Viana steps up to rebuild burnt down playground

After a fire destroyed the playground of Mary Shadd Public School, the president of Viana Roofing & Sheetmetal Ltd. knew he had to help.

High job vacancy rates for small business

There were approximately 295,000 unfilled full and part-time private sector jobs in Canada during the first quarter, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Hiring of foreign workers for hospital project outrages union

A construction union leader is accusing an Edmonton-based contractor of importing foreign workers to a hospital jobsite in Winnipeg without meeting the federal government's requirements to advertise in the local market and ensuring to Canadians are available to do the work.

Some investors are betting against Canada. Should we be worried? Part 2

Canada’s resource sector isn’t the only one struggling to stay afloat in this storm-tossed boat. Coal miners in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana — where 40% of total U.S. production occurs — want to tap into the lucrative export markets of China and India.

Salt Lake City airport slated for a revamp

Mountain views, faster takeoffs and workout equipment are a few things Salt Lake City officials are considering as they draw up plans for a nearly $2 billion remake of the city’s airport.

More green roofs top Toronto buildings

The roofs on Toronto buildings are becoming more green, according to the Annual Green Roof Industry Survey.

Cold spring and weak construction hurt Deere’s 2013 predictions

Deere & Co. said on May 15 that bad weather and weak economies will hinder sales growth this year for lawnmowers and construction equipment.

Clerk of works position gives peace of mind on projects

Despite its popularity among construction circles in the U.K., the clerks of works (CoW) position has been more obscure in Canada’s construction industry, notes a professional currently holding that position here.

World Trade Center developer’s plan for a 926-foot tower moving ahead

World Trade Center developer Larry Silverstein’s plan for a hotel-condo tower is moving forward after a London-based investment firm has agreed to provide a $660 million construction loan.

Multi-employer approach needed in apprenticeships

A multi-employer approach to apprenticeship training results in higher apprenticeship completion rates, according to a new study commissioned by the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS).

VIDEO: Economic Update May 21, 2013

Reed Construction Data chief economist, Alex Carrick, talks about Canada's global leadership in dealing with environmental issues.

New Perspective

Family-run Pianosi Development Corp. has broken ground on the estimated $50 million first phase (at right) of the Perspective condominium development at Scarlett Road and Eglinton Avenue West in Etobicoke.

Witness recants testimony in Montreal corruption case

A witness who has delivered bombshell testimony at Quebec's corruption inquiry detailing decades political graft admitted Monday a part of his testimony was a lie.

CanBIM reschedule June session

The Canada BIM Council (CanBIM) has rescheduled its upcoming Halifax regional session to June 12 from June 13.

High schools looking for more industry participation

While high schools are attempting to get students ready for the jobsite, there is a lack of employers willing to provide job placements.

Industrial construction supervisor program takes off

In the past, there was no way for industrial construction contractors to know whether their foremen had any kind of training, standard education or certification, according to Peter Pilarski, vice president for southern Alberta for the Merit Contractors Association.

Industry reacts to surprise B.C. Liberal majority

Many in B.C.'s construction industry are ecstatic about the election of the provincial Liberal Party, as they foresee stable public capital investment over the next four years, but some are concerned about a shortage of skilled labour on major development projects.

Colleges conduct construction research in addition to teaching

Colleges in western Canada offer a great many courses where students can learn enough about the construction industry to enable them to go out and get a good job.

Calgary Airport Tunnel

Construction workers are busy building the Airport Trail Tunnel in Calgary, Alberta.

Government makes changes to online tendering

It has come to our attention that the federal government has put out a notice to cease the current practice of posting their projects on MERX - an online tendering service based on FTP technology.

Construction Learning Forum aims to educate

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is hosting its second annual Construction Learning Forum in Whistler, B.C.

Midrise in the City

Kindred Construction Ltd. is the construction manager for South Creek Landing, a new mixed-use midrise taking shape in Vancouver, B.C.

SNC-Lavalin maintains that new bribery allegations have been resolved

Embattled engineering company SNC-Lavalin says allegations in published reports that a subsidiary used a code to account for bribes on several projects across Africa and Asia have been resolved and are history.

Veterans battle barriers into the trades

Creating a link between military qualifications and provincial apprenticeship requirements is one of the ways Helmets to Hardhats Canada (H2HC) is trying to transition military veterans into civilian construction careers.

Keyano College building state of the art training facility

Keyano College's Oilsands Power & Process Engineering Lab is not just another post-secondary institute, but a state-of-the-art cogeneration lab replicating real world industrial technologies in the classroom.

