Employee buy-in wins kudos and success for Centra Windows
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Queen Elizabeth’s life carries some lessons in leadership.
BUILDING CONCERN
Coda expands...FGIA and FenBC merge...Rebates in Manitoba... 12 OWNERSHIP ALL THE WAY It’s a culture of entrepreneurship at Centra Windows.
Here’s what will be on tap in Montreal this November. 16
Be like the Queen
Don’t just have power, deserve it.
It has probably not escaped your notice that Queen Elizabeth passed away last month.
I’m not a big royal watcher, but the articles about her life have been a window into a truly remarkable track record of long-term success as a public figure, despite changes and challenges that would likely have demolished the reputation of most other leaders we see around us today. I think Rex Murphy put his finger on it in the National Post when he said that it was her commitment to duty and dignity, rather than celebrity, that allowed her to endure and leave this world with almost universal respect and affection.
That she and the monarchy attract such attention always seems weird when you understand that they have no real power over anything, anywhere. Their activities should be irrelevant clickbait on par with Kim Kardashian’s latest exploit. Yet, somehow, it doesn’t feel entirely like that. I see the adoring crowds outside Buckingham Palace and the earnst seriousness of whatever ceremony or event they are participating in and think, “Something important is going on here.” The question that’s been bugging me lately is, “What is it?”
I may have arrived at an answer that satisfies me, at least. Having power in society is easily understood. It means you can have others do what you tell them. That’s accomplished by having money; or by having the law and courts on your side; or having people with guns who will do your bidding; or some combination of all these things. Our politicians get elected, which gives them the legal right to make budgets and laws and tell law enforcement and the military what to do. That’s real power – the kind the monarchy utterly lacks and has lacked for some time since before the Queen was even born.
Having power is one thing. But getting others to accept someone’s power over them is quite another. If you have to pull the gun out and
by Patrick Flannery
wave it around every time you issue an order, things will not run very smoothly. Somehow, people must be convinced that your power is legitimate, and that you don’t just have it...you deserve it.
That, in my view, is the role the monarchy has played and continues to play in British and Commonwealth constitutional democracies for at least the last century. Just by existing and retaining its ceremonial role as the ultimate authority, it connects the country and whatever government it has today to 1,000 years of history and tradition. That makes it harder for anyone to feel that their leaders are governing arbitrarily and are really nothing more than a pack of rogues who have managed to win an election. We accept, at some level, that they have the right to rule over us.
The Queen executed this perfectly by presenting an unwavering example of a leader who was above reproach. How was she able to do this? Easy...she didn’t have to really lead anything. she never had to be responsible for anything that actually mattered. She almost never took a political position. All she had to do was stay in character in public, which she did – unfailingly, unflinchingly, rocklike – for 70 years. I don’t think any monarch before or any following will be able to do so as well.
My publisher tells me I’m supposed to connect these editorials to the industry somehow, so here goes. In light of the death of Her Majesty, spare a thought for how, in your business, you communicate that you not only have power, but deserve to have power. Be able to answer the question: why should anyone pay any attention to you? Yes, you can fire them, but would they follow you even if you couldn’t? The Queen couldn’t do anything to anyone outside her immediate employ, yet got millions of people all around the world to follow her, voluntarily. There has to be a lesson in leadership there. And God save the King.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Coda expands across Canada
Coda Products welcomed Ted Paetaku and Mathieu Hebert as new sales representatives. Both representatives will be covering all of Canada and will showcase Coda’s line of closed-cell foam seals.
Coda’s continued growth is now supported by the completion of the company’s new flagship state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and in-house R&D lab in New Hampshire.
“Coda’s expanded production capacity combined with our advanced R&D lab, which includes three-dimensional printing, provides exceptional never-seen-before customer service to the market,” said Daniel Cook, president of
FenBC becomes part of FGIA
The Fenestration Association of British Columbia became a part of the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, effective Sept. 1. The newly formed FGIA FenBC Region is the alliance’s first Canadian region. The region will operate similar to the pre-existing FGIA U.S. regions – FGIA Southeast Region and FGIA Western Region – and will focus on regulatory and government initiatives, product installation, commercial contractor interests and related needs in British Columbia. The association also announced a regionspecific, one-day, in-person meeting and a one-day virtual event for the new region which will be included in their programming each year.
“By expanding FGIA regional offerings to include FenBC, FGIA strengthens its Canadian presence with a strong and well-respected provincial organization. Members from both organizations will realize greater opportunities for networking and building business relationships,” said Dan Parrish, chairman of the FGIA board and engineering manager with Pella Corporation. “The joining of these two industry associations will expand our diversity of expertise, which will benefit the entire membership, and signals a greater international cooperation of members that will promote further unity of our industry standards.”
In February 2021, the FGIA and FenBC signed an official agreement for collaboration. The collaboration enhanced the reach and visibility of both organizations while ensuring efficiencies in monitoring, which will continue with the FGIA FenBC Region.
“Providing for continuity of FenBC’s operations with a focus on both residential and commercial markets, members now have the backing of a large North American organization whose member base aligns
Coda Products. “This is the perfect time to expand across Canada and I am excited to work with both Ted and Mathieu who bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.”
Ted Paetkau of Fenestration Components International, a manufacturer representative serving window and door markets throughout western North America, will cover Canada from Manitoba, west. Ted and his team, Carmine Lanza and Bryan Brooks, bring an extensive background in windows and doors, building materials, manufacturing and distribution. Mathieu Hebert of Lolex Sales Agency will cover Canada from Ontario, east. Coda’s recent partnership with Mathieu and Lolex brings a thorough background in the window and door components industry. Mathieu provides professional services in both English and French to support window and door manufacturers.
Looks like the FGIA had such a good time in Victoria in 2019 they decided to move in permanently.
well with our current membership, while expanding our network,” said Dave Goldsmith, chairman of the FenBC board and senior code and compliance engineer with Ply Gem Canada. “FenBC members will have a voice in a leading North American industry alliance at a time of supply chain uncertainty and instability. It will also allow for greater collaboration relative to events, education, advocacy and technical standards and will avoid the duplication of effort between separate industry associations, while maintaining a FenBC board of directors as an FGIA regional board of directors.”
