The Trowel Winter 2020

The Voice of the West Coast Wall and Ceiling Industry • www.thetrowel.ca • Winter 2020

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Construction Outlook Modular Construction Western Canadian Wall & Ceiling Convention – 2020 Alpine Drywall North

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The Voice of the West Coast Wall and Ceiling Industry • www.thetrowel.ca • Winter 2020

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Construction Outlook Modular Construction Western Canadian Wall & Ceiling Convention – 2020 Alpine Drywall North

The Trowel team Jessica Kirby, Publisher / Editor 250.816.3671 • jkirby@pointonemedia.com Lara Perraton, Acccount Manager / Creatives 877.755.2762 • lperraton@pointonemedia.com

contributing writers Tauhira Ali tom Bremner Mark Breslin Andrew Delmonico Ted Lewis Metric Modular Jordan Whitehouse

cover photo Courtesy of Metric Modular

15 CONTENTS • WINTER 2020

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.thetrowel.ca 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 ©2020 by Point One Media Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or duplicated without prior written permission from the publisher.

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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: The Trowel Circulation Department P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4 e: circulations@pointonemedia.com

Journal of Record for

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.

6 Construction Outlook 2020 Energy projects in the west and national labour shortages will be the most important issues Canadian construction faces all year.

10 Getting the Facts on Modular

Modular building is a growing industry in Canada. Here’s how to get the most out of these projects.

15 Western Canadian Wall & Ceiling Convention – 2020 The BCWCA is coming to Victoria September 17-20 ... and you should, too.

Find out why.

17 Blast from the Past: Alpine Drywall North

Sometimes workmates are more than colleagues. Sometimes, they are like family.

Departments & Columns 04 editorial

21 it’s the law

05 guest editorial

22 technology corner

18 industry news

23 contractors’ advice

20 around the world

23 advertiser index

editor’s COMMENT TIME MARCHES ON Several years ago, the publisher at Point One Media and I were talking about our kids growing up, and he said, “That’s just it, you know. Time marches on.” There is something resonant and deep about that expression. Not, “Time flies” or “Where did the time go?” but “Time marches on.” Marching is a slow but steady and, most importantly, unfaltering progression that assumes an air of order, discipline, and authority. There is no arguing or cajoling with marching. You step aside and respect the pace and focus, and while you’re at is, reflect on the importance of that march in your work and life.

The dawn of a new year always brings ideas and hope—in Canadian construction, there is a keen eye on energy projects, particularly in Western Canada. As government support and legislative red tape move in favour of development the scales are set to tip in favour of large energy projects, and the direct and ancillary benefits for the industry are clear. But who will work on these projects? Canada’s labour shortage is almost old news, yet we still struggle. Initiatives to attract women, Indigenous people, and youth to construction are in place, but we need more. Fundamentally, we need a big shift in how we perceive careers in trades and how we talk about them. Only when they are offered to our children, students, relatives, and friends as a given path to success (instead of an alternative to something “better”) will real change occur. Change is in progress, but the pace is slow. See page 6 for commentary on these and other issues moving into 2020.

Speaking of pace, the rate at which the industry is expected to turn out projects is accelerating year over year. Jobs that used to work on a three-year time budget are squeezed out in 18 months, and they call for a collaborated, creative approach that involves all members of the construction team. Modular building is one way buildings owners are picking up the pace, and for some the concept seems fearsome—won’t modular building reduce the need for skilled labour and put my craftspeople out of work? Well, at the moment we are short on craftspeople. And most importantly, modular building doesn’t need less skilled labour. It needs more diverse skilled labour.

People skilled in estimation, project management, BIM, digital rendering, design, fieldwork, and the craft—these are still construction professionals; they just have slightly different roles than we are used to. Will you fight change or get on board? Whatever you decide, time will not wait. See page 10 for more on modular building.

The answers to questions about how to handle industry changes are never easy. Construction is older than agriculture, and change does not happen quickly. There is no better way to mitigate the stress and feel confident in decision making than to bounce ideas off of your peers and colleagues. The

4 » The Trowel

By / Jessica Kirby, Editor

People skilled in estimation, project management, BIM, digital rendering, design, fieldwork, and the craft—these are still construction professionals; they just have slightly different roles than we are used to. Will you fight change or get on board?

Western Canadian Wall and Ceiling Convention 2020 will be held September 17-20 in Victoria. It is an absolutely perfect opportunity to take in some education sessions, listen to the experts, socialize, and trade ideas and solutions. Read more on page 15 and plan to be there. In the meantime, reach out to your association for direction and assistance and to learn about how to boost skilled labour in your industry. Those apprentices can’t train themselves—the time for action is now.

Looking back over one’s career, it is only the most fortunate who can say they’ve had a job where the people there felt like family. That was exactly the case with Alpine North out of Edmonton, which weathered several successful decades before closing its doors. The fellows who worked there meant a lot to each other and still do, which is why they meet for breakfast every once in a while and catch up. Check out the great photo and its accompanying article on page 17 showing the guys catching up at Yellowhead Casino in October 2019.

Speaking of which, these pages are as much yours as they are ours, and we would love to capture more of your stories, photos, and history in them. We welcome story ideas, photos old and new, news items you care about, and suggestions for how to bring your stories to life. This is your chance to capture in print the things that matter most and that help shape your industry. Don’t wait, because time marches on. ▪

guest EDITORIAL CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY: 4 STEPS BEFORE DECIDING WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU It happens more and more now. A new technology is introduced to the market and you think, “Will this give me a competitive advantage?” The answer won’t come from a salesperson, tech expert, or trade magazine. Only you can determine whether a technology is the right solution for the challenges you face. Here are some steps to take before investing resources in technology that you think will give you a competitive advantage.

1. IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM Before you can solve a problem, you need to identify it. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your current workflow and how will this change in the future? How do your processes compare with the competitive environment you’re working in?

Chances are that your challenge doesn’t exist in a silo so don’t keep your problem-solving effort in one either. Is it a process challenge? Equipment management? Productivity?

