CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS | April/May 2019 Vol. 16 No.3

April/May 2019 Vol. 16 No.3

PM 40063056

2019 VICA Awards Rob Tournour, Rob Tournour Masonry Ltd. | Technology

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Inside 06 Connections Rob Tournour’s commitment and contributions locally and abroad were recognized with VICA’s Member of the Year Award.

April/May 2019 | Volume 16 No 3

PUBLISHER

MANAGING Editor Contributing writers

Industry Focus

Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Cheryl Mah Rebecca Cleary Jordan Reber Alan Zych

14 2019 VICA AWARDS The Vancouver Island Construction Association celebrates the winners of its inaugural awards.

B.C./ALBERTA SALES

Dan Gnocato Tel: 604.549.4521 ext. 223

20 Technology Investing in the Cloud Achieving Digital Transformation Optimizing Equipment Technology

PUBLISHED BY

PRESIDENT Kevin Brown

Departments 04 Message from the Editor 27 The Legal File Time in a Construction Contract

30 Industry News

vancouver office 2221 Hartley Ave. Coquitlam, B.C. V3K 6W9 Tel: 604.549.4521 Fax: 604.549.4522 Toronto office 1000-5255 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6P4 Tel: 416.512.8186 Fax: 416.512.8344

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Cover Photo 819 Yates Street, Yello on Yates earned Kinetic Construction Ltd. the VICA top general contractor award for a project over $10 million.

February 12 & 13, 2020 Construction Business is British Columbia and Alberta’s construction magazine. Each issue provides timely and pertinent information to contractors, architects, developers, consulting engineers, and municipal governments throughout both provinces. Complimentary copies are sent bi-monthly to all members of the Architectural Institute of B.C., B.C. Construction Association, B.C. Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, Consulting Engineers of B.C., Construction Specifications Canada — B.C. Chapter, Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, B.C. Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C., Urban Development Institute of B.C. and Vancouver Regional Construction Association.

November 6 & 7, 2019

Editor’s Note

Celebrating the Best

H

aving lived in Vancouver for so many years, I sometimes take my surroundings for granted. A recent ferry ride to Victoria gave me a wonderful reminder about the stunning scenery of the B.C. coast. The deep, lush green of the Gulf Islands and the sunshine sparkling on the endless blue water were simply breathtaking. On a sunny day, it is one of the best and relaxing ways to reach Vancouver Island.

The visit to Victoria was to attend the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) Awards.

VICA held its inaugural awards this April with Construction Business as the proud media sponsor. Eight winners in their respective categories along with local leaders were celebrated at the gala.

Houle Electric was a multiple winner, taking home two electrical contractor awards, the innovation and productivity award and a safety award. Gracing our cover is Yello on Yates, which earned Kinetic Construction the top general contractor award for a project over $10 million.

For our profile, I speak with Rob Tournour, president of Rob Tournour Masonry. His philanthropic effort through Another Brick in Nepal is inspiring and was a major reason for the company being recognized with the prestigious Member of the Year award from VICA. Tournour has been in the masonry trade for more than three decades and giving back to the community is something he holds near and dear to his heart.

Also in this issue is our annual feature on technology, which continues to grow in importance as the construction industry looks for answers to productivity, skilled labour shortage, managing costs and more.

Cheryl Mah Managing Editor

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Connections

Building Communities

By Cheryl Mah

The Empress Hotel

ob Tournour is passionate about the masonry trade and building communities. The president and co-owner of Rob Tournour Masonry in Victoria has been working in the trade for more than 35 years and has had a hand in some of the city’s most iconic structures. And equally importantly, he has been supporting the community for years through initiatives such as Boys and Girls Club, Hardhats in the Ballpark and Pink Shirt Day. “Giving back to the community, supporting the arts and helping those less fortunate have always been important to me,” says Tourbour, who credits his parents for instilling in him the value of giving back.

His dedication to supporting communities also knows no borders. Tournour’s philanthropic effort in Nepal over the last several years is an incredible achievement that has volunteers, friends and the local construction industry rallying behind him.

The company’s significant contributions locally and internationally were recognized by the 6

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Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) at its inaugural 2019 Awards.

“We have always believed in promoting the masonry trade and construction in general through our involvement with VICA, and to be recognized by our peers by winning the first ever Member of the Year award is humbling and a big honour,” says Tournour, who received a standing ovation at the VICA Awards gala.

When we spoke in May, he was set to embark on his seventh trip to Nepal since he launched Another Brick in Nepal (ABIN), a non-profit organization with the goal to rebuild schools in rural areas destroyed by earthquakes that struck the region in 2015.

“I came across a two page photo in the newspaper about the devastation in Kathmandu in a coffee shop and I don’t know why but it just caught my attention and I put it up on my bulletin board in the office,” recalls Tournour, who is no stranger to building overseas, having volunteered to build a school for impoverished girls in Honduras in 2005.

He eventually contacted his good friend Randy Jones about Nepal and his idea to help with the rebuilding there. Subsequent discussions led to their first flight to Nepal in October 2015.

Tournour says the remote regions have not received much help and seeing the poverty and damage first-hand only cemented his commitment to move forward.

He has to pause mid-sentence when describing the feeling he gets walking into these small villages and seeing the children, “The gratitude and reception is overwhelming.”

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Connections The new Bandevi Primary School is the first project by Another Brick in Nepal.

We started construction in June 2017 and the school opened in January 2018.

Navigating non-profit status, teaming up with SODEC (a Nepal non-profit), fundraising and reaching out to businesses and the industry all followed to make the first project a reality: an elementary school in the remote village of Aapchaur in the district of Nuwakot.

“We started construction in June 2017 and the school opened in January 2018. It’s a three classroom school for 90 students, completed for $45,000 — about $30 per square foot. It’s seismically designed to be a post-disaster structure,” says Tournour. His wife Sumitra and son Conrad (now one year old) have also travelled to Nepal.

Today, ABIN is working on completing its second project, a 450-student secondary school in the Sankhuwasabha district. Sharada School is a two storey, eight classroom school for kindergarten to Grade 10. Completion is expected by August 2019. Half of the cost on this project is being provided through a partnership with the Nepali government. Construction on the next school rebuild is set to start in September 2019.

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And it’s not just rebuilding schools. The organization has helped in other ways such as providing a school with money to complete repairs and buy needed equipment.

“We’ve had so much support — with money and people asking to volunteer. The support from the construction industry in Victoria has been incredible,” says Tournour, listing off companies such as Knappett Projects, Brock White Construction, Northwest Scaffolding and Kinetic Construction.

“Many of them I consider mentors who gave me my first jobs.”

Growing up in Muskoka, Ontario, the 54-year-old didn’t know masonry would be his career path. But a friend who was a fifth genera-

tion mason introduced him to the trade and he began working summers on job sites. “I enjoyed the work,” says Tournour, who did his first masonry job when he was 14 years old.

