WORKERS
CONTRACTORS
COMPANIES
HOMEOWNERS
W W W. 2 BY 4 G TA . C A
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 8-April 9, 2018 / GTA West
Crypto or Condo? By Andrew Dabrowski A client of mine recently challenged me with this question after making good money on a home I sold for him. He said, “why should I buy a condo when I can invest in cryptocurrency?” My gut reaction told me to say ‘volatility’ but instead, I said I would do the research and tell him what I truly thought. Personally, I had not invested in cryptocurrency, despite some of my IT-savvy friends saying that it might be a good idea, as far back as a year ago (bitcoin had barely crossed $1000 per share then). My initial reason was due to bitcoin’s association with criminal activity, early in its development. For those who don’t know, bitcoin first gathered public attention in association with a dark-web market named silk road. Users could exchange illegal goods and services for untraceable bitcoins. Later on, when I realized that bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies had not only been embraced by the general public but were quickly multiplying in value, I felt like I had missed the train. At the time my client was considering his investment strategies, bitcoin was nearing $26,000 per share. Having improved 20 times since I heard about it or over 100 times since its value at launch ($0.30) bitcoin felt like a risky investment at the time... Continued on p.2
Does Canada What can we do Digital Strategy about Canada’s aging own itself? construction workers? in Construction
By Patrick Peori With the passage of the British North America Act in 1867, the Dominion of Canada became its own sovereign and independent entity. The newfound confederation set out to expand their territory and build up their economy through natural resources to be sold to other markets. Today the country is home to some to some 36 million people and, according to a Statistics Canada’s June 2017 report, over one million businesses with employees... Continued on p.6
By Jag Michaels It’s no secret that the construction industry is having difficulty attracting young Canadians. The average age of the construction workforce is reported to be 42 and rising. As construction continues to inch towards the retirement of 21 per cent of its workforce in the next decade, the supply for workers will fall far below the demand. Continued on p.9
By Mery Milic We live in the age of technological improvements, which has not only changed our daily habits but also the way we do business. Because of the massive digital takeover in the world of marketing and business management, each business should have a well-developed digital strategy. With a digital strategy as a part of the overall business strategy, you can optimize your use of digital products in order to cut costs and overcome the competition. Continued on p.6
2
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
News Editor-In-Chief Joey Clavette Editor@2by4gta.ca | (613) 668-5527 Contributors Naomi Harris Ryan Drummond Patrick Peori Jason J. LeBlanc Cartoonist Adrian Bienias Photographers Petronella Duda Matthew Dabrowski
rates were almost triple what they had been in 2003. The plan boasts a significant reduction in brownouts and blackouts as the fruit of this price increase, as well as much needed investments in our infrastructure. This all gets sour quickly, however, when they mention that this price will only be held to inflation for four years, and after that, it is expected to increase by 37.5% and flatline by 2030, at $200 per month for the average household. A more exciting part of the plan and one that concerns trades workers is the section on house technology. The plan is to support technology like solar panels, house batteries and automated energy saving technology. If energy produced by the panels exceeds what you use, then the excess will be sent to the grid, and you’ll get a rebate. Whether these panels will ever make enough energy to cover installation costs is questionable, however. Buildings with batteries could reduce the need for peak-hour rates, and energy management software could diagnose energy waste and automate energy use to save money. For consumers, the liberals plan to reduce the price ratio between on and off-peak hours, change when those hours are, and eliminate the practice altogether in the spring and fall. They also want to begin charging electricity rates more like a phone or internet company would, where you pay for a plan. So what are some of the cons? Well, for starters, Ontario’s auditor general has called the plan “needlessly complex” and claimed that it’s a way to hide debt from the government books. She’s referring to the section of the LTEP Inside Ontario’s Darlington Nuclear Station. Photo credit: Nuclear where it is explained that the Regulatory Commission’s photostream, flickrtotal cost of the investments will be passed down to future even though that’s still a lot higher than it was generations in the name of “fairness” because before the Liberals were elected in 2003. In 2016, future generations will also be benefitting from these investments. This is a clever way to say By Joey Clavette This past October, the Liberal party released their latest Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) and with the provincial election coming up, we figured it would be worth discussing. This is the third 20-year plan they have released in the past seven years, each differing slightly. It may be coincidence, but it’s worth mentioning that these plans tend to be released right before elections. With the liberals catching a lot of deserved criticism for the spike in electricity prices it makes sense to have a comprehensive justification for the mess when the votes come around. So what’s going right here? One of the positives is that they plan to invest in refurbishing and expanding nuclear energy in Ontario, which is currently the major source of energy in the province. The Union of Operating Engineers released a public statement supporting the decision to keep nuclear in the renewable energy mix. This position is a breath of relief for those who are sceptical of power sources like wind and solar. Rates have been cut down to what they were before Wynne took over for McGuinty in 2013,
they are refinancing the debt, and that’s why the Liberals were able to reduce hydro costs this past year. This is significant as Ontario is already one of the leading political entities in the world for state debt per capita. She says that the additional debt could lead to an additional “$4 billion more than necessary” in interest. One needs not be cynical to see that the plan and the recent cuts in energy prices have to do with improving Wynne’s dismal approval ratings, which hover in the mid-to-high teens. Not only are the cuts the product of refinancing debt, but
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 Account Manager Catherine Healy catherine@2by4gta.ca | (647) 831-8859 Graphic and Newspaper Designer Advertising Coordinator Olha Tkachenko design@2by4gta.ca Web Designer and Developer Gurpartap Singh Web Developer Damian Sobkowiak Legal Team Sebastian Szemplinski (905) 602-5100
A Tesla Power Wall. Photo credit: Bryan Alexander, flickr
the LTEP also notes how nuclear refurbishment has also been put off until later in order to save money now. The Liberals’ ideological opponent, the PC party is currently imploding, so it’s difficult to see who might be heading it and what their alternatives will be on the matter. If Patrick Brown’s position was any indication it doesn’t look good. He went one step further than Wynne’s cap and trade policy, which affects supply and therefore the price of electricity, wanting to introduce a carbon tax. The other alternative is the NDPs who plan to redistribute hydro delivery costs throughout the province and expropriate all private energy infrastructure, which seems to be counterproductive towards lowering costs for consumers. So, it seems right now that no matter who you cast the ballot for, electricity in Ontario won’t be getting any cheaper anytime soon.