Safety? Empower employees to better understand innovation and share their insights. That way you are more likely to find solutions that employees want to work with. Focus on people and tasks. Know who you are and what you need.

2. INVESTIGATE After you’ve identified the problem, start investigating.

Technology solutions are rarely bought off the shelf these days. You need to get educated on products and solutions.

Fortunately, there are many sources of information on the Internet including articles, podcasts, and videos. Find the leading suppliers in your market and invite them to help you solve your particular problem. Be vocal about what you want.

You are the customer, so explain your needs. Tell them what your deal breakers are. While you are learning from them, they are learning from you.

Construction technology startup companies received $1.05 billion in investment from venture capitalists in the first half of 2018, a record high. Startups and well established companies can introduce you to something you might be unaware of, such as wearables to improve safety or the latest in drone technology. Convey your high standards and insist the provider you work with share or exceed that standard.

By / Tauhira Ali 3. FIND THE OPPORTUNITY Assess the benefits of any solution suggested. Does it fit within your existing processes? Does it offer a more efficient process? What gains will you see and when? Can you test it on a small scale before implementing something more robust?

Again, know who you are and establish a process that works.

Investment in technology can bring unforeseen advantages. It can make talent recruitment easier, bringing in skilled people who use data to assist with in-house and on-site decision making. The best people are attracted to companies that are innovating and outpacing their competitors. They see growth opportunities for their careers. Prior to joining Milwaukee Tools, I created technology solutions and assessed business viability for products and platforms in the automotive and aerospace industries. The construction industry is so ripe for innovation today and in the future of how we build.

4. PREPARE TO IMPLEMENT Clean your house. New technology will work better within a company with a strong foundation. That means documented processes, streamlined tasks, proven methods, and vision. It doesn’t need to be complicated just clearly communicate how work is done and why. Define what success looks like so your progress can be measured. Be flexible. Pivot when necessary.

Market trend reports can help in assessing competition but don’t forget the value of peer groups who are not competitors.

Face-to-face communication at association meetings and trade conferences is always valuable. ▪ Tauhira Ali is a highly skilled product strategist with more than 14 years of R&D and product design experience. As Milwaukee Tool’s Senior Manager of Construction Technology, she investigates construction trends and emerging technologies to drive practical, user-focused solutions.

SAVE THE DATE BC Wall & Ceiling Association Events September 17-19, 2020 - Western Wall & Ceiling Convention, Victoria, BC Join delegates from across Western Canada as they gather for workshops, presentations, a table top tradeshow, and plenty of networking opportunities. Save the dates and plan to attend. For more information watch your email and visit www.bcwca.org for updates.

wallandceiling.ca » Winter 2020 » 5

Canadian Construction Outlook 2020 The coming year promises advancement in energy projects and more stress on the labour market—but the industry’s resilience will continue to shine

By Jordan Whitehouse

The two biggest stories in Canadian construction this year should be how the energy investment projects pan out in the west and how the industry continues to try to deal with labour shortages across the country, say industry experts.

The $40 billion LNG project in Kitimat, BC, tops the list of those energy projects, but there is also the twinning of the Trans Mountain pipeline and the Line 3 pipeline replacement project, which is nearing completion, among others. “There is a potential for delays on some of those projects, however, so I’ll be watching carefully to see if they keep with the

6 » The Trowel

timeline we’re expecting or if they get delayed a little bit,” says Robyn Gibbard, a senior economist at the Conference Board of Canada.

Canadian Construction Association President Mary Van Buren is keeping her eye on the energy sector, too, along with how quickly all of the $180 billion in federal infrastructure money will be doled out. “We have seen some progress in committed dollars versus last year—so now each province or territory has at least 5% committed—but the flow of funding is still slow,” Van Buren says. As of this writing, only about

“The positive is that it’s now reached almost national consensus that there is a workforce challenge,” says Canadian Construction Association President Mary Van Buren, “and immigration is moving up on the agenda in terms of how we attract people.”

Toronto has a downtown commercial vacancy rate of close to 3%, while Vancouver’s is near 4%, so there should be strong commercial construction numbers in those cities this year. The weakest construction sector in 2020 will likely be residential, says Gibbard, and that’s largely because of the mortgage stress test rules and the Bank of Canada’s interest rate, which is tied for the highest in the G7.

“Governments in Toronto and Vancouver are also enacting policies to deflate housing markets, which will mean less construction there in particular,” he says. “One bright spot is Montreal, which should continue to see strong residential construction numbers.”

In general, though, Van Buren believes that the construction industry will continue to be “on fire” across the country, particularly in Ontario, BC, and PEI, and that will continue to put pressure on labour needs. “The positive is that it’s now reached almost national consensus that there is a workforce challenge,” she says, “and immigration is moving up on the agenda in terms of how we attract people.” Still, she adds, there isn’t an easy immigration solution, especially when you consider that many new Canadians have not worked in the trades. © Can Stock Photo / edna

5% of the 2018 dollars has been committed in Ontario, while about 75% and 60% of those dollars have been earmarked in Alberta and BC, respectively.

Regionally, Gibbard believes the energy sector in Alberta will pick up this year, but commercial construction is going to be quite weak in that region. “And that’s just because right now they have vacancy rates of 27% in downtown Calgary and 18% in Edmonton,” he says. “So even if things are turning around there, it’s going to be a long time before all of that space is used up.”

New recruitment programs are showing some success, however, including BC’s Builders Code initiative and PEI’s Island Builder campaign. This March, the Canadian Construction Association will introduce its own, called Talent Fits Here. “It will position the industry as a very vibrant and diverse career opportunity, whether you’re a woman, whether you’re a trades person, whether you’re a lawyer,” Van Buren says.

But a growing number of industry watchers believe that technology will have to be a bigger driver of solutions to the workforce problem than it has been. Right now, about 12 people are employed for every $1 million in construction output, while for all goods producing industries, that figure is

wallandceiling.ca » Winter 2020 » 7

CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK

close to seven people. “That seems worrying if you’re talking about a retiring workforce, but the flipside is that because the industry relies so much on labour, it has more room to automate than most industries,” Gibbard says. “There will come a point when labour becomes even more scarce and it will make sense to invest in equipment that replaces people.

