Serving the wall & ceiling industry since 1953 • www.wallandceiling.ca • October / November 2014
in this issue: BC’s Labour Market Surviving in a Down Economy Pick Your Trowel Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet, Sherbrooke, Quebec
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Serving the wall & ceiling industry since 1953 • www.wallandceiling.ca • October / November 2014
in this issue: BC’s Labour Market Surviving in a Down Economy Pick Your Trowel Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet, Sherbrooke, Quebec
Publications Mail / Agreement # 40719512
The Trowel team Lara Perraton, Group Publisher lperraton@pointonemedia.com Jessica Kirby, Editor 877.755.2762• jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com Lara Perraton, Advertising Sales 877.755.2762• lperraton@pointonemedia.com Christina Tranberg, Advertising Sales 877.755.2762• ctranberg@pointonemedia.com
contributing writers Brad Christian Anne Cochrane Andrew Delmonico Gary Flannery Ted Garrison Leesa Matwick Martin Ross
cover photo
photo courtesy of Dryvit Systems, Inc.
Published bi-monthly by Point One Media, Inc. The Trowel P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4 t: 877.755.2762 • www.wallandceiling.ca
CONTENTS •
october / november 2014
06 Finding Balance: The Labour Market Continues the
Struggle to Meet Demands of Industry
014 saw a number of government initiatives aimed at rectifying BC’s ongoing 2 labour issue, which remains in flux.
10 Surviving in a Down Economy
Prove you have a significant competitive advantage, and you can’t go wrong in any economy.
12 Pick Your Trowel
When it comes to make, material, and longevity, is one trowel as good as the next? Not even close.
While information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable, the publisher may not be held liable for omissions or errors.
Contents ©2014 by Point One Media Inc.
14 Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet, Sherbrooke, Quebec
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without prior written permission from the publisher.
Air-cleaning drywall is a game-changer at Quebec hockey arena.
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Departments & Columns
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: The Trowel Circulation Department
04 editorial 16 around the world
P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4 e: circulations@pointonemedia.com
20 building science
Journal of Record for
21 feature focus Simply scan the QRCode with your smartphone to be taken directly to
The Trowel is a registered trademark of the BC Wall & Ceiling Association. The Trowel is published six times per year expressly for members of the wall and ceiling industry.
the wallandceiling.ca website.
24 it’s the law 25 industry news 26 advertiser index
In the next issue: Construction Outlook • Trends in Architecture • Market Report • Trade History
from the Executive’s Desk By Leesa Matwick Executive Director, BCWCA
Back in Full Swing I hope everyone enjoyed the wonderful summer of 2014. My family and I spent many fun days in the Okanagan, on camping trips, and around town, surrounded by friends and family. Though I’m sure it was a busy summer for all, I trust everyone was able to find a bit of down-time and enjoy a break in the sun. Hard to imagine that Christmas is less than three months away... Ahhh, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The BCWCA training centre is back in full swing with 15 apprentices currently attending the Wall & Ceiling Installer, Module A & B Course. This group is very enthusiastic and eager for training that will ensure they become well-rounded tradespeople in our industry. Once again,
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(I know; I’m starting to sound like a broken record) it always amazes me the many different attitudes from contractors regarding training. Some take the approach, “It’s not my problem—let them get training on someone else’s time and dime.” Some only focus on a workforce where the worker is skilled in one specific task, such as laying track or hanging board. Others (and they are few and far between, it seems) recognize the importance of training and promote it within their workforce, even making it mandatory in some cases. In this particular class, seven of our apprentices are employed by only two contractor companies. Almost 50 per cent – from two companies!? We need to do better than that as an industry. Funny, but true story. I received a call from a principal of a non-member contractor about a month ago asking for any leads on skilled workers for a job he had just been awarded. He was desperate to get the manpower and was promising steady work and lots of hours. “I can find labourers; that’s not the problem,” he said. “I need skilled tradespeople and I have a tight deadline!” I couldn’t believe my ears. Only once in the eight years I’ve been with the BCWCA did this contractor ever register an apprentice for school. One apprentice! And now he’d like me to help him fill his skilled labour shortage needs?! I’ll let you imagine how the rest of that conversation went. Drew Smith, our BCWCA course instructor, conducts the class and practical project similar to how a jobsite would be run. Cellphones are discouraged (most just hand them in to the front table to avoid any temptation) and the shop area is kept
neat and tidy at all times: This = Safe Worksite. As well, our apprentices will leave the course with WHMIS, OFA Level 1, and Fall Protection certifications under their belts. Employers and apprentices benefit from generous government grants and tax credits when they participate in trades training. Contractors experience better job efficiencies, fewer mistakes, and safer worksites and work practices. Employees have a stronger sense of pride in themselves and a desire to produce quality workmanship for their employers. Overall, it’s a win-win for all concerned. Seems pretty straightforward to me. In future editions of The Trowel, we look forward to highlighting a few of our apprentices and sharing with you their stories and how trades training has impacted their careers. We ask that if you know of anyone whom we should spotlight, please contact us at the BCWCA office or The Trowel’s editor, Jessica Kirby. In the meantime, be ever on the lookout for candidates that would be a fit for trades training in our programs. Have them contact us at www.bcwca.org. Opportunity awaits! On a closing note (and back to summer for a moment), did anyone happen to catch one of the amazing Super Moons that lit up our Lower Mainland sky during the summer? If you did, I’m sure you’ll agree they were quite amazing spectacles. I had the privilege of witnessing one in July while on a farm in Surrey, watching as the gigantic orange ball rose above the peaks of Mt. Baker. It was mesmerizing. It reminded me that no matter how busy we get with work, our families, friends, and activities, sometimes it’s important to stop and take notice of the wonders around us. Breathe it all in. Ok, now get back to work! ■
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finding balance:
The Labour Market Continues the Struggle to Meet Demands of Industry By Jessica Kirby
A
s BC moves out of summer and into the fall, the labour market is broadening to show growth in the number of jobs available to construction workers, but an already obvious gap in how to fill them. Employers are on the lookout for skilled labour, and labour is at watch for profitable, sustainable work. What will it take to match one with the other?
Construction added 5,500 jobs over the summer; utilities added 2,900, and employment in manufacturing was up by 1,000 or so new positions. Construction accounts for 15.5% of jobs in BC, and 60% of those jobs are at companies with fewer than 20 employees.
