July 12, 2010
CSC conference
Construction Specifications Canada president: ‘We have to be open to change’
Unless the construction and design industries embrace Building Information Modeling (BIM), “we’re going to be left behind,” says the incoming president of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC).
“People ask me what’s on the agenda for this year, and I think foremost is the idea that we have to be open to change,” said Corinne Golding, speaking to Reed Construction Data during CSC’s annual conference in Saskatoon May 26-30.
“There’s a change afoot in the industry related to BIM, and if we’re not open to that change, we’re going to be left behind.
“There are a number of people who are still afraid of BIM,” Golding added, “and I think we need to show them that there are opportunities for everyone here.”
■ Construction Specifications Canada salutes members at Saskatoon conference
■ MasterFormat changes get positive reception from industry
■ Communication was key, says outgoing Construction Specifications Canada president
Construction Specifications Canada is a national multi-disciplinary, non-profit association that focuses on the development and delivery of education programs, publications and services for the construction community.
Golding, a specifications writer at Smith Carter Architects and Engineers in Calgary, says CSC must strive to be more green.
“Based on what I heard at the members’ forum, I think something CSC has to do is offer choices to our members,” she said.
“We heard that people want CSC to be more environmentally conscious, and for that reason, I think we have to give our members choices on how they receive information (PDF documents instead of paper), and how they send information back to the association ... we need to think green.”
While Golding sees challenges ahead in her term as CSC president, in particular pushing the industry toward adopting BIM, “I’m fortunate enough to have around me on the executive council some very good people who are more well-versed in BIM,” she said.
“I have people around me who will make me think outside the box, take me outside my comfort level, and that’s a good thing.”
Carpenters’ union official Ucal Powell named to Order of Ontario
Province of Ontario recognizes Ucal Powell, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario, for building a world-class apprenticeship program and earning a reputation as a giving and compassionate organization, with the Order of Ontario.
VIDEO: Buildex Vancouver 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre
Buildex Vancouver brings together the construction, design and real estate industries on an annual basis into a giant, two day show at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
VIDEO: Pre-Construction begins on the Evergreen Line
Pre-construction work has begun on the Evergreen Line, an extension of the Skytrain rapid transit system that currently spans Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby and some of Coquitlam. The new line will extend from Coquitlam all the way to Port Moody, alleviating traffic and offering a green alternative to motorized vehicles.
VIDEO: The Vancouver Regional Construction Association's U35 initiative
Construction industry experts have long warned of an "experience gap" between senior management and young workers just entering the sector. Due to the bottoming out of the industry in the 1990s, the industry has lacked a core group of younger managers and executives to take over once the baby boomer generation retires.
Toronto IIDEX trade show to have renewed focus
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) will be a co-presenter of this year’s IIDEX/NeoCon Canada conference and expo, which has traditionally been a contract furniture show but will start placing a greater emphasis on construction products, architecture and technology, the event organizer has announced.
Brook Restoration safety training includes swing stage, hazardous materials
Brook Restoration recently opened its own safety centre. In addition to regular safety training like WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), Brook offers training in aspects such as swing stage, boom and elevated work platform, asbestos, lead, Bobcats and confined spaces.
VIDEO: Remembering the Bentall Four
On January 7, 1981, Gunther Couvreux, Brian Stevenson, Donald W. Davis and Yrjo Mitrunen fell thirty-six floors to their deaths when a fly form attached to the Bentall building in downtown Vancouver came loose.
Efficiency is Ontario trades college goal
Ontario’s current apprenticeship system has failed the province’s youth, says the Ontario College of Trades new chair, Ron Johnson.
Ontario College of Trades chair hopes ratios will be reviewed in first two years
Ron Johnson, the new Chair of the Board of Governors of the Ontario College of Trades and Deputy Director of Interior Systems Contractors Association of Ontario and the Interior Finishing Systems Training Centre, said every individual who has an issue with a compulsory certification and ratio review application will have an opportunity to represent their arguments to a review panel.