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
Group benefits for small businesses (health and dental) Disability insurance for truck drivers Income replacement for self employed Guaranteed investments Insurance Advisor Business overhead and key person insurance CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE! Traditional coverage: life, mortgage (416) 732 0672 insurance and much more! Insurance Brokerage
WWW.WEALTHSTATE.CA
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018 3
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA Continued from p.1
By Andrew Dabrowski ...My first research approach was to test that hypothesis by comparing Housing market crashes to bitcoin crashes. My research showed that bitcoin has undergone several crashes (2011, 2013, 2014), highlighted by a 2013 crash, which saw its value drop 92.5 per cent within 83 days. The housing market has also seen its fair share of crashes. Daniel Tencer from the Huffington Post reported: “Prices dropped by about a quarter during a five-year decline in the early 1960s; they fell about 14 per cent during a decade-long slump from the 70s to the 80s, and they dropped a sharp 39 per cent from 1989 to 1995.” Also, most recently home prices in the GTA dropped an average of 20 per cent from their peak in April 2017 until January 2018. I shared my research with my client and told him that I believe bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to be ‘volatile’. They could gain a lot in a day or a few days, but they could also lose a lot in a matter of days. We both knew people who made money in both cryptocurrency and real estate. I advised my client that it was his money and he could risk it on the market or park it in
Crypto or Condo? a condo. I told him that he does not need to listen to me, as I could be biased as his real estate agent, but to consult with others in both industries and come to an informed decision. To emphasize my point, I also informed my client that housing does not evaporate, can’t be stolen by hackers and doesn’t drop 90 per cent in value in the span of days. The cherry on top of my argument was that despite a recent dip in the housing market, condos were actually rising in price! Why would condos be rising in price while homes were dipping in price? The answer was competition. In 2016, the Canadian market saw real estate prices peak for most homes, except condos. Many families, especially those in lower income brackets, became priced out of buying detached or any freehold type properties. Needing a place to live and desiring ownership, families have turned to large condos. Therefore, large condos are still in demand and sometimes see bidding wars and competition. Hence the price of large condos continue to rise. My client, being of retirement age, decided to allocate his retirement funds towards a condo. As we finalized a deal on a condo, we saw bitcoin crash by more than 60 per cent
from a peak of $25,300 to less than $9500 in February. My client made the right choice and now owns a condo that he enjoys. He didn’t lose by playing the market, and on top of that, he doesn’t pay anyone rent. However, bitcoin has been making a come back and stands at over $14,000 as I write this article. It is an exciting and volatile stock on which people have made huge gains and losses. I do not advise people against investing in bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, or blockchain technology. I advise them instead to do their research and choose what is best for them. Few people truly understand what cryptocurrencies are, and what blockchain technology is. Nevertheless, electronic currencies and blockchain technology are part of our present and future, and they are here to stay. It is good to research what lies ahead, as well as to get informed about the nature of the investments that we intend to make. There are over 1500 different cryptocurrencies out there. I recently spoke to a friend who works in and made money with cryptocurrency. I asked him if it is worthwhile investing in new cryptocurrencies and he answered that you need to know what the coin is based on. What technology does it use and represent? Can it be mined and does its company appear to have an innovative future?
MILLER 1 RECORDS PRODUCTION
1(647)909-3042
Since the inception, MillerOneRecords has expanded globally harvesting some of the richest and brightest acts in the industry. We believe in limitless ambition creating the atmosphere to reach all possibilities in a musical journey. www.milleronestudio.com
Condo
With all the hype surrounding cryptocurrencies, it is tempting to join the fad and invest. Many who do so treat it as a gamble and invest several hundred or a couple of thousand dollars, in order to see what happens. They do so, as not to be largely affected by the gains and losses. Therefore, if someone wants to take a gamble on crypto with larger sums of money, they should go to some seminars on the topic and do their research online or by talking to successful investors. Just get educated. When you wish to make a safer and more stable investment, seek out an informed realtor and consider buying some property.
Graphic
DESIGN print ads . brochure . flyers . catalogues . illustration
437-888-4701
tkachenko.olha@gmail.com
Bad weather means more accidents on the roads... Our professional team at Conquest Auto will take care of you and your vehicle Trusted by insurance companies
Let us take your business from where you are to where you want to be 30 Jutland Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2G9 Phone: (416) 255-5363
ZAGLOBA RESTAUTANT Lunches from $5.99
2555 Dixie Road Mississauga
Menu: www.zagloba.ca Phone: 905-279-9925
-Apps -Websites -Marketing
info@klej.co (647)295-5411
4
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
Notes from the editor
Traffic Watch
A note to our readers By Matt Dabrowski Hey Readers, I want to personally give you an update and a peek into what’s been happening here at 2BY4! As some of you must have already noticed, we have decided to focus on GTA West which includes Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton and now Oakville. We will be expanding out towards Burlington in the upcoming months as well. Our whole team has been working seven days a week, and I also want to thank everyone who has sent in pictures, criticism and feedback, or helped out with providing materials for our publication racks! With each issue we are increasing our distribution by a few thousand copies to reach more of you, but we need your support. If you have anything to share, something to offer, or you want your voice heard, we are here for you. Tell us what you want to read about, what you want to see more of, and we will make it happen! You can also help support 2BY4 financially by subscribing for just $2.50 per issue, sponsoring delivery to your street or your business, a section in the paper, or through connecting with us on FB, Twitter, Instagram and Alignable. The more input we have from you, the faster we will grow to provide exactly the stories you want to read and the content you want to see. Once we have more coverage, we will start publishing biweekly and adding
more pages. By the summer we plan to add a sports and business section, as well as a commercial section catered to each industry and profession that becomes involved with 2BY4 or that you, our readers, want to stay informed and learn about. Email or call us even if you just want to come by for coffee! With 2BY4 being a community newspaper, we want to reach as much of the community as we can, and provide you with useful information and opportunities. We are strong supporters of local businesses and have a lot of appreciation and respect for those of you who are involved in your community and help out in any way. Whether you’re a service provider, small business owner, contractor or a resident. If you’re in need of services, advice or have something to share, please reach out! We can help you connect with employers, skilled renovation professionals, or other services as we are growing out our network and want to build our name and reputation to be synonymous with trust and community, as we are here to give the grassroots businesses and residents of the GTA a voice and a platform!
Marble
RESTORATION
416.716.9861
Spark Stone Care
Make your marble look like new again
March 8 - April 8
Weather forecasts suggest that we’re going to be warming up slightly through the month with an average of 2 degrees the first week, and 8 degrees the last week. We’re still going to see temperatures dipping below zero and rising back up with a moderate amount of precipitation, so be careful with ice on the roads, and hopefully, it will all be gone in April. Here’s new road closures Etobicoke-York John Street from South Station Street to Weston Road. Curb lane and southbound lane closed due to construction from March 12 until July 31. St. Clair Avenue East from Runnymede road to Castleton Avenue Eastbound lane will be occupied until May 9. North York 7 Marchwood Drive North and southbound lanes will be occupied from March 12 until March 24. 72 Ruscica Westbound lane will be occupied from the morning of March 15 until the evening of March 16. 15 Stormont Avenue, 95 Deloraine and 415 Glengrove Avenue East and westbound lane will be occupied until March 17, although two-way traffic will be maintained the whole time. Lawrence Avenue East from the Donway East to Don Mills Westbound lane will be occupied until the evening of March 13.
10%
Winter l specia
Sheppard Ave West from Keele Street to Sentinel Road Westbound curb lane closed until the evening of March 17. Greer Road from Cranbrooke Ave to Brookdale Ave North and southbound lanes will be alternatively closed until March 17. Toronto and East York Queen Street West from White Squirrel Way to Brookfield Street Eastbound curb lane closed until April 7. 1884 Queen St East Eastbound lane occupied until March 24. College Street from Spadina to Major Street East and westbound lanes on college and the southbound lane of Spadina will be closed until May 1. Springdale Boulevard at Coxwell Avenue, and Rhodes Avenue at Fairford Avenue The eastbound lane of Springdale and the northbound lane of Rhodes will be closed on March 14. Danforth Avenue from Jones Avenue yo Morton Road Eastbound curb lane closed due until April 6, afternoon. Queen Street East from Rhodes Ave to Coxwell Ave Eastbound lanes closed until March 24. Coxwell Ave at Danforth Avenue Southbound curb lane closed until March 18. Yonge Street from Roehampton Avenue to Broadway Avenue The northbound lane will be occupied until March 24.