In 1994, he moved to Vancouver Island where he worked for a couple of different general contractors before deciding to strike out on his own in 1997. He co-owns the company with Sheri Eastman, his ex-wife.

Starting with small jobs, the company has grown into the largest masonry contractor in Victoria today with about 65 employees, specializing in commercial and residential masonry and natural stone. Projects are primarily located in south Vancouver Island but the company has done work as far as Bermuda.

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Spring brings warmer temperatures and more sun, but don’t forget that it also has its own set of hazards to beware of. The best way to stay safe this season is to be aware of the risks it brings and to prepare in advance, so here are the top eight spring hazards you need to remember as the frost thaws.

1. Slipping.

Rain and mud can be just as hazardous as ice and snow. Prevent falls by wearing high traction boots that fit snugly. Wipe or scrape any mud and dirt off of them when entering buildings and have caution when climbing stairs or ladders.

2. Reduced visibility for workers.

Rain and fog can significantly reduce worker’s ability to see, which can lead to any number of accidents on the jobsite especially when working at heights or with heavy machinery. These risks can be avoided by wearing anti-fogging goggles and having plenty of lighting available on the site.

3. Reduced visibility for everyone else.

Not only can spring weather make it difficult for workers to see their environment, but it can make it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to see them too. Keep everyone safe by wearing reflective PPE and always maintaining appropriate signage when working in public areas like roads and parking lots.

6. Live wires.

Spring weather means wet weather, which leads to greater risk of electric shock or electrocution from exposed wires on the job site.

Wet live and exposed wires can also short out, causing power outages and major delays, so make sure everyone on site is properly trained to handle live wires.

4. Flooding.

The combination of ice melting and heavy rain fall can quickly cause floods that wash out bridges and roads and cause delays on the jobsite. While there is little you can do to fight nature, being prepared and diligent to stay upto-date on the weather forecasts and warnings to prevent injury and accidents.

7. Thunderstorms and lightning strikes.

Spring storms can hit unexpectedly, with high winds and lightning strikes posing a threat to everyone on site, but especially people working at height or with large machinery. Be prepared by checking the weather forecasts regularly and educating your employees about best practices to follow in stormy weather.

5. Cold and Heat Stress.

Spring temperatures can fluctuate a lot, so check the weather often and prepare your workers for what to expect. Remember: heat/ cold illnesses such as heatstroke or hypothermia can occur outside of extreme temperatures if exposed to the elements long enough, so ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather and stay properly hydrated no matter the weather.

8. Loose earth and cave-ins.

Ongoing heavy rains can cause mud to loosen and shift over time, which can cause cave-ins and make operating heavy machinery difficult and dangerous. Move slowly and carefully, and be aware of your surroundings whenever working with large tools that could slip or have trouble stopping. Learn how to check your crane’s foundation with Big Foot’s Crane Academy to prevent any accidents that could occur.

Connections

Esquimalt Town Square project where Grade 10 student Caleb (in orange hard hat) is on a one week work experience from the trades program at Lambrick Park Secondary School.

Pink Day

The company has supported and mentored many apprentices over the years to become journeyman bricklayers.

Notable projects include the Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre and Songhees Wellness Centre. The company’s craftsmanship can also be seen on three of the most iconic hotels on the island: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Westin Bear Mountain Resort and the Empress Hotel.

“We completed three phases of the Empress Hotel with a full masonry restoration in 2016.

That project was really put us on the map,” says Tournour, who is passionate about restoring buildings, calling historic masonry jobs some of the most challenging and rewarding projects.

The comprehensive heritage masonry restoration at the Empress was completed to restore and showcase the original exterior brick and stone cladding that had been concealed and 10

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damaged by existing ivy growth. Working with John G. Cooke & Associates Consulting Engineers, the masonry restoration included renewal of mortar joints, restoration of areas of failed brick and replacement of decorative stone with new custom-milled sections.

Tournour describes the current market as robust and competitive. The company is keeping very busy with several projects including Esquimalt Town Square and Townline’s Hudson Place.

Of course, no construction company can be successful without a good safety record. As part of the company’s commitment to safety, it is COR certified.

“We are the only masonry company on Vancouver Island that has a certified quantity

surveyor, and the only masonry company on Vancouver Island that has a certified safety officer and is COR certified by WorkSafeBC,” he says.

The company fosters a family-friendly workplace culture, treating employees like family, paying good wages and extended benefits. It also has supported and mentored many apprentices over the years to become journeyman bricklayers. The trade remains in high demand and a skilled labour shortage is a concern, says Tournour. “We have to be careful about how much work we take on and you don’t want to turn away work so it’s a balancing act.”

As for the future, Tournour says the plan is to continue to build communities locally and abroad.

2019 VICA Awards of

Excellence

Vancouver Island Construction Association 1st Annual Awards of Excellence 2019 VICA MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

MANUFACTURER & SUPPLIER AWARD

Rob Tournour Masonry Ltd.

Longhouse Forest Products | Pacific Centre Family Service

GENERAL CONTRACTOR OVER $10 MILLION AWARD

Project-specific awards were evaluated based on key performance indicators such as financials, schedule, challenges overcome, safety records, innovation, and sustainability.

Kinetic Construction Ltd. | 819 Yates Street, Yello on Yates

GENERAL CONTRACTOR UP TO $10 MILLION AWARD

INNOVATION & PRODUCTIVITY AWARD

Saywell Contracting Ltd. | Nuutsumuut Lelum (Nanaimo Passive House)

Houle Electric Ltd. | Construction Site Security Video Monitoring

TRADE CONTRACTOR AWARD

OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

Olde Country Masonry Ltd. | Union Club Building Renovation

Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering Ltd.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD

U40 EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

Houle Electric Ltd. North Island Hospitals (Comox Valley Hospital); Victoria International Airport, HBS Recapitalization

Daniel Behrens, Knappett Projects Inc.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD Sarah Jayne-Roe, Camosun College

MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR OVER $3 MILLION AWARD Trotter & Morton Group of Companies | Vancouver Island University Health and Sciences Centre

MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR UP TO $3 MILLION AWARD Erb Technical Contracting Ltd. | Brentwood College Foote Athletic Centre

SAFETY AWARDS Houle Electric Ltd. Cumberland Ready-Mix Ltd. K5 Contracting (Drilling & Blasting Contractor) Ltd. Casman Projects (BC) Inc.

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Best of the Best This year, we hosted our inaugural

awards gala to celebrate the best of the best of Vancouver Island construction companies and individuals. As the premier industry association on the Island, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) Awards showcase the outstanding achievements and contributions of our members: the general contractors, trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and individual construction professionals from the south to the north, and everywhere in between.

With more than 50 submissions for 12 project-based and individual awards, plus four safety awards, our gala was the pinnacle of many weeks of submission preparation and evaluation, and judging deliberation. Selecting the award winners from a pool of exceptional projects and individuals was certainly no easy task.

