WORKERS
CONTRACTORS
COMPANIES
HOMEOWNERS
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Volume 1/ Issue 1 / November 6, 2017 / GREATER TORONTO AREA
Jobs in
Construction
Big changes are once again on the horizon for
Yorkdale
Shopping Centre
Industry
The Canadian construction industry wants you!
On May 30, a proposal was submitted to allow for a long-term mixed-use plan for the Yorkdale site. This included three conceptual block master plan options that will occur over the next 20 years. The development features retail, office, hotel, and resident units, as well as an internal private street network. The development would include 3401 Dufferin St. and 1 Yorkdale Rd. Toronto Community Planning Manager for the West Section (Ward 8, 9, 15 and 16) Al Rezoski said the city is in the preliminary stages of the planning process. “The site is in both the Lawrence Allen Secondary Plan and Dufferin Street Secondary Plan. Both of these city councilContinued on page 5 approved documents provide the vision for the area,” said Rezoski.
In recent years, nearly every sector of the industry has seen a drop in available skilled labour. While new workers are trending toward the tech sector, baby boomers are continuing to retire, leaving a significant shortage of skilled labour relative to the high market demand. A recent Canadian Job Bank Market Report for Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers (Toronto Region) indicates a significant number of large construction projects will fuel employment growth in construction development in Toronto and across Canada. “People are retiring and we don’t have enough skilled labour to replace them,” Merissa Preston, training liaison for the LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre, tells 2BY4. “We are having a lot of trouble finding concrete finishers and heavy-equipment operators.” Continued on page 3
From House to Home: Easy Upgrades That Pay Off
A CBC poll found that 48 per cent of respondents stated they were planning to conduct home renovations this year, a nearly 10 per cent increase from the previous year. Interior design and home renovations have grown increasingly common for a variety of reasons. First-time buyers have long anticipated their picture-perfect home and are willing to put their hands to work to make it happen.
Continued on page 10
Subway ExtensionImproved Transit Arriving To GTA
If you commute just north of Toronto, you can look forward to the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension (TYSSE). Set for completion by the end of the year, a subway extension will connect directly to Toronto from beyond city boundaries for the first time. The new route will extend to York Region through six additional stations. York University campus, which also includes Seneca College at York, is a transit hub and considered a commuter school for students in the GTA. It is also just one of the extension’s destinations. Besides York University, the extension includes Sheppard West, Downsview Park, Finch West, Pioneer Village, Highway 407, and Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. Three of these stations will offer significant parking space.
Continued on page 7
Photo credit: Petronella Duda
Building Condos: Will Jobs Soar To New Heights or Be Demolished? Condominium developments typically need approximately three years of construction to complete. This period provides a landslide of jobs throughout a variety of fields. Continued on page 8
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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 Jason J. LeBlanc Sarah McGoldrick Cartoonist Adrian Bienias Photographers Petronella Duda Matthew Dabrowski
The Founding of 2BY4: The Birth of A Community Hub Bahar Faizi, Journalist The idea behind 2BY4 came to founders Matt and Slavo when they uncovered a genuine void while working on construction sites. The two, who are family friends and coworkers, noted that the construction industry lacks a cohesive sense of community. The two realized that the difficulty of filling positions without a coherent platform leads to a shortage of employees while jobs continue to soar. This discovery sparked the idea of creating a centralized hub where trades people can network, buy and sell equipment, offer advice and stay on top of current trends and laws. White-collar positions hold all the clout. Skilled trades are some of the nation’s most in-demand professions, yet the field is largely ignored by networking companies like LinkedIn and the online community at large. It takes insider experience to value such a prominent group, and to respond to its needs. That’s exactly what Matt and Slavo set out to do last spring. When following a series of passionate discussions on the subject, the two decided to take the leap and develop a startup catered to the construction community. 2BY4 is centred on trades workers as well
as the homeowners and businesses looking to hire them. It consists of two parts: a news release catered to trades workers throughout the GTA, and an online hub where they can create profiles, advertise their services and connect with each other. Users of the site will include potential clients looking for just the right contractor to hire. With a booming renovation market, homeowners will get the benefit of selecting a contractor with the assistance of online recommendations and testimonials. The site and corresponding social media accounts will be updated with daily content including blogs, galleries, and humour. Startups are increasingly common, and many blossom seemingly overnight. The vast majority of them never take off though. Complete faith in a company’s concept is required to commit to the attached risks of launching a business. Luckily Matt and Slavo were not lacking in commitment or faith. “Developers asked us: What is your dream website? So we started dreaming,” explained Slavo, recalling the initial phase of starting out the business. But to make the dream a reality, months of late nights and countless caffeinated mornings became the norm as the two compiled all
their energy and resources into making sure what began as a dream would not remain merely a dream for long. Though they have over 25 years of trades experience combined, other aspects of the business have been learned daily. From watching over web development to the ins and outs of the print industry, Matt and Slavo have been fully involved in every detail to ensure quality. While Slavo has been working in the construction industry for over 20 years, and Matt has completed three years of University, the generational gap is a unique strength. It allows two perspectives to coexist and offer insight to both markets. An emphasis on open communication not only with each other but also their entire team, is emphasized as a prominent factor in achieving each business milestones. The newspaper will provide the audience with exactly what they find intriguing, useful and exciting, as Matt has gathered this information from friends, colleagues, and research. “Everybody’s got a story, everybody’s got an approach,” he explains. With 2BY4’s launch, construction workers throughout the GTA will have an outlet to share theirs.