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018 5
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
News
WHAT’s UP WITH PRODUCTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? By Ryan Drummond Since the financial crisis of 2008, it is no secret that many industries have suffered from slow productivity growth. In the construction industry, however, this growth has been consistently lower than the national average since 1995, being dwarfed by the manufacturing industry which has been increasing its productivity at a rate four times higher than the construction industry. According to McKinsey, a construction consultancy firm, no other industry has performed worse, with the construction industry seeing only 1 per cent growth per year in the 20 years leading up to 2014. McKinsey’s website cites that minimal productivity growth throughout the industry revolves around a number of factors including poor organisation, inadequate communication, flawed performance management, contractual misunderstandings, poor short-term planning, insufficient risk management and limited talent management. Many observe that the construction industry has also been slow to adopt new techniques; that it has held on to conservative methods of operating, such as an insistence on personalized designs as opposed to mass production techniques, and displayed a reluctance to invest in technology such as project management software, 3D printing and laser scanning which would undoubtedly increase efficiency regarding the distribution of materials and their effective use. The United States is especially egregious in this respect, with labour productivity at levels today lower than they were in 1968. Answers to the productivity and efficiency issues in construction, as a result, are highly sought
after. As the world heads further into the digital age, it is becoming clear that a reluctance to move quickly with the times inevitably impacts the ability of companies to survive. Businesses such as Woolworths, and recently Toys ‘R’ Us, once giants in the retail sector, entered administration largely due to outdated business models and a lack of foresight regarding their position in the twenty-first century. Perhaps it will be those construction companies who begin to make investments toward improving their fundamental efficiency, and therefore increasing their profit margins, that will in future reverse the trend of prolonged projects and unmanageable budgets, and see the construction industry improve its current rate of growth. A lot is certainly at stake, though, regarding fundamentally improving an industry which accounts for 13 per cent of the global financial output. The Economist states that had productivity growth in construction matched that of manufacturing over the last 20 years, where new techniques have been readily embraced. The world loses out on$1.6 trillion USD every year because of a reluctance to adapt, they estimate. Whilst efforts are slowly being made to modernise, change is certainly not coming quickly enough. Hopefully, industry leaders will take heed and pivot of their own will. However painful a pivot that could be, it’s certainly better than letting the market set things straight with a crash.
Does Canada own itself? Started on p.1
By Patrick Peori But are too many of those businesses becoming foreign owned? In 2009, Calgary based Addax Petroleum Corporation was taken over by Chinese owned Sinopec group for $8.27 billion. Then again, in 2013, Nexen, a Canadian oil company was taken over by the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC). The deal was worth $15.1 billion. More recently, the $1.51 billion takeover of Aecon, one of Canada’s leading construction companies by China’s Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) is expected to be completed by the end of March. These takeovers are in line with the sectors China is investing in. Data from the Heritage Foundation, an American conservative research institute, found that from 2005 to 2014 China invested $396 billion dollars in the energy industry and $135 billion dollars in the transportation sector. During that same period of time, Heritage Foundation data found Canada saw a total of $39 billion dollars invested by the Chinese. That put Canada in third, only behind Australia and the United States for countries that saw the most Chinese investment. However, an Angus Reid Institute poll from September 2017 found Canadians would encourage investment in all sectors from the United Kingdom, European Union and United States before China. Of those surveyed, 35 per cent said Chinese investment in Canada is “more bad than good”, 15 per cent said it is “more
good than bad” and the other 50 per cent saw it as “equally good and bad.” Of those polled, 58 per cent said discouraging Chinese investment is necessary to prevent Canadian companies from being taken over. But is Chinese investment good for business? A poll conducted in 2017 by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada found 76 per cent of the 1,654 respondents believe “stronger economic ties with China will bring more opportunities for Canadian businesses.” But there is still concern. The foundation that has conducted national opinion polls since 2004 on Canadian views of engagement with China. In 2017 they found that 64 per cent were concerned that expanding Canada’s economic relationship with China could make us more vulnerable to Chinese political and economic pressures. But what about real estate? Canada was listed as the third most popular country to buy overseas property in 2016 on a popular Chinese real estate website, juwai. com. According to the website, the three most popular Canadian cities for Chinese to buy property in were Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The website says “Canadian real estate is still considered a bargain by Chinese property buyers.” With more airline links coming directly from China to Canada, Juwai.com predicted Canada will become even more popular in the coming years. But in 2017, Canada fell to fourth in Juwai.com rankings, behind Thailand, Australia and the United States. Could that be because of a foreign buyers tax?
In the summer of 2016, the government of British Columbia passed legislation requiring foreign buyers to pay a 15 per cent tax on property purchases. Similarly, in June 2017, the government of Ontario passed the Fair Housing Plan. This forced foreign buyers of property in the Golden Horseshoe Area to pay a 15 per cent non-resident speculation tax. Both measures were introduced to reduce foreign investment and bring down the price of buying a home. But, it turns out foreign investment in real estate is not that big anyway. Statistics Canada data from December 2017 found that while the average house price increased by 174 per cent in Vancouver from January 2005 to November 2017 and by 145 per cent in Toronto during the same time, it is
unlikely it’s because of foreign buyers. The data found that only 4.8 per cent of residential properties in Vancouver and 3.4 per cent in Toronto were owned by nonresidents. The largest share of foreign ownership in the market is in condominiums. In Vancouver, 7.9 per cent of condos are foreign owned and in Toronto, the number is similar, at 7.2 per cent. The problem may lie in the price. The Statistics Canada report found that in Vancouver those condos owned by nonresidents were valued 30.4 per cent higher than condos owned by residents. You have the numbers. Now it is up to you. Is Canada better off with or without foreign investment?
Top 10 Countries for Chinese Buyers #
By View
By Enquiry
1 2
US Australia
US Australia
3 4
Canada UK
Thailand Canada
5 6
Thailand New Zealand
UK New Zealand
7 8
Japan Spain
Germany Japan
9 10
France Singapore
Vietnam Malaysia
Source: Juwai.com IQ Data 2017
6
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
Job focus
Digital Strategy in Construction By Mery Milic Started on p.1
...According to McKinsey & Company’s research, the construction industry is the second least digitized major industry, being underscored only by the agriculture and hunting industry. The most digitized aspects of the construction industry are marketing, asset stocking, and digitization of work, yet these all still fell well below the average in the total economy. This means that by digitizing your construction company, you will get an easy leg up on the competition.