The projects that were recognized represent only a small portion of the actual construction activity that occurs throughout the year and yet, the effort, quality, and proficiency by which they were completed is certainly a testament to the abilities of these companies and their teams, as well as their commitment to exceptional service within our construction sector.

The individual awards acknowledged our local leaders in construction training and industry innovation. They also showcased the commitment and dedication from our Women in Construction (WiC) and Under 40 (U40) networks to making our sector more inclusive and resilient as we look to the future. The nominees included many great women and men who do so much for their respective companies and the construction industry at large.

With April being Construction Month in British Columbia, we, in conjunction with the B.C. Construction Association, also added two Construction Leadership Awards to the evening’s presentation. Both awards were given to companies who are incredibly supportive of VICA, our industry, and our communities.

I would like to extend a sincere thanks to our 2019 judging panel, led by long-time VICA member Don Cameron, owner of Cameron Project Services. Accompanying him on the panel was Carole Bissett, managing director and regional manager for BC at Jardine Lloyd Thompson ( JLT) Canada and past VICA board of director chair; Kate Ulmer, principal and structural engineer at Herold Engineering and current VICA board of director member; Kathy

Whitcher, executive director at Urban Development Institute — Capital Region; and Warren Perks, vice president of industry standard practices at the B.C. Construction Association.

On behalf of VICA and our membership, congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and award recipients.

Rory Kulmala VICA CEO

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Winner GENERAL CONTRACTOR AWARD OVER $10 MILLION Kinetic Construction – Yello on Yates

A Stand Out Job By cheryl mah

With its striking and colourful exterior design, Yello on Yates in the heart of downtown Victoria definitely stands out.

The new 16-storey residential development features 209 units, a rooftop deck and three levels of underground parking with commercial space at grade. Spanning the full city block between Yates and View streets, Yello is Chard Development’s first purpose-built rental project in Victoria.

The project is comprised of 154,000 square feet of residential space and 6,400 square feet of commercial. The roof deck features more than 1,500 square feet of lounge space complete with BBQs. A communal patio area is located on level 12. Environmental considerations include LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures and EnergyStar appliances.

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Designed by MCMP Architects, the mass of the tower is broken up by a playful pattern of boxed balconies accented with bright colour and warm wood tones. The structure is reinforced concrete and the exterior is a combination of composite aluminum panels, mill run steel cladding and shop formed steel detail panels.

The task of making the contemporary design a reality was placed in the hands of Kinetic Construction. Kinetic started construction in August 2015 and reached substantial completion in May 2018. Peak manpower was around 100.

“It’s a beautiful building with a unique design,” says Kinetic project manager Desmond Howe, noting this is the company’s largest proj-

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ect to date. “Flynn Canada did a great job on the exterior envelope as well as the roofing.”

Of course, a project of this size and scale had many challenges which included an aggressive schedule, difficult soil conditions and a tight site.

“The site is right downtown so there was zero lay down and everything required just in time deliveries. We had to coordinate lane closures for big deliveries,” says Howe, noting Kinetic used LEAN pull planning to get the finish trades in sequence to get the project completed on schedule and the project benefited greatly from the process.

Another challenge was the five-storey aluminum art sculpture that sits high above Yates Street. The art installation was commissioned

by Chard Developments. Illarion Gallant (a local Victoria artist) designed, fabricated and installed the piece. He named it “Tap Route”.

“The challenge Kinetic and our concrete subtrade faced was placing steel embeds in the con-

...a project of this size and scale had many challenges including an aggressive schedule... crete for a piece of art that was not yet built,” says Howe. “With diligent planning and good communication it worked out perfectly.”

For their successful delivery of the project, Kinetic Construction won the 2019 VICA Award in the general contractor over $10 million category.

“It’s fantastic to be recognized,” says Howe, giving crediting to all the subtrades involved and especially Kinetic superintendent Co Timmer for problem solving issues. “Everybody in the office is extremely proud.”

Not only does the new development add visual interest to the city’s skyline, more importantly it is providing much needed homes to downtown’s tight rental market.

“When we get the opportunity to help create a building that adds to the city, provides a great use, and is aesthetically pleasing, it is a further reward for us and it’s wonderful when it’s recognized by your peers and the community,” says Tom Plumb, president of Kinetic Construction.

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Winner

GENERAL CONTRACTOR AWARD UP TO $10 MILLION Saywell Contracting Ltd. — Nuutsumuut Lelum (Nanaimo Passive House)

The Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre retained Saywell Contracting Ltd. as construction manager to manage the construction of the first certified multi-family Passive House on Vancouver Island. Saywell completed the one year project in April 2018.

The project is comprised of three two-storey Passive House buildings, providing 25 suites and large amenity room for youth, elders and families.

Designed by DYS Architecture, forms and materials that are traditional to Indigenous people inspired the overall building design. The buildings are townhouse style with entrances facing a central circular courtyard encouraging community interaction. Timber architectural features are carried from outside to inside the amenity room. The development includes a common room for cultural gatherings, children’s play area and a community garden.

The amenity room showcases recycled utility poles and Douglas fir beams, harmonizing with the horizontal cedar shiplap siding on the building’s facades. One of the primary sustainability goals for this particular project is to reduce rental housing energy use. This goal is achieved with the Passive House standard. The project is a great example of how affordable housing can be combined with sustainable construction practices.

Challenges included a very tight and narrow site with only one small access point, limiting storage and site mobility. Saywell phased the construction schedule to accommodate site area limitations by starting on the building that was farthest from the only site access point. This was also the company’s first Passive House project.

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Safety Training

With so many course options, it’s easy to choose what fits you best!

At-Cost Training Training courses developed specifically for BCCSA’s National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO™) or National Health & Safety Administrator (NHSA™) programs are listed below. Registration in the NCSO™ or NHSA™ program is not required.

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Winner ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD Houle Electric Ltd. — North Island Hospitals Project (Comox Valley Hospital)

Located in the east coast of Vancouver Island, Comox Valley is a community of approximately 65,000 People. With its natural beauty and rich cultural scene, Comox Valley has grown from an agricultural settlement to a diverse community. To support the population, health services in the community needed to be updated to meet the future needs for patient care.

The Comox Valley Hospital is one of two hospitals constructed as part of the North Island Hospitals project; the other being the Campbell River Hospital. The 153-bed Comox Valley Hospital in Courtenay comprises a total of 428,700 square feet and includes a University of British Columbia academic teaching space. Opened to patients in October 2017, the hospital features larger single-patient rooms, an expanded emergency room, six operating rooms, cardio-pulmonary diagnostic services, a larger maternity ward, a laboratory, a pharmacy, and an orthopedic clinic.

