Walker Industries and AECOM raised $1300 for KidzCanHelp.ca, funds will be used for the annual event they started partnering with this year called "Let's Learn Hockey" through the Minor Hockey Foundation - Ontario. The event hosts 35-40 disadvantaged kids from the Golden Horseshoe and provides them brand new hockey equipment head to toe and their enrollment into fall hockey paid for.
TORONTO, May 5 /CNW/ - From 2010 to 2015, Canadian infrastructure will grow at over two and a half times the growth rate seen over the previous five years, a new PwC-sponsored report by Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics found. By 2020, Canada is expected to be the fifth largest construction market behind India and Japan—a jump from its current position in seventh place.
"Over the next decade, we expect infrastructure to be the fastest growing end market in Canada and housing to be the slowest," says Sal Bianco, National Engineering and Construction Leader, PwC. "Responsible for this huge growth are a number of oil sands projects starting in Alberta, the major hydro projects planned in Ontario and Quebec, expanding transportation needs in urban centres and the construction demands the Pan Am Games is placing on the country."
Pan Am Games spur competitive bids
Canada's hosting of the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto carries a $2.4 billion price tag as new sports venues and other facilities have to be constructed. This includes a $1 billion athlete's village, aquatics centre, indoor gymnasium and running track, and the Canadian Sport Institute complex.
A new Airport Rail Link (ARL)—a 3km rail line between Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport—will be completed prior to the Games. Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx issued an RFP last month and a preferred bidder among the four already shortlisted will be announced in early 2012.
New transportation projects come at a high cost...
Over 80% of Canadians live in urban areas with an expected average growth rate of about 1% per annum over the next 10 years. "The steady growth of Canadians living in urban cities is placing more pressure for more transportation," says Bianco. "This, in turn, is spurring the increase in transportation infrastructure projects that typically carry high costs."
For instance, there are several transport projects that are either underway or planned in Toronto and Ottawa:
Many large hydro power projects are either currently in construction or planned, including the country's largest—a $6.5 billion hydro complex in Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec, which is expected to be completed by 2020. Other notable projects include:
The story is no different over the longer term. Alberta's Capital Plan calls for a $17.6 billion spend on infrastructure to support oil sands development over the next three years, while major industry players like Suncor will spend in excess of $15 billion within the next 5 years and Imperial Oil and CNRL with $8 billion and $4 billion in spend respectively by 2012.
"New builds will continue to attract private investment and Canada has already established a very successful pipeline of privately financed infrastructure investments," says Bianco. Public Private Partnerships Canada (P3), round three funding opens this year and will attract applications for infrastructure projects across the country."
For more information related to forecasts for Canada and other global findings, and to access the complete Global Construction 2020 report, please visit http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/engineering-construction/publications/global-construction-2020.jhtml. The report and supporting materials including graphs and tables are also available from the media contacts.
Follow PwC on Twitter @PwC_Canada_LLP and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pwccanada.
Firm Description
PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www.pwc.com for more information. In Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (www.pwc.com/ca) and its related entities have more than 5,700 partners and staff in offices across the country.
"PwC" is the brand under which member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwCIL) operate and provide services. Together, these firms form the PwC network. Each firm in the network is a separate legal entity and does not act as agent of PwCIL or any other member firm. PwCIL does not provide any services to clients. PwCIL is not responsible or liable for the acts or omissions of any of its member firms nor can it control the exercise of their professional judgment or bind them in any way.
Note to Editors: PwC has changed its name from PricewaterhouseCoopers to PwC in the fall of 2010. 'PwC' is written in text with a capital 'P' and capital 'C'. Only when you use the PwC logo is the name represented in lower case.
"PwC" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity.
"Over the next decade, we expect infrastructure to be the fastest growing end market in Canada and housing to be the slowest," says Sal Bianco, National Engineering and Construction Leader, PwC. "Responsible for this huge growth are a number of oil sands projects starting in Alberta, the major hydro projects planned in Ontario and Quebec, expanding transportation needs in urban centres and the construction demands the Pan Am Games is placing on the country."
Pan Am Games spur competitive bids
Canada's hosting of the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto carries a $2.4 billion price tag as new sports venues and other facilities have to be constructed. This includes a $1 billion athlete's village, aquatics centre, indoor gymnasium and running track, and the Canadian Sport Institute complex.
A new Airport Rail Link (ARL)—a 3km rail line between Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport—will be completed prior to the Games. Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx issued an RFP last month and a preferred bidder among the four already shortlisted will be announced in early 2012.
New transportation projects come at a high cost...
Over 80% of Canadians live in urban areas with an expected average growth rate of about 1% per annum over the next 10 years. "The steady growth of Canadians living in urban cities is placing more pressure for more transportation," says Bianco. "This, in turn, is spurring the increase in transportation infrastructure projects that typically carry high costs."
For instance, there are several transport projects that are either underway or planned in Toronto and Ottawa:
- The $4.6 billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Toronto is the largest transit investment in Canada's history. It includes a 20km tunnel in mid-town Toronto, plus a 12km tunnel to the east.
- An extension of the Toronto subway to York Region, costing almost $2.7 billion, is in construction. This will link Toronto with York Region via an 8.6km extension and six new stations.
- The$2.1 billion Ottawa LRT project is its first phase of a larger LRT network the City of Ottawa plans to build. The first phase includes 13 new stations as well as a 3.2km tunnel in downtown Ottawa.
Many large hydro power projects are either currently in construction or planned, including the country's largest—a $6.5 billion hydro complex in Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec, which is expected to be completed by 2020. Other notable projects include:
- A $5 billion hydro project in James Bay Territory, Quebec, is under construction and is a part of Hydro Quebec's plans to increase hydro output by 15.8TW over the period 2006-14.
- A $6.2 billion 2,250MW hydro complex in central Labrador is planned, funded by Hydro Quebec. It will supply electricity to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
The story is no different over the longer term. Alberta's Capital Plan calls for a $17.6 billion spend on infrastructure to support oil sands development over the next three years, while major industry players like Suncor will spend in excess of $15 billion within the next 5 years and Imperial Oil and CNRL with $8 billion and $4 billion in spend respectively by 2012.
"New builds will continue to attract private investment and Canada has already established a very successful pipeline of privately financed infrastructure investments," says Bianco. Public Private Partnerships Canada (P3), round three funding opens this year and will attract applications for infrastructure projects across the country."
For more information related to forecasts for Canada and other global findings, and to access the complete Global Construction 2020 report, please visit http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/engineering-construction/publications/global-construction-2020.jhtml. The report and supporting materials including graphs and tables are also available from the media contacts.
Follow PwC on Twitter @PwC_Canada_LLP and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pwccanada.
Firm Description
PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www.pwc.com for more information. In Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (www.pwc.com/ca) and its related entities have more than 5,700 partners and staff in offices across the country.
"PwC" is the brand under which member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwCIL) operate and provide services. Together, these firms form the PwC network. Each firm in the network is a separate legal entity and does not act as agent of PwCIL or any other member firm. PwCIL does not provide any services to clients. PwCIL is not responsible or liable for the acts or omissions of any of its member firms nor can it control the exercise of their professional judgment or bind them in any way.
Note to Editors: PwC has changed its name from PricewaterhouseCoopers to PwC in the fall of 2010. 'PwC' is written in text with a capital 'P' and capital 'C'. Only when you use the PwC logo is the name represented in lower case.
"PwC" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity.
TORONTO, May 4 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) held its Annual General Meeting in April 2011 and are pleased to announce the Association's Board of Directors and Officers for Fiscal 2011 as follows:
Tammy Evans - President, Director Mira Fabian - Immediate Past President, Director Kitty Campbell - Vice-President, Director Catherine DiMarco - Treasurer, Director Charmaine Peters - Secretary, Director Nancy Sendell - Director Audrey Freidin - Director Originally the Toronto Chapter 295 of the sister U.S. National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), CAWIC recently celebrated its 5th Anniversary as an independent Canadian not for profit organization, serving the needs of women in the Canadian construction industry. CAWIC continues to maintain its ties with NAWIC and has established relationships with similar associations in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
"While the construction industry promises significant career and business opportunities for women in a variety of trade, technical and professional fields, we still have a long way to go and we must keep working toward a higher level of representation in our workforce and improved support of women in construction," says Tammy Evans.
