CB Sept/Oct_2023

September/October 2023 Vol. 20 No. 4

ICBA CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION SUMMIT 2023 DISTRIBUTION

MIKE MARTENS, ICBA ALBERTA PM 40063056

THE STACK | OPEN SHOP | WOOD | SKILLS TRAINING

We’ve got

BIG

When it comes to building high-performance, energy-efficient homes that are attractive to potential buyers, we’re with you every step of the way. And we have thousands of dollars in rebates available* on either home performance or high-efficiency water heaters—plus appliances—to make it even easier for you.

To qualify for this year’s big rebates, pre-register online

by December 31, 2023.

Contact the FortisBC energy solutions manager in your area, or visit fortisbc.com/newhomerebate. *Full terms and conditions apply, available at fortisbc.com/newhomerebate.

FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. do business as FortisBC. The companies are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (23-138.5 07/2023)

Inside

September/October 2023 | Vol. 20 No. 4

PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR

Cheryl Mah

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Jordan Bateman Rebecca Cleary Ilana Danzig Kate Gerson Matt MacInnis Mark Ritchie Gaetan Royer

B.C./ALBERTA SALES

Dan Gnocato Tel: 604.549.4521

06 Connections The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) has expanded into Alberta and the new ICBA Alberta president Mike Martens is ready for the challenge.

08 Feature Project

Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca

The Stack is a distinct new office tower in Vancouver, pushing the envelope on sustainability, design and wellness.

PUBLISHED BY

PRESIDENT Kevin Brown

Industry Focus 11 Open Shop A Voice For Mental Health Replacing a Retiring Generation Construction Industry Training Network Grows

15 Skills Training Increasing Indigenous Participation The Skilled Trades Shortage Crisis Strategies to Attract Women

19 Wood Transforming the Canmore Nordic Centre First Nations office showcases mass timber The Value of Prefabrication

Departments 04 Message from the Editor 22 The Legal File

VANCOUVER OFFICE 105 - 1120 Westwood Street Suite 64170 Coquitlam, BC, V3B 4S4 Tel: 604.549.4521 TORONTO OFFICE 2001 Sheppard Avenue East Suite 500 Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8 Tel: 416.512.8186 Copyright 2023 Canada Post Canadian publications mail sales publication agreement no. 40063056 — ISSN 1710-0380 Return all undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 2001 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 500 | Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8

PRINTED IN CANADA

Construction Business is published four times a year by MediaEdge Communications Inc. as follows: January/February, April/May, September/October, November/December.

Yearly Subscription: CANADA 1YR $35* 2YR $60* USA 1YR $60 2YR $110 INT 1 YR $85 2YR $150 *Plus applicable taxes REPRINTS: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form — print or electronic — without written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission to reprint any portion of this magazine should be sent to the publisher.

Circulation Inquiries: dang@mediaedge.ca

Pursuing Payment Options PROUD SPONSOR OF

Cover Photo The Stack is now the tallest office building in Vancouver.

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.

Editor’s Note

Meeting Demand

W

hen it comes to exciting new projects that push the envelope, Vancouver consistently stands out.

The Stack is the latest building to make the headlines with its official opening in September.

The twisting, stacked box design is a distinct new addition to the city’s downtown skyline and posed many unique challenges for the project team. It has already earned Ledcor a VRCA Awards of Excellence. Read about the complex project inside this issue.

To make projects like this one and many others a reality is increasingly putting extra pressure on the construction industry. Everyone is well aware of the skilled labour shortage and the im-

pacts it could have on delays and price increases.

The demand for affordable housing, in particular, cannot be met if there are not enough skilled workers.

Despite efforts, all reports paint a dismal picture where the industry is predicted to be short about 83,000 workers within a decade.

Our skills training feature explores the labour shortage issue and some solutions. The industry needs to have stronger recruitment and retention efforts directed at underrepresented groups such as women and Indigenous people to help address the growing labour shortage.

Training is also a key focus for the open shop.

ICBA is working hard through its various pro-

grams to increase resources and apprentices to meet demand.

ICBA has also expanded into Alberta, establishing a new association to support open shop members there. For our profile, we speak with ICBA Alberta’s new president Mike Martens about the expansion, new services and more.

Cheryl Mah Managing Editor

BFL CANADA Construction and Real Estate Insurance, risk management, and surety bond brokers For more information contact: BFL CANADA Insurance Services Inc. 1177 West Hastings Street, Suite 200 Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 T. 778-329-4179 construction@bflcanada.ca

4

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

September/October 2023

Success is best when it’s shared.

lmsgroup.ca

#skysthelimit

#buildingtrust

coastsalishsteel.ca

Connections

SUPPORTING

OPEN SHOP IN ALBERTA

BY CHERYL MAH

M

Mike Martens is bringing a passion for advocacy, industry knowledge and non-profit experience to his new position as president of ICBA Alberta.

The Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) is expanding into Alberta with the new organization, building on the success of its Alberta group health benefits business.

The unique opportunity to create an organization from the ground up was one that Martens could not turn down.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to start a new association in Alberta, and to do it with the support and the history of the ICBA brand is an honour,” says Martens.

ICBA has been a leading voice of B.C.’s construction industry for almost five decades and represents the interests of more than 4,000 members.

The organization offers a suite of member services, focusing on three key areas: public policy advocacy, training/apprenticeship and health and benefits.

6

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

“We’re going to be offering some very exciting services to help merit and open shop construction contractors grow, and we’re going to give them a strong voice in public policy advocacy,” says Martens.

Martens grew up in Vancouver and attended Trinity Western University in Langley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English followed by a Master of Arts in Philosophy in 2008.

He was involved in a number of different political roles in B.C. before moving to Calgary in 2012 to work as director of the School of Practical Politics at the Manning Centre. Prior to joining ICBA Alberta, he was director of public affairs for the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PAC) in Edmonton for eight years.

“Politics and advocacy has been a common theme throughout my career,” says Martens, adding he has crossed paths with ICBA over the years during his government relations work across Western Canada. “PCA has a great working relationship

September/October 2023

with ICBA and we’ve partnered on a number of issues. Chris Gardner has done an amazing job in B.C. and I look to him for support and mentorship as we grow here.”

Since Martens was named to his new position in January, the groundwork for ICBA Alberta has

Connections

According to ICBA Alberta, 88 per cent of the more than 220,000 people who work in Alberta construction make up the open shop sector. been falling into place. A Calgary office is now home to a staff of seven and a board of directors has been formed.

“We’re excited to have everyone on board. We’re hoping to expand the number of directors before the end of the year and we will have our first regular board meeting in October,” says Martens, noting building membership is another important focus. “Many businesses know ICBA because of the group health benefits operation but we need to work on getting the word out there about the organization and the many services we offer.”

For example, ICBA offers 900 courses covering a wide-ranging number of topics including management, leadership and technical skills.

“One of our best courses is a Red Seal challenge course for painters. We have a formal partnership with the Alberta Painting Contractors Association.

Many of their members and employees get their Red Seal certification through us,” says Martens, adding his biggest challenge is learning about all the diverse products and services that ICBA offers.

ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program, designed specifically to help construction employers and workers manage unique industry mental health

Langley_Construction_Bus_Spring_2023.indd 1

challenges, is another highly successful and free resource available to members.

“We have an incredible 12-month Wellness Program with more than 10,000 people subscribed to it across the country. Mental wellness is a big challenge and we need to give people the support and resources to tackle it,” says Martens.

ICBA Alberta’s first big event is at Buildex Alberta where the organization is co-sponsoring the CEO breakfast where Corey Hirsch will be the keynote speaker. ICBA partnered with the former NHL player in 2022 to help get the message out about the Wellness Program and lessen the stigma surrounding mental health.