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 Sales Representatives Glen Noronha glen@2by4gta.ca | (647) 986-7825 Kenneth Ames Kenneth_ames@rogers.com | (289) 808-2887 Rebecca Li Rebecca_li@hotmail.com | (647) 980-9807 Graphic and Newspaper Designer, Advertising Coordinator Olha Tkachenko Web Designer and Developer Gurpartap Singh 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 is published biweekly. 1295 Eglinton Avenue East, Unit 19, Mississauga, ON, L4W 3E6 info@2by4gta.ca |(416)628-6254 www.2by4gta.ca
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Jobs in Construction Industry The Canadian construction industry wants you!
photo credit: Petronella Duda Started on p.1
Sarah McGoldrick, Journalist She says there is also a huge demand for asbestos and abatement workers. The result has been a slight benefit for potential employees. “The shortage of workers translates into higher wages,” explains Myriam Hazel, senior analyst for the labour statistics division of Statistics Canada. “Earnings have been flat for the past couple of years.” She adds, however, that the overall job vacancy rate of 2.8 per cent remains higher than the Canadian average of 2.5 per cent. Further, the highest rate of vacancy was in British Columbia and Ontario where it was more than four per cent. “Specialty contractors tend to have the highest vacancy,” Hazel says. Toronto, in particular, has seen a boom in development recently, with hundreds of condos being built across the city. The Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit, Preston says, is an example of the kind of project potential employees should be keeping an eye on, as they have many union job openings for specialty and skilled labour. In a recent statement, Premier Kathleen Wynne said, “Infrastructure projects, such as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, can create benefits for communities that go
beyond simply building the infrastructure needed. Through this agreement, people facing employment challenges will have the opportunity to acquire new skills and get good jobs in construction. We’re building more than transit. We’re building partnerships and pathways that are creating more opportunities for people to thrive in the economy.” Preston notes many young people do not see the construction industry as attractive because the work is harder and often involves working outside. According to the Canadian Job Bank, there are approximately 19,400 people working in construction across Canada, but the number of workers reaching retirement age is growing. The age range for the industry is: • 15 to 24: 19 per cent compared to 11 per cent for all occupations • 25 to 54: 68 per cent compared to 71 per cent for all occupations • 55-plus: 13 per cent compared to 18 per cent for all occupations The numbers at Statistics Canada tell a similar story. Hazel says the trend for growth in demand for skilled labour has dropped in places like Newfoundland and Saskatchewan, but remains steady in Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba. Preston says potential employees are
looking for full-time work with longer hours. The tendency for trades work to be seasonal makes the jobs less attractive to young workers. “They don’t get full-time hours right away and people want guaranteed full-time work,” she explains. In addition, many people who are new to the industry don’t understand that both hours and
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seniority come with time, although there is always room to grow professionally, she adds. According to Preston, these jobs will remain empty so long as young people are not encouraged to consider skilled labour beginning in high school. Education is key in all aspects of job seeking, from employment and recruitment agencies to higher education and employers. “We need to educate parents that construction is a good job,” Preston says, adding that more work needs to be done from an educational perspective to encourage young people to consider jobs in trades. Some progress is underway to help address this employee shortage. LiUNA now works with several organizations, including Employment Ontario, Newcomer Trade Program, Building Up, Hammerheads, and pre-apprenticeship programs to help fill vacant jobs. Last December, the province announced it was putting in extra effort to help those in need of work to secure jobs in the construction industry. It partnered with government agencies, businesses, and the local community to help people from disadvantaged communities along the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit corridor get construction jobs with the $5.3-billion project. The goal of the project is to have at least 10 per cent of the workforce involved in the construction of the corridor be local to the area.
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Traffic Watch
november, 2017 Jag Michaels November is setting in and a number of ongoing construction projects across the GTA continue to flourish. Everyday road users can expect delays and possible road closures throughout the following areas. Islington Avenue from the Queensway to Bloor Street Park Lawn from Lakeshore to the Queensway The Queensway from Park Lawn to the East Mall Asphalt road and utility cuts are scheduled along multiple locations from November 1 through to November 8. Jane Street from Finch to Shoreham Northbound and southbound lanes will be occupied due to roadway crack filling from November 6 to November 10. Yonge Street from Bishop to Steeles Northbound curb lane will be occupied due to general maintenance work from November 1 to November 10. Queen Street from Bay to Yonge Eastbound curb lane will be occupied for trench and place conduit from November 7 to November 10. Bayview Avenue from Baytree to Fife Water and sewer service will be undergoing maintenance with some lanes occupied from November 1 to November 11. Bathurst Street-Sheppard Avenue Northbound and southbound curb lanes will be occupied due to construction from November 6 to November 13. Kipling Avenue from Bering to Munster Northbound and southbound lanes will
photo credit: Jason LeBlanc
be occupied due to construction from November 9 through to November 13. Queen Street from Dunn to Close Eastbound curb lane will be occupied due to conduit and cable replacement from November 6 to November 13. Markland Drive Stoneglen Drive Thicket Drive Toledo Road Some lanes will be occupied due to conduit placement from November 1 to November 15. Gardiner Expressway The on-ramps for Lakeshore Boulevard, Park Lawn Boulevard, Islington Avenue, Kipling Avenue, Lower Jarvis, York Street, Spadina Avenue, and Jameson Avenue will be closed from the evening of November 13 through to the morning of November 14 for fall maintenance, and then again for the same purpose from the evening of November 27 through to the morning of November 28. Bay from Wellesley to Phipps The northbound curb lane will be occupied due to crane hoisting from November 1 through to November 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 from November 1 to November 30. St. Clair Avenue from St. Columba to Westview The eastbound curb lane will be occupied due to fibre optic cable replacement from November 2 to November 30. The Queensway from High Street to South Kingsway A single eastbound and single westbound lane will remain occupied due to ongoing bridge rehabilitation ongoing until December 28. Hillhurst Boulevard, from Alexandra Wood to Bathurst Westbound lane will be closed for water
main and water services replacement from November 3 to December 31. Keele from Arrowsmith to Flamborough George Anderson Drive Redbank Road Amesbury Drive Arrowsmith Avenue Flamingo Crescent Fairweather Road Some lanes may be occupied due to the installation of a new conduit from November 2 until January 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 Street. photo credit: Petronella Duda
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City news
photo credit: Petronella Duda
Yorkdale Expansion
Big changes are once again on the horizon for Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Started on p.1
Sarah McGoldrick, Journalist According to the proposal submitted by Oxford Properties, the three conceptual block master plan options propose to: • establish a network of private internal roads and connections; • include the potential expansion of the existing enclosed Yorkdale Shopping Centre to Dufferin St.; • locate a privately owned publicly accessible space fronting onto Dufferin St.; • reconfigure the existing McAdam Ave. loop to include an intersection with a pedestrian crossing and public park at grade; and • conceptually organize additional proposed retail, hotel, office, and residential buildings surrounding the edges of the site that range in height from two to 38 storeys. “The application is quite large in terms of impact on employment and residential growth,” said Rezoski, adding the city has several initial concerns about the project related to building height and density. The Lawrence-Allen Secondary Plan covers the neighbourhoods in northwestern Toronto located north of the
intersection of Lawrence Ave. W. and the Allen Expressway and includes the entire Yorkdale Mall site. Dufferin St. is bounded by Highway 401 to the north to just south of Lawrence Ave. W. and includes those lands with frontage on Dufferin St. Rezoski said the proposed development would impact the flight path of nearby Downsview Airport, which is owned and used as a testing facility by Bombardier Aerospace. The interference is the result of the proposed height for buildings adjoining Yorkdale Mall, which would include office space and a hotel. According to the proposal, the plan concepts propose a similar configuration along the Dufferin St. frontage. • Option one, (Residential) proposes an additional 320,338 m² of development onsite comprised of 90,986 m² of retail space, an eight-storey hotel with a gross floor area of 11,891 m² (240 units) facing Dufferin St., six office buildings with a total gross floor area of 57,1889 m² that will contain ground floor retail space, and seven residential buildings with a total gross floor area of 160,271 m² (1,496 units). Proposed buildings range in height from 25 m to 120 m.