SAWDAC
GOLF BRINGS OUT SOME NEW FRIENDS
We hosted our annual golf tournament Sept. 13 at Turtle Creek Golf Club in Guelph, Ont. The day attracted 104 golfers plus 10 guests for dinner. Notable was the large contingent from our friends at Fenestration Canada. We thank our 18 sponsors for making this fun opportunity possible. The putting contest and 50/50 draw raised $970, which the SAWDAC board matched to create a $1,940 donation to Kids Ability.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Where will the window and door industry be in six months? Here’s the view from the SAWDAC offices. While we can forecast that the economy has slowed drastically, look at the housing market with everything the Bank of Canada is trying to do to curb inflation while trying to keep the economy out of a recession. We have to wonder what these measures are going to do to our industry. If we look at the global economy, the Canadian economy will continue to shift from COVID-recovery-driven growth to more normal growth in 2022, which we have seen lately. The road back to normalcy will not be easy and 2022 is the year of transition. Canadian families remain well positioned to support economic activity, with growth expected to reach
LABOUR HEADACHES
The labour shortage and skills-matching challenges are holding our members back. Labour market challenges facing SAWDAC members have persisted in 2022 and look set to continue for 2023. PreCOVID manufacturers were paying $17 to $19 per hour, now its $23 to $26 and they still can’t get the proper level of employees to meet the demand for window and door sales. Here are some strategies that we have seen working in our sector:
3.5 percent in Canada in 2022. Nevertheless, it will be important for Canadian businesses like yours to keep an eye on their supply chains and rising costs. We seem to have overcome a lot of the supply chain issues and pricing increases will level off, if the BOC measures can take grasp of inflationary triggers. Now it is time to execute strategies to address the labour shortage, especially since it seems this is going to persist for years to come.
Canadian families have remained the key to economic recovery throughout 2022. The savings they accumulated during the COVID lockdowns have positioned them well to help grow the economy and have provided them an offset to the high inflation that we
are experiencing right now. But their spending habits are expected to return to normal as pleasure travel resumes and families feel more comfortable going out to restaurants. This will help grow the economy, but will it be at the cost of the renovation sector? This seems to be the big question. Renovations will continue to contribute to growth though the end of 2022. With low inventories in the housing resale market, we have seen a dramatic spike in home upgrades. It’s possible we are seeing this wave coming to and end. The housing frenzy has slowed as the BOC rates have jumped. This should be the case for housing starts as well, but it’s yet to be seen. Governments are investing heavily in affordable housing.
Investing in technology and automation is the most effective measure you can take in your business. Automation is not just about adding robots. It can be as simple as using software to automate sales processes and customer service, or it can be as involved as using automated machine tools to power the shop floor. Offer a broad compensation package. Overall compensation is a great retaining tool, but it’s not just salary. A comprehensive compensation plan should include competitive salary, benefits and flexible work schedules. Mentoring, paid leaves and health and wellness support will also help set you apart from other companies competing for your workforce. Share your thoughts or experiences on any of this. Email Jason Neal at jason@ sawdac.com
Benoit Joubert of Arkema Canada (left), Jeff Makimoto (centre) joined SAWDAC board member, Allan Lam of Royal Building Supply, for a round at the annual golf tournament. Joubert’s smile says, “I’m going to hit one tight and win a prize!”
INDUSTRY NEWS
NFRC announces new software for simulation and certification
The National Fenestration Rating Council Board has approved two new softwares for simulation and certification in fenestration testing. The new software was produced by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Window7.8.55 and Therm7.8.55 has been approved by the NFRC for immediate use. The software has been extensively tested by multiple simulation laboratories. In the process, numerous bug fixes and enhancements were implemented and the software is now ready for full implementation. Beginning April 1, 2023, the two will be the only approved software for NFRC700 ratings for new certifications, re-certifications or revisions/addendums. Product lines uploaded to the Certified Products Directory prior to September will be acceptable and do not require any remodeling using the new software. The NFRC also outlined details for how to handle re-issues and revisions of existing certification simulation reports, which they outlined in their bulletin. Re-issues containing only a company and/or product name change may continue to the certification expiration date and require no update. Re-issues that include new simulated product options without shading systems may continue to use Window7.4/ Therm7.4 or Window7.7/Therm7.7 until the sunset date. If new simulated product options containing shading systems are added to a re-issued or revised report, the shading system options requiring use of the CGDB shall be rated using Window7.8/Therm7.8. After the sunset date, all new simulated product options added to a reissued or revised report shall use Window7.8/Therm7.8. Window7.4/Therm7.4 and Window7.7/Therm7.7 shall no longer be used after March 31, 2023.
Ontario pushes down residential permits
Credit: Statistics Canada
The total value of building permits in Canada declined 6.6 percent in July to $11.2 billion, mainly due to the residential sector, which fell 8.6 percent to $7.6 billion. The non-residential sector also dropped slightly by 2.1
percent. On a constant dollar basis, the total value of building permits decreased 4.8 percent to $6.9 billion. In July, residential permits decreased 8.6 percent to $7.6 billion nationally. Strong gains in British Columbia and Quebec were more than offset by weak construction intentions in six other provinces. Construction intentions in the single-family homes component declined 5.7 percent, as decreases in Ontario (minus 13.9 percent) more than offset the gains in six provinces. Despite the decline, this component remained 14.8 percent higher than the same month of 2021. The value of building permits in the multi-family homes component dropped 11.1 percent. Declines were posted in six provinces, with Ontario (minus 32.8 percent) reporting the largest decrease. Conversely, British Columbia had a number of permits for condos and apartments, pushing the province’s permits value up 9.3 percent.