On the advocacy front, Martens has been active in voicing opposition to the federal Impact Assessment Act or Bill C69, which business leaders believe discourages capital investment and resource development.

He has also been busy talking to members about the most pressing issue facing construction: the skilled labour shortage. Over the next five years, B.C. and Alberta have nearly 100,000 construction professionals who are expected to retire. The shortage and experience gap will slow productivity

and push up building costs at a time when housing construction and affordability is in high demand.

“When workforce is your number one issue, it means that things are busy. Companies have to turn away business because they don’t have enough workers,” says Martens. “The government should have been addressing this issue decades ago and promoting construction in high schools. Now we are so behind and we need a massive amount of homes built.”

ICBA Alberta is a member of Merit Canada, the national voice of the open shop construction sector. Together with other provincial Merit organizations, they advocate on important issues in Ottawa.

Martens says with the dissolution of Merit Contractors Association last year, there was a need for open shop representation in Alberta.

According to ICBA Alberta, 88 per cent of the more than 220,000 people who work in Alberta construction make up the open shop sector.

“We have a lot to do. We’re going to grow and provide more and better services to our members and to the construction industry,” says Martens.

“We plan to be a positive, contributing and collaborative player in Alberta.”

September/October 2023

2023-05-11 1:00 PM

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

7

Feature Project

ACHIEVING NEW HEIGHTS

BY CHERYL MAH

Caption

8

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

September/October 2023

Feature Project

The Stack is achieving new heights as the tallest office building in Vancouver and the first highrise commercial tower in North America built to zero carbon standards.

The 550,000 square foot office tower is a distinct new addition to the city’s downtown skyline with its twisting, stacked box design. The unique world-class design includes four separate boxes (each containing about 10 floors with different floorplates) that change size and rotate as the tower climbs.

Breaking from the typical office tower, The Stack design was conceived in direct response to the urban site and surrounding buildings with the form “stepped” to provide different heights and allow for the creation of outdoor terrace spaces.

“Because the boxes rotate, each one has a shoulder — the shoulder becomes outdoor terrace space for tenants. No other Vancouver office building has outdoor decks going up,” explains architect James Cheng, principal of James K.M. Cheng Architects, adding the boxes also are oriented to maximize natural daylight and solar shading.

Cheng, well known for delivering ambitious projects in Vancouver, was brought onto the project after other architect designs failed to meet the city’s rigourous policy for extra height allowance. Adamson Associates Architects was architect of record.

“This was a rare chance for us. We’re not known for office buildings so this was a fun project,” says Cheng.

The project design was about finding the right solutions and incorporating details to meet tenant needs such as flexibility, accessibility and wellness.

The tower amenities include a 6,000 square foot rooftop terrace, restaurant, conference and fitness centres, bike facilities and a new public greenspace at grade that connects to the existing network of mid-block passages and plazas.

“In addition to the building’s achievements in sustainability and the workplace experience, we have also received a lot of compliments from our neighbours as to how well this project is fitting into the community, and how much they appreciate the Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun sculpture,” says Cheng.

Another unique feature is an “arrival point” in the lane behind the building to accommodate ride-sharing, pick-ups/drop offs and in the future, autonomous vehicles, adds Cheng.

Developed by Oxford Properties Group with CPP Investments, the forward thinking office is designed to prioritize employee experience and wellness through its use of nat-

September/October 2023

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

9

Feature Project

The Stack is one of only two high-rise towers in Canada to participate in the Canadian Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon pilot program. ural light, operable windows, outdoor space and cycling amenities.

The Stack is one of only two high-rise towers in Canada to participate in the Canadian Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon pilot program. Oxford hopes the project will set the bar for large-scale carbon neutral construction across Canada.

“By being the first to achieve a Zero Carbon high rise office building, we can use the insights and learnings from this project across our portfolio and share best practices with the wider industry as we collectively tackle decarbonization as one of the most pressing issues of our times,” says Andrew O’Neil, vice president of development, Oxford Properties.

Green design features used to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption include a high-performance triple-pane glazing window system; smart building technology to oversee and optimize energy use and building systems performance; a rooftop photovoltaic solar panel array, producing an annual output of 26,000 kilowatt-hours; and a rainwater collection system for non-potable water uses.

The high degree of complexity on this project required extensive preconstruction between project team members to make the design a reality.

Ledcor broke ground in April 2018 and achieved substantial completion in March 2023. Scope of work included demolition of an above-grade 11-storey pre-cast structure and construction of a four-storey parkade and a 37-storey post-tensioned concrete tower.

A project of this size and scale on a constrained downtown site naturally meant overcoming many challenges. Very limited lay-down space required careful coordination between the trades and “just in time” deliveries. The building’s parkade was used for staging and prefabrication.

Achieving LEED V4 Platinum presented its own challenges, most notably procuring materials that were certified. Many material suppliers did not have their products certified under the LEED V4 at the start of the project, resulting in Ledcor spending considerable extra time on material management. It took nearly 3-4 years (roughly one year before The Stack’s completion) before common industry products began bearing the labels of the certifications required under LEED v4. The Stack was Ledcor’s first ever LEED V4 Platinum project on a Core and Shell turnover.

10

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

A constrained downtown site required careful coordination between the trades and “just in time” deliveries.

The pandemic hitting during early construction was another major challenge, which caused schedule delays and interruptions primarily due to the worldwide supply chain issues. Many of the finished products were sourced overseas so lead times on key materials such as structural glass, aluminum and doors more than doubled in some cases. Various COVID-19-related mitigation strategies were used to minimize impacts on productivity and safety.

Houle Electric took on the challenging task of installing the large 69 panel photovoltaic array at the top of this high-rise tower. Houle created a custom design system for the solar panel that would sit on the roof of the tower to account for extreme wind loading. High wind during installation was a main challenge.

September/October 2023

Despite unforeseen circumstances, Ledcor was able to meet partial occupancy dates as required by lease agreements.

Collaboration and a design-assist approach was key to the project team being able to deliver The Stack, which celebrated its official opening in September.

Cheng believes The Stack is successful because it’s a truly Vancouver building. “This is a made-in-Vancouver Vancouver office building. It won’t work in Chicago, New York or San Francisco.”

The technical and innovative achievements on this project earned two VRCA Silver Awards of Excellence: one for Ledcor as general contractor and one for Houle Electric as electrical contractor.

Open Shop

A Voice For Mental Health ICBA WELLNESS AMBASSADOR COREY HIRSCH

BY JORDAN BATEMAN

I

f you could go back in time to 1994 and tell 21-year-old NHL goaltending prospect Corey Hirsch that, three decades later, he would be a bestselling author, travelling and speaking to thousands of people about mental health, he would never have believed you.

After all, Hirsch could barely pull himself out of bed most mornings. He was locked in darkness, his thoughts dragging him closer and closer to suicide.

Despite winning an Olympic medal and being surrounded by elite athletes, Hall of Fame coaches, exceptionally skilled medical people, and adoring fans, Hirsch was stuck in his darkness alone.

That Corey Hirsch, in despair, almost drove his car off a cliff on purpose. “I was at the end of my rope,” Hirsch recounts in his book, The Save of My Life. “The panic attacks and anxiety were becoming too much to bear. And that’s how I ended up on that mountain road just after midnight, determined to drive my car off the cliff. I just didn’t want to exist anymore.”

That night, Hirsch stopped the car, just 200 feet from the edge.

It took several more years for Hirsch to get the help he needed, including a diagnosis, ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder (OCD), the right therapy and the right medication. He coached for a few years and ended up as the colour commentator on Vancouver Canucks radio broadcasts.