Taking a closer look at the risks in green building for contractors

As British Columbia's construction industry becomes more familiar with the principles of green building, questions are being asked about the roles and responsibilities of the builder in realizing sustainable building goals.

B.C. faces a tough battle for top talent

Despite British Columbia being one of the most picturesque places to live in Canada, there is still a domestic war for top talent.

Construction Site Arson

A charred husk is all that remains of duplex under construction in East Vancouver, B.C.

Worker at centre of union sign up allegations speaks out

The man targeted by allegations from the open shop contractors association that an electricians' union is signing up apprentices at the B.C. Institute of Technology says the story is a complete fabrication and is demanding an apology.

Lower Mainland high school trades program is unique

On Vancouver's east side, the Tupper Tech high school program is moving Grade 12 students into the trades in a unique way.

Essential skills can play a vital role in an apprentices' success

An apprentice's essential Skill level has a critical role in determining his or her success in the trades.

Skills Canada BC Competition

The British Columbia Institute of Technology sent a large contingent of students to compete in the Skills Canada B.C. skilled trades and technology provincial competition.

Feds pledge $5 million for Vimy memorial

The federal government has set aside $5 million to help in the construction of a permanent visitor centre at the Canadian war memorial in Vimy, France.

VIDEO: The BCCSA's Mike McKenna at NAOSH Health and Safety Week launch in North Vancouver

North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week was launched on May 6 in British Columbia with an event held in North Vancouver featuring many different safety organizations, equipment providers and demonstrations of proper safety procedures.

City of Surrey issues RFQ for biofuel facility

The City of Surrey, British Columbia has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a new organics biofuel facility.

Some investors are betting against Canada. Should we be worried? Part 1

Some investors are placing bets against Canada. They’re short selling our currency, avoiding our equities and talking down our economy. Should we be worried?

Ancient First Nations site damaged during work by BC Hydro

Members of a Nanaimo First Nations group are outraged after crews contracted by BC Hydro damaged a documented ancient rock art site during work recently.

NYC's aging, crowded Penn Station, nation's busiest train hub, in desperate need of overhaul

The busiest passenger train station in the United States is a 1960s-era, utilitarian labyrinth in the basement of a basketball arena.

Barrie Construction Association rolls with motorcycle ride for cancer

The Barrie Construction Association (BCA) is stepping up to the plate to sponsor its fifth annual motorcycle ride for cancer. All pledge dollars will be donated to the Barrie and District Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Construction on pedestrian tunnel to Billy Bishop Airport continues to make progress

Seven six-foot drift tunnels are now complete as construction continues on the 800-foot pedestrian tunnel that will connect Toronto Island airport and the mainland.

Vimy Ridge memorial gets new visitor centre

The federal government has set aside $5 million to help in the construction of a permanent visitor centre at the Canadian war memorial in Vimy, France.

Minnesota Vikings unveil new multi-use stadium plan

Opening the roof over the new home of the Minnesota Vikings would have forced planners of the $975 million project to eliminate some of the fancy features.

Building Up On Bayview

Construction progresses on the Blythwood at Huntington Condominiums Phase One on Bayview Avenue in Toronto.

Proposed Ambassador Bridge twinning draws Windsor mayor’s ire

The company that owns the busy Ambassador Bridge between Canada and the United States is being warned by Windsor’s mayor to back off plans to build a twin span.

Way Up on Westwood

Concrete pumping continues at the Westwood Condominiums on Fieldway Rd. in Etobicoke, Ont.

Journal of Commerce Update for the week of May 20th, 2013

In this week's update, we look at some of the stories we'll be covering in the Journal of Commerce for the week of May 20th, 2013.

Fundraising campaign to reach target for new Shriners Hospital for Children

A $130-million fundraising campaign to help raise money for the construction of the new Shriners Hospital for Children - Canada has reached just over $111 million, according to fundraising co-chair Richard Renaud.

Gender Equality in Canadian Politics

When Margaret Thatcher died in early April, there was a great deal of public discussion about her legacy. Underlying all the commentary was the fact she was Britain’s first female Prime Minister.

RFQ issued for hospital building in Kamloops, B.C.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been issued for the Royal Inland Hospital Clinical Services Building in Kamloops, B.C.

VIDEO: Competing in the trades

Over 1,900 students competed in more than 60 trades at the recent Ontario Technological Skills Competition held at RIM Park in Waterloo, Ont.

World’s most expensive country – Australia; cheapest – India

According to the latest (March) inflation statistics released by Statistics Canada, the cost of a basket of goods purchased by an “average” Canadian household has risen by 1% over the past twelve months. Further, the Statistics Canada CPI report for March revealed that, on average, it cost the average household almost 5% more to live in Edmonton than in Toronto.

