OCTOBER 2023
> INSIDE <
CONCRETE ON-SITE PG.39
TOP 40 UNDER 40
CLASS OF 2023: CANADA’S NEXT GENERATION OF CONSTRUCTION LEADERS
TECHNOLOGY:
CHATTING ABOUT AI
RISK:
NAVIGATING ECONOMIC KNOCKS
MODERNIZING WHEEL LOADERS VISIBILITY, COMFORT & SUSTAINABILITY
www.on-sitemag.com
PM #40065710
CUT TIME, NOT CORNERS.
NEVER IDLE SMARTGRADE™
MOTOR GRADERS
Two words that don’t belong together on a jobsite are good and enough. That’s why we build tools to help you take getting level to a whole new level. Machines that can take some of the load off your shoulders. Tech that can help you grade faster. And machines that can even watch your back. Because we never settle for good enough, we’re here to make your best even better.
DEERE.CA/SMARTERTOOLS
VOLUME 68, NO.5/OCTOBER 2023
COVER STORY 12 Advanced wheel loader technologies
From transparent buckets to electric prototypes, manufacturers are stepping up the segment.
IN THIS ISSUE Comment 5 Nurturing perceptions
6
12
News The major developments
8
Labour Training on today’s tech of tomorrow
10
Construction stats The key figures
COLUMNS 18 Technology Time to chat about AI
52
Risk
52
39
Operational risk controls
54
Contractors and the law Emojis, text messages, and construction contracts, oh my!
40 UNDER 40 19 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction
Putting a spotlight on the next generation of role models leading the Canadian construction sector.
21
51 Index of Advertisers
40 Under 40
COVER PHOTO: © PICKONE / ADOBE STOCK
Welcome to the Class of 2023
22 37
40 Under 40 Our 2023 Honourees
CONCRETE ON-SITE
The 2023 40 Under 40 Virtual Symposium
41
Celebrating mentorship and career development
Concrete gains Canadian facilities taking steps toward net-zero targets.
46
Durability through innovation Manufacturers aim to boost durability, and drop weight, in the vocational truck segment.
on-sitemag.com / 3
We improved equipment uptime to 95%. That’s money in the bank. BEN TUCKER BARRIERE CONSTRUCTION
Break new ground, win more work and complete it more profitably with a unified platform for heavy construction estimating, operational workflows and business insight. HEAR BEN’S SUCCESS STORY AND MORE AT B2WSOFTWARE.COM/BEN
COMMENT
www.on-sitemag.com
Nurturing perceptions
READER SERVICE Print and digital subscription inquiries or changes, please contact Angelita Potal Email: apotal@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: (416) 510-5113 Fax: (416) 510-6875 Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 PUBLISHER | Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 pLeonard@on-sitemag.com EDITOR | Adam Freill (416) 996-2391 afreill@annexbusinessmedia.com MEDIA DESIGNER | Lisa Zambri lzambri@annexbusinessmedia.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | David Skene (416) 510-6884 dskene@on-sitemag.com ACCOUNT COORDINATOR | Kim Rossiter (416) 510-6794 krossiter@on-sitemag.com AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER | Urszula Grzyb (416) 510-5180 ugrzyb@annexbusinessmedia.com PRESIDENT/COO | Scott Jamieson sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com Established in 1957, On-Site is published by Annex Business Media 111 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065710 ISSN: 1910-118X (Print) ISSN 2371-8544 (Online) SUBSCRIPTION RATES Canada $49.50 per year, United States $113.00 per year, Other foreign $136.50, Single Copy Canada $13.50. On-Site is published 7 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues. Occasionally, On-Site will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above. Annex Business Media Privacy Officer privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374 Content copyright ©2023 by Annex Business Media may not be reprinted without permission. On-Site receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. On-Site, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. DISCLAIMER This publication is for informational purposes only The content and “expert” advice presented are not intended as a substitute for informed professional engineering advice. You should not act on information contained in this publication without seeking specific advice from qualified engineering professionals.
Get the latest construction news! Follow us on @OnSiteMag
Over the past few months, the team at On-Site has had a series of conversations and meetings about what some of the leading companies are doing to address the labour shortage, as well as such issues as the erosion of knowledge that can happen due to retirements and the loss of personnel to other industries. To be honest, it is one of the reasons behind our decision to host our first ever 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction Symposium. This past September, we brought together three past 40 Under 40 honourees along with representatives from three notable companies in the sector to share insights from their experiences learning from others in the industry, sharing their knowledge and experience with others, as well as working internally to foster these beneficial peer-to-peer programs. The result was a pair of highly informative sessions that we hope might inspire more people to connect and collaborate, and to showcase our sector as being full of supportive work environments – something that could help attract new entrants to fill the 60,000 to 70,000 available positions in the construction sector. The realities of Canada’s construction employment experience are moving faster than the public perceptions connected construction jobs, and that can be a deterrent to attracting the bright minds that our industry needs going forward. I constantly run into people who are not aware of the technology that is used on a daily basis in our world, so events like the symposium, as well as our upcoming technology webinar – watch for details about that soon – help reframe the industry so that we can be seen as the technologically advanced sector that we are, rather than the analogue sector that we may have once been. Showcasing work with imaging systems and gamified 3D models will go a long way to enticing today’s students to take a second look at our sector. And once they are in, we need to keep them in through career development. Speaking of advancement and career development, I would like to direct your attention to our 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction program, Class of 2023. In addition to recognizing and celebrating the rising stars in our industry, that section, which starts on page 19, is a prime example of the diverse job opportunities that exist in today’s world of construction. Congratulations to all those who made this year’s class of honourees and thank you to everyone who nominated someone. Until next time, stay safe and do good work.
MEMBER OF
Canadian Construction Association
Adam Freill / Editor afreill@annexbusinessmedia.com on-sitemag.com / 5
INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY>NEWS
Vancouver’s tallest commercial building, The Stack, is raising the environmental bar in the city. The building is the first office tower to attain the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building – Design standard certification and the first high-rise commercial tower in North America built to zero carbon standards. The Stack is co-owned by Oxford Properties Group and CPP Investments. Designed by Vancouver-based architect James K.M. Cheng, the 37-storey, AAA-class 550,000 sq. ft. office tower is situated in a premium location in the city’s downtown, enhancing the city’s skyline with its unique twisting, stacked box design. By achieving zero carbon status, The Stack also plays an important part in the
progress of the City of Vancouver and Province of British Columbia’s 2030 zero-carbon goals as the building makes use of innovative features that minimize both carbon emissions and energy intensity, including low carbon building systems and a high-performance triple-pane glazing system. It also deploys smart building technology to provide insights on energy management to optimize building performance. On-site renewable energy is achieved through a rooftop photovoltaic solar panel array that will generate 26,000 kWh of energy annually. “We’re incredibly proud to deliver a building that creates economic and social value for the city of Vancouver, and actively contributes to our partners and customers’ ESG goals,” commented
PHOTO: CNW GROUP/OXFORD PROPERTIES GROUP INC.
North America’s first zero-carbon office tower opens in Vancouver
The Stack office tower, viewed from Melville street, rises 37-storeys and features an intricate stacked box design.
Andrew O’Neil, vice-president of development at Oxford Properties.
Canadian firms expect stable or growing backlog Seventy per cent of Canadian civil and infrastructure construction companies expect their project backlog to be stable or increase over the next year as new federal infrastructure funding ramps up, says a report released by Procore Technologies and the Associated General Contractors of America. The report, Top Civil & Infrastructure Trends: Today’s Industry Challenges and Opportunities, found that many companies are worried that labour shortages and productivity challenges could undermine their success with these projects, however. “With increased backlogs prompted by once-in-a-generation government investment in the U.S. and Canada, civil and infrastructure organizations are on the cusp of seeing a tremendous growth in projects,” said Nolan Frazier, regional sales director for Canada at Procore. Canadian builders report an average increase of 38 per cent in their backlogs since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adrian Steel ladder racks are designed to make loading and unloading ladders easier and more ergonomic, but their most important function is helping you make it safely home at the end of each day. ProLiftTM elevates safety by lifting ladders with unique, patent-pending mechanical advantages and dampers. Ladders can be raised and lowered effortlessly. Requiring up to 50% less effort from you to do the job, ProLiftTM helps reduce back and shoulder injuries. With Adrian Steel, ladders stay put and you stay safe, it’s as simple as that. Learn more about ProLiftTM and our ProfileTM rack system at adriansteel.com
6 / OCTOBER 2023
OnSite_AdrianSteel_Oct23.indd 1
2023-09-27 1:50 PM
Construction Project Management Made Easy Increase productivity on the jobsite with tools like:
Daily Reporting
Time Card Management
Production Tracking
Toolbox Talks
Discover the difference that Raken’s field-tested digital solutions can make.
Scan the QR code above and attend a demo to receive a $50 Amazon gift card!
www.rakenapp.com | hello@rakenapp.com | 858-290-4477
LABOUR
Sharing tech: Meeting jobsite needs with classroom partnerships
8 / OCTOBER 2023
Construction software platform Procore is one of a number of industry suppliers working with colleges and universities to train the next generation of workers.
make the Procore platform available to their students. “I’ve been at SAIT since 2009, and every year our budget gets smaller and smaller. And I have had to say goodbye to software because we just can’t afford it anymore,” said Bond. “What’s fantastic about Procore is its commitment to education. They see the value. We receive the software free of charge, which frees us up to really explore the whole suite and everything it has to offer.” Students who register through school programs like the one at SAIT gain full access, with full functionality. “Lots of times if you get an educational license, you only have access to bits and pieces and things are turned off. Procore doesn’t do that,” she said. “They recognize that this is a learning space, and to emulate the real world you need access to everything.” That starts with becoming certified in the program. “They can certify themselves as a certified proper user,” explained Pandey. “And once they have it they come into the class, they can create RFI and their assignments.” He sees access to the software as a win-win. “We are helping Procore by teaching the students who then go to job sites where they ask for the technology. The other side is that Procore is giving us the free
licenses so that we can use it and practice. It is a good partnership example.” “Recognizing this opportunity to donate our software to colleges and universities that had construction management programs – all of the credit goes to our customers, who were making us keenly aware of the time and energy they had to spend onboarding new hires,” stated Sasha Reed, director of industry advancement at Procore.org “It was really at the request of our customers to get our software not only in front of universities and colleges, but really to get us into the curriculum … so that students would graduate Procore-ready.” This ability to be ready to roll for an employer is paying off for some SAIT students, says Bond. “When I’ve seen them graduate … they’re being put into quite high BIM coordinator roles,” she stated. “The intention really is if we can have the professors have access to the technology, as they’re teaching the principles around construction management, there’s a technology component that’s introduced fairly early,” said Reed. “That should do two things: one, it excites students about getting involved in a career that shows some sustainability into the future by having technology as a component, but I think the second piece too, is really reducing the burden of on ramping once you get into that new role.”
PHOTO: COURTESY OF PROCORE
As the construction industry embraces technology at an incredible pace, so too are the training schools that are preparing the next generation of the industry’s workforce. By working with technology companies, these schools are attracting young people interested in digital applications while preparing them for the realities of modern job sites. “With our journeyperson training, we’re always trying to add additional technology pieces into it and update how we’re going about teaching,” stated Reva Bond, dean of SAIT’s School of Construction, during a recent interview about the incorporation of Procore’s platform into its programs. She explained that one of the goals is to have students emerge from school ready to roll with the technology skills employers are in need of on their job sites. “We’re using augmented reality in our trades training, so the apprentices put on their goggles and they can see the whole overlay of the plumbing, for example,” she said, adding that these modern tools increase the speed and accuracy at which students can put things together, leading to better results on trade qualification exams. “There’s a lot of technology coming along,” concurs Arjun Pandey a professor at George Brown’s Angelo DelZotto School of Construction Management. “We have lots of cutting-edge tools.” While many of the construction training programs at the college or university levels are software- and brand-agnostic, the ability to partner with suppliers to the industry is providing a number of benefits to all parties in the equation, from the schools, to the students, to the manufacturers, and ultimately to the employers, who are able to hire graduates who know the systems that are actually used on jobsites. SAIT and George Brown are two of the 11 schools in Canada, and more than 250 around the world, that have partnered to
NEVER IDLE. Dig uptime? Dump downtime with the most proven & productive excavators on Earth & lifetime support from Brandt! Comprehensive Lineup
Technology Leaders
24/7/365 Support
Complete your fleet with loaders, graders & more from Brandt – in stock & ready to rumble!
Pressure “keeping up”? Brandt gets it. With 15+ years in construction tech we’ll help you get it right.
With Brandt you get 100+ equipment service locations, mobile techs & the parts you need, pronto!
Your time is money and we won’t waste either!
brandt.ca/never-idle 1-888-227-2638
Find your Brandt dealer or talk to us now at brandt.ca/never-idle
CONSTRUCTION STATS A selection of data reflecting trends in the Canadian construction industry Investment in non-residential construction, July 2023 (in $Millions)
CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT TAKES A SUMMERTIME HIT Investment in building construction dropped 2.6 per cent in July, falling to $17.5 billion, but the losses were not across the board, reports Statistics Canada in its latest investment in building construction report. Although the residential sector decreased 4.1 per cent to land at $11.5 billion, the non-residential sector found itself up by a half-per-cent, coming in at $5.9 billion. Institutional investment led growth in the non-residential sector, rising by 1.2 per cent to hit $1.5 billion on the strength of a new hospital project in Dawson Creek, B.C. Investment in the industrial component rebounded with a slight, 0.6 increase to $1.2 billion, while commercial investment edged up 0.3 per cent to $3.3 billion. Overall, investment gains across the three non-residential segments were paced by increases in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Six provinces posted contractions.