CAWIC's mandate is to facilitate the long-term success of women in the Canadian construction industry through our core values of leadership, mentorship, membership and partnership. CAWIC continues to work closely within and across our industry, and recently partnered with the GTA Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) in order to further our objectives to reach out to more women in the industry.
CAWIC's membership base consists of individuals and companies engaged directly in or serving the construction industry, including skilled tradeswomen, contractors, architectural and engineering firms, professionals, designers and others directly involved or serving the industry.
Some of our targeted areas of focus for Fiscal 2011 to better serve our membership are: to identify partnership opportunities to support more women within the industry; to participate in community complementary events targeted to supporting women; to encourage and support women considering a career in construction through co-operative educational initiatives; and to further develop networking opportunities to encourage mutual support and connection for our members within the industry.
To that end, CAWIC is excited to announce its participation in Habitat for Humanity Toronto Women Build 2011 on Friday May 6, 2011. We have exceeded our sponsorship goal, raising over $15,000 to date for Toronto families in need. Go Team CAWIC!
Tammy Evans - President, Director Mira Fabian - Immediate Past President, Director Kitty Campbell - Vice-President, Director Catherine DiMarco - Treasurer, Director Charmaine Peters - Secretary, Director Nancy Sendell - Director Audrey Freidin - Director Originally the Toronto Chapter 295 of the sister U.S. National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), CAWIC recently celebrated its 5th Anniversary as an independent Canadian not for profit organization, serving the needs of women in the Canadian construction industry. CAWIC continues to maintain its ties with NAWIC and has established relationships with similar associations in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
"While the construction industry promises significant career and business opportunities for women in a variety of trade, technical and professional fields, we still have a long way to go and we must keep working toward a higher level of representation in our workforce and improved support of women in construction," says Tammy Evans.
CAWIC's mandate is to facilitate the long-term success of women in the Canadian construction industry through our core values of leadership, mentorship, membership and partnership. CAWIC continues to work closely within and across our industry, and recently partnered with the GTA Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) in order to further our objectives to reach out to more women in the industry.
CAWIC's membership base consists of individuals and companies engaged directly in or serving the construction industry, including skilled tradeswomen, contractors, architectural and engineering firms, professionals, designers and others directly involved or serving the industry.
Some of our targeted areas of focus for Fiscal 2011 to better serve our membership are: to identify partnership opportunities to support more women within the industry; to participate in community complementary events targeted to supporting women; to encourage and support women considering a career in construction through co-operative educational initiatives; and to further develop networking opportunities to encourage mutual support and connection for our members within the industry.
To that end, CAWIC is excited to announce its participation in Habitat for Humanity Toronto Women Build 2011 on Friday May 6, 2011. We have exceeded our sponsorship goal, raising over $15,000 to date for Toronto families in need. Go Team CAWIC!
Federation of three practices under the Perkins+Will Canada name will strengthen offerings, deepen healthcare expertise
ONTARIO, April 28 /CNW/ - Perkins+Will Canada launches today as a unified national practice. The launch sees Ottawa and Hamilton (Dundas)-based Vermeulen Hind Architects, one of Canada's leading healthcare architectural firms, merge with Shore Tilbe Perkins+Will, celebrated for its focus on civic and recreation architecture, and Vancouver-based Busby Perkins+Will, widely regarded as one of North America's leading green practices. The combination marks the official launch of Perkins+Will Canada, establishing the firm among the pre-eminent interdisciplinary design practices in the nation.
"The addition of Vermeulen Hind supports the Perkins+Will strategy to grow by targeted merger, creating a larger pool of expertise and talent in key practices that complement our existing strengths," said Peter Busby, Managing Director, Vancouver. "The establishment of Perkins+Will Canada translates into greater access to the Canadian and international marketplace, while maintaining our commitment to the local communities where we operate."
"Now is the right time to solidify the Perkins+Will brand in Canada," said D'Arcy Arthurs, Managing Director, Ontario. "Not only does the Vermeulen Hind merger expand our Ontario market with highly regarded healthcare experience, something we've been anticipating for some time, but it gives us a strategic foundation to build a broader presence across the country and across specialties."
Founded in 1992, Vermeulen Hind provides a depth of experience in designing specialized healthcare facilities, including cancer centres. The firm's portfolio ranges from smaller, adaptive re-use and restoration projects to larger, multi-phase institutional transformations. Vermeulen Hind, along with Perkins+Will's current Toronto office, will comprise the Ontario practice of Perkins+Will Canada.
"Each Perkins+Will Canada office shares a common philosophy of design excellence, and combining the knowledge, expertise and resources of our legacy firms will result in one of the strongest and most innovative architecture practices in North America," said Fred Vermeulen, Healthcare Market Sector Leader, Ontario. "By collaborating with our colleagues across Perkins+Will, we will be able to strengthen our offering and better meet the growing needs of our diverse client base."
About Perkins+Will
Established in 1935, Perkins+Will (www.perkinswill.com) is an integrated design firm serving clients from offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Dubai, Dundas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Research Triangle Park, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, DC. The firm practices architecture, interiors, branded environments, planning + strategies, Preservation + Adaptive Reuse, and urban design for clients in the aviation + transit, corporate + commercial + civic, healthcare, higher education, K-12 education, science + technology and Sports + Recreation markets. Perkins+Will routinely ranks among the world's top design firms and has received hundreds of awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects' "Firm of the Year Award." Social responsibility has been a driving philosophy at Perkins+Will since the firm's beginnings in 1935. The firm has committed to the 1% Solution through Public Architecture, promising to donate time pro bono to non-profit organizations in need of design services. With more LEED® Accredited Professionals than any design firm in North America, Perkins+Will is recognized as one of the preeminent sustainable design firm in the country. Perkins+Will was the first multi-office company to commit to the 2030 Challenge, in which the firm has pledged that all of their projects be designed to carbon neutrality by the year 2030.
About Vermeulen Hind Architects
Founded in 1992, the firm specializes in cancer centre, healthcare and research facility design. The firm provides a full complement of comprehensive services - architecture, interior, urban and landscape design, and master and space planning - across two Ontario offices: one in Dundas and one in Ottawa.
Vermeulen Hind is bound by a common thread - to provide comfortable, healthy and stimulating experiences that celebrate life, promote wellness, contribute positively to community and heighten cultural awareness, all with a high degree of professionalism and social responsibility.
ONTARIO, April 28 /CNW/ - Perkins+Will Canada launches today as a unified national practice. The launch sees Ottawa and Hamilton (Dundas)-based Vermeulen Hind Architects, one of Canada's leading healthcare architectural firms, merge with Shore Tilbe Perkins+Will, celebrated for its focus on civic and recreation architecture, and Vancouver-based Busby Perkins+Will, widely regarded as one of North America's leading green practices. The combination marks the official launch of Perkins+Will Canada, establishing the firm among the pre-eminent interdisciplinary design practices in the nation.
"The addition of Vermeulen Hind supports the Perkins+Will strategy to grow by targeted merger, creating a larger pool of expertise and talent in key practices that complement our existing strengths," said Peter Busby, Managing Director, Vancouver. "The establishment of Perkins+Will Canada translates into greater access to the Canadian and international marketplace, while maintaining our commitment to the local communities where we operate."
"Now is the right time to solidify the Perkins+Will brand in Canada," said D'Arcy Arthurs, Managing Director, Ontario. "Not only does the Vermeulen Hind merger expand our Ontario market with highly regarded healthcare experience, something we've been anticipating for some time, but it gives us a strategic foundation to build a broader presence across the country and across specialties."
Founded in 1992, Vermeulen Hind provides a depth of experience in designing specialized healthcare facilities, including cancer centres. The firm's portfolio ranges from smaller, adaptive re-use and restoration projects to larger, multi-phase institutional transformations. Vermeulen Hind, along with Perkins+Will's current Toronto office, will comprise the Ontario practice of Perkins+Will Canada.
"Each Perkins+Will Canada office shares a common philosophy of design excellence, and combining the knowledge, expertise and resources of our legacy firms will result in one of the strongest and most innovative architecture practices in North America," said Fred Vermeulen, Healthcare Market Sector Leader, Ontario. "By collaborating with our colleagues across Perkins+Will, we will be able to strengthen our offering and better meet the growing needs of our diverse client base."