New tool for road life-cycle design

If you’re an engineer who designs roadways, there’s something new to add to your toolbox. And if you’re interested in the concept of life-cycle assessment, or LCA, there’s a webinar coming up that you might want to drop in on.

St. Marys Cement Inc. fined $75,000

St. Marys Cement Inc. of Toronto has been fined $75,000 and a supervisor was fined $3,000 for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

Deltera continues work on Hullmark Centre in Toronto

Glass work is progressing on the Hullmark Corporate Centre in North York, Ont.

OPG $1 billion proposal to bury nuclear waste up for comment

A public comment period on Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) $1 billion proposal to bury nuclear waste near Kincardine, Ont. draws to a close later this month and will be followed by a public hearing in the fall.

Partnership will streamline apprenticeship program in Atlantic Canada

A new regional approach to apprenticeship will create greater mobility and a stronger labour force in Atlantic Canada.

Streamlined standards a focus for CIPH and MCAC in Ottawa

Anti-counterfeiting issues and streamlining of industry standards in North America were front and centre on the agenda when the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH) and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) met recently with federal politicians.

Double Duty

Construction gets closer to the top floor of the second tower at Electric City Phase 1 and 2 condominiums in Toronto, Ont.

Clarity for voluntary trades and OCOT membership

Voluntary trades workers do not have to be members of the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) if they received their Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) prior to April 8, 2013.

Ontario prompt payment bill to get second reading today

In what is being billed as a win-win for the province’s construction industry, landmark prompt payment legislation has been tabled at Queen’s Park.

Resurgent United States housing market impacted by lack of qualified workers

The resurgent U.S. housing market has sent builders calling again for Richard Vap, who owns a drywall installation company. Vap would love to help. And he would if he could hire enough qualified people.

VIDEO: Competing in the trades

Over 1,900 students competed in more than 60 trades at the recent Ontario Technological Skills Competition held at RIM Park in Waterloo, Ont.

Mayan pyramid in Belize destroyed for road-building project

A construction company has essentially destroyed one of Belize's largest Mayan pyramids with backhoes and bulldozers to extract crushed rock for a road-building project, authorities announced on May 13.

SNC Lavalin says new bribery allegations across Asia, Africa are history

Embattled engineering company SNC-Lavalin says allegations in published reports that a subsidiary used a code to account for bribes on several projects across Africa and Asia have been resolved and are history.

Union threatens to sue over apprentice sign up allegations

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in B.C. is threatening to take legal action against the local open shop contractors association for making accusations that the union is signing up apprentices in classrooms at a publicly-funded technical institute.

Winnipeg Precast Parkade

Manshield Construction LP is the general contractor for a new parkade for the McPhillips Station Casino in Winnipeg Manitoba.

Newspaper building converted for original builder’s new offices

What goes around comes around.

Associations weigh in on closed tendering

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) took to Ottawa to provide their views on closed tendering in the construction industry.

Who’s on Three?

Workers install precast panels at the Cranbrooke Village condominium project at Bathurst Street and Lawrence Avenue in Toronto, Ont.

Walterdale Bridge budget balloons

Edmonton city council has increased the budget for the construction of the new Walterdale Bridge by $19.5 million, which brings the total cost of the structure to $155 million.

Provincial road funding requires close eye: ORBA

Despite the continued commitment toward public infrastructure funding that was shown in the recent Ontario budget, the province’s road building industry still has some questions about the government’s ability to deliver on all of its spending announcements.

Scrutiny shifts to Laval police in corruption inquiry

The day after a once-mighty mayor was arrested in his own city and accused of being a gangster, aggressive questioning shifted toward local police.

Journal of Commerce Update for the week of May 20th, 2013

In this week's update, we look at some of the stories we'll be covering in the Journal of Commerce for the week of May 20th, 2013.

New partnership to bid on Fort McMurray transmission project

A new strategic partnership is being created between TransAlta Corporation and MidAmerican Transmission, which will participate in the competitive bid process for the construction of the Fort McMurray West Transmission Project.

Wood looking up in B.C. and Canada

Just as the 12th to 15th contemporary tall wood buildings are nearing completion in Milan, Italy, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is throwing its support behind this important global initiative here at home.

Lafarge Canada Inc. honoured by Manitoba premier for service

Lafarge Canada Inc. received a 2013 Premier’s Volunteer Service Award for the company’s seven-year dedication to Norquay School.