In 2017, he shared his personal story battling with OCD and his own struggles with suicide in a ground-breaking article published in 2017 in The Players’ Tribune, aptly titled Dark, Dark, Dark, Dark, Dark. Hirsch found his true calling: helping people break the stigma around mental health and have important conversations about wellness and getting help.

Today, Corey Hirsch is a sought-after speaker, and the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) first-ever wellness ambassador. And his voice is needed.

Last year, Statistics Canada reported 7,328 Canadians died due to opioid overdoses — a record high. Of those, 74 per cent were male, and the vast majority was aged 20 to 59, both common demographics for the construction industry.

Former NHL goalie Corey Hirsch advocates for mental health awareness by sharing his personal struggles across Canada.

Overdoses are one terrible marker; but hundreds of thousands of others are addicted to drugs and alcohol and experiencing personal and professional difficulties because of it — often to cope with mental health issues.

Then there are the deaths by suicide — another 4,500 Canadians last year — with young men again being the largest demographic. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 2.7 per cent of adults in Canada reported suicidal thoughts. By spring 2021 (the most recent data available), that had risen to 4.2 per cent. Three-quarters of all suicide deaths are men, and in Canada, a male ends his life every three hours.

To improve mental health in construction, ICBA created ICBA Wellness, a 12-month program that aims to break through the stigma around topics like mental health, drug and alcohol addiction, suicide, and opioid abuse. ICBA Wellness is designed specifically for construction workers and includes toolbox talk scripts, posters, videos, online courses, and more.

More than 10,000 Canadian construction professionals at 100 companies are now enrolled, and it’s provided free-of-charge to ICBA members.

As part of the program, Hirsch has spoken to more than 150 construction groups, across six provinces. He has done everything from one-onones with key executives to crowds of a thousand workers building pipelines. He has visited Indigenous communities, spoken to every player in the BC Hockey League (a way ICBA was able to support youth hockey), and has been the keynote at industry association gatherings.

In his events, Hirsch shares his story, with a dash of jokes at his own expense. He talks about how Wayne Gretzky never scored on him (“That must keep Wayne up at night, right?”), and how he ended up on a Swedish postage stamp after Peter Forsberg scored on him to win the 1994 Winter Olympic gold medal.

But it’s his story of struggle and loneliness that resonates with listeners. The fear and dread he shares about those dark days. The misery of being misunderstood by teammates and feeling like he was letting them down. The relief that came with diagnosis — and the hard work that followed in order to get healthy. And how life doesn’t magically

ICBA Wellness is designed specifically for construction workers and includes toolbox talk scripts, posters, videos, online courses, and more.

September/October 2023

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

11

Open Shop

get better; there are inevitably challenges and hard times to face and overcome.

Hirsch encourages those in the crowd who are well to be open to what friends, relatives, and colleagues are saying; to listen, to be supportive, and to watch for signs of mental health struggle.

“Simply ask if they are okay, or if they want to talk,” Hirsch said. “Let them know you are a safe, non-judgmental person who is there to listen.”

For those in the crowd who are struggling, Hirsch begs them to get help: “Talk to friends,

family, anyone you trust who can help. You will find it amazing, when they open up, how many others will have been through the same issues as you. We can’t see if a person is fighting their mental health — the only way to help someone is if they say something.”

After almost every speech, Hirsch’s social media DM inboxes fill up. Attendees thanking him, and sharing their stories, good and bad.

Some who need immediate help, and who Hirsch connects to resources. Others who are just grateful to have someone out there,

We Care. We Help.

12

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

September/October 2023

committed to breaking through the stigma of these issues. Hirsch reads them all.

Construction sites are constantly evolving, as new safety measures and technology come available. Adding conversations on mental health is another step in that process, and ICBA Wellness, with help from Corey Hirsch, has proven it can be done in an authentic, worker-friendly way.

Jordan Bateman is vice president of communications with The ICBA.

1-888-437-1100 www.wmbeck.com info@wmbeck.com

Open Shop

Replacing a Retiring Generation

Nearly 100,000 construction professionals are expected to retire within the next five years in B.C. and Alberta.

I

n the ever-evolving world of construction, the need for strong, competent leaders has never been more pressing. The construction workforce — already struggling for entry level workers — now faces a crisis at the other end of the experience spectrum.

Tens of thousands of managers, supervisors and skilled tradespeople are set to retire in the coming five years, and the talent to replace them has not been fully trained yet. According to a recent report from CIBC, the average age of retirement in construction is 60 years old. With 20 per cent of the industry’s workforce older than 55, the construction industries in B.C. and Alberta are at a pivotal juncture.

With a significant portion of the workforce nearing retirement, there’s an impending void of the people who design and build everything from roads, bridges and ports to homes, schools, and hospitals. The question arises: who will step up to fill these roles and lead the industry into the future?

Enter ICBA’s new Construction Leadership Certificate Program.

Designed in response to the industry’s call for a comprehensive leadership development program, the ICBA initiative aims to mold the next generation of construction leaders. As the legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi said, “Leaders aren’t born — they are made.” This program embodies that sentiment, emphasizing skill development, practical education, and honing business acumen.

“Construction company leaders have told us over and over again about the need to renew their workforce, especially in critical leadership roles such as supervising, project managing and estimating,” says Chris Gardner, ICBA president. “Our Construction Leadership Certificate Program was built in consultation with contractors, ensuring that the next generation of construction leaders has the training necessary to match what is needed to compete in a fast-changing mar-

ket. We offer leadership training, so companies can focus on passing on their institutional knowledge to their future leaders.”

B.C. and Alberta have nearly 100,000 construction professionals who are expected to retire within the next five years. The need for fresh, well-trained leadership has become a strategic imperative.

ICBA’s leadership program, which construction professionals can challenge in anywhere from six months to three years, is tailored to cater to the unique needs of project estimators, site supervisors, and project managers. It’s not just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about equipping professionals with the practical skills and insights they need to ascend the leadership ladder and ensure the continued success of their companies.

“Construction projects and workforces have become more and more complex, and leaders need to be trained holistically in order to be successful,” says Gardner. “The era

September/October 2023

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

13

Open Shop

The ICBA Construction Leadership Certificate Program is fully focused on equipping the next generation of construction leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to steer the industry forward.

of simply taking your best worker, promoting them, and hoping they learn and develop good people and business management skills is over. Buffeted by rapid technology adoption, younger workers who think differently, and intense competition, construction requires far more sophisticated leadership today.”

But what does the program entail?

At its core, the ICBA Construction Leadership Certificate Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that is both flexible and rigorous.

Whether you’re an estimator, project manager, or site supervisor, the program starts with 11 foundational courses. These courses, which total 106.5 instruction hours, cover essential topics like com-

munication skills, interpreting blueprints, managing organizational change, and mastering various Microsoft tools like Outlook, Word, Excel, and Project.

Once the core courses are completed, participants then delve into specialized streams tailored to their career paths. For instance, those in the estimator stream will learn about construction estimating, law, project management, and negotiation skills, among others.

Meanwhile, the project manager stream focuses on change order management, construction law, and project accounting, and more.

The supervisor stream equips participants with skills ranging from site leadership and

projects with purpose.

Unitech Construction Management Ltd. Suite 400-1530, 56th Street, Delta, BC Canada V4L 2A8 unitechcm.ca 604 943 8845 Collaborative Construction with a Purpose Client Goal Driven • Innovative • Collaborative • Concise • Firm, Fair and Fun Let Unitech bring success to your next project 14

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

September/October 2023

dealing with difficult people to understanding the Employment Standards Act and health and safety responsibilities.

“The content in these courses are foundational to making these leaders successful,” says Gardner. “Every outcome is highly practical and steeped in sound management practices. These classes are delivered live online, allowing anyone to access them from anywhere in the country.

And students have time to fit them into their schedule as necessary.”