• Option two, (Office) proposes an additional 416,545 m² of development onsite comprised of 90,949 m² of retail space, an eight-storey hotel with a gross floor area of 10,108 m² (208 units), six office buildings with a total gross floor
area of 197,004 m², and seven residential buildings with a total gross floor area of 118,485 m² (738 units). Proposed buildings range in height from 25 m to 120 m. • Option three (Northern Mall Expansion) proposes an additional 371,108 m² of development onsite comprised of 88,543 m² of retail space, an eight-storey hotel with a gross floor area of 10,108 m² (208 units), six office buildings with a total gross floor area of 170,527 m², and seven residential buildings with a total gross floor area of 101,930 m² (962 units). Proposed buildings range in height from 25 m to 120 m. Rezoski said the proposed options will need to be carefully examined to address the flight path issues of Downsview Airport. “We have to protect flights for Bombardier and the present proposal does not respect the flight path,” he said. He added this development presents significant opportunities for the area, including potential parkland and private streetscapes. It will also provide the opportunity for municipal parking in the area. Over the past year, Yorkdale has opened several newly expanded wings, resulting in an increase in shoppers coming to the mall. Previously, tourists would also park their cars before using the Yorkdale subway station to get downtown. Following the expansion opening, Yorkdale began tightly enforcing parking rules within the lot and prohibiting tourist parking. As the proposed development is slated to happen over the next 20 to 25 years, Rezoski said every element of the design will be scrutinized and the proposal remains in the early planning stages. He said Oxford Property is presently meeting all the requirements to provide as much information as possible and that the proposal is now at the council review stage. photo credit: Petronella Duda
1/3
VORTEX Demolition • Residential • Gutting Houses • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Interior • Exterior • Renovation Preparation
(647) 771 1691 (ask for Matt) sirbrowski@hotmail.ca
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Notes from the editor
A note to our readers Joey Clavette, Editor In your hands is the first issue of 2BY4 GTA in glorious newsprint. I earnestly hope you enjoy it. If you picked it up, it’s likely that you or someone you love works in the trades. We dedicate this newspaper to you.
Unlicensed Favours Bahar Faizi, Journalist Let’s examine a familiar scenario for trades workers. You finish a job, say flooring, only to have the homeowner ask you to do some additional work involving roofing. The client assumes you should accomodate their request despite it entailing an entirely different trade with its own skill set and certifications. Trades workers may genuinely want to help the client out in these situations but there’s
A little over a million of Canada’s 20 million employed adults work in the trades. Whoever you are, trades work is unavoidable. Whether it be renovations, maintenance, or simply sitting in traffic watching road workers, the trades affect everyone. Yet, trades workers see very little representation. We seem a little more enthralled with the Elon Musk’s and Mark Zuckerberg’s of the world when it comes to representations of productive members of society. But where would they be without a roof over their head, pipes and wires in their house or pavement on their roads? We owe a lot to those that get their hands dirty, and often the work is no less cutting-edge. That’s something I hope we get across in this broadsheet. Some of the things we focus on in this paper are the condo boom, home renovation, infrastructure projects, and even some fishing. We want to keep you up to date on what’s new, interesting and important in the world of trades. You’ll also notice that we have sections dedicated to home projects and a focus on specific trades. In our recurring section, we’ll focus on the development projects in the GTA, tech in the trades, and good ways to relax when the day is over. This paper is for you. If you like something, we want to know. If you hate something in it, we want to to know. We’re always going to be open to recommendations for stories, topics and sections from you, our Torontonian readers. Our goal at 2BY4 is to make sure you’re entertained, engaged and informed. Send us an email at editor@2by4gta. ca, or follow us on facebook and twitter to keep in touch.
little they can do. Home owners often fail to realise that each trades person is a specialist in their own area rather than a professional jack-of-all-trades. The skills and equipment needed for a specific trade don’t extend to other trades even if they seem related. Trades workers can’t just perform an unlicenced favor at a whim. Asking them to do so is like asking an optometrist to do your dental work simply because they’re both broadly employed in the same field.