Canada $5,928.1 Newfoundland and Labrador $30.3 Prince Edward Island $19.6 Nova Scotia $79.7 New Brunswick $67.8 Quebec $1,293.4 Ontario $2,516.3 Manitoba $179.9 Saskatchewan $116.9 Alberta $710.3 British Columbia $886 Yukon $16.2 Northwest Territories $8.4 Nunavut $3.4 TABLE: STATISTICS CANADA
CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT FLAT
RESIDENTIAL
Multi-Family
+7.6%
INDUSTRIAL
-1.0%
+4.1%
COMMERCIAL
-10.8%
INSTITUTIONAL
-19.7%
PERMITS DIP AFTER STRONG JUNE A high value of hospital permits issued in June made July’s month-to-month comparison look weak in comparison, but July’s year-over-year performance in most tracked segments showed gains in values in the latest building permit figures released by Statistics Canada. Looking across all segments, the total monthly value of building permits in Canada declined 1.5 per cent in July, despite a monthly gain of 5.4 per cent in the residential sector. This past July’s consolidated figures landed at $11.7 billion, a gain of almost a half-billion over the same month last year as permit values came in 4.4 per cent higher than July of 2022. The total monthly value of non-residential permits dipped by 11.5 per cent to $4.3 billion in July, as strength in the institutional component in June saw that segment fall by almost 20 per cent, to $1.3 billion. Construction intentions in the commercial component were also down, falling 10.8 per cent to $1.9 billion, while the industrial component posted a more modest decline, feeling a one per cent shave to come in at $1.1 billion. On a year-over-year basis, July’s permit values in the non-residential sector are up almost 15 per cent over what was reported in July of 2022.
10 / OCTOBER 2023
The dial barely moved on construction employment in July, according to the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours from Statistics Canada. The sector lost about 500 jobs compared to June, leaving 1,175,400 people working in construction. That was 3.4 per cent more workers than July of 2022, however; a rise of more than 38,000 positions. The construction sector had almost 62,000 positions available to be filled in July, placing it fourth amongst all industry sectors represented in the survey. The job vacancy rate for construction came in at five per cent for the month. On a monthover-month basis, average weekly earnings in the construction sector posted a gain of 1.6 per cent to come in at $1,509. Total Employment in Canada
20,206,000 Unemployment Rate
5.5% Construction Employment
1,654,200
Software that helps you
REALIZE PROJECT CONFIDENCE
TRANSFORMING THE WAY THE WORLD BUILDS Software for Capital Projects
Learn more at InEight.com
EQUIPMENT
ADVANCED WHEEL
LOADER TECHNOLOGIES From transparent buckets to electric prototypes, manufacturers are stepping up the segment. BY NATE HENDLEY
12 / OCTOBER 2023
hurdles remain, however, before electric wheel loaders become commonplace on construction sites. “I think we’re all probably struggling with [the idea that] you have an electric vehicle—how do you take care of that on-site? How do you charge it? Because if you’re on a remote site and don’t have voltage, how do you do it? Do you buy a diesel generator? That’s not a solution—because the purpose of buying the electric vehicle was to [eliminate using fossil fuels]. So charging is the big issue,” says Yeomans. For all that, Yeomans, like other industry experts, remains enthusiastic about wheel loader developments. “I’ve been with Volvo since 1977. For me it’s really exciting to see how we transitioned from … basically diesel engines and a manual gearbox, to now where we have electric-drive machines,” he states. With that, here’s a look at what’s new and/or noteworthy in wheel loaders.
CASE Case introduced several enhancements on its G Series wheel loaders in 2021, with an emphasis on cab upgrades. The upgrades were done to benefit operators and make it easier for them to run the machine, says Detra. Upgrades included a new touchscreen display, and an optional payload system for more precise loading. The payload system, integrated into the primary display in the cab, provides data about bucket weight, accumulated/running weight, job tracking, and pass counts. A trio of colour-coded, configurable buttons located on the right armrest, meanwhile, allow operators to pre-program certain settings to make their work more efficient. The G Series also features a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Sensors mounted to tire valve stems transit information to a receiver module which forwards this data to the display unit in the cab. The
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DEVELON
I
mproved visibility, via “transparent” buckets and other means, operator comfort, and sustainability are all trending on the wheel loader front. Of these developments, sustainability is attracting particular notice. “If you look at the sustainability side, everybody’s trying to figure out what direction to go, what to use to help their fuel savings … You’ll see people looking at different types of transmissions that will give you better fuel consumptions, so there are a lot of ways to chase it,” says Neil Detra, product manager for wheel loaders and compact wheel loaders at Case Construction Equipment. “Everybody wants to reduce their carbon footprint,” agrees Eric Yeomans, product manager for wheel loaders at Volvo Construction Equipment. In Volvo’s homeland of Sweden, HVO or “Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil” (oil derived from fats and vegetables) is sometimes used to power vehicles, says Yeomans. Plantbased bio-fuel is also a niche fossil fuel alternative in North America. While other alternatives such as hydrogen remain largely conceptual for the time being, electric wheel loaders are now a reality. Electric prototypes have been introduced and R&D is ongoing. Some high
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CASE
EQUIPMENT
operator is alerted when tire pressure is too low or high, averting wear and tear or a possible blowout. “You can set the tire pressure range, because on wheel loaders it varies depending on tire sizes and whether [the tires are] radial or bias. You set the range and then the system monitors it,” explains Detra. SiteWatch telematics, which is standard on the G Series, has been augmented with a new SiteConnect Module for improved data collection and analysis. Using a SiteManager App, this data can be remotely monitored on a phone or laptop.
G Series wheel loaders have been approved to use B20 bio-diesel fuel by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FTP) Industrial, an Italian manufacturer with a focus on eco-friendly engines.
KUBOTA Kubota’s R540 and R640, offer an array of safety and productivity-enhancing features. The R540 has a 54-horsepower Tier 4 Final engine, an operating weight of 10,285 lb., and a ground-level lifting capacity of 6,767 lb. The R640 has a 64-horsepower Tier 4 Final engine,
an operating weight of 11,563 lb. and ground-level lifting capacity of 8,161 lb. Both models feature KubotaNow, the company’s telematics system, which provides operators and owners with realtime performance data, machine diagnostics, fault codes, location information, etc. Operators can also use KubotaNow to create a geofence—a digital perimeter around the wheel loader’s designated work area. Should the wheel loader leave this zone, an alert is issued. KubotaNow can also detect unusual activity. For example, if your loader were “being transported on a truck, it will give you a message like ‘machine being transported,’” says Jonathan Gardner, product manager, construction equipment, at Kubota Canada. If theft is suspected, additional security measures can be taken. “You can remotely shut [the machine] off, so the next time they try to start it, it won’t start,” explains Gardner.
BOOK NOW - SPACE IS SELLING FAST DON’T MISS OUT, RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY! For more information about this premier event, please contact: MARK CUSACK, National Show Manager ANDREW BURNS, Exhibit Sales mcusack@mpltd.ca • 506.333.1064 aburns@mpltd.ca • 506.649.0025
14 / OCTOBER 2023
OnSite_AHES_Oct23.indd 1
Produced by:
2023-09-22 12:26 PM
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KUBOTA
The R540 and R640 also feature a bigger front window, a simplified interior layout compared to previous models, an all-glass right-side window for better visibility, standard LED work lights, and a reconfigured right-hand side console for the operator’s ease-of-use. The wheel loader arms have also been redesigned to further enhance visibility and attachments can be connected without the operator leaving the cab. Kubota also changed the vent placement in the R540 and R640 to maximize cool air flow in summer and defrost capabilities in winter, which is an important consideration in Canada.
VOLVO Volvo continues to be a leader when it comes to electrification and high-tech enhancements. Volvo wheel loaders now feature a digital solution called Connected Load Out, designed to improve productivity and efficiency during the load out process while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The system links the wheel loader, trucks being loaded, and the site office. Orders and load tickets are digitized and shared within this network. Volvo wheel loaders have also been fitted with a pioneering Collision Mitigation System featuring an automatic braking func-
23_006943_Onsite_OCT_CN Mod: September 11, 2023 1:42 PM Print: 09/13/23 9:40:59 AM page 1 v7
π
tion. If a wheel loader is traveling in reverse and the system senses that it is about to hit an object, “the machine will [automatically] brake” for a few seconds, alerting the operator of the danger, explains Yeomans. Other Volvo innovations include the L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader. This is an electrified version of the L120 wheel loader. The converted L120H electric wheel loader offers the same performance as the diesel version, but with zero exhaust emission and minimal noise. This machine is being tried out in Europe and isn’t available in North America yet, says Yeomans. Volvo also recently updated the L350H wheel loader, with a view to increasing productivity and lowering fuel consumption. Weighing 56 tonnes, the L350H2, as Volvo calls it, has new axles, a new drivetrain, and a new Opti-Shift transmission (offering smoother shifting, with an automatic lock-up feature in second, third, and fourth gear, ensuring better fuel efficiency). Load-sensing technology monitors
A LONG WAY
TOGETHER
ONE-STOP SHOP
SAFETY ITEMS ALWAYS IN STOCK
HARD HATS
WHEREVER YOU ARE, BKT IS WITH YOU ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING
No matter how challenging your needs, BKT is with you offering a wide range of OTR tires specifically designed for the toughest operating conditions: from mining to construction sites.
HEARING PROTECTION
Sturdy and resistant, reliable and safe, able to combine comfort and high performance. BKT is with you, even when work gets tough.
1-800-295-5510
For info: Western Canada 604-701-9098 Eastern Canada 514-792-9220
uline.ca
on-sitemag.com / 15 OS_BKT tires_June23_CSA.indd 1
2023-04-19 1:22 PM
hydraulic pressure and flow in the L350H2 and makes adjustments based on load requirements, increasing efficiency, and lowering energy use.
DEVELON “In our nomenclature, the dash seven [-7] represents the latest and greatest product that we’re offering,” says Jacob Sherman, Product and Dealer Marketing Manager at Develon. The models have a standard, industry-exclusive “transparent” bucket, which Sherman describes as the pinnacle in a series of cutting-edge safety and efficiency features on these machines. To clarify, the bucket isn’t made out of see-through material. Rather, a camera set-up relays images of what’s in front of the bucket to a monitor in the cab. This clever system “eliminates a lot of the blind spot” that occurs when lifting or moving buckets, notes Sherman. Other notable safety and efficiency features include greater bucket capacity than previous models, three engine power modes (power, normal and economy), a
Smart Load system to weigh material in the bucket, updated heavy-duty axles, dynamic braking, and a standard rear-view camera. Operator comfort has not been ignored either: the dash seven cab is spacious, with an air suspension seat, and an interior that is conveniently laid-out, says Sherman.
CATERPILLAR Caterpillar’s new 950 and 962 medium-wheel loaders are the company’s latest Next Generation wheel loaders. The 950 weighs 19,260 kg (42,461 lb.) while the 962 comes in at 20,171 kg (44,469 lb.). Both machines have a Cat C7.1 engine and
a bucket capacity range of 2.67 to 9.90 cubic metres (3.5 to 13 cubic yards). Compared to earlier series, “we are offering basically 30 per cent lower maintenance costs,” says Scott Schmidtgall, product applications specialist for medium wheel loaders at Caterpillar. The 950 and 962 have a seat-mounted electro-hydraulic joystick steering for improved visibility, maneuverability, and operator comfort. These models also feature Cat Payload as a standard feature, which displays real-time bucket payload weight data to prevent over or underloading. The company says several standard ease of use, assist and payload features help boost productivity up by up to 10 per cent over previous loaders. Beyond productivity, Autodig as well as Auto Set Tires, both part of the Assist feature suite, facilitate proper loading while reducing tire slippage and wear and tear. A rear-vision camera and floor-to-ceiling cab windshield is standard in both models. A 360-degree multiview vision system is optional, as is Cat Detect, “a radar-based
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CATERPILLAR
PHOTO: COURTESY OF VOLVO
EQUIPMENT
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DEVELON
object detection system for when that operator is backing up,” says Schmidtgall. The 950 and 962 also feature adjustable seats, extra legroom in the cab, a fourpoint harness kit, and ProductLink, which connects the wheel loader to the office and tracks production data and machine diagnostics.
Nate Hendley is a freelance writer and author, and is a regular contributor to On-Site Magazine.
16 / OCTOBER 2023
A JOHN DEERE COMPANY
Well Rounded. www.wirtgen-group.com/technologies
CLOSE TO OUR CUSTOMERS
ROAD AND MINERAL TECHNOLOGIES. With leading technologies from the WIRTGEN GROUP, you can handle all jobs in the road construction cycle optimally and economically. Put your trust in the WIRTGEN GROUP team with the strong product brands WIRTGEN, VÖGELE, HAMM, KLEEMANN. www.wirtgen-group.com
TECHNOLOGY
By Jacob Stoller
Time to chat about AI Few new tech products have captured public attention like ChapGPT. The generative AI trend is already having an impact on construction.