GlassBuild America on the move for 2024 and 2025
The National Glass Association has announced new locations for GlassBuild America in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, GlassBuild will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 in Dallas, Texas, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. In 2025, GlassBuild will be held Nov. 4 through Nov. 6 in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center. GlassBuild was originally slated for Las Vegas in 2024, however, the Las Vegas Convention Center will be under partial renovation in 2024 and not optimal for GlassBuild that year. GlassBuild was scheduled to head to Atlanta in 2025 but several factors led NGA to look at Orlando, including frequent requests from attendees and exhibitors; a modern convention centre that can hold GlassBuild comfortably; and experience hosting other large construction-industry trade shows similar to GlassBuild.
“NGA is very excited to share this announcement that GlassBuild America is moving to new cities in 2024 and 2025,” said Molly Grenn, NGA events director in a memo to GlassBuild exhibitors. “We hope to return to Las Vegas in 2026 and Atlanta in 2027.”
Manitoba offers rebates for solar power systems
Efficiency Manitoba is offering a rebate for solar power systems in Manitoba. The Crown corporation’s new Solar Rebate Program went into effect in August, and offers homeowners and businesses in Manitoba who install solar photovoltaic systems a rebate. The rebate will offer $0.50 per watt and home systems up to 10 kilowatts and businesses up to 50 kilowatts are eligible for the program rebates. Rebates will cap at a maximum of $5,000 per home and $25,000 per business. Applicants will be accepted from homeowners and businesses connected to the Manitoba Hydro grid, according to Efficiency Manitoba’s news release. The news release details eligibility requirements which include that customers must work with a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier to install their solar
PV system and apply for the rebate. The rebate can be combined with the Canada Greener Homes Grant, for a maximum coverage of 45 percent of the system’s total cost.
“Efficiency Manitoba’s Solar Rebate Program is one of the few in Canada that offers rebates for both homeowners and businesses, demonstrating their commitment to helping as many Manitobans as possible save on their energy bills,” said Jess Wharton, the Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks and Minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba in a press release. “Beyond the benefits for Manitoba homeowners and businesses, I am pleased to see Efficiency Manitoba continue to support the growing green economy in Manitoba by encouraging opportunities for solar suppliers and installers.”
Andersen and Ubiquitous Energy to develop new products
Andersen Corporation and Ubiquitous Energy are working together to bring new window and door products to market. The products will leverage Ubiquitous Energy’s visibly transparent photovoltaic glass coating technology. The products are intended to bring renewable-energy generation to windows and doors while providing a clear, natural experience that is similar to what is expected from traditional windows and doors.
“By combining Andersen’s expertise in window and door products with the unique properties of Ubiquitous Energy’s technology, our vision is to develop products that go beyond energy efficiency to energy generation,” said Brandon Berg, senior vice-president of research, development and innovation for Andersen Corporation. “This is a powerful opportunity to leverage our industry leadership, product development expertise and manufacturing capabilities to help bring innovative new products to the marketplace that will improve the homeowner experience and make the world a better place.”
“We are excited to continue to deepen our relationship with Andersen to together create the first UE Power window and door products for residential and light commercial buildings. Our companies have a shared goal of changing the way the world uses solar power and positively impacting the environment in a big way without compromising esthetics or function,” said Susan Stone, CEO of Ubiquitous Energy.
Fenestration Manitoba works to strengthen the window and door industry in Manitoba. After all the challenges in the last two years, it was a relief to get together in person as a group with many restrictions reduced and more individuals able to come together. Fenestration Manitoba hosted a breakfast dinner at the Inn at the Forks, the historical site where the Red and Assiniboine rivers come together and the place where Indigenous peoples have met for over 6,000 years. The event was opened by a welcome from Winnipeg deputy mayor and councilor, Markus Chambers, followed by an information session by Glen Hodgson, an economist with 40 years’ experience in global and Canadian macro-economics, international trade and fiscal policy. The title of Hodgson’s talk was “Economic Outlook – Getting inflation back under control.” All listened carefully regarding the future economic conditions and the possible effect they will have on the business of the window and door industry in Manitoba and in Canada. Lots of valuable information was shared. The event also honoured Lisa Bergeron from Jeld-Wen Canada with a Builders Award for her continued efforts to help Fenestration Manitoba in promoting high standards of quality, design, distribution and sales of all types of windows and doors manufactured in Manitoba. Bergeron’s efforts are very much appreciated. Marcie Wilson was also introduced as the new executive director replacing Nancy Zubricki, who retired August 30. We thank her for her input and work to make this event a success. Fenestration Manitoba greatly thanks the sponsors of the event: Quanex Building Supplies (Platinum); AGM Glass Fabricators (Gold); Omni Glass (Gold); Alliance Doors(Bronze); Adfast Sealants (Bronze); and Sika Canada (Bronze).
Investing in trauma response training
by Amy Roberts, FGIA director of Canadian and technical glass operations
When an injury accident occurs at a plant – especially one located away from urban areas where a hospital may not be nearby – being prepared for trauma response is crucial. Plant personnel must do what they can with what they have. Therefore, planning and training for injury response is important.
Personnel selected as emergency response team members must be able to switch roles in accident situations. They are possibly the victim’s only lifeline, so they are no longer the victim’s friend or co-worker. They must be able to keep their emotions in check and deal with the situation calmly.
On-the-job trauma response training translates to off-the-job situations as well. Trainees have the opportunity to use the skills they have learned on the job in emergencies involving their friends and families.
Occasional refreshers, at least every six months, are important, because field medical skills, such as applying a tourniquet or administering CPR, are perishable. To accompany these skills, it is also critical to provide access to emergency equipment (professional-grade first aid kits outfitted with tourniquets, bandaging, gloves, blankets, etc.) throughout the facility, identified by appropriate signage. Not having these items in close proximity leads to longer lead times for appropriate response.
The most important goals in trauma response are to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and to provide stability over the time it takes for help to arrive and get the victim to a higher level of medical care.
Representatives of Independence Training demonstrated the basics of trauma response for FGIA Annual Conference participants last February. According to their experts, when an incident occurs, the first step is to implement life-saving measures identified by the acronym M.A.R.C.H. This method lays out injury assessment and treatment.