Structural Steel

Construction workers are busy with the structural steel frame for a new Ford Dealership in Okotoks, Alberta.

Goderich Carpenters’ union help train Habitat project trades

Pass by the site of a 1,200-square-foot house being built this summer in Goderich, Ont. by Habitat for Humanity and you might notice something different: the volunteer corps constructing the house is made up of women.

Edmonton invests in road infrastructure

The City of Edmonton is planning to invest $264.8 million investment in bridges, interchanges and road paving during the 2013 construction season, which includes $11 million for road rehabilitation.

Breaking Hearts in Windsor

Jim Lyons, executive director, Windsor Construction Association (WCA) and his three daughters entered as a team in the Heartbreaker Challenge in Windsor recently.

OCOT has been extremely open and transparent, says Dillon

I am writing in response to the March 19 contributed column entitled “Stopping the trades tax necessary, says Thurston,” in the Daily Commercial News.

Nominations open for Leaders 2013

Who do you think is leading the way in Canadian construction?

Vimy Ridge memorial gets new visitor centre ahead of battle's 100th anniversary

The federal government has set aside $5 million to help in the construction of a permanent visitor centre at the Canadian war memorial in Vimy, France.

NDP add third demand to prop up Liberals: no tolls in carpool lanes

The New Democrats are adding a third - and what they say is their last - ask to their post-budget demands to prop up the minority Liberals and avoid an election.

GO Transit to build new maintenance facility in East Gwillimbury

Construction has started on the new GO Transit bus storage and maintenance facility in East Gwillimbury, which will help meet the demand for increased GO express service.

Alliance contracting and construction projects

In the world of government procurement today, buyers who frequently hear the terms “alliance contracting”, “strategic alliance arrangements” and “industry alliance programs” must wonder what those terms mean and how the ideas that they represent can be put to use.

U.S. unemployment reaches five-year low

The unemployment rate for construction workers in the United States fell to the lowest April level in five years as contractors added more than 150,000 employees in the past year despite a dip in employment last month, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that, despite the monthly drop, the industry is likely to continue adding jobs for much of 2013.

Hundreds of workers to be out of work as Caterpillar Inc. is set to close Toronto factory

Heavy equipment giant Caterpillar Inc. says it is closing a tunnel-boring machine factory in Toronto by mid-2014, throwing 330 workers out of a job.

Value of buildings permits up for third straight month in March: StatsCan

Building permits in Canada rose 8.6 per cent in March, beating expectations, but economists say the gains were driven mostly by demand for new institutional buildings.

Heron Hill Hoist

A concrete bucket rises up at the Yorkland at Heron’s Hill condominium project in North York, Ont.

Workin’ on the Five

Work is progressing on the Five Condos project at 5 St. Joseph St. in Toronto, Ont. Graywood Developments Ltd. along with 5SJ Construction Management have completion of the 48-storey, 539-unit project with top two floors for mechanical room scheduled for spring 2015.

Veterans battle barriers into the trades

Creating a link between military qualifications and provincial apprenticeship requirements is one of the ways Helmets to Hardhats Canada (H2HC) is trying transition military veterans into civilian construction careers.

Associations go to Ottawa to talk closed tendering in construction

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) took to Ottawa to provide their views on closed tendering in the construction industry.

Quebec corruption inquiry witness admits to lie on the stand

A witness who has delivered bombshell testimony at Quebec's corruption inquiry is admitting he told a lie on the stand.

George Brown College building named after Tridel CEO

George Brown College's construction management school will be named the Angelo Del Zotto School of Construction Management after the chief executive officer and chairman of the Tridel Group of Companies and Tridel Corporation which pledged a $3 million gift to the college's Success at Work fundraising campaign.

Unlocking one of the mysteries of U.S. politics

Political machinations around the world are becoming increasingly chaotic. The prime examples may be in Europe, where the austerity-versus-stimulus debate has resulted in governments being replaced in Greece, France, Spain and Italy.

Associations go to Ottawa to talk closed tendering in construction

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) took to Ottawa to provide their views on closed tendering in the construction industry.

Work begins on Saskatchewan kids' hospital

Work is underway to prepare the site for the eventual construction of the Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan (CHS), as the design development is approved.

VIDEO: Adrian Dix and Christy Clark talk to industry leaders at BCCA Construction Summit

On January 25th, 2013 the British Columbia Construction Association held a "Construction Summit" for B.C. industry leaders in Vancouver featuring a Q&A with both BC Premier and Liberal Party leader Christy Clark and B.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix.