C
18 / OCTOBER 2023
LLM’s aren’t limited to executing clearly delineated tasks either. They can also assist with broadly-defined queries, or qualitative matters such as presentation style. “ChatGPT could help you present a business plan in a slightly different format,” says Milner. “It could look at other business plans from similar companies and format your report based on that. Or you could upload a report and ask it to create a PowerPoint presentation from it.”
MANAGING THE RISKS These LLM applications will bring familiar risks to the fore much sooner than expected, including the threat of inaccurate information. “Organizations need to have a strict data governance policy in place,” says Strong. “If you’re relying on these tools and they’re part of your engineering workflow, or for any input on what leaves your office in the way of direction, there has to be a validation process.” Proliferating these standards throughout the organization, Strong notes, is no minor undertaking. The convenience and extreme versatility of LLMs also provides myriad opportunities for inappropriate disclosure of data. “If you uploaded a pricing schedule or an estimate and asked ChatGPT to format it, that data might be used to train the AI engine,” says Milner. “That means that a competitor could potentially access if from a search.” EllisDon, Milner says, uses a private version of ChatGPT, and blocks users from using the free version on the company network. ChatGPT now has a security setting for its free version which the vendor says prevents the data from being used for training purposes. Ultimately, data governance is not a technology issue, but a senior management issue that many companies have yet to address. Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of LLM will be that it forces companies to get serious about data governance.
Jacob Stoller is principal of StollerStrategies. Send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.
PHOTO: © TIMON / ADOBE STOCK
hatGPT, according to a ChatGPT query response, “can be a valuable tool in the construction industry in various ways, helping streamline processes, improve communication, and enhance decision-making.” The Large Language Model (LLM) that introduced generative AI to millions of users also provided a list of use cases, including for categories such as planning, risk assessment, communications, training, project management – virtually anything a construction company does other than build. Generative AI is no panacea, but it’s expected to accelerate automation of back-office tasks in all sectors, including construction. “I don’t think it’s going to replace workers, but it’s going to automate many labour-intensive alphanumeric tasks, bringing them reasonably close to completion,” says Thomas Strong, principal at construction tech firm wired.construction and CEO of Building Transformations. “I think the impact will be massive.” The power behind AI models is that they learn from the data that is fed to them, and therefore improve with wider usage. “The more people use these tools, the stronger the models are,” says Brandon Milner, senior vice-president of digital and data engineering at EllisDon. “That means that they’ll acquire more precise data, and the results from questions will be more accurate.” According to Milner, the technology could impact 30 per cent of a firm’s non-construction workload in categories such as customer communications, regulatory reporting, legal contracts and business planning. The most immediate target is likely to be mandatory routine documents that are time consuming to create. Integration between LLM engines and construction apps will be a key enabler, and tech vendors are quickly jumping in. “We expect ChatGPT to be used to drive a more conversational engagement with data,” says Kris Lengieza, vice-president of global partnerships and alliances at Procore Technologies. ChatGPT’s human-like interface makes it easy to apply. “If you need to do a building code check, you could simply ask a question like ‘what are the requirements for a residential staircase in Ontario?’,” says Strong, “and it will point you to all the references in the code.” That convenience, however, comes with a caveat. “You have to check it carefully, though,” he warns, “because it may not be right. In some cases, it makes up codes that don’t exist.” Generative AI’s tendency to invent answers, or the so called “hallucination factor,” is a major hurdle that has many analysts worried. Human input, therefore, has to be a planned component of any AI-assisted task. “If you’re facing a two-hour task, AI can get you 70 per cent of the way in the first five minutes,” says Strong. “Then you have the remaining time to refine, improve, and augment. So, your end result might be many iterations better.”
WORRY LESS BUILD MORE
When you’re backed by Canada’s top risk management specialists. Learn more at www.northbridgeinsurance.ca
Northbridge Insurance Logo is a trademark of Northbridge Financial Corporation, licensed by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation (insurer of Northbridge Insurance policies). [3877-013]
Welcome to the Class of 2023
O
n behalf of Northbridge Financial, we are honoured to be the sponsor of On-Site Magazine’s 2023 Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction celebration.
The construction industry has seen significant change this year. Like many industries, there was a great deal of growth and innovation, which can be tough to keep up with. However, this year’s 40 Under 40 have done just that, and even excelled. Northbridge is proud to recognize this group of exceptional, progressive, and innovative young leaders who are advancing the movement of construction in Canada. Not only do these individuals represent the next generation of leadership in Canada’s construction sector, but they are also actively involved in teaching the future generations of industry professionals. Each of the nominees shares some key common traits, including operating ethically, fostering innovation, and leading by example. These individuals represent companies engaged in some of Canada’s largest and notable infrastructure and ICI projects, making use of novel construction techniques and the newest technologies available to the construction sector. Because of this, we are very confident in the future of our vibrant and diverse industry. We also would like to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to all of the individuals who took the time to recognize and nominate members of their organization or work communities, along with the firms that give these individuals the opportunity to grow and thrive within their roles. A big congratulations to all who have been recognized. Northbridge Insurance thanks you for your contributions to the construction industry, which have resulted in immense growth. We’re proud of everything you have achieved thus far, and excited to see what you will achieve in the future. We are proud to be able to serve the construction industry as a trusted insurance partner and are excited to be a part of building a safer and brighter future. Sincerely,
Adam Collier Underwriting Director Northbridge Insurance
on-sitemag.com / 21
A CELEBRATION OF
LEADERSHIP
The fourth edition of the Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, as presented by On-Site Magazine and SitePartners, is pleased to recognize the following 40 talented individuals who are making their mark on the construction industry in our country. From developing forward-thinking processes to ensuring that the generations following them will have the tools, knowledge and support they need to forge their own careers, these young professionals represent the best of the best who illustrate the great opportunities that exist in today’s construction sector. Congratulations to the 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction, Class of 2023! AHMED MONTASER Project Controls Director Aecon Group Toronto, Ont. Ahmed Montaser, director of integrated operational controls at Aecon, is making his mark on construction and engineering. He has had a hand in such major Canadian projects as the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension, the GO Rail Expansion program and the Darlington Small Modular Reactor Project. While Ahmed holds a master’s in construction engineering and management, he is also highly experienced in planning, engineering and construction of major infrastructure and energy projects. Ahmed implements innovative integrated project controls and BIM processes and develops digital tools to fortify project management from the earliest planning stages to execution to eliminate waste and establish project execution strategies. His impact goes well beyond projects, showing a commitment to the community by mentoring immigrant engineers and sharing knowledge at conferences. His seven publications, including insights into hydropower construction, demonstrate his dedication to advancing industry practices.
22 / OCTOBER 2023
ALLISON HURLEY Director, Design Build (Civil) EllisDon Mississauga, Ont. Allison Hurley first joined EllisDon as a co-op student in 2010 and has worked her way up by excelling in several positions requiring multidisciplinary leadership, including project coordinator, bid manager, and business development manager. She has been instrumental in a series of successes for EllisDon, from building the company’s reputation in the B.C. market to shepherding successful bids for a wide variety of big-ticket civil projects in Ontario and Quebec. Allison’s educational background is equally diverse. Having earned an honours degree in applied bio-molecular science from Lakehead University and an MBA from Vancouver Island University, she has also furthered her industry knowledge through various construction related courses. In addition to her personal achievements, Allison also finds time for mentoring, volunteering, contributing to industry groups, and sharing knowledge with respect to new contracting models.
ANDREW BIGIONI Director, Commercial, Contracts, and Corporate Legal Services Hatch Ltd. Toronto, Ont. Andrew Bigioni has been a key player in numerous prominent infrastructure projects in Canada and abroad, including the Keeyask Hydropower Station in Manitoba, LRTs in Ontario, Alberta and the United States, several billion-dollar bridge refurbishments across the country, and both the expansion of the Go Train system and redevelopment of the Port Lands in Toronto. Having previously worked as a labourer, surveyor and foreman before becoming a lawyer, his in-depth knowledge of the construction industry has made him a crucial adviser and problem-solver for his employers, as well as their clients and partners. From project development to execution and delivery models, Andrew helps colleagues and clients alike to get things done. He even helped to pick up the pieces after Canada’s first P3 default, negotiating a deal that got the project back on track. Andrew’s inventiveness and can-do attitude make him a facilitator par excellence, and he also helps younger lawyers to follow in his footsteps.
ANNIK FORRISTAL Equity Partner and Co-Group Head, National Infrastructure and Construction Group McMillan LLP Toronto, Ont. Annik Forristal was an engineer before she became a lawyer, giving her unique and valuable perspectives from which to advise clients in the construction industry. The success of her practice is evident by many measures, starting with the high profiles of the clients and projects she has advised, among them Rogers Stadium Limited Partnership (renovation of Rogers Centre) and The Hospital for Sick Children (including its Project Horizon campus redevelopment). Annik also worked with the Ontario Association of Architects to update their standard form contracts. Recognized by multiple organizations as one of Canada’s leading construction and infrastructure lawyers, she also received McMillan’s in-house Leadership in Mentoring Award. Annik’s devotion
to the construction industry is manifest in the sheer number of activities she undertakes on its behalf, including strong advocacy for best practices and working with opposing counsel in a spirit of partnership rather than of animosity. ANTHONY BURDEN Partner Field LLP Calgary, Alta. Anthony Burden is a highly regarded Calgarybased lawyer whose practice focuses heavily on construction. He has appeared as counsel of record in more than 20 written court decisions – usually as lead or sole counsel for the successful party, and typically opposite much more senior counsel. Anthony is also the author of dozens of articles, most of them on construction law, and is closely involved with numerous professional and industry groups, including the Canadian Bar Association’s National Construction
and Infrastructure Section, the Society of Construction Law – North America, and the Calgary Construction Association. In his own workplace, Anthony is devoted to supporting the development of both summer students and articling students and is on his firm’s Wellness Team. Since 2015, he also has provided pro bono law services to needy clients who cannot afford legal counsel. ANTON RICAFORT Innovation Director - Americas Acciona Vancouver, B.C. As innovation director for the Americas, Anton Ricafort is a key part of keeping Acciona’s operations on the cutting edge. With 15 years of global experience, Anton has become integral to fostering innovation, talent development and sustainable infrastructure practices. Anton recently orchestrated the company’s inaugural North America Innovation Awards, engag-
Lauren Cooper Senior Project Manager, Construction Mackenzie Spurr Operations Manager, Energy
CONGRATULATIONS LAUREN AND MACKENZIE FOR BEING TWO OF ON-SITE MAGAZINE’S TOP 40 UNDER 40!
OnSite_Ledcor_Oct23.indd 1
on-sitemag.com / 23 2023-10-02 11:43 AM
ing over 70 employees from the region to devise creative solutions enhancing operational efficiency. As a key contributor to redesigning Acciona’s co-op program, he continually helps develop emerging talent. Notably, he contributed to Acciona’s successful launch of its Silicon Valley Antenna, which has opened a gateway to cutting-edge technological trends. His peers noted that he leads with an innovative mindset, strong industry knowledge and most importantly, empathy and a genuine interest in developing talent and advancing the construction industry.
ASHVIN GHURBURRUN Senior Project Manager, Civil Projects PCL Construction Management Inc. Calgary, Alta. Ashvin Ghurburrun came to Canada as an immigrant working at a Montreal call centre. After entering
24 / OCTOBER 2023
OnSite_UALocal170_Oct23.indd 1
the construction industry, he began rising through the ranks. Starting as a field engineer, he eventually became construction engineer/COO of MND North America, overseeing four diverse lines of business in Canada and the U.S. Today, as the senior project manager for civil projects at PCL Construction in Calgary, Ashvin has amassed an 18-year track record of achievements that spans multinational bridges, infrastructure, and geotechnical design endeavors. This includes working on a first-of-its-kind detachable aerial tramway in Canada and the U.S., boosting concrete design and quality assurance for LaFarge Precast in Calgary, managing remote Parks Canada infrastructure projects, and collaborating on the $3.7 billion Turcot Interchange design rehabilitation and feasibility study at Quebec Transportation. He attributes his success to applying value engineering to the field, constructability, leadership and community engagement.
BRAD CYR General Manager, Quebec EllisDon Montreal, Que. Brad Cyr exemplifies EllisDon’s core value of entrepreneurial enthusiasm, but just as importantly, he’s built a culture of freedom, trust, and innovation where everyone has the ability to drive the business and their own career to the fullest. Brad got his start as a field engineer, then moved up to assistant superintendent before shifting into project management. When EllisDon decided to enter the Quebec market for the first time in its seven-decade history, he embraced the challenge, relying on his rich experience with different types of projects, clients, and contracts to ensure a successful expansion. The Quebec office now boasts over 100 employees and is establishing EllisDon as a premiere construction services company within the market. Having studied civil engineering at
2023-10-03 2:19 PM
Carleton University and corporate finance at Wharton, Brad also carries numerous certifications, including construction law, leadership in energy and environmental design, project management professional, and virtual design/BIM.