About Perkins+Will
Established in 1935, Perkins+Will (www.perkinswill.com) is an integrated design firm serving clients from offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Dubai, Dundas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Research Triangle Park, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, DC. The firm practices architecture, interiors, branded environments, planning + strategies, Preservation + Adaptive Reuse, and urban design for clients in the aviation + transit, corporate + commercial + civic, healthcare, higher education, K-12 education, science + technology and Sports + Recreation markets. Perkins+Will routinely ranks among the world's top design firms and has received hundreds of awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects' "Firm of the Year Award." Social responsibility has been a driving philosophy at Perkins+Will since the firm's beginnings in 1935. The firm has committed to the 1% Solution through Public Architecture, promising to donate time pro bono to non-profit organizations in need of design services. With more LEED® Accredited Professionals than any design firm in North America, Perkins+Will is recognized as one of the preeminent sustainable design firm in the country. Perkins+Will was the first multi-office company to commit to the 2030 Challenge, in which the firm has pledged that all of their projects be designed to carbon neutrality by the year 2030.
About Vermeulen Hind Architects
Founded in 1992, the firm specializes in cancer centre, healthcare and research facility design. The firm provides a full complement of comprehensive services - architecture, interior, urban and landscape design, and master and space planning - across two Ontario offices: one in Dundas and one in Ottawa.
Vermeulen Hind is bound by a common thread - to provide comfortable, healthy and stimulating experiences that celebrate life, promote wellness, contribute positively to community and heighten cultural awareness, all with a high degree of professionalism and social responsibility.
Construction in Ontario - April 2011 Edition 04/28/2011
COCA to host industry session with Minister Sousa on Bill 160, May 13, 2011
On Friday May 13, 2011 the Council of Ontario Construction Associations will host a coffee and conversation session with Labour Minister Charles Sousa. All industry stakeholders are welcome at the session which will take place from 8:30am to 10:00am at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga.
Minister Sousa will be speaking to Bill 160, the Occupational Health & Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011. The Bill will enable the implementation of recommendations made by the Tony Dean Report which came out of work by the Expert Panel Review of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety System.
The Bill is the first major review and most significant overhaul of Ontario's occupational health and safety system in 30 years.
Seats are limited and being awarded on a first come first served basis. If you are interested in attending, please contact Sue Ramsay at sramsay@coca.on.ca ASAP.
WSIB launches revised Form 8
In an effort to "facilitate early intervention and improve recovery and return-to-work outcomes," the WSIB has posted a new revised Form 8 on its website. Website instructions include a message encouraging physicians completing the form to contact a WSIB medical consultant at any time to help return the worker to work.
Section C highlights low back, shoulder and fracture injuries.
Section D (which appears to be inadvertently labelled Section E in error) includes a section to record prescription medications, including opioids, with specific information about dose, frequency and duration for each drug (four spaces provided).
The 3rd page (Sections E & F) asks for functional abilities information, which the healthcare professional sends to the WSIB as part of the revised Form 8. This eliminates the need to complete a FAF on the initial visit. This section begins by saying, "When work injury/illness occurs, focus on return to usual activity including return to safe and appropriate work is best practice. Most workers who experience soft tissue injury are able to remain at work." The healthcare professional is asked to ensure the IW (Injured Worker) signs off on the FA (Functional Abilities) section, to give this 3rd page "only" to the IW, and to tell the IW to give this page to his/her employer.
The revised Form 8 does not replace the FAF, but a FAF should only be completed when a healthcare professional is asked by the worker or employer on subsequent visits to do so. The WSIB will not pay for an FAF submitted on the same day as the Form 8.
The WSIB will pay for a Form 8 completed by each applicable healthcare professional once, for each worker or recurrence. The WSIB has introduced two different fees, depending on who completes the form. Physicians are paid $65 for sending in hard copies of the Form 8, and $75 for doing it online through the WSIB's eProvider service. The additional $10 is an incentive to doctors to provide "more timely, complete and legible reports." Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and RNs, however, continue to be paid the current fee of $33, whether submitting hard copies or electronic versions. The WSIB says physicians are paid more because they are the only ones who can provide information about prescribed medications and opioid treatment.
The old version of the Form 8 can still be used, but will be phased out later this year.
Source: Office of the Employer Advisor
Employers significantly impacted by new legislation changing payouts of non-economic loses
Ontario's new Good Government Act, 2011 received Royal Assent March 30, 2011.
Two significant changes in the Act impact how non-economic loss (NEL) awards are paid out, and significantly remove an employer's right to automatically receive a copy of the NEL report.
The payment change provides that effective March 30, 2011, all NEL benefits are payable as a lump sum. In cases where the amount of the NEL benefit is above the threshold amount, the worker has 30 days to elect to receive it as a monthly payment instead. Another result of this amendment is that, where a worker has passed away before the NEL benefit is paid, it will no longer be necessary to have the executor or a family member make an election whether to receive the benefit as a lump sum. The NEL benefit may automatically be paid to the estate as a lump sum.
The removal of the employer's previous unrestricted right to get a copy of the NEL is impacted by adding s. 47(7.1):
(7) The Board shall give a copy of the report to the worker and to the employer who employed him or her on the date of the injury.
(7.1) Despite subsection (7), before giving the employer a copy of the report, the Board shall notify the worker that the Board proposes to do so and shall give him or her an opportunity to object to the disclosure, and subsections 59 (2) to (6) apply with necessary modifications.
This now means a NEL report is treated like any other medical report and the worker has the right to object to its release, with an ultimate right to go to the WSIAT if a party objects to the Board's decision to disclose or withhold information.
Source: Office of the Employer Advisor
Bill 160 Update (Dean Panel)
Bill 160 follows on the Tony Dean Report which made 45 recommendations for improvement to Ontario's occupational health and safety system. As recommended in the Dean Report, Bill 160, if passed, will amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act to allow the transfer of responsibility for prevention programs and services from the WSIB to the Ministry of Labour, the establishment of a new prevention office within the Ministry of Labour, the creation of the role of chief prevention officer (CPO) with associate deputy minister status to lead it and the creation of a Prevention Council to advise the CPO. The government appears to have its foot on the accelerator as the Bill was only introduced for first reading on March 3rd and passed second reading on March 29th when it was referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy for hearings. In its submissions at the Committee hearings COCA made the following points:
Hearings are now completed and the Bill is expected to pass third reading by mid-May.
Construction Lien Act Reform
Both the Government and the Opposition have been active on the Construction Lien Act file.
The Ministry of the Attorney General invited responses to proposals for reform of the CLA that have been developed over the past few years by a broad coalition of stakeholders led by COCA. Principal among the recommended amendments were the following:
More recently, the Opposition PC caucus picked up on the construction industry's cries for Construction Lien Act reform and held their own consultations on the same proposals as the Ministry of the Attorney General. COCA was one of about 20 stakeholder groups represented at these hearings and again COCA made a compelling case for change. There were only a predictable few who opposed the recommended proposals, typically those who consistently abuse the Act.
As always, we invite and welcome your input on these matters. Only with feedback from the front lines of the industry can we truly represent your needs and interests.
WSIB Funding Review
The WSIB's Funding Review led by Professor Harry Arthurs is well into its public hearings phase. Many COCA member associations made presentations when the Funding Review convened hearings in their communities to echo the positions taken by COCA. Among the points made by your provincial construction federation in its presentation to the hearings were the following:
Construction jobs in Canada on the rise
Overall employment was unchanged in March with gains in full time positions (+91,000) offset by losses in part-time positions (-92,000). Employment gains were made in accommodations and food services and construction in March, with losses in health care, social assistance and public administration.
Construction gained +24,000 jobs in March continuing an upward trend that began in July 2009. Over the last 12 months employment in construction has increased by 5.3% or 64,00 positions - one of the highest growth rates among all industries.
First quarter investment in non-residential construction climbs
The commercial and industrial building sectors led the way for a fifth straight quarterly increase in national non-residential construction investment posting a 1.3% gain to a value of $10.7 billion.