“M” is for massive hemorrhage. In these cases, ensure the patient is not bleeding to death from arterial wounds. The first priority is to stop the bleeding, for instance with a tourniquet. Learning to apply one is therefore critical. Note that
tourniquets hurt when applied effectively and this does not indicate a mistake in application and does not mean you should remove it. Find the bleeding blood vessel and pack the immediate area with gauze or a similar absorbent material. Hold pressure for five minutes, then apply a secure bandage over the gauze to apply consistent pressure and secure the wound.
Next is “A” – airway. Confirm the patient has a clear airway.
Check respiration. Determine if the patient is breathing evenly, without distress. Reposition the person or seal any penetrating traumas. Note, however, to only move the casualty if they are in immediate danger, further assessment or treatment is necessary, or treatment-related transportation is required.
Circulation means checking that the patient has and maintains a pulse. Here, CPR comes into play by making sure their circulatory system is up and running. Keep in mind that if CPR is started before any massive hemorrhaging is stopped, the airway is clear or respiration is steady, it will pump the blood out of the body faster.
Finally, watch for hypothermia, otherwise known as shock. Failure to maintain body core temperature is the number-one cause of patient loss. The margin is slim; there are only two degrees of variation before the body starts to go hypothermic. By the time the person’s temperature reaches 33 C, the body is shutting down. Patients can go hypothermic even when outside temperatures exceed 38 degrees, especially considering that many industrial facilities have cold concrete floors.
Proper trauma response training in these M.A.R.C.H. basics has numerous benefits. From reducing job-related injuries and saving lives to identifying leaders and preserving productivity, the more employees know, the better prepared they are to handle traumatic situations. The team-building process identifies candidates for emergency response teams and provides leadership opportunities for team members to build confidence in themselves and each other.
Join the FGIA Fenestration Safety Committee to learn more. It’s an investment in your company and your people.
OWNERSHIP ALL THE WAY DOWN
Employee buy-in drives powerful growth for Centra Windows
This year Langley, B.C.,-based Centra Windows bought Calgarybased Supreme Windows. This move made it part of “western Canada’s largest window installation company,” as Supreme states on its website.
by CARROLL MCCORMICK
As well as expanding Centra’s territory, the acquisition also offers the Calgary team of about 70 the opportunity to become employee owners - a model Centra says is central to its success. It was also a major selling point when the Supreme board decided who would acquire the company.
Centra, which has recently won both Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture and Canada’s Best Managed Companies awards, was founded by John Tilstra in 1984. Shortly after, he invited his colleagues to buy a stake in the company and exercise what Centra refers to as their entrepreneurial spirit. “To see so many people be afforded the opportunity to invest in themselves and their peers through the employee ownership model of Centra is
really rather special,” says Garett Wall, president and CEO of Centra Construction Group, in a Q&A that Centra shared with Fenestration Review.
Ninety percent of the company’s 455 employees participate in the voluntary program, according to Wall. The company offers a share match scheme, doubling the employee’s investment up to a certain amount. Centra also supports their ambitions by teaching them some of the finer points of entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurs are very driven individuals, so we try to coach them. We have a leadership development program that 12 to 14 people per year go through. We meet for a full day, multiple times a year, and we go through the key areas of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. It
RIGHT: Like other Centra employee owners, installers David James (left) and Randy Phelps benefit from leadership development opportunities and an entrepreneurial culture.
was very important to me to have this program. A lot of other companies focus on the external instead of recognizing the talent that’s right in front of them and we want to provide the means for that talent to flourish,” Wall says.
Centra is vertically integrated, from marketing to manufacturing, distribution, installation, consultation and service, as well as having in-house engineering. Its showrooms in Langley, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna and now Calgary are also employee-owned.
Vertical integration means a onestop warranty for Centra’s clients, according to Anton Van Dyk, vice-president of product development and innovation. “Some companies subcontract out the engineering, but we have a fully integrated engineering team. Almost every day it’s, ‘What’s the thing we have to solve?’”
Specializing in retrofitting, as well as providing windows for new construction on a supply-only basis, Centra accepts projects ranging from family dwellings to properties such as the 26-story Imperial Tower in Vancouver. The experts at Centra are well-experienced in navigating the complexities of retrofitting larger strata buildings, with over 400 complexes under their belt.
New to my eastern lexicon, strata housing, according to the British Columbia government, “... not only includes apartment-style condominiums but can also include duplexes, townhouses, fractional vacation properties, even single family homes in bare land strata corporations (“strata subdivisions”).” They also include industrial and commercial developments, all governed under the Strata Property Act.
“Our team is full of respectful, professional employee owners who do all they can to make the process as smooth as possible for all the residents they work with, no matter how many of them there are. One of the things strata owners love most about Centra is that we install our products as well as making them. Using our own experts and avoiding subcontractors avoids a range of potential problems and finger-pointing, and it’s also how we’re able to offer our industry-leading warranty,” Centra notes.
There is that, but Van Dyk, the
Glazing specialist George Salih (on left) and installer Pushpinder Singh building windows at Centra’s manufacturing facility in Langley, B.C.
Centra believes that employee-owners, like fabricator Hiam Yonan, are the key (and not-so-secret) ingredient to the company’s success.
Gurprit Toor, senior lead, fabrication, is one of around 400 Centra employee-owners.
photos: Centra Windows
PROFILE
company code breaker, so to speak, keeps the wheels of code compliance turning. Everyone involved in building construction finds themselves staring down the barrel of the local building codes, but Van Dyk invites the code on his annual vacation. He has, he says, a “big focus on technical expertise and codes.”
“I always [re]introduce myself every year. I take a week off and re-read it. The code is written in double negatives. There is a two-letter word in the National Building Code that is rather important: it is the word ‘or.’ So, [I might] pick the ‘or’ path and building inspectors [may not] accept that. I don’t argue with them, I just ask them to provide me with the section of the code they are referring to. Before you know it, you get some clarity.