The beauty of the program lies in that flexibility. Recognizing that professionals have varying schedules and commitments, ICBA allows for a pay-as-you-go system. Moreover, substantial discounts are offered to ICBA member companies and students, making the program both affordable and accessible.

Beyond the curriculum, what sets the ICBA Construction Leadership Certificate Program apart is its industry endorsement.

Developed by ICBA members, the program incorporates Gold Seal and/or BC Housingapproved courses, ensuring that participants receive education that is both relevant and recognized, and helps them with their professional accreditations.

“It’s more important than ever for construction leaders to be keep pace with change,” says Gardner. “No one has endless time; contractors need to maximize every moment when it comes to learning.”

The ICBA Construction Leadership Certificate Program is fully focused on equipping the next generation of construction leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to steer the industry forward.

For construction business owners and executives, investing in this program is not just a decision for the present, but a strategic move for the future. After all, the success of any construction business hinges on its people and its leaders.

For more information on the ICBA Construction Leadership Certificate Program, visit icbatraining.ca/leadership.

Skills Training

Construction Industry Training Network Grows

T

he Construction Industry Training Network (CITN) is experiencing remarkable growth as it continues to strengthen its connections within the construction industry. If you’re looking to establish or enhance your ties in this thriving sector, CITN is the gateway to an extensive network of opportunities and resources.

As a not-for-profit organization, CITN operates as a collaborative force, bringing together contractors, associations, progressive unions, and training providers, all united by a common goal: to foster excellence and innovation within the construction industry.

At the heart of CITN’s mission is the provision of comprehensive services that cater to both contractors and workers. It serves as the central hub for anyone aspiring to become an integral part of the construction landscape in Western Canada.

CITN’s multifaceted approach encompasses training, support, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities, making it an indispensable asset for the industry.

One of the key strengths of CITN lies in its extensive reach and influence within the construction sector. CITN members are connected to more than 85 per cent of the construction projects in British Columbia and they serve as the primary source of employment and training for the vast majority of the workforce. This network’s sheer scale and impact are a testament to its significance in the construction ecosystem.

2023 has marked a period of remarkable expansion for CITN, with several new partners joining its ranks. One notable addition is All Nations United (ANU), a progressive union founded on Indigenous values. CITN has proudly taken on the role of ANU’s official training partner, providing valuable support to workers in areas such as pre-employment training, apprenticeships, and more. This partnership underscores CITN’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

CITN’s collaboration extends beyond ANU, encompassing a wide array of organizations that play pivotal roles in the industry. The BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, independent unions, employee associations, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), and Merit Canada are among CITN’s valued partners. These partnerships are instrumental in driving growth, innovation, and sustainability within the construction sector, and they are poised to continue evolving in 2024.

Members of these partner organizations have access to CITN’s extensive training resources.

For instance, BC Road Builders offers a dedicated course calendar that focuses on delivering courses tailored to the needs of the roadbuilding and heavy construction industry. Private training

sessions, specifically customized to meet the unique requirements of individual companies, are available to both members and non-members alike.

This commitment to tailored training solutions underscores CITN’s dedication to enhancing the skills and capabilities of the industry’s workforce.

CITN’s influence extends to community engagement and outreach, particularly in partnership with groups working with youth, new immigrants, individuals facing workforce challenges, and traditionally underrepresented demographics. By bridging these communities with the construction industry, CITN serves as a catalyst for providing essential services and support to those seeking opportunities in the sector.

In 2023, CITN achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of its Construction Ready Training program. Developed in partnership with Ace Community College and Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), this program, funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, provided comprehensive training to more than 30 newcomers to the construction industry.

Upon program completion, these individuals were seamlessly placed with local companies for employment. The program covered a wide range of topics, including safety training, basic trade skills, and essential soft skills such as resume building and time management.

Kerry Vital, the program manager at CITN, emphasizes the importance of dispelling the misconception that the construction industry is a last resort career option. Instead, CITN champions the idea that it should be a first-choice career path. CITN offers a range of services, including skills upgrading through an extensive network of preferred training providers, resume-building support for workers transitioning from major projects, and assistance in navigating the intricacies of the industry.

For individuals considering or pursuing apprenticeships, CITN provides comprehensive support. Beyond merely tracking and reporting hours, CITN goes the extra mile by indenturing apprentices under its banner, ensuring they are fully prepared for their educational journey.

Additionally, CITN offers valuable information on tax credits, bursaries, and grants that apprentices may be eligible for. Workers are kept informed with trade-specific news and updates on training opportunities, ensuring they stay on the cutting edge of their respective fields.

Employers looking to establish internal recruitment and training programs within their organizations can turn to CITN for guidance.

CITN offers support in curriculum development and policy implementation, empowering employers to develop a skilled and motivated workforce.

CITN’s commitment to accessibility is a hallmark of its approach. The network is flexible in organizing courses throughout Western Canada, offering options for in-person, online, and webinar formats. This flexibility ensures that workers can access the education they need to advance in their careers, regardless of whether they work for a small or large company. CITN even offers on-site training, bringing the training provider directly to the job site, thus accommodating the industry’s diverse schedules and needs.

Whether you’re a contractor grappling with recruitment and training challenges or a worker eager to connect with the next big project, CITN welcomes you to join its network. The organization’s holistic approach to supporting all facets of the construction industry, makes it a beacon of opportunity and growth for the sector.

To learn more about CITN and the opportunities it offers, visit www. trainingnetwork.ca or reach out via email at info@trainingnetwork.ca.

September/October 2023

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

15

Skills Training

Increasing Indigenous Participation

T

here is a place for everyone in the skilled trades. With more than 83,000 skilled trades jobs expected in B.C. in the next decade, there is an immediate need to recruit and retain skilled trades workers to fill the upcoming opportunities.

SkilledTradesBC, the crown corporation that advances the trades training system in B.C., recently released its annual report highlighting a record-breaking year for apprentices and double digit increases in trades participation among underrepresented groups, including Indigenous people: • 41,000 apprentices (+8 per cent) • 1,492 Indigenous people entering skilled trades (+22 per cent) • 1,072 women entering underrepresented skilled trades (+37 per cent) • 10,018 youth participation in skilled trades enrollment (+14 per cent) SkilledTradesBC continues to prioritize building a world-class, inclusive workforce and this commitment is reflected in their strategic plan, which includes a focus on meaningful reconciliation, diversity and shifting the perception of the trades.

Currently, nine per cent of apprentices in B.C. are Indigenous and one of the goals listed in the strategic plan is to further increase Indigenous participation in the skilled trades.

SkilledTradesBC is taking innovative steps to achieve this goal, such as creating a new role of director of Truth and Reconciliation.

Understanding the power and benefit of collaboration, SkilledTradesBC works closely 16

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

with Indigenous communities, industry associations and training providers to create opportunities and increase accessibility for Indigenous people and underrepresented groups to build meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

One exemplary initiative is CommunityBased Training, which empowers Indigenous nations to provide trades training and apprenticeships right in their communities.

This makes training more accessible as community members can stay local and receive the necessary training to move forward with their apprenticeships.

There are many partners that make this training model possible. Indigenous communities invite training providers, industry/employers and SkilledTradesBC to collaborate in creating a culturally integrative experience for their community members and apprentices. More and more communities are taking up this model to benefit apprentices and their communities.

A great example is the award-winning Tea Creek Farm, an Indigenous-led trades training program operating in the Gitxsan Territory, near Gitwangak and Gitanyow. Tea Creek supports a culturally safe environment for Indigenous participants, rooted in land-based practices with a shared commitment to food sovereignty and interdependence, contributing to the empowerment and resilience of Indigenous communities.