First off, a digital strategy can be complicated to implement unless you have the right knowledge or help from a professional. It might be worth it to hire someone, even if on contract, to assess your business and see where you can make digital adjustments. If that’s not in the budget, here’s some advice that will hopefully help. One aspect of a digital strategy is search engine optimization (SEO). With all the information in the world available at our fingertips, people are most likely to search for a service they need through online search engines. Optimizing your visibility
How Payroll Services and Payroll Processing Can Help Your Company By Billah and Associates Managing your company’s payroll can be a tedious task. Especially when you know that messing it up even slightly can cause a lot of trouble. In such cases, the best way to get the job done is to hire a professional payroll processing service. It will help you in many ways and ensure that this part of your business is taken care of. A good payroll service also acts as a mediator between your firm and the government institutions responsible for payroll taxes. But there are many other benefits that a payroll service has to offer your company, and some of the major ones are listed below. 1. Payment of Salary and Taxes on Time Nothing disappoints employees more than a delayed salary. Processing it yourself might sometime lead to unavoidable delays. However, if you let a payroll service handle this for you, there will never be any delay in your employees’ salary payment. This is sure to keep them happy. Another great advantage is the filing of payroll taxes on time. It is always a struggle to manage to pay such taxes on time, but when professionals do it, this won’t be a concern anymore. All the salaries and taxes will be paid on time without you worrying about it. 2. Save Time and Money There is no point in wasting your valuable time trying to process and manage payrolls when you can delegate it to professionals. This will let you focus on doing what you do best and growing your firm. It does sound a bit counterintuitive that paying for a service will save your company money. But here’s the thing, if you handle all the payroll processes yourself, the internal costs and efforts will significantly increase. Thus if you let professional payroll processing services handle everything for you, it will save a lot of time and money.
3. Increase in Employee Productivity Although this isn’t a direct benefit of hiring a payroll service, eventually you’ll notice it to be true. When there’s no hassle of maintaining a payroll, all the managers will be able to focus on their actual work. This will let them perform in the best way possible and as an additional benefit, increase their productivity. A certified payroll professional does this job day in and out so you can expect them to be diligent in their task. And while they handle all of this, your managers will spend more time doing their actual work. 4. Avoid penalties and CRA issues Many businesses get penalized for issues or discrepancies in their payroll processing. This is a common problem faced by numerous entities except those who trust payroll processing services for this task. Professional payroll services are aware of all the rules, regulations and deadlines among other important details. They do the same task for many businesses and get paid for their professionalism. So, if you want to avoid penalties or any issues with the CRA, choose a good payroll service that can help you do it without any hassles. Conclusion One of the most important reasons why companies outsource a task is to get it done professionally. Payroll processing is one such task that requires sheer professionalism and discipline to execute it without any issues. Thus, when you hire a payroll service, you get access to the best talent in the industry. Access to experts and professionals who have been doing this for a long time surely helps, as payroll is an important aspect of the business and payroll processing services are well-equipped to manage it.
on search engines will lead to easier leads and customers. You want your business to show up in at least the first three results for a search and we all know that nobody is going to the second page of google. If you google “contractors in GTA”, a lot of ads show up, which many people surf over. You’ll also see macro companies like HomeStars that showcase hundreds of companies, which yours can get lost in. But you’ll notice that GTA general contractors and GTA contractors show up. First of all, they made good use of business names to show up. But if you look closer, they both also have dedicated blogs on their site. These allow you to bring in visitors from common searches like “how to redo my basement”. You don’t need to hire expensive local writers to populate these blogs because the intention is not to create pristine content but to bring in searchers. So try hiring content writers for cheap on a website like upwork. com that specializes in outsourcing work that can be done on a personal computer. We suggest hiring professional copywriters like LEADER Writing who specialize in SEO optimization. Social media marketing is another important aspect of a digital plan for construction companies. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have analytics tools that allow you to measure the success of your posts and content. You can use the collected data to tweak your marketing campaigns and adjust them to the needs of your potential clients, thus bringing in even more leads. Try to figure out why certain posts get a lot of likes and shares, and other not so much. You can also use these services to interact with other businesses
which relieves the awkwardness of making cold calls. Another reason you want to have a good digital strategy is because the quality of your website and the content you put out is crucial for your overall success. You want a web interface that will bring clients in and make them want to interact. Often construction companies make muddled and non-user-friendly websites which can repel potential customers. Therefore, you should not neglect the importance of digital marketing and website design if you want your business to be able to keep up with the competition. One more important part of a digital strategy is getting software to do your work for you. There are apps that keep track of invoices and give you helpful information when tax season comes.
There are apps that help you write reports quicker. If there’s anything that you repeat daily which you find an annoying waste of time, try seeing if someone has designed software to make that easier for you.
Serving Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga & Brampton
TAX, ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING TAX PREPARATION, Full-cycle of BOOKKEPING and ACCOUNTING Services including GST/HST & WSIB return, CORPORATE, SELF-EMPLOYED Business, Rental & PERSONAL tax return, Payroll, Business setup, Audit Assistance & Year Round services
We calculate MAXIMUM REFUND and MINIMIZE taxes. Our services include, but are not limited to the following: • Bookkeeping and Accounting services • Corporate Tax returns T2-including all UN-FILED returns • Personal Tax returns T1-including all UN-FILED returns up to last 10 years • Self-employed Business Tax Returns - including all UN-FILED returns • Tax Planning and Tax Strategy • GST/HST, WSIB, Returns Filing - including UN-FILED returns • Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis • Accounting System and Internal Control Setup • Bank Accounts and Credit Card Reconciliation • Payroll Preparation, Source Deductions Filing • Cheque/Direct Deposit, Paystub, T4, T4A & ROE preparation • CRA Audit Assistance • Business Plan and Financial Projections • Business Registration and Incorporation
Call 647-241-5126
Please call or email us for more details billahassociate@gmail.com
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018 7
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
AI in the Blue Collar Workplace – Do I need to be worried about my Job? By Jag Michaels Artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly being integrated across many Canadian job industries, including construction where reports have it making jobs safer and increasing project efficiencies. The question that has long been on the minds of so many blue collar workers though is, as AI and automation continue to advance, should you be worried about your job – well, the answer is not a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Make no mistake. There are potentially millions of jobs that could be lost once AI is fully integrated into the worldwide economy. That said, construction is a little bit of a different beast than the other industries that are being threatened. According to a report published by McKinsey & Company in 2017, productivity levels in North American construction have not gone up in any sort of significant way since 1945. This same report shared how approximately 98 percent of large construction projects in North America exceed budget numbers. In addition, every year, thousands of
construction jobs in Canada and the United States go unfilled due to a lack of qualified candidates and/or interest. There’s an opportunity here for AI to fill some of these vacancies and improve numbers. Before AI is dismissed as a negative, approaching it with some objectivity, one
Triax’s Spot-r safety solution. Photo courtesy of Triax
sees where it could have some merit in the years to come. For example, a recent study from the University of Waterloo showed how
AI could be used to reduce wear-and-tear injuries and help boost the productivity of construction workers. This study focused specifically on bricklaying, and how motion sensors and AI software could improve technique. By wearing sensor suits, alternative work techniques could be identified to limit pressure felt on joints, encouraging more swinging rather than the direct lifting of brick blocks, among other strategies. Numerous companies are investing in construction-related AI products, including Triax Technologies’ Spot-r’s wearable tracking system for monitoring workers on the ground; SmartCap’s headband and companion application to determine if an employee is falling asleep; and Microsoft’s HoloLens which promotes virtual interaction and collaboration on the job site. There are also companies such as Tybot who have developed an autonomous robot to tie rebar to form bridge decks, assisting an industry that is deeply affected by worker strain and the potential for injuries.