BRANDON BIRD CEO Bird Mechanical Ltd. Newmarket, Ont. Brandon Bird combines the ingenuity of an old-school tradesperson with the vision of a forward-looking leader. His personal certifications include Red Seal Plumber, Forklift Class 1-7 Instructor, Aerial Work Platforms Instructor, WHMIS Instructor, and Construction Health and Safety Representative. As the third generation to run his family’s business, Bird has led multiple acquisitions, expanding the company’s services into strategic construction management, as well as its
geographic footprint as it entered Atlantic Canada, all while personally supervising its project management, estimating, fabrication and administration teams. Among other roles, he also sits on the boards of both the Mechanical Contractors Association of Toronto, leading its Education Committee, and the Durham College Foundation, and has helped to fund the latter’s efforts to impart more skilled trades. His dedication has made Bird Mechanical a unique player in the industry, empowering it to win high-profile contracts and provide safe conditions and generous benefits for its employees.
CHERYL LABIRIS Lawyer Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP Toronto, Ont. As a lawyer with Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP in Toronto, Cheryl
GEOFF HOWE District Manager Ottawa, ON
Labiris has been using her legal talent to assist some of the country’s largest construction projects. Cheryl has been involved in several successful, nine-figure settlement negotiations, and co-led the negotiation and settlement process in relation to resolving over 100 discrete claims totaling over $1 billion. She is also part of Canadian legal history with her involvement in the first-ever COVID19 application in North America. With Cheryl’s assistance, Singleton Reynolds was successful in overturning the contractor’s successful COVID-19 application at the Ontario Court of Appeal, which involved the declaration that COVID-19 was an emergency, and that the owner directed the contractor to perform additional and overriding procedures. Cheryl thrives on finding unique solutions based on the specific factual matrices at play and is a true forward-thinker and a significant contributor to the construction law bar.
ASHVIN GHURBURRUN Senior Project Manager, Civil Projects Calgary, AB
CONGRATULATIONS TIMES TWO! PCL Construction congratulates Geoff Howe and Ashvin Ghurburrun on being named to the On-Site Magazine + SitePartners Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction list. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence ensures PCL’s continued success atop Canada’s construction industry.
PCL.COM
OnSite_PCL_Oct23.indd 1
on-sitemag.com / 25 2023-09-21 9:13 AM
CHARBEL (CHUCK) ANDARY Senior Legal Counsel Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority Windsor, Ont. Chuck Andary acts as senior legal counsel at the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority where he manages legal risk on the $5.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project and liaises with numerous government stakeholders. With nine years of experience in construction law, Chuck has also represented contractors, sureties and owners in various infrastructure projects, and teaches construction law at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law. He has made significant contributions that have shaped the industry and facilitated the successful execution of major infrastructure projects, including his role in Ontario’s expert review of the Construction Lien Act, where his team’s recommendations were instrumental in the subsequent
26 / OCTOBER 2023
HPAC_CISC_March23.indd 1
overhaul of the province’s lien legislation. He is also involved in the broader legal community as a member of various legal associations, including the Ontario Bar Association where he serves as an executive member in the Construction and Infrastructure Section. COLIN OLFERT CEO and General Manager Westridge Construction Ltd. Regina, Sask. Starting his career in construction as a project manager, Colin Olfert reinforced his experience by overseeing a diverse portfolio of projects spanning healthcare, education, recreation, water treatment, and retail. He joined Westridge in 2018 and in just a few years was named CEO. Since joining the company, revenues have increased by more than 35 per cent with another 40 per cent expected this year. Among many other things, he has
overseen the development of a complete performance management process for the company and has created an outline for a detailed project forecasting tool. He has also transformed the company’s health and safety practices. Outside of work, he serves on many boards, including charities and industry associations. COLIN SMITH-WINDSOR Senior Operations Manager Graham Construction Saskatoon, Sask. Colin Smith-Windsor’s career path in the construction industry has passed through several of Saskatchewan’s most important sectors, beginning in 2006 where he led a small civil crew on a remote gold mine site. Since joining Graham in 2008, he has taken on progressive roles delivering projects in the uranium, potash, oil and gas, and energy industries. Apart from a BSc in mechanical engineering, he
2023-02-15 2:24 PM
holds P. Eng and PMP designations, and has demonstrated exceptional management, leadership, and interpersonal skills. His attention to health, safety and environmental issues is likewise well-established, and of course, he has consistently achieved strong bottom-line results. Colin is perhaps best-known, however, for promoting and achieving stronger partnerships with Indigenous communities, opening up both labour and professional opportunities to Indigenous individuals, and ensuring that decision-making includes a focus on capacity development. CONNOR CHOW National Manager, Construction Projects and Solutions Western Surety Company Regina, Sask. After his graduation from an architectural technologies program, Connor Chow doubled down on his academic journey. While working for a consulting
engineering firm he completed certificates in project management and construction law. Subsequently he was part of the first graduating class of a brand-new bachelor of construction management program at SaskPolytech prior to completing a master of architecture degree from the University of Calgary. He commands a niche position in construction surety that requires the review and audit of distressed projects, using his knowledge to make key determinations, take remedial action, and complete the project. Directing a team of consultants and lawyers across Canada he is responsible for a diverse commercial construction portfolio. Connor can frequently be found at project locations across the country. He performs project audits, retains completion contractors and manages stakeholders, including owners, sponsors, contractors, lawyers, governments and the public. Connor holds holds several industry honours and designations, and has successfully united various professional undertakings as a comprehensive construction expert.
GEOFF HOWE District Manager PCL Construction Ottawa, Ont. Geoff Howe began his PCL career as an estimator in Toronto where he was exposed to estimating, pursuing and securing profitable work, and alternate delivery models. One of his early key roles was as design manager on the successful Toronto Pan Am Aquatic Centre constructed for the 2015 Pan Am Games. He progressed up the PCL ranks through various assignments and operational roles in Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Vancouver, and now works in his hometown of Ottawa as district manager where he oversees the business and multiple active pursuits valued at more than $3 billion. PCL noted his role as a leader is critical for the management and future growth of PCL Ottawa’s District, which is currently working on proposals amounting to $6 billion in potential major and special
Congratulations to our Senior BIM Manager, Matt Main, for his recognition as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction. Our entire team is so proud and we celebrate this win with you. Congratulations to all the winners! Thank-you to On-Site Magazine and Site Partners for this award.
OnSite_PittMeadows_Oct23.indd 1
on-sitemag.com / 27 2023-10-04 9:38 AM
projects. On top of that, Geoff has spearheaded the adoption of digital construction methods, is a strong advocate for women in construction and continues to dedicate his time to charitable initiatives including MS, Special Olympics Canada, United Way, Pathways to Education, and the CNIB. JON HIGGINS Vice-President of Construction Stack Modular Bedford, N.S. Jon Higgins has been instrumental in pushing the limits of modular construction in Canada with his work at Stack Modular and Bird Construction. His began his career at Bird in 2009 as a project coordinator, going on to work as an estimator, project manager and construction manager. Over the years, he has developed an extensive understanding of offsite construction processes and on-site installation that have elevated the company’s modular project execution. His portfolio
includes $100 million of executed modular projects, including the award-winning Aqsarniit Hotel and Cedar Valley Lodge. Jon is working to bridge the worlds of construction and modular manufacturing. He also played a key role in keeping massive, complex modular projects on track in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, coming up with creative solutions to mitigate risks. JULIEN LAPLANTE-LABERGE Project Director, Little Long Dam Safety Project Kiewit Montreal, Que. Julien Laplante-Laberge has managed construction projects across Ontario and Quebec with contract values ranging from $22 million to almost $2 billion. In various capacities, he has contributed to several ventures recognized for their outstanding execution, including the Caribou Falls Block Dam 2 Reconstruction Project, the Turcot Interchange, and
SINGLETON URQUHART REYNOLDS VOGEL LLP
proudly congratulates Cheryl Labiris on being featured in On-Site Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 list as one of the brightest legal minds in the construc�on industry in Canada.
Cheryl Labiris | Associate
28 / OCTOBER 2023
(416) 585-8605, clabiris@singleton.com
the Lower Mattagami River Project. While his own experience is long and broad, Julien is a big believer in helping junior colleagues and craft workers to develop by encouraging them to propose solutions to complex engineering problems and – as and when appropriate – implementing their suggestions. Julien embraces diversity and inclusiveness, supporting and sponsoring efforts to increase the number of women at Kiewit and within the industry as a whole. In addition, he has demonstrated a passion for using trainings and community sports events to help build and maintain healthy relationships with Indigenous communities. KAZIM (KAZ) KANANI Senior Associate, Specification and Contract Specialist Quadrangle Architects Limited o/a BDP Quadrangle Toronto, Ont. Kazim Kanani’s 19 years in the construc-
CONGRATULATIONS
TAMARA GAVRILENKO! TGV CONSTRUCTION GROUP INC team sends huge congratulations on this triumphant moment, and may your future be filled with many more such moments. Your accomplishment is indeed an inspiration to us all!
singleton.com
www.tgvconstructiongroup.ca
tion sector have positioned him as an authority in field of construction specifications, contracts and contract administration. His professional journey began in 2006 as a specification writer at Parkin Architects Limited. In 2010, he transitioned to B+H Architects, assuming the role of specification writer and contract administrator. Kaz’s career eventually led him to BDP Quadrangle in 2015. By 2017 he achieved the designation of associate and was promoted to senior associate just a year later. In addition to his work at BDP, Kaz has been a professor at George Brown College since 2017 where he has helped develop and deliver the specifications and documentation course for its architectural technology program. His dedication to the industry is evident through his involvement in Construction Specifications Canada, CSI and Canstruction. At CSC he became the youngest Fellow to be inducted in 2020 and subsequently become one of its youngest presidents in 2022.
KENTON BETTS Senior Manager Deloitte Edmonton, Alta. Kenton Betts has made significant contributions to both the construction industry and its public sector clients over the past decade, primarily by maximizing the value for money delivered to taxpayers on social infrastructure projects. Among other achievements, he spearheaded development of the Manitoba government’s widely acclaimed Alternative Capital Project Framework, led the team that provided Toronto’s North York General Hospital with revolutionary procurement and financial strategies for a senior’s campus of care and other facilities, and, as director of public private partnership implementation for Alberta Infrastructure, oversaw the award-winning P3 procurement of five high schools. Equipped with a bachelor of arts in political science and a master of arts in public administration, Kenton holds
certifications as a management accountant, a chartered professional accountant, and a project management professional. Most importantly, whether as mentor, colleague, or partner, he generously shares the benefits of his learning and experience with those around him. LAURA SAMSON Director of Infrastructure Calgary Airport Authority Calgary, Alta. Earlier this year, Laura Samson made history by becoming the first female director of infrastructure under 40 at The Calgary Airport Authority. Alongside her dynamic team, she spearheads terminal construction, airside construction and tenant development at both the YYC and YBW airports. In 2023, her team is leading the successful delivery of 35 capital and 182 tenant projects. This includes the rehabilitation of Canada’s second longest runway, YYC’s West Runway, a $201
We are the industry leader. We are the employer of choice.
We are FLINT flintcorp.com
WE’RE HIRING
on-sitemag.com / 29 OnSite_Flint_Oct23.indd 1
2023-09-18 10:02 AM
million, five-year project from design to completion. Through these projects, Laura’s commitment to sustainability has led to the implementation of sustainable construction practices and pursuit of cutting-edge technologies. Laura’s journey at YYC began in 2013 as a project coordinator. Over the past decade, she gained expertise and experience that allows her to effectively lead the Infrastructure Department today. She embraces the role of mentor and aims to inspire young women in both the engineering and construction industries. LAUREN COOPER Senior Project Manager Ledcor Construction Ltd. Calgary, Alta. Lauren Cooper has taken on many challenging projects during her 11 years in the construction industry. Starting with project managing a 10-million-dol-
lar facility at the Calgary Airport as a student intern, she has overcome everything from COVID-induced delays to poor site conditions to deliver for clients throughout her career. Taking on increasingly challenging and larger projects, she is now working on a unique multi-hundred-million-dollar tower in downtown Kelowna, B.C. As one of Ledcor’s youngest senior project managers, Lauren is very aware that she is helping blaze a trail for other women to follow in construction. Lauren also takes her role as a mentor to other employees very seriously, taking pride in organizing and supporting many communities through charity fundraising events. LESLEY WHITTEN Operations Manager – Canada Todd and Sargent, Canada, ULC Winnipeg, Man.
With over 17 years of experience in the construction industry, Lesley Whitten has an impressive track record that includes leading project management, field operations, engineering and construction on multimillion-dollar grain handling, fertilizer and processing facilities in Western Canada. Lesley brings a passion for construction execution as she leads the operations for all of Todd & Sargent in Canada, a key and critical player in agricultural industrial construction. Lesley is passionate about the connection between the field staff and the office staff, believing that the key to a successful project is having close connections between the two. Her leadership skills are not only based on experience, but her ability to influence people around her to develop their own soft skills including intuition, conflict management, negotiation and relationship building with the consistent goal of achieving win-win outcomes.
SHARING THE NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA? PLEASE INCLUDE #OS40U40 WHEN YOU DO.
Graham congratulates Colin Smith-Windsor on being named to On-Site Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction list.
