2BY4GTA Newspaper Issue 2

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Volume 2/ Issue 2/ November 20, 2017 / GREATER TORONTO AREA

Adapting to Change: a Construction

Marijuana

By Jag Michaels As we inch closer to the legalization of marijuana across Canada, Ontario’s construction industry is being challenged on questions related to health, safety, and security.

That said, the provincial government has not yet outlined specific regulations or instruction regarding marijuana consumption on job sites where safety risks are high.

There are existing laws governing Ontario construction sites that would apply to marijuana consumption. For example, no person is permitted onsite with impaired faculties.

Marijuana has the potential to impact cognitive abilities, focus, memory, and reaction time. If marijuana is to be legally considered in the same category as alcohol in terms of impairment, that would be a good indicator that there would be zero tolerance on the job site.

Industry in the Face of

Legalization At the recent Cannabis in Construction Symposium hosted by the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) and the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), vice-president of RESCON, Andrew Pariser, echoed these sentiments: “We don’t really have any of the regulations that we need right now to ensure health and safety, to outline clear rights and responsibilities of employers and workers, other than we know you can’t be impaired on a job site.”

How legalization of marijuana in Colorado has affected construction The state of Colorado has experienced a surge in workplace drug and alcohol testing, something that Ontario construction companies may have to take on as well.

Continued on page 3

The State Seeing the Truth behind Immigrants of Trade working in the Unions in

Canadian

Canada Trades

Fort McMurray Wildfire 1194, Premier of Alberta, CC

In the Aftermath of

Fire

the Fort McMurray Oil sands Trade Workers

By Jag Michaels The 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, has left the region permanently changed. Thousands of acres were burned to the ground and significant damage was left in the fire’s wake.

Continued on page 5

By Jag Michaels Trade unions continue to dwindle in numbers across Canada. Though there are some four million Canadians currently members of unions, trade unions face challenges spurred by employers and governments to reduce power.

Continued on page 7

When examining how the country’s economy functions, it becomes clear how much Canada’s economy is built off skilled trades. Despite the assumption that immigrants continue to take jobs away from skilled Canadians, and that Canadian trades are being dominated by foreign influence, the truth is actually very different.

Continued on page 9

To License or Not to License?

The Dilemma of

Licensing

Trade Workers

in Ontario

By Carina Simniceanu To license or not to license? That is the question. The issue of whether government bodies should have the ability to regulate and license trades workers remains a debated subject within the trades community.

Despite the evidence supporting the merits of licensing trade workers, there are several drawbacks to it as well.

Continued on page 2

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City news

York University Expands its Mark

By Bahar Faisi York University, the nation’s third-largest university, is further expanding. It’s currently developing a third campus located just north of the city and set to open by 2022. The Markham Centre will initially have a student body of 4,400 students increasing to 20,000 over 20 years. The development of the new campus is a joint venture among the province, the City of Markham, York University, and York Region, as well as Seneca College.

The Government of Ontario provided $127 million to fund the project, while the 5.5 acres of land needed for the facility was provided by Markham. Another $25 million was provided by the Municipality of York, as the costly project is expected to benefit the region in the long run.

The campus will consist of three buildings at Enterprise Blvd near the Pan AM Centre.

To establish connections and a role in Markham’s community, York opened

Y-Space on Nov. 6, “a state-of-theart community engagement centre” for entrepreneurs, students, start-ups, and non-profits. It provides working spaces, training facilities, and resources.

Along with numerous construction jobs that will be created developing the Markham Centre, 400 on-campus positions will be created after it’s built.

Courses will be provided jointly by York-U and Seneca with over 20 programs available. With a focus on technology and sciences, the campus will offer highdemand programs that are applicable to the current job market.

The Markham Centre aims to, “...partner with local businesses and industry to provide unique experiential learning opportunities for our students,” explained York’s president, Mamdouh Shoukri. The programs match growing employment sectors in the region.

The campus will be accessible by public transit, but will not connect to the recently developed York-Bloor subway extension that connects to the Keele location.

The two current York University campuses are not a part of York Region despite sharing a name. York Region is the largest North American municipality without a local university. York-U is commonly known as a commuter school as many of its students live in the GTA. According to the York University New Campus Support Memorandum of Understanding “Eleven per cent of all York Region university students between the ages of 18 and 24” are current students of York-U. That’s not to mention the more than 1,800 staff members that call York Region home. The Markham campus will increase accessibility to the facilities.

Editor-In-Chief Joey Clavette Editor@2by4gta.ca | (613) 668-5527 Pre-Press Editor Jacquie De Almeida Contributing Editor Rowan Walters Contributors Bahar Faizi Carina Simniceanu David Goldberg Denis Langlois Jag Michaels Sarah McGoldrick Cartoonist Adrian Bienias Photographers Petronella Duda Matthew Dabrowski President, Director of Business Development Sławomir Haluszka Slavo@2by4gta.ca | (647) 297-0847 CEO, Production Manager, Multi-Media Sales Matthew Dabrowski Matt@2by4gta.ca | (647) 771-1691 Marketing and Social Media Manager Christine Szapiel Cs.szapiel@gmail.com | (416) 206-2334 Operations Manager Anastasia Nabokova operations@2by4gta.ca | (416) 628-6254 Sales Representatives Glen Noronha glen@2by4gta.ca | (647) 986-7825 Graphic and Newspaper Designer Advertising Coordinator Olha Tkachenko design@2by4gta.ca Web Designer and Developer Gurpartap Singh

To License or Not to License?

The Dilemma of Licensing Trade Workers in Ontario

Started on page 1

By Carina Simniceanu The most common reason in favour of fewer restrictions for provincial trades workers is that they should be able to maintain their freedom to take on a plurality of jobs without any restrictions.

As per its website, the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) notes its aim is to ensure that “practices are transparent, objective, impartial, and fair.” The organization is currently enforcing this aim by investigating complaints that have been submitted to the college.

The documentation and investigation of complaints, even unfounded ones, can

potentially restrict a trade worker’s ability to seek additional or alternate employment.

Furthermore, the college also places certain restrictions on its members, which would not be required otherwise.

These restrictions can potentially increase the obstacles in place for recent graduates of trade programs. Indeed, those in the anti-OCOT camp have often referred to its extensive “red tape” as cumbersome and unnecessary.

Another key drawback of licensing trade workers is that it may inadvertently limit or increase the entry of individuals into trade

professions. Indeed, OCOT has established “Journeyman to Apprentice” ratios that act as a provincial guideline around ensuring that there is an optimal number of trades workers within the industry.

Although the ratios can aide with long-term planning, they can also influence college programs to alter their student intake rates.

Thus, the ratios would then lead to a human resource cycle whereby fewer openings in apprenticeship programs would decrease trade worker numbers within the province and vice-versa.