Construction contribution
to global waste
Carina Simniceanu Homeowners who are diligent in taking out their recycling bins to the curb may think that they are doing their part in minimizing global waste. However, if those same homeowners recently renovated their home, they may have inadvertently contributed to, rather than reduced, waste. Often times, homeowners and contractors are not aware of the detrimental impact that their construction project may have on the environment. Indeed, the construction of a 2,000 square foot home can elicit nearly 8,000 pounds of waste largely from drywall, wood and cardboard, which ultimately ends up in a landfill. Furthermore, the disposal of solvent sources or wood that has undergone chemical treatment can also contribute to the pollution of the air, soil and water. Homeowners and contractors can take certain steps before and during construction in order to help reduce the environmental downstream impact of construction waste. First and foremost, it is vital for homeowners to make a commitment to reduce waste through the project and this should be discussed openly before any work has commenced. Following this discussion, a careful plan must be made around the materials that are required, and only necessary materials must be ordered in advance. Careful measurement must be done at this stage, in order to ensure that no extra materials are ordered. It is also important to explore the possibility of ordering materials that can be utilized more than once. If it is not possible to locate such materials for the
project, homeowners and/or contractors should consider working with suppliers that have a buyback policy, whereby leftover materials can be easily returned. During construction itself, several additional steps can be taken in order to reduce waste. First, it is important to identify local salvage centres in the community such as Habitat for Humanity, where reusable materials can be donated in order to support their charitable projects. These organizations may also have isolated “wood only” or “metal only” recycling bins for any leftover material that cannot be reused. Another possible strategy for waste
Unless they are 100 per cent confident in their abilities, stemming from years of practice, they will have no choice but to refrain from attempting to do any side jobs in unrelated trades, despite client’s’ insistence. While certain trades can be mastered solely through hard work and dedication, others require specific training and certification. Since 2013, The Ontario College of Trades Association (OCTAA) has been regulating the trades industry throughout the province. They have categorized trades into four subsections: construction, industrial, motive, and service trades. Within these categories are 23 professions that require certification. Some trades like painting and carpentry require no certification. This offers homeowners a broad range of people to choose from when selecting a professional for their home renos. Consumers can choose from professionals with years of experience to college students with no training, simply making some extra cash during their summer breaks. Client’s can then narrow down the options using references and credentials to help make the right choice. Painters and other unlicensed professionals self regulate and learn their skills through practice rather than at a college. Certification for other professions such as electricians and plumbers is compulsory through the OCTAA. Not everyone agrees with the OCTAA’s monopoly over trades. Many people feel that years of experience and learning hands-on are more indicative of skill than a compulsory certification. This has led to controversy over the years. The controversy was initially supported by the Tory party who in 2013 were in favour of the college disbanding, as reported by The Star.
reduction is to offer up leftover materials, old appliances, bathroom fixtures and anything else that is reusable to neighbours. This material can be placed in front of the home on a temporary basis, with a sign indicating that it can be picked up free of charge. You would be surprised what your neighbours are in need of! Another simple strategy that can be easily employed is to cut up any leftover materials into smaller pieces and put them aside for later use. You never know when these can be handy. A homeowner or contractor that is in the midst of construction has many things to worry about and admittedly, environmental considerations may not be first on their priority list. However, even employing one of the aforementioned waste reduction strategies can go a long way in reducing global waste. With an abundance of constant construction taking place in the GTA, even a little bit goes a long way.
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City news
Subway Extension-
Improved Transit Arriving To GTA Started on p.1
Bahar Faizi, Journalist Effective transit is a central complaint among GTA commuters. The extended service is an attempt to remedy those concerns. With 347 parking spaces at Finch West, 583 spaces at Highway 407 Station, and 1881 spaces at Pioneer Village, riders will be wellaccommodated. Subway trains are expected to run at frequent intervals—approximately every four minutes. The TYSSE will be equipped with automatic train control (ATC), a new system that lets trains be controlled automatically rather than by a person, reducing travel times through a consistent rate of speed. ATC has been added to Toronto subway stations over the past several years, which is the reason for frequent closures and construction happening throughout subway stations. The extension will make York the only university in Ontario with a subway station, although that may not be for long. Plans to add a subway station to the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus are currently being discussed. Extensions come at a steep price, though, photo credit: Petronella Duda
with the estimated cost of the TYSSE totaling $3.18 billion. Funding was provided by all levels of government, including the City of Toronto and the Regional Municipality of York. Other cities, such as Mississauga, have traditionally turned down requests for subway extensions due to the associated costs. The City of Toronto declared future prospects of connecting to Mississauga as “Unfunded Future Rapid Transit Project” in 2013 and will re-examine the issue when circumstances change. The proposed Scarborough extension remains in the planning phase and has faced numerous delays due to lack of funding. Estimates for this project are higher than those for the York line, even though it is expected to have only one stop. This is due to the fact the Scarborough line will be built farther underground to avoid the Don River. Perhaps surprisingly, TTC has won the 2017 award for the best transit system in North America due to its five-year plan, suggesting that improved services are currently in the works. This marks the TTC’s first award by the American Public Transportation Association in three decades.
photo credit: Petronella Duda
Who thought some stairs in an Etobicoke park could stir up so much drama? David Goldberg Seventy-three-year-old Adi Astl was tired of watching his neighbours struggle as they climbed the steep, grassy hill leading from the garden to the parking lot at Etobicoke’s Tom Riley Park. Some visitors were even using a rope to steady their descent. Astl was afraid somebody would get hurt someday. “I’ll tell you something. People’s safety is first before money. I always say that,” he says. When Astl approached the city about building some steps in the green space near Bloor St. and Islington Ave., they came back at him with a steep price tag. The estimate was somewhere in the ballpark of $65,000 to $150,000 and officials said there was just no money in the budget, mowing down any hope for his park project. Astl was floored by the quote. “I thought they were going to put an escalator in there or something,” he says. But he also refused to quit. He met a homeless man, bought him some breakfast, and together they built a set of wooden stairs for a mere $550. The community rejoiced. Everyone’s knees cried a collective ‘thank you!’ to the handy Astl and his fellow worker. The city soon came pounding on his door, however, and an inspector threatened to fine him $5,000 for building without a permit. Then, just one month after the stairs were built, a city crew tore them down.