30 / OCTOBER 2023
OnSite_Graham_Oct23.indd 1
2023-09-18 9:35 AM
MACKENZIE SPURR Operations Manager Ledcor Vancouver, B.C. Mackenzie Spurr has delivered on several challenging construction projects during his career, with a focus on safety, environmental stewardship, financial success and client satisfaction. He is currently project director for Spread 8 West of the Coastal GasLink, one of the most difficult sections of pipeline ever built in Canada with more than 400 crossings and eight steep slopes between 35 and 65 degrees. As the recipient of five safety awards during his 13-year career, Mackenzie brought an innovative approach to these challenges that included novel means of bypassing steep slopes, coping with weather-driven time constraints, and getting the pipeline safely across watercourses. He is also actively involved in both industry groups and various community activities.
MARAIKA DE GROOT Director of Operations Maven Consulting Ltd. Vancouver, B.C. Maraika De Groot excels at many things, but perhaps her greatest skill is getting other people to do the same. In addition to leading safety services and project delivery accounts for several clients, she hired 60 per cent of Maven’s workforce in just three years, and her efforts to develop its corporate culture have resulted in multiple “Best Place to Work” awards. Maraika began her career as a geological engineer and has business operations experience in various industries including academia and finance. All of these elements have made her a wellrounded leader with a penchant for recruiting quality applicants, then helping them to fully harness their talents. In addition to her engineering degree, Maraika also holds a masters in management, innovation and entrepreneurship, and her industry and volunteering credits are too numerous to count.
MATT MAIN Senior BIM Manager Pitt Meadows Plumbing and Mechanical Matt Main is helping push the industrialized construction movement forward with his work at Pitt Meadows Plumbing and Mechanical. Matt has pioneered and managed the company’s BIM journey since 2013, transforming its use of software, robotics, and more. This had led to success on major projects like residential development for the City of Lougheed, Penticton Regional Hospital, Royal Inland Hospital, the Whitehorse General Hospital expansion, Powell River WWTP and Surrey DES. It also resulted in his promotion to senior BIM manager in 2022. In nominating Matt, his employer noted that his journey from a young apprentice facing a tragic leg loss to becoming a proficient leader of a large BIM team stands as a truly inspirational testament to his resilience and determination.
Congratulations to Brandon!
Building Up Communities
Brandon Bird Chief Executive Officer Bird Mechanical Ltd.
As leaders in the construction risk advisory and brokerage sector, we’re proud to be recognized in On-Site Magazine’s 40 under 40.
Your dedication to excellence in the construction industry have earned you a welldeserved nomination in the “Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction”. Your passion and hard work inspires us all. Keep building the future!
Congratulations to Ryan Brown, senior vice president and advisory leader for NFP’s Construction and Infrastructure Group.
For your business. For your people. For your life. NFP.com Copyright ©2023 NFP. All Rights Reserved.
on-sitemag.com / 31 OnSite_BirdMechanical_Oct23.indd 1
2023-09-20 9:29 AM
MICHAEL PHAM VDC Manager Amico Affiliates Toronto, Ont. Michael Pham is on the cutting edge of all things digital in construction. He is an accomplished Virtual Design Construction (VDC) manager with numerous achievements and contributions in the industry. He currently serves as a VDC manager at Amico Affiliates where one of his major tasks is overseeing digital twin and digital delivery implementation. Furthermore, Michael is working with the Building Transformations board of directors to spearhead a new initiative within the Building Transformations Think Tank Program. His work has garnered him multiple awards. Notably, Michael led his team to receive the Digitalization Strategy Award in 2022 from Building Transformations for the Paradim Digital Twin - Highway 401 Expansion Project, recognizing their outstanding work in making the project a success. The digital twin platform allowed for seamless collaboration and data collection, streamlining project phases and ensuring data accuracy. MING TIAN Vice-President of Facilities, Maintenance and Master Plan Projects PNE Vancouver, B.C. Scores of Metro Vancouver residents and tourists will have Ming Tian to thank for their year-round fun in the coming years. The accomplished engineer was recently named vice-president of facilities, maintenance and master plan projects at the PNE. Through both building new facilities and transforming existing buildings and lands, Ming has successfully led many large-scale construction projects as a project owner. This included spearheading an upgrade to BC Place Stadium in preparation for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Committed to continuous improvement, Ming has been an avid advocate for collaborations across the construction industry
32 / OCTOBER 2023
using Lean methodology. In addition to having a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Ming also holds a Lean management certificate and is a certified professional engineer. He also holds PMP, FMP, CFM and LEED AP BD+C credentials. MUSTAFA KHALID Senior Project Controls Director Aecon Toronto, Ont. Armed with a bachelor’s of civil engineering from British Columbia Institute of Technology and a master’s of engineering leadership from University of British Columbia, Mustafa Khalid has excelled in project controls, strategy, business development, process enhancement, technology deployment, and much more during his career. Having brought his expertise from Deloitte to Aecon three years ago, Mustafa has quickly risen up the ranks. His most recent promotion made him senior project controls director for Aecon’s Major Projects West business unit. His contributions have propelled such landmark Canadian projects as the Highway 401 Expansion, Go Rail Expansion On-Corridor Works, and Scarborough Subway Extension Stations, Rail and Systems. His efforts were also instrumental in Aecon’s achievement of the 2022 Building Transformation Best in Innovation and Construction Management awards, highlighting his role in integrating digital technologies and processes for enhanced productivity. NICHOLAS DOUCETTE Special Projects, National Manager QM Environmental Kitchener, Ont. As QM’s National Manager of Special Projects, Nicholas Doucette is known as a passionate advocate for innovation in the pursuit of safer, more sustainable environmental construction projects. Specializing in large scale multi-disciplinary projects, he started with QM as a project coordinator, working to his current role through consistent delivery of his project portfolio. He has
been a key part of some of the industry’s largest, most complex projects, including the Sydney Tar Ponds, Victoria and Esquimalt Harbour Dredging Portfolio, Rock Bay Remediation in Victoria, Port Hope Area Initiative, and the Toronto Port Lands Flood Protection and Enabling Infrastructure Project. He currently leads a team of around 100 across a variety of competencies, including marine, ecology, soil management, civil, geomatics, quality, safety, and project controls. PARAM DHILLON Supervisor, Pipe Plant Lafarge Canada Inc. Winnipeg, Man. Param Dhillon’s achievements speak for themselves. Since taking charge of daily operations at Lafarge’s Winnipeg Pipe Plant, he has made the workplace safer, registering zero health and safety incidents from January 2022 to present. He also has made it more efficient, instituting process and maintenance improvements that have reduced overtime hours by 85 per cent, leading to lower labour costs, stronger employee morale and greater productivity. In addition, Param makes full use of innovation to improve performance, including development of data and efficiency solutions, among them a stock tracker that ensures adequate supplies and minimizes unnecessary downtime, and creation of a plant competency tracker, which helps employees to learn and develop in accordance with company strategic goals. He also continues to develop his own skills and competencies, and generously shares his time with a variety of good causes in the community. PATRICK WILSON Operations Manager and Vice-President‚ Western Canada District Kiewit Vancouver, B.C. Patrick Wilson started working full-time for Kiewit while he was still studying for his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Once he graduated, his career really took off. He now has 18 years of experience in the construction
industry, almost half of which have been in project management. He currently has responsibility for the transportation, marine and foundations markets in Western Canada, a portfolio that generates about $300 million in annual revenue. These figures are especially impressive given that Kiewit only entered the marine and foundations markets in that part of the country in 2019. Patrick combines technical competence with a great head for business and a knack for communication, all of which have propelled him from one success to another. He also mentors three or four new project managers every year and is an avid supporter of – and participant in – efforts to recruit and retain more women in the industry. RON LORD President Cedar Camp Projects, Ltd. Moncton, N.B. Ron Lord, an accom-
plished construction leader in Atlantic Canada, progressed from a labourer to various pivotal roles, including project coordinator, project manager, superintendent, design manager and vice-president. He’s now the driving force behind Cedar Camp Projects, a construction management and development group he founded in 2019, and which has seen continuous growth despite the challenges of a pandemic. Beyond construction, Ron loves to build on all levels, from family, community, businesses, teams and relationships. He’s dedicated to inclusive hiring and training and has welcomed nine Ukrainian teammates in the past year, with plans for more. Ron’s daily mission is turning concepts into reality, always with an eye on community, sustainability and long-term success, and is persistent in his pursuit of excellence in the Canadian construction industry.
RYAN BROWN Senior Vice-President NFP Construction and Infrastructure Group Toronto, Ont. Ryan Brown has worked as insurance broker and risk advisor specializing on transformative high profile infrastructure projects in North America, including the new Ontario Line Subway projects, Miami-Dade Courthouse, and more than 80 others over the past nine years. Ryan takes a highly proactive approach during predevelopment and stakeholder negotiations to execute on the insurance program within budget. Over the past few years, he has developed a new framework for deploying risk advisory services before approaching insurers, adopted creative new structures in the project-specific professional coverage market to unlock much needed capacity, and developed infrastructure portfolio insurance solutions materially reducing costs of coverage. For these and other reasons, he is regarded as
Congratulations to both Patrick Wilson and Julien LaplanteLaberge for being named On-Site Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40! Kiewit takes great pride in having two of our emerging leaders actively contributing to our highly notable construction ventures across Canada.
34 / OCTOBER 2023
OnSite_PeterKiewit_Oct23.indd 1
2023-10-03 11:15 AM
one of the top brokers and risk advisors by his clients, which include contractors, developers, owners and public sector entities, and other construction stakeholders. RYAN GOING Project Manager Pomerleau Toronto, Ont. With extensive experience as a project manager, Ryan Going has overseen a diverse range of projects, spanning from $5 million to well over $100 million in the industrial, institutional, commercial and healthcare sectors across Canada and the U.K. Pomerleau celebrates his proactive approach to promoting well-being in the workplace. Ryan was instrumental in the creation of a comprehensive well-being module at the company that tracks mental health, project progress, and deliverables. Ryan’s passion for innovation is evident on the University of Toronto Academic Tower mass timber project, where
he championed the adoption of a prefabricated wall system and contributed to value engineering efforts. Outside the jobsite, Ryan is a member of the Toronto Construction Association’s Young Construction Leaders’ executive committee. SARAH HAQUE Senior Manager, Talent Development & Total Rewards FLINT Corp. Sherwood Park, Alta. Joining FLINT in 2013 as a recruitment administrator and quicky growing into a management position, Sarah Haque is a trailblazing human resources professional whose acumen and leadership have helped FLINT successfully navigate a series of high-profile advancements fostering the company’s growth. Sarah led the integration of more than 700 new personnel during company acquisitions and has made a tangible impact on retention of certain trade positions by pioneering an apprenticeship
Dentons proudly celebrates Zach’s remarkable achievement as a Top 40 under 40 recipient.
program with targeted incentives. Sarah’s influence expanded through the introduction of a company-wide competency framework to improve staff development and implementing efficiencies in the human resources function through the enterprise system. Through Sarah’s success in delivering on initiatives to support FLINT’s objectives, she is engaged by all levels of the company for input into strategic objectives. Embodying FLINT’s values, her commitment and contributions have resulted in a reach that extends across the industry. SHARELLE DAYCO Director of People and Culture Novacom Building Partners Surrey, B.C. Sharelle Dayco embarked on her professional journey as an educator but has since dedicated the past 18 years to the dynamic world of construction. Her pivotal role at Novacom has been
Congratulations Lesley Whitten On Being Named to On-Site Magazine’s Top 40 under 40
Zach Seymour Senior Associate
Grow | Protect | Operate | Finance Dentons, the law firm of the future is here. dentons.com © 2023 Dentons. Dentons is a global legal practice providing client services worldwide through its member firms and affiliates. Please see dentons.com for Legal Notices.
www.tsargent.ca on-sitemag.com / 35
OnSite_Dentons_Oct23.indd 1
2023-10-05 11:23 AM OnSite_ToddSargent_Oct23.indd 1
2023-09-22 1:17 PM
to develop a highly skilled team while fostering a people-centric culture, something that the company says has been instrumental in driving its success and creating a thriving work environment. Beyond her professional achievements, Sharelle’s unwavering commitment extends to philanthropic endeavors. She passionately contributes her time and effort to Women in Construction events, building homes in El Salvador, and lending her support to initiatives addressing housing challenges in Canada. Sharelle is a strong advocate for fair and equitable hiring practices, particularly in championing the cause of underrepresented groups in the workforce. TAMARA GAVRILENKO Owner/President TGV Construction Group Inc. Concord, Ontario It would be impressive enough if Tamara Gavrilenko simply found success in a project management position at EllisDon where she assisted with applying prefabrication methods to long-term care projects. Instead, she has gone much further, founding and running TGV Construction Group Inc. Over the years she has worked to grow her business into a multi-million-dollar company, expanding it from a focus on emergency restoration to offering general contracting services. She also uses her business to benefit the community, and strongly advocates for underrepresented groups in the construction sector. She is a potent example for other women looking to step into leadership roles. TAYLOR LEFEBRE Director, Quality and Production, Eastern Canada Green Infrastructure Partners Inc. (GIP) Toronto, Ont. The many reasons for Taylor Lefebre to stand out in Canada’s construction industry
includes his pioneering efforts in design, production and paving methods that produce higher quality at lower costs, reduced energy consumption and lessened environmental impacts. He has shared some of his breakthroughs not just with colleagues, but also as an award-winning technical author and presenter. He is an avid participant in industry associations. He works with clients and suppliers alike to keep improving materials and processes, has personally developed software to improve quality control, and has had his innovations earn several accolades for his employer. And he is far from finished. Having entered management in 2017 at just 25 years of age, Taylor now instils the same drive for excellence in members of all his teams, including dozens of entry-level hires he has moulded into intermediate and even senior roles. WILLIAM SCHWARZ Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training UA Piping Industry College of BC Surrey, B.C. William Schwarz is on the frontlines of helping solve one of construction’s biggest challenges: workforce development. At 36 years old, he is the youngest person to ever serve as executive director of apprenticeship and training at UA Piping Industry College of B.C., overseeing 24 full-time staff, and over 1,100 apprentices. His innovative approaches are helping students find careers in the trades. For example, he developed a program to provide dual credits for part-time training courses for students attending high school. The program allows students, many of which would not otherwise graduate, the opportunity to complete their Level 1 apprenticeship training during class time. William was also instrumental in adapting the college to changing conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, he has been working to develop deeper relationships with Indigenous communities so they can access trades careers.