According to the WorkBC Labour Market Snapshot for August, 2014, total employment was up .1% with the addition of 1,800 new jobs, while unemployment also increased slightly by 0.2 percentage points thanks to a labour force increase of about 8,200. The province lost 10,800 private sector jobs and 400 public sector jobs, while self-employment was up by 13,100 jobs.
the past ten years the province has gained approximately 289,100 jobs, 212,100 of which were full-time. In fact, 78% of all jobs in BC are full time. Part-timers are also on the rise—the peak of BC’s part-time work pool occurred right after the 20082009 recession, with 533,000 part-time jobs in November, 2010. As of this year, the provincial number is around 508,100 parttime employees.
An important factor of BC’s labour market is the nature of available positions—over
Construction was one of a few industries that gained jobs over the summer—construction
added 5,500 jobs, utilities added 2,900, and employment in manufacturing was up by 1,000 or so new positions. Construction accounts for 15.5% of jobs in BC, and 60% of those jobs are at companies with fewer than 20 employees. Over the past year, several changes were made at the provincial level with the objective of addressing a more concentrated, economical, and sector-specific approach to trades training. In the spring, the province introduced BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 7
■
BC’S LABOUR MARKET
Walls, Ceiling and Mechanical Insulation Suppliers
Re-engineering Education and Training, a strategy aimed at reallocating education and training funds to sectors that coincide with a pronounced demand for skilled labour.
Campbell River, BC Tel: 250-286-0113 Kelowna, BC Tel: 250-765-6233 Kamloops, BC Tel: 250-376-5781 Surrey, BC Tel: 604-513-2211
Vancouver, BC Tel: 604-430-1463 Victoria, BC Tel: 250-384-1166 Nanaimo, BC Tel: 250-753-3378
Regina, SK Tel: 306-721-2010 Saskatoon, SK Tel: 306-931-0101 Winnipeg, MB Tel: 204-488-4477 Vaughan, ON Tel: 905-660-4456 London, ON Tel: 519-668-8453 Windsor, ON Tel: 519-974-8855 Burlington, ON Tel: 905-335-1789 Collingwood, ON Tel: 705-443-8600
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The plan has moved funds from training programs that have consistently been left with empty seats to sectors like oil and gas and LNG where projections say the need will remain strong. The end of the fiscal year in 2014 saw more than $160 million allocated to “re-engineering” education and training in BC and over the next four years the amount will grow to $400 million annually, resulting in a ten-year, $3 billion investment in training for high-demand occupations. In 2014, the industry also saw a review of the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The final report sets out 30 recommendations that are expected to strengthen BC’s trades training system and, again, funnel apprentices and certified tradespeople in “priority sectors,” meaning those with the highest demand for labour over the next several years. One of the primary recommendations moving forward is yearly and multi-year planning to define province-wide sectoral and regional labour demand targets for sectors and high priority trades that fall within the ITA’s mandate. Through the identification of fixed factors like demographics and variable factors like economics, the ITA will be better equipped to allocate its programming effectively.
performed was foreign to Canada, but wellknown to the Chinese workers, employed by HD’s parent company in China.
if every eligible British Columbian was trained we still wouldn’t have enough workers to fill all of the openings,” she said.
That said, plenty of feedback on the TFWP was positive in 2014. Almost 50,000 temporary foreign workers cane to BC in 2012, an increase from 20,000 in 2003. While their skills and positions range across several sectors, they are, according to B.C. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond, quite necessary.
BC Federation of Labour president Jim Sinclair agreed, placing the onus on employers to take on more apprentices and the government to mandate 25 per cent of workers on publicly funded jobs be apprentices.
“There are a projected one million job openings by 2020 and we know that even
So far there is no indication that the province intends to lean in that direction, but 2015 will be a new year, with new possibilities. ■
WALLWORKS ACOUSTIC ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS Inc. Additional priorities include programming to actively engage First Nations and students in the K-12 school system in entering or planning to enter construction trades, and garnering remaining labour support from the temporary foreign skilled worker program. August brought a trademark memorandum of understanding between New Brunswick and BC to increase apprentice mobility. Under the agreement, apprentices will be able to train without disruption for seamless transitions between the provinces. Effective immediately, the program will accelerate certification for apprentices in New Brunswick by employing them with BC companies, while supporting BC in its labour shortage. The agreement is a key step in addressing current and future labour shortages in both provinces and is what premiers Christy Clark (BC) and David Alward (NB) hope will contribute to a national apprenticeship mobility strategy. And finally, upset over the federal government’s temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) created heated discussions across BC this year, particularly when HD Mining International was questioned over the hiring of 200 Chinese workers at a mine site in Tumbler Ridge. The BC Federation of Labour was sceptical the company couldn’t find Canadian miners to do the job, but HD International insisted the type of mining
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wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 9
SURVIVING IN A DOWN ECONOMY by / Ted Garrison
Ted Garrison says success in a down economy is about positive attitude, firing “bad” clients, and taking appropriate risks to get out of the habit of selling the business short on price. This report, penned during the low point of 2009, still carries significance in today’s struggling contractor market. 10 » The Trowel
It starts with the right attitude. Not surprising, many companies are complaining about the volume of business this year. However, at every convention, some contractor usually surprises everyone by claiming it is having its best year. Of course the construction industry is down. It’s down anywhere from 5 to 10 per cent, but that still leaves a domestic market of more than $950 billion. When you consider no contractor has one per cent of the market, the market for each contractor is still huge. So what is the problem? If you are competing based on price, then it appears the world has turned crazy with contractors bidding work at below cost as reported
by ENR (Engineering News-Record). If you compete in that market and refuse to take work at a loss, it may appear there is very little work around. One of the author’s radio interviewees, Steve Waterhouse, recommends we learn to fire our bad clients. These are clients who want to get something for free. Michael Loulakis, Esq., explained at an event that the standard contracts they developed for DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) were designed to be fair to all parties, but a city purchasing agent stated that her city attorneys complained that those contracts were too fair. When prospects want the table tilted their way, it’s time to fire them. Prospects get what they deserve when they hire low-performing contractors. This approach is critical because even during boom times, prospects such as this steal valuable resources away from more profitable opportunities. However, during recessions the demands become ridiculous as competition reduces the value for these clients to levels that are unsustainable. If you’re thinking that we need those projects for cash flow, give it up. Profitability comes from opportunities, not from chasing losers. If you get bogged down with those losers, when the economy turns around, you will not have the resources to take advantage of the opportunities. One of the biggest mistakes anyone in sales makes is not getting to the right people. Too often contractors are dealing with an individual who is responsible for only the construction budget. Getting to the right person is applicable at any time, but during a recession, money decisions tend to get pushed higher within an organization. The problem occurs because the lower-level person can’t make the final decision and is often dealing with only a single cost figure—in our case the contractor’s bid. What makes this bad for the contractor is the fact that the construction costs represents only about 11 per cent of the total lifetime cost of the building. Therefore, the contractor is at a disadvantage when he must focus on the 11 per cent and is forced to ignore the remaining 89 per cent.