Local newspaper columnists cried foul, the story went national, and eventually, Astl’s battle with city hall reached viral status. Suddenly this headline, like something ripped from The Onion, was being reported by leading news outlets like the BBC. Astl himself admits the wooden stairs would have to be replaced every few years. The city says it was an insurance issue because it could be held liable if the structure failed and someone was injured. But can you blame the guy for his vigilante construction? Should it really cost more than $65,000 to install a set of stairs? Not according to Toronto Mayor John Tory, who phoned Astl personally. The mayor thanked the Etobicoke resident for bringing this outrageous situation to light. Tory said the initial estimate lacked any “semblance of reality.” In the end, the new concrete steps constructed by city workers were designed, approved, and built in a mere five days, which is some kind of fictional hyper speed for a city project wrapped up in so much bureaucracy. The final cost was $10,000 and the new stairs opened to the public in August. Astl even got his money back when local radio station Newstalk1010 cut him a cheque. Ask Adi Astl if he has any regrets and he’ll tell you he won’t hesitate to pick up a shovel again in his public park. “If I came across something like this again, I would do it. Sure, why not?”
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Condo
Upcoming section plan
Building Condos:
Will Jobs Soar To New Heights or Be Demolished? Started on p.1 Bahar Faizi, Journalist Each condo requires engineers, electricians, construction workers, lawyers, real estate agents, and more, and that’s before it’s even finished. After completion, there are still numerous positions to fill, such as security guard, maintenance staff, and management. Currently, there is a surge in related jobs, especially in the GTA. Yet, before condo construction is hailed as a gift to the current job market, there are several things to consider. The two most obvious fields to receive a boost from the condo boom are real estate and construction. According to Statistics Canada, both sectors have recently grown by more than three per cent. Yet many haven’t considered that the positions related to condo construction may not be permanent. Although numerous residential developments are planned for the next few years, the real estate market could decline, which may create uncertainty in the fields currently experiencing the highest surge. Additional taxes, as well as the nature of real estate in general, means there may not be as many positions in the future as there are currently. Although many positions have grown, due to the nature of gentrification, job losses will also occur, perhaps permanently. As critics of the condo boom have noted, small businesses throughout Toronto have lost their leases, as corporations buy out spaces to use for constructing residential buildings. The hospitality field will be hit when more of the major downtown hotels are converted to condos. This was the case with the Sutton Place Hotel, which had been in business since 1967. It has now been restructured into a luxury condominium. Currently, there are proposals to purchase and convert many downtown hotels into residential spaces. This leaves a questionable future for those who work in the hotel industry. As more hotels are turned into condos, there
Condo Watch: What will be covered in upcoming issues of 2BY4 GTA Volume 1/Issue 2/November 20, 2017
How Condominiums affect Toronto Culture A brief look at how Canada’s largest city has been affected by the increasing number of condominiums being built. Volume 1/Issue 3/December 4, 2017
Economic Boost: How has condo development in the GTA affected our economy? Have condominium projects positively affected the job and housing market, or has there been a dark shadow cast on part of the city? Volume 1/Issue 4/December 18, 2017
Condos cause traffic: a look at how the rapid growth of the city has affect transportation for residents. Building in the GTA has been on the rise, causing longer travel times, parking issues and gridlock. How has condominium and apartment building construction contributed to this, and what can be done? photo credit: Petronella Duda
will be less accommodation available for tourists, which can affect local businesses in the surrounding areas. The loss of hotels won’t be remedied by Airbnb as that, too, is in the process of being taxed, regulated, and limited by the city. The hotel industry is vital to tourism, and tourism is vital to the economy. So condos, although they increase certain jobs, might have a damaging impact on other areas of the economy. As with many aspects of the GTA’s condo
boom, there are a variety of issues to consider. Though positions are available now, specifically in the construction sector, it is wise to consider a long-term plan, should the market change and the demand for condos decrease. Fortunately, if the real estate market takes a hit, there will likely be other sectors or industries that will require the use of the construction skill set. Construction is, after all, one of the nation’s most in-demand professions.
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Safety
Importance of Working with a Construction Safety Harness Alan Cory If you own a construction site and have a large number of people working on it for you then having the right of construction safety harnesses deployed at the construction site should remain of prime importance to you as you certainly do not wish to have unwanted accidents and injuries at the workplace. Do you know what is the most common type of injury that happens at the construction sites? According to several studies, most of the workers reported injuries due to falls at the construction sites, which is also one of the major causes of deaths at the construction site. It is important for a construction site owner to provide adequate safety harness to its employees. It is mandatory to provide personal protective equipment that prevents falls if the workers are working under the following circumstances: • The site where structures above seven feet are being built and the chances or worker falling are high. • Thrust outs, trusses, beams, purlins, or plates at heights over 15 feet • If the height of sloped roof surfaces is above 15 feet In order to prevent accidental falls at the construction site, industrial safety equipment like guardrails and toe boards or other effective barriers should be used. In areas where guardrails and barriers are not feasible, proper safety harnesses should be
provided to the worker along with another kind of personal fall protection systems or positioning devices to ensure safety. When it comes ensuring safety against falls for the employees at the construction site, there are two kinds of personal fall protection systems that a company can use. Personal Fall Arrest System This type of personal fall arrest system stops the worker from hitting the lower level or any structure in the fall situation. This kind of system comes with an anchorage, full body harness and a connector that
allows them to stop in time before hitting the ground. Sometimes it also includes the lanyard, a deceleration device, a lifeline or a combination of all these depending on the height at which worker is working. Personal Fall Restraint System A personal fall restraint system is used for preventing falls as it restrains the worker from getting too close to the unprotected edge. Apart from the full body harness, this system comes with full body belt, anchorages, and connectors. Lifelines, rope grabs and lanyards can also be added to this system.
However, no matter how safe they may seem there are always chances of fails and in such a condition safety nets must be used to ensure the safety of the worker. Remember that it’s the duty of the employer to ensure that there are temporary floors set up with toe boards, guardrails, physical barriers and more to ensure fall protection for the workers. Fall conditions at work may lead to some serious injuries which may bring very unpleasant attention and mat also lead to inquiry against the employer.