As we have seen with other industries such as education and nursing, however, this longterm planning is often not as accurate as it was initially believed and can lead to drastic shortages or surpluses within the industry, negatively affecting everyone involved.

An additional downside to enforcing licensing is the lack of choice that will exist for both unions and trade workers alike. Indeed, OCOT is currently supported by many unions across sectors, such as construction, but not all unions are in favour. The enforcement of licensing will likely force all unions to comply with the college.

Once licensing becomes mandatory, all other support organizations that exist for trade workers will be eliminated. Indeed, compulsory licensing would likely eliminate the 44 smaller colleges that exist across Ontario. Although this will likely aide with streamlining processes and accountability, it will also greatly eliminate professionals’ options for seeking resources.

The licensing of trade workers in Ontario remains a contentious issue that will likely not be resolved anytime soon. Although both options offer distinct benefits, the lack of licensing still appears to be the logical choice. The prevention of licensing trade workers will ultimately draw new graduates into this field and it will offer up autonomy to the trades professionals currently working.

Nothing beats that kind of freedom.

Web Developer Damian Sobkowiak Legal Team Sebastian Szemplinski (905) 602-5100 Publishers Slavek Haluszka Matthew Dabrowski Published by 2BY4GTA and 2BY4 NEWSGTA, divisions of DoubleGen Corp.

2017 All Rights Reserved.2BY4GTA 1295 Eglinton Ave E, Unit 19, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 3E6 info@2by4gta.ca |(416)628-6254 www.2by4gta.ca

EVERYTHING FOR CONSTRUCTORS AND HOMEOWNERS IN

GTA

Volume 2, Issue 2, November 20, 2017 3

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discussed when it comes to how marijuana legalization will impact the Ontario construction industry.

Marijuana legalization makes construction less safe, says OGCA

Adapting to Change a Construction Industry in the Face of

Marijuana Legalization

Started on page 1

By Jag Michaels Additionally, Colorado and other states operate in legal ambiguity while marijuana remains illegal under federal law. This means that onsite use of marijuana could be considered a felony.

Though not much has changed in states like Colorado, there are ongoing court cases establishing the boundaries of a worker’s right to marijuana access and a company’s right to dismiss an employee for marijuana use.

States like Colorado do not have every aspect of marijuana legalization and its effects on construction figured out. That said, there has been no noticeable rise in construction-related work accidents, as of yet, in these states.

Challenges exist in enforcing a ‘zerotolerance’ marijuana policy There is currently no way to test for marijuana impairment. Though scientific studies have identified impairment as a consequence of marijuana consumption, impairment can vary.

This depends on the potency and quality of the plant, as well as when and how often it is used.

As a result of impairment-testing proving difficult, some organizations are opting to perform random drug tests. Rather than determining whether an employee is currently impaired by the drug, these tests would determine whether an employee has consumed marijuana within the last two to 30 days, depending on their frequency of use.

Yet, organizations such as Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are facing legal difficulties enforcing this practice. The Amalgamated Transit Workers Union, Local 113 has claimed that random testing is a violation of human rights. The matter is in the process of ongoing arbitration. If this legal dispute creates a precedent in favour of the workers, there is a risk that appropriately and accurately testing marijuana use in the workplace will be impossible.

In the absence of legislation, it is being left to the courts to decide on certain boundaries regarding safety and drug testing. In a case that hit the Supreme Court involving Irving Ltd. and a worker’s union, it was decided that any testing must be proportionate to legitimate safety concerns. The case established that a company cannot justify testing simply because it wants to ensure a safe work environment, but it must have evidence that substance use is causing safety concerns in the workplace.

Which is a catch-22 considering that workers can’t be tested unless it’s already proven that they’re impaired.

Post-incident drug testing might be the solution. Yet, this practice is not common in the Ontario construction industry. It has, however, long been part of the job in Alberta and British Columbia. Depending on how the Ontario government chooses to regulate marijuana, employers may be reserved to having limited

power on permanently restricting marijuana consumption onsite.

How the unions may react As we are seeing across U.S. states where marijuana is legal, unions continue to fight for the right of its members to enjoy legal marijuana as long as they don’t show up to work high.

For obvious reasons, the right of individuals to enjoy their down time as they please ought to be respected. But it is also worth noting that for those who choose to use it, marijuana can be an effective remedy to the common aches and pains that result from physical labour.

Some of the unions have recognized this, including Windsor’s construction union, LiUNA Local 625. Representing roughly 1,500 active construction workers, LiUNA Local 625 introduced medical marijuana coverage into its benefits plan in an effort to reduce the amount of opiates its members take.

The union’s business manager, Rob Petroni, speaking on the subject, stated that “our members work in construction, which is a physically demanding job. If a worker gets injured, he wants them to have a treatment option beyond highly addictive opiates, which can wreak havoc on both bodies and careers.”

As marijuana access becomes increasingly widened, it will be interesting to see what other unions may come forward in Ontario to support legalization. There is far more that needs to be

Approximately 40 per cent of workplace deaths are due to alcohol and/or drugs in Canada. In 2015 alone, the province of Ontario saw 281 construction industry fatalities and 51,570 injuries.

The construction industry has contractors working at extreme heights, controlling heavy machinery, and sometimes working in highly populated areas. Blue collar work is more likely to lead to death or serious injury than white collar work. For instance, logging and roofing are often listed among the top-10 deadliest careers outside of military service. The OGCA released its statement on the matter in August 2017, claiming that marijuana legalization will reduce safety on the job.

Backing up OGCA report, the Government of Canada Task Force on Cannabis Legislation and Regulation released its report in December 2016, revealing similar concerns regarding the legalization of marijuana and its effect on safety in the fields of health care, law enforcement, transportation, construction, and resource extraction.

“Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have the responsibility to accommodate workers with medical conditions,” says OGCA director of government relations, David Frame. “They also have the responsibility to determine fitness for work, i.e. is the worker physically and mentally able to perform the job safely, without putting themselves or others at risk.

The problem has become very common and applies to many medications that may impair the patient. The pending legalization of marijuana will further complicate the issue,” he added.

Numerous stakeholders, including OGCA, continue to push the government for more details and regulations specifically as they pertain to the construction industry. On a federal or provincial basis, such guidance has not yet been provided.

Concluding thoughts Whether the construction industry is ready or not, marijuana legalization is set for the summer of 2018. Closer to the date, no doubt, there will be more information provided by the federal and provincial governments regarding what the precise details of the regulations will be.

As it pertains to what new rules for legalized marijuana could be, many continue to push for workplace safety as a priority. The increased safety risk is something that the Ontario construction industry and its many stakeholders are going to need to outline in a far more extensive, legalized framework than what is currently available.

Do you have an opinion on marijuana in the workspace? Let us know by tweeting us at @2by4gta, or e-mailing us at editors@2by4gta.ca.