from implementing this approach, the contractor should identify all the benefits it delivers then show the value of each of those benefits. If the value of the benefits the contractor offers exceeds the difference between the construction costs, then obviously it’s in the prospect’s best interest to accept the contractor’s higher construction price. Another mistake that contractors often make in a recession is chasing every project that surfaces. The problem with that approach is there are often way too many bidders on many projects. Instead of expanding the types of projects one is chasing, one should narrow the focus. With the increased competition, contractors should zero in on projects where they have a competitive advantage. If you get the projects where you don’t have a huge competitive advantage, you probably manage only a small profit margin that might not even justify doing the project. Worse, the percentage of projects that you may be awarded is so small in this hyper-competitive market, the cost of obtaining work in this situation may exceed the profits from the projects you are awarded. By focusing all your efforts on the projects where you have a significant competitive advantage, you have a much better chance of obtaining work where you are able to earn reasonable profit margins. In conclusion, identify your strengths and develop a strategy to exploit those strengths by maximizing the value for your clients instead of just trying to do it cheaper. ■
A perfect example of how expanding the value beyond construction occurred when Steve Wynn was building one of his Las Vegas hotels. It was a structural concrete design. However, Schuff Steel showed up with a structural steel bid. The project manager pointed out to Schuff that it was a concrete building and their price was $20 million higher than the concrete price. Schuff acknowledged both points but then pointed out that they could finish the project six months faster. When Wynn added in the extra $3 million a day in profit he would receive by opening early, he calculated he would gain an additional $480 million in revenue, and he quickly directed the project manager to change the hotel to a steel design. In essence, contractors need to compete based on value instead of price. However, if they are going to do that, they should focus on life cycle costs, not merely construction costs. To maximize the benefit wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 11
pick your
TROWEL F
or interior and exterior plasters and interior drywallers, a trowel is a trowel is a trowel—or is it? Not exactly, says Steve Cook, sales and marketing manager for Kraft Tool Co.® In fact, size, balance, edge straightness, and blade material are all important factors for picking the right match for your hand and application, he says. Climate and season may also play a factor. But rest assured, with a little thought and experimentation, it is easy to improve productivity, health, and comfort with the perfect trowel selection. As far as material is concerned, plastering and drywall tradespeople generally prefer using stainless steel. “Plastering material is usually white, and stainless steel tools don’t leave dark or rust marks in the plaster,” says Cook. “The steel is harder, lasts longer, and will hold its edge, as well. “The tradesperson would consider trowel size, which is a matter of preference,” says Cook. “It is important depending on what the person is doing. Sometimes the size of the job is important, as some trowels are good for bigger applications.” A larger, 14-inch-long trowel will allow the installer to apply more material, while a shorter, 11-inch unit allows greater control. “Width generally doesn’t vary much,” he says, “ranging from 4 and 4.5 to 5 inches in width.” Handle preference is where things get personal. Usually made from wood or a soft, plastic gripping material, handles must provide a comfortable and secure fit for professionals gripping a trowel up to eight hours per day.
Photo courtesy of Dryvit Systems, Inc.
By Jessica Kirby
“Some drywallers and plasterers gently sand the wood handles to custom fit it to their hands,” says Lia Wullbrandt, marketing assistant with Kraft Tool. “Climate and environment also play into handle selection—workers in some areas of the country use wood in winter and plastic in summer or vice versa. Since plastering work can be inside or outside it can really vary from place to place.” “It is also important that the trowel have a straight edge,” says Cook, “and when it comes to straightness and hardness, professional grade tools make a significant difference in job quality.” “A normal hardware outlet grade trowel wouldn’t necessarily have as straight of an edge as one found in a professional setting,” he says. “They are made differently. The steel has different properties, and the mounting also tends to be weaker.” In terms of balance, the placement of the handle on the trowel contributes to ergonomic quality, says Wullbrandt. “The mounting should be designed to hold the handle in the center of the blade,” she says. “It acts like the fulcrum on a lever. Correct positioning can maximize each movement and minimize fatigue. “It varies by manufacturer—the more balanced, the more comfortable in the hand,” she says. “The handle design, material, and mounting matter because between holding it for eight hours a day, how it is used, and how it fits in the hand, it puts different pressure on the wrist. What seem like small modifications or details to someone who seldom uses a trowel can be big factors for professionals.” One problem people experience in choosing the correct trowel is understanding the relationship between the blade and the mounting. Generally the two components are fastened together with rivets, which is the strongest way to connect them.
Photo courtesy of Kraft Tool Co. 12 » The Trowel
Cook says manufacturers who countersink a hole into the blade and place a stainless steel rivet through the hole, into the mounting, and then rivet the piece together, offer an advantage of strength and durability.
“Kraft trowels have rivet holes in the blade and the mounting that precisely align the two pieces to keep flat, and the rivet is designed to hold together longer,” says Wullbrandt. “The trowel is not as strong if it isn’t properly aligned, and can also affect the straightness of the blade edge.” There are certain ways to make a better tool, says Cook, and tools with lower quality components or construction are easy to spot. “Sometimes the rivets are spot welded on the top of the blade and the mounting is pressed on. You can see the marks on the bottom of the blade.
This is one area there may be knowledge lacking in choosing the correct tool—how the way the trowel is created can make a difference to the end-user.” Balancing the knowledge of how a trowel is designed and the tradesperson’s personal preferences will guide you to the right trowel for the job, and reduce work-related wrist fatigue or injury. Kraft Tool Co.® has manufactured quality trowel trade tools for concrete, masonry, asphalt, drywall, plaster, tile, and floorcovering professionals, since 1981 in Shawnee, Kansas, USA. Visit Kraft Tool Co. ® online at www.KraftTool.com.
Images courtesy of Demand Products
C
raig Barnaby, vice-president of sales at Demand Products grew up with an eye for tools—especially trowels.