Dangers Of Construction Work: Stay Protected- Physically, Emotionally and Legally
recognize than physical injury, but it is a common health risk for construction workers. The seasonal nature of employment, as well as pressure to perform well in strenuous conditions, can lead to mental exhaustion and subsequent absenteeism. The high risk of injury is stress-inducing itself. According to the Canadian Policy Research Networks, $3.5 billion is spent annually across all professions on absences due to employee stress levels. Providing a safe
work environment, frequent breaks, access to healthy food options, and hydration can improve emotional well-being. Since all occupations include associated health risks and inherent emotional triggers, coping mechanisms and strong support systems outside of work are a fundamental aspect of maintaining health. Stress-relieving options include having a pet, eating well, going on walks, and maintaining emotionally supportive relationships.
Bahar Faizi, Journalist The construction industry relies on manual labour, which can eventually wear down even the most efficient of workers. Physical exertion, extreme outdoor temperatures, chronic noise, and use of heavy machinery all contribute to imminent risk in the construction industry. Moreover, repetitive physical tasks can add to emotional exhaustion and its associated health risks, such as decreased emotional well-being and increased blood pressure. According to a health report from Statistics Canada, 49 per cent of injuries are the direct result of overexertion and falls, which is likely why roofing has one of the highest rates of fatalities. The report goes on to document that trades, transport, and equipment operation workers are more than four times more likely to be injured at work than those employed in various office jobs. Despite the associated health risks, many people prefer the trades. In the current job market, there are financial reasons to continue working construction, so ways to mitigate the danger should be considered. Preparation and preventative measures are effective ways to reduce risk. Despite how cautious workers remain, however, poor working conditions,
including exposure to chemicals and risk of explosions, are potentially fatal risks. Depending on the circumstances, employers are legally required by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) to provide reemployment options for injured workers who have lost their job due to onsite injuries. Commercial construction can also pose health risks. During a home renovation, homeowners and trades workers should discuss insurance policies prior to beginning a project, and should both ask to see verification. Licensed contractors are likely insured by their company, while homeowner’s insurance can protect clients. It’s important to check the policies and understand the risks before it’s too late. To feel even more protected, trades workers can make note of the circumstances when an injury occurs. It is prudent to photograph the area and record the date and time, as the site will appear entirely altered after renovations are complete. Keep a record of injury, pain, and related occurrences directly resulting from a work accident, including doctor’s notes and medical records. This information will prove useful in protecting a worker’s rights, should a legal dispute arise. Emotional pain is more challenging to
photo credit: Petronella Duda
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Home
From House to Home: Easy Upgrades That Pay Off
Photo credit: Matthew Dabrowski
Bahar Faizi Additionally, investors looking to flip properties are acutely aware of the return on money spent toward home improvements. Properties are commonly sold for over the asking price directly following renovations. Whether you fall into either category, there are simple home-improvement options that can make a grand difference.
By choosing one area at a time on which to focus, you can renovate your home at your own pace without overextending yourself or your bank account. A washroom is an ideal place to begin. Since it is a smaller space, it will only require a few uncomplicated changes to transform it from average to outstanding. It is best to choose a mediumsize washroom rather than a powder room for this renovation if you want to create a strong impact on visitors and viewers. Begin with having the washroom painted a light colour to make it appear larger. Go for the luminescence quality of all white. From tiles to ceilings and walls, to the sink and furnishings, white provides a light and airy ambiance, while making the room appear more spacious. Proper lighting is crucial, as it affects the appearance of the room itself and can help you see yourself clearly when getting ready. An entirely white space reflects the available light. Rather than sticking with a few typical light bulbs that do nothing for the dĂŠcor, choose a lighting fixture that captivates. Since potential buyers will not expect anything fancy, it provides a chance to outdo other homes on the market in your neighbourhood. One option is a chandelier to add a captivating iridescent glow that will stand out to guests and potential buyers. A chandelier with crystals can be purchased, or if you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider painting a plain chandelier white and attaching the crystals yourself. Chandeliers work best in a room with a high ceiling; if you are not experienced or comfortable installing one, hire a professional.
Keep the light and airy ambiance by painting the mirror frame and furnishings white. To allow the room to maintain a spacious appearance, it’s essential to minimize clutter. White spa towels, a few candles, and perhaps a single painting if there is enough space, are the final touches to complete the new look. Home design company Moshell’s states
that two dollars are made for every dollar that goes toward home staging before listing a property. A few renovations and stylish decorating can effectively beautify each corner of your home, but be sure furnishings, fixtures, and other design elements are clean and well-placed. These seemingly small details can go a long way toward increasing property value. Photo credit: Don Graham
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Home
Home Painting:
Best Left To Professionals Bahar Faizi Canadians spent a reported $71.3 billion on home renovations in 2016, according to Altus Group. Along with the financial benefits of potentially increasing your property’s investment value, there are also the psychological benefits of enjoying esthetically appealing surroundings. For those not in the position to remodel entirely, a quality paint job is essential to instantly upgrade a home. A fresh coat of paint adds a pop of colour. Even white paint, when used correctly, can make a room appear larger, brighter, and more expensive. The popularity of shades and colour combinations changes every few years, so a current paint job is necessary for your home to avoid appearing outdated. This is particularly critical for those considering selling in the current market. A home lacking a presentable coat of paint will be overshadowed by the competition. With design in mind, many unwittingly wreak havoc on their walls in an attempt to DIY their way to a house that looks better. Issues that arise from poorly done paint jobs include blistering and bubbling beneath the surface, flaking, fading, and more. From mid-size condos to more spacious family homes, there is plenty of room for mistakes, which as professional painter, Pawel Janowicz, explains, “... often cost(s) the person not only the money spent on supplies, but most importantly, their time.” From sanding and washing walls to ensure paint goes on smoothly, to selecting the highest-quality paints and dealing with hazardous waste, it’s evident that professional
experience can come in handy. More importantly, an experienced painter has trade-specific knowledge. “Older houses are covered with paint that contains lead,” Janowicz explains. “This requires a specific kind of primer.” Clients may think painting is easy to do themselves, while not realizing some surfaces, such as ceilings and baseboards, need to be specially prepared before being painted. A professional can offer the expertise needed to avoid potential mishaps. Like most professional painters, Janowicz is equipped with ladders, buckets, brushes, drop sheets, rollers, and many other tools needed to complete the job. This saves clients from dedicating time and money to acquire these items. After prepping and painting the home, contractors then clean the area, leaving the customer to “enjoy their freshly painted home right away,” Janowicz adds. Those who are in the market to repaint their home should decide what it is they are looking for and a completion date. Asking friends and family, particularly those whose interiors you’ve seen, for references is an effective way to find a reliable painter. Meeting with a few potential contractors for estimates can help you select the best one for the job. At this point, Janowicz discusses clients’ goals, including “which supplies should be used in order to meet the customer’s expectations… which paint is washable, and which is hard to clean.” In addition to saving time and ensuring quality, Janowicz exempts clients from being held “... responsible for anything,” he explains, “If things were to go wrong, it is the painter’s responsibility to fix it.”