Led by Ontario and Quebec, first quarter national investment increased in five provinces. Ontario's overall investment was up 2.5% to $4.395 billion, thanks to gains in all three market segments.
Commercial investments experienced a national 2.4% gain from the 4th quarter 2010 to $6.2 billion. Ontario led sector growth over eight other provinces, posting a 3.2% gain to $2.6 billion. Ontario's gain was due to greater spending on office building construction as well as higher investment in laboratory and research facilities. Year-over-year, Ontario' commercial investments increased 20.3%.
Industrial project investment climbed 5.3% nationally to a value of $1.2 billion, a fourth consecutive quarterly gain. Investment was up in seven provinces, led by Alberta and Ontario with the latter advancing 2.9% to a value of $471 million. Year-over-year, industrial investments in Ontario were up by 23.6%
Nationally, institutional investment fell 2.2% to $3.3 billion. However, Ontario posted a 1.2% quarterly gain on spending of $1.346 billion. Ontario's institutional construction segment has increased 7.5% on a year-over-year basis.
Source: Statistics Canada
Member visits in April
In order for COCA to advocate most effectively on behalf of its members it's absolutely critical that representatives from COCA meet with members where they live, in their own communities. Only through both formal and informal face-to-face exchanges can we fully appreciate the needs and interest of our member organizations.
In making these visits we observe the distinct qualities of each member organization. While they are all mandated to serve the needs of their own member contractors, each one has its own history, culture, customs and approach to business.
In April we had the pleasure of making three member visits.
On April 15th COCA President Ian Cunningham attended the Annual General Meeting of the Sudbury Construction Association and Murder Mystery Dinner. The event, attended by almost 200 people, was held in the Student Centre at Cambrian College and began with a very enjoyable mix and mingle cocktail hour. The reception was followed with an efficient AGM with all the requisite elements and an inspiring speech from the outgoing chair on the subject of change. This was followed by the murder mystery, which carried on through the various courses of a delicious multi-course dinner prepared and served by Cambrian students. The murder mystery was put on by a local professional theatre troupe that specializes in these types of dramatic presentations and they really knew how to engage the audience and make the evening fun. Congratulations to the Sudbury CA for an extremely successful 2010 and for laying a solid foundation for a prosperous 2011.
On April 19th Ian was the guest of Merit Ontario at their 2011 Annual General Meeting and Dinner. With about 200 people attendees there was a significant buzz of excitement during the pre-dinner reception; a buzz that could only be interpreted as proof that Merit is on the move! Merit Chair (and COCA Vice Chair) Domenic Mattina served as the master of ceremonies for the evening introducing guest speakers Jim Wilson MPP, management-side labour and employment lawyer Stephen Bernardo and Labour-Watch President John Mortimer. Our congratulations to Merit Ontario on their successes in 2010.
The Ontario Painting Contractors Association held its Annual Night at the Races at Woodbine Racetrack on the evening of April 27th providing COCA with an opportunity to meet with about 70 OPCA members and painting industry participants. It was an extremely enjoyable affair that brought COCA closer to its members. (For member organizations considering hosting a social evening this one seems to have everything, an excellent buffet dinner at a reasonable cost, a very interesting and comfortable venue, what appears to be fairly minimal organizational complexity, and the fun of learning how to make a bet.) Kudos to the OPCA for another great event.
COCA would appreciate the opportunity to visit with your member organization too. We would be pleased to make a formal presentation at an upcoming Board of Directors or Committee meeting or attend one of your seminars, social events or golf tournament. We would especially enjoy the opportunity to meet with organizations that we haven't visited in several years to renew acquaintances. We look forward to your invitation.
On Friday May 13, 2011 the Council of Ontario Construction Associations will host a coffee and conversation session with Labour Minister Charles Sousa. All industry stakeholders are welcome at the session which will take place from 8:30am to 10:00am at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga.
Minister Sousa will be speaking to Bill 160, the Occupational Health & Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011. The Bill will enable the implementation of recommendations made by the Tony Dean Report which came out of work by the Expert Panel Review of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety System.
The Bill is the first major review and most significant overhaul of Ontario's occupational health and safety system in 30 years.
Seats are limited and being awarded on a first come first served basis. If you are interested in attending, please contact Sue Ramsay at sramsay@coca.on.ca ASAP.
WSIB launches revised Form 8
In an effort to "facilitate early intervention and improve recovery and return-to-work outcomes," the WSIB has posted a new revised Form 8 on its website. Website instructions include a message encouraging physicians completing the form to contact a WSIB medical consultant at any time to help return the worker to work.
Section C highlights low back, shoulder and fracture injuries.
Section D (which appears to be inadvertently labelled Section E in error) includes a section to record prescription medications, including opioids, with specific information about dose, frequency and duration for each drug (four spaces provided).
The 3rd page (Sections E & F) asks for functional abilities information, which the healthcare professional sends to the WSIB as part of the revised Form 8. This eliminates the need to complete a FAF on the initial visit. This section begins by saying, "When work injury/illness occurs, focus on return to usual activity including return to safe and appropriate work is best practice. Most workers who experience soft tissue injury are able to remain at work." The healthcare professional is asked to ensure the IW (Injured Worker) signs off on the FA (Functional Abilities) section, to give this 3rd page "only" to the IW, and to tell the IW to give this page to his/her employer.
The revised Form 8 does not replace the FAF, but a FAF should only be completed when a healthcare professional is asked by the worker or employer on subsequent visits to do so. The WSIB will not pay for an FAF submitted on the same day as the Form 8.
The WSIB will pay for a Form 8 completed by each applicable healthcare professional once, for each worker or recurrence. The WSIB has introduced two different fees, depending on who completes the form. Physicians are paid $65 for sending in hard copies of the Form 8, and $75 for doing it online through the WSIB's eProvider service. The additional $10 is an incentive to doctors to provide "more timely, complete and legible reports." Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and RNs, however, continue to be paid the current fee of $33, whether submitting hard copies or electronic versions. The WSIB says physicians are paid more because they are the only ones who can provide information about prescribed medications and opioid treatment.
The old version of the Form 8 can still be used, but will be phased out later this year.
Source: Office of the Employer Advisor
Employers significantly impacted by new legislation changing payouts of non-economic loses
Ontario's new Good Government Act, 2011 received Royal Assent March 30, 2011.
Two significant changes in the Act impact how non-economic loss (NEL) awards are paid out, and significantly remove an employer's right to automatically receive a copy of the NEL report.
The payment change provides that effective March 30, 2011, all NEL benefits are payable as a lump sum. In cases where the amount of the NEL benefit is above the threshold amount, the worker has 30 days to elect to receive it as a monthly payment instead. Another result of this amendment is that, where a worker has passed away before the NEL benefit is paid, it will no longer be necessary to have the executor or a family member make an election whether to receive the benefit as a lump sum. The NEL benefit may automatically be paid to the estate as a lump sum.
The removal of the employer's previous unrestricted right to get a copy of the NEL is impacted by adding s. 47(7.1):
(7) The Board shall give a copy of the report to the worker and to the employer who employed him or her on the date of the injury.
(7.1) Despite subsection (7), before giving the employer a copy of the report, the Board shall notify the worker that the Board proposes to do so and shall give him or her an opportunity to object to the disclosure, and subsections 59 (2) to (6) apply with necessary modifications.
This now means a NEL report is treated like any other medical report and the worker has the right to object to its release, with an ultimate right to go to the WSIAT if a party objects to the Board's decision to disclose or withhold information.
