conditions, the importance of contractual notice requirements, change order processes, and dispute resolution procedures can make your team more confident, prepared, and effective when issues inevitably arise under the pressures of schedule and budget constraints.
Read the contract – and keep it handy
Do not let the contract collect dust. On projects of lengthy duration, the project management team should review the contract at regular intervals. The contract should serve as the primary resource to determine rights, obligations, and process concerning payment, changes, extras, schedule, and claims.
While the contract often holds the answers in terms of legal liability and primary obligations, consider creating internal policies or protocols for specific situations so that the project team understands the precise steps to follow to preserve contractual entitlements and comply with obligations. These may include:
Creation of notice letter templates;
Assigning responsibilities to specific team members for considering potential claims;
Diarizing time limits and notice periods that reflect the contract terms;
Creating and updating your project accounting system to include event or condition-related cost codes; and
Keeping a real-time journal of events.
Implement document management policies – and follow them
Construction disputes are inherently document-intensive. The rights and interests protected by the contract terms are often only as effective as the contemporaneous documents available to support them. Project records are necessary to establish time and cost-related claims. Baseline and updated schedules, weekly look-ahead and other planning documents are critical to delay claims. Timesheets, labour and equipment invoices, and other cost records are critical to cost overruns, extras and change order disputes. At the outset of each project – and as the project evolves – ask the following questions:
What documents do we need to generate on this project?
Who is responsible for generating, tracking, organizing, and preserving the documents?
What systems or software will the responsible personnel use for document management?
Comprehensive and consistent document management practices can sometimes expedite dispute resolution processes, and most importantly, place a party in the best positon possible to advance or defend a claim. If it becomes necessary to engage a lawyer, these practices will also help limit legal fees to locate and reorganize tens of thousands to millions of project records. It is far more cost effective to create and maintain a system to organize contemporaneous documentation.
Be ready to adapt as the project and potential claims evolve. Do you need to establish a different coding system to track an ongoing impact? Do you need daily photographs to document the discovery of a geotechnical site condition? Do the superintendents need to create a separate daily report specific to a disputed change? Should you update a particular item at weekly site meetings?
Be mindful of the notice and dispute resolution provisions in the contract
Construction contracts often require strict compliance with dispute resolution steps on short timelines, including notice in writing within a fixed period of time, in a specific form, delivered to a specific person or place. Construction contracts often contain strict mandatory steps – in other words, non-compliance may be a bar to recovery. While you may be able to put together an argument that the other party had substantive notice, the best approach is strict adherence to contractual notice provisions so that you can avoid adding the unnecessary layer of non-compliance to a dispute. Consider diarizing deadlines and creating checklists to make the procedures more intuitive for the project team.
When in doubt, send a letter
A well-drafted and thoughtfully considered contract can go a long way to early resolution of disputes, or prevent disputes altogether. Regardless of the project records generated and the relationship between the parties, never assume that the parties have agreed to waive a contractual requirement for formal notice. Protect your interests and preserve claims by committing the details to contemporaneous correspondence that complies with the contractual requirements.
Quebec plans to pay students training in critical trades $750 per week to get a professional studies certificate.
Officials noted that province is short about 6,500 construction workers.
The province hopes the funds will help training 4,000 to 5,000 new tradespeople.
The Whole Story:
Quebec wants to fast-track construction careers by paying aspiring tradespeople to get training.
Premier François Legault announced the province’s new plan to train 4,000 to 5,000 new carpenters, excavator operators, heavy machinery operators, refrigeration technicians and tinsmiths.
Legault told reporters that this will be supported by accelerated training programs where students in those trades will receive $750 per week to obtain a professional studies certificate.
Those who enrol could be eligible for scholarships of between $9,000 to $15,000 upon graduation.
Legault said the program is important as the province is short about 6,500 construction workers.
The announcement was celebrated by the Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ)
“For the ACQ, being able to count on a well-trained workforce in the construction sector is fundamental to building the Quebec of tomorrow,” said the group. “In this sense, the training announced will allow, among other things, those wishing to redirect their career towards the construction sector to realize this dream while being paid. This initiative highlights the Quebec government’s commitment to promoting the growth of the construction industry while offering new professional opportunities to workers.”
The program is expected to cost roughly $300 million.
Key Takeaways:
The report asks city officials to increase the total housing target to 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030.
The city predicts that meeting those goals would cost between $28.6 billion and $31.5 billion across the next seven years and requires contributions from all levels of government.
The report recommends 22 actions for the city, as well as the federal and provincial governments to address the affordable housing crisis.
The plan will be put in front of the city’s Executive Committee next week (Oct. 31) in front City Council next month.
The Whole Story:
The city of Toronto has released a $30-billion plan to address the region’s affordable housing crisis.
The report responds to the City Council’s direction to develop a plan to approve 25,000 new rent-controlled homes in addition to what was already planned, thereby increasing the city’s total housing target to 65,000 new rent-controlled homes by 2030.
Of the overall 65,000 new rent-controlled homes target, funding has already been secured to deliver 4,455 homes. The estimated cost to deliver the remaining 60,545 homes is between $28.6 billion and $31.5 billion across the next seven years and requires contributions from all orders of government.
“We urgently need to build more affordable housing faster, so people in our city can find a home they can afford,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “That’s why we’re leading a generational shift in both how we deliver housing and the type of housing we’re going to build. We’re coordinating all City divisions to pull in one direction – building housing faster – and we’re setting new priorities to build rent-geared-to-income and not-for-profit housing.”
The report will be considered by the City’s Executive Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 31 and by City Council at its meeting from Wednesday, Nov. 8 to Friday, Nov. 10.
The report describes how Toronto’s housing system could be strengthened with a higher degree of coordination among city divisions, agencies and corporations, as well as other orders of government and the not-for-profit, co-op and private sectors. The report also recommends an increased role for the city in the direct delivery of housing with staff to explore a city-led development model at five “housing ready” sites.
The actions in the report are focused on increasing the supply of non-market homes (homes owned by the public, not-for-profit and co-op sectors), protecting existing rental homes and supporting renters. Key actions include:
Accelerating the development review and approval of new homes.
Working with the federal and provincial governments to increase access to funding and low-cost financing to move projects from approval into construction.
Establishing a more robust role for governments in both delivering and supporting the delivery of new homes.
Developing new and sustainable funding models.
The report recommends 22 actions for the city, as well as the federal and provincial governments, including:
Dedicating more city-owned land to create new affordable homes.
Accelerating the delivery of “housing ready” projects on City and not-for-profit owned land.
Streamlining and optimizing people, processes and technology to expedite approvals and housing delivery.
Developing new and sustainable funding models to expand the delivery of affordable and RGI homes within mixed-income and sustainable communities.
Supporting the not-for-profit and co-op housing sectors.
The report proposes increases to the city’s previous HousingTO Plan target of approving 40,000 affordable rental homes by 2030. The combined new target is now 65,000 rent-controlled homes including a minimum of 41,000 affordable rental, 6,500 RGI homes and 17,500 rent-controlled market homes.
The report also recommends that on a go-forward basis, all new affordable homes meet the city’s income-based definition of affordable housing.
To deliver all the homes, officials expect between $28.6 billion and $31.5 billion in funding must be secured in the next seven years. The city expects this will require contributions from all levels of government. The report includes estimates that each government stakeholder will need to deliver between $500 million and $800 million in funding per year, in addition to repayable financing.