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Choice Specialty Finishing Services Inc. Interior & Exterior Renovations Cell: 416 838 9045
tofek1973@gmail.com
How to Make Your Container Garden Look Appealing? John Steffen Container gardening has become very popular as it makes gardening possible even when you do not have a lot of space, but want to create a beautiful garden. With designer flower pots and planters being available in the market, this form of gardening has become quite easy. Container gardening has become very popular as it makes gardening possible even when you do not have a lot of space, but want to create a beautiful garden. With designer flower pots and planters being available in the market, this form of gardening
has become quite easy. However, what becomes challenging is to make such a garden successful and appealing. Thus, to help you make your container garden look attractive; here we’ve the tips for you. Selecting the correct container To ensure that the plants grow healthy, it is important that you select the correct planter or container. There are numerous predominant quality garden planters accessible in the market to suit your requirements. However, before choosing one, you have to decide the kind of plants you would like to grow in your garden.
Selecting the correct plants On the off chance that you need to make your living room look beautiful, growing the Boston plants can be the right option. You can also grow Dracaena to make the entrances of your home and offices look attractive. Once you choose the plants, you can accordingly select from the wide array of garden pots and planters available. Attention to the light factor Aside from general care and support of the plants in and around your home, you have to deal with the light factor also. Both excessive and insufficient amount of light can influence the development of the plants. Thus, you have to guarantee that they get appropriate light for healthy and fast growth. You can put the containers at a place where they can get sufficient light. Understand your plants’ water prerequisites Diverse plants have distinctive water prerequisites which you have to deal with. You need to understand the level of
moisture in the soil and the plant’s water necessities. And as per their necessities, you can provide sufficient water to the plants for good development. You can also use designer flower pots to give your garden an eye-catching look. Gardening is the best way to experience a relaxing environment. And this is the reason why people take gardening as a hobby. However, container gardening is becoming more popular these days as you can easily pick some beautiful garden pots and planters to utilize the limited space available. To guarantee that you select the best planters, get them from a company that offers quality products. This post on how you can give your container garden an appealing look. You can keep reading our articles to know more about topics such as designer flower pots, garden pots and planters etc.
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Women In Construction
Women In Construction: Trading Myths For Facts
Bahar Faizi All of the top five most male-dominated careers are construction-related, according to data derived from Statistics Canada. Women made up less than one per cent of mechanics, drillers, and blasters. Why? It is clear the image of a female construction worker is rare. Heather Markham, who is the spokesperson for Women Building Futures (WBF), a Calgary-based non-profit program that trains women in skilled trades and helps graduates land jobs, had some insights to share with 2BY4. She put words to the sentiment behind trades remaining over 90 per cent maledominated, stating “... for women... a career in the trades is outside of their frame of reference, they don’t know this is a viable career option for them.” This “frame of reference” encompasses beliefs that influence behaviours and choices. Based on the discussion and Markham’s responses, here is a look at the current convictions regarding women in trades. Myth: Women are not physically made for trades; “it’s a man’s job” Fact: People come in a variety of shapes and sizes—whether male or female. It’s false to assume all men are physically larger or stronger than all women. More importantly, correct training and proper use of equipment better indicate success than gender. According to Markham, construction companies themselves realize women are capable of doing the job as “over 300 employers... hire our grads.” Myth: Construction sites populated mostly by men; women feel out of place Fact: Markham firmly believes “women are capable and willing to work in this field if that is their career path.” Nearly all professions have begun with a prevalence of male workers. This is simply not a good reason to maintain a gender imbalance. There would be no women in any profession if we all accepted this myth.
Myth: Women don’t like doing “that kind” of work Fact: Women have never realized trades as an option, keeping them from discovering whether they will enjoy it professionally. All jobs have more or less enjoyable aspects, and if more women become aware of what they could accomplish in trades, as Markham puts it, “the options are endless.” Myth: There’s no good reason for women to work in trades Fact: There is a shortage of trades workers, particularly in construction. More importantly, learning a new skill set can increase confidence, and it can be used in other areas of their lives. As WBF has noted, “there is tremendous job satisfaction working in the trades.” Myth: Women won’t be successful in trades Fact: Women are successful in trades. Though women have been told it’s not the job for them, of those who have joined the field, many have gone on to start their own business. As Markham explained, “92 per cent of our grads find work in their field.” That’s a higher success rate than most fields! Skilled trades offer a rewarding option for anyone with the right training, despite their gender. Rather than ignore the availability and financial benefits of working in this growing field, women are in the perfect position to make use of bursaries, mentors, and training programs available throughout the nation.
Cuba Holguin
What a maternity bill will mean for the industry Sarah McGoldrick Women are playing a greater role in the construction industry and taking on duties normally reserved for men. That’s why a new bill before the House of Commons is aimed at ensuring pregnant women are protected when these duties present a danger to them.