It’s tough to say when that will happen, but if things keep going the way they are, we should expect to see that more and more.”

On the regulatory and policy side, one of the biggest pieces of recent news was that federal prompt payment legislation received royal assent in 2019. A number of provinces have passed or are in the process of developing similar legislation, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Another legal development that could have wide implications was the Supreme Court of Canada’s December decision to uphold the use of reprisal clauses in tender documents. The case involved the City of Burnaby using a reprisal clause against J. Cote & Son Excavating. That clause essentially stated that the City would not accept tenders from any party that had sued it within the previous two years. “This is taking away your legal rights to sue, and so this is of deep concern to the industry,” Van Buren says. “Right now, we’re gathering internally to look at how we are going to raise this issue and advocate with our members to change the legislation.”

The deepest concerns of the industry in the year ahead, however, continue to be workforce shortages and the energy investment projects. The latter will be what Gibbard keeps his eye on in particular in 2020. “It’s definitely the biggest story in our forecasting, and I think it will have the largest impact for this year and the years after,” he says. ▪

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Eyes on the Prize in 2020 BCWCA weighs in on the anticipated state of construction for the year to come.

By / Jordan Whitehouse As one Lower Mainland company put it recently, they had “quite a bit of work on the books” for the year ahead, and BCWCA Executive Director Jeff Triggs is expecting something similar for wall and ceiling members in all regions of the province, most of which are concentrated on Vancouver Island, in the Southern Interior, and on the Lower Mainland.

studs, interior and exterior gypsum products, suspension systems, rainscreen systems, curtainwall, acoustical, and specialty ceilings for residential, commercial, and highrise construction. The program has financial benefits, too, including government incentive grants, tax credits, and a $2,000 completion grant once the Red Seal is earned.

“Building in the commercial sector will continue to be very brisk,” says Triggs, “and reports are that residential sales may start to recover from the shock of the mortgage stress test and empty home taxes.”

Triggs also says that industry and government continue to reach out to female and Indigenous parts of the population to increase their representation and participation in the construction trades.

There are always concerns, however, and this year is no different. “Not unlike past years, expectations are somewhat tempered by the possible impact that geopolitical events could have on the overall economy,” Triggs says.

Tapping into the foreign worker pool has been a struggle, however. “I am hearing of resistance by government to allow foreign workers into work in the plastering trade despite not being able to find anyone in Canada to do the work,” Triggs says.

And as with many trades across the country, this year will continue to see a continued shortage of workers in the province’s wall and ceiling sector. The stucco and plastering trade has been hit particularly hard in British Columbia, says Triggs, as companies have reported not being able to find workers that they can hire, let alone train.

There are positives on the workforce front, though. For example, Triggs says the province’s Industry Training Authority continues to be supportive of the BCWCA’s Red Seal Wall and Ceiling Installer Program. It teaches apprentices to assemble both non-load bearing and load bearing steel

As for any legal or regulatory issues that are top of mind for Triggs, cannabis is the most significant. “Employers must be vigilant with their safety and education programs with the legalization of marijuana,” he says. “While common sense would suggest that workers not use on the job, the recent release of edibles and other products may result in delayed effects that are possibly unexpected by the user, compromising the safety of all on site.”

Learn more about the BC Wall and Ceiling Association and its programs at www.bcwca.org. ▪ wallandceiling.ca » Winter 2020 » 9

Getting the Facts on Modular

The real truth on how to get started with a modular hospitality project

Words and photos courtesy of Metric Modular Groundbreaking technology, materials, and designs have revolutionized the modular construction industry. Around the world, leading hotel brands have recognized the benefits of modular construction.

Considerations for Modular Construction Modular construction is still a new direction for many project developers, owners, architects, and franchisees, and the major barrier to adoption is the lack of knowledge on how to undertake a modular project.

Hospitality developers often see the risks associated with undertaking a new construction method without recognizing the benefits and solutions offered.The key is obtaining early project guidance from experienced modular construction companies on the viability of modular for use in the proposed project. Many of the modular industry providers are willing to provide early unbiased feedback on the viability of a project with little or no cost to the owner.

When choosing an experienced modular provider to assist with modular feasibility, the provider should be able to walk the owner and team through the modular construction process and explain the differences between modular construction and typical site construction. The modular provider should also be able to bring in and recommend partners that are familiar with modular construction to assist the owner in early project assessment.

10 » The Trowel

One of the keys to successful modular development is multidisciplinary collaboration at the earliest stage of planning.

This typically occurs at the schematic design stage of design development. With a site survey, an experienced architect or modular builder can provide some early modular feasibility planning and building massing to understand whether modular is the right construction method for the proposed project.

If evaluation of modular construction is brought in too late in the design process, architectural and consultant time and money will have been squandered to properly evaluate modular. If design has gone past the point of modular decision making, it’s recommended that the project continue down its chosen construction method path.

The decision can be made at the Schematic Design stage.

Armed with a modular feasibility study and rough order of magnitude (ROM) on construction costs, the owner will be able to decide whether modular is the right method for their project. When modular development is adopted at the onset of a project, it provides solutions to common construction industry problems such as schedule and cost overruns, and compromised quality, including: • Design errors and scope change • Schedule and delivery delays • Uncoordinated contractors

It’s important to note, at this stage all decisions related to the construction of the project are decided upfront and in advance of beginning any construction. This includes integration of any brand and design guidelines as well as requirements and responsibilities for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).

Modular Construction Reduces Costs One of the most clear and immediate benefits of going modular is cost certainty. A reduction in labour costs, construction time, and material waste saves at every level of a modular construction project.

• Consistent availability of labor and task repeatability increases efficiency, which can result in a cost saving of 20-30 percent.

• The lean manufacturing process ensures increased human productivity and a decrease in potential rework costs.