Job focus Technologies such as AI wearables have been shown to provide many benefits. A report from Dodge Data & Analytics showed how 82 percent of those who had adopted AI wearables argued that this had a positive impact on the job site. By paying attention to where we see the most investments being made in constructionrelated AI, it is evident that there is a potential to make jobs easier for human beings and to promote higher efficiencies among individuals. Imagine being able to find a better way to move your body as to prevent a wear-and-tear injury that could be just around the corner. Imagine, as a supervisor, being able to better pinpoint the attentiveness of employees, ensuring that safety is being maximized at every opportunity. Artificial intelligence is going to slowly move Canada’s construction industry into being a higher performing industry, and that has the potential to have major benefits for the economy and the worker.
So, no, AI is not going to take your job – not today and not tomorrow. For now, there’s too much opportunity to improve safety and efficiency to want to do anything else with this kind of technology, at least as it pertains to construction. Decades down the line though, the jury is still out.
8
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
The Law on First Aid The regulation is specific with respect to the types of first aid training, and the types of equipment that must be on hand, but it does not indicate how many employees you must certify to be in compliance. This is the confusing part for most employers.
aid station. Their certification card must be posted at the first aid station so other employees know who to go to for help. More information on first aid requirements can be found on the web. For a PDF copy of the Guide to the Occupational Health
How do you decide how many employees to certify? Consider shift work, holidays and sick days If the first aider needs help, who else will be certified and available to help? How big is the work site? In the worst case scenario, a worker is non-breathing and has only four minutes before brain damage starts to occur. Can your closest first aider recognize the problem and respond within a three-minute window? Are there restricted work areas? Each restricted area would require a first aid team. The decision on how many employees to train is up to the employer, but in order to be in compliance, a certified first aider must be available at all times that work is in operation and they must work in the vicinity of the first
and Safety Act, go to the Ontario Ministry of Labour website: http://www.labour.gov. on.ca/english/hs/pubs/ohsa/index.php. For a PDF copy of the Regulation 1101 First Aid Requirements, go to www.wsib.on.ca. For information on the Canada Labour Code go to www.justice.gc.ca justice.gc.ca
By Dianne Rende . A company’s management may not realize that there is a law on first aid in the workplace until a serious injury occurs on the job or a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) audit comes their way. Neither scenario is a pleasant way to find out that your company is not in compliance with the Ontario law on first aid. All employers who are subject to the Occupational Health and Safety Act must comply with Regulation 1101. Who is covered by this Act? Almost every worker, supervisor, employer and workplace in Ontario is required to comply. The only exclusions are work done by the owner or occupant, a servant in a private residence and workplaces under federal jurisdiction. Federal workplaces are covered under a different law: the Canada Labour Code. Regulation 1101, First Aid Requirements, outlines the obligations of employers to
provide first aid expertise and first aid supplies on the work site for the care of sick and injured workers. Information respecting
first aid stations, first aid kits, first aid training, the requirements for each industry, the contents of first aid boxes, what to do in cases of injury and disease and reporting of incidents are all detailed in this regulation. The regulation provides guidelines for small, medium and large workplaces, each having increasing expectations based on the number of employees. Workplaces with less than five employees require employees certified in Emergency
First Aid. Workplaces with more than five employees require employees certified in Standard First Aid.
Dianne Rende is the Executive Director of St. John Ambulance, Peel Dufferin Branch. As Canada’s leading authority in first aid, St. John Ambulance is dedicated to improving health and safety at work, at home and at play. Dianne can be reached by email at dianne.rende@on.sja.ca or for more information visit
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018 9
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
How should Canada replace retiring construction workers? By Jag Michaels Started on p.1 ...This is seen
to be quite dreary by many because such a sudden shift might be a severe blow to the integrity of the industry. But perhaps it’s not that bad. This coincides with a general problem in all developed nations where birth rates have been falling below replacement rate for decades. The birth rate in Canada, for example, has not been at replacement levels since the 60s. We often take for granted that the optimal solution is utilizing immigration to fill in the demographic gaps left by the rapidly declining birth rate because that’s what most developed nations have been doing. Japan is interesting in this respect because the population vehemently rejects large-scale and unskilled immigration. This is to the point
where their population has been declining for a decade now. Perhaps we can learn how to better utilize our own native-born population from their example. Before considering immigration, the Japanese generally consider increasing participation and productivity. The metric of participation measures the segment of the population who are not working nor actively seeking work. Often people mistakenly assume that a 6 per cent unemployment rate means that 94 per cent of Canadian adults are in the workforce. The reality might be shocking because, according to statscan, the overall participation rate in Canada is a meagre 65 per cent. If we take into consideration that 6 per cent of those participating are unemployed, we see that 41 per cent of Canadian adults are not working. That’s nearly 12 million people! Significant portions are out for medical reasons, taking
care of their family or studying, but that’s still a big chunk that we can get back in the workforce. In terms of participation, men in Canada currently represent 70 per cent of the workforce, while women only represent 61 per cent. Increasing women’s labour productivity could help mitigate our demographic problems. Luckily, they already are. The next decade’s highest demographic growth in construction is expected to be strongest among women. Currently, the construction workforce is made up of roughly 11 per cent women. Although, among the women who work in Canadian construction, only 26 per cent work on the construction project site where workers are most needed while the other 74 per cent are in supportive or administrative-based occupations. It is also worth noting that many of the women in the 9 per cent participation gap are staying home raising children. Canada’s indigenous population is also growing more interested in the construction industry. Historically the indigenous population’s participation in the overall workforce has been lower than that of non-indigenous people with a 10 per cent lower participation rate on the part of indigenous peoples and a four per cent higher unemployment rate than the overall population. Happily, according to a 2017 BuildForce Canada report, there is a higher propensity to choose construction as a career choice among the indigenous population. Today, indigenous people make up approximately four per cent of Canadian construction though that is expected to grow in the coming years. Perhaps a reason why people stay away from construction work is its reputation for being damaging to the body, and that’s where technology could come in. Technology and
Job focus
productivity could go hand in hand, and in fact, the rapid retirement of construction workers might be more of a blessing than a curse. The construction industry is a huge laggard in terms of productivity. Among the prescriptions made by McKinsey&Company’s recent report on the subject, is embracing digital and automation technology. Everyone below the age of 30 has experienced a teacher or professor struggling with technology where it could be very useful. Managers and professionals in construction who have a decade or less before retirement are likely less ready to tackle learning and implementing new technology, especially since the norms of technology change so rapidly, it might not seem worth it. This is where young people surging up the ranks in light of retirements could be very helpful for the industry because they can implement their technological savvy. Technologies like bricklaying robots and 3D printing could be used to spare the bodies of workers. People often think of AI and robots as a force that could take away their jobs, but they neglect to realize that humans choose what technology is developed, and we develop it to be useful to us. This is the philosophy of the codeveloper of the consumer robot company, iRobot, best known for developing the Roomba, Rodney Brooks. iRobot focuses on providing useful technology for workers, these robots do the back breaking jobs that workers don’t want to do, and humans can manage, design, add the final touches that a machine could never reproduce. One thing is for certain, and that’s that in the next 10 to 20 years something’s got to give in the construction industry. Hopefully this has been a consolation that we have what it takes to persevere, and we can grow stronger as a society if we do.