“My grandfather was an old school white coat plasterer who plastered over wood lath, and my father and his seven brothers also fell into that business,” he says. “All of us grew up on jobsites. As a small kid, my dad would get his Goldblatt Tools catalogue and I used to flip through it like some guys look at car magazines.”
“Best thing is to look at the edge and see is it is fairly flat and not cupped but toed ever so slightly,” he says. “Old school plasterers will take a brand new trowel out of the box and rub it against smooth concrete to break it in. If it is cupped they can’t do that.” Also, watch for the way the handle is riveted to the bottom of the blade. “It has to be exactly smooth and there’s is an art to that,” he says. ■
With a birdseye view of the way tools have evolved over the years, Barnaby has noticed old school white coat plasters or master plasterers used to pick tools out on quality and not price. “Most plasterers out there understand the trowel is their most important tool and brag they could plaster a 2x4 to the wall if they had to,” he says. “It is not something they are going to have to trade out every six months. They are going to break it in and take care of it like a treasure.” Classic plaster trowels had good handles, had a toe narrower than the heel, and was no longer than 11 inches. “Nowadays, we see a trend where trowels are being purchased that are 14, 16, or 20 inches long,” says Barnaby. “What are they giving up? They are getting more product on the wall, but they are losing the ability to compact the product on the wall for a better finish.” While the technology behind trowels and wall finishing accessories has had a few minor changes over the year, real quality lies in classic designs. “Overall, attention to the steel used, the handle type and style, weight balancing, the riveting, and polishing of the rivets on the trowel side are all important considerations,” he said. High quality steel with flush riveting between the handle and the blade, not to mention a good brand name, are key to a tool you can trust for years.
wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 13
project SPOTLIGHT
Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet Sherbrooke, Quebec
Photo courtesy of CertainTeed
Canadian Sports Arena Meets Sustainability, Performance Requirements with Air-Cleaning Gypsum Board Owner: City of Sherbrooke Architect: Bilodeau Baril Associés Architectes General Contractor: Construction Guy Sebas, Inc.
A
47-year-old sports arena in Sherbrooke, Quebec received a sustainability makeover that included an interior application of Certainteed’s AirRenew® Extreme Impact gypsum board. The $3.3 million renovation contract at Palais des Sports LéopoldDrolet involved renovations to the lobby, ticket area and gift shop, dressing rooms, washrooms, and balconies completed by general contractor, Construction Guy Sebas, Inc. The newly remodelled arena is now home to the Sherbrooke Phoenix, the newest franchise of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. To better accommodate the team, the renovation also included the addition of 32 luxury boxes, 18 galleries, and an increase in general
“This project went well due to the fact that the installer didn’t need to glaze or skim coat the surface with ready-mix before application, which saved on labour costs.”
STURDY, “THE NAME SAYS IT ALL” seating, for a total of 4,328 seats. Terraces were also constructed, and the concessions area was given a facelift as well. The remodel is Quebec’s first project to feature AirRenew Extreme Impact, an especially durable board that actively removes indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and traps them inside the board. Considering the arena’s large crowds and high activity level, the IAQ-boosting product was the ideal choice, says Nicolas Bilodeau of Bilodeau Baril Associés Architectes. “Sustainability goals were important, but we also had to make sure that the gypsum specified would meet the performance demands of the design.” Construction Guy Sebas, Inc. installed approximately 1,600 sheets of AirRenew Extreme Impact to outfit much of the interior of the building, which holds more than 5,000 at capacity. “This project went well due to the fact that the installer didn’t need to glaze or skim coat the surface with ready-mix before application, which saved on labour costs,” said Pierre Lemay, principal of Construction Guy Sebas, Inc. “It came ready to finish with paper on the face of the panel. We’ll definitely use it again.” AirRenew Extreme Impact features M2Tech® patented technology, which offers the added benefit of enhanced moisture and mold resistance. In addition, AirRenew will continue to remove VOCs from the air, specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes. It protects against impact in high traffic areas with a specially designed fiberglass reinforcement. Moreover, the product has completed UL Environment’s Environmental Claims Validation process and is GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® and GREENGUARD Children & Schools CertifiedSM. “We are happy that AirRenew was used on the renovation—as much for its air-clearing properties as for its longevity,” said Jean Désourdy, construction project manager of the city of Sherbooke. “The refurbished stadium represents the high standards and pride we take in our city. We received very positive comments from visitors throughout the province for the achievement.” CertainTeed Gypsum has served the North American building industry for more than 80 years and is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, the world’s leading producer of gypsum products. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/gypsum. ■
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Planostile Metal Panels Rejuvenate Subway Station Photos courtesy of Rockfon
PROJECT Name: Toronto Transit Commission, Islington Subway Station – Toronto, Ontario OWNER: Toronto Transit Commission – Toronto, Ontario ARCHITECT, INTERIOR DESIGNER: Toronto Transit Commission – Plant Maintenance Department - Engineering CEILING INSTALLER: Toronto Transit Commission – Plant Maintenance Department DISTRIBUTOR: Arrlin Acoustics – Etobicoke, Ontario PRODUCT: Rockfon Planostile™ Snap-in system
The Toronto Transit Comission (TTC) is the third largest public transit system in North America servicing some 4.5 million people in the Greater Toronto Area from nearly 70 stations. Part of the TTC’s commitment to meeting the region’s growing needs includes carrying an additional 175 million riders by 2021. TTC moves 460 million people annually—about 1.5 million riders every weekday. Of these weekday commuters, approximately 41,000 arrive and depart from Islington Subway Station. Located at 3286 Bloor Street West, at corner of Islington Avenue, Islington Subway Station is housed within a 1,208-square-meter (13,000-square-foot) concrete building with underground access to the subway. The station is part of the original East-West subway line, known as Bloor-Danforth line, which opened in 1968. In 1980, it became a through station when the line extended to Kipling. Facility upgrades were completed by the early 80s that included installation of linear metal ceiling with openings between the planks. “Metal was an ideal choice as it neither accumulates moisture nor supports substances supporting mold or microbial growth,” says ceiling system manufacturer Rockfon’s district manager for Ontario and Quebec, Isabelle Champagne, CDT. “However, the openings that were intended to make it easy to maintain the ceiling system turned out to be very difficult
16 » The Trowel
for cleaning. In less than five years, it was already starting to look a bit ugly.” John Amaral, senior designer with TTC’s Plant Maintenance Department - Engineering, agrees. “It was showing its age, was difficult to remove and re-install, and was difficult to keep clean.” In response, TTC initiated a multi-phased, multi-year construction project to significantly improve Islington Station and allow full accessibility to all levels of the station. One of many planned station renovations that began in 2008, TTC worked in partnership with GO Transit, Mississauga Transit, and the City of Toronto. In 2009, Islington Station’s old, interior ceiling had been removed, leaving the plenum open and unfinished. In addition to the unkempt appearance, commuters complained about disrepair of lighting and exposed wiring, pigeons roosting, water infiltrating, and bad odours permeating the station. Helping remedy this negative perception and the physical realities, Champagne and her colleagues, vice-president of sales Steve Noeth and project manager Dave Jahn, were involved from the project’s earliest stages. Together, they offered construction services and technical support to the TTC in development of a master specification. Jahn explains, “This master spec not only addressed Islington Station, but would serve as the basis for all ceiling replacement needs in the TTC stations scheduled for renovation.” Ceiling specifications were driven by TTC’s Engineering, Construction, and Expansion Department with priority to performance. Amaral also emphasizes that ease of installation and maintenance were critical as TTC’s team at Islington would take on these responsibilities themselves. “Our Planostile™ Snap-in ceiling systems hide the suspension systems, provide very tight joints, and offer a high degree of security,” says Champagne. “The strength of snap-up systems and their metal panels makes them a reliable choice for challenging interior designs like these.”