Source: Office of the Employer Advisor
Bill 160 Update (Dean Panel)
Bill 160 follows on the Tony Dean Report which made 45 recommendations for improvement to Ontario's occupational health and safety system. As recommended in the Dean Report, Bill 160, if passed, will amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act to allow the transfer of responsibility for prevention programs and services from the WSIB to the Ministry of Labour, the establishment of a new prevention office within the Ministry of Labour, the creation of the role of chief prevention officer (CPO) with associate deputy minister status to lead it and the creation of a Prevention Council to advise the CPO. The government appears to have its foot on the accelerator as the Bill was only introduced for first reading on March 3rd and passed second reading on March 29th when it was referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy for hearings. In its submissions at the Committee hearings COCA made the following points:
- The powers and authorities of the Chief Prevention Officer should be spelled out in the Bill so that he or she is in a position to lead the new prevention entity effectively
- The lines of accountability between the CPO and the Minister and the CPO and the Deputy Minister should be clearly articulated in the Bill
- The Bill should require the Minister to consult with the CPO when he intends to make significant changes to the prevention system, in the same way the CPO is required to consult with the Prevention Council when he/she intends to make changes
- The size and composition of the Prevention Council should be articulated in the Bill and there should be an equal number of employer and worker representatives on the Council and not more than one-third of the membership of the Council should be other (at-large members, academics or public members etc.) members
- Prevention Council members should be required to consult regularly with the constituencies they represent on the Council much as the Expert Panel members did through the review process; keeping stakeholders informed and engaged is critical to the success of the new prevention entity
Hearings are now completed and the Bill is expected to pass third reading by mid-May.
Construction Lien Act Reform
Both the Government and the Opposition have been active on the Construction Lien Act file.
The Ministry of the Attorney General invited responses to proposals for reform of the CLA that have been developed over the past few years by a broad coalition of stakeholders led by COCA. Principal among the recommended amendments were the following:
- Amend the Act to require payers to release the holdback once the statutory holdback period has expired unless a lien has been preserved or perfected that may be claimed against that holdback; and
- Amend the Act so that all parties' lien rights are extended through to the time of the substantial performance of the main contract unless there has been an early release of holdback under the first proposed amendment above
More recently, the Opposition PC caucus picked up on the construction industry's cries for Construction Lien Act reform and held their own consultations on the same proposals as the Ministry of the Attorney General. COCA was one of about 20 stakeholder groups represented at these hearings and again COCA made a compelling case for change. There were only a predictable few who opposed the recommended proposals, typically those who consistently abuse the Act.
As always, we invite and welcome your input on these matters. Only with feedback from the front lines of the industry can we truly represent your needs and interests.
WSIB Funding Review
The WSIB's Funding Review led by Professor Harry Arthurs is well into its public hearings phase. Many COCA member associations made presentations when the Funding Review convened hearings in their communities to echo the positions taken by COCA. Among the points made by your provincial construction federation in its presentation to the hearings were the following:
- That the WSIB undertake a process similar to the Funding Review to analyze its claims adjudication processes, benefit levels and other costs relative to other jurisdictions.
- That an independent review of WSIB governance with a mandate to modernize the WSIB's governance model and practices and led by a prominent governance expert be undertaken
- That regulatory oversight for the WSIB be transferred from the Ministry of Labour to the Ministry of Finance.
- That the WSIB establish 100% funding as its target.
- That the WSIB develop and implement a plan to achieve 100% funding level in 15 to 20 years.
- That rate group structure has little to do with the principle purpose of the Funding Review, to address funding and the UFL and that if changes to the current rate group structure are to be considered, COCA insists there must be a full review and consultation that engages stakeholders
- COCA supports the continuation of the current indexation formula for partial disability benefits.
Construction jobs in Canada on the rise
Overall employment was unchanged in March with gains in full time positions (+91,000) offset by losses in part-time positions (-92,000). Employment gains were made in accommodations and food services and construction in March, with losses in health care, social assistance and public administration.
Construction gained +24,000 jobs in March continuing an upward trend that began in July 2009. Over the last 12 months employment in construction has increased by 5.3% or 64,00 positions - one of the highest growth rates among all industries.
First quarter investment in non-residential construction climbs
The commercial and industrial building sectors led the way for a fifth straight quarterly increase in national non-residential construction investment posting a 1.3% gain to a value of $10.7 billion.
Led by Ontario and Quebec, first quarter national investment increased in five provinces. Ontario's overall investment was up 2.5% to $4.395 billion, thanks to gains in all three market segments.
Commercial investments experienced a national 2.4% gain from the 4th quarter 2010 to $6.2 billion. Ontario led sector growth over eight other provinces, posting a 3.2% gain to $2.6 billion. Ontario's gain was due to greater spending on office building construction as well as higher investment in laboratory and research facilities. Year-over-year, Ontario' commercial investments increased 20.3%.
Industrial project investment climbed 5.3% nationally to a value of $1.2 billion, a fourth consecutive quarterly gain. Investment was up in seven provinces, led by Alberta and Ontario with the latter advancing 2.9% to a value of $471 million. Year-over-year, industrial investments in Ontario were up by 23.6%
Nationally, institutional investment fell 2.2% to $3.3 billion. However, Ontario posted a 1.2% quarterly gain on spending of $1.346 billion. Ontario's institutional construction segment has increased 7.5% on a year-over-year basis.
Source: Statistics Canada
Member visits in April
In order for COCA to advocate most effectively on behalf of its members it's absolutely critical that representatives from COCA meet with members where they live, in their own communities. Only through both formal and informal face-to-face exchanges can we fully appreciate the needs and interest of our member organizations.
In making these visits we observe the distinct qualities of each member organization. While they are all mandated to serve the needs of their own member contractors, each one has its own history, culture, customs and approach to business.
In April we had the pleasure of making three member visits.
On April 15th COCA President Ian Cunningham attended the Annual General Meeting of the Sudbury Construction Association and Murder Mystery Dinner. The event, attended by almost 200 people, was held in the Student Centre at Cambrian College and began with a very enjoyable mix and mingle cocktail hour. The reception was followed with an efficient AGM with all the requisite elements and an inspiring speech from the outgoing chair on the subject of change. This was followed by the murder mystery, which carried on through the various courses of a delicious multi-course dinner prepared and served by Cambrian students. The murder mystery was put on by a local professional theatre troupe that specializes in these types of dramatic presentations and they really knew how to engage the audience and make the evening fun. Congratulations to the Sudbury CA for an extremely successful 2010 and for laying a solid foundation for a prosperous 2011.
On April 19th Ian was the guest of Merit Ontario at their 2011 Annual General Meeting and Dinner. With about 200 people attendees there was a significant buzz of excitement during the pre-dinner reception; a buzz that could only be interpreted as proof that Merit is on the move! Merit Chair (and COCA Vice Chair) Domenic Mattina served as the master of ceremonies for the evening introducing guest speakers Jim Wilson MPP, management-side labour and employment lawyer Stephen Bernardo and Labour-Watch President John Mortimer. Our congratulations to Merit Ontario on their successes in 2010.
The Ontario Painting Contractors Association held its Annual Night at the Races at Woodbine Racetrack on the evening of April 27th providing COCA with an opportunity to meet with about 70 OPCA members and painting industry participants. It was an extremely enjoyable affair that brought COCA closer to its members. (For member organizations considering hosting a social evening this one seems to have everything, an excellent buffet dinner at a reasonable cost, a very interesting and comfortable venue, what appears to be fairly minimal organizational complexity, and the fun of learning how to make a bet.) Kudos to the OPCA for another great event.
COCA would appreciate the opportunity to visit with your member organization too. We would be pleased to make a formal presentation at an upcoming Board of Directors or Committee meeting or attend one of your seminars, social events or golf tournament. We would especially enjoy the opportunity to meet with organizations that we haven't visited in several years to renew acquaintances. We look forward to your invitation.
OGCA Builder Awards - 2011 04/28/2011
Vanbots (Carillion Canada Inc.) (Category 4 Industrial – Winner) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Sunnybrook Hospital M Wing Expansion In simple terms, Vanbots added four levels to the M-Wing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. In no way was the project simple in the intricacies of its execution. They threaded structural steel though the very heart of the hospital, working directly over the Operating Theatres, and managing the schedule to [...]
Read More Ira McDonald Construction Limited (Category 2 Buildings – Winner) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Farncombe Digestive Health Research Institute Ira McDonald Construction is proud of the successful achievement of maintaining a safe site in a high travelled confined site location with high degree hoisting demands for material and equipment, infection control, hoarding and erection processes. The atrium is the centerpiece for the renovations. A two storey, open concept space [...]
Read More McKay-Cocker Construction Limited (Category 3 Buildings – Winner) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Stoney Creek Community Centre, YMCA and Library McKay-Cocker was selected to provide Construction Management Services for the new Stoney Creek Community Centre, YMCA and Library. The new facility features a six lane, 25 meter swimming pool, leisure pool with a movable bottom, second floor indoor running track overlooking the double gymnasium, a 25,000 square foot [...]
