December 28, 2006

YEAR IN REVIEW - MARCH/APRIL

Butt out law hits worksites

Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has begun public consultations on proposed changes to the Ontario Building Code that would increase energy efficiency requirements of new buildings. Potential code changes that could affect the ICI sector include increased efficiency requirements for electrical and mechanical systems, including lighting.

Uncertified trades on notice

The MOL’s announced it has given its health and safety inspectors power to slap on the spot tickets on uncertified trades as a way on ensuring the protection of health and safety of construction workers and construction businesses.

Lack of skilled labour

Immigration figures show policies have favoured white-collar professionals to the detriment of trade and technical sector immigration, which has dropped off 10 per cent in the last eight years. What the industry is facing right now is just the tip of the iceberg, said George Gritziotis, CSC, and what is lying beneath the surface is big enough to sink the Titanic.

Address underground economy

Major construction firms are hoping that Ontario finance minister Dwight Duncan will address the issue of the underground economy when he delivers the provincial budget. The province needs to launch a full-scale attack on the “cash-only business,” starting with the construction sector, said David Frame, president of COCA.

Facelift for Toronto’s waterfront

Under the master development plan by the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corp. (TWRC), during the next 10 to 15 years, the 32-hectare West Don Lands will be redeveloped into a community of approximately 6000 housing units.

IAN HARVEY

At a rally calling for the federal government to end deportation of construction - most of whom are Portuguese - a pregnant Viviane Souza breaks into tears as she considers her future and that of her son, Jaime, 4 now that her husband Jaime, 30, a roofer, is facing deportation.

Online reverse auctions studied

The Canadian Construction Association is waiting for publication of the final phase of a landmark study of online reverse auctions. The two-phased study is being carried out by the Construction Management Department of Louisiana State University with funding from a number of organizations, including the CCA.

Battle on over illegal labour

The lawyer for ‘illegal’ construction workers being deported has decried the intrusion of the Portuguese Government. “It’s horrific,” said Richard Boraks. “We had just gotten past the stage of everyone crying about how horrible it was and into discussion of the blue print which the Toronto construction industry has created last year to solve it and now it’s politicized and the federal government will probably get its back up and stall.”

What a blast, silos refuse to fall

The 120, 000 tonne silo structure at the former Consumer Glass Chisholm Drive facility in Milton refused to bow down to 90 kilograms of carefully placed explosives. The structure used to store sand used by the glass manufacturer. The blast had taken a month to plan and prepare so additional blasting was not an option. The demolition team had to use construction equipment to remove some of the non-structural components of the structure.

PCL 100 years in industry

A century ago, a small town Saskatchewan builder named Ernie Poole launched what is today being celebrated as the country’s largest contacting group of companies. This month marks the 100th anniversary of the PCL Family of Companies.

Construction secretariat

The CCA is calling for the creation within Industry Canada of a secretariat to help foster innovation and enhance productivity with the construction industry. CCA president Michael Atkinson told Daily Commercial News that while such entities exist for other sectors of the economy, construction is lumped into the services industries branch, which oversees over 40 areas.

Union calls for rally

A planned protest of the plight of undocumented workers being booted out of Canada by the federal Conservative government could see construction sites around the city shut down as thousands of construction workers march at Queens Park on April 21.

Commercial, industrial markets

There appears to be no stopping the phenomenal growth in the industrial and commercial sector as Statistics Canada reports the sixth consecutive record high in ICI investments. However, one expert cautions this growth can’t be maintained at this record level for much longer.

Energy blowing in the wind

Building Ontario’s largest wind farm is not as easy as assembling a Meccano set, instead issues ranging from delivery of key components, the need for specialized expensive equipment, and having to cope with some unusual terrain are just some of the many hurdles facing this fast growing construction niche.

Stop deporting skilled workers

More than 1000 people rallied in front Queens Park to add their voices to the demand that the federal government stop deporting skilled construction workers. Participants are calling on the federal Conservative government to put a moratorium on the deportation of undocumented skilled workers.

Museum garners LEED Gold

The Canadian War Museum, which incorporates energy-efficient features, and a large green roof, was awarded a Globe Award for excellence in urban sustainability. The building’s green roof is a feature that has attracted much attention. At 10, 684 square meters, it is one of the largest in North America.

Union wants probe of takeover

Members of Local 183 blocked traffic on University Avenue outside the office of the Ontario Labour Relations Board. The OLRB has the power to determine if the LIUNA had just cause to place the Local under trusteeship. Local 183 representatives argue that the trusteeship places wages, benefits, and pensions at risk.

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