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Tofino 661 Industrial Wy. 250-725-2538
Saanichton 2048 Keating X Rd. 250-652-1130
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Contractor Locations Victoria West 1496 Admirals Rd. 250-388-5443
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Duncan 2853 Roberts Rd. 250-715-3730 Floor System Design Center 1785 Mills Rd. Sidney BC 250-656-9255
The ceiling systems also needed to meet TTC’s requirements for positive and negative air pressure, withstanding a wind load of up to 1.24 kPa without additional bracing or tiedowns. “Due to the fact that the system is designed as a friction fit engagement, it was imperative that the ceiling system could withstand the piston affect air pressures of incoming and departing trains,” says Amaral. “As such, meeting the air pressure criteria was crucial to its approval for use.” TTC’s design criteria also necessitated a strong, yet lightweight material. Rockfon Planostile’s aluminum panel
WWW.SLEGGLUMBER.CA wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 17
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ceiling system was selected and the tested for compliance. The metal comprising the Planostile panels contain 100% recycled aluminum content. At the end of the ceiling system’s useful life, it is 100% locally recyclable. Material choice focused on colour and finish continuity with consideration to future replacement needs and visual appearance. “Aesthetically, we were aiming for clean lines and tight joints between the panels to result in a seamless looking ceiling,” notes Amaral. The 2-by-2-foot aluminum panels were fabricated with beveled edges and finished in satin silver anodize. The finish does not contain volatile organic compounds, which helps in mitigating mold and microbial growth. Following the master specification, a series of mock-ups were created to ensure that the actual system met TTC’s criteria. Champagne adds, “As these products are manufactured in the U.S., it’s good to keep in mind that there can be a difference between ‘hard metric’ and ‘soft metric.’ A standard 2-by-2 foot Imperial-sized panel may be provided as a ‘soft’ metric 610-by-610 mm panel. However, a ‘hard’ metric panel may be 600-by-600 mm in size. Imperial-sized lighting fixtures and air diffusers may not fit into metric-sized modules.” “We brought the material to TTC’s maintenance crew onsite at Islington,” Jahn remembers. “It was March and dark outside. We met during the night shift to avoid bothering the riders. We showed TTC how the Planostile system installed and what it looked like in place.
Based on the client’s feedback, the final ceiling system for Islington includes a custom-sized panel and C-channel to integrate the existing light fixtures.
We’d get their feedback and make modifications. Based on this process, the final ceiling system for Islington includes a custom-sized panel and C-channel to integrate the existing light fixtures. We didn’t want TTC’s crew to have to cut anything other than maybe trimming the perimeter edge. The installation team reported it went smoothly, as planned.” Renovation on Islington Station’s ceiling began in June, 2012 and was completed in December. TTC’s maintenance team installed the specialty metal panels at the station’s concourse level and also above the pedestrian access to the fare booths, the bus platforms and the escalators to the subway platforms. To minimize disruption to commuters, installation was completed at night after normal business hours.
each night,” says Amaral. “Our in-house Night Work Crew would also be pulled away from this project if other more pressing work had to be completed elsewhere. Therefore, it is understandable that the project did take an extended period of time to complete.” Throughout the seven-month, $200,000 ceiling installation project, TTC’s on-site team averaged four people per shift. Amaral shares special recognition for “Andrew Marsh and his night crew for their exceptional workmanship. Toronto Transit Commission takes pride in the excellent in-house skilled labor force that we employ.” “They did a great job,” says Jahn. “It’s a pleasure to work with TTC’s team.” Champagne agrees and adds, “As soon as the new Planostile system was in place, it was like a day and night transformation.” Amaral also notes, “The sales and technical staff always made themselves available to us from early on when we were developing a new ceiling standard to the various ceiling mock-ups that were installed for testing purposes to the first installation at Islington Station.” ■
“Work could only be carried out when the subway station was closed to the public, 2-5 a.m., which is a very small window
Trowel Trades Accessories Ltd.
wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 19
building SCIENCE Air-cleaning Exteriors Weather protection, aesthetic beauty, element resistance—a solid exterior offers many things, but improved air quality?