Tea Creek delivers trades training and directs apprenticeships for Indigenous people in their trade of choice and supports them all the way

September/October 2023

to Red Seal. They provide a wide range of trades training from professional cook, carpenter, heavy equipment operator and more.

Indigenous Skills Employment Training (ISET) programs are another pathway for Indigenous people to explore the skilled trades and get started on their apprenticeship pathway.

SkilledTradesBC funds trades training for ISETs across the province. ACCESS (Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society) is one of the Indigenous training providers in Vancouver, that supports urban Indigenous people in overcoming employment barriers and finding rewarding career opportunities. They provide a safe environment where people can explore different trades, connect people with training providers, and provide wraparound supports throughout their apprenticeship and career journeys. There are currently 20 ISET organizations across B.C. As part of their efforts to increase participation in the trades, SkilledTradesBC is also raising the profile of skilled trades through their work in implementing Skilled Trades Certification where those working in designated trades must be a registered as an apprentice or a certified journeyperson to do so. This will ensure that apprentices and tradespeople are receiving the required training and building the right skillset to thrive in their careers.

The skilled trades offer well-paying, rewarding careers and there is space for all British Columbians. Apprentices and certified journeypersons are building the future of B.C. Now is a great time to get started on a career in skilled trades.

Skills Training

The Skilled Trades Shortage Crisis

BY MATT MACINNIS

B

ritish Columbia may be facing an uphill climb to train and attract the number of people it needs to achieve its goals over the next decade. In today’s context, this probably isn’t surprising to many people. Hiring and retaining the right qualified people has become an enormous challenge for almost every employer.

The long-term forecast predicts continued increased demand for skilled tradespeople. Every year the government of British Columbia releases its Labour Market Outlook, which is a 10-year projection of the province’s workforce needs.

The 2022 edition, released in early 2023, projects more than one million job openings, including 83,000 in the skilled trades alone. Those very large figures are regularly cited by representatives of the provincial government and organizations like SkilledTradesBC, which oversees the apprenticeship system in British Columbia.

However, the projections for skilled trades workers — particularly those in the building trades — may actually be too low.

The BC NDP provincial government has established several core policies. CleanBC (the government’s climate action strategy with a substantial focus on reducing emissions through electrification), building housing and expanding healthcare services (there are a handful large hospital capital projects underway or soon to start) feature prominently in the government’s list of priorities.

They all have something in common: they will be competing for the same finite pool of skilled tradespeople to find the labour required to build this infrastructure. These public sector priorities don’t even include ongoing major public works such as Skytrain upgrades, or begin to consider private sector construction like LNG and new mines/mine expansions.

The need for more skilled tradespeople, especially construction electricians and powerline technicians, doesn’t stop at the projects themselves. There is a substantial amount of additional electricity infrastructure (generation, transmission lines, substations, etc.) that must be built up to supply these projects, and additional public projects necessary to provide the new services the new people in communities will need — schools, community centres, transit and more. The numbers in BC Budget 2023 speak for themselves: a commitment of $37.5 billion in planned infrastructure spending over the three-year fiscal plan. More resources, and projects, will come from the federal government to support local governments and advance its priorities.

British Columbia’s electrical contractors are operating near capacity, stressing the availability of certified skilled electrical workers and apprentices.

Failure to train and attract additional workers will impede B.C.’s ability to meet its climate and housing goals as projects will be at risk of not getting built.

SkilledTradesBC reports that the overall number of registered trade apprentices is trending in the right direction, with an 8 per cent increase from March 2022 to March 2023. This included an increase among newly registered construction electricians of 20 per cent from 1982 to 2,369 during the same period.

Recent new supports for electrical apprentices have resulted in an improved success rate for students writing the Interprovincial (IP) examination required to achieve their Red Seal.

The IP pass rate for B.C. apprentices had fallen as low as 60 per cent in 2021, with one specific area of the exam consistently proving more difficult for writers. This year, SkilledTradesBC has funded a two-day refresher course to supplement this portion of the exam, and the pass rate is up to 78 per cent through the first six months of 2023. Building on the apparent success of the course, SkilledTradesBC is funding up to 75 additional intakes between now and March 2024 to further support apprentices towards completion of their Red Seal.

In an effort to further encourage greater participation in the trades, Minister of Workforce Development Andrew Mercier also announced $5 million in targeted funding to organizations including the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT), SkillPlan and others to attract people into the skilled trades and support them during their

pre-apprenticeship training and apprenticeships. These organizations have a proven track record of helping reduce barriers for individuals and raising awareness of the opportunities available in the skilled trades with underrepresented demographics.

B.C. can build on these positive steps with further action. More funding is needed to increase the number of seats available at B.C.’s training facilities, which will both increase the number of people earning their Red Seal and make it much easier for apprentices to become journeypersons. Apprentices today often struggle to get access to classroom training, and may need to temporarily relocate to another part of the province in order to progress their apprenticeship. Additional capacity will allow B.C. to train more electricians while also making it easier for apprentices to achieve journeyperson status.

The future is bright for young electrical workers and apprentices. British Columbia’s environmental, economic and housing policies are dependent on their unique and specialized skills.

By working collaboratively, B.C.’s government, labour leaders and contractors can ensure the province has the skilled workers it requires for a prosperous, low-carbon future.

Matt MacInnis is the president of the Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia (ECABC).

September/October 2023

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

17

Skills Training

Strategies to Attract Women

BY ILANA DANZIG

CALL OUT AND END BOYS-CLUB CULTURE AEC isn’t a “boy’s club” any longer, and it shouldn’t feel like one. Talk to women who have worked or do work in these toxic environments, and the experiences range from endless microaggressions to sexual harassment. This sort of culture thrives in being deliberately ignored or laughed off. To be ended it must be called out first, which itself is no easy feat.

A

recent headline from Bloomberg proclaimed that across a large selection of US companies, the number of female CEOs has now surpassed the number of CEOs named John. It’s hard to believe this disparity is still so extreme in 2023 — but alas, here we are.

When we consider the AEC industry, many may agree that this can often be a challenging field to work in. While it can be immensely satisfying and fulfilling to bring incredible projects to reality, it is also very technical, the deadlines are constant, the hours can be long, and the stakes are high. These are not factors that impact one gender disproportionately, but when combined with societal pressures, limited female representation, and often minimal mentorship and support, it’s no surprise that female engineers are still leaving the workforce at a rate that reflects poorly on the industry. 1 It’s not all bad news, and the industry has started to shift, notably in how schools and organizations acknowledge and actively try to tackle the disparity. We are seeing that conferences are actively encouraging diversity in their speakers and panels. We are seeing requests to include senior-level women on project teams.

We are seeing grants in the industry that are made available to minority-owned and womenowned firms. Amidst this shift, however, the percentage of female engineering graduates is staying more or less steady, meaning we won’t get to equity without a concerted effort.

What does that effort look like? There are no quick fixes, and changing the status quo is never comfortable. But like any improvements, incremental changes can start to make a big difference. At Aspect, we have seen that striving towards gender equity — one of our firm’s founding principles — is an active, ongoing matter to continue to work towards, and we are seeing results.

We invite and challenge this industry, including our peers, our colleagues, our clients, and ourselves, to bring some of the following strategies into standard practice.

IT STARTS WITH HIRING: YOU DON’T GET ANYWHERE IF YOU DON’T TRY Our industry today is male-dominated, but that doesn’t mean that female candidates don’t exist.