• Hospitality projects are among the most likely types of modular builds to deliver the greatest cost savings, since they have the highest proportion of labour-intensive activities and the greatest levels of repeatability.

• Bulk buying and early decision making can result in cost reductions of 5 – 10 percent on materials.

While traditional construction planning takes place in stages, modular construction pre-plans every detail upfront. All required building permits and materials are identified at the earliest stages, and site preparation and foundations can be completed concurrently with off-site modular construction to compress timelines.

Additionally, manufacturing can meet exact specifications of components and subassemblies, which reduces preparatory work and the need for large subcontracting crews on site to finish assembly of electrical and plumbing components.

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CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY

At the onset of modular development planning, it’s important to involve all project partners at the table in an integrated project development model. When the owner, the architect and consultants, site contractor and modular builder are all at the table during planning, it ensures an efficient process of engagement, accountability, and decision making.

Modular Construction Saves Time Modular construction’s production process boosts productivity. The ability to mass-produce ensures greater expediency, accuracy, and consistency. The higher quality of prefabrication in a controlled environment lowers rework and reduces waste, cost, and time of construction.

• Offsite manufacturing facilities can cut traditional site construction timelines by up to 50 percent.

• Modules can arrive on the worksite up to 90 percent completed, advancing occupancy dates and ensuring earlier hotel opening, which leads to faster ROI.

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MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

Modular construction has the potential to reduce 90 percent of construction waste through streamlined processes, increased accuracy, and efficient use of materials.

• The standardized, automated and controlled environment can double productivity above traditional builds.

A modular construction manufacturing facility is fully staffed with fully trained employees, which reduces time delays due to labour shortages or unskilled workers. And in a controlled environment, two to three shifts can be scheduled in a workday, increasing capacity and throughput times.

The manufacturing facility has the capability to preinstall smart technologies, fire suppression and sprinkler systems, plumbing, electrical, flooring, and furnishings, reducing the quantity of onsite subcontractors and potential scheduling delays.

Modular Construction Guarantees Quality The best way to ensure the quality of construction is to build in a clean, controlled environment with stringent quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures. In a manufacturing facility all quality assurance processes for inspection, review, and approval take place in a welllit, controlled environment, which allows for closer and consistent inspection.

Non-conforming work or products can easily be detected, and the quality representative can quarantine and correct the work immediately. When it comes to evaluating quality control,

FACTS • A 2005 study found that 77 percent of all contractor respondents recognized the increased quality of offsite products • A paper by the Steel Construction Institute found that steel modular construction could reduce the construction period by 33% compared to conventional onsite steel construction.

• The Smart Market Report from Mcgraw-Hill found that 65% of architects reported that 41% of project budgets were decreased by 6% or more by using modular construction.

• As of 2019 Marriott International has built 50 hotels whose construction included assembly of prefabricated guest rooms or bathrooms.

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ask your modular manufacturing partner about the following items: Do they have: • A detailed photographic record and quality assurance sign-off procedure for every module as it progresses down the production line.

• Detailed inspection and test plans used to verify a scope has been completed to the necessary quality standards.

• A quality control manual and a document control process to ensure all essential documents affecting quality and construction are reviewed and approved prior to release for use.

• Access to a factory with third party oversight from an independent testing agency.

Modular construction also provides quality and flexibility in design. The scope can range from single components in a building to multiple modules for multistory structures.

The ability to mass-produce a diverse range of designs in a controlled environment ensures adherence with strict brand guidelines.

Modular Construction is Sustainable Modular construction can be constructed to comply with the highest energy codes and certifications. Passive House, LEED, and Netzero specifications are easily achieved using modular construction.

• Modular construction has the potential to reduce 90 percent of construction waste through streamlined processes, increased accuracy, and efficient use of materials.

• Compared to an equivalent traditionally built project, up to 67 percent less energy is required to produce a modular building.

• Testing of envelope and mechanical systems can occur prior to arriving on site, thus reducing risk of re-work to achieve energy modelling requirements.

Modular manufacturing can integrate recycled materials, superior insulation, water barriers, and smart technology to reduce energy use and provide high performance buildings.

Additionally, with a modular build, site disturbance is minimized reducing noise and waste pollution.

Leading hotel brands are choosing modular construction for the guaranteed consistency in design and quality and speed of construction, which results in a faster return on investment.

Moreover, modular construction offers a more sustainable approach to building, with less disruption and less pollution and waste, which helps owners make the responsible choice when it comes to construction. ▪

Western Canadian Wall and Ceiling Convention

2020

September 17-19, 2020 • Victoria, BC The BCWCA’s second industry summit is scheduled for September 17-20 in beautiful Victoria, BC. Will you be there?

The BC Wall and Ceiling Association is coming to Victoria, BC, and you should, too. Following a successful event in 2018, the Western Canadian Wall and Ceiling Convention 2020 promises more of the same highlights that brought industry members together the first time: guest speakers, educational seminars, social and networking opportunities, and a tabletop trade show. Most importantly, the Summit is a place to trade ideas, find out what other members are up to, make new acquaintances, and recharge old friendships.

“It’s good for the association to have a marquis event that brings all of the industry together on ‘neutral ground’ to be afforded the opportunity to discuss issues that are common to all,” says BCWCA Executive Director, Jeff Triggs. “It provides the opportunities for business networking and educational events that may not happen otherwise.”

Attending the convention is a great way to support the BCWCA and its efforts to contribute positively to the industry in BC. “The 2018 Kelowna Summit demonstrated that this type of event can be an additional source of revenue for the association that diversifies its income and allows it to keep working towards its core goals,” Triggs says. “With the success of the last event, the committee decided it was a worthwhile to try and run another successful event and try to include industry participants from across Western Canada to fill the void left by the NWCB.” wallandceiling.ca » Winter 2020 » 15

CONVENTION 2020

Although the 2018 event was the BCWCA’s first, it went fairly smoothly and was an overall success. Highlights included the Kelowna Lake Cruise and the Spousal Appreciation Reception followed by the gala dinner with Project of the Year Awards. Comedian Tim Nutt was a particular hit with the audience.