“The Imperial Tower in Vancouver and the new modular Marriott hotel are examples of projects we were able to do because of our knowledge of the code,” Van Dyk explains. “People said, ‘You can’t use vinyl windows.’ But actually, you can. It is in the code. With Imperial Tower, we were able to work with engineers to figure out how to make vinyl windows work in a 26-story building. There is a specific section of the British Columbia Building Code that allows for this.
“The challenge with building like this is that you have to meet more than just the combustibility section of the code. You need to take into account thermal performance and structural performance. Traditionally, it would be assumed
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that aluminum is the only product that can meet the combustibility section of the code and, because aluminum is stronger than vinyl, it generally is the preferred product. The new challenge we face in that regard is that the energy codes are making the use of aluminum products more difficult due to their higher thermal bridging properties, so now vinyl windows are becoming a more popular choice. Vinyl windows are less conductive than aluminum, but we still need to add steel reinforcement to vinyl in order to meet the window load requirements for a high-rise building. This starts to create its own challenges as the more steel you add the more conductive the window is, but also, the more steel you add the stronger it is. So, the balance is between thermal conduction and structural deflection resistance. It’s not always a simple task to design.”
Looking down the road, Van Dyk mentions the company’s drive to automate aspects of window design and testing, including, for example, developing tools that warn of code conflicts. “’Error. Cannot make,’” he mimics. “Technology combined with knowledge is the key. There is a massive amount of work going into our IT systems for automation.”
But the human touch will always be paramount, judging from the words of Wall and Van Dyk. “A company should only exist if it makes the lives of its customers, employees and communities better. Employee ownership does all three – customers receive the highest levels of service from owners, and employee owners get access to investment opportunities which spreads wealth back into their communities.” Attending to this principle helps Centra make the right decisions.
Centra Windows installers upgrading a multi-family complex to energy-efficient vinyl windows. Centra does all its retrofit installations itself to maximize quality and accountability.
by ANDREW SNOOK
CA BUILDING CONCERN
Opioid deaths are on the rise in
Canada’s construction industry
anada’s opioid overdoses are on the rise and it’s an issue that is trending upward within the country’s construction sector. One region where massive spikes in opioid-related deaths in the sector are taking place is within the country’s most populated province.
According to the recently released report, “Lives Lost to Opioid Toxicity among Ontarians Who Worked in the Construction Industry,” the numbers have been climbing fast.
The report, created on behalf of the Ontario Drug Policy Network, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario/Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and Public Health Ontario, stated that Ontario reported 2,460 opioid toxicity deaths in 2020, a staggering 60-percent increase from 2019. It also states that Ontario’s construction sector is significantly over-represented in the number of opioid toxicity deaths since the beginning of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.
While the industry represented approximately 3.6 percent of the province’s population and 7.2 percent of people employed in Ontario in 2021, 33 percent of those who were employed at the time of their deaths due to opioid toxicity worked in the construction sector.
The report points to the rigors of the type of work being performed as a contributing factor: The physical demands of construction work may explain why construction workers are prone to injuries and chronic pain, which may contribute to opioid use. In addition, the mental challenges associated with long hours and precarious, competitive and stressful work environments may also contribute to opioid use among people working in the construction industry. The
RIGHT: In Ontario, opioid-related deaths rose by 60 percent in 2020 from 2019.
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precarious or occasional nature of some construction work may also make the construction industry a more accessible field of employment for people who use substances, compared to other sectors. Furthermore, the high proportion of men, particularly in younger age groups, may explain the clustering of opioid-related harm in the construction industry, as these are demographic groups that tend to be most affected by opioid toxicity death.
“Construction workers and anyone working jobs with very high physical demands, that’s where you’re going to see more injuries,” says Jan Chappel, senior technical specialist, occupational health and safety at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
When breaking down the age distributions of construction workers in the sector that died of opioid toxicity in Ontario between 2018 to 2020, the report states that 60.1 percent were between the ages of 25 to 44, while 31.4 percent fell between the ages of 45 to 64, 6.6. percent were 25 years of age of younger, and 1.9 percent were 65 years of age or older.
During that same time period, 98.4 percent of the people employed in the sector that died of opioid toxicity were male.
When it came to the origin of the opioids directly contributing to opioid toxicity deaths in construction worked between 2018 to 2020, 79.2 percent were non-pharmaceutical opioids (overwhelming fentanyl and fentanyl analogues). Solely pharmaceutical opioids contributed to nine percent of opioid toxicity deaths of construction workers, while a com-
bination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical opioids accounted for 11.7 percent of opioid toxicity deaths of construction workers.
The rising opioid issues in Ontario’s construction sector are on a similar trend to British Columbia, where it was reported that 20 percent of opioid toxicity deaths that took place in 2021 were employees within the construction sector.
In 2021, B.C. experienced 2,265 illicit drug toxicity deaths (up from 1,747 in 2020 and 984 in 2019), according to a report from Coroners Services. From 2019 to 2022, the drugs involved in illicit drug toxicity deaths were:
• Illicit fentanyl and analogues: 85.6%
• Cocaine: 45%
• Methamphetamine/amphetamine: 41.9%
• Other opioids: 22.8%
• Ethyl alchohol: 26%
• Benzodiazepines 13.9%
• Other stimulants: 2.9%
While the number of opioid toxicity deaths in B.C. have spiked since the beginning off the pandemic, the construction industry was over-represented well before COVID-19 came to Canada.
According to a 2018 government of British Columbia Coroners Services report, “Illicit Drug Overdose Deaths in BC: Findings of Coroners’ Investigations,” 55 percent of those who died of an overdose in B.C. between 2016 and 2017
Tremco provides the industry’s only singlesource, comprehensive glazing systems for in-plant and in-field applications, along with flexible insulating glass spacers and sealants for residential and commercial markets.
FEATURE
(and were employed at their time of death) were working in the trades and transport industries. This is another massive over-representation of those employed in the trades and transport industries, considering it was reported that those industries made up 15 percent of people employed in the B.C. 2016 Census.