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Traffic Watch

Traffic Watch, November 2017

By Jag Michaels November is winding down and as usual, the city is teeming with construction sites and road work. Everyday road users can expect delays and possible road closures throughout the following areas.

Davies Ave. From Matilda St. to Thompson St., the northbound curb lane will be occupied due to dig pit, trench and conduit and cable placement until Nov. 22.

Welland Ave. Near 111 Welland Avenue, the northbound lane will be closed until Nov. 24 due to excavation.

Roehampton Avenue Near 31 Roehampton, the westbound lane will be obstructed until November 29 due to gas main installation.

Gardiner Expressway The on-ramps for Lakeshore Blvd., Park Lawn Blvd, Islington Ave., Kipling Ave., Lower Jarvis, York Street, Spadina Ave., and Jameson Ave. will be closed for fall maintenance from the evening of Nov. 27 through to the morning of Nov. 28.

Bay from Wellesley to Phipps The northbound curb lane will continue to be occupied due to crane hoisting until Nov. 30.

Danforth from Woodbine to Woodmount Danforth from Drayton to Hillingdon Dundas from Woodfield to Cowell One eastbound and one westbound lane will be occupied due to road resurfacing until Nov. 30.

St. Clair Ave. from St. Columba to Westview The eastbound curb lane will be occupied due to fibre optic cable replacement from until Nov. 30.

The Queensway from High St. to South Kingsway

A single eastbound and single westbound lane will remain occupied due to ongoing bridge rehabilitation ongoing until Dec.28.

Hillhurst Blvd, from Alexandra Wood to Bathurst The westbound lane will be closed for water main and water services replacement until Dec. 31.

Keele from Arrowsmith to Flamborough George Anderson Dr. Redbank Rd. Amesbury Dr. Arrowsmith Ave.

Flamingo Cres.

Fairweather Rd. Some lanes may be occupied due to the installation of a new conduit which will be ongoing until Jan. 2, 2018.

Gardiner Expressway Off-Ramp York/ Bay/Yonge and Eastbound Curb Lane from Bathurst to York The eastbound Gardiner off-ramp at York/ Bay/Yonge and the eastbound curb lane remains closed until January 31, 2018, as construction crews continue work on a new ramp to Lower Simcoe St.

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Job focus

In the Aftermath of Fire – the Fort McMurray Oil sands Trade Workers

Started on page 1

By Jag Michaels The 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, has left the region permanently changed.

Thousands of acres were burned to the ground and significant damage was left in the fire’s wake.

Despite the horrible devastation, this provided construction companies and tradespeople a massive opportunity to rebuild. Just weeks after, many firms were

already back in the city, restoring services and systems for commercial, industrial, and residential customers. Today, that clean-up and rebuild is still ongoing.

Estimates suggest that it will be another year before Fort McMurray homes and businesses are fully rebuilt. With the fire creating the havoc that it did, it also created many new jobs. This helped Fort McMurray residents, many who are tradesworkers,

Jobs with a Catch: The Highest

Paying and Dirtiest Jobs

By Carina Simniceanu There are plenty of jobs that look attractive due to their high salaries. However, once you get past the surface, it becomes evident that the salary is attached to responsibilities that are difficult, dangerous, or even downright disgusting.

One job that comes with dangerous responsibilities, but a comfortable maximum annual salary of approximately $71,000, is that of a glazier. A glazier is responsible for cutting, installing, and fixing windows. As most glaziers are employed within commercial construction, one who is interested in pursuing this career must be very comfortable with heights, as they will be required to work atop skyscrapers.

An additional well-paying career option is that of a portable toilet installer and cleaner, which can pay upwards of about $60,000 per year. Portable toilets are very much in demand, particularly within construction sites and for a variety of outdoor gatherings. However, a job that involves toilets is bound to be dirty! In addition to the delivery and installation of these units, this job would require the

consistent maintenance and cleaning of the toilets. Indeed, cleaning is often done with the aide of an industrial-size vacuum, which can effectively suction out the stored waste.

Another high-paying career option that comes with some downsides is that of an oil rig worker. With a cushy annual income of approximately $90,000, this job contains numerous dirty and dangerous responsibilities to justify the high pay.

Indeed, daily life in an oil rig can be difficult, particularly due to cramped working conditions and potentially explosive materials that are involved. There is also a risk of hearing damage due to the loud machinery, which forces workers to wear earplugs all around the clock.

Plenty of jobs have an attractive salary attached to them. However, it is important to remain informed about the downsides of any position, particularly when safety and hygiene are involved. The last thing you would want is to show up on the first day of a job and be surprised by its repulsive, cumbersome, or potentially dangerous requirements!

get back to work and begin earning money while rebuilding their community. This was good news after oil prices dropped in 2014 and some tradespeople were essentially put out of work.

The Conference Board of Canada expects as much as $5.3 billion to be spent on rebuilding Fort McMurray by the time all is said and done, with nearly 9,000 jobs having been created in the process.

Nearly every developer in Fort McMurray has had to hire extra staff, buy or rent new equipment, and continue to struggle to match the demand for construction in the region. With this season’s construction season in Fort McMurray coming to a close, estimates suggest that it may have added as much as $1.1 billion to Alberta’s GDP in 2017.

The negative aspects of the post-fire period has been a lack of government support in moving fast enough to provide assistance.

For example, many homeowners were hopeful they could have their homes back and renovated or built by end of year 2016.

That did not end up happening. Limited rebuilding permits have been issued, heightened costs related to building through the winter season, and the volume of insurance claims has meant projects moving slower than preferred on many counts.

As the fire repair work comes to a close roughly over the next year to a year and a half, work is expected to resume as normal with regard to the oil sands. Life in the oil sands in the pre-Fort McMurray fire was not easy. Tradespeople traveled far away from home, worked long grueling shifts, and lived in temporary camps because of promises of experience, opportunity, and high wages. At the time, this translated to roughly a third of Fort McMurray’s population living in work camps.

To some workers, this was fine. To others, they struggled with mental health issues, felt dehumanized, and missed their loved ones. According to the 2012 census, more than half of the temporary workforce in Fort McMurray were in common-law relationships or married and over 50 per cent were above the age of 35.

If things go back to how they were, trades workers in the oil sands have many challenges ahead of them – even if the rewards are plentiful. Though speculations can be shared, what is real is that today’s Fort McMurray is booming once again. In the aftermath, the oil sands of Alberta and the city has been reborn. Life continues to return to normal, and for tradespeople already living in Fort McMurray, this is great news.

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City news that would travel between Toronto and Montreal with a stop in Ottawa. It caught the attention of Hyperloop One. If proven successful, the Hyperloop along this proposed route would connect 25 per cent of Canada’s population in less than 40 minutes. Though nothing is certain at the moment, this proposal has many Canadians very excited.