Read More Aecon Buildings (Category 4 Buildings – Winner) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Corus Quay Project Aecon Buildings was awarded the construction management contract to deliver the full tenant fit-out of Corus Entertainment’s new corporate headquarters. The 571,488 square foot facility, over eight floors, consolidates the operations of 24 television services, three Toronto radio stations, and more than 1100 employees. Aecon was able to facilitate some unique construction aspects, [...]
Read More KMA Contracting Inc. (Category 2 Industrial – Winner) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
401 Screen Structure and Town of Halton Hills Monument KMA Contracting Inc. bid the 401 Screen Structure and Town of Halton Hills Monument as a lump sum tender to TransCanada Energy Ltd. who had agreed to provide an urban design feature to highlight the town while at the same time softening the visual impact of [...]
Read More Eastern Construction Company Limited (Category 4 Buildings – Runner-Up) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase, Uncategorized
Waterfront Toronto – Sugar Beach, Sherbourne Common and Promenade Eastern Construction Company Limited has been proud to be the construction manager for the Dockside portion of the East Bayfront Precinct, a vital part of Toronto Waterfront Revitalization where, as one stakeholder put it, we have taken a parking lot and put up a paradise. Sugar [...]
Read More Ball Construction Inc. (Category 3 Buildings – Runner-Up) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Upper Canada College, William P. Wilder Arena & Sports Complex Initially, Upper Canada College tendered this project as bid-spec, but prices exceeded the budget. A design build process was then initiated, and Ball Construction Inc. through a diligent value engineering process, was successful in bringing the project in on budget, lower than other bidders, and [...]
Read More Kiwi-Newton Construction Ltd. (Category 2 Buildings – Runner-Up) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Frank Hasenfratz Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing Kiwi-Newton Construction Ltd. has completed building the Frank Hasenfratz Centre for Excellence in Manufacturing where emphasis was placed on providing the owner with a sustainable site, using water efficiently, addressing the energy and the atmosphere as well as re-using and purchasing materials that are environmentally friendly while providing [...]
Read More Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. (Category 4 Industrial – Runner-Up) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Georgian Bluffs Biogas Energy Facility Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. was awarded the contract to build the facility, based on an anaerobic digestion system, in which micro-organisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas which can be converted to electrical power. The organics to energy facility is intended to be a solution [...]
Read More Timbro DesignBuild Contractors (Category 2 Industrial – Runner-Up) Posted on 14. Apr. 2011 in Project Showcase
Low Bay Retrofit at Trenergy Inc. Timbro Design/Build Contractors have completed more than six projects for the two owners of Trenergy Inc., including this stage of the long term project which involves retrofitting the complete 200,000 square foot facility. All work was completed utilizing Timbro’s customized TQM program. Inspections were completed regularly by consultants, the [...]
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TORONTO, April 27 /CNW/ - Dufferin Concrete, a division of Holcim (Canada) Inc., is honoured to be the recipient of the inaugural award from the Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA) that recognizes environmental leadership and sustainable construction practices after the company equipped its fleet of more than 400 ready-mix trucks with the Enviroguard system. The 2010 ORBA Green Leadership and Sustainability Award was presented to Dufferin Concrete on Earth Day by ORBA, in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA).
"Sustainability and environmental stewardship are mindsets that are prevalent throughout the entire Holcim organization," said Nick Caccavella, Holcim Canada's Senior Vice President for Ontario and Western Canada. "Winning this prestigious award is a perfect example of how we continue to raise the benchmark for environmental performance in the Canadian building materials and construction industries. To this very day, Dufferin Concrete is the first and the only ready-mix concrete company in Ontario to have its entire ready-mix concrete fleet equipped with Enviroguard."
Enviroguard is a self-contained ready-mix truck chute wash-out system that addresses the industry-wide environmental issue of properly disposing of chute wash water in a safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly way.
This innovative solution works in a simple and effective manner where the ready-mix truck driver simply attaches a bucket to the end of the chute so when he hoses down the chute the waste water collects in the bucket, along with unused sand, aggregates and cementitious materials, all of which is recycled. This closed system provides an environmentally responsive and economical recycling solution for materials and water that might otherwise be dumped at a job site.
In 2010, Enviroguard helped Dufferin Concrete eliminate nearly four million liters of concrete chute wash water from being released into the environment.
"We are always working to leave a smaller environmental footprint. This includes continually investing in innovation, emission reduction, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and social commitment," added Caccavella. "Our commitment to sustainability is recognized at various local and global levels. Globally, Holcim has been recognized as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and categorized as a leading company in sustainability worldwide across industries. Also, the International Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction, founded in 2003, recognize and celebrate sustainable construction projects that harmonize ecological, social and economic concerns."
About Holcim Canada
Holcim (Canada) Inc. is one of the country's largest vertically integrated building materials and construction companies. With 3,000 employees, Holcim Canada manufactures cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete and provides construction services to many of Canada's largest infrastructure projects. It has a portfolio of brands, including Dufferin in Ontario and Demix in Quebec.
Holcim Canada is a member of Holcim Group, a Swiss-based multinational with operations in more than 70 countries worldwide. A leading global brand, Holcim is recognized for its long-term financial performance, its environmental leadership, corporate social responsibility and sustainable construction.
"Sustainability and environmental stewardship are mindsets that are prevalent throughout the entire Holcim organization," said Nick Caccavella, Holcim Canada's Senior Vice President for Ontario and Western Canada. "Winning this prestigious award is a perfect example of how we continue to raise the benchmark for environmental performance in the Canadian building materials and construction industries. To this very day, Dufferin Concrete is the first and the only ready-mix concrete company in Ontario to have its entire ready-mix concrete fleet equipped with Enviroguard."
Enviroguard is a self-contained ready-mix truck chute wash-out system that addresses the industry-wide environmental issue of properly disposing of chute wash water in a safe, cost-effective and eco-friendly way.
This innovative solution works in a simple and effective manner where the ready-mix truck driver simply attaches a bucket to the end of the chute so when he hoses down the chute the waste water collects in the bucket, along with unused sand, aggregates and cementitious materials, all of which is recycled. This closed system provides an environmentally responsive and economical recycling solution for materials and water that might otherwise be dumped at a job site.
In 2010, Enviroguard helped Dufferin Concrete eliminate nearly four million liters of concrete chute wash water from being released into the environment.
"We are always working to leave a smaller environmental footprint. This includes continually investing in innovation, emission reduction, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and social commitment," added Caccavella. "Our commitment to sustainability is recognized at various local and global levels. Globally, Holcim has been recognized as a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and categorized as a leading company in sustainability worldwide across industries. Also, the International Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction, founded in 2003, recognize and celebrate sustainable construction projects that harmonize ecological, social and economic concerns."
About Holcim Canada
Holcim (Canada) Inc. is one of the country's largest vertically integrated building materials and construction companies. With 3,000 employees, Holcim Canada manufactures cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete and provides construction services to many of Canada's largest infrastructure projects. It has a portfolio of brands, including Dufferin in Ontario and Demix in Quebec.
Holcim Canada is a member of Holcim Group, a Swiss-based multinational with operations in more than 70 countries worldwide. A leading global brand, Holcim is recognized for its long-term financial performance, its environmental leadership, corporate social responsibility and sustainable construction.
TORONTO, April 26 /CNW/ - As a new construction season kicks off, Ontario road workers have turned to Twitter and Facebook to get their message out to drivers. The province's road workers have launched an online public awareness campaign called "Safety: A Two Way Street" to "tweet," "text" and "Facebook" their appeal to drivers to slow down in construction safety zones.
"We're doing whatever it takes to get the message out," said Jeff Gill, a construction foreman working on Trafalgar Road in Oakville, where he says police issued over a dozen speeding tickets in less than an hour to drivers who ignored the speed limit. "Raising public awareness really is our only protection. All that's standing between me and two tonnes of oncoming steel, is a sign and a lot of nerve."