Look at your application and interview process, and see if there are opportunities to even out the playing field. Watch for gender-specific language in job ads that may keep women from even applying,2 and consider how different candidates will over-estimate or under-estimate their qualifications based on gendered socialization. Actively including women in the hiring process, and prioritizing diversity in a shortlisted pool of candidates goes a long way. In engineering specifically, female senior engineering candidates are all too rare, so ensure that at intern, junior, and intermediate levels, qualified female candidates get onto that shortlist.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT: BUILD A CULTURE OF MENTORSHIP AND COACHING THAT SERVES EVERYONE Appreciate that team members will come to work with different levels of experience, confidence, and capabilities. An environment that is built around mentorship and coaching will help the development of all staff. We often choose those like us to mentor and champion, and being aware of that bias is the first step in ensuring career support across the board. This is especially critical since women in engineering and construction so rarely have senior-level female representation and role models.

LEADERS: CHALLENGE EACH OTHER! IF MANAGING IS COMFORTABLE, YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG Having as diverse a leadership team as possible, and one that is fully empowered to constructively and respectfully challenge one another, will help catch the innate biases that we all carry. We are all used to having our technical work critiqued, and the same should go with being able to critique one another. As managers, we shouldn’t let our egos get in the way of receiving this kind of critical feedback.

1 https://swe.org/research/2023/retention/ 2 https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/10-ways-remove-gender-bias-job-listings/ 18

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

September/October 2023

MAKE SPACE FOR REAL LIFE: SUPPORTING PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS It is still rare for parents to receive parental leave top-ups. One way to attract and retain women is to provide reasonable benefits to parents and caregivers to help them stay in this industry - and the payback is huge.

Going one step further: a better work-life balance will preclude parents and caregivers from needing to choose between their career and their family. Long, grueling hours are not good for anyone, and this environment will eliminate some of the brightest and best at the peak of their career.

EQUITY DOESN’T STOP AT GENDER Take a good look at the AEC community around you. This field, in addition to being male-dominated, isn’t always welcoming to BIPOC, queer, gender non-conforming, and disabled communities. As we continue to climb the mountain of gender equity (glass ceiling, we’re coming for you!), we will all benefit from the expanding mindset of who belongs. Inclusive and equitable diversity can be a superpower, helping to generate new ideas through different outlooks and experiences.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT OUR EFFORTS AT ASPECT Women currently make up 37 per cent of our team, and we are always striving to push that higher. Women are represented in all departments and at all levels, and we support all teammates with flexible working schedule, additional support for parental, family, and protected leaves, a transparent compensation structure, and extensive mentorship and professional development practices. We don’t have it all figured out, but we know that our efforts towards equity and diversity have only made our firm stronger.

Ilana Danzig, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., M.Eng., PE, SE, is associate principal at Aspect Structural Engineers.

Wood

Transforming the Canmore Nordic Centre

BY MARK RITCHIE 3. Quiet and Non-Intrusive: Mass timber’s quiet

T

he Canmore Nordic Centre (CNC), a historic landmark from the 1988 Winter Olympics, is about to undergo a remarkable transformation. The Government of Alberta, recognizing the need for an upgrade, has embarked on a $17.5-million redevelopment project that promises to not only triple the size of the Centre’s snow farm but also rejuvenate the legacy of this iconic facility. This upgrade includes a new Biathlon building, upgrades to the existing wax and daylodge buildings, numerous site upgrades including a new biathlon range wall and coaches rail, and new below grade tunnels to provide full site access during events.

Leading the way in this ambitious venture is GEC Architecture (GEC), with RJC Engineers as the structural consultant. Their vision for the CNC’s revival hinges on the innovative use of mass timber, a sustainable and versatile building material. When it comes to visual appeal in the built environment, mass timber is in a league of its own. GEC and RJC have utilized wood on other signature recreational centres, including the award winning Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge and Remington YMCA at Quarry Park. A renewable building material with low embodied energy, wood is durable, versatile, and can add significantly to the value of a building over the long-term. For this transformation, which aims to breathe new life into the CNC, making it a hub for world-class events (including the 2024 Biathlon World cup) and a catalyst for nurturing the next generation of Olympians, wood was an excellent choice.

DESIGNING WITH MASS TIMBER Canada and the world are embracing wood as a preferred construction material. It is increasingly becoming a primary material of choice, thanks to advancements in products and manufacturing. It is becoming easier to design with wood because of a growing number of fabricators and off-the-shelf connectors that have been developed and tested.

3D modelling and Computer Numerical Control machining have also made it possible to have more complicated geometry and better tolerance control.

The use of precision fabrication machinery is no better expressed than with the elliptical beams used for the new biathlon building main banquet hall which supports an occupied roof for camera crews to broadcast events across the country.

Governments are promoting wood as an important step on the road to decarbonization. All across Canada building codes are changing to allow for taller structures made predominantly of mass timber, opening the way for some of the most innovative, beautiful structures our cities have ever known. This, coupled with the innovative ideas coming from structural engineers is helping to push the boundaries of what can be achieved using wood.

A SUSTAINABLE VISION Mass timber was selected as the material of choice for the Canmore Nordic Centre Biathlon building for several compelling reasons, with sustainability at the forefront. Using wood from sustainably managed forests reduces carbon emissions and promotes the use of renewable materials. The environmental stewardship practiced within the provincial park housing the CNC aligns perfectly with this vision.

The project aims to achieve LEED Silver certification, emphasizing energy efficiency and long-lasting, environmentally sustainable materials.

Additionally, wood’s ability to sequester carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. It’s a powerful contribution to sustainability that will endure for generations.

PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF MASS TIMBER Mass timber’s unique properties extend beyond sustainability: 1. Energy Efficiency: Wood’s natural insulation properties enhance energy efficiency, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.

2. Fast Construction: Prefabricated mass timber components expedite construction, reducing project timelines and disruptions.

construction process is ideal for sensitive environments like the CNC, home to diverse wildlife species.

4. Lightweight and Durable: Despite its lightweight nature, mass timber can withstand heavy loads, ensuring the Centre’s longevity.

5. Aesthetic Appeal: The warmth and natural texture of wood create an inviting ambiance, enhancing the Centre’s appeal for a wide range of events.

6. Fire Performance: Contrary to common misconceptions, mass timber has good fire performance due to its charring properties. The outer layer of wood chars when exposed to fire, forming an insulating layer that protects the inner core and slows down the spread of fire.

7. Acoustic Performance: Wood’s natural acoustic properties can contribute to improved sound insulation and a quieter indoor environment.

8. Reduced Waste: Mass timber components are precision-cut off-site, resulting in less construction waste and a cleaner construction site.

BEYOND WORLD CUP EVENTS The CNC redevelopment goes beyond hosting worldclass competitions. It aims to serve as a versatile event space for weddings, corporate events, and recreational activities. This flexibility reduces the need for additional construction in the area, minimizing both the economic and environmental footprint.

MEETING SAFETY STANDARDS Mass timber’s good fire performance, including its charring properties, ensures compliance with Alberta Infrastructure’s safety requirements. Additionally, its excellent seismic resilience is attributed to its lightweight and flexible nature, providing protection against potential damage during earthquakes.

A BRIGHT FUTURE Scheduled for completion at the end of 2023, the Canmore Nordic Centre’s redevelopment promises to elevate its status to world-renowned once again.

The choice of mass timber as the primary material underscores the commitment to creating a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and economically viable destination for the local community. It creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and an aesthetic that integrates well with the CNC’s mountain home.

This remarkable transformation is set to inspire the next generation of Olympic athletes while preserving the legacy of the Canmore Nordic Centre for many years to come.

Mark Ritchie, BSc, MSc, P.Eng., is principal at RJC Engineers in Calgary. He has worked on the structural design and construction review of a wide variety of technically demanding projects in Canada and the U.S.