Houle Electric was responsible for the design assist, installation, integration, and commissioning for electrical and low voltage systems for the Comox Valley Hospital. Systems include access control, video surveillance, intrusion, panic, intercom, public address, real-time location system, nurse call, radios, infant abduction, and patient wandering. Most systems are required to integrate together, to allow auxiliary alarms to be triggered on additional systems in order to provide redundancy including connection to remote monitoring sites. Houle Electric completed work on April 30, 2017.

Winner ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD Houle Electric Ltd. —Victoria International Airport HBS Recapitalization Project

The Hold Bag Screening (HBS) area is where screening officers use specialized equipment to screen passengers’ checked baggage to prevent the boarding of prohibited items such as explosives. The HBS Recapitalization project was undertaken at the Victoria International Airport due to the federal government’s mandate for changes to the HBS process. The changes would bring the security screening up to international standards and include improved explosive detection devices and computer tomography. The project’s end goal is to enhance safety.

The HBS Recapitalization project consisted of modifying the existing baggage handling system. Modifications included replacing the primary baggage screening machines, demolishing the existing conveyors, and supplying and installing new conveyors. The new system is made up of 85 new conveyors, roughly 250m in length and includes two tag readers, 2 CT XRay machines, 2 4-way sorters, four ploughs, two centering conveyors, 54 control stations, 120 photo eyes, 70 pulse wheel encoders, and 20 indication lights or sounders.

The team at Houle Electric provided, installed, and terminated the power and control cabling from the five new control panels to all the field system components. This included the Ethernet IP link between all the control panels and system components, to allow for remote access and monitoring of the entire system.

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Winner Mechanical Contractor Award Over $3 million Trotter & Morton Group of Companies VIU Health Sciences Centre

The $34 million Vancouver Island University (VIU) Health and Sciences Centre was a federally and provincially funded fast track project that opened to students for the fall 2018 semester. The centre is the largest capital project in VIU’s history.

Located at the VIU campus in Nanaimo, the 75,000 square foot building is the first phase of a new campus plan that transforms the institution into a university and serves as an important part of the campus circulation network.

The centre provides industry relevant health and science programs focusing on interdisciplinary engagement between departments. The building is home to health and chemistry programs, teaching labs for nursing and an environmental research laboratory. The design includes state-of-the-art learning environments and a four-storey atrium that provides daylight to interior spaces and separates the office and teaching zones.

Designed to LEED Gold, some of the building’s features include water efficiency through landscaping and potable water reduction, daylighting and light pollution reduction. More than 97 per cent of construction waste was diverted from landfill.

Trotter & Morton completed all mechanical systems: plumbing, HVAC, sprinklers, controls, gas and specialty care systems. Work was done from June 2017 to November 2018. General contractor was Ledcor Construction.

Winner Mechanical Contractor Award Up to $3 million Erb Technical Contracting Ltd. Brentwood College School, Foote Athletic Centre

Brentwood College School is an independent high school operating in the Mill Bay area. This new state-of-the-art athletic facility, named the Eldon & Anne Foote Athletic Centre, is 65,000 square feet and includes gymnasiums, a fitness centre, three squash courts, a 50 foot climbing wall, multi-purpose rooms and office space. Erb Technical Contracting did the complete mechanical package, plumbing, ventilation, fire protection and controls. Erb completed the project on schedule in August 2018. Knappett Projects was the general contractor.

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Winner TRADE CONTRACTOR AWARD Olde Country Masonry Ltd. Union Club Building Renovation

The restoration of the Union Club in downtown Victoria was a comprehensive project. The goal of the project was to update the decor while retaining the buildings 1913 historic architecture. It took just over a year to complete the various stages to rebuild and seismically upgrade this iconic heritage building. The project included a challenging restoration to historic terra cotta exterior cladding and a restoration of the interior Grand Ballroom.

Olde Country Masonry Ltd. undertook all the masonry work: full terracotta restoration, cornice seismic upgrade and brick repointing.

Work was done from February 2015 to May 2016.

The unique scope of work required special care when dealing with the architectural elements. The entire cornice was removed and mechanically re-attached using structural steel to meet seismic code. Stone pieces that were too badly damaged to repair were ordered from the original supplier in New England. In addition, decorative rosettes were installed in openings left void for nearly 100 years.

Located in a high-profile tourist area, the project required extra attention to deliveries, safety and secure working conditions. There were also unforeseen circumstances such as the discovery and remediation of hazardous materials which had to be resolved while still being mindful of time and budget. Collaboration with architects and engineers was important to find solutions for the challenges when rebuilding the masonry elements. Knappett Projects was construction manager.

MANUFACTURER + SUPPLIER AWARD

finalist

Winner

finalist

Longhouse Forest Products Pacific Centre Family Services

Brock White Canada.

Brentwood College Foote Athletic Centre

Victaulic VIU Health and Sciences Centre

Located in Colwood, Pacific Centre’s new Centre for Wellbeing provides 15,000 square feet of program space. Designed by architect David Bootsman, the centre embodies all the criteria for a structure to eventually become a heritage building. The wood frame building has expansive gable roofs that recall both First Nations longhouses and 20th century bungalows. Cedar siding and exposed fir timbers were used to celebrate the local tradition of craftsmanship.

Brock White Construction Materials was a partner in the construction of the 65,000 square foot Eldon & Anne Foote Athletic Centre at beautiful Brentwood College facilities located in Mill Bay, B.C. Material supplied to this project ranged from concrete forming accessories to Knappett Projects, to the brick exterior façade supplied to sub-contractor Rob Tournour Masonry. The outside of the facility is robust compilation of open glass windows, aluminum paneling and traditional brick construction.

The Vancouver Island University (VIU) Health and Sciences Centre was a federally and provincially funded fast track project that opened to students for VIU’s fall 2018 semester. Located at the VIU campus in Nanaimo, the building is the first phase of a new campus plan that transforms the institution into a university and serves as an important part of the campus circulation network. The centre provides industry relevant health and science programs focusing on interdisciplinary engagement between departments.

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finalist

finalist GENERAL CONTRACTOR AWARD Over $10 Million Knappett Projects Inc. The Amica at Gorge

GENERAL CONTRACTOR AWARD Up to $10 Million Century Group Inc. Constructors 620 Superior Street Tenant Improvements

Knappett Projects Inc. was construction manager for this new 166 suite seniors facility, consisting of independent living, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s suites, including central kitchen/dining/laundry facilities, interior courtyards, rain gardens, and the heritage restoration of Brookman’s Store. The building is a four-storey concrete structure, with one level of underground parking/services. This 143,000 square foot facility opened in 2018.

This project included a complete demolition and removals plus new construction of all five floors of the occupied 620 Superior Building. All 79 400 sq. ft of building was renovated in multiple phases. The work included seismic upgrading of building systems including mechanical, electrical and walls, and redemising of the entire building and new finishes throughout. This work required ongoing weekend and nightshift work to allow for the owners’ ongoing occupancy and to allow for all disruptive work to occur in off hours. This allowed for seamless occupancy of the space.