The latest developments

The Hyperloop may seem like a farfetched idea but it was just last year that a prototype was successfully tested in the Nevada desert. Throughout the past year, the Hyperloop One company has been combing through proposals to bring this concept to life.

This past September, a team known as HyperCan proposed a route design

Since its inception in 2014, the Hyperloop One company has attracted numerous investors, including, most recently, Richard Branson. Joining their board of directors, the company is in the process of rebranding as ‘Virgin Hyperloop One’.

An official announcement is expected sometime in the coming months.

It was only this past year that the Hyperloop concept began to gain noticeable traction in the international press. In July, Musk acquired verbal approval to begin building a Hyperloop system linking New York and Washington. In September, Hyperloop raised an additional $85 million US in funding. Currently, details are being kept under wraps, but Hyperloop has confirmed that it is working on projects in the Middle East, Europe, India, and Canada.

There has been speculation that the Toronto to Montreal proposal may receive the green light in the near future, however, nothing has been confirmed as of publication.

As speculation continues to run rampant, it looks as if the first project completed will either be in northern Europe, the United Arab Emirates, or somewhere in the United States. The Virgin Hyperloop One hopes to begin its first commercial project sometime in 2019 according to estimates.

The company has also confirmed its commitment to having three full-service systems operating by 2021.

labourers and offers many work benefits including a pathway to citizenship, guaranteed pension, and over a year of paid parental leave at the birth of a child.

In China, there is also a significant need for construction labourers in places such as Shanghai, where development is not keeping up with the population demands.

Even Australia has experienced a labour shortage in key categories, including welders,

boilermakers, pipefitters, and electricians.

Combat zone construction is risky, but for those that have been successful in these parts of the world, the compensation and benefits are often enough to attract them back again and again. It’s not the job for everyone, but those that are willing to be in some of the most dangerous parts of the world will find the challenge to be both thrilling and rewarding.

Why TransPod’s Potential Hyperloop in

Canada may be a Game-Changer

By Jag Michaels Imagine being able to get from Toronto to Montreal in 39 minutes. Or being able to travel from Toronto to Vancouver in under three hours. Apply that same speed to the outskirts of major metropolitan regions, such as Toronto and others. Now, think about the impact that could have on commuting to and from the city. That’s the Hyperloop.

How the Hyperloop Works The Hyperloop is designed to shoot passengers down a low-pressure tube.

Passengers would hop into small pods

and would travel at speeds estimated as high as 1,220 km/hour.

The current design uses a track using magnetic levitation to lift pods. After a pod has been lifted, it is then glided down a limited track at airline speeds.

The future of transportation between cities can be found in the Hyperloop. The Hyperloop transportation system was first made public in 2013 in a blog post by Space-X CEO, Elon Musk. In this post, Musk praised the Hyperloop as “safer, faster, lower cost, more convenient, immune to weather, sustainably self-powering, resistant to

earthquakes, and non-disruptive to those along the route.”

This isn’t the future.

This is happening today.

Job focus

What is it Like to do Construction

in a Combat Zone

By Jag Michaels Construction in a combat zone requires co-ordinated labour efforts, technical knowledge, and an understanding of the terrain.

There’s been a long history of construction in wartime throughout the 20th century.

In recent times, construction in combats zones has meant building warehouse, supply depots, and regulating stations.

Most recently, there have been notable stories published about the United States using construction to expand its selfnamed ‘Green Zone’ in the centre of Kabul, Afghanistan. This two-year construction project is one of great ambition, seeking to cull together the isolated outlying facilities into a single protected zone.

Here, embassies and international nongovernment organizations are expected to be based.

As evidenced, construction plays a massive role in war zones and combat zones. They establish safety and allow countries to gain ground where it may have otherwise been deemed not possible to do so.

When it comes to working in a combat zone, the dangers involved are high. Because of the need for construction in these areas, the pay is high, but it comes with the risk that you could potentially lose your life.

If you can accept the risk involved, know

that overseas construction work in combat zones can range in annual pay from $80,000 to $250,000. This is far more than the average here in Canada and the United States. In addition to the best pay anywhere in the world, it comes with tax incentives worth considering. For some, that’s not enough. For others, they’ll accept the danger.

Why the pay is so high for construction jobs in combat zones is due to the demand. The advanced construction methods that we may take for granted in developed countries such as Canada are not as well-known in combat zones overseas. This means a high demand for those who have the knowledge to teach others and oversee construction projects using these methods.

Revisiting the subject of danger in combat zones, a 2008 report published by the Strategic Studies Institute shares some data on this point. At the time of its publishing, analyzing post-9/11 construction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the report found that 1,350 civilian contractors had been killed and another 29,000 injured. Since then, evidently, that number would have gone up.

Any Canadian construction worker who wishes to get involved in combat zone construction may fare better in other parts of the world overseas. For example, Sweden currently has a shortage of construction

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City news

Started on page 1

By Jag Michaels Why unions are beneficial to the worker As the labour movement has become increasingly threatened, the state of trade unions in Canada is unique. Throughout history, Canadian trade unions have fought and won on key standards, such as health and safety regulations, minimum wages, and overtime pay. Despite playing a fundamental role in Canadian labour history, trade unions don’t always get a fair shake by some.

Unions have long been praised as having a positive impact on workers rights, wages, and benefits. According to the Canadian Labour Congress, approximately 30 per cent of Canadian workers are union members.

On average, a trade union worker will earn $5.28 an hour more than a worker who does not belong to a union. That additional $5.28 amounts to roughly $43 billion which is put into local economies every year. Many trade unions also provide additional benefits including dental insurance, extended health care coverage, and legal insurance that these workers would not be otherwise provided with.

Trade unions in Ontario Ontario’s trade unions make up approximately 27 per cent of the province’s workforce. That’s roughly 1.6 million union members in Ontario alone. As evidenced in other parts of Canada, Ontario’s unions benefit four categories of workers – women, youth, new Canadians (landed immigrants), and Aboriginal workers.

Each of these categories earns higher wages and more benefits from inclusion in a union.

This also means helping to develop local communities, helping workers earn and provide for their families, and not having to live paycheque to paycheque.

The argument against trade unions in Canada Anti-union sentiment has been growing in Canada. Many have criticized trade unions for reducing company productivity.

The State of Trade Unions in Canada The non-unionized public has interpreted union organizations to be entitled. Another popular perception is that trade unions lead to employers cutting jobs and moving their operations elsewhere.

In the face of these criticisms, there are trade unions such as the 200,000-member Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union that openly fights against these perceptions. The CAW claims to prioritize productivity, skill expansion, new technologies, and adaptation to growing automation.

What tradeworkers think of unions Despite the arguments against unionization,

most tradeworkers do feel a responsibility to support and join their union. The desire to participate is still there. The benefits of joining a trade union are quite high so it’s not the hardest sell to anyone.