September/October 2023

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

19

Wood

First Nations office showcases mass timber

BY KATE GERSON

T

he First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) plans, designs, manages, and funds the delivery of First Nations health programs and services throughout British Columbia in collaboration with the provincial Ministry of Health and Regional Health Authorities. A first for Canada in health governance and self-determination, the FNHA is health and wellness partner to over 200 diverse First Nations communities across BC. The organization’s Metro Vancouver Office Project (MVOP) will be a purpose-built, owner-occupied building that consolidates FNHA’s employees within a new headquarters located on the Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s (TWN) land in North Vancouver. The project brings teams together from across Metro Vancouver locations.

The permanent 5-storey, 92,000 square foot headquarters building will not only reinforce the FNHA’s community presence while supporting its day-to-day business functions and augmenting effective collaboration among the FNHA team, it will also accommodate larger gatherings of both a business and cultural nature for the broader FNHA community.

The FNHA MVOP is the first building to be developed in the immediate surroundings of the forested site. There is significant topography to the site, with a roughly 14-metre elevation drop from the high point at the northeast corner to the low point in the southwest corner. Compelling views above the surrounding treetops look southwest across the Burrard Inlet to downtown Vancouver and beyond, and north towards the North Shore mountains.

While honouring the spirit of its place and the relationship with the TWN “People of the Inlet”, the project also represents the collective diverse cultures of the five regions it supports. The new FNHA office welcomes and celebrates all First Nations in BC. The design team held a series of engagement sessions and cultural workshops working with a group representing a cross section of FNHA staff as well as members and staff of the TWN to establish a project vision and the following design principles as a starting point for the design: a place of healing and wellness; welcoming to all nations; honouring of 20 CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

place and context; cultivating a sense of family; and environmental stewardship.

Out of these design principles came an early and easy decision that the primary building structure should be mass timber, reflecting the building traditions of most First Nations in BC, while providing a warm, welcoming environment, Mass timber construction also provides a low-carbon method of building that reflects the sustainability and environmental stewardship objectives of the TWN on whose land the project is sited.

The FNHA MVOP embodies a commitment to economic, environmental, and cultural sustainability.

The project will be Salmon Safe certified, helping to protect the health of the Burrard Inlet and the salmon population, a culturally important species for the region. The highly energy-efficient building is designed to meet LEED Silver standards and is oriented to optimize daylight and passive solar control. Demonstrating excellence in accessible design exceeding building code requirements, the project is pursuing the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC).

The traditional territory of the TWN includes the waters of the Burrard Inlet and waterways that drain into it. The FNHA’s location on the land of the TWN, “People of the Inlet” provided the basis for two key strategies in developing the building’s form - a series of “boulders” supporting a traditional plank house box.

The lower levels of the new building emerge from the slope of the site. The architectural expression of these levels includes the use of solid, rounded forms and a robust, stone-like cladding system, evoking boulders in a waterway. These forms contain the program spaces of the lower floors including cultural meeting and gathering spaces, a centralized eating area, kitchen, and shared meeting rooms. Generously glazed circulation spaces represent the “waters” flowing between the “boulders”, punctuated by a highly expressive, bright red interconnecting stair accessed directly off the entrance lobby and leading to the office areas of the floors above.

An “Art Loop” utilizing these circulation routes will display pieces from the FNHA’s own collection

September/October 2023

as well as changing exhibits. First Nations art will be incorporated throughout, including a welcome post at the building’s main entrance, carvings embellishing the five primary posts supporting the structure of the Great Hall, and a first nations wolf design embellishing bird-friendly glass at the roof deck guard rails.

Strong indoor/outdoor relationships are achieved by the flow through from the building’s north entrance, between the “boulders”, to exterior gathering spaces located on the south side of the site.

The ground plane “boulders” support a much simpler, more rational massing for the typical office floors. This upper building form (“box”) evokes the plank house tradition of the Coast Salish people, reinterpreted into a more contemporary expression using a custom-profiled, deep russet brown aluminum composite metal cladding. At the windows, the same cladding material swoops up to become expressive solar shading elements, in a shape reflective of the formline style common to the art of BC First Nations.

The typical office floors are proportioned to provide an efficient and flexible floor plate while providing all workspaces with good access to daylight. With massing oriented in an east/west direction to optimize daylight, the long exterior walls face north and south for enhanced solar control.

The prominent interconnecting stair, elevator floor landings, and a centrally located coffee station collectively form the primary “hub” of each office floor and serve as the social connection point vertically between floors.

A raised access floor system accommodates the distribution of mechanical and electrical systems, allowing the exposed CLT ceiling plane to feature prominently and cleanly.

The mass timber structure is the primary character of the open plan layout for the office floors. Other key wood elements include: • Four posts in the main lobby that frame the interconnecting stair and highlight the importance of the number 4 in First Nations culture.

• Glulam columns and beams in the primary gathering space, the Great Hall, where each of the five columns will artistically represent a particular FNHA region across the province of British Columbia.

• A slatted wood ceiling in the Great Hall that will conceal the services in that space.

• Carved wood house posts to form the entrance vestibule structure.

A groundbreaking and cultural ceremony took place spring 2021 in partnership with Tsleil-Waututh First Nation. Construction began summer 2021 with occupancy planned for summer 2024.

Kate Gerson, Architect AIBC MRAIC, is associate at Dialog Design in Vancouver.

Wood

The Value of Prefabrication

BY GAETAN ROYER

H

ow we build matters. The 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, released during COP27, found that the building and construction sector account for 37 per cent of CO2 emissions.

What we build with really matters. The carbon footprint of concrete and steel weighs in at 6.5 per cent and 7.0 per cent of global CO2 respectively.1 We all know we need to build more sustainably.

Is building with wood part of the answer or the only answer? Historical facts and images show that mass timber is a new name for old concepts.

Across the country and particularly in B.C., pioneers built intricate wood trestle bridges strong enough to carry locomotives. Kinsol Trestle, in B.C.’s Cowichan Valley, is the tallest free-standing timber rail trestle structure in the world. It spans 600 ft (187 metres) and rises 14 storeys (44 metres) above the Koksilah River. Carrying loaded freight trains for more than a 100 years is an engineering feat that proves our ability to build almost any structure with wood.

Another example is the Malkin building in Gastown, Vancouver. The floors consist of fir lumber nailed to each other. We call it NLT today, a close cousin of trendy CLT (cross-laminated timber). The structure’s solid wood platform is held by timber posts and beams. Once a multi-storey warehouse, the 116-year-old building is now home to luxury condos.

Today’s mass timber industry uses materials science, automation and carefully calibrated adhesives to create precise, stable, fire-proof and load-bearing structures.

An even more important advancement is the sustainable use of every part of a tree. Gone are the days when only first-growth timber could become long beams. Mass timber manufacturers now use much smaller pieces of wood to resolve large structural challenges: • Standard lumber is machine-pressed into 60-footlong beams and giant panels.

• Finger-jointing assembly lines create lumber of any length.

• The strength of individual wood shreds is leveraged into large parallel strand beams.

• Laminated veneers (plywood) utilize 80 per cent of a log by peeling it into thin layers.

• Even sawdust is put to work by an engineered wood industry that now sees value in every cell of a tree.

As they grow, trees breathe in carbon and exhale oxygen, a behaviour that benefits all of us who survive by doing the opposite. Canadian forestry is a

green industry attracting experts who monitor and manage sustainable harvesting. Replanting ensures there will be third growth and nth growth trees for future generations.

More troubling is the fact that while Canadian logging and milling modernized, the construction industry stayed frozen in time. Ezra Klein, with the New York times, notes “A construction worker in 2020 produced less than a construction worker in 1970.” Klein adds that, during that time, the manufacturing sector had “a stunning ninefold increase in productivity.” 2 When an 18-storey mass timber building was erected at UBC Brock Commons, we proved to the world that we can teach a lot about mass timber to builders in other countries. But it is equally clear that Asia and Europe have a lot to teach to us about prefabrication. Fior Markets reports, ”in 2018, approximately 85 per cent of new homes in Sweden were built using some type of modular engineering.” 3 Canada is not alone in having ignored prefabrication for too long. The attendance at the 2023 International Mass Timber Conference, in Portland Oregon, attracted 3,000 attendees.