This project includes DIRTT demountable glass wall systems, with min. 39 STC ratings, achieving the quietest occupied enclosed offices and meeting rooms in B.C. The entire design and construction team worked collaboratively to ensure smooth ongoing occupancy, efficient office moves and clear communication.

finalist

finalist GENERAL CONTRACTOR AWARD Up to $10 Million Knappett Projects Inc. Union Club Building Renovation

GENERAL CONTRACTOR AWARD Over $10 Million Knappett Projects Inc. City of Campbell River Water Treatment Plant

The Union Club Building is a 138-year-old National Historic Site in the heart of Victoria. The project included a challenging restoration to historic terra cotta exterior cladding and a restoration of the interior grand ballroom. This project’s scope also included complete renovation to the Union Club’s historic Centennial Ballroom and adjacent Palm Court. The aim of the project was to take a very dated decor and update it into a brighter, classic and elegant room, while retaining the buildings 1913 historic architecture. Many of the added wood details were selected to harmonize with the existing woodwork in the Reading Room one floor above.

This beautiful space now proudly stands with the exterior of the building which was completely refurbished just one year prior by Knappett.

Knappett Projects was the general contractor for the new City of Campbell River Water Treatment Plant. The project had a very constrained timeline due the city’s existing water intake being demolished as part of the John Hart Dam project. Civil Works included approximately 200m of 1,200/1,000mm dia welded steel watermain with associated fittings and valves to be connected to existing water transmission system. Site works including septage tank, storm drainage, roadworks, parking, landscaping and environmental features, mechanical process preparing, pumping equipment, ultra violet disinfection equipment, sodium hypochlorite generators (OSHG) equipment and associated valves, metering and control devices.

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finalist

finalist

TRADE CONTRACTOR AWARD Olde Country Masonry Ltd. City of Campbell River Water Treatment Plant

TRADE CONTRACTOR AWARD Flynn Canada Ltd. 819 Yates Street, Yello on Yates

The Campbell River Water Treatment Building is one component in the overall upgrade of the entire Campbell River potable water system. Drawing from John Hart Lake, the water is disinfected within the facility and distributed to homes and businesses throughout the region. This new construction facility distributes in excess of 8 million cubic meters of water per year. The building houses the existing state-ofthe-art ultra violet equipment relocated from the previous facility and a new chlorination system. The new facility provides the setting for a more comprehensive updated disinfection system.

Located in downtown Victoria, Yello Yates is a 16-storey, 209-unit residential development by Chard Development. The building features a striking exterior design and includes three levels of underground parking and a rooftop deck. This building presented many interesting challenges during the construction. The limited lay down area, aggressive schedule and the limited budget all contributed to having to work closely with other trades using the ‘lean’ construction philosophy. The exterior finish of the building, including composite aluminum panels, mill run steel cladding and shop formed steel detail panels are a beautiful finish on an award worthy building.

finalist MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD OVER $3 MILLION Erb Technical Contracting Ltd. — The Amica at Gorge

finalist ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AWARD Canem Systems Ltd. — The Amica at Gorge

Located in the historical residential community of Gorge-Tillicum, this new 166 suite seniors facility consists of independent living, assisted living, and Alzheimer’s suites, including central kitchen/dining/laundry facilities, interior courtyards, rain gardens, and the heritage restoration of Brookman’s Store. The building is a four-storey concrete structure, with one level of underground parking/services. Project team included Knappett Projects Inc. as construction manager, Erb Technical Contracting Ltd. for mechanical and Canem Systems for electrical.

All three were finalists for this project in their respective categories at the VICA Awards.

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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

OUTSTANDING WOMAN IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering Limited

Kate Ulmer is a senior structural engineer and a principal in Herold Engineering Limited. She has worked as a structural engineering consultant for more than 17 years. She has been the engineer of record, project manager, and prime consultant on a variety of projects ranging from $1 million renovations to $10 plus million seismic upgrades. She is currently the manager of a $50 million Jetty development project in Esquimalt.

Kate works with many members of the construction community in a variety of roles, from client to team member to service provider for owners, GCs, architects, and sub trades.

Kate is a founding member of the VICA’s Women in Construction (WiC) Network and has volunteered on the executive committee as vice-chair, chair, and past chair over the past five plus years.

Currently, she volunteers her time as a VICA board member and with the Victoria Civic Heritage Trust Architectural Conservation Committee.

EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD Sarah-Jayne Roe, Camosun College

Sarah-Jayne Roe, originally from the UK, is the coordinator for the Women in 24 construction business

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Trades (WIT) at Camosun College in Victoria.

Sarah-Jayne started her role as WIT coordinator in 2017. Prior to accepting her current position,, she worked closely with Camosun Colleges Pipe Trade department to develop “new and innovative” online learning resources for trades innovation projects and the latest Trade Skills Foundation Marine program.

Sarah-Jayne has a range of specialisms originating from her Fine Arts Degree and her Bachelor of Education all of which has aided here in her design of education resources and the new marketing campaign for Women in Trades Training at Camosun. Sarah-Jayne currently works with 70 women in trade transitioning from foundation training to apprenticeship.

She has a background in teaching vulnerable adults and was also a scout leader in the UK. In her spare time, she volunteers for essential skill training for Corrections Canada.

MEMBER OF THE YEAR RobTournour Masonry Ltd. See profile story pg 6 INNOVATION & PRODUCTIVITY Houle Electric Ltd. Construction Site Security Video Monitoring

U40 EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD Daniel Behrens, Knappett Projects Inc.

Daniel Behrens joined Knappett Projects in 2012 as a young but experienced project manager. He then quickly assumed a leadership position and is currently a vice president with the company. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Calgary.

Daniel is a respected leader both at the general contractor and sub-contractor level. His collaborative style of project management, combined with respectful communication has helped to secure Knappett Projects Inc.’s position as one of the top contractors to work with on Vancouver Island.

As a founding member of the VICA U40 group, Daniel has been at the forefront for many years as an active member and driver of their initiatives in the community. He has served as chair and past chair. With that group, he initiated the first Casino night to such a success that it stills runs today as a remarkably successful charity event.

Houle’s remote construction site video monitoring is an innovative solution that is both affordable and intelligent.

Using Advanced Learning Analytics, an advanced algorithm that understands the difference between motion and a threat to the construction site, this algorithm can tell the difference between an animal and a human. The system is also able to detect a threat in near-no-light conditions and can identify a person or a vehicle with a high level of efficiency and accuracy.

When a threat is detected, a highly trained operator at Houle’s 24/7 monitoring station verifies the threat and immediately escalates the response through Houle’s voice-down technology. Often this is enough to stop issues before they escalate.

However if an intruder ignores the voice-down — a verified intruder and crime in progress report results in fast response from law-enforcement.