That said, among some demographics, joining a trade union is not a priority. For example, according to the Trade Union Membership: Statistical Bulletin 2012 report analyzing trade unions in the U.K., less than 10 per cent of trade union members were found to be between the ages of 16 and 24.

Also, as with arguably any job, there are some members whose only concern is to do as little as possible. For example, The Guardian’s

“The secret life of a trade union employee: I do little but the benefits are incredible (2016),” represents a negative portrayal of unions.

It is damaging depictions such as this that contribute to stereotypes portraying trade union workers as lazy and only concerned with earning a paycheque.

Trade unions in Canada are still very much alive and well despite trends indicating a significant decrease in power. As the future is likely to be one where unions are increasingly pressured to disband, union members may face more fight than ever before to maintain wage standards and benefits in the years to come.

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Condo

Will Condos Revamp or

Replace Culture?

By Bahar Faizi Many local venues and cultural landmarks in Toronto have been replaced with residential buildings. Amidst Toronto’s condo-boom, skeptics mourn the city’s loss of culture.

According to the City of Toronto’s Official Plan Review, 60 per cent of units built from 1996 to 2011 were high-rises. In the last eight years, there have been no signs of stopping. Emporis has reported 2,503 high-rises in Toronto as of spring 2017. The long-term effect of rapid condo

development on the city’s culture has yet to be seen.

Here’s a look at key venues and elements that once called Toronto home, and the new developments set to replace them.

Condo development has shut down entire plazas and well-known landmarks like Honest Ed’s and Big Slice. There was a noticeable shift in the city-scape when most of the venues in the Entertainment District closed, and when many hotels downsized to be converted into apartment units.

Some developers are attempting to remedy

the growing concerns. The Daniels Corp. is building ‘City of Arts’ in the Queen’s Quay waterfront location that was once home to nightclubs. It will now be home to residential, commercial space, and nonprofit organizations. The City of Arts will also incorporate study spaces for students.

While Daniels states that “...Canada’s biggest corporate names” will make use of the centre, it also claims to be building an artistic hub, with “an open environment for creative minds.” Hopefully, the incorporation of artistic endeavours will

mitigate any damage to the city’s culture.

Westbank Corp. did something similar when it purchased the area on Bloor and Bathurst that was home to many local businesses, including Honest Ed’s. Controversy ensued following the proposal. A petition to save the Honest Ed’s sign as a heritage item was passed around, receiving 1,070 signatures.

Westbank conceded by planning to build rental apartments for Torontonians who cannot purchase or rent a condo, in addition to its plan to build condos in the area. Westbank plans to incorporate a spacious public park and community market to minimize the corporate ambiance central to high-rise developments. Honest Ed’s sign was removed last May, and will be placed above the Ed Mirvish theatre.

As tourism in the city has spiked, replacing landmarks and hotels with residential buildings is a questionable move. Tourism accounted for a record-breaking $7.2 billion in 2015, according to City of Toronto records. Residential units raise the challenge of conflicting lifestyles between residents and tourists. Tourists expect entertainment options, whereas residents live a more sedentary lifestyle.

To add to that, the City of Toronto reports that the two largest groups of condominium dwellers are young adults and seniors.

A recent joint study between Ryerson University and a real estate agency known as Urbanization has revealed that only 41 per cent of condos under construction right now have more than one bedroom, making the condo market, and Toronto in general, a less livable space for families.

Toronto is both a global city and a young one.

While a distinct culture is essential, change is to be expected. Developers and city planners have many considerations to ensure that the rapid changes to the landscape are functional. While it’s too late to preserve the culture that existed several decades ago, perhaps, as developers show signs of erring toward balance, a new culture will develop.

From tauch-ups to full house!

Covering the Greater Toronto Area

Pol-Renovations

spiritinho@gmail.com (647) 781-7450

Volume 2, Issue 2, November 20, 2017 9

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Jobs

Seeing the Truth behind Immigrants

working in the Canadian Trades

Started on page 1

By Jag Michaels According to Statistics Canada, the majority of immigrants coming to Canada are arriving with a minimum of a bachelor degree. In a country where 21 per cent of people are immigrants, of those working in the Canadian trades, only 17 per cent are immigrants. Whereas, non-trade occupations have a parity with the national average of 21 per cent.

There has been a push from provincial and federal governments to attract more immigrants to Canada. Part of the reason is to fill the roles of trades jobs. Needless to say, there are opportunities in construction, transportation, and manufacturing that are not being maximized with the current crop of Canadian tradespeople. Across Canada, there are vacancies yet to be filled and construction projects yet to begin due to a lack of skilled tradeworkers.

Canada’s construction market is set to become the world’s fifth largest by 2020. With Canada’s continued investments in physical infrastructure development, organizations such as the Immigrant Employment Council of BC estimate that across Canada there may be up to a 250,000 shortage of skilled tradespeople in construction alone. It bears noting that skilled tradespeople also include individuals working in transportation, manufacturing, and servicing.

By supplying the trades with immigrant labour, it serves to foster Canadian economic growth in a positive way. The immigrants who have come to Canada to practice a trade are commonly electricians,

welders, heavy equipment mechanics, pipefitters, and construction workers.

Though some may interpret this as competition to homegrown Canadians, foreign employment in the Canadian trades is sorely needed. For example, to keep up with retiring workers and the high demands for construction growth in Canada, the Canadian Construction Association estimates that by 2020 Canada may need as many as 320,000 new workers.

Approximately half of that number will have to be made up of foreign-trained workers.

The domestic Canadian workforce is no longer able to meet Canada’s labour demands.

This issue contributed to the launch of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The FSTP is a way for foreign trades workers to come to Canada and become permanent Canadian citizens based off of their professional qualifications. To apply, the bare minimum is having at least two years of eligible skilled trade experience. Also, a worker must meet the required language levels in English or French. They also need to have a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade and must already have a fulltime job offer promising them employment for at least one year.

For some Canadian immigrants, the process of getting to Canada and finding legal work has been hard. At times, skilled tradespeople have been recruited to Canada only to find themselves taken advantage of by Canada’s immigration system. Currently, the federal government’s immigration system puts emphasis on

Winter

Unemployment and the Truth about Seasonal Jobs in Ontario

By Jag Michaels “As long as there’s money to be made, make it.” That’s the mindset of many in construction and other industries. As long as the sun is up, the weather is warm, and the opportunity is there, get to work. When the weather dries up and cold turns to winter, the seasonal jobs disappear and all that is left

are the people who work them trying to survive until the warmer months arrive again.

In 1989, Ontario had approximately 308,150 temporary workers, accounting for five per cent of its total workforce. By 2015, both the number and percentage had more than doubled to approximately 689,333 workers, accounting for 10.8 per cent of all workers. It

acquiring workers with formal postsecondary education and devalues skilled trades certifications, which count for very little in Canada’s eyes. For some, this has meant working as undocumented workers, something that has been highly common in areas like Toronto in the past.