Advancing Prefabrication 2023, in Phoenix Arizona, attracted just over 400 delegates.

From an economic standpoint, it’s hard to understand the lack of interest in prefabrication.

By itself, mass timber amounts to 15 per cent of the overall cost of a building. For prefabricators, the value could easily reach 80 per cent of the building’s cost.

Few developers are adopting prefabrication. Part of the reason is the lack of good quality supply: there’s a huge difference between the quality of construction acceptable for modular worker housing at a mining camp and the fit and finish of a condo.

Our company, recently selected by UBC Entrepreneurship as a 2023 Top 10 Venture, is

the first to combine the remarkable strength of mass timber with the speed and efficiency of prefabrication.

We also recently launched the innovative CondoCore Series. These modules integrate in one box everything that’s costly and complex in an apartment. Bathroom, kitchen and laundry are smartly packaged in a 200 square foot module providing all core services of a two-bedroom apartment.

Massive Canada will ship its pre-finished bedroom and living room walls flat-packed, ready to click together. CondoCore, a box that contains bathroom and kitchen, is shipped as a large pre-assembled unit to be craned into place.

Plumbing, electrical panels, air conditioning and smart home systems are efficiently assembled in the clean setting of an automated manufacturing plant. Construction time is cut in half.

To address the twin challenges of our time, climate change and the housing crisis, we must accelerate the transformation of construction. Shipping millions of pieces to a muddy field and taking two years to assemble them by hand must end. We must accelerate the adoption of mass timber and prefabrication technology.

According to CMHC, Canada will face a shortfall of 1.5 million dwellings by 2030, meaning continued rent escalation, families crowding in inadequate housing and homelessness. Industrialized housing is the only way for us to build more housing quickly enough. Prefabrication is a better way to build.

Gaetan Royer, MEngr, B.Arch., MPl, is CEO of Massive Canada, a B.C. based prefab mass timber company.

1. Imperial College London, ‘Greening’ cement and steel: 9 ways these industries can reach net zero, by Caroline Brogan, Mar28, 2022 2. New York Times, Ezra Klein, Feb 5, 2023.

3. GLOBE NEWSWIRE report published by Fior Markets, Newark, NJ, Feb. 04, 2021.

September/October 2023

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

21

Legal File

Pursuing Payment Options

BY REBECCA CLEARY

those funds. Legal advice should be sought in a timely fashion to properly determine the deadline within which to commence a claim in breach of trust or against the holdback funds.

Where no holdback funds have been retained, or those funds have already been disbursed, a breach of contract action in debt may be commenced within two years of the breach. For unpaid accounts of less than $35,000 which do not involve a builders lien, a debt claim may be brought in small claims court which provides a faster and more economic road to obtaining a judgement than a proceeding in Supreme Court.

A

mid 20-year high interest rates and uncertainty impacting new investment, the construction industry is paying increased attention to collections.

British Columbia continues to await the introduction of prompt payment legislation as set out by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Service in its Report on the Budget 2023 which recommended that the government prioritize prompt payment legislation.

The Committee noted that construction is the only sector in British Columbia in which it is standard practice for purchasers of services to require 90 or 120 payment terms, and then to delay payment even on those terms. Unfortunately, little has occurred since that recommendation was made in August 2022 and while some progress has been made at the federal level, the construction industry in British Columbia continues to suffer from significant issues related to delayed payment, heightened now by current economic realities. Without prompt payment legislation, the construction industry is required to rely on the Builders Lien Act and civil court proceedings to collect on unpaid amounts.

With a recent reemphasis on timely collections, it is important that options to pursue collections are properly utilized and understood.

THE BUILDERS LIEN When outstanding amounts are owed during a project, the importance of properly asserting a claim of builders lien cannot be overstated. While in good economic times many contractors rely on the strength of long-term working relationships to ensure payment, properly securing lien rights when accounts are unpaid is critical to preserving lien rights.

A recent case has again outlined the importance of properly filing a claim of builders lien. While the principles asserted are not new, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of strictly complying with the Builders Lien Act. In Orbital Construction 22

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS

Inc. v. Hansen, 2023 BCSC 712, the Court struck a claim of builders lien on the basis that the lien claimant improperly named the owner of the property as the party indebted to the lien claimant.

The owner of the property had not contracted with the lien claimant, but the lien claimant argued that the claim of lien form substantially complied with the requirements of the Builder Lien Act because the owner of the property was an indirect debtor to the lien claimant, by reason of having an interest in the land. The Court rejected this argument finding that while the Builders Lien Act does not penalize inconsequential errors made while completing a claim of lien form, the improper identification of the party liable in contract to the lien claimant was not an inconsequential error and necessitated the striking of the builder lien filed.

Failing to file a lien within the time limits prescribed by the Builders Lien Act or filing a lien but making a material error in the claim of lien, will result in the extinguishment of the lien and can result in depriving a creditor on a construction project from pursuing its claim for unpaid accounts through the lien process.

CIVIL ACTIONS Once a claim of lien is filed, an action to enforce the lien must be commenced within one year (or earlier if served with notice) and a certificate of pending litigation is filed against the land. Enforcement of the lien requires the lien claimant to prove their lien in a Supreme Court civil action and to obtain judgement from the court.

However, even when a creditor has missed the deadline to file a claim or lien or has improperly filed a claim of lien, it may nevertheless pursue a claim for unpaid services or materials through the civil court process.

Where holdback funds have been retained, a claim for breach of trust or a claim against holdback funds which remain in trust may be asserted against

September/October 2023

PROPOSED MONEY JUDGEMENT ENFORCEMENT ACT Once judgement has been obtained, if a debtor continues to refuse to pay the amounts owed, steps must be taken to enforce the judgement. Where the BC government has stalled on prompt payment legislation, it has acted to expedite the collection of judgements for money. In May 2023, Bill 27 the Money Judgment Enforcement Act (the “Act”), was introduced as legislation. Once passed and brought into force, the Act will simplify the procedure for creditors to collect unpaid debts after judgement is obtained through a civil action.

The Act significantly expands the types of property that can be subject to enforcement proceedings. Unlike current legislation, once passed the Act will make every type of property which a debtor has an interest in, potentially subject to enforcement proceedings, subject only to exceptions contained in the Act. Further, the Act will create a Money Judgement Registry which will create a universal publicly searchable registry for registered judgements. The registry system will provide a process whereby a debtor’s bank accounts and wages can be garnished, without having to proceed to court to obtain a garnishing order, which the current system requires.

This will significantly streamline garnishment proceedings from the current system which can require numerous court applications.

Collecting unpaid accounts in uncertain economic times requires careful attention and planning so that rights which may arise under the Builders Lien Act are not inadvertently lost. While the proposed Money Judgement Enforcement Act will serve to streamline collections once judgement is obtained, prompt payment legislation continues to be sorely needed by BC’s construction industry.

Rebecca Cleary is associate counsel and member of the construction and engineering practice at Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP.

COR® certification: • improves safety outcomes • reduces workplace injuries • demonstrates commitment to safety This voluntary program recognizes contractors dedicated to occupational health and safety, offering benefits like increased project opportunities, improved employee retention, and potential annual incentive payments from WorkSafeBC. Lower injuries may also lead to reduced WorkSafeBC premiums, resulting in additional savings.

Take the first step towards a safer workplace today!

Contact the COR® team at cor@bccsa.ca