CHECK OUT THE DIGITAL EDITION OF THIS YEAR’S 40 UNDER 40, AVAILABLE ONLINE AT ON-SITEMAG.COM.
36 / OCTOBER 2023
ZACH SEYMOUR Senior Associate Dentons Canada LLP Vancouver, B.C. Zach Seymour is an accomplished lawyer known for his expertise in construction law, litigation and dispute resolution. Having been involved in numerous high-stakes cases before courts and commercial arbitration tribunals in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, as well as at the federal level, Zach enjoys both thorough knowledge of the law and a rare ability to parse the details of how that law is likely to be applied in complex disputes. Just seven years after obtaining his law degree, Zach’s achievements in representing his clients and their interests have made him something of a rising star in legal circles. He also mentors younger lawyers and remains engaged with the community around him, providing pro bono services to – and/or helping to raise money for – disability advocacy groups, low-income persons and un- or under-employed women.
THANK YOU, JUDGES It would have been impossible to put together the Top 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction without the support, and donation of time, provided by our panel of judges. We would like to thank the following individuals:
MEET
JUDGING PANEL
Richard Lyall is the president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario. Nadia Todorova is the executive director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario. Jesse Unke is president and CEO of Maven Consulting Limited. Jesse was a member of our 40 Under 40 in 2020. Russell Hixson is an award-winning investigative journalist with SiteNews at SitePartners.
40 Under 40 Symposium: Mentorship BY ON-SITE STAFF
T
he spotlight was shining on career development when On-Site Magazine hosted its first 40-Under-40 Symposium, a nation-wide virtual event held live on September 28. The two-hour event explored mentorship from multiple perspectives, featuring past On-Site 40-Under-40 honourees in one panel discussion, followed by three construction companies examining the evolution and benefits of their own mentoring programs in a second session. Both panels were moderated by On-Site editor, Adam Freill.
mentoring relationships as part of a company culture. “Everyone wants to feel as though they have someone who’s looking out for them,” said Zach Ellis of ECB. “It gives you a sense of safety and makes you want to stay.” New recruits at ECB meet with potential mentors in a formalized setting, and the company works to Panel 1, clockwise from top left: Adam Freill, Alicia Milton, Jesse align and find good fits. Unke, and Mat Baranowski. RJC Engineers uses an onboarding buddy program that pairs newcomers with senior team members, explained Cora Pulnicki. Following that initial introduction, it’s up to the individuals to develop that BE PROACTIVE relationship, but her company has A key takeaway from the first panel plenty of internal knowledge sharing was the importance of being bold opportunities for employees. and asking for assistance. All three James Dawson-Edwards of of the panelists noted how their Graham Construction noted how his mentoring experiences were inforcompany once tried forcing a mentoPanel 2, clockwise from top left: James Dawson-Edwards, Adam mal at times, but very rewarding. ring program on employees, and in Freill, Cora Pulniski, and Zach Ellis. “People want to help, so don’t most cases the relationships didn’t be shy to introduce yourself and ask stick. He’s found the most rewarding people for advice and build informal relaand enduring relationships develop organand also a direct connection to help network tionships that way,” encouraged Jesse Unke, ically, although with support through the in the company and across the industry. president and CEO of Maven Consulting organization. All three also recommend construction in North Vancouver (40-under-40 class of Pulnicki added the post-COVID hybrid associations with young-leaders groups as 2020). work environment makes it more challenging opportunities to meet mentors and network. For Mat Baranowski, operations to onboard, but having a dedicated mentor is Baranowski said that storytelling is a manager, B.C. region, with PCL (class a formalized networking opportunity. key skillset of a great mentor. “Those stories of 2021), he’s been able to bond with They all believe mentoring is going to tend to stick in your mind along with the co-workers. While recognizing PCL’s formal happen organically if your culture breeds it, lessons learned.” mentoring programs, he notes the culture advising to make it a priority to harness its With career progression, all three of mentoring is “engrained” in everyone. potential. “The more people are supported, panelists now find themselves mentoring the “I call it the convenience of proximity,” the more confident and competent they will next generation. Unke has become involved said Baranowski. “I’ve had supervisors that be,” stated Dawson-Edwards. “If you want to with UBC Engineering’s mentoring program, I’ve been able to lean on and really build a build your company culture to be supportive, and he encourages young employees to take mentoring team.” this is one of the best ways to do that.” advantage of all programs. “If your company It’s been a similar experience for Alicia The title sponsor for the 40-Under-40 has a mentoring program, put your hand up Milton, general manager Ledcor in VancouSymposium was Revizto, an integrated to be a mentor or mentee.” ver (class of 2021), who finds the supportive collaboration platform. The individual COMPANY PERSPECTIVE culture within Ledcor led to more informal sessions were sponsored by Borden Ladner Organizations place attracting and retaining mentoring through many different leaders. Gervais LLP (BLG) and GC Pay, and supportemployees as key priorities, and engagement All agreed that establishing a mentor ing contractor sponsors included EBC Inc., is key to retention, so Panel 2 looked at within a company provides a trusted advisor EllisDon and Pomerleau. on-sitemag.com / 37
OCTOBER 2023
NET-ZERO CONCRETE TARGETING CARBON
??
IN THIS ISSUE:
REDUCTION
41 Net-Zero Roadmap | 46 Vocational Trucks
E X H I B I T S : J A N U A RY 2 3 - 2 5 , 2 0 2 4 E D U C AT I O N : J A N U A R Y 2 2 - 2 5 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
WHERE
LEGENDS ARE MADE
As the industry’s No. 1 authority, we’ve stayed true to our mission to support the needs of concrete and masonry professionals. Today, we’re working just as hard to deliver opportunities and strategic connections as we did on day one. Join us to see, touch and test state-of-the-art solutions that drive informed decisions and put your business on solid ground for the year ahead.
B U I L D A L E G A C Y O F S U C C E S S. LEARN MORE ABOUT WOC
VIEW INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
REGISTER NOW at worldofconcrete.com
NET-ZERO
CONCRETE GAINS Canadian facilities making significant steps toward net-zero targets. BY ANDREW SNOOK
I
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAFARGE CANADA
t should come as no surprise that the cement industry is a major contributor to CO2 emissions around the globe. The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) states that the sector is the third-largest industrial energy consumer and the second-largest industrial CO2 emitter, representing approximately seven per cent of the world’s CO2 emissions. The fact that concrete is the second-most consumed commodity around the world, trailing only behind water, amplifies its impact. To assist the cement industry in its effort to reduce CO2 emissions, in 2022 the CAC, with assistance from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, launched the Roadmap to Net-Zero Carbon Concrete by 2050. The roadmap “commits
the sector to achieving reductions of 15 million tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cumulatively by 2030, followed by ongoing reductions of over 4 million tonnes annually from the production of cement and concrete in Canada.” The CAC expects these GHG reductions to come from a combination of initiatives, including the elimination of the use of coal and petroleum coke, increased use of lower-carbon and alternative fuels, use of alternative and blended cements, improving thermal efficiency, carbon capture investment, the use of clean energy, and advocating for updated codes, standards, specifications and procurement policies. “Concrete Zero in Canada includes a wide array of different technologies that we
can apply today, which, in many cases, are bolt-on technologies that can be implemented right now, with proven effectiveness. In other instances, they’re almost ready for prime time. They’re just in the final stages of demonstration and optimization. And in other cases, it’s really a lot of early-stage research that is in place,” says Robert Cumming, head of sustainability and public affairs for Lafarge Canada (East). Lafarge Canada, a member of Holcim, is one of the companies that has been leading the charge to lower GHG emissions across the country. Over the past several years, the global building materials manufacturer has been investing millions of dollars in its cement plants across Canada with new technologies, retrofitting them to use alternative fuel supplies. “Our commitment to sustainability encompasses a multi-faceted approach, revolving around emissions reductions, use of circular economy principles in our products, reduction of our impact on nature and increasing our positive impact on people in communities,” says Stephanie Voysey, head of sustainability and environment for Western Canada at Lafarge Canada. “When we look at it from these four pillars, emissions play a pivotal role. So, over the last 20 years, we’ve looked at investing in upgrading equipment to ensure we have the best available technology. You can see that through the Exshaw revitalization for Kiln 6, which happened in 2016.” The Lafarge Exshaw Cement Plant on-sitemag.com / 41
NET-ZERO combustion within the alkaline atmosphere in our kilns, we aren’t increasing the emissions out of the kiln. So, there’s waste diversion that’s happening,” Voysey says. The Richmond cement plant has been able to consistently use 50 per cent alternate fuels over the past year. “Exshaw has taken a little bit longer on its coal processing journey for alternate fuels; however, we are currently in the construction phase of implementing an alternate fuel system on-site that has a similar goal of reaching 50 per cent in time,” Voysey says. Lafarge Canada has set a goal of completing this project by early 2024, and Exshaw plans on ramping up its fuel substitution rates, further advancing its sustainability efforts.
CAPTURING CARBON The remaining 70 per cent of emissions from the Richmond and Exshaw cement plants comes from calcining – the process plants use to heat up the limestone. Those emissions are currently unavoidable unless a viable limestone substitute can be found. “In response, we’re actively exploring alternative raw materials that we can put into the system, like recycled concrete, to decrease that limestone addition,” says Voysey. “The other way is exploring the potential of CCUS.” CCUS stands for carbon capture and utilization/storage. The Exshaw plant is
reviewing a pre-front end engineering design (FEED) for 1 million tonnes a year of carbon capture from Kiln 6. “That’s looking at post-combustion removal of 1 million tonnes of CO2 with transportation and sequestration of that CO2 somewhere in the Bow Valley region,” Voysey says. Working together with proponents in southern Alberta who are looking to create their own sequestration hubs for CO2, as well as the potential for other sequestration hubs that may not have been identified, Lafarge Canada hopes to find something suitable before 2030. “We’re on track to complete our pre-feed for carbon capture by early 2024, and then Lafarge will evaluate the data available to make an informed decision on proceeding with FEED,” Voysey says. “Exshaw has a really viable case for carbon capture because, in Alberta, the sequestration space is available, and the government is supportive of carbon capture and sequestration geologically onshore.”
DECARBONIZING THE GRID Lafarge Canada’s operations in Eastern Canada don’t have the same geological formations and regulatory structures of Alberta, so the company is identifying other options for reducing emissions in that province, Cumming explains. One of the ways the company is reducing its emissions is by taking advantage of the largely decarbonized
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAFARGE CANADA
in Exshaw, Alta., is equipped with newly modernized kilns that are designed to replace up to 50 per cent of the fossil fuels consumed with lower carbon options. While its kilns are set to use natural gas, they can also be adapted to burn waste-derived fuels. “On site now, we decommissioned Kiln 4, a long dry kiln. We rely on Kiln 5, a preheater and precalciner, and Kiln 6, an even newer preheater and precalciner. They allow us to produce clinker, which is the main component of cement, in the most efficient way possible,” Voysey explains. “Similarly, for the Richmond [B.C.] plant, the preheater and precalciner were upgraded in 1996. And so, since then, we’ve added a new system of co-processing of alternate fuels in 2018, resulting in a significant reduction of up to 50 per cent in our reliance on fossil fuels.” Lafarge Canada’s Exshaw and Richmond plants have transitioned from burning coal to natural gas in recent years as part of the company’s sustainability efforts. The Richmond plant completed its transition about four years ago, and now operates using a combination of 50 per cent natural gas and 50 per cent alternate fuels – construction and demolition materials primarily comprised of biomass, wood waste and non-recyclable plastics such as the lids of plastic bottles that cannot be recycled. “We receive a lot of alternate fuels at the [Richmond] cement plant, which have good heat value. And because we have complete
42 / OCTOBER 2023
grids in Quebec and Ontario. “We’re in good shape from a carbon intensity perspective. So, we’re capitalizing on that advantage. We’re implementing several initiatives including pilots with hybrid loaders in our quarries and installing about 100 EV car chargers on sites across Canada to make it easier for our employees to adopt electric vehicles,” he says.