Photo courtesy of Nemesi & Partners
Italian architecture firm Nemesi & Partners has unveiled a revolutionary facade material that purifies smog, creating a cleaner environment inside the building. The firm expects to officially reveal its plans to adorn the Palazzo Italia with the specialty material at as part of Milan 2015. The installment is an appropriate fit for Milan 2015’s theme: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. The six-month exhibition showcases sustainable, technological, and thematic noncommercial innovations. Both aesthetically beautiful and pragmatic, the facade, made of a specialty cement, will cover the pavillion in a sweeping configuration meant to resemble a petrified forest. When exposed to the sun, the material captures pollutants from the air, transforming them into benign salts. The facade stretches nearly 10,000 square feet. Eighty per cent of it is made from recycled material and the overall construction requires approximately 2,200 tons of the specialty cement. The remaining square footage of the pavillion’s exterior will receive a custom roof that generates solar power in the daylight hours. Nemesi & Partners representatives say the project is “inspired by a natural architecture in which the branched weave of the external ‘skin’ of the building generates alternations of light and shadows and solids and voids, creating a scenario that refers to works of Land Art.” Once Milan 2015 concludes, the Palazzo Italia will remain a permanent installation. The Expo runs from May to October, 2015. The 2015 event will host more than 130 participants 20 » The Trowel
over 184, covering one million square meters. It is expected to welcome 20 million visitors. Meanwhile in Mexico The Manuel Gea González Hospital in Mexico City has already installed a decorative, white facade made from a similar material. Part of the country’s health infrastructure commitment, the 2,500-square-meter facade was designed by Berlin-based Elegant Embellishments and constructed from the firm’s 3D Prosolve 370e modules. These modules are coated with a special pigment that, when hit by ambient daylight, breaks pollutants down into less harmful compounds like carbon dioxide and water. The pigment itself remains unchanged, which means the modules can keep purifying the air for as long as a decade, or until their coating wears off. The clean air enters the building and surrounds it, and the facade also filters
sunlight, reducing requirements.
air-conditioning
The installation at the hospital is expect to neutralize the nitrogen oxides emissions of 1,000 vehicles per day. This is Elegant Embellishment’s first full-scale installation, but the Berlin firm hopes the material will eventually cover more buildings, highways, and other structures in high-pollutant areas. Saving the World? As air purifying technologies develop, experts agree what while smog-eating facade technology won’t save the atmosphere alone, they are part of a bigger solution to a growing problem. In China, outdoor air pollution in 2010 contributed to more than 1.2 million premature deaths. Although the statistics are improving over previous years, the US State of the Air report from 2013 says nearly 4 in 10 Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of either ozone or particle pollution. In 1992, Mexico City reported only eight days with good air quality, but in 2013, the number had risen to 248. ■
feature FOCUS HAND TOOL CATEGORY UNIT SHARE Category
2010
2011
2012
Hammer
12.2%
11.5%
11.9%
Hand saw
5.1
4.6
4.7
Pliers
9.9
10.0
10.2
Screwdriver
43.7
45.3
43.0
Wrench
14.5
15.4
16.9
Measuring Tool
14.5
13.1
13.4
Hammer Type
2010
2011
2012
Claw/rip/ framing
59.2
58.1
60.9
Ball peen
6.2
7.4
8.0
Mallet
7.4
8.8
7.4
Sledge
5.1
5.0
5.8
Other
22.1
20.7
17.8
Measuring Tool Type
2010
2011
2012
Electronic device
3.0
3.4
4.4
Walk-behind wheel
1.4
1.1
1.4
Laser
3.9
5.2
5.0
Tape measure
69.5
70.6
71.5
Other
22.1
19.8
17.7
Sales data from NPD Data indicates an upward trend in US wrench sales. Courtesy of NPD Group.
Reduce Risk and Increase Productivity by Using the Right Tool for the Job By / Brad Christian The Serpent Wrench is the only tool of its kind to increase productivity, simplify the installation of suspended ceilings, and reduce injuries. Traditionally, experienced installers would have to twist hanger wire with their hands or pliers. Both are usable options, but tend to be used strictly by advanced installers. With the Serpent Wrench, beginner installers can be confident and safe when fastening ceilings. They can achieve the same, if not better, quality of twist at the same speed as more advanced installers. This allows lead workers to focus on more complicated and involved tasks, which in turn increases productivity and efficiency.
Photo courtesy of Construx Innovations.
With ease of use in mind, the Serpent Wrench was designed for left and right handed users. Made from recycled steel with no moving parts, which eliminates potential pinch points and reduced operation due to rust, it can withstand wear and falls from significant heights.
No, they use the appropriately sized wrench.) Using alternative methods increases the possibly of slipping, injury, and inconsistent fastening. It goes without saying that every opportunity to apply safe practices and use the most appropriate tools for each job must be taken to reduce accidents.
Using a tool that is designed specifically for a particular purpose is always the best and most efficient choice for the job. (Ask yourself this: do mechanics use pliers to tighten bolts on your car?
With its ability to increase productivity, simplify the process of installation, and reduce the chance of injury, The Serpent Wrench should be in the hand of every ceiling installer. ■
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Serpent WrenchTM is the first tool designed and developed to twist suspended ceiling system support wires to meet manufacturers’ specifications and state and provincial building codes. • Rapidly achieve multiple twists without significant fatigue to users’ fingers and hands
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www.ctinnovations.ca For enquiries, please contact Wallboard Trim & Tool
Acousti-Plus Inc. Alberta Drywall & Stucco Bernardi Building Supplies Builders Supplies Ltd. Chaleur Building Supplies Coastal Drywall Supplies Commercial Construction Supply Commercial Drywall Supplies CSR Building Supplies D.L. Building Materials Dryco Economy Drywall Supplies Future Acoustic Supply Guelph Building Supply Letourneau Materiaux de Contruction BMR Master Building Materials Millwork Home Centre Morin Bros. Building Supply Ontario Acoustic Supply Pro Con Building Supplies Shoemaker Drywall Supplies Wallboard Trim and Tool Inc.
wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 21
feature FOCUS Welded Wire Lath Offers Reinforcement and Crack Control by / Martin Ross Stucco is a traditional exterior wall finish with a primary focus on single story and low-rise buildings that is widely used in the Western United States and Canada.
Photo courtesy of Tree Island.