The association is meeting this January to firm up the 2020 guest speaker line-up, but the committee hopes to include a range of technical and business topics related to contracting, labour, and the wall and ceiling industry in general.

As for the event activities line-up, the format will look slightly different from the Kelowna schedule. “We will have a golf day on Thursday September 17, and we are planning education seminars for the morning of Friday the 18th,” Triggs says. Friday morning events will be followed by a table-top trade show in the afternoon and a Welcome Cocktail Reception late afternoon.

“Friday evening will be free,” he adds. “Saturday there will be breakfast provided and then free time during most of the day for excursions and site seeing, some of which will be hosted by the event.”

Back by popular demand, the Spouse Appreciation Event will take place at 4:30 p.m. Saturday followed by the gala dinner at 6:00 p.m. The evening will progress to Project of the Year Awards and finish with entertainment.

Watch for the full schedule and line-up in a coming issue of The Trowel and on the BCWCA’s website and social media.

Plan ahead and be sure to attend—you won’t regret it!

“Benefits of attending vary from professional development to industry improvement and opportunities for fun and relaxation,” Triggs says. “A discounted ticket early bird presale is on now until the end of March. More details on the event will be made available shortly as items are finalized.

We hope to see you there!”

Visit bcwca.org for more details. ▪

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Blast from the Past: Alpine Drywall North

Members of Alpine Drywall & Plastering (Northern) Ltd. getting together for breakfast at the Yellowhead Casino in October 2019. From right to left is Bob Kelly, master plasterer and ornamental plastering; Wayne Rentz, steel studs, taper; Vern Nerling, former part owner of Alpine North; Gerry Wunderlich; former part owner of Alpine North; Neil Wunderlich, former part owner of Alpine North; Willi Westermeier, master plasterer, taper; and Ralph Westermeier, plasterer and taper. Photo submitted by Ralph Westermeier.

Crews who work together can start to feel like a family. That was exactly the case for the founders and operators of Alpine Drywall North in Edmonton.

One day in October 2019, a crew from one of Edmonton’s most successful drywall companies came together for breakfast. But it wasn’t just any gathering around bacon and eggs—this was a group who had worked together for several decades, making a name for themselves in the 60s and 70s, fighting their way through the early recessive 80s, and moving into the 90s and 2000s having worked on some of the region’s most important projects. The breakfast was little more than a bunch of fellas clicking coffee and mawing toast, but it was important because of the experience, tenacity, and family-like relationships of the people present.

“It was Neil’s idea to get together for breakfast,” says Ralph Westermeier, the youngest of the crew who worked with Alpine North as a plasterer in the 80s and 90s. “My dad, Willi Westermeier, who is retired now but had a master pasterer certificate, was there. So were Bob Kelly and Wayne Rentz, Vern Nerling, Gerry Wunderlich, and Neil Wunderlich. Most of them are fully retired now, but Neil still takes on smaller jobs and finds people to do them. It was great to have everyone together.”

When Alpine Drywall was in its franchise heyday, the fellows pictured above were its finest assets. They worked out of Alpine Drywall North based in Edmonton under family and partners Jerry, Neil, and Dale Wunderlich and Vern Nerling.

(There is also an Alpine Loydminster and an Alpine Calgary.)

From the day it started in the late 60s or early 70s, Alpine North was more than a business. It operated at a time when everyone knew everyone and the company had regular guys who golfed, fished, and spent time together like a family.

These long-lost workmates kept in touch over the years and thought it a worthwhile venture to get together for breakfast to catch up, share stories, and celebrate their time as a team.

Pictured above was the second time the group got together and there will likely be more breakfast meetings in the future.

Alpine North completed some of the region’s most important projects, including a remodelling at the Royal Alexander Hospital, drywall and custom curved bulkheads at the U of A emergency, and a number of northern projects, such as hospitals in Saks Harbour and Grand Prairie.

Westermeier, a current member of the Alberta Wall and Ceiling Board, was with Alpine North for 25 years. He was a plaster foreman for ten years and then widened his repertoire to oversee stucco and ornamental plaster, as well. After Alpine North, Westermeier went to run the stucco division for Provincial Lathing, responsible for some noteworthy projects including the steel studs at River Creek Casino and Hilton Hotel in Edmonton. The company also repaired all the ornamental plastering at the government house in preparation for the queen’s visit in 2005.

“After Alpine North closed, everyone went off and did their own thing,” Westermeier says. “I am younger than all of them and in 1983 when things really slowed down I was the only one who kept my job because I worked hard to hang on. I needed that job and I was a perfectionist, so I put a lot of effort into producing high-quality work.

That work ethic has carried him into his current business— Superior Stucco and Stone, which serves custom homes and commercial projects in Edmonton and surrounding areas.

Business is thriving, Westermeier says. He doesn’t advertise and recently signed on with the Catholic School Board. “We do high-end homes and some really beautiful work.” ▪ wallandceiling.ca » Winter 2020 » 17

industry NEWS PROMOTING THE SKILLED TRADES TO INDIGENOUS YOUTH IN CANADA A 2019 report describes experiential learning opportunities in high school for Indigenous students interested in learning about the skilled trades.

The report describes three main ways students obtain hands-on learning experiences—trades exploration, trades and technology courses, and Youth Apprenticeship Programs—and includes examples of Indigenousfocused initiatives and the impacts on student outcomes.

The report also outlines findings from interviews with high school teachers, school board officials, and representatives from non-profit organizations, unions, industry associations, and Indigenous education and training organizations. It shares success stories from experiential learning programs and recommends best practices based upon experiences working directly with Indigenous youth. Indigenous high school and post-secondary students identified barriers and recommended what they feel will help Indigenous youth succeed in apprenticeships and skilled trades careers.

Access the report here: https://caf-fca. org/caf_research/promoting-careers-inthe-skilled-trades-to-indigenous-youthin-canada/ ▪

INAUGURAL BUILDERS CODE CHAMPION AWARDS Chinook Scaffold Systems celebrated as Contractor of the Year for sector leadership.