The reality of foreign employment in the Canadian trades is that it is a necessity in order to meet our growth goals. The hope is for

foreign workers to be recruited and provided work visas in legal ways. The perception that foreign employment is a problem in an industry like construction is far from reality.

Though more can be done to guard against the use of undocumented illegal workers, foreign tradespeople who are legally allowed to work here in Canada are filling valued positions in the Canadian workforce. There’s no reason they should stop.

is, however, worth noting that these statistics do not strictly refer to the construction industry, but all limited-term contracts.

The majority of work in the construction industry is seasonal and depends entirely on the weather. According to 2014 numbers, the Ontario construction industry employed 467,300 people, which accounts for 5.4 per cent of the provincial GDP. In terms of demographics, the Ontario construction industry contains many workers close to retirement. As a result, there is a high demand for apprentices, particularly in the skilled trades. From the seasonal worker perspective, anyone starting out can expect a low starting salary.

Most starting positions are non-union, offer little to no benefits, and offer no guarantee of overtime pay.

The idea of a winter vacation while EI kicks in is a welcome thought to some. These people may not have a problem with being a seasonal worker. It’s just a part of life. When spring comes around, they get back into the game again. Sometimes they stay with the same company, which can create a sense of permanent employment.

The truth, though, is that it’s not permanent work.

Permanent employment with accompanying benefits and security are non-existent for many. When calculated across seasonal jobs as a whole, wages are lower. The median hourly wage for a seasonal employee is roughly $15, compared to permanent employees, which earn on average $23 across the province of Ontario.

In the off-season, a seasonal worker is dependent on employment insurance. A worker typically either loves the off-season or hates the lack of things to do with their time. Around Christmas time, some offseason construction workers may find themselves in retail or warehousing. This

can help get a worker through the more expensive holiday season.

Beyond Christmas retail and warehousing, seasonal workers in Ontario may be able to find call centre work, which is highly popular due to its above-average wages. Browsing through the seasonal work on Kijiji, there’s also transportation, production assistant, snow plowing, and sidewalk clearing. Some may even become an Uber driver. Needless to say, there are opportunities out there during the winter for anyone concerned about finding work.

Parts of Ontario, such as Niagara Falls, are hugely dependent on seasonal traffic.

Niagara Falls’ employment is primarily seasonal. The area’s industrial plants continue to shut down and the only available work is tourism-based. Throughout the winter, jobs are scarce in regions such as this.

If not interested in finding a job during the winter months, some pursue certificates or diplomas to help build their education.

Meanwhile, others rediscover a passion or hobby. Then, there are others who just spend time at home with their families.

There are many ways to capitalize on having the winter to yourself. If you want to continue working, there is work there. If not, enjoy the time off because, let’s face it, the summer months can be brutal.

Seasonal work does come with its challenges, but if you know what to expect, it’s really not that bad. If you are a seasonal worker and you end up getting caught up in a rut this winter, refer back to this article for ideas. It can be jarring going from an intense work schedule to little or no work at all but, over time, it will improve your adaptability. Winter vacation is not such a bad place to be!

10 Volume 2, Issue 2, November 20, 2017

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Home

Building relationships between contractors and homeowners

By David Goldberg Homeowners and contractors are going to clash. It’s a fact of life. There’s a stranger practically living in your house for days, sometimes weeks. There’s always a lot of noise and a big mess. It’s bound to create some tension. So how do you maintain a good relationship? Well, talk to both sides and they agree that communication is priority number one.

Elysha Richardson owns and runs her own renovation and real estate company, Tri-fek-

tah, and she explains how being clear with expectations can avoid a lot of headaches down the road.

“I usually prep my clients and I tell them that the whole renovation process really does suck. Your house is a mess for weeks. But I try to reassure them there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we are going to make your home look beautiful.”

Richardson also says it’s important to get as many details written down as possible, including schedules for project completion,

due dates for payments, even what time the crews will show up and ship out every day.

“But keep in mind; construction isn’t always a 9 to 5 job,” she says. “Something might have to settle or dry… you just have to be flexible.

We have our own internal schedule that we are following, but we’re going to get the job done.”

And once the renos are underway, it’s easy for any homeowner to start thinking of all the things that need fixing around the house, but remember the crew isn’t being paid to tackle your to-do list.

Chris Palmer is a carpenter and contractor who’s been working with clients for more than a decade. His best advice for homeowners is to think twice before you ask your crew to take on that “extra” job.

“One minute I’m there installing a shelving unit and then someone might ask me to hang 10 pictures on the wall of another room and they think it’s not a big deal, but at the end of the day you’re trying to get free work out of a skilled tradesperson.”

At the end of each project, Palmer just wants to see a huge smile on his clients’ faces and know that they value not only his skills, but the hours he puts into each job.

“It’s all about mutual respect,” he says.

That’s something Toronto homeowner Helena hasn’t had the best luck with. The single mom is a professional headhunter, but she’s never found the perfect person for any job in the house she’s lived at for 12 years now. She’s learned it’s best to keep things polite but always professional.

However, one experience in particular left her dumbfounded.

“I chose one guy to renovate my house and he was doing great work. Every morning he would show up right on time and I would always say ‘hello’... but on the third day when I greeted him, he snapped at me and said, ‘You don’t have to say hello to me. Just let me do my job here. I’ll approach you if I need something.’”

Helena has many other horror stories, including when a couple of workers installing a new closet partied too hard the night before and decided to urinate in her house plants.

Needless to say, that should go against anyone’s code of ethics.

No two jobs are the same, but if the contractor and homeowner effectively communicate their expectations, observe the concept of personal space, and respect each other’s roles in the home, everyone should be happy in the end.

The future looks green for houses in Toronto

By Bahar Faizi Great news for those who care about the earth — environmental sustainability has surpassed trend status. It’s safe to say going eco-friendly is a genuine consideration people incorporate into daily purchases, both small and large. In terms of homes, eco-friendly options reduce your carbon footprint and electric costs. According to the Government of Canada, developing efficient homes will create 100,000 new construction jobs by 2030. Maximizing environmental efficiency will also increase property values, as sustainable homes will save the owners money in the long run and have a higher resale value.

Viral videos showcase owners building themselves houses with recycled materials like tires or cranes. If you’re not quite up to the challenge, even a few simple changes

during renovations can leave a positive impact. Many have started to include plant life in the architecture through the outer house design or with indoor living walls.

Living walls are completely covered by plants, which enhances air quality and humidity and adds a decor element if you find nature beautiful — and who doesn’t?

Another option is angled windows in living rooms, allowing enough air to the home that you won’t have to rely on air conditioning.

Reasonably sized homes are more efficient than larger ones. These simple considerations make a lasting impact.