Male Woes: Why are Men Checking Out? By Joey Clavette American Economist, Nicholas Eberstadt, recently wrote a book titled “Men Without Work”. In it, he details the problem that men have been gradually dropping out of the workforce in the United States, with “economically inactive” American men skyrocketing from 3.4 per cent in 1965, to 11.8 per cent in 2015. He describes this as a growing class of inactive working-age men who avoid getting work and tend to opt for disability benefits or other government subsidies or to simply live off the labour of their families. Though women have a lower participation rate than men, Eberstadt points out that economically inactive women are much more likely to be supporting family members domestically than economically inactive men. These men are less likely to volunteer than working adults, they are also more likely to gamble and use recreational drugs. All this is to say that these men are not neglecting the job market in favour of anything constructive, but rather they are tending to neglect all responsibilities
and to live their lives as deadbeats. That’s America, but what about Canada? We’re not as bad, but we still have problems. In fact, it seems that this is happening in many rich countries today. The Japanese even have a word for it, “Hikikomori”, meaning to pull inward. In 1990, 76 per cent of men were participating in the workforce, whereas only 70 per cent do so today. Economically inactive prime-age men were nine per cent of the male population as of 2015. An article by Better Dwelling looked at the wider problem which is a general decline in overall participation. Today roughly only half of the Canadian population are employed. They suggest that the reason might be that Canada is not “fostering enough innovation or industry” to employ young Canadians leaving school. Margaret Wende of the Globe and Mail also tackled this issue in an op-ed, and she suggested that the problem might
be a psychological one. She suggests that men’s failure to find work due to economic issues, like a decaying
manufacturing industry, serve to foster a hopelessness in young men, and that works like a feedback loop, turning them off from work completely. Another factor is that young men tend to overestimate their intelligence and competency, and as a result, they neglect hard work. Perhaps the issue is even deeper than this. In many respects, men and boys are falling behind today. Only 40 per cent of university graduates are men today, and it’s no secret that men are being turned off from higher education. As of 2009, one in ten male high schoolers were dropping out. Numerous op-eds and articles have been written about how schools today are designed to help girls thrive at the expense of boys. 84% of incarcerated adults were men in 2016, and 74% of suicide victims in Canada were men in 2015. There is no consensus on what the cause of these phenomena are, but one thing is for certain and that’s that we have a problem, and it’s not solving itself.
Today, 41% of Canadians over the age of 15 are either unemployed or not participating in the workforce, whereas 59% are employed
10 Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
Home
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
What is Interior Design?
By Mery Milic The term interior design refers to the art of designing and decorating interior spaces. This form of art includes designing room areas from scratch as well as enhancing already existing designs for a more functional or aesthetically pleasing result. Even though it may sound similar, interior design is not the same as decorating. It is a far more complex form of artistic expression that requires the designer to keep the functionality of the designed space. There are various interior design styles implemented on interiors worldwide, so let’s take a look at a few.
Modern The modern interior design style features basic color palettes and materials such as metal, steel and glass. The color palette of this design style usually consists of only two simple colors, most commonly black and white. This style puts an emphasis on crisp and clear lines, as well as simple yet functional furniture. It also combines technology with interior design and emphasizes the use of smart appliances. The modern style is very popular in Toronto, as well as the use of smart devices in home interior. According to Canada’s 2017 Interior Design Show, one of the popular interior design trends was the use of smart-home lighting, that is, LED lighting controlled through mobile applications.
Minimalist The minimalist style is a very popular concept worldwide, originating from the Scandinavian areas. This interior design style is similar to the modern one, however, it drastically simplifies the details of the modern design. The minimalist style is based on the concept that “less is more”. The less clutter in the room, the better it is. Thus, this style emphasizes natural, bright and airy spaces with only the necessary furnishing and little amount of décor. There are no excessive decorations and unnecessary pieces of furniture. Therefore, this interior design style remains functional while portraying less decorative items. Mid-Century Modern The mid-century modern interior design style is a functional way of furnishing a room, emphasizing natural and organic shapes. It has some elements of the minimalistic style, yet it provides the atmosphere and feel of the mid 1900s. There is lots of wooden material combined with simple fabrication for a traditional-looking 50s and 60s style. Even though this style is a throwback to the past times, it is still highly functional and luxurious. The traditional wooden furnishing is often combined with smart appliances for a combination of the old-school and modern design. Classical If you’re the more traditional type, you might be attracted to the classical style. This is anything but minimalistic, but it’s also not frugal. You’ll see heavy drapes, indulgent fabrics, fine art decorations, and even sculptures and a general harkening back to 17th and 18th century nobility. Arches and columns are also prominent in this style, along with light, pastel colours. You’ll notice this style at old hotels like the Royal York in downtown Toronto, but its prominence among homeowners is rare due to it’s expensive materials and a tendency to view the style as overindulgent.
Art Deco If you’re not fond of the modern minimalistic styles, but you aren’t willing to shell out the riches for a classical style, perhaps you should check out art deco. Art deco is eye-popping and indulgent like the classical style, but with a bit more of a modern flare. You’ll think of the 20s jazz age and aesthetics like The Great Gatsby with this one. You’ll see a clash of matte and shiny textures, with reflective wood, mirrors, steel, gold and chrome. Zigzags and repetitive geometric patterns are normally used on wallpaper or other decorations, art is more 20th century. It’s certainly a style worth considering if you want your space to be more eye-popping.