Durable, attractive, and weatherresistant, stucco is applied in one or two layers over wood or metal frame, masonry, or brick. The finish coat is enhanced by an integral colour to give the building a pleasing aesthetic appearance. As with any cement-based material, stucco must be reinforced and resist movement which creates cracking. Stucco must have a material with a furring applied to it with properties that enable it to grab on and stay in its place. Wire mesh lath provides this and is attached to the building’s surface with nails or screws. This becomes an all-important process as the wire lath must have holding power to receive the weight of stucco along with stable rigidity and pronounced furr to deliver proper embedment. Types include expanded-metal lath, woven-wire lath, and welded-wire lath. K-LATH Stucco-Rite is a 16-gauge 2x2 welded wire lath for reinforcement and
crack control of Portland cement-based plaster that delivers high strength, rigidity, and furr for exceptional performance. The easy to install sheet lath is an excellent high-strength, cost effective alternative to 3.4 metal lath. K-Lath Stucco-Rite has a rigid 1/4 furring that provides consistent embedment and a paper backing to
eliminate the need for house wrap. Stucco-Rite is designed for ease of installation. Tree Island Steel manufactures K-Lath Stucco-Rite to meet the needs of the Canadian marketplace. For more information please contact Tree Island Steel at sales@treeisland.com or visit www.treeisland.com. ■
It’s not right until it is Stucco-Rite ! ®
For over 60 years, K-Lath® has been a staple in the installation of the Stucco. K-Lath® Stucco-Rite® is fully compliant with the National Building Code of Canada (2005) 9.28.4 Ask about Kwik Corner for the perfect finish. Stucco-Rite® is ASTM C933 compliant. ®
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22 » The Trowel
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feature FOCUS Why does Anodized Aluminum Vary in Colour? By / Gary Flannery In my experience with anodizing any of our aluminum products, I have learned that the words “variation” and “shade” go with the territory. Unlike factory paint, which is a colour-specific finish, Colour Anodizing is a difficult and varied aspect of our trim business. When a particular paint is specified, the architect issues a manufacturer name and product number, which is then pulled and duplicated by any factory paint facility. If a paint number is not provided, then a colour swatch or sample can be issued to the factory and they can duplicate it flawlessly.
Differences in production practices are the most common cause of colour variation that we have experienced, which is why we at Flannery try to utilize only one facility for all of our anodizing production needs. This limits the amount of variation in shade that can occur in our aluminum trim inventory. When you are considering any kind of colour anodizing you should be sure to have all of the aluminum trims you need for a job anodized at the same time. This will help to ensure a clear consistency in your trims’ colour anodized finish.
Unfortunately, Colour Anodizing is not so flawless when it comes to colour matching. The anodizing process does not allow for the exact matching of a colour since most of the colours (seven in our facility) are produced based on the length of time the material is set into the anodonic bath. Chemicals influence the difference between Clear Anodized and Gold; however, the range between Champagne and Black is based on the length of time a product is left to set up in the tank. This process can thus produce many “shades” along the same rainbow of the basic colour of Bronze. Many anodizers do not produce a Black Anodized; they only go to Dark Bronze as their darkest colour. Some may call Black, “Dark Bronze” or vice-versa.
Variation in shade can be attributed, but not limited to, the following factors:
We offer a sample bar to show the several anodized colours; however, the anodizer has the right to return material to us within a certain range of colour. This is what I often refer to as a “variation” in shade. A Light Bronze can push the very limit of Medium Bronze, while in another run it can have a shade variance that is closer to the lighter Champagne colour.
3. The differences in production practices between one anodizing facility and another can cause variations. This is the most common cause in colour variation.
1. The exact aluminum alloy of the product being anodized may cause some variations. Some aluminum trims have a different alloy depending on what their particular use might be. 2. The current exterior temperature of the anodizing facility can cause variations. Most anodizing facilities operate in an “open-air” manner due to the chemicals involved in the anodizing process. This means that the tank temperature can be influenced by the extreme hot or cold climate that a facility may be subject to.
For more information about Colour Anodizing or to view Flannery Trim’s product line please visit www.flannerytrim. com. ■
Manufacturer of Specialty Drywall and Plaster Trim
TEL (800) 765-7585 FAX (818) 837-1155 EMAIL: info@flannerytrim.com 300 Parkside Drive San Fernando, California 91340 www.flannerytrim.com
Drywall Reveal
wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 23
it’s the law The Rules of Engagement When submitting a proposal for a multi-phase project, the scope of the engagement must be clearly set out for each phase. As this recent case from the BC Supreme Court suggests, a binding contract may not be created until all parties have explicitly agreed to the terms of the proposal, including the scope of the project. Facts MW Pacific Construction Ltd. (the “Contractor”) was retained by the Abbotsford Grower’s Co-Operative Union (the “Co-Op”) to act as a project manager for the design and, potentially, for the construction of a fruit freezing, processing, and storage facility (the “Project”). In this case, the Contractor provided the Co-Op a management proposal (the “Proposal”) outlining the scope of services it intended to provide for the Project. The Proposal originally included a scope of engagement for both Phase 1 (consultant selection and design development) and Phase 2 (construction tendering, contract award, and construction) of the Project. The Co-Op’s board later asked the Contractor to revise the Proposal to allow for a step-by-step implementation of the Project that separated Phase 1 from Phase 2. Following subsequent revisions, the Contractor submitted a final version of the Proposal to the
Co-Op’s board that distinctly separated Phase 1 from Phase 2, allowing approval of one phase at a time. This finalized version of the Proposal was formally approved by the Co-Op’s board and signed by both the Contractor and the Co-Op. A dispute arose between the parties when the Co-Op later issued requests for bids on Phase 2. The Contractor sued for breach of contract on the basis that it had received assurances it would be awarded Phase 2, despite the fact that the Proposal had formally separated each of these phases of construction. Issues What was the scope of the Contractor’s engagement under the Proposal? Court Decision The Contractor argued that a binding contract had been entered into between the parties based on the earlier version of the Proposal that had awarded it both phases of the Project. The court rejected this assertion. Rather than a binding contract, this version of the Proposal was found to simply be a document prepared by the Contractor in the hope of garnering business. It did not give rise to any legal obligations on the part of the Co-op. The court found that even if the Proposal constituted an offer to contract on the part of the Contractor, the Co-Op’s recommendation to proceed with the Project was not, in
by / Andrew Delmonico & Anne Cochrane Kuhn & Company
itself, a clear acceptance of this offer. In this specific case, it was only once the Proposal had been signed by both parties that a valid and binding contract was entered into. The Court held that the Contractor was aware when it signed the final version of the Proposal that the Co-Op had only approved Phase 1 of the Project and that Phase 2 would require additional board approval. This supported the Co-op’s argument that the Contractor had only been formally awarded Phase 1 of the Project. Lessons Learned Make sure when entering into a contract for a multi-phase construction project that the scope of engagement is clearly set out for each phase. While there are clear benefits to being awarded a multiphase project without having to go through a competitive bidding process for each stage, this must be clearly agreed to by all parties. ■ This article was written by Andrew Delmonico, a lawyer, and Anne Cochrane, a law student, who practice in construction law with the law firm of Kuhn LLP. This article is only intended as a guide and cannot cover every situation. It is important to get legal advice for specific situations. If you have