Besides design, efficient appliances such as LED lights increase sustainability. The government of Canada recommends Energy Star products which follow an internationally recognized Eco standard.

Using Energy Star dryers lowers energy

use by 20 per cent. They also recommend replacing drafty windows and furnaces and properly insulating attics. Most importantly, they suggest you “…hire contractors who follow the latest environmentally friendly business codes.” Energy use labels will become a future standard. Efficient homes will be labeled as such, which will increase their property value. Efficiency is improved through proper insulation and, heating and cooling systems.

The City of Toronto is on board with the government’s recommendations and the goal to reduce emissions from buildings (including houses) by 65 per cent by 2030.

It also plans to use renewable energy to design net-zero energy-ready buildings.

In fact, Project Transform TO aims to make Toronto “… the most livable city in the world by 2050.” To make this happen, the city is

offering incentives to those willing to take a part in the initiative.

The city is offering interest-free loans to help citizens turn their house into an Eco home. Interest-free loans for renovations, insulation, doors, windows, and furnaces are available. The Green Roofs Initiative will offer incentives to develop buildings with rooftop gardens. This can be incredibly helpful in condo-dense areas.

Adding to this, Project Hi-Rise offers financing options for high-rises to reduce energy and water use. The Better Building Partnerships will provide building owners and managers with resources to become more energy-efficient. With the city and government starting to do their part, it may not be too late to reduce emissions and truly go green, as long as citizens get on board as well.

Volume 2, Issue 2, November 20, 2017 11

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Home

How to Prepare your Home for Winter

By Jag Michaels As an Ontario homeowner, knowing how to protect the value of your property through the harsh winter months is key. Consider the heaviness of the snow, the winter winds, and the cold weather. At the worst of times, a storm can do a lot of damage to a property if that property has not been adequately protected.

One of the more common issues that homeowners in the province experience is heat loss. If you feel chilly inside your house despite your heat running, there is something wrong. Due to faulty workmanship, outdated components, and/ or regular wear and tear, a residential home can be left unprotected throughout the course of winter, allowing the heat you paid for to escape. Don’t let that be you.

Look for signs that a home might be losing heat, such as if there is fog between windows or dampness. If you feel a draft coming in around doors or windows, if there are visual gaps around outlets and fixtures, or if there is no snow or frost on your roof when there is on your neighbours’ roof, you might be experiencing heat loss.

By not addressing this, a homeowner runs up their electricity bill fast!

The most effective way to tackle heat loss problems is to install weather stripping materials around the doors and windows that need it, to apply plastic shrink insulation if required on windows, to caulk cracks around problematic windows and/or door

trims, to seal any leaks around fixtures, and to ensure that insulation and ductwork has been properly completed.

As it relates to your heat setup, there are also some basic things you want to make sure you do. Turning on your furnace and testing it before the cold weather hits will make sure it runs properly. If it needs to be inspected, you’ll have time. Also, this will give you the chance to change the air filters. The final step to the basics of ensuring your heat setup is ready to go is ensuring that your carbon monoxide detector and all smoke alarms are in proper functioning order – highly important.

Now, we have all heard the horror stories about frozen pipes causing some serious damage. So, be sure to note any areas of the home that you do not plan to heat – i.e. crawlspaces, basements, or garages. What you want to do to protect yourself as best as you can is to wrap the pipes in these areas with pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or glass insulation. This will help reduce the likelihood of these pipes freezing and bursting.

Naturally, all these responsibilities and upgrades can be thought to be costly.

Many homeowners don’t necessarily have the hundreds and sometimes thousands required to protect their homes in the face of winter. Luckily, an area that every homeowner should look into are the available grants and reimbursements provided by the government.

Save costs by using government grants

Comparison of Housing Materials

By Carina Simniceanu A traditional home built from brick and mortar is a thing of the past, as there are now extensive housing material options available which can suit everyone’s distinct preferences and budgets.

The most popular and inexpensive option is vinyl siding, which ranges from a cost of $0.65 to $2 per square foot. Vinyl siding remains the most preferred choice for homeowners due to its affordability, durability, and extensive available colour options. Vinyl siding is also easy to install, once you get the hang of it. On the other hand, siding that is of a lighter grade can potentially be damaged by inclement weather, especially windy conditions.

Another popular option for housing material is aluminum siding, which ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot. Although not as popular as its vinyl counterpart, aluminum siding is a viable option for homeowners who are looking for a more robust material and are willing to spend the extra money. As with vinyl, aluminum comes in an array of colours and styles. It is also relatively maintenance-free and the most care it would potentially require is a hose down. Another attractive quality of aluminum is that it can be easily painted over, which appeals to homeowners who are looking to change the exterior appearance of their home. However, aluminum can also

be easily dented, so it will not withstand extreme weather, such as hail.

For homeowners that do not want to stray from traditional materials, brick always remains a reliable and elegant option. As true brick work is considered elaborate and pricey, homes built in the last 30 years have been utilizing brick siding. Brick siding is attached to the home similarly to vinyl siding. It also has the same look and feel as real brick, but costs a fraction of the price.

Indeed, brick siding ranges from $4 to $6 per brick, compared to $6 to $10 for actual brick.

Another traditional choice that is seen less and less in Canada is a cedar or log home.

Although it makes an attractive option for a cottage, it is often not a primary choice due to its inability to withstand Canadian winters.

Wood is also a pricey option, ranging from $7 to $19 per square foot. Another downside of utilizing wood as a building material is the increased difficulty in its installation, particularly logs, due to the unevenness of the material.

Today’s homeowners are spoiled by the breadth of housing materials that are available to can meet any budget or personal preference. Given the wide selection in existence, it seems that homeowners may have a harder time making their selection, rather than actually building their home!

and programs targeting homeowners There are a number of provincial programs that can help cover part of or the total cost for any window, door, insulation, or waterproofing work. For example, if you live in a house that was built before 1980, the Home Winter Proofing Program can provide free winter-proofing of your home by a certified contractor.

If you are a low-income or senior homeowner, you may have additional grants or reimbursements you can tap into as well. The Home Weatherization Program provides a free upgrade to prepare you for winter. The Home Assistance Program provides free upgrades of your refrigerator, freezer, and light bulbs, among a list of things, in preparation for winter. The EcoRoof Incentive Program might also provide

up to $100 per meter squared for a green, environmentally friendly roof to be installed on your property. These are just some of the go-to’s that every Ontario homeowner should be aware of, when it comes to winterizing their property.

Beyond the larger issues that may be present on a property, there are some regular things you want to check before the snow sets in. There’s making sure the garden and lawn are ready for winter, that any summer tools or items are put away in storage, and making sure the snow shovel and any other tools you’re going to need to combat the winter are readily available.

Depending on the uniqueness of your residential property, there may be other things to keep in mind. It never hurts to put together a checklist to use for your home’s pre-winter update.