Remote Construction Site Video Monitoring by the Houle Operations Centre (HOC) provides the first line of defense against unnecessary delays, shutdowns, and asset or resource loss. If power on the construction site goes out or gets cut, the HOC would immediately be notified that power is lost to a camera, but will continue operating as normal on reserve power for 30 minutes. This is usually more than enough time to resolve the problem and is one of the many features that sets Houle’s system apart.

SAFETY AWARDS

• Houle Electric Ltd. • Cumberland Ready-Mix Ltd. • K5 Contracting (Drilling & Blasting Contractor) Ltd. • Casman Projects (BC) Inc.

Technology

Investing in the Cloud Roofing looks to the cloud for innovation

By Alan Zych

The cloud is now the new normal for companies across all sectors of business looking to innovate...

T

he rise of technology has created a service-on-demand culture that’s shifting the way every industry does business.

Whether it’s ordering lunch from an app, paying bills with a voice assistant or asking your car for directions, customers expect that they can get what they need, when they need it and on the platform they choose.

Businesses that aren’t recognizing this shift or aren’t willing to adapt will be left behind — and construction trades are no exception.

The cloud is now the new normal for companies across all sectors of business looking to innovate and better serve their customers, but somehow industries like roofing are still, for the most part, operating with a pencil and paper. However, while roofing might seem like an unlikely industry to be pushing innovation, investing in the cloud has given our company a tremendous opportunity to not only increase efficiencies and provide quicker and higher quality service, but also save money and improve the safety of our workers.

Cost savings Whether you are a multi-national building envelope trade contractor or a busy family-run roofing company, saving money is a key reason to migrate to the cloud. From an accounting standpoint, the cloud allows companies to trade capital expenses for variable expenses. Rather than owning, managing and maintaining expensive IT infrastructure on-site, we migrated to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud so that we only pay for IT that we consume.

This low, pay-as-you-go model has had a big impact on our IT costs, but it has also freed up resources for us to experiment with new solutions to better serve our customers.

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Improved Customer Service When a customer calls with a leaky roof, response time is critical. Traditionally, the manual processes involved in our industry limited our ability to scale our operations in the field and turn around service reports and contracts to customers in the timeframe they’ve come to expect from other industries.

To address these lags in customer service, we developed a mobile application on the cloud that gives our teams more flexibility to communicate with customers in the field. The app allows them to upload and share photos of repairs or completed work and to create custom reports and contracts in the cloud from the job site.

Mobile and web applications also give customers instant access to track their service calls, with updates on service issues as well as comprehensive reporting on what work has been completed.

Leveraging the cloud enables faster and more transparent communication that is positively impacting business and the decision-making process for customers. In fact, there is a direct correlation between the speed in which we respond and connect with customers, and how often they opt for a permanent repair rather than a temporary fix.

Automation and efficiencies The cloud can open up opportunities to apply advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate time-consuming tasks.

Categorizing and captioning project photos for reporting is an important part of our customer service function but requires a lot of man hours and manual input, resulting in inconsistent language and details for customers. By applying image analysis and AI, we’re automating the process to scan photos and automatically add

notes, captions and categorize jobs and repairs in customer-friendly language.

Experimenting with these technologies is helping us find ways to be more efficient with our business processes while freeing up resources to be in the field servicing our customers and securing new business.

Increased Worker Safety In roofing, weather is everything. Communicating potentially hazardous weather to job sites is essential for worker safety and union compliance. Only a few years ago, storm detection and aerial imagery were relative unknowns and an untapped resource for an industry that operates completely outdoors. Thankfully, the cloud is helping us track the skies in ways that go well beyond the Weather Network.

Through AWS, we developed a suite of weather-related tools to improve operations and increase worker safety. With these applications, we can map job sites and continuously track and store meteorological data that alerts supervisors on the ground of any incoming weather conditions that may affect the project or employee safety.

This real-time monitoring eliminates the need to make judgement calls on the job and the alerts give crews enough warning to safely shut down the site before hazardous conditions approach.

Applying the latest technology and investing in the cloud can unlock the potential for innovation in every imaginable industry — even roofing. By doing so, you can grow your business and remain competitive while still managing costs.

Alan Zych is the director of mobile and web applications at the Mississauga-based Flynn Group of Companies, a Canadian-based leader in commercial roofing, glazing and metal cladding.

Technology

Achieving Digital Transformation

By Cheryl Mah

W

ith labour shortage and project complexity pressures on the rise in the construction industry, technology can be an invaluable tool for companies. But adoption is a complicated process that requires companies to look at a number of factors such as leadership, resources, getting buy in and implementing a vision or roadmap.

That’s what an audience heard during a seminar called Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry at the annual Buildex Vancouver show.

According to Kris Lengieza, director of business development and marketplace at Procore Technologies, technology can bridge the gap between the older worker who has the knowledge and the younger worker who understands new tech.

“Young people feel comfortable around technology where our seasoned generation may not be as comfortable, however they have the knowledge on how to build and they really understand what it takes to get things done — how to solve those problems in the field,” said Lengieza. “We’ve seen great success when partnering around technology. The senior person teaches how the system works…and the junior person teaches how technology can make their job easier.”

And technology is not just software, hardware and robotics, it’s daily management and process innovation as well — transforming how companies run their businesses. Prefabrication is a good example.

“That’s a game changer and that’s enabled through technology,” said Dave Burns, director of innovations and field applications at McCarthy Building Companies. “So in a prefab environment, think about the opportunities for continuous improvement, application of tech-

nology to optimize workflows. It’s a big factor in the change of the workforce.”

Companies need good strategies to effectively drive new technologies. Driving technological change has to happen from top down and from the ground up, said Burns.

“Getting leadership to buy into the process… will knock down some roadblocks, but you need support from the ground up as well,” he said.

“You need innovation and implementation — have to resource appropriately to ensure ideas can be delivered on — need to have time and money to make solutions viable.”

Driving technological change has to happen from top down and from the ground up.

Lengieza said technological change can be small and still create massive efficiency gains for companies.

“Successful technology solves small problems for large amounts of people. It doesn’t have to be a massive swing to the fences. There are some really low hanging fruit that can address a lot of our workforce — that solve very simple problems like time cards. Digitalizing some of those small processes can make a massive difference,” he said.

Jim Colvin, CEO and board director of Serious Labs Inc, pointed out it’s not really about adopting technology which we are surrounded by every day. “It’s more about creating a value proposition of ‘why do I want to change what

I’m doing right now’ and how do I change those behaviours. We have to show return on investment on why we want to change things.”

He cited as an example of how his company uses a virtual reality boom lift simulator for training. He said using the technology serves several purposes that apply to the value proposition.

“How much do you spend on downtime on a site because a guy is hurt or there’s an investigation or near misses,” said Colvin, adding when the potential annual savings on repair and maintenance are spelled out, changing how things are done now makes more sense.

Lengieza stressed that technology also has to benefit workers. Technology should make their lives easier, to make them move faster and allow them not be overworked.

