2019/20 VICA Board Chair Report

CHAIR REPORT

ROGER YAGER

Knappett Projects Inc.

As I complete my second year as Chair of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), I would like to share my reflection on the past twelve months. The year commenced with an optimistic outlook for the future with all signs indicating another banner year for the industry on Vancouver Island. The Association was in a good financial position and able to increase its member engagement and education offerings for our members. Little did we know how much our lives were going to change only a few short months into 2020.

In February, the world would become aware of a new and threatening virus, COVID-19, that would impact our daily lives. On March 18, the Province of British Columbia declared a State of Emergency signaling that our lives would be dramatically changed not only in the short term but for many months to come. Amongst all the fear, nervousness, and uncertainty that this presented, our industry was deemed an essential service and the battle was on!

The construction community came together as a united front, collaborating with one another, and finding ways to operate safely in a global pandemic. Although there were many heated discussions in the early days about what to do (stop work, stay home, wait it out, persevere) and how to do it, the local industry members and VICA continued to work in tandem to chart a path forward. Our industry is not known for giving up and are resilient in the face of challenges and adversity.

Although events and educational activities were cancelled and the personal touch of the VICA offices needed to be temporarily halted, Rory and his staff continued to maintain the operation and find ways to serve the members through virtual means.

Currently, we find ourselves in a “new normal” with much of the industry still actively working, albeit with significantly modified protocols in place. With low case counts on the Island and very few cases related to construction activities, we have a new enemy to face – COMPLACENCY. We are not out of the woods yet. We need to continue following established safety protocols so that we can work, be productive and remain a driving force for the economy of British Columbia.

I am very proud to be a member of this industry as we continue to take on the challenges that the future will bring. Our collective experience, diversity and flexibility will afford us success in the years to come.

As my term ends, I am pleased to recognize Rory and VICA Staff for their hard work in extraordinary times to ensure that the Association continues to be a value to its members. I also want to thank the current Board of Directors for their support and contributions this year. Under their guidance, VICA will continue to be successful and a key resource for the industry.