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How women can

make their mark

By Bahar Faizi For some, the idea of women working in construction might take some getting used to. A lot of people have been brought up believing that women are not physically fit enough to do the job.

Yet, there is one particular area of construction where it makes perfect sense for women to get on board, and that is management. More women than ever are

pouring out of universities, ready to join the workforce. As a result, they are equipped with organizational and research skills and experience. These skills align perfectly with the construction field because companies require both onsite and office management.

While it’s relatively difficult to find women with trades experience, it is quite easy to find them with administrative experience

or related tasks, such as budgeting, and scheduling. Along with experience, there are specific degree and diploma programs that train graduates to succeed as construction managers. The salary is well worth the work required, often starting at over $70,000.

It has long been established that women are more cautious, and better at communication than men are. What might be more recent, but hardly controversial, is psychology research, suggesting that women are higher in a personality trait known as conscientiousness. This means the average woman is more likely to be well-organized than the average man.

These three qualities are precisely what is needed in a managerial position.

Anyone in the business of business knows that most ventures fail. Forbes magazine contributor Eric T. Wagner once published a piece listing five of the top reasons why businesses fail. Two of the five listed reasons were related to a failure in terms of communication, and another was related to reckless risk-taking. That is why it is crucial for women to help bring these skills to the workforce. Effective office management can be the reason a company is able to meet its potential. An organized workforce is stronger and more efficient.

In fact, a 2012 Gallup poll found that employees who have been managed by both men and women prefer female management. Women also already account for 40 per cent of such roles.

Construction management is an area of the Canadian job market currently experiencing rapid growth. This phenomenon could provide a good opportunity for women to capitalize on positions in an industry where female workers have previously been rare.

Being that people are likely more familiar with seeing women in management

Women In Construction

positions than on the field, it can be an easier transition to adjust to.

Another way women can use the current opportunities in construction management to their favour is by starting their own trades-based businesses. There is currently a demand for carpentry, painting, and flooring businesses. As the demand for trades and construction work rises, it brings the opportunity to market new companies. This will require onsite skill and experience in order to know the field.

Currently, only a small portion of women work in skilled trades, making up six per cent of its workforce. Yet, as gender norms are shifting, it may be perfectly common to see women in these positions in time.

The demand for construction positions has risen above the supply in terms of applicants. It’s the perfect time for women to swoop in and make their mark.

Sudoku

14 Volume 2, Issue 2, November 20, 2017

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2BY4 Girl

Beata “ELECTRICIAN�

Each issue we will be featuring a photo from our photo shoots courtesy of Anita Surma. The compete gallery for each 2BY4 Girl will be featured across our social media platforms and on our website in the near future, www.2by4gta.ca 2BY4 Girls consist of participants directly or indirectly involved in construction and trades, or who have close ties with the industry.

DISCLAIMER: 2BY4 Girls are artistic and model type photographs meant for the appreciation and enjoyment of the readers and/or viewers.

These photographs should neither be taken as instruction for completion of specific task or trades, nor the proper use of tools and equipment.

Volume 2, Issue 2, November 20, 2017 15

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Hobbies and Leisure

Crossword

Snowmobiling: a great hobby for tradespeople

By Denis Langlois Gas fitter, Doug Wilson, says there are few things he enjoys more than zooming along Ontario’s snow-covered trails on his snowmobile.

“It’s the last frontier where you can get outside and have a good time out of populated areas and see places you would never see otherwise,” says the owner of Doug’s Gas Service in southwestern Ontario.

Wilson has been a snowmobiling enthusiast for at least four decades. It’s a great hobby for tradespeople, he says, because it gives them an excuse to be outside and escape the daily grind of their busy jobs. “And, for tradespeople like me, the winter is a slower time of year so there’s more of a chance of taking some vacation time to snowmobile.”

Tens of thousands of kilometres of snowmobile trails are maintained each winter in Ontario. Many are within a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area, making snowmobiling an ideal hobby for busy tradespeople in the city who might not get much time off from work but still want to get away for a day or two.

North-west of the GTA is what the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) calls District 9. Wilson says it’s one of his favourite place to ride. District 9 lies between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and runs south to Perth, Huron, and Wellington counties. Karen Buratynski, manager of District 9, says the area is in Ontario’s snowbelt and only a few hours north of the Golden Horseshoe.

The District 9 tagline, “Great Snow is Closer Than You Think,” is aimed at encouraging

people to take advantage of southwestern Ontario trails instead of spending hours in the car to snowmobile in northern Ontario. “We’re kind of a well-kept secret, although not so much anymore in that we are literally, from the Toronto airport to the southern part of District 9, about an hour away,” Buratynski says.

“So we are starting to draw a lot of riders from the Toronto area, from the Kitchener-Waterloo area and from the Hamilton/Niagara area. It’s a nice drive, it’s a pleasant drive and it’s far easier than hooking on your sled and going up Highway 400.”

Buratynski says snowmobiling gives people a chance to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy winter.

“Oftentimes when the snow starts to fall, people hibernate until spring. And in Ontario, our winters are fabulous and there’s all kinds of winter recreation, snowmobiling being one of them,” she says.

Buratynski says snowmobiling is a great hobby for tradespeople who might spend a lot of their working hours inside. It’s also ideal for people, including those in the trades, who have unpredictable work schedules or get limited time off. “With a snowmobile trails permit, you are able to ride any trail that’s available in the province of Ontario any day of the week, any time of the day,” she says.

“So tradespeople that may have a busy week where all they’re doing is working on a specific project and then they get a week off before they get at it again, they can just pick up and go.”

Angry Steve the Contractor

Across: 2. Trades using shingles 5. One of the hardest building materials 6. Hired to sell homes 8. Material used to cover floor and walls 9. Important part of safety boots 12. Workplace safety and insurance board 15. Underground transit system 16. Often clogged with leaves 17. Useful vehicle for contractors 19. Tradeworker or company with agreement involved 21. Eco homes are...

22. Every trades worker needs ...

23. Applying colour to walls/surfaces 24. World’s longest street located in Toronto 25. Non-residential construction

Contact us!

We want to hear your feedback.

If you send us photos from your job site, projects you’ve worked on, funny work stories or helpful advice from your trade, we will feature staff picks in our newspaper and on our website.

The funniest stories can be turned into cartoons by our artist. Any and all submissions can go through our

Down: 1. Other term for hard hat 3. Second most popular drink after water on site 4. The property belongs to the ...

7. Vehicles in lane or highway (makes you late to work) 10. Main hobby of trades workers 11. A lifting machine used for taller buildings 13. Great way to get hired 14. Low to high-rise building with units for sale or lease 18. Improves house equity 20. Lack of danger

website or you can email Joey

-

editor@2by4gta.ca Matthew – matt@2by4gta.ca Slavo – slavo@2by4gta.ca.

We will personally get back to you!

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