“When users are looking at technology, they have to see the value in it. You’re either making something easier for them or taking something away. If they view it as you adding more work, who’s going to sign up for that?” he said. “If we show that these disruptive changes are going to make their lives better or week shorter, it’s a great way to get buy in.”

When looking at technologies, companies need to keep in mind who they are buying for — realize it’s usually for the field so make sure it’s field friendly and mobile first, said Jay Snyder, technology leader at FMI. Any tool that can help get correct information to the field people is valuable, allowing them to spend time solving problems instead of searching for information.

“We did a study on how field people spend time and found 35 per cent of the week was spent on rework or looking for information.

So a third of their time is spent on non-optimal and non-added value work. So if we can apply technology that can even impact that a little bit makes a difference,” said Snyder.

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Technology

Optimizing Equipment Technology

By Jordan Reber

Visionlink: Site operators using the VisionLink black box (telematics box) that is installed in the cab of the machine. VisionLink provides a unified view of health, location and productivity of the entire fleet, regardless of fleet size or equipment manufacturer.

measurements which is critical when determining how much dirt to cut or fill, and can mean the difference between saving or losing money on a job.

Site surveying reduce costs and eliminate re-work

quipment is the workhorse of the construction industry. Literally, equipment replaced horses. And for the last hundred years, equipment has made the impossible, possible — improving our strength, speed and capabilities exponentially. Today, we still need to move, lift, dig and haul to finish any construction job, but we’re just beginning to understand the potential of machine technology as a catalyst for operational excellence. In order to capitalize on the opportunity, we need to rethink technology on the jobsite.

Technology is everywhere and can apply to any machine, with what seems like unlimited potential for tracking, automating and optimizing performance. So why aren’t we seeing a greater lift in overall productivity and performance in construction? According to the KPMG 2017 Global Construction Survey, 95 per cent of more than 200 global senior leaders from leading construction companies think technology/innovation will significantly change their business, but a mere 5 per cent view their organizations as “cutting edge” when it comes to technology.

Technology gives us the ability to capture and transmit information about the job. When combined with other information available throughout the operation, we get a holistic view of how the entire system is working. Having visibility to the total operation allows companies to make improvements to optimize performance.

the right technology partner can provide the data analytics expertise to increase efficiencies across the operation. This real time, accurate data gives companies a competitive edge by providing a tool to optimize jobsite efficiency.

Enhancing the accuracy and speed of the surveying and design process is one of the simplest ways to fast track a project. By streamlining the work you will be able to better match equipment to the jobsite task, starting the process of fleet optimization even before machines are brought to site. By combining survey data with 3D design models and machine control, you can also increase the efficiency and productivity of a site, saving time and money by moving the right amount of material, at the right location, while logging the work in real-time.

Improving precision, accuracy and performance

Drone technology improves visibility and accuracy on the jobsite

A few key technologies are starting to get traction, changing the construction industry and the way we work.

Imagery and data captured using drones is transforming the way jobsites are designed and surveyed. Drone-based solutions survey with a 350X higher survey resolution and up to 50X faster than traditional methods. Depending on the jobsite complexity and reporting requirements, drones can capture data and imagery, automating reports for a whole range of tasks including stockpile management, haul road maintenance, cut and fill balances and much more.

Telematics: the foundation of a connected jobsite

Grade control, taking the guesswork out of earth moving

Better informed jobsite planning starts with connected machines, giving visibility to equipment hours and location, condition monitoring, idle time and maintenance schedules. Technology can be applied to all makes and models and

Even the smallest variance in the grade can have a huge impact on timing, accuracy and profitability. 2D and 3D grade control for dozers, excavators, motor graders, scrapers and wheel loaders increases accuracy allowing for more precise

E

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Better informed jobsite planning starts with connected machines...

Machine control not a product but a process Machine control offers the most immediate benefits to earthmoving applications — better fuel efficiency, lower operating costs, geo-location and data collection. It uses satellite data to pinpoint locations and assess grade, providing greater efficiencies, safety measures with an almost immediate return on investment.

Data: Monitor, measure, apply the knowledge Keeping up with the pace of change in technology is a challenge for everyone, regardless of industry or size of business. But knowing what technology to use, which data to collect and how to apply that information is the greatest challenge facing companies today. With expert advice, companies can make technology work for their businesses. It is how machine technology meets its potential that companies start to see the true impact of performance optimization through increased efficiencies, productivity and profitability.

Jordan Reber is senior vice president, digital and global operational excellence at Finning Canada. Finning Canada is a division of Finning International Inc., the world’s largest Caterpillar equipment dealer.

Legal File

Time in a Construction Contract

By Rebecca Cleary

C

onstruction contracts typically specify a time period by which the work must be completed. Like any term in a construction contract, if the completion date noted in the contract is not achieved, that could be considered a breach of the contract and may found the basis for a breach of contract or delay claim. In Diamond 11 Excavating and Demolition Ltd. v. Dhunna, 2018 BCSC 2230 (“Diamond”) the Supreme Court of British Columbia recently considered the validity of a delay claim in circumstances where the construction contract did not contain a completion date or a time is of the essence clause. This case provides an important reminder of the rationale for and necessity of including such clauses in construction contracts.

In Diamond, after having its contract terminated for delay and failure to complete the work, the contractor filed a lien and commenced an action for payment of the contract price and extras.

The owner defended the claim on the basis that contractor had performed only some of the work before the owner terminated the contracts due to the contractor’s delay and counterclaimed for additional costs it incurred to complete the work and to correct deficient work. The construction contract was silent on a completion date for the work. Both the contractor and the owner gave evidence that in normal circumstances the work ought to have taken approximately four months to complete. The owner alleged that the work took six months longer than anticipated and was never fully completed, at which point the owner terminated the contract. The contractor alleged that the delays to completion were for reasons beyond its control, including among

other things, weather delays and permitting issues. Further, the contractor argued that as the construction contract did not contain a completion date, there was no timeframe or deadline for completion and accordingly the owner was not entitled to claim delay costs.

The Court reviewed the case law and concluded that even where a contract is silent on the completion date, there is an implied term that the contractor must finish the work within a reasonable time frame. This flows from the principle that construction contracts contain an implied term that work be completed in a reasonable and workmanlike manner and this term includes an obligation to complete the work within a reasonable time. Accordingly, the Court may imply a “reasonable” completion date if it would be equitable to do so. What is “reasonable” will depend on the circumstances of each case and will be determined in the entire context of the transaction.

Even if, however, the Court can imply a completion date into a contract, before a party can be held to have breached the contract by failing to meet the completion date, the Court must go one step further and determine whether the contract also includes a “time is of the essence” clause. In other words, only if “time is of the essence” and the contract is not completed by the reasonable completion date, will the Court conclude that the contract has come to an end. To determine whether “time is of the essence”, the Court will look at whether the contract itself expressly stated that time is of the essence or whether the nature of the subject matter of the contract or the surrounding circumstances indicate that time should be considered to be of the essence.