ACROSS CANADA
In addition to all of the tragic deaths that opioid use is responsible for across Canada, it is responsible for billions of dollars in losses. The Ontario-based report stated that in 2017, it was estimated that across all sectors there was $4.2 billion in lost productivity due to opioid use in Canada. This number was reached due to “100,000 productive years of life lost due to premature opioid toxicity deaths.” One can certainly argue that those losses have only skyrocketed since that time.
According to the government of Canada report, “Opioid- and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada,” (June 2022) a total
of 29,052 people have died from apparent opioid toxicity deaths between January 2016 and December 2021. Of those deaths, 88 percent took place in Ontario, B.C. or Alberta.
The report notes that elevated rates have been observed in other areas of the country, including Yukon and Saskatchewan (Manitoba’s data was not available at the time of the report). Fentanyl was involved in 86 percent of Canada’s accidental opioid toxicity deaths in 2021 (81 percent of those were non-pharmaceutical).
MANAGING EMPLOYEE ADDICTION
For employers who suspect an employee may have a “drug problem,” Chappel suggests focusing on assessing the employee’s behaviours on the job and drop the word “problem.” Focusing on drug use as an issue in and of itself is frequently perceived by the employee as intrusive and is often counterproductive to the goal of keeping the employee safe and healthy.
“Employers should be assessing if that individual can do their tasks safely at that time, on that day, at that moment,” she says. “We hesitate to use the word ‘problem’ when you’re talking about addiction. You really can’t diagnose that unless you’re a medical professional or a counsellor, so what we encourage employers to do is focus on what they’re seeing, and if that behaviour is a safety concern.”
Chappel encourages employers to evaluate their employees as they go about their day-to-day tasks.
“Does the person have the ability to perform that job or that task safely? Can they drive the machine? Can they operate the machine? Can they use a sharp object? Are they having trouble making decisions and judgments that affect safety? And then, use that assessment to ask if that person is able to conduct that job safely?” Chappel says.
Chappel encourages employers to develop programs and policies so that every instance of impairment is addressed similarly and in a clear manner.
A 2017 report suggests that 100,000 productive years of life were lost due to premature opioid toxicity deaths.
“Employers may offer employee-assistance programs, if they can,” Chappel says. Benefit packages can include counselling services that can help employees while giving them the security of not having to discuss issues with their employer. Chappel adds that there are
many other organizations that have resources available for employers and employees. One free downloadable toolkit available is “Substance Use and the Workplace: Supporting Employers and Employees in the Trades,” which is available on the website for the Canadian
The physical demands, mental challenges and the occasional nature of construction work may contribute to opioid use.
Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. The toolkit was designed for supervisors, managers, human resources professionals, unions, associations and related organizations, while also containing ready-to-use resources for employees. It includes resources for employers and workers to help prevent substance use harms; educate about substances and their effects; address employee substance use; find services and supports, and access related information about key reports and organizations. The CCSA can be contacted at workplace@ ccsa.ca for more information.
Download Fenestration Conversations episode #34, The Other Pandemic, for more information about Canada’s opioid crisis.
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FENESTRATION CANADA
Back at it
by Mike Bruno, Fenestration Canada president
We’re gearing up to welcome you to Montreal this year for WinDoor 2022. We are looking forward to being back in a vibrant city for the show and hope that you will join us. Exhibitors have gone big with their booths and we expect a regular WinDoor attendance, finally bringing us back to pre-COVID times. But first, an update on what we’ve been up to.
Our Ontario Chapter event held on Sept. 14 was a huge success. Over 50 attendees joined us at the Courtyard Marriott near Toronto. Terry Adamson gave a technical department update and we were joined by Andrew Howse, senior advisor for energy efficiency standards, and Sheerish Rambaruth, code advisor in code development and advisory, from the Ontario government. The two spoke about codes in the Ontario energy efficiency regulation and the Ontario Building Code. We were also joined by Daniel Dicaire from Ottawa Community Housing who shared some valuable insights and asked for industry feedback in his talk about the $1 billion in funding that Ontario Social Housing has for high performance windows in the next five years. With the funding, the government hopes to transform existing buildings into high-performance buildings and eliminate 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from their portfolio. The presentation and discussion was a great chance for Ontario members to showcase their technology and let Dicaire know what the industry has to offer for retrofits. We ended the event with a tour of UL’s facility in Scarborough. Two more in-person chapter events are coming to Calgary on Sept. 29 and Vancouver on Oct. 3.
If you have not attended one of our chapter events yet, know that they are free to all members and non-members and are a great way to connect with your industry and gather some quality education presentations and factory tours. These events are listed on our website and there is no charge to attend.
We are currently putting together education sessions for our WinDoor show in November. Expect very informative content. Two new task groups launched this summer, one looking into on-site air and water leakage testing as well as another reviewing operable guards language in the 2020 NBC.
The show takes place over two days, Nov. 9 to 10 at the Palais des Congres in downtown Montreal. We are working hard to bring you timely education content and great networking opportunities. Registration is now open on our website, windoorshow.ca.
In 2021, we threw a hybrid event and brought WinDoor to the Congress Centre in Toronto for two days. Last year we honoured seven prominent leaders in the Canadian window and door industry during the Hall of Fame dinner. The Main Event gala took place at the Embassy Grand Convention Centre in Brampton, Ont., and for those who were unable to join us because of COVID, we livestreamed the event. It was great to see some faces in person after two years, and we’re looking forward to seeing even more this year.
I can’t forget to mention the VicePresident’’s Auction Event, our main event in Montreal, which you don’t want to miss. Cam Drew, our vice-president will host the evening with all proceeds going toward an industry scholarship fund, so bring your chequebooks to bid on some great items both live and at a silent auction. Tables and tickets are still available but the event will sell out so book your ticket now! Did I mention it’s an open bar?
Laine Atkins, our event manager is still able to accommodate WinDoor booth bookings as well as sponsorship opportunities so please reach out to her. We appreciate the support of our members.
It looks like a very busy fall coming. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
WinDoor’s on the Way
by Daniel Reale-Chin
WinDoor, Canada’s trade show for the fenestration industry, is back again on Nov. 9 and 10. The show is back with new programming and returning to Montreal. Here’s what’s to come.