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY Other product lines within Lafarge Canada, such as ready mix concrete, aggregates and asphalt, are another big part of the company’s circular economy. “In our aggregates group, we offer a recycled aggregate product, which is 100 per cent recycled concrete. In certain regions of Western Canada, it can have asphalt mixed into it, and many times, it’s used as a road base,” says Voysey. “And so throughout many of the projects in construction, it’s increasing in use, and that’s a target of ours – to decrease the virgin aggregates that we use and to tap into the stock-
piles that we have on our sites, which often come from previous projects, thus promoting sustainable resource utilization.” One of the challenges with getting recycled aggregates and asphalt used more prevalently is resistance from specifiers. “It might surprise you and others to hear that many projects don’t like to reuse recycled aggregates, and it’s because virgin aggregates are still readily available. So, we try to educate our customers to ensure they understand that you can use a road base that is recycled aggregates. It doesn’t have to be virgin material,” she says. Lafarge Canada’s asphalt division also uses Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) on projects whenever possible. “We do all the testing to achieve 10-, 20-, 30-, or 40-per-cent RAP, tailored to what the municipality is comfortable adding so that it can be reused on the road,” she explains. “For every 10 tonnes of RAP integrated into the asphalt mix, we can reduce one tonne of CO2. This is possible because the old asphalt still has the asphalt cement
and aggregates that contribute to the properties of new asphalt, promoting sustainability in road construction.” Even still, it can be a struggle to get specifiers on board with recycled materials, so the company also educates the industry. “In collaboration with the Zero Waste Committee in Metro Vancouver, and with the City of Richmond, we’ve developed a RAP protocol, so that municipal engineers can gain a better understanding of these materials and how they’re tested,” says Voysey. Cumming says Lafarge Canada can achieve a 20 to 40 per cent carbon intensity reduction in concrete delivered. This, he says, coupled with energy efficiency improvements and other actions that are in the planning stages right now, will allow the company to meet its 2030 emissions targets in Eastern Canada.
Andrew Snook is a freelance writer and past-editor of On-Site Magazine.
RB441T TIES #3 x #3, UP TO #7 x #7 10M x 10M to 22M x 22M With 19Ga. Wire
RB611T
TIES #5 x #5, UP TO #9 x #10 16M x 16M to 29M x 32M With 19Ga. Wire
RB401T-E TIES #3 x #3, UP TO #6 x #6 10M x 10M to 19M x 19M With 19Ga. Wire
on-sitemag.com / 43 OnSite_MaxUSA_Oct23.indd 1
2023-09-12 11:46 AM
SPONSORED CONTENT
Milwaukee® BOLT™ helmets offer protection from top and side impacts and feature a chin strap with five adjustable buckles for best fit and security.
ELIMINATING DROPPED OBJECT HAZARDS AT THE SOURCE Milwaukee Tool teams up with PCL Construction and EllisDon to help workers stay safe and stay productive when working at heights. Infrastructure Health & Safety Association incidents continue to be an S truck-by (IHSA). “The construction regulations lack a alarming trend in the Ontario construction
sector as high-rise development booms in Toronto and dropped objects jeopardize the safety of workers and the public. According to Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, as of December 31, 2022, critical injuries caused by falling materials represent 15 percent of all injuries on construction sites.
“Currently, Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act has a vague approach to dropped objects,” says Jennifer McKenzie, Director of Stakeholder and Client Engagement with the
dedicated section addressing the prevention of tools falling and instead depend on broad declarations like section 34, which mandates the provision of overhead protection when there is a risk of materials falling onto workers.” To address existing gaps in Ontario’s safety regulations, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto) and EllisDon are engaging industry stakeholders, including trade partners like Milwaukee Tool, to help improve tool tethering efforts and educate workers on dropped object prevention.
“The industry’s current approach is too reactionary,” says Anders Wheeler, District Health, Safety and Environment Manager for PCL Toronto. “We need to take proactive safety measures that address hazards at the source and work collectively as an industry to develop improved safety standards on jobsites.” REDUCING FALLING OBJECT HAZARDS WITH TOOL TETHERING “Tethering prevents objects from falling in the first place, so eliminating the hazard is always the preferred method for reducing risk,” says Dennis Christie, Director of
Health, Safety and Environment at EllisDon. Safety leaders say one of the biggest challenges of improving dropped object prevention is getting workers to make the connection that if they need to be tied off, so do their tools. Innovations in tool tethering solutions are improving the worker experience, allowing users to tether a wide variety of tools and equipment. Milwaukee® tool lanyards provide shock absorption and slow a tool if a drop occurs, reducing the risk of injury. Colour-coded weight ratings make it easier for workers to identify the appropriate lanyard for each tool. Double-locking carabiners ensure a secure connection, and the integrated swivel prevents tool tethers from getting tangled, helping workers stay safe and stay productive. Milwaukee Tool also provides jobsite partners with implementation support to motivate safety compliance with tool tethering programs, training users to easily anchor their tools and create secure connections when working at heights. “It has been great partnering with Milwaukee Tool and having them visit our jobsites to help us educate workers on best practices for using their tethering solutions,” says Wheeler. “Some workers think there is no way to tether certain tools, and we have been able to provide guidance that shuts down those misconceptions.” While PCL Construction has implemented many safety measures to help eliminate falling object hazards, Wheeler says
equipping their workforce with tethers and providing tool tethering training has contributed to a 60 percent reduction in dropped objects over the last year in the Greater Toronto Area. PROMOTING ENHANCED HEAD PROTECTION FOR WORKING AT HEIGHTS Another opportunity to build a proactive safety culture on jobsites is outfitting workers with head protection that exceeds minimum industry requirements. While Type 1 protective headwear is required on construction sites, according to McKenzie, Ontario’s current regulations do not adequately address the specific hazards associated with dropped objects.
“Section 22 of the construction regulations does not indicate if a hard hat must be equipped with a chin strap to ensure head protection remains on the worker’s head when they are struck by an object or fall, and whether it is equipped with a multi-directional impact system,” she says. These safety gaps are a major reason EllisDon is making a company-wide shift to Milwaukee® BOLT™ helmets, which offer protection from top and side impacts and feature a unique five adjustable buckle chin strap to help protective headwear stay on in the event of a fall. “We have seen that when a worker falls even from just six feet off a ladder, by the time they strike the ground, their hard hat is not on, and it can result in a head injury,” says Christie. “When objects fall from significant heights, they can also deflect up to four hundred feet. Type 1 hard hats are not designed for side impact, but the Type 2 Milwaukee® BOLT™ helmet has an insulated barrier that could help to minimize the extent of injuries with falling objects.” Another jobsite safety challenge is that many workers will tape or tie additional personal protective equipment onto their hard hats, reducing the headwear’s structural integrity. These accessories can also exacerbate risks related to falling objects when not properly secured. On the other hand, Milwaukee® BOLT™ helmets feature six accessory slots that allow workers to simultaneously attach headlamps, eye visors, and hearing protection for improved safety and comfort while remaining safely secured. ADVOCATING FOR MORE CONSISTENT JOBSITE SAFETY STANDARDS Collaboration among industry stakeholders is essential for identifying hazards, taking effective measures to reduce risk, and building a proactive safety culture. “If we want to hold others accountable to improved safety standards, we need to lead by example,” says Wheeler. Milwaukee Tool continues to team up with PCL Construction and EllisDon to deliver safety events that improve dropped object prevention awareness and promote best practices. Still, industrywide regulatory changes need to happen to provide a clear framework for employers to follow and encourage consistency across jobsites. While costs may be associated with providing better safety equipment and training, it is important to consider the benefits of fewer workplace injuries, including the potential long-term cost savings and the opportunity to improve the construction industry’s reputation.
Milwaukee® tool lanyards are colour coded to help you easily identify the lanyard’s weight rating.
“
It should not take a fatal incident to create change,” says Christie. “Progressive contractors are striving to go above the minimum requirements to protect workers and the public, and moving forward, our clients will expect to see worldclass safety standards.
”
For more information about Milwaukee Tool’s safety solutions, visit milwaukeetool. ca/Products/Safety-Solutions.
VOCATIONAL TRUCKS
DURABILITY THROUGH INNOVATION Manufacturers aim to boost durability, and drop weight, in the vocational truck segment.
M
ore features, more durability, better performance: all of these, and more, can be expected as competition for your vocational truck order continues to heat up. In addition to addressing the expectations for improved operator comfort and upgraded sensor networks, today’s vocational truck manufacturers are making the vehicles more durable than ever, but there’s more going on than just a show of strength. “In the context of the construction industry, not only is durability required,
46 / OCTOBER 2023
but weight reduction is equally critical,” explains Michelle McConn a heavy-duty vocational product marketing specialist at Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), the manufacturer of the Western Star X-Series and Freightliner Plus Series. In the X-Series for example, more durability but less mass is found in the single frame rail, hood, cab and air intake system. This helps mitigate today’s high manufacturing costs while also providing a bit of fuel savings during operation. DTNA is approaching weight reduction
through targeted placement of reinforcement. The cab in the new X-Series is aluminum, for example, has strategically placed steel reinforcements in the pillars that enable the cab to withstand such factors as extreme-duty door slam cycles over the truck’s lifetime. In addition, the use of factory-installed features that streamline body integration eliminates the need for truck equipment manufacturers to cut through the cab or dash for body controls and power. McConn adds that both the X-Series and the Plus Series
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MACK TRUCKS
BY TREENA HEIN
offer the QuickFit system, which involves factory-installed features that maintain durability and reduce noise. Turning to the entire frame, McConn explains, “The new single-channel frame rails remove the need for double-frame rails by offering thicknesses from 8 mm to 15 mm and providing a resisting bending moment [a measure of material yielding strength] of up to 3.8 million inch-pounds.” The new rails, she says, provide weight savings of about 100 pounds while still providing the strength required to forego the need for frame rail inserts. The new single-channel rails are also designed to minimize corrosion. Suspension is another area where vocational trucks are getting a durability upgrade, and a reduction in weight. The Mack mRIDE rear suspension, offered in 40,000-, 46,000- and 52,000-pound load capacities, offers reduced weight when equipped with Mack axles, explains Tim Wrinkle, construction product manager at Mack Trucks. That option trims 140 pounds with drum brakes and 146 pounds with air disc brakes. “This suspension is popular because it offers a smooth ride on the roughest jobsites,” he adds. “It provides extreme articulation with its spring leaf suspension over rubber block suspension, maintaining high stability and minimal roll rate. It also offers greater ground clearance than other suspensions due to the use of the spring leafs over four separate rubber block pads.” According to the manufacturer, the rubber isolated upper v-stay and lower torque rods, arranged in a parallelogram, keep the forward and rear drive axles at the same pinion angle through the articulating range. Mack Trucks has also taken the
48 / OCTOBER 2023
approach of top mounting its axel carriers, a design that delivers a straight-through driveline that it says cuts down on vibration and should reduce lifetime maintenance costs. Each carrier’s double-reduction gearing means that loading is balanced over two gear sets and the design of the Durapoid bevel gears eliminates localized stress and tooth-end loading, extending gear life and providing better fuel economy.
national line was created from the ground up with a focus on simplicity. Design simplification, he notes, goes a long way in keeping trucks on the road longer. He adds that the powertrain takes “a big step forward in durability by releasing an engine that no longer requires an EGR cooler or diesel oxidation catalyst/seventh injector to reach today’s stringent emission regulations.”
HOODS AND ENGINES
DON’T FORGET THE PTO
Newer materials are also being integrated into newer trucks. The X-Series hood is now made of a moulded resin. Polydicyclopentadiene, or P-DCPD, is a highly impact-resistant material that’s also flexible and weighs 100 pounds less than the previous fibreglass hood. “We’re also seeing a trend toward components that can withstand the magnesium chloride and calcium chloride solutions used to treat the roads,” adds Andy Hanson, director of vocational marketing at Navistar. “Be on the lookout for more galvanized and stainless-steel components to winter-proof your trucks.” Engine durability is yet another current focus. Hanson explains that the S13 Integrated Powertrain for his company’s Inter-
With the release of S13 Integrated Powertrain, International now joins others in the market in offering factory-installed PTOs. This reduces upfitting times and increases first time quality. Vocational models from Mack Trucks have PTOs and hydraulic pumps mounted to the mDRIVE transmission direct from the factory. “This is a very popular choice on Mack Granite models because it makes upfit even quicker and easier,” says Wrinkle. “We also have new options such as the mDRIVE – Dual PTO.” For the Freightliner Plus Series and the Western Star 47X/49X models, quick access to PTO functions is now provided through the display screen.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF DAIMLER TRUCK NORTH AMERICA
VOCATIONAL TRUCKS
Tougher made smarter Introducing the new VHD
On the jobsite you need a truck that’s tough, safe, and smart. So, we built the new Volvo VHD to be the best-looking, most rugged vocational vehicle in the industry, packed with innovative ideas like Volvo Active Driver Assist and the revolutionary Volvo Dynamic Steering. Your toughest jobs just got easier. Learn more at volvotrucks.ca/en-ca/trucks/vhd/
The New Volvo VHD
Be on the lookout for more galvanized and stainless-steel components to winter-proof your trucks.” “This allows operators to easily engage and customize the amount of power being transferred through the push of a button,” says McConn. “Additionally, the new electrical architecture supports controls and programming for up to four PTOs from the factory.” To support ease of upfit, DTNA also offers truck equipment manufacturers factory-installed routing and clipping brackets to ensure all wires and hydraulic
50 / OCTOBER 2023
lines are tightly bundled and protected from the elements. Another new offering from DTNA for the construction market is factory-installed switch caps for truck equipment manufacturers’ integrated body controls within various dump truck applications, says McConn. “For our vocational models, we offer factory-installed and aftermarket-available, laser-etched graphics which provide a streamlined dash layout and switch labels that last the life of the vehicle,” he explains
HIGH DEMAND IN CONCRETE SECTOR Eric Duiker, who handles sales at Cancrete, says that there is strong demand for his company’s vocational concrete pump trucks. Cancrete purchases large chasses for Putzmeister concrete pumps mostly from Mack, but also Kenworth, Western Star and Autocar. Their smaller chassis option is the Dodge Ram 5500.