In the circumstances of this case, there was no express clause providing that time was of the essence. Although both parties agreed that it would have typically have been possible to complete the work within four months, the conduct of both demonstrated that they did not actually anticipate that the contract would be completed within four months. Thus, the Court declined to make a finding that the surrounding circumstances supported a conclusion that time should be considered to be of the essence or that a completion date ought to be implied and dismissed the owner’s claim for delay costs.

In Diamond, the Court provides an important reminder regarding the necessity of including completion dates and time is of the essence clauses in construction contracts if the parties wish to preserve their ability to successfully recover delay costs. While in Diamond the Court is preoccupied with circumstances where the contract is silent on the completion date, its comments could be equally applicable to contracts where a “placeholder” completion date, one that has no basis in reality at the time it is included, is inserted into a construction contract. The Courts will look to the circumstances of the transaction to determine whether the completion date was reasonable and whether in the circumstances the parties either agreed to be expressly bound by that date or whether the parties conducted themselves in accordance with that intention or otherwise.

Rebecca Cleary is a member of the construction and engineering practice at the law firm of Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP. April/May 2019

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Industry News

SFU opens new sustainable building The $126 million Simon Fraser University (SFU) Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering Program (SE3P) building was officially opened in April. Designed by the late Bing Thom, and delivered and executed by Revery Architecture (formerly Bing Thom Architects), the five-storey, LEED-gold-certified building is adjacent to the current SFU campus at Surrey’s Central City Mall complex. Surrey’s newest landmark features modern wet and dry teaching labs, classrooms, study spaces, offices, a large light-filled central atrium space and a 400-seat lecture hall to serve SFU as well as the broader Surrey community. The building’s façade is designed to represent ‘circuit board’ imagery symbolic of the technological subject matter that will be taught.

In September, students will be able to train, for the first time, in new state-of-the-art facilities for sustainable energy engineering, a program unique to Western Canada.

The new 20,458 square-metre facility creates better access for prospective tech students throughout the Lower Mainland. It accommodates 440 new full-time equivalent student spaces and 40 faculty and staff for SFU’s new sustainable energy engineering degree programs. It also gives SFU the physical space to relocate its current 75 graduate mechatronics students to new and improved facilities.

AIBC, AFBC sign agreement The Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) and the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia (AFBC) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

This MOA signifies a renewed and reinvigorated working relationship between the Institute and Foundation. While both entities relate to the architectural profession, they have mutually distinct mandates. The AIBC regulates the profession of architecture in British Columbia in the interest of the public. By contrast, the AFBC makes architecture and design more accessible by promoting awareness and excellence through a variety of programs and annual events. Both organizations are committed to working together to support their respective mandates throughout the province.

The AFBC is now directed by a 10-person board which manages the Foundation. The executive team will lead the AFBC through various programs in order to connect B.C. communities with matters related to design. This includes educating the general public on the profession of architecture, and supporting the design community through the provision of grants and scholastic awards. In addition, the AFBC coordinates events and fundraising activities in support of their initiatives.

“The AFBC board is pleased with the progress we have made over the past 12 months, especially in regard to the revitalized relationship with the AIBC,” shares Jim Toy, board chair of the AFBC. “As believers in the power of design to solve problems and improve lives, the AFBC will fulfil a mandate to raise awareness about the value of design in the built environment through programming and advocacy.”

New MCABC CEO announced The Mechanical Contractors of BC (MCABC) board of directors has named Kim Barbero as its new chief executive officer, effective April 15. She takes over from executive vice president Dana Taylor.

After 29 years at the helm of MCABC, Taylor is retiring as of June 30, 2019. Taylor was the longest serving EVP in MCABC’s history, as well as its affiliated entities.

Barbero comes to MCABC with a wealth and breadth of leadership experience in the corporate, consulting and not-for-profit sectors, including serving as the executive director of Boating BC (formerly BC Marine Trades Association) during a pivotal time in the association’s transformation.

For the past 10 years, Barbero has led local and global teams and facilitated numerous strategic stakeholder initiatives for corporate and association clients. She also led the global corporate communications and brand management function at Teekay Corporation.

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New satellite campus for Capilano University Capilano University will be opening CapU Lonsdale at The Shipyards in the North Vancouver community of Lower Lonsdale this September.

Designed by DIALOG, CapU Lonsdale will feature 15 foot high ceilings and a 60 foot long balcony. The innovative design reflects Capilano University’s relationship to the West Coast.

Looking out towards the ocean, the space will serve as a reprieve from urban surroundings and brings a sense of adventure, exploration and enlightenment indoors to create a sense of discovery through learning.

At the end of August, 2019, Capilano University will take occupancy of 11,000 square feet on the second floor of 125 Victory Ship Way to deliver educational programs and services beginning in the fall term. The new space Lonsdale will provide students with an exceptional learning and teaching environment that can also be adapted for meetings and community use.

All five of Capilano University’s faculties (Business & Professional Studies; Fine & Applied Arts; Arts & Sciences; Education, Health & Human Development; and Global & Community Studies) will offer select courses or programs at the branch campus.

By expanding to The Shipyards, Capilano University’s main North Shore campus on Purcell Way will have additional capacity for planned new programs and services to extend options and opportunities.

Anne Naser named new WorkSafeBC CEO Anne Naser has been named as the new president and CEO of WorkSafeBC after an extensive global search. She will officially assume the position June 3, 2019.

Naser brings 20 years of experience in occupational health and safety, having been in senior leadership positions with WorkSafeBC between 1998 and 2018. Most recently, Naser was chief information officer at WorkSafeBC between 2009 and 2018, and a member of the senior executive committee.

In her various leadership roles, she demonstrated vision in leveraging systems, processes, technology and innovation to further the delivery of WorkSafeBC’s health and safety mandates. She was named Canadian CIO of the year

by Computerworld in 2010, and also received a Premier’s Award for Innovation.

Naser comes to WorkSafeBC from the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation where she was senior vice president, Information Technology. In this role, she developed a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan to transform the organization’s IT division. Key elements of her work included greater stakeholder engagement, increased value delivery to clients, and recruitment and engagement strategies to build an exceptional workforce.

HIRE OUR MEMBERS! We stand behind our members and their work

Members of the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC will do the job right. By hiring one of our members, you can rest assured: ~ Your contractor’s references have been checked ~ ~ Your contractor’s membership has been considered and approved by our elected board of industry leaders ~ ~ Your contractor is up to date on the latest industry practices and adheres to the highest standards ~ ~ Your contractor conducts business with honesty, integrity and fairness ~ www.mcabc.org

We’re Proudly Celebrating 50 Years of Caring for Construction Families Through Group Employee Benefits

If we can help with your employee benefit needs, please contact us:

1 800 665 1077 www.bccabenefits.ca info@bccabenefits.ca