Worker dies at residential construction site in Vancouver

WorkSafeBC is investigating the death of a worker after a retaining wall collapsed at a residential construction site in Vancouver, B.C.

Foreign worker program changes concern the CCA

Changes to the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) program will "significantly impair" the construction industry's ability to fill the increased demand for construction services across the country, says the Canadian Construction Association (CCA).

Allegations of students signing union cards refuted

The B.C. Institute of Technology (BCIT) is denying allegations by the local open shop contractors association that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is being allowed to sign up apprentices in classrooms at the publicly funded school.

Labour federation takes issue with some political donations in Alberta

The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) is accusing the construction industry of using political donations to influence government changes to the provincial labour code, but one company argues these contributions are helping facilitate the democratic process.

Sudbury Construction Association’s voice strengthens

For a number of years, the Sudbury Construction Association (SCA) was one of the best-kept secrets in town.

Building infrastructure boosts the economy

The B.C. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association believes that infrastructure development is the key to growing our economy and for providing a better future for British Columbians.

Seasons of Tuxedo

Manshield Construction LP is the general contractor for a new Mr. Lube in the Seasons of Tuxedo development in Southern Winnipeg, Manitoba.

London association withdraws from COCA

The London & District Construction Association (LDCA) has withdrawn from the Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) because it has not taken a position opposing the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).

Hockey legend Jean Beliveau surprised to hear his name dragged into Quebec corruption inquiry

Montreal Canadiens great Jean Beliveau was surprised to hear his name come up on May 1 during the Quebec construction corruption inquiry testimony of a crooked political organizer who shmoozed celebrities.

Saskatchewan hospital construction

Construction has started on a new regional hospital in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. It is integrating lean methodology into the design, functioning and culture of the facility.

U of T selects architects to design engineering and entrepreneurship building

The University of Toronto has chosen Toronto-based Montgomery Sisam Architects (MSA) and U.K.-based Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios as the architects for the 15,000-square-metre Centre for Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CEIE).

Finding new tools for soil remediation

The science of environmental soil sampling and remediation spurred demand for a whole new set of tools.

PCL Constructors works on Humber River Regional Hospital in Toronto

Work is moving along at the Humber River Regional Hospital’s new acute care complex in Toronto, Ont.

Manitoba building schools

The Manitoba government is planning the construction of a new school in Winnipeg's South Pointe area, as well as an expansion in St. Boniface. Budget 2013 and the Manitoba Building and Renewal Plan include funds to secure the land and finalize designs for an early learning to Grade 8 school in the growing Waverley West neighbourhood.

VIDEO: Transit-oriented development in Edmonton

Edmonton has traditionally been dominated by car traffic, but recently efforts have been made to improve the city transit system and, through transit-oriented development, to create neighbourhoods and destinations that are integrated with transit.

Scrutiny shifts to police in corruption tainted Laval

The day after a once-mighty mayor was arrested in his own city and accused of being a gangster, aggressive questioning shifted toward local police.

Concrete pour will cause delays on Calgary's Deerfoot Trail

From 10:00 p.m. on May 10 until 8:00 a.m. on May 11 as more than 150 cubic meters of concrete will be poured overnight for the new bridge deck at Seton Boulevard/196th Avenue SE and Stony Trail in Calgary.

An overview of prices and sales in the diverging U.S. and Canadian housing markets

There is a wealth of information available about residential real estate markets in the U.S. and Canada. With home starts in the two countries now taking divergent paths — trending upwards to the south and downwards to the north — this is a good time to review some the latest data.

Spire installed at the top of One World Trade Center

The silver spire topping One World Trade Center has been fully installed on the building's roof, bringing the iconic structure to its full, symbolic height of 1,776 feet.

Owens takes Industry Partner of the Year Award

At left, Andy Goyda, market development manager, Insulating Systems Business, Owens Corning Canada and Andrew Pride, vice-president, Conservation, Ontario Power Authority, stand with the 2012 Industry Partner of the Year Award from EnerQuality.

BluMetric Environmental Inc. awarded million dollar U.S. contract

BluMetric Environmental Inc. has been awarded a US$1 million contract for the supply of wastewater treatment equipment to a municipality in New York State.

Nominations open for The Leaders 2013

Who do you think is leading the way in Canadian construction? Nominations are now open for which companies we could feature in our 2013 edition of The Leaders and Reed Construction Data (RCD) would like to hear from you. The Leaders is now entering its seventh year in its current format and nominations run through the month of May.

Alleged fake consulting company busted for U.S. stimulus funds fraud

A Chippewa Cree tribal leader, a former state lawmaker and three others used a fake billing system and a shell company to pocket hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal stimulus aid meant for the Montana tribe, federal prosecutors said May 7.