The public awareness campaign encourages road construction workers to share their stories, family pictures and their personal appeal to drivers on Facebook by clicking onto:
http://www.facebook.com/SafetyATwoWayStreet
http://twitter.com/#!/SafeRoadWorkers
"By taking drivers into our lives and living rooms through Facebook, we hope they'll see we're not just part of a road crew, we've got families too," said Michael O'Brien of LIUNA local 183. "We want to be able to thank drivers at the end of construction season for slowing down and keeping our families together."
In 2006, the Ontario Government amended the Highway Traffic Act, doubling fines for speeding in designated construction zones and making it an offence to disobey a traffic control person's STOP and SLOW sign. Between 2000 and 2006, 52 people were killed in road construction zones across the province. Since November, two workers have died after being struck by oncoming cars in road construction zones. They'll be remembered this Thursday, April 28 on National Day of Mourning in memory of all workers killed or hurt on the job in Canada.
"Ontario has among the safest roads in North America and we depend on the skills of our road workers to keep our roads safe," said Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne. "Our government has put tough legislation in place to reduce speeding in construction zones and this public awareness campaign will help to strengthen our government's road safety priorities."
The campaign, supported by LIUNA Local 183, and the Ontario Road Builders' Association urges the public to go online to support their efforts to make this a safer construction season for thousands of Ontario road construction workers.
"There are more than 2,100 collisions on average each year in road construction zones and that's just far too many," said Karen Renkema, spokesperson for the Ontario Road Builders' Association. "We're hoping this campaign will help get through to those drivers who continue to ignore the signs and fines."
LIUNA Local 183 is the largest construction union in North America, representing more than 31,500 construction workers and their families in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Ontario Road Builders' Association is the voice of the majority of road building contractors who build and maintain Ontario's provincial roads. In addition, ORBA boasts approximately 100 associate members who supply products and equipment to the industry. To learn more about ORBA go to www.orba.org.
"We're doing whatever it takes to get the message out," said Jeff Gill, a construction foreman working on Trafalgar Road in Oakville, where he says police issued over a dozen speeding tickets in less than an hour to drivers who ignored the speed limit. "Raising public awareness really is our only protection. All that's standing between me and two tonnes of oncoming steel, is a sign and a lot of nerve."
The public awareness campaign encourages road construction workers to share their stories, family pictures and their personal appeal to drivers on Facebook by clicking onto:
http://www.facebook.com/SafetyATwoWayStreet
http://twitter.com/#!/SafeRoadWorkers
"By taking drivers into our lives and living rooms through Facebook, we hope they'll see we're not just part of a road crew, we've got families too," said Michael O'Brien of LIUNA local 183. "We want to be able to thank drivers at the end of construction season for slowing down and keeping our families together."
In 2006, the Ontario Government amended the Highway Traffic Act, doubling fines for speeding in designated construction zones and making it an offence to disobey a traffic control person's STOP and SLOW sign. Between 2000 and 2006, 52 people were killed in road construction zones across the province. Since November, two workers have died after being struck by oncoming cars in road construction zones. They'll be remembered this Thursday, April 28 on National Day of Mourning in memory of all workers killed or hurt on the job in Canada.
"Ontario has among the safest roads in North America and we depend on the skills of our road workers to keep our roads safe," said Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne. "Our government has put tough legislation in place to reduce speeding in construction zones and this public awareness campaign will help to strengthen our government's road safety priorities."
The campaign, supported by LIUNA Local 183, and the Ontario Road Builders' Association urges the public to go online to support their efforts to make this a safer construction season for thousands of Ontario road construction workers.
"There are more than 2,100 collisions on average each year in road construction zones and that's just far too many," said Karen Renkema, spokesperson for the Ontario Road Builders' Association. "We're hoping this campaign will help get through to those drivers who continue to ignore the signs and fines."
LIUNA Local 183 is the largest construction union in North America, representing more than 31,500 construction workers and their families in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Ontario Road Builders' Association is the voice of the majority of road building contractors who build and maintain Ontario's provincial roads. In addition, ORBA boasts approximately 100 associate members who supply products and equipment to the industry. To learn more about ORBA go to www.orba.org.
(Toronto, ON, April 19, 2011) – Tarion Warranty Corporation is pleased to announce its 2011 Awards of Excellence recipients. These are the top new home builders based on after sales-service performance as determined by builders’ own customers. Awards are being presented to the following builders: · Domicile, Ottawa - High-Rise Category · Pidel Homes, Guelph - Large Volume Category · Wrighthaven Homes Limited, Fergus - Medium Volume Category · Cara Custom Homes, Ancaster - Small Volume Category
“These builders understand that a quality product and good customer service are paramount. They take pride in what they do, and this has garnered them a high honour from their customers—who have recognized them for going above and beyond,” said Howard Bogach, Tarion President and CEO. “In addition to these four builders, congratulations are due to all of 20 finalists for so capably representing the industry.”
To determine the award recipients, a survey was sent to more than 48,000 home buyers who took possession of a new home in Ontario between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010. More than 8,000 responses were received and the results were tabulated by Harris/Decima and Crunch Research. Questions covered every stage of the after-sales homeowner-builder relationship: from the signing of the agreement of purchase and sale, through construction and the pre-delivery inspection to after-sales service. The Tarion Awards of Excellence are the only awards that recognize home builders from across Ontario exclusively for their after-sales customer service performance.
2011 Tarion Award of Excellence Finalists and Recipients: High-Rise Builder Category (100 or more high-rise possessions) Award presented to: Domicile – Ottawa Finalists Mattamy Homes – Oakville Options for Homes – Toronto The Daniels Corporation – Toronto Tridel – Toronto Large Volume Builder Category (100 or more possessions) Award presented to: Pidel Homes – Guelph Finalists Brookfield Homes – Markham Fusion Homes – Guelph Mattamy Homes – Oakville Monarch Corporation – Toronto Medium Volume Builder Category (21-99 possessions) Award presented to: Wrighthaven Homes Limited – Fergus Finalists Doug Tarry Ltd. – St. Thomas Habitat for Humanity Toronto Inc. – Toronto Morra Homes – Barrie Neilcorp Homes – Almonte Small Volume Builder Category (5-20 possessions) Award presented to: Cara Custom Homes – Ancaster Finalists Fernando Homes Incorporated – Welland Gordon Tobey Developments – Brighton Ken Seigel & Sons – Pembroke Wasko Developments Inc. – London
About Tarion Tarion Warranty Corporation is a private corporation established in 1976 to serve as the Regulator of the new home building industry in Ontario. In this role, Tarion licenses all new home and condominium builders pursuant to provincial legislation. This statute requires new home builders to provide purchasers with warranty coverage that is guaranteed by Tarion. The Corporation also establishes minimum time standards for after-sales service, and adjudicates issues between homeowners and builders. As of the end of 2010, almost two million homes in Ontario have been protected under warranty by Tarion.
“These builders understand that a quality product and good customer service are paramount. They take pride in what they do, and this has garnered them a high honour from their customers—who have recognized them for going above and beyond,” said Howard Bogach, Tarion President and CEO. “In addition to these four builders, congratulations are due to all of 20 finalists for so capably representing the industry.”
To determine the award recipients, a survey was sent to more than 48,000 home buyers who took possession of a new home in Ontario between October 1, 2009 and September 30, 2010. More than 8,000 responses were received and the results were tabulated by Harris/Decima and Crunch Research. Questions covered every stage of the after-sales homeowner-builder relationship: from the signing of the agreement of purchase and sale, through construction and the pre-delivery inspection to after-sales service. The Tarion Awards of Excellence are the only awards that recognize home builders from across Ontario exclusively for their after-sales customer service performance.