Nine months after unveiling the resources to help the industrial, commercial, and institutional construction sector set a standard 18 » The Trowel

code of conduct on worksites in B.C., the Builders Code has honoured six companies for their leadership at the inaugural Builders Code Champion Awards. Hosted by the BCCA and Minerva BC in Victoria, the awards recognized companies with advanced policies and practices that seek to ensure all employees can reach their full potential in the skilled trades.

“Thank you to the BC Construction Association, Minerva BC and all of your partners for the work you are doing to recruit and advance more women in trades,” said Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. “Your commitment to safe and inclusive workplaces contributes to a more accessible sector for everyone.

Initiatives like the Builders Code are a rallying point to get more people involved in the trades, helping our province continue to grow while embracing diversity.”

The award categories and winners included: • Recruiting & Hiring Champion: RAM Consulting Ltd. (Vancouver); • Workplace Culture Champion: Scott Construction Group (Vancouver) and Kinetic Construction (Victoria); • Community Champion: Westcana Electric (Prince George); • Initiate of the Year: Durwest Construction Management (Victoria); and • Contractor of the Year: Westcana Electric (Prince George) and Chinook Scaffold Systems (Nanaimo) “On behalf of everyone at BCCA, Minerva BC, and all our Builders Code partners, I want to thank our winners for their support of the Builders Code and congratulate them for creating and maintaining outstanding workplaces that support the safety and protection of all employees,” said Chris Atchison, president, BCCA. “As an industry

facing a serious labour shortage, the retention of tradespeople, and especially tradeswomen, in our sector is critical. By demonstrating their commitment to their workforce, our winners have distinguished themselves as outstanding role models in the construction industry.”

Read more about the awards and each winner at https://www.builderscode.ca/ recognition/ ▪

CANADA’S ZERO CARBON BUILDING STANDARD CELEBRATES FIRST 10 CERTIFICATIONS Each certification demonstrates innovative and feasible approaches to building to zero The Canada Green Building Council is helping Canada eliminate carbon emissions with ten projects certifying under its Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard. These pioneering projects include new and existing offices, schools and warehouses, each demonstrating that buildings of all types and age can achieve zero carbon emissions.

Introduced two years ago, the ZCB Standard was designed to guide the industry in building to zero and help Canada meet its international emissions targets by 2030. Since its launch, CaGBC’s made-in-Canada standard has shifted the green building conversation to focus on carbon as its key performance metric. A carbon metric recognizes the true climatic impact of a building and brings to light aspects not considered by energy efficiency, including the importance of selecting low-carbon construction materials and energy sources for building operations. The market response has been encouraging, with over 20 projects (including 10 certifications) now registered under the ZCB standard.

industry NEWS Achieving both Design and Performance certifications—a first One of the first Zero Carbon pilot projects, The Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation at Mohawk College announced it is the first building to achieve both ZCB Design and Performance certifications.

Design certification assures a project has been designed according to zero carbon building requirements while Performance certification demonstrates the project has achieved zero carbon emissions over one year of operation as required by annual verification.

The Joyce Centre design reflects a strong focus on zero-carbon, with an innovative high-performance building envelope that minimizes heating and cooling demand, an all-electric geoexchange system, and a striking rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system.

The careful, integrated design and construction process paid off and building operations have demonstrated better-than-expected performance— enabling the project to achieve ZCBPerformance certification.

“The Joyce Centre is a beautiful and functional example of what a sustainable learning space can offer,” said Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie. “We are proud to provide our students, and the community, with a successful model of climate action at work while setting a new benchmark for green building operations in Canada. This Canada Green Building Council Performance certification confirms that we have been operating The Joyce Centre effectively and that we are meeting the goals we set out in the building’s design.”

“Zero carbon buildings, like The Joyce Centre at Mohawk College, represent a great opportunity for cost-effective emissions reduction,” said Thomas Mueller, president and CEO, CaGBC and CEO, GBCI Canada. “These

projects spur innovation in design, building materials, and technology while creating new skills and expertise for tradespeople and professionals. Owners are also recognizing the benefits a zerocarbon building can bring, including increased resiliency to extreme weather events, meeting occupant expectations for comfort and corporate leadership, and future-proofing against rising carbon costs.”

Zero Carbon Showcase The CaGBC is showcasing the ten ZCB-certified buildings at cagbc.org.

There you can view videos of early pilot projects, review new case studies, and read CaGBC research demonstrating both the technical viability and financial feasibility of the standard.

The self-healing marine concrete service life ranges between 60–94 years compared to only seven years for traditional concrete, exponentially extending the life of concrete-based structures, like hydropower dams for instance.

Check it out: https://youtu.be/BEZApFth5sA ▪

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION STARTS 2020 WITH MOMENTUM

Urban B.C. starts rose in November to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 47,087 units during the month, up from about 33,000 in October. This marked a monthly gain of 38% and a year-over-year increase The CaGBC will also be sharing updates of 26%. to the ZCB Standard early in 2020, as it releases ZCB v2 to the market. Updates Higher starts owed entirely to an will include feedback from the ZCB increase in multi-family starts (up pilot projects and will feature more from 25,441 SAAR to 40,533 units), stringent requirements for energy use and specifically apartments, while detached starts declined. Vancouver, and to a embodied carbon. ▪ lesser extent Victoria, accounted for nearly all the increase.

THE ‘SECRET’ TO SELFHEALING CONCRETE

For several years, scientists have been developing “self-healing materials” for use in the construction world. These substances repair and restore their own functionality, requiring no external or human intervention. Looking ahead, the global market for these materials is expected to reach $8.23 billion by 2026.

Hydrogels and epoxy resins are just some of the self-healing materials that have found construction applications through roofing materials and concrete.

Researchers discovered a bacteria group which, when embedded in concrete, aids the material to self-heal cracks when they appear. This concrete is currently being used in the construction of various bridges, tunnels, residential buildings, and other new structures.