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018 11
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
Natural vs. Manmade: choosing the perfect countertop for your kitchen
By Matt Dabrowski Having worked as an installer for over three years, I’ve gotten to know many granite shops around the GTA and have worked on every kind of project that customers have dreamt up. One of the most pleasant and informative shop owners I have dealt with is Edward Sowa from Canastone. Edawrd is an expert when it comes to countertops as he had grown up around the business with his father running a granite shop himself. Over the last 17 years, Edward’s been running the show at Canastone, and has built up the company on quality from a smaller scale business to a granite shop that works with over 15 reputable designers and more than 200 contractors and is still family run. He’s provided me with some insight into what
Edward Sowa – Countertop Expert Office: 905.279.4040 Mobile: 647.893.7722 Email: info@canastone.ca
the current trends are and which materials might be best to go with, as well as some good advice on countertop maintenance. Firstly, granite is 100 per cent natural and slabs are sliced from quarries around the world, while quartz is about 95 per cent natural, but this varies depending on who makes it. One of the most well-known names in the industry is Caesarstone, with 93 per cent natural quartz aggregates, and the remainder being poly resins and pigments. Hanstone is another well known manufacturer, located out of London Ontario and having a similar percentage composition to Ceasarstone. Many other manufacturers can be found around the world, all of which have their upsides and downsides. What I can say from experience, and Edward Sowak also expressed during our interview is that both HanStone and CeasarStone have some of the best warranties and a plethora of colours and designs to choose from. “[They] have everything from natural granite designs, plain and elegant, to almost every Crayola colour you can dream up.” Edward told me, chuckling after I had asked him how many colours a customer can choose from. Bookmatching is also a very interesting and similarly priced option, “more material is usually needed, but when done right, the effect Web: www.canastone.ca Located at 2451 Dixie Rd. is stunning. The Mississauga, ON patterns on the slabs L4Y 2A1 quartz
either mirror each other or the designs match up in continuum across the slabs.” The bookmatching effect can also be done with natural granite and marble slabs. Whether you have marble, granite or manmade quartz, the general rule is that the lighter the stone, the easier it stains. According to Edward, white or light colours have been the most popular amongst his customers. “Both my kitchen countertop and bathroom are done in Bianco Antico” Edward chuckled in response to me asking if he’s hopped on the bandwagon of designer trends. It’s important to know how to properly clean your countertops if you want to avoid stains and weakening of the sealer. All grease, including foods such as butter can leave their mark on the countertop, it’s best to clean this with something like dish soap as soon as possible! Natural stone, and sometimes manmade stone have to be sealed once a year. Edward tells me that “It’s best to do this when you’re going away for the weekend as the sink area has to be completely dry, and that can take a day or two due to material like granite having pores”. You can pick up sealers at places like Home Depot or Home Hardware, and prior to application, the countertop has to be thoroughly whipped down with acetone. If the acetone is left for longer than a few minutes it can actually melt the surface of the stone or the sealer, so it is important to wipe down quickly and avoid spills. Eddy teaches his clients as this is a service that is done for the first year, but after that it’s left for the customer due to the simplicity of the process. With regards to durability, comparing natural stone to another material such as porcelain, stone can be repaired while porcelain has to be replaced when there is any mechanical damage (chips,
cracks, deep scratches). Unlike porcelain, chipping and mechanical damage to stone, whether natural or manmade, can be fixed. Some shops such as Cana Stone provide a lifetime service for fixing this type of damage, along with teaching the customer how to seal their countertops as this has to be done once a year to keep the stone protected. Manmade stone is denser and more durable but can stain and discolour easier from heat, so do not place any pots on it straight off the stove! Also, when using any acids or corrosive material in the sink or for drain de-clogging, it may be a good precautionary move to tape up and cover the countertop around the sink, or be extra careful to avoid any spills and splashing. This may cause discolouration or melting of the sealer. Waterfalls have been in demand over the last few years, and can give your kitchen a modern and finished look by covering the sides of a kitchen island all the way to the flooring. Sharper edges have also been trending, and just like with intricate or multi-cut edges, chipping is more likely than with round edges. Interview continued in the next issue….stay tuned
12 Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
Home
Toronto’s Architectural Past and Present
By Naomi Harris Toronto’s skyline is filled with a diverse array of tall glass skyscrapers and rustic heritage buildings. The growing, and often times expensive, real estate has provided a market for pristine condominiums by the waterfront. There is, however, much more to the architecture of one of Canada’s largest cities. There are a few different types of architectural styles that are most noticeable in Toronto. Each style gives a rich insight into how the city has grown and expanded through time. The earliest style is the industrial style, seen in the manufacturing buildings along the harbor. In the early nineteenth century, Toronto was a city known for distribution, making it a popular place for packaging materials and gaining it the nickname of “Hog Town” for the amount of meat that was packaged and distributed from its harbor. Some of the oldest parts of the city are around the ports and along the railways because of Toronto’s large distribution market. One wellknown example of this is seen in the Distillery District, located east of downtown. This area is now filled with trendy cafés and houses within Spirit of York in the Distillery district. Photo credit: rrareyoung, these beautiful heritage buildings. instagram The second style of architecture was 1794. Georgian homes are characterized by their developed out of the early nineteenth century perspective and mathematical proportions. They as well. Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian are made mainly out of brick and are designed in houses became very popular with heavy such a way that from every side of the house the influence from the British. The oldest homes occupant has a pleasant view. were built in the Georgian style with the oldest Edwardian and Victorian homes became popular of the houses being the Scadding House built in once Toronto increased in size and population. Real estate became more expensive and sought out so the sizes of houses decreased and semidetached houses started to become more prevalent. These houses are typically seen in the Annex, Rosedale, and Parkdale. Developed out of the Victorian style of housing is the bay-and-gable house. These are characterized by large bay windows in the front of the house and pointed gable roofs. After the Second World War, Toronto soon turned into a financial hub and with this change also
GOOD PAINT RENO
came a change in the architecture. The downtown core started to be replaced by large skyscrapers. With postmodern and international influences, buildings similar to the Brookfield Place started to appear. These buildings are characterized by their utilitarianism and symmetrical shapes. Housing in Toronto also started changing after the Second World War. Urbanization became increasingly popular. Most small homes were
replaced by large apartment complexes. By the early 2000s a new type of architecture became dominant. The latest trend is condominiums, and they have an all-new, yet controversial, style. For those interested in the subject, Hans Ibelings’ book “Rise and Sprawl: The Condominium of Toronto” is certainly worth a look. For the first time, he points out, dwellings are being created without a design focus in appearance or livability, but as financial assets for investors. The result is a myriad of uninspiring and homogeneous glass structures that happen to hemorrhage energy.One plus, however, is the wonderful views and natural lighting. Toronto has a diverse range of architecture to see and explore. The Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the city’s most notable contemporary architectural displays, is worth a visit. As is the Bridal Path that displays the most beautiful Georgian style houses. You are guaranteed a unique perspective into the engaging history of Toronto and all the culture it has to offer.
If you are an individual or business, & you’ve got skills... The GetAssist Network connects you with customers, lots of customers.
OVER 12 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PAUL JANOWICZ 1-416-906-5640
goodjobreno@gmail.com
GETASSIST BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP
sales@getassist.com | 844-281-8893
Choose Your Plan and Join Your Local Business Community on the GetAssist Network!
Looking for qualified drivers. Mini bin, Roll-Off, Equipment Rental’s. Forklift operators. If you want to work come down to Senso. Must have DZ licence for truck operations. Must speak fluent English. Portuguese is an asset.
Connect with Local Businesses and Benefit from Targeted Advertising. Talk to an Account Specialist about which plan is right for you.
BASIC $279
/ Yr
Categories of Expertise
2
PLUS $379
/ Yr
PRO $479
/ Yr
5
10
3
4
3 (30 Days Each)
6 (30 Days Each)
Network Access
Senso Building Supplies Toronto 150 Rockcliffe Crt., Toronto, ON M6N 0A9
Targeted Sales Leads - $2
416 - 6 5 8 - 8 3 0 0
Reviews & Recognition
http://www.sensogroup.ca
Sensowastemanagement
is HIRING
Private HR Communities
Service Levels Project Logs Business Portfolio Job Postings Reporting
Basic $ 23.25 / mo
$ 31.58 / mo
Advanced $ 39.92 / mo
Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018 13
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
Job focus
from your desk to shipping and receiving – you’ll get compliments on your shoes for sure.
For women Ankle Boot:
Safety shoes that work with office attire For men
By Michael Hampton Going from an office setting to an industrial site or warehouse is the norm for many people. You dress for your office in clean, crisp business wear but what do you do when you make an in-person visit to sites that may feature workplace hazards like forklifts, uneven terrain and heavy machinery? The answer is safety footwear that works with office attire. Below you’ll find different styles for men and women that will take you from your desk to the warehouse without losing a step.
We specialize in turnkey design and construction. Architectural Design, Project Management and Related Media.