2011 Tarion Award of Excellence Finalists and Recipients: High-Rise Builder Category (100 or more high-rise possessions) Award presented to: Domicile – Ottawa Finalists Mattamy Homes – Oakville Options for Homes – Toronto The Daniels Corporation – Toronto Tridel – Toronto Large Volume Builder Category (100 or more possessions) Award presented to: Pidel Homes – Guelph Finalists Brookfield Homes – Markham Fusion Homes – Guelph Mattamy Homes – Oakville Monarch Corporation – Toronto Medium Volume Builder Category (21-99 possessions) Award presented to: Wrighthaven Homes Limited – Fergus Finalists Doug Tarry Ltd. – St. Thomas Habitat for Humanity Toronto Inc. – Toronto Morra Homes – Barrie Neilcorp Homes – Almonte Small Volume Builder Category (5-20 possessions) Award presented to: Cara Custom Homes – Ancaster Finalists Fernando Homes Incorporated – Welland Gordon Tobey Developments – Brighton Ken Seigel & Sons – Pembroke Wasko Developments Inc. – London
About Tarion Tarion Warranty Corporation is a private corporation established in 1976 to serve as the Regulator of the new home building industry in Ontario. In this role, Tarion licenses all new home and condominium builders pursuant to provincial legislation. This statute requires new home builders to provide purchasers with warranty coverage that is guaranteed by Tarion. The Corporation also establishes minimum time standards for after-sales service, and adjudicates issues between homeowners and builders. As of the end of 2010, almost two million homes in Ontario have been protected under warranty by Tarion.
TORONTO, April 21 /CNW/ - The Ontario Road Builders' Association (ORBA), in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA), is pleased to announce that Dufferin Concrete, a division of Holcim Canada Inc., is the inaugural winner of the 2010 ORBA Green Leadership and Sustainability Award.
"We launched the Green Leadership and Sustainability Award last year to recognize the efforts our members are making to protect the environment," said ORBA president, Alfredo Maggio. "The award recognizes the ongoing environmental leadership and innovative achievements being made by road builders toward the objective of environmental stewardship and enhanced sustainability."
Recognizing the achievements of the road building industry, Minister of Transportation, The Honourable Kathleen Wynne stated: "As we celebrate Earth Day, I would like to congratulate the winners of the first ORBA award recognizing green leadership and sustainability. I am pleased that the road building industry is looking to the future and embracing green methods of construction."
"Municipalities are at the forefront of adapting to the effects of climate change," said John Curley, President of OGRA. "The ability to partner with Ontario's road building industry to deploy environmentally sustainable solutions provides a template for how local governments and the private sector can work together to find answers to this challenge."
The inaugural award was presented to Dufferin Concrete on Earth Day, for its dedication to sustainable practices by equipping its fleet of over 400 ready-mix concrete trucks with its Enviroguardsystem. The Enviroguard solution is a new and self-contained ready-mix truck chute wash-out system which effectively eliminates any concrete chute wash water from being released into the environment. Achieving this milestone in 2010, Dufferin Concrete is the first ready-mix concrete supplier in Ontario to have outfitted its fleet with this innovative solution. By utilizing this system across Ontario, an estimated 3,752,660 litres of water and slurry were recycled and not emitted into the natural environment.
Dufferin Concrete's Enviroguard works in a simple and effective manner where the ready-mix truck driver simply hoses down the chute and the waste water collects in a bucket, along with sand, aggregates and cementitious materials, which is then recycled. The system provides a solution for recycling materials and water that would otherwise be dumped or wasted on a job site
The judging panel for the 2010 ORBA Green Award was comprised of ORBA members, the MTO and OGRA representatives, as well as third party experts. It received numerous impressive submissions that highlighted ongoing sustainable practices in the road building industry, including: the recycling of asphalt and granular on road construction projects; utilizing green materials in the construction of roads, such as warm-mix asphalt and pervious concrete; as well as innovative commitments to Environmental Management Systems in the construction industry.
It was critical to the judging panel that the award recognizes innovative activities within the industry that went beyond the scope of requirements in specific contracts or otherwise original and sustainable day to day activities. In that spirit, the committee also highlighted four other applicants that demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to sustainability by utilizing innovative products or processes. These submissions were awarded an Honourable Mention, and will be further highlighted on the ORBA website (www.orba.org). They include:
"We launched the Green Leadership and Sustainability Award last year to recognize the efforts our members are making to protect the environment," said ORBA president, Alfredo Maggio. "The award recognizes the ongoing environmental leadership and innovative achievements being made by road builders toward the objective of environmental stewardship and enhanced sustainability."
Recognizing the achievements of the road building industry, Minister of Transportation, The Honourable Kathleen Wynne stated: "As we celebrate Earth Day, I would like to congratulate the winners of the first ORBA award recognizing green leadership and sustainability. I am pleased that the road building industry is looking to the future and embracing green methods of construction."
"Municipalities are at the forefront of adapting to the effects of climate change," said John Curley, President of OGRA. "The ability to partner with Ontario's road building industry to deploy environmentally sustainable solutions provides a template for how local governments and the private sector can work together to find answers to this challenge."
The inaugural award was presented to Dufferin Concrete on Earth Day, for its dedication to sustainable practices by equipping its fleet of over 400 ready-mix concrete trucks with its Enviroguardsystem. The Enviroguard solution is a new and self-contained ready-mix truck chute wash-out system which effectively eliminates any concrete chute wash water from being released into the environment. Achieving this milestone in 2010, Dufferin Concrete is the first ready-mix concrete supplier in Ontario to have outfitted its fleet with this innovative solution. By utilizing this system across Ontario, an estimated 3,752,660 litres of water and slurry were recycled and not emitted into the natural environment.
Dufferin Concrete's Enviroguard works in a simple and effective manner where the ready-mix truck driver simply hoses down the chute and the waste water collects in a bucket, along with sand, aggregates and cementitious materials, which is then recycled. The system provides a solution for recycling materials and water that would otherwise be dumped or wasted on a job site
The judging panel for the 2010 ORBA Green Award was comprised of ORBA members, the MTO and OGRA representatives, as well as third party experts. It received numerous impressive submissions that highlighted ongoing sustainable practices in the road building industry, including: the recycling of asphalt and granular on road construction projects; utilizing green materials in the construction of roads, such as warm-mix asphalt and pervious concrete; as well as innovative commitments to Environmental Management Systems in the construction industry.
It was critical to the judging panel that the award recognizes innovative activities within the industry that went beyond the scope of requirements in specific contracts or otherwise original and sustainable day to day activities. In that spirit, the committee also highlighted four other applicants that demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to sustainability by utilizing innovative products or processes. These submissions were awarded an Honourable Mention, and will be further highlighted on the ORBA website (www.orba.org). They include:
- The Miller Group: The Miller Group introduced an innovative solution for the use of post-construction shingles, by recycling previously used shingles into hot mix asphalt. By utilizing recycled shingles in hot mix asphalt it reduces overall fuel consumption, and the carbon footprint, as well as increases the use of recyclable materials. Miller has proven it is dedicated to the promotion of this material as it incorporated this engineered product on numerous contracts, including one in Markham in 2010, reducing the carbon footprint by 2.2 tonnes on this contract alone. In addition, the Miller Group is committed to research and development of this product, in order to gain greater industry acceptance, by partnering with research entities within the University of Waterloo and The Ontario Centres of Excellence to ensure quality material design.
- Bot Construction: Bot Construction introduced an innovative solution on an MTO Highway 8 contract in Kitchener/Waterloo to mitigate impacts to water quality and aquatic habitat in an environmentally sensitive area. By redesigning a construction approach to eliminate an in-water work platform during construction and utilizing product innovations for erosion control and silt mitigation and reducing fuel consumption, Bot Construction implemented a creative, successful and sustainable solution that may be reproduced on future contracts calling for erosion and sediment control.
- Dufferin Construction (a division of Holcim Canada Inc.): Dufferin Construction introduced and placed the first Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) concrete pavement test section on a 400 series highway in Ontario. Utilizing PLC has strong environmental benefits, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with cement manufacturing by approximately 10%, and furthermore reducing the impact on natural resources as less limestone needs to be mined for cement production. Dufferin Concrete successfully recommended a change in the scope of contract to utilize PLC, while engaging the University of Toronto in a research capacity to substantiate that PLC Concrete has the ability to be generally accepted and used across the road construction industry.
- Huron Construction (a division of the Miller Group): Huron Construction introduced a change in the scope of contract to recycle premium aggregates (trap rock recycled asphalt) in a surface course mix saving 1,785 tonnes of premium aggregates and 107 tonnes of asphalt cement. Although the approach of recycling of asphalt and aggregates is commonplace in the construction industry, utilizing a recycled product in a surface course mix is innovative. Furthermore, it is a sustainable solution for a region of Ontario that lacks naturally occurring premium aggregate needed for a road surface course, and as a result avoided the environmental costs of transporting the product from Northern Ontario.