Monthly housing starts are notoriously volatile, reflecting the scale of multifamily projects, which can contain hundreds of units. That said, starts through the first 11 months of 2019 rose 15%. Detached starts declined 19% while multi-family product rose 27%.

2019 was a blockbuster year for new home starts. Overall growth has been dominated by gains in condominium housing, specifically in Metro Vancouver.

A scan of the larger urban markets (populations above 50,000) points to a 39% increase in condominium starts, while rental starts were up nearly 4%.

Freehold ownership, largely detached, fell 19%. Read more at biv.com/ article/2020/01/new-apartments-driverise-bc-home-starts ▪ wallandceiling.ca » Winter 2020 » 19

around the WORLD ECOPHON SOLO BAFFLES AND CLOUDS FROM CERTAINTEED UNLEASH CREATIVE FREEDOM When design dreams and structural realities demand an alternative to the standard wall-to-wall suspended ceiling, specifiers can turn to Ecophon Solo Baffles and Clouds.

CertainTeed recently launched the expanded line of baffles and a simplified line of clouds to address the design and acoustic challenges of large open plenum spaces.

Dynamic New Baffles In order to provide architects and designers with more design freedom and flexibility, CertainTeed has added two exciting new shapes to its existing line of Ecophon Solo rectangular baffles: Wave and Zig Zag. The undulating waves and cuttingedge zig zag patterns provide a unique and dynamic visual for contemporary spaces.

Featuring excellent sound absorption properties, Wave and Zig Zag are prime examples of how designers can create custom visuals through the creative arrangement of standard product sizes and shapes. Ecophon Solo Baffles are available in 16 trending colours and feature lightweight yet resilient construction. New accessories also allow for vertical installation onto walls, enhancing design flexibility.

Not only do these products accommodate existing HVAC ductwork, plumbing, and fire protection systems, they provide advanced acoustic management—a key component of creating healthy, balanced environments.

Added Design Flexibility Recently simplified to include six standard shapes and ten standard sizes, Ecophon Solo Clouds provide architects and designers with a unique offering of colours, shapes, and sizes to create unique, design-forward installations. Available in the same 16 trending colours as Ecophon Solo Baffles, the product line includes squares, circles, rectangles, trapezoids ,and hexagons.

These durable, lightweight high-density fiberglass clouds are easy to handle and install quickly—reducing labour costs and keeping projects on schedule. The robust material ensures even large panel formats resist sagging without requiring extra support.

“Clouds of any shape and colour can be installed in layers, on angles, and at any depth to create dramatic sculptural installations with superior acoustic control,” says Chris Bourque, director of marketing at CertainTeed. “Design professionals can truly let their creativity take over with these products.”

Additional shapes are available through CertainTeed’s Solo Freedom line. Specifiers can work with their sales 20 » The Trowel

representative to determine if a custom option is a possibility for their project.

A Sound Solution As commercial spaces have become more open, the use of glass, wood, metal, polished concrete, and other acoustically reflective materials have also become more common. These trends have made sound control more important than ever.

Research shows precisely placed clouds and baffles can absorb a significant amount of sound with less surface area than suspended ceilings.

“While there are many clouds and baffles on the market, our cohesive line of products delivers unparalleled creative and acoustic control to architects and designers working in modern open spaces,” adds Bourque. “They no longer have to sacrifice aesthetics for acoustic control, or vice versa.”

For more information, please visit www.CertainTeed.com/ AcousticalDesign. ▪

it’s the LAW ABANDONMENT ISSUES: WHEN DOES THE DEADLINE TO FILE A BUILDERS’ LIEN ARISE IN CASES OF ABANDONMENT? Many contractors are aware that when a project is completed within the meaning of the Builders Lien Act they only have 45 days to file a lien against the property they were working on. Perhaps less widely known is that a general contractor’s abandonment of their contract or the project as a whole is another triggering event that gets the 45 day lien period running. Also, under the Builders Lien Act, a project may be legally deemed to be abandoned once 30 days has gone by with no work being performed on site, unless this is due to certain causes such as: lockout, sickness, weather conditions, holidays, a court order, or a shortage of material.

The issue of when a contract stands abandoned for the purposes of the Builders Lien Act was recently considered in Cannex Contracting 2000 Inc. v. Eagle Ridge Land Sales Corp., 2019 BCSC 626.

The Facts In this case, the defendant was the developer (the “Developer”) of a proposed subdivision in Cranbrook. The Developer retained the plaintiff as its general contractor (the “Contractor”). Under its general contract (the “Contract”), the Contractor was to provide the engineering, materials, labour, tools, and equipment necessary to develop and subdivide the Cranbrook property.

The Contractor began work on the subdivision in the summer of 2016 and invoiced the Developer three times in 2017.

The Developer disputed several charges on the third invoice, issued in October 2017. It also alleged certain deficiencies in the Contractor’s work.

After this dispute arose, the Contractor’s employees and subcontractors continued to perform work in connection with the subdivision. This work was associated at least in part with non-physical work, including project management, coordination, and administration. It was also not concentrated work, but spread out here and there.

While the parties’ discussions continued after their dispute arose, payment of the disputed amounts was not made by the Developer and the Contractor filed a builders’ lien on March 21, 2018. The Developer then terminated the Contract on June 8, 2018, and applied to the court to have the Contractor’s lien found to be extinguished. The Developer’s primary argument was that the Contractor had not done any work on the project since October 31, 2017, which resulted in the Contract being abandoned 30 days later on November 30, 2018. As a result, the Developer argued the time period for filing a lien would have run out 45 days after this, on January 14, 2019.

By / Andrew D.R. Delmonico (left) and Ted Lewis (right), Kuhn LLP

The Decision In its reasons, the Court disagreed with the Developer and refused to extinguish the Contractor’s lien, noting that while a project may be deemed (i.e. presumed) abandoned under the Builders Lien Act if no work is done for 30 days, the legislature did not intend this provision to override proof the parties actually intended to continue with construction.