CVC recognized for engineering excellence

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and partners’ innovative stormwater management retrofit project at Elm Drive in Mississauga was recognized with an engineering award of excellence during the 11th annual Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO) awards gala.

U.S. employment rate reaches four-year low

U.S. employers added 165,000 jobs in April, and hiring was much stronger in the previous two months than the government first estimated.

Tower Hill unveils 56-storey condo tower project

Tower Hill Development Corp. has unveiled plans for a 56-storey modernist condominium tower in midtown Toronto that it says will transform the district with its “stunning, cantilevered” terrace design. A date has not been set for groundbreaking.

National manufacturers support Ontario budget

According to Canada’s largest trade and industry association, Ontario’s recently tabled budget is a good first step to help revitalize the province’s manufacturing sector, but still lacks measures to create jobs and promote business growth.

Journal of Commerce Update for the week of May 13th, 2013

In this week's update, we look at some of the stories we'll be covering in the Journal of Commerce for the week of May 13th, 2013.

Keeping an Eagle Eye on Canadian Home Starts - So Far, a Genteel Decline

National new home starts in April were 175,000 units seasonally adjusted and annualized (SAAR), according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Former longtime Quebec mayor Gilles Vaillancourt charged in corruption probe

The powerful longtime mayor of one of Quebec's biggest cities is among dozens of people swept up in an anti-corruption raid today.

Former Laval mayor charged with gangsterism

The former longtime mayor of one of Quebec's largest cities has been charged with gangsterism after being arrested by the province's anti-corruption squad.

Innovative cities more than a dream

If you have imagination, plenty of money and are looking for a trendy way to combine the two, you might bankroll a highly planned, research city that incorporates a living environment that is sustainable — or nearly so.

Spire covered with U.S. flag hoisted to roof of New York’s World Trade Center

Adorned with an American flag that flapped in the breeze, the last pieces of a silver spire were hoisted to the top of the World Trade Center on May 2 as construction workers cheered its ascent.

New Merit Canada focus on open tenders

Merit Canada has launched a new website and advertising campaign as part of its fight to require open tendering on public projects in all Canadian jurisdictions.

Dominus continues construction of Pier 27 Condominiums in Toronto

Construction progresses on the Pier 27 Condominiums phases one and two in Toronto, Ont.

Construction cautious on 2013 Ontario budget

The Ontario government’s plan to make a significant investment toward public infrastructure has left industry leaders cautiously positive.

Construction begins on O-Train expansion

Construction of the $59-million O-Train Service Expansion Project has officially begun in Ottawa, temporarily shutting down service to complete major upgrades.

Cross-laminated timber first in Ottawa

In what is thought to be the first such commercial installation in the city of Ottawa, cross-laminated timber (CLT) is being utilized on a Playvalue Toys warehouse/retail facility.

LEED specified for all U.S. General Services Administration buildings

A green building advisory committee established by the General Services Administration (GSA), has officially recommended that the LEED certification system be used for all GSA buildings as the best measure of building efficiency. The committee also conveyed that LEED should be the primary way to show how agency buildings use energy and water and that LEED standards are the most conducive to meet the Energy Independence and Security Act.

Canam Steel acquires Quincy Joist Company

Canam Steel Corporation, a subsidiary of Canam Group, has signed an agreement to acquire the steel joist fabrication assets of Quincy Joist Company, a subsidiary of Schuff International, Inc.

Vancouver construction worker killed by falling retaining wall

WorkSafeBC has stated it has received a report from Vancouver police that a man was killed on a residential construction site in the Vancouver neighbourhood of Point Grey when a retaining wall fell on him.

Canadian housing market continues to fall

Canada's once-sizzling housing market continues to fall back to more sustainable levels, but as yet is managing to avoid the earmarks of a damaging crash that would spill over into the general economy.

Enbridge adjusted earnings beat expectations, but pace not expected to last

Enbridge Inc. on Wednesday reported higher first-quarter adjusted earnings that beat expectations, but warned it doesn't expect that pace to last.

U.S. construction employment climbs in 152 metro areas, finds AGC

Construction employment in the United States increased in 152 out of 339 metropolitan areas between March 2012 and March 2013, declined in 126 and was stagnant in 61, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released May 2 by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that many metro areas are adding jobs as construction spending increased 4.8 per cent, or $38.9 billion, during the same time frame.

Vancouver Tower

A pair of construction workers are busy building the MNP Tower in downtown Vancouver, B.C.