Athletic: Safety shoes designed to look similar to athletic sneakers are the perfect solution for both the office and work site. Additionally, if you’ll be walking long distances, this work boot style will do the trick. Opt for a black shoe with a composite plate, aluminium toe and shock resistant technology. A shoe with a rubber heel and forefoot pads will allow you to achieve maximum comfort – and keep you steady when you’re on uneven ground. If you want to keep sweat away, choose a shoe with
moisture-wicking technology, breathable microfiber and micro-mesh construction. Dress shoe: If you prefer oxfords to athletics, a safety boot designed like a dress shoe will be right up your alley. They may look casual, but in fact, these safety shoes are often complete with anti-slip technology, steel toe reinforcement and static dissipation. Wear these with a suit and no one will know that they’re more than just a fancy shoe. Slip-on: Slip-ons may prove to be exactly what you need when going from the office to the warehouse. With this work boot style, you’re getting a comfort and style. Opt for a safety shoe with a gel footbed and heel pad, shock-absorbing core and anti-microbial technology designed to fight odours and fungus. Perfect for casual Fridays and those days when you have to go
This work boot style will take you from the office to the warehouse. Choose a boot that’s equipped with a steel toe and composite plate for both protection and style. Dress shoe: Slip out of your office shoes and into a pair of (safety) dress shoes. This style will pair well with office wear. If you work in a high-static environment, opt for a pair that is anti-static and feature a lightweight dual-density polyurethane sole to maximize comfort. Sport-casual: These safety shoes look casual – but they’re equipped with steel toes and static dissipative. Furthermore, these shoes typically feature antislip technology, which is perfect for worksites with slick floors. Slip into a pair and make the transition from office to warehouse without any of your coworkers knowing the difference. For casual comfort that can be dressed up or down depending on what your business look is that day, sport-casual safety wear is the best choice. Athletic: Lightweight and flexible, athletic-style work boots often contain a composite toe and composite plate. Additionally, you get the benefits of electric shock resistance and moisture wicking nylon mesh. This pair of safety shoes will take you from your desk to the warehouse floor with athletic ease. Tall boots: Safety shoes can also come in the form of tall boots. These stylish boots can come equipped with breathable lining and moisture-wicking technology to eliminate sweat. If your work takes you from the office to the refinery, opt for boots that are slip and oil resistant. Please visit a Mister Safety Shoes location to try on the safety shoes mentioned above. If those aren’t to your taste we carry numerous styles that will be.
www.abahughes.com 4167792768 Professional Stone and Tile Setter
Windblown Tree Services info@windblown.ca
- Pruning - Removal - Cabling
(647)326-5536
- Hedge Shearing - Planting - Arborist Reports
Certified Arborist Jacob Doiron ON-2239A
Platinum Tile And Stone inc Lukasz Pluta 59 Railroad St, Brampton, ON L6X1G5, CA
(905) 781-5560 info@platinumtile.ca
VORTEX
Demolition • Interior • Exterior • Renovation Preparation
sirbrowski@hotmail.ca
(647) 771 1691
14 Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
2BY4 Girl
Lily Gulych-
Interior Design Specialist An innovative designer of residential and commercial spaces, Lily Gulych designs unique interiors that have a beneficial impact on her clients’ lives. With more than ten years of extensive experience in the field, she has a tremendous passion for creation and design of interiors that meet her clients’ highest expectations of
quality and comfort. Lily had established her career at high-profile interior design groups in Europe and Canada by being involved in several interesting projects, including government buildings, planning office environments, private buildings, and restaurants. “I really love to help my clients to make their homes and businesses comfortable and functional while reflecting their style and personal preferences. Finding inspiration in human life, architecture and art, combining seemingly incompatible ideas, and offering my clients original solutions areexciting and fulfilling
for me on both professional and personal levels. Enthusiasm, self motivation, and goodorganization are the guidelines I follow in all of my work.” – Lily Gulych
Atelier Interi ors by Lily G.
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/ March 9, 2018 15
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
Hobbies and Leisure
Having fun with firearms in the city By Mery Milic If you’re looking for a fun yet quite challenging hobby, shooting is one of the best options to consider. Shooting requires you to focus and concentrate on the target, allowing you to practice multiple skills at ones. Besides being a fun and very stressrelieving activity, this hobby can teach you a lot of skills you can further implement in your life. For example, if you practice shooting regularly, you will develop a certain discipline and the sense of responsibility it requires. Both these skills can help you deal with situations outside the shooting range as well. Unfortunately, in most cases, if you want to take up shooting as a hobby or even a one-time thing in Toronto, you will need to have the right license for the weapon you’re using. Luckily, there are places where people who want to try their hand at this exciting hobby can give it a shot (no
that it is filled to the last spot every single weekend. If you’re looking to go shooting for fun on a weekend, you will need to book your visit even four weeks ahead. If you can’t wait that long, you can schedule a session on business days, which you need to do two weeks ahead. Every shooter must fill out the Waiver Form prior to starting shooting and you cannot come alone. Therefore, make sure you have company and dress appropriately for the event. It is recommended to wear clothing that covers the chest/cleavage area to protect you from potential stray bullet casings. If you want to go all-in on
pun intended), even though they don’t have a license. The Target Sports Canada is one of such places. This very popular shooting range in Canada allows you to shoot without a license, even if you don’t have any prior experience with weapons. The licensed range officers even offer a walk-in program for first-time shooters, allowing you to shoot under the supervision of professionals. At the Target Sports Canada, you can shoot a variety of weapons from a Glock pistol to the AR15 rifle. This family-friendly shooting facility doesn’t only allow you to enjoy shooting without a license but they also feature two classrooms and full equipment required to teach you everything you need to know about different types of weapons. Before you head over to the shooting range to test your skills, you should be aware of the basic rules and recommendations you should follow. Namely, the range is so popular
safety measures, you can wear a ball cap to keep the casings away from your face. As a resident of Canada, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID with the proof of your address, while international visitors can use their passports as ID. Overall, if you want to try shooting for fun, head over to the shooting range where you can express your skills without a license. For those who consider shooting to be more than a one-time thing, there are plenty of gun clubs in the Greater Toronto Area they can join. As long as you’re staying safe, shooting will be the far most exciting hobby you can find!
One of Target Sports Canada’s ranges. Photo credit: targetsportscanada, instagram
Angry Steve the Contractor
Sudoku
Sudoku is a puzzle in which players insert the numbers one to nine into a grid consisting of nine squares subdivided into a further nine smaller squares in such a way that every number appears once in each horizontal line, vertical line, and square.
Contact us!
We want to hear your feedba ck.
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 website or you can email
Joey - editor@2by4gta.ca Matthew – matt@2by4gta.ca Slavo – slavo@2by4gta.ca.
We want to hear from you!
#2by4gta
16 Volume 2/ Issue 2/ March 9, 2018
WWW.2BY4GTA.CA
Throwback photo to when One York Street was just a hole in the ground. Instagram: ellisdoncorp
Matt doning his 2BY4GTA tee.
It looks like some people got a kick out of our meme! Here’s a few pictures we got from the community in the past month. If you’d like to be featured, send us a message on any of our social media platforms or email editor@2by4gta.ca. We’re also interested in hearing your stories, whether they’re funny, sad, weird or infuriating. Get connected with the community through 2BY4GTA.
Pic sent in by Mann Contracting. The floor’s looking good! Instagram: manncontracting
Follow us on social media! Wes Hassard Framing working through the evening on those cold, short days we won’t miss as spring comes. Instagram: weshassardframing