Applying this principle, the Court found that, despite the ongoing invoice disputes, the Contractor continued to work on the project right up until the Developer terminated the Contract. The nature of the Contractor’s work was not required to be extensive or highly concentrated in order to count, as the Builders Lien Act only considers situation where “no work” is performed.

At any rate, the facts showed that the parties did not actually intend to consider the Contract abandoned, even if no work had been performed. While there were disputes about payment and deficiencies, the conduct of both parties demonstrated they were still contemplating that the work would be performed by the Contractor.

Lessons Learned 1. Among other events that cause the lien period to begin running, a lien must be filed within 45 days after “abandonment” of a project or general contract. Whether a specific project has been abandoned will depend on the circumstances applicable to an individual case.

2. If “no work” is performed on site for a period of 30 days, a specific project or general contract may be deemed to be abandoned for the purposes of the Builders Lien Act. However, it is possible to avoid a project being deemed abandoned even where only minor amounts of work continue to be performed. ▪ This article was written by Andrew D.R. Delmonico, Partner, and Ted R. Lewis, articled student, who practise 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 any questions or comments about this case or other construction law matters, please contact us at 604.864.8877 (Abbotsford) or 604.684.8668 (Vancouver). wallandceiling.ca » Winter 2020 » 21

technology CORNER CREDIT CARD PROCESSING EXPLAINED On the topic of credit card processing, the most common complaint I hear from merchants is just how difficult it is to understand what they’re paying. I’ve found that the simplest way to make sense of these fees is to understand who’s profiting and what they charge.

There are three bodies who profit from credit card transactions: the networks, the banks that issue credit cards, and the processors who complete the transactions. Networks like Visa and MasterCard charge what’s called an assessment fee on any transaction that involves one of their cards. As of January 2020, Visa charges 0.1017% and MasterCard sets their rate at 0.1106%.

Banks that issue credit cards collect money whenever a consumer makes a purchase. The processor who completes the transaction pays them a prearranged percentage called the card’s interchange rate. There are a few different factors that go into where a card’s Interchange rate is set, but the two most important ones are the transaction type and the card’s reward system. A credit card’s reward system has the largest effect on a merchant’s rates. The better the card, the higher the interchange rate.

Transaction type refers to how a purchase is processed, which has a significant effect on fraud rates. Rates are reduced on lower risk transactions like repeat charges to the same credit

C

card because this pattern indicates a relationship between buyer and seller. It benefits all of us when steps are taken to minimize fraud and that includes reduced rates for the merchant. Savings can be substantial in this area because Interchange rates run from 1.10% to 2.79% at present.

Now we’re left with the processor who completes the transaction. In Canada there are now six major processors. Unlike the networks and card-issuing banks, processors have no limits on what they can charge, other than what competition and good sense impose. I’ve seen fair profit margins, ridiculously low margins and ridiculously high margins. Collective bargaining is a great way to minimize this cost. BCWCA members receive a group rate that keeps the processor’s mark-up at a very low level.

On most processing statements you’ll find an estimated discount rate. This is the average overall rate you paid for that month. Take this number, subtract the interchange rates and assessment fees, and you’ll have your processor’s mark-up.

Once you’ve determined your processor’s profit-margin you’ll be in a far better position to go out and collect competitive bids. Just be sure that you look beyond the rates and take into account non-financial benefits like access to local account management,

By / Tom Bremner

sound data security advice, and technological expertise. These are often more important than cost savings. ▪ Baseline has an excellent track record of working with construction and building supply organizations.

Association Sales Director and Certified Payments Professional Tom Bremner brings extensive experience in minimizing the cost of collections through a deep understanding of credit card processing.

The Voice of the West Coast Wall and Ceiling Industry • www.thetrowel.ca • Winter 2020

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contractors 101 BEING A MAGNETIC AND POSITIVE LEADER You ever get a vibe off someone when you first meet them?

Right away, you either like them or you don’t. They have some kind of energy that you are responding to (good or bad) and it’s having an effect. The same thing plays out in the workplace with your crews and your routine as a leader.

Being a Magnetic and Positive leader is vital to success at work. Here’s why: A magnetic and positive person draws positive people and outcomes to themselves. If you do not work at being positive, you may, without even knowing it, put out negative energy and draw negativity to yourself. Now, before you think I’m dropping some California tofu-eater metaphysical B.S. on you, give me a chance.

Being positive is very important. Being respected is, in my way of thinking, always better than being liked—but what if you can achieve both? What are some of the business benefits?

Positive and magnetic people: • Are better persuaders and negotiators • Are given the benefit of the doubt about their intentions • Generally have more doors open to them • Often have a network of people promoting them • Attract others • Make people smile Okay, that last one is a “have a nice day” (barf) moment. But it is real. A lot of people think that being positive is simply inherent— people are either born positive or not, so they are sometimes unwilling to work at it. I disagree. Being positive is a choice.

By / Mark Breslin

Here’s what to keep in mind if you want to be a positive and magnetic person both in and out of the workplace: • Be enthusiastic and show it • Be encouraging and say it • Be complimentary and mean it • Show real interest in other people and their families • Be a good and active listener • Don’t interrupt others • Show respect and make people feel important And remember, as Dale Carnegie wisely said, “A person’s name is the sweetest and most important sound they can ever hear.”

Some leaders and managers revel in the idea that being a hardass whom people fear or dislike is a good sign. Personally, I think being a positive and encouraging hard-ass is a much better idea. ▪ Mark Breslin is an author, speaker, CEO, and influencer at the highest levels of business in North America. He has spent decades advising CEOs and senior leaders in business, government, labour, and non-profit arenas in both the U.S. and Canada.

As a top rated public speaker and strategist, he has spoken live to more than 350,000 people. His five bestselling books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and have improved leadership, accountability, profitability, innovation, and engagement for organizations and individuals. See his work at www.breslin.biz

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This is your magazine. Make sure it tells your story.

Contact our editor, Jessica Kirby, at 250.816.3671 or email jessica.kirby@pointonemedia.com.

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