December 28, 2012

Looking back at the past year in construction news: May - August

MAY

Digging notification bylaw passes in Ontario

The passage of the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012 is considered “monumental,” by the president of the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance. The law will establish a non-profit, industry-funded mandatory “One Call” call centre as the single point of contact for all underground utility location.

IO launches vendor of record process

Infrastructure Ontario (IO) introduces a vendor of record process for general contractors, architects, engineers and interior designers bidding on projects managed by the successor organization of Ontario Realty Corp. The VOR lists will replace the current source lists, and IO started with general contractors in June 2012.

JUNE

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum needs champions

As it loses federal funding, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) launches an Apprenticeship Champion campaign, calling for champions of apprenticeship to come forward to support a national research, discussion and promotion mandate.
Regina, Sask. played host to the 2012 CAF conference.

New Windsor-Detroit bridge deal signed

An agreement is signed between Canada and the State of Michigan toward building a new publicly owned bridge crossing the Detroit River, which is expected to increase trade and investment between Canada and the U.S.
The Canadian Construction Association considers the project extremely important.

JULY

Metron pleads guilty in swing-stage tragedy

Metron Construction Corp. pleads guilty to charges of criminal negligence in connection with an accident on Christmas Eve, 2009 that killed four construction workers, who fell from a swing-stage that broke apart in Toronto. Published reports indicate the crown attorney would seek a fine of $1 million against the corporation.

Wiring Up for Wallenda in Niagara Falls

Nik Wallenda’s tightrope walk across Niagara Falls was not only a marvel of daredevilry, but also a marvel of international co-operation, as regulators worked together to make the event a reality. Behind the scenes, Canadian and American construction contractors also worked hard to ensure the event was executed flawlessly.

AUGUST

New prevention council for Ontario unveiled

An Ontario Prevention Council is established to help protect workers and improve workplace health and safety across the province. The creation of the council is one of the 46 recommendations made by Tony Dean and his Expert Advisory Panel after reviewing Ontario’s occupation health and safety system.

New campaign against Ontario trades college

The Ontario Construction Employers Coalition (OCEC) ramps up its efforts to shut down the Ontario College of Trades with a new campaign. The campaign is focused on making tradespeople and trades employers in the province “fully aware of the Ontario College of Trades and its implications on our industry,” said OCEC.

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