“Demand is high, and we’re still backlogged 9-18 months,” he says. “Order intake has slowed somewhat, but it’s still steady. We have a significant backlog for larger chassis, and we’ve had to switched to conventional cabs from cabover because we can’t get cabover. For the Dodge Ram 5500, we need 25 and we’re expecting one this year. We’re still waiting on 2022 orders.” To increase durability in its offerings, Cancrete has done things like switch from manual to automatic transmissions. “It really helps save the drivelines,” says Duiker. “We’ve also switched to air suspension from spring suspension because the roads everywhere are just terrible. We were seeing quite a bit of damage and strain on the structures of the pumps just from travelling the roads, and switching to air suspension has certainly reduced that.”
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CANCRETE
VOCATIONAL TRUCKS
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX & WEBSITES
SHOW OFF YOUR SITE
Adrian Steel................................................................ www.adriansteel.com................................... 6 AHES........................................................................... www.ahes.ca.............................................. 14 B2W Software Inc....................................................... www.b2wsoftware.com/Ben........................ 4 Bird Mechanical......................................................... www.birdmechanical.com......................... 31 BKT Tires..................................................................... www.bkt-tires.com...................................... 15 Brandt........................................................................ www.brandt.ca/never-idle............................ 9
in the 2023 CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION PHOTO CONTEST
SUBMISSION CRITERIA: • Shot on a Canadian job site • Taken in 2023 • Shows construction in progress
Contest coming soon!!
Canadian Concrete Expo............................................ www.canadianconcreteexpo.com.............. 47
2022 Winner
Canadian Construction Association.......................... www.cca-acc.com...................................... 53 CISC............................................................................ www.steeltrades.ca.................................... 26 Dentons...................................................................... www.dentons.com...................................... 35 EllisDon...................................................................... www.ellisdon.com...................................... 33 Flint............................................................................ www.flintcorp.com...................................... 29 Graham...................................................................... www.grahambuilds.com............................ 30 InEight........................................................................ www.InEight.com ...................................... 11
2021 Winner
John Deere.................................................................. www.deere.ca/smartertools ........................ 2 Kiewit.......................................................................... www.kiewit.com ........................................ 34 Ledcor......................................................................... www.ledcor.com ........................................ 23 LBX Linkbelt............................................................... www.lbxco.com/x4s ................................... 13 Max USA Corp............................................................. www.maxusacorp.com .............................. 43 Milwaukee Tool........................................................... www.milwaukeetool.ca.............................. 44 Navistar...................................................................... www.internationaltrucks.com/hxshift ...... 55 NFP Construction & Infrastructure............................ www.nfp.com ............................................. 31
2020 Winner
Northbridge Insurance............................................... www.northbridgeinsurance.ca .................. 20 PCL............................................................................. www.pcl.com.............................................. 25 Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems....... www.pittmeadows.net................................ 27 Raken......................................................................... www.rakenapp.com ...................................... 7 Revizto........................................................................ www.revizto.com ........................................ 38 Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP..................... www.singleton.com .................................... 28 SoftwareONE.............................................................. www.softwareone.com/construction ...........56
2019 Winner
TGV Construction Group............................................. www.tgvconstructiongroup.ca ................... 28 Todd & Sargent.......................................................... www.tsargent.ca ....................................... 35 UA Local 170.............................................................. www.ualocal170.com ................................ 24 Uline........................................................................... www.uline.ca ............................................. 15 Volvo Trucks................................................................ www.volvotrucks.ca .................................. 49 Wirtgen....................................................................... www.wirtgen-group.com ........................... 17 World of Concrete....................................................... www.worldofconcrete.com ........................ 40
on-sitemag.com / 51 OnSite_PhotoContest_Oct23.indd 1
2023-10-05 1:58 PM
RISK
By David Bowcott
Operational risk controls Best-in-class practices can help companies navigate the impacts of a slow or weakening construction economy.
I
t has been almost three years since the onset of the COVID supply chain crisis. Since then, we have seen stubborn rising inflation, knock-on rising interest rates, and labour supply shortfalls. The impact of these issues on the financial health of the construction economy isn’t immediate. It is often felt by subcontractors, suppliers and prime contractors two to four years after these metrics turn for the worse. We are now entering a critical window where financial weakness caused by a worsening of these metrics is beginning to have an impact on the financial results of the construction economy. Bottomline, all construction stakeholders need to exercise heightened operational vigilance to minimize the impact of these “company cripplers” on their organization. So, what does “heightened operational vigilance” mean? Well, your organization likely has operational procedures that are a combination of written procedures and procedures housed within your enterprise or project management platforms. Some of these procedures may need to be tightened up, and adherence to these tightened practices is paramount to controlling risk.
award. Within this category are procedures for bid levelling, clarity of contractual obligations, and assurance that all necessary documentation is provided before the contract execution begins (i.e., properly signed contract, licensing, insurance, surety bonds, subcontractor default insurance, and so forth). With labour issues contributing to a number of risks on a construction project, it is critical that your pre-award vetting process includes an assessment of both the quantity and quality of the labour forces needed to complete the scope of work per the master schedule.
TOP 5 OPERATIONAL PRACTICES TO REVIEW
Prequalification – Does your organization have a formal prequalification process to ensure the construction stakeholder partners you are working with have the financial, business and safety measures in place to carry out this project successfully? All stakeholders should be prequalified, including those that are letting the contract to your company and those that you are subcontracting with to carry out the work. This includes design firms. Award Practices – After identifying the firms you are going to enter contracts with using your prequalification process, you need to ensure that these firms have clarity of their contractual responsibilities, have accounted for all the appropriate components in their pricing, and adhere to the requirements of the contract post
52 / OCTOBER 2023
Performance Security – Is your organization asking for the appropriate amount of performance security from the organizations to whom you are transferring project responsibilities? Are you asking for surety bonds or letters of credit? Is the amount being asked for sufficient? Do you have a subcontractor default insurance program in place? Are you properly using financial tools within your contracts? Quality Assurance/Quality Control – Does your organization have a formal QA/QC team that ensures the work has not only been done, but it has been done properly? Does that team have authority to stop work when they have identified defective workmanship? Does every project get a dedicated QA/QC manual? Are your project teams conducting first work-in-place inspections? These are five categories of operational risk control. There are others, and your organization should ensure you not only have these procedures in place, but that the aim is to be best-in-class in these procedures. Diligence around your operational risk control practices at this precarious time in the economy will be well worth the effort, both for your profitability and your corporate brand. With growing weakness in the construction economy, now is the time to act.
David Bowcott is the managing director, construction, at NFP Corp. Please send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.
PHOTO: © YELLOW_MAN / ADOBE STOCK
Go or No-Go Practices – Your organization’s ability to vet the risk of taking on or carrying out a specific project. In this process you assess the risks associated with the project and compare those risks to the project’s opportunities. Some of the component parts of this procedure include the use of a formal risk assessment methodology, including a risk matrix; a review of the project scope, market sector, geographic location and other key metrics to ensure it aligns with your business plan, your experience and skillset with delivering the project; the establishment of a dedicated “go or no-go” team that includes senior leaders; and sign-off procedures that validate to senior management that the project has been vetted.
CCA Annual Conference March 12-15, 2024 Where ideas, insight and innovation converge. Paradisus Palma Real Golf and Resort Spa Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Early bird rates expire November 17 Register today!
Keynote speaker:
David Usher Founder and Creative Director, Reimagine AI
CONTRACTORS & THE LAW
By Trish Morrison and Marin Leci
Emojis, text messages and construction contracts Inclusion and interpretation of modern communication symbols could have contract ramifications.
W
hen the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench detertext message constituted mined that the use of a acceptance of a contract to sell 87 metric tonnes of flax, which the defendant later breached by failing to deliver the product as agreed, it set a precedent that may impact more than the agricultural sector. Irrespective of the subject matter of the agreement, and depending on the circumstances, the reasoning in South West Terminal Ltd. v Achter Land & Cattle Ltd. could apply to communications that parties view as casual or unimportant. The use of text messages, teams chats, and direct messages on third-party platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, are common methods of communicating with colleagues and contracting parties alike throughout the lifecycle of a construction project. While South West may seem like a novel decision, at its core it is really just a case about the treatment of casual communication between counterparties. Casual communications like text messages are not only relevant and material documents (and, therefore, subject to disclosure in litigation) but Canadian courts have been considering casual forms of communication to make critical decisions in construction cases for years. For example, in 1475182 Ontario Inc. o/a Edges Contracting v Ghotbi et al, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice held that a text message met the requirements of section 13(10) of the Limitations Act, which required an acknowledgement of indebtedness to be in writing and signed by the debtor or their agent. This decision used similar logic to South West, stating that a person’s unique phone number, linked with their phone, along with other unique identifiers associated with a person’s cell phone, constitute a digital signature on every message sent. In Young Boy Drywall v Housemaster Construction and Management Co, the court considered text messages between the contracting parties regarding deadlines to complete work in order to determine whether the parties had revised the project deadline. In fact, courts have looked through the informalities and abbreviations associated with text message communications to determine contract terms or to deny the existence of an agreement altogether. For instance, in England v Saunders-Todd, the parties contracted for a home renovation and communicated primarily through text messaging. A dispute arose regarding the terms of payment. The court noted that, “Just as conversation can lead to the creation of an oral contract, text messages can be used to create contracts and establishing terms.”
54 / OCTOBER 2023
In Hodder Construction (1993) Ltd v Topolnisky, the Supreme Court of British Columbia found that there was no enforceable contract between the two parties after considering text message communications, “fixed price” documents, construction plans and designs, and the oral testimony of the parties about their discussions over the course of construction. The court concluded that there was no contract as there was not a meeting of the minds on key elements including contract price or remuneration.
KEY TAKEAWAYS Case law makes it clear that casual communications like text messages or direct messages will not only be reviewed by a court in a dispute, but could serve as key interpretive aids for a court tasked with understanding and adjudicating a dispute. Fortunately, there are practical steps construction-sector participants can take to mitigate risk. Educate project personnel that casual communications, like texts, could be disclosed. Preventing the indiscriminate flow of information that may be unclear or inconsistent with project or pre-dispute objectives can only be achieved by providing project team members with training and education on the potential impact of casual communications. Likewise, a properly drafted, clear and concise written contract will prevent the need for a court to look to other communications to determine the existence or terms of the contract. Taking proactive steps to draft project reporting and communication provisions into agreements can act as an effective safeguard. Moreover, parties to a construction contract should create communication procedures highlighting how project personnel should engage with each other and how to escalate issues to those with decision-making authority. Limiting the authority to approve contractual changes or make representations to a counterparty is an effective means of reducing the risk that a litigant will take advantage of casual communications between the parties during the course of the project.
Trish Morrison, partner and national business leader, and Marin Leci, senior associate, are construction lawyers at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. This article provides an overview and is not intended to be exhaustive of the subject matter contained therein. Although care has been taken to ensure accuracy, this article should not be relied upon as legal advice.
A LIGHTER, SIMPLER, STRONGER POWERTRAIN
Meet the International S13 Integrated powertrain. Now available in the HX™ Series. ®
®
After revolutionizing highway driving in the LT and RH™ Series, the S13 Integrated is now ready for severe duty work ®
in the HX Series. A huge step forward in performance, design, and operating economy, the S13 Integrated is the lightest 13L in North America. But it still brings 515 horsepower, 1,850 lb-ft of torque, and optional factory-installed PTOs. Not to mention simpler serviceability for more uptime. Now all that’s left to do is get to work.
SHIFT WHAT’S POSSIBLE
I N T E R N AT I O N A LT R U C K S . C O M / H X S H I F T ©2023 Navistar Canada ULC. All rights reserved. All marks are trademarks of their respective owners.
MTWO Construction Cloud Insights to inform effective decision-making Building Permit
Quantity Takeoff
BIM Model Mgmt.
Estimating
Plan
Facility Mgmt.
Scheduling
Tender & Contract Digital Handover
Operate
MTWO Construction Cloud
5D Simulation
Finance
Collarboration & Project Mgmt.
Build
Site Mgmt.
Prefabrication
Project Control Resource Mgmt.
Procurement
One complete end-to-end solution with 100+ modules that address every phase of the building lifecycle, MTWO delivers complete project control, cost transparency, real-time intelligent data, and robust collaboration and efficiency. softwareone.com/construction