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industry news Canadian Construction Industry Pleased with Release of Asset Management Primer Document highlights the importance of strong asset management practices for Canadian municipalities The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) applauded the release of the Asset Management Primer, part of the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card, which details the important need for asset management plans for Canadian municipalities, as well as recommendations for implementing asset management practices. “The release of the Asset Management Primer as a follow-up to the 2012 Canadian Infrastructure Report Card is a great next step to tracking and monitoring the importance of ongoing infrastructure investment in Canada,” said Michael Atkinson, president of the Canadian Construction Association. “Since what gets measured, gets done, this primer will go a long way to assisting municipalities in their efforts to continually improve and build the infrastructure that drives the Canadian economy.” The first-of-its-kind Canadian Infrastructure Report Card indicated that fewer than 15 per cent of municipalities could provide asset condition information that was derived from asset management processes. While the condition of above ground assets is more easily identified, assets not as visible are only more accurately monitored with asset management processes. This past year saw increased awareness and promotion of asset management processes, including the federal government highlighting their importance in the New Building Canada Plan, the province of Ontario requiring asset management plans as eligibility for some provincial funding, and a number of municipalities developing their own asset management plans. “This primer once again showcases the importance of strong asset management to the long-term viability and sustainability of our core public infrastructure assets,” Atkinson continued. “CCA would like to extend its thanks to the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) for their work on this report, as well as their continued efforts to advance the state of public sector asset management practices in Canada.” More information about the Canadian Infrastructure Report Card and the Asset Management Primer is available at www. canadainfrastructure.ca. ■
Building Permits Across Canada Plummet Lower than Expected in August Statistics Canada says municipalities issued building permits worth $6.7 billion in August, down 27.3 per cent from July after three months of double-digit gains. Economists had expected a drop of 12.5 per cent, according to Thomson Reuters. The federal agency says the decline was mostly because of lower construction intentions for non-residential buildings in Quebec and residential buildings in Ontario. The value of non-residential building permits was down 40.6 per cent to $2.5 billion in August after four months in a row of gains. The drop came as Statistics Canada says seven provinces posted lower construction intentions, which Quebec having the most to do with the national decline. Meanwhile, the value of residential building permits fell 15.9 per cent in August to $4.2 billion after five consecutive months of increases. The agency says Ontario had the largest decreases, followed by British Columbia and the Atlantic provinces, while Alberta and three other provinces recorded gains. ■
Lower Mainland-Southwest Building Permits Surge to Two-year High Multi-unit residential, industrial, and public permits push total values to highest levels since July 2012 Total building permit values in the Lower MainlandSouthwest region were up 47 per cent in July, 2014 due to significant increases in residential permits, and nonresidential permits to a lesser extent, according to Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s regional analysis of the most recent Statistics Canada Building Permit Report. “Building permits were driven to their highest levels since July of 2012, mainly due to a large increase in Metro Vancouver multi-unit residential permits, as well as large gains in the smaller industrial and institutional-government sectors,” said Fiona Famulak, president of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA). “Commercial permits was the only sector to see a small decrease this month.” Total permit values in July 2014 rose to $819.6 million compared to $559.2 million in June 2014. Non-residential permits increased 10 per cent to $208 million in July from $189.1 million in June, with industrial permits jumping 148 per cent to $23.8 million from $9.6 million, institutionalContinued on page 26 wallandceiling.ca » October / November 2014 » 25
industry news Continued from page 25 government permits rising 49 per cent to $32.4 million from $21.7 million, while commercial permits dipped four per cent to $151.7 million from $157.8 million. Residential permit values climbed 65 per cent to $611.6 million from $370 million during the same period. “Despite the small drop this month, the outlook for commercial permits continues to be positive in the Lower Mainland-Southwest region, due to the Tsawwassen Mills and Tsawwassen Commons projects commencing building construction this year,” said Famulak. “However, a market-wide investment resurgence is not likely until after the economy has grown at a faster pace for at least a couple of years.” Total building permit values were three per cent higher at $4.21 billion
in the first seven months of this year compared to $4.081 billion in the first seven months of last year. VRCA’s 2014 forecast for building permits sees values likely coming in close to the 2013 level, with a chance of a small gain or loss. Regional Building Permit Highlights: • Total permit values in July 2014 rose 47 per cent to $819.6 million compared to $559.2 million in June 2014. • Total non-residential permit values rose 10 per cent in July 2014 to $208 million compared to $189.1 million in June 2014. • Commercial permits dipped four per cent to $151.7 million from $157.8 million. • Industrial permits rose 148 per cent to $23.8 million from $9.6 million.
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• I n s t i t u t i o n a l - g o v e r n m e n t permits climbed 49 per cent to $32.4 million from $21.7 million. • Residential permit values were up 65 per cent to $611.6 million in July 2014 from $370 million in June 2014. • Total building permit values were three per cent higher at $4.21 billion in the first seven months of 2014 compared to $4.081 billion in the first seven months of 2013. • Non-residential permits were 22 per cent higher at $1.277 billion from $1.05 billion last year. • Residential permit values were three per cent lower at $2.933 billion from $3.032 billion last year. ■
Serving the wall & ceiling industry since 1953 • www.wallandceiling.ca • October / November 2014
If you’re interested in booking ad space in the next issue of The Trowel magazine contact Christina Tranberg at 1.877.755.2762 or email ctranberg@pointonemedia.com
in this issue: BC’s Labour Market Surviving in a Down Economy Pick Your Trowel Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet, Sherbrooke, Quebec
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YOUR industry... region... magazine
Get Ready for 2015
The 2015 Media Guide for Western Canada’s only niche publication dedicated to the wall and ceiling industry is here.
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Watch for The Trowel’s new face in 2015, as it features difference aspects of wall and ceiling trades training, BC city profiles, and market reports on commodities, labour, training, green building, safety, research & development, and other important topics. Stretch your dollars with new advertising packages, which include both print and digital promotion and opportunities for cross-promotion in Point One Media’s other trade magazines where applicable. So what are you waiting for? Contact Christina Tranberg at 1.877.755.2762 or ctranberg@ pointonemedia.com for a copy of the Media Guide.
The Trowel Team: Point One Media Inc. PO Box 11 Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4
Christina Tranberg Account Manager 1.877.755.2762 • 250.667.0401 ctranberg@pointonemedia.com
Lara Perraton Publisher 1.877.755.2762 • 250.714.4973 lperraton@pointonemedia.com
Jessica Kirby Editor 250.816.3671 jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com
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