Tank expansion

Gibson Energy Inc. has received committed customer support for a new 500,000-barrel crude oil storage tank at the company's Hardisty Terminal.

Journal of Commerce Update for the week of May 13th, 2013

In this week's update, we look at some of the stories we'll be covering in the Journal of Commerce for the week of May 13th, 2013.

Alberta's Heartland pipeline moving forward

TransCanada Corporation has signed binding long-term shipping agreements to build, own and operate the proposed Heartland Pipeline connecting Edmonton to Hardisty Alberta, as well as a terminal facility.

Nominations open for The Leaders 2013

Who do you think is leading the way in Canadian construction? Nominations are now open for which companies we could feature in our 2013 edition of The Leaders and Reed Construction Data (RCD) would like to hear from you.

Manitoba mine clean-up spins gold

An environmental company is cleaning up a toxic Manitoba mine site at no cost to taxpayers, but it gets to keep any gold it can extract from a stockpile of arsenopyrite concentrate.

33rd annual BILD awards awarded the finest in building and development

The building and development industry gathered recently to hand out the 33rd annual BILD awards which recognizes the best in design, construction, sales and marketing.

Site conditions lead to extra cost claims

In its October 2009 decision in Welcon (1976) Ltd. v. South River (Town), the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal considered a dispute involving extra cost claims arising out of a municipal water and sewage project.

A sluggish March dips U.S. construction projects

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in March as the biggest drop in government projects in more than a decade overwhelmed strength in home building.

Future of the building envelope discussed in forum series

Planned as a first in a series of forums on sustainable development, Sustainability, Durability, and Design: The Future of Building Envelope, kicked off the series organized by Holcim Canada, the University of Toronto’s Department of Civil Engineering and the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.

Recycled aggregate use bill supported by ARO

A private members bill that would prohibit restricting the use of recycled aggregate in all construction contracts by public sector bodies is receiving praise from the head of Aggregate Recycling Ontario (ARO).

Union threatens legal action over allegations of signing apprentices at BCIT

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in B.C. is threatening to take legal action against the local open shop contractors association for making accusations that the union is signing up apprentices in classrooms at a publicly-funded technical institute.

Monarch continues building Waterscapes on Toronto Lakefront

Workers grab material that was lifted up at the Waterscapes at Waterview condominium project in Etobicoke, Ont.

Infrastructure spending may be best way to ensure training

Some industry leaders believe the most effective boost the federal government budget initiatives can give Canada's apprentice training system is ensuring there is work and finding new means of helping apprentices complete their journey person status.

Waterfront Toronto a money maker and job creator, according to consulting firm

Toronto’s waterfront project has injected $3.2 billion into the Canadian economy and has created 16,200 full-time years of employment, according to economic research firm, urbanMetrics.

NDP victory won't change everything

"Goodness gracious me," said Henny-penny, "The sky's a-going to fall; I must go and tell the king."

$120 million grain terminal expansion is underway

Richardson International Limited has started construction on an expansion project at its port terminal facility in North Vancouver, but the new concrete grain storage annex could have a serious impact on nearby residents.

Alberta announces a slew of school construction projects

The Government of Alberta is moving forward with construction of 24 new schools and several modernization projects across the province.

Horizon oilsands expansion under budget so far

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. says an expansion to its Horizon oilsands mine is currently tracking 10 per cent under budget as contractors and service providers compete for work in the Fort McMurray, Alta. region.

Work Gets Underway

Early site work is underway for two 14-storey residential towers in Richmond, B.C. across the street from the Olympic Oval.

VIDEO: Alex Carrick - Ontario Budget 2013

One of the highlights of the 2013 Ontario budget is a three-year, $35-billion commitment toward public infrastructure.

CanBIM issues call for presentations

The Canada BIM Council (CanBIM) has issued a call for presentations for an upcoming regional session in Halifax in mid-June. The theme of the event is the state of BIM in Canada: past, present and future.

Canada’s precarious dependence on the commodity price super-cycle

Mid-April was not a good time for Canada’s raw materials sector. In the course of just a couple of days, an already weakening price of gold surrendered all restraint and plunged the most in three decades.

Tucker Hi-Rise works on 70-storey condo at Yonge and Bloor in Toronto

Construction is ongoing for One Bloor Condos in Toronto, Ont. Owner Great Gulf Homes and construction manager Tucker Hi-Rise Construction Inc. have completion of the 70-storey, 732-unit project scheduled for late 2014.

Construction Control Inc. has a new name

Construction Control Inc., one of Canada’s fastest growing multi-disciplinary engineering companies, recently changed its name to CCI Group. The new brand better represents the expanded services, increased geographic reach and wider scope of the company, said one company official.

Quebec rec facilities get funds

Four Outaouais organizations will receive financial assistance to modernize local recreational facilities through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

Address on the Corner

Construction is ongoing for The Address at High Park condominiums on Bloor St. W. in Toronto, Ont.

VIDEO: Alex Carrick - Ontario Budget 2013

One of the highlights of the 2013 Ontario budget is a three-year, $35-billion commitment toward public infrastructure.

First Nations group outraged at destruction of ancient rock art sites

Members of a Nanaimo First Nations group are outraged after crews contracted by BC Hydro damaged a documented ancient rock art site during work last week.

U.S. new home starts in March breached one million units

How long has it been? The answer: 57 months or nearly five years. June 2008 was the last time U.S. monthly housing starts, seasonally adjusted and at an annual rate (SAAR), were higher than one million units.

NDP victory would bring risks for industry

What's at risk when British Columbians head to the polls May 14 is the progress the construction industry and open shop have built over the past 12 years.

Alberta's best contractors recognized at gala

The Contractor of the Year Award winners were recently announced at a gala in Edmonton, Alberta.

Saskatchewan labour laws radically overhauled in Bill 85

Updating labour legislation in Saskatchewan has become a contentious issue in the province.

CanBIM issues call for presentations

The Canada BIM Council (CanBIM) has issued a call for presentations for an upcoming regional session in Halifax in mid-June. The theme of the event is the state of BIM in Canada: past, present and future.

Ottawa Convention Centre wins top award from CEO

Consulting Engineers of Ontario (CEO) has recognized outstanding contributions by the industry to the social, economic and environmental quality of life in Ontario in its 2013 awards.

OPEN SHOP: Merit Contractors Association president Stephen Kushner

The Journal of Commerce was recently able to sit down in Edmonton, Alberta with Merit Contractors Association president Stephen Kushner.

Richmond Residential

The construction is nearly complete for the first phase of the massive River Green development near the Olympic Oval in Richmond, B.C.

Merit Canada seeks open tendering on federal projects

The national open shop association in Canada is calling for open tendering on all federal projects.

Using niche markets to develop Sudbury’s condominiums

The condo market is growing in Sudbury — and in some instances it is being developed in unusual places. Take the city’s old General Hospital as an example.

Federal legislation rankles unions, but pleases open shop

If a divisive bill forcing Canadian labour unions to make public their finances and activities gets through the Senate and into law, expect a court challenge, says the second-in-command at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

Building Trades of Alberta executive director named

Warren Fraleigh has been named as the new executive director of the Building Trades of Alberta.

Repeal of Fair Wages Act could save feds some cash

Trade unions are outraged by the federal government's decision to repeal the Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act, but open shop associations say it will save taxpayers money and will encourage more hiring.

Industry reacts to foreign worker program changes

Canadian union leaders say reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program highlight the need for full involvement of all stakeholders in the consultation process, but some are concerned the changes will harm the construction industry.

Guards back at work after strike about prison design

The union representing Alberta prison guards has reached an agreement with the provincial government, after launching a wildcat strike over design flaws and safety concerns at the newly constructed Edmonton Remand Centre (ERC).

Saskatchewan open shop contractors honoured

Saskatchewan's open shop construction industry gathered recently at an awards ceremony in Saskatoon to honour and recognize employees, who demonstrate excellence.

Open shop opposes apprenticeship quotas for public projects

Open shop associations in Western Canada don't want to see mandatory or prescriptive quotas for apprentices imposed on government contracts, whether they are provincial or federal.

On the Spot

A worker welds the bucket of an excavator as construction work gets underway in downtown Okotoks, Alberta.

B.C. hosts launch of NAOSH week

Across B.C., Canada, and North America, workplaces will be marking North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week, May 5-11, with events, competitions, and public awareness campaigns.

Merit Canada launches new website

In support of its lobbying for open tendering on public projects, Merit Canada has introduced www.opportunitytowork.ca. It is a website that advocates for open shop construction workers to be able to work on public infrastructure projects.

VIDEO: Calgary airport tunnel takes shape

The City of Calgary's ambitious Airport Trail Tunnel project is a 620 metre tunnel that will run under the new Calgary International Airport runway and will extend Airport Trail from Barlow Trail to 36 Street N.E.

Canadian Natural says Horizon oilsands expansion under budget so far

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. says an expansion to its Horizon oilsands mine is currently tracking 10 per cent under budget as contractors and service providers compete for work in the Fort McMurray, Alta. region.