On June 14, the National Maternity Assistance Program Act, or Bill C-243, received third reading and passed in the House of Commons. The Senate is currently in its second reading of the bill. If implemented, Bill C-243 would direct the Department of Employment and Social Development to create a Maternity Assistance Program at the federal level. The program would focus on improving the benefit structure for women who perform dangerous jobs and are unable to work due to pregnancy. Currently, the Employment Insurance Act states women can only claim 15 weeks of employment insurance (EI) maternity benefits eight weeks prior to “confinement or when the child is born.” Bill C-243 would allow women to begin using their maternity benefits 15 weeks before their due date. Kingston resident Melodie Ballard first brought the issue to her MP’s attention when her physician told her to put her welding position on hold during her pregnancy. “It created a very emotionally difficult time for me,” Ballard said, noting the drop in income resulted in her losing her home. Knowing she wasn’t the only woman to face this challenge while pregnant, Ballard decided to take the cause to Parliament. “Collectively as Canadians, this is a situation that should be covered,” she said. “I had contacted my previous member of parliament and sent a petition to him, but never got a response.” That didn’t stop Ballard. Following the last election, she once again reached out. This time it was Kingston and the Islands MP Mark Gerretsen who took up the challenge. “I kept on making calls and networking. I knew there were still lots of women who were experiencing this issue,” Ballard said. Gerretsen listened to Ballard and put a private member’s bill before the house in February 2016.
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“The reason I thought this was a great piece of legislation is it has an impact on so many people in the country,” Gerretsen said. “It creates gender equality and allows women to have equal opportunity for employment.” The bill has received support from countless construction and trades organizations across Canada, including Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, the Canadian Construction Association, and the Canadian Coalition of Women in Science,
Engineering, Trades and Technology. Bill C-243’s impact is expected to do more than just provide women with additional resources during pregnancy. It also makes trades and skilled work more appealing. Though construction is considered hazardous work, it will no longer be prohibitive to women who require more time off or are forced to leave work early due to medical reasons. To follow the bill’s progress, visit www. billc-243.ca.
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(647) 570 5970 MARK
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5 minutes to downtown Holguin Close to restaurants, clubs and tourist attractions Home cooked meals available
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2BY4 Girl
Agnes “Tiling� Each issue we will feature a photo from our photoshoots courtesy of Anita from Butterfly Studios. The complete 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 styled photographs meant for the appreciation and enjoyment of the readers and viewers. These photographs should not be taken as instruction for completion of specific task or trades, nor the proper use of tools and equipment.
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Hobbies and Leisure
Photo credit Denis Langlois
Hook, Line and Sinker Denis Langlois Home builder Matt Watson says it’s easy to get hooked on fishing the southern Georgian Bay-Bruce Peninsula region of Ontario. “There are two large bodies of water – Georgian Bay and Lake Huron – and countless inland lakes. So whether you’re looking to catch bass, walleye, northern pike, salmon or trout, there’s always somewhere
to drop your line,” says the carpenter and owner of Watson Construction in Grey County. Located just two hours north of the Greater Toronto Area, the region is a great place to fish from shore, a harbour wall or pier, in a boat or, in winter, on the ice. Anglers can reel in Chinook salmon, trout, small or large-mouth bass, perch, walleye, pike, muskie and other species. Contractor Raymond King of Owen Sound
says he often runs into fellow tradespeople while fishing, including many from the GTA. He says there is something about the sport that lifts a tradesperson’s spirits. “It must be something to do with working with your hands,” he says. Refrigeration mechanic Luke Cook, owner of Cook’s Plumbing and Heating, says fishing appeals to tradespeople because it’s an opportunity to be outside and away from the daily grind of work. “I suppose tradespeople also like that it’s exercise and getting outdoors and away from the phone,” he says. Paulette Peirol, Owen Sound’s tourism marketing co-ordinator, says the southern Georgian Bay region offers some of the best fishing and derbies in Ontario and the best part is its proximity to the GTA. “We’re just far enough away that you feel like you’re really escaping the city but you can come just for a day and be home in time for supper,” she says. Anglers can use Owen Sound as a base, she says, to buy food, fuel, supplies or find accommodations. There are two boat launches in the city, including one with a fish-cleaning station, as well as a fullservice marina and tackle shops. “And for anglers that are also in the trades, there are a lot of like-minded people up here as well,” she says. “You can take off your hat, enjoy the fishing and be totally relaxed.” Jerry Beaver of the Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association says he’s been fishing on the peninsula since 1984 and
decided to retire to Wiarton because of the abundance of good fishing spots nearby. Beaver says he’s been out fishing about 100 times this year and averages a catch every two hours. He says his favourite place to wet his line is Colpoys Bay. “It’s picturesque and it’s a very calm bay,” he says. “It’s close to everything. The quality of fish is exceptional as well.” Watson says some of his favourite fishing spots are Chesley Lake, Owen Sound, Tobermory and Meaford. He says the Saugeen River is one of the best rivers in Ontario for float fishing. “Winter provides many opportunities for fishing as well. Jigging for trout in Georgian Bay when and if it freezes over is my favourite winter activity.”
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GTA
Angry Steve the Constructor
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 feedback. If you send us photos from your jobsite, 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 will get back to you as soon as we can!
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Contact us!
We are covering news and stories from around the GTA, with a focus on construction, trades and renovations! So if you’re a hands-on homeowner, involved in the industry, or interested in what’s happening locally, check us out! Go to www.2by4gta.ca or contact info@2by4gta.ca to become part of this unique and rapidly growing platform! The second issue of our 2BY4 GTA Newspaper is just around the corner! 15,000 copies of quality print are going out to areas of Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke and Toronto! The second issue can be found in media boxes and in-store racks November 20th, at select outlet locations – contact us to learn more! With your support we can increase our coverage and distribution! Contact us for exclusive discounts and offers on advertisement packages for our next print publication!
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