TAKING OVER MONTREAL
This is WinDoor’s first return to the province of Quebec since 2018. Then it was held in Quebec City, this time, Montreal. The show will take place at Palais des Congres at 201 Avenue Viger Ouest in Montreal. The Palais is known for its iconic facade, so it’s a perfect location for WinDoor. It’s hosted the Montreal International Auto Show and Barack Obama spoke there in 2017 – so it’s fit for Canada’s fenestration industry.
THE EVENTS
Education and industry discussion continues to grow in importance at WinDoor. This year’s topics will include onsite testing, an update from Natural Resources Canada, Passive House and a large retrofit project at Ottawa Community Housing. The Education Committee works hard to identify the main issues facing the industry and create exclusive opportunities to talk to key decision-makers. On the social side, the main event this year is the VP’s Auction Event. Join Cam Drew, Fenestration Canada’s vice-president as he auctions off some amazing items, live. That’s taking place on Nov. 9 from 6 p.m. until late at the Espace Gare Viger, 735 Rue Berri. Tickets to the VP’s Auction include a threecourse dinner, the live and silent auction and an open bar. Individual tickets to the event are available at the FenCan website.
WHERE TO STAY
The first block of rooms at Humaniti Hotel has sold out. Fenestration Canada has lined up the Hotel Monville to carry the overflow. Book now to avoid disappointment! Fenestration Canada asks that you please ensure you book within the block to take advantage of the special price and also to help fill the block. Use promo code WNA22 when booking to get the show price.
WHO WILL BE THERE?
WinDoor attracts most of the important suppliers to the Canadian window and door industry to
It was great to be back at WinDoor in 2021, but everyone is looking forward to a mask-free event this year.
show their wares and meet their customers. Suppliers will be showcasing everything from the best sealants to the most secure systems. Walk the floor to see what’s new in technology and hardware from the biggest names in the industry. You can also see some of what will be on display on the following pages. Stay tuned to the Fenestration Review and Fenestration Canada websites for a full agenda, coming soon.
WINDOOR AT A GLANCE
Nov. 8
Eugenie and UL plant tours
(RSVP lauren@fenestrationcanada.ca)
Nov 9 and 10, 2022
Show floor and education sessions
Location
Palais des Congres 201 Av. Viger O
Hotel Hotel Monville
1041 Rue de Bleury Promo code WNA22
Schedule of events WINDOOR PREVIEW
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9
9:00 a.m. Registration desk opens
10:00 - 4:00 Show floor open
10:30 - 12:00 Onsite Fenestration Testing and Forensic Analysis
presenter Maurice Quinn, Capacity Engineering
With increased interest in whole-house energy modelling to meet performance compliance paths has come an increased need for window and door providers to understand in-situ testing and failure analysis. Maurice Quinn is a structural engineer and principal at Capacity Engineering, an Ottawa-based consulting engineering and project management firm. He discusses measures and methods, pitfalls and advantages.
1:00 - 1:45 NRCan Update: Policy framework, Energy Star update and Q&A presenters Diana Charest and Annie Alexander
An exclusive opportunity to quiz the people driving the energy standards we all will have to meet for decades to come. Diana Charest and Annie Alexander lead Natural Resources Canada’s programs developing federal standards for window and door performance, including Energy Star. In this presentation they will update attendees on progress with the Market Transformation Roadmap; discussions around future standards informing the National Building Code; and the status and future direction of Energy Star. Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance to terry@ fenestrationcanada.ca.
1:45 - 2:30 Passive House Design and Certification for the Canadian Context
presenter Cameron Laidlaw, Passive House Canada Passive House continues to be the gold standard for high performance building, but questions persist about how to apply the European-developed standard in Canada’s climate. Cameron Laidlaw of Passive House Canada has done just that, over and over. He’ll educate attendees about the standard and take questions.
4:30 - 5:30 Quebec Chapter cocktails Three Amigos bar, Palais de Congress lobby
6:00 - Late VP’s Auction (tickets sold separately)
Open bar, dinner and a live auction of top-secret items by Fenestration Canada vice-president, Cam Drew of Thermoproof Windows. OK, we had you at “open bar.”
THURSDAY, NOV. 10
9:00 a.m. Registration desk opens
10:00 - 3:00 Show floor open
11:00 - 12:00 Glazing for Comfort
presenter Al Jaugelis, FenCan
How to market high-performance windows confounds many of us. Customers often don’t respond to energy efficiency calculations scribbled on the back of an envelope. But there’s a message they can understand: comfort. And our high-performing products deliver that. Fenestration Canada technical director, Al Jaugelis, shows how.
12:00 - 1:00 Technical Department Update
presenter Terry Adamson Fenestration Canada technical directors Terry Adamson and Al Jaugelis are working hard to make the association the go-to resource for technical information in Canada’s window and door industry. In this presentation, Adamson outlines the many initiatives they are undertaking to guide government policy; build lines of communication among the various players; and keep us educated about all of it.
1:00 - 2:00
Ottawa Community Housing: Seeking High Performance Fenestration Products
Daniel Dicaire, Ottawa Community Housing
Ottawa Community Housing has received over $166 million in federal funding to retrofit its affordable housing inventory for net-zero performance. And it’s just one such municipal project of many across the country. They need windows and doors – lots of them – and they aren’t finding it easy to source them in Canada. Here’s a chance to get the inside scoop on how to take advantage of projects like these that could prove transformative for your company.
2:00 - 3:00 UL Tech Talk
presenter Robert Jutras
The latest technology for window and door manufacturers will be on display in Montreal
WINDOOR SHOWCASE
COMPLEMENTS ANY HOME STYLE
8 canada.odl.com
ODL’s new Ryder doorglass is the latest in stylized doorglass in ODL’s collection. This contemporary design has crisp lines, clean textures and interesting patterns, resulting in a mesmerizing statement piece for any modern entryway and privacy for the home. The wide black aluminum caming provides visual contrast and makes a bold statement. With the variety of sizes available, Ryder complements any home style, from craftsman to transitional to modern. Available with Zeel, Evolve and Craftsman frames.
PREDICTABLE CLOSING FORCES
8 ultrafab.com
Ultrafab’s microcellular foam seals feature new technology that offers superior overall
performance. The weatherseal technology features high compression set resistance, weatherability and colour stability. The thermoplastic foamed interior of the seal also provides consistent low closing forces that can be tailored to application needs. Microcellular foam reduces noise and eliminates dust, water, and air movement, has excellent compression set resistance for minimal loss of functional height over time and provides consistent and predictable low closing forces. It’s suitable for all climates.
STRONG SERVICE COMMITMENT
8 nucoat.ca
NuCoat is a coatings provider, accommodating unique demands and needs of its industrial clients. It offers high-quality waterbased products focused on performance, with a concentration on the building industry and various applications. Equally
important, NuCoat provides reliable fulfillment and logistical services, delivering product to clients across North America, consistently on time. NuCoat’s coatings are one-component, userfriendly, and meet the most aggressive performance standards. With labour shortages only getting worse, NuCoat products process in manual and automatic operations with full performance and coverage in the first application. Onecomponent, water-based systems create little to no waste, less mistakes and less risk for field issues. NuCoat has specialized in this industry for over 10 years and has accumulated significant know-how that is shared day in and day out with clients. Customer service is a critical element of their offering. Technical support, hands-on product training, assistance with application technologies and ad hoc problem solving complete the overall product and service proposition. NuCoat has expanded operations to a new location in Mississauga, Ont. With this new location, it can better serve Canadian clients with premium customer support and delivery.
ORGANIZED ADMINISTRATION
8 klaes.de
Klaes provides innovative three-dimensional software solutions for windowwall, curtainwall, sunrooms, interior patricians, windows and doors including all elements for glass manufacturers. Klaes software provides everything needed for the efficient production of high-quality windows, doors, facades and conservatories. North American customers are served from sales and service office in Toronto. Over 35 years of experience make Klaes a world market leader in its branch. Klaes organizes business. One of the main tools for the successful organization of a company is the Klaes order administration tool. Ruler-to-scale CAD profile sections are created with just a few clicks in the Klaes software. In the highly flexible order administration, all documents and items can be managed, just as it is required by different construction phases and
installation dates. This is the first important step to ensure an appropriate planning, disposition, production and delivery.
FUTURISTIC, INNOVATIVE, AFFORDABLE
8 evawinoptimize.com
Evolutionary Algorithms was established in 2009 with its founders having a decade of experience and expertise in fenestration and a vision to provide affordable and customizable software solutions to the door and window industry. Today, with over 1,800 clients and
more than 7,000 users, EvA is a solution provider of cloud-based window and door fenestration ERP software that is futuristic, innovative, customizable and affordable. Eva-Cloud is an all-in-one ERP solution for window and door design, quotation, manufacturing, installation, machine linking and automation that can be accessed from multiple devices and used by all stakeholders including sales executives, dealers, surveyors, system suppliers, manufacturers, installers, shop floor managers, store keepers, architects, and builders in a centralized manner. The cloud platform offered as a Saas solution is very user-friendly, enabling even an unskilled workman to fulfill his role in the organization’s upgrade
and automation plans. The software is designed to be customized and tailor-made to customers’ specific needs and its scope extends to any series of aluminum, uPVC, PVC, timber and steel doors and windows. Eva Cloud provides in-built CRM that helps to manage leads, increase sales and get detailed analytics while increasing efficiency and productivity. With the ease of Eva Cloud’s unique drag and drop features, users can design doors and windows for any scale of projects. The software provides profile optimization, production calculation, stock management, batch management, survey and installation management, invoicing and cost management. Its automation capabilities can be used for machine linking to provide
any level of automation, and hence better utilization of manpower.
MULTI-TOOL PRODUCTIVITY
8 bottero.com
The Evo cutting platform is the top of the range of Bottero cutting systems, offering high performance and flexibility. Thanks to the option of equipping the machine with two additional tools beside the cutting tool, Evo systems can be also equipped with low-E glass grinding and laser marking or labelling of the processed piece. This option makes the Evo system ideal for
forming part of the automated and controlled production flow, which is typical in advanced window, door and glass fabrication factories. The Evo range stands out due to its modularity and versatility, thanks to which the float cutting tables can be totally custom configured according to specific customer requirements: from standalone cutting tables, up to intensive high-automationlevel production systems with fully integrated lines including stock management, loading, low-E grinding, labelling, cutting and automated breakout modules.
Each constructive and functional feature of the Evo range is designed to ensure extreme processing precision and maximum productivity for each specific production requirement.
BREAK FREE OF THE OFFICE
8 windowmaker.com
Windowmaker Software, a leading software solutions provider for the window and door industry, will launch its Windowmaker on Cloud product at WinDoor. Users can create customized window and door designs faster and easier than ever before, avoiding frustration. Windowmaker on Cloud is designed as a powerful tool with a wide variety of customization options. Security and availability are assured because data is hosted on Microsoft Azure,
a popular cloud computing platform. Windowmaker has exhibited at every WinDoor except in the pandemic. Windowmaker’s Cloud products are driven by the same powerful configurator and intuitive interface as the desktop programs. Users are freed from the confines of their offices and can lower their IT infrastructure costs. Cloud products are offered on monthly subscription payments.
Windowmaker software works seamlessly with vinyl, aluminum, fibreglass, timber, steel and composite materials within one program. Manufacturers, retail/ commercial dealers and trade installers will also appreciate the depth of functionality that includes quoting, purchasing, production, delivery, and installation.
FAST DRILLING
8 protomach.ca
Propva is equipment designed to take advantage of the post-weld cooling time to make positioning holes for hardware. The main drill is able to accept two different tools and to rotate 360 degrees, allowing drilling on the four sides of the welded square, inside and outside. It’s a CNC station to process welded PVC profiles. Users have the option to work in two zones alternately to accept two shutters. All operations are managed from the Schneider 18-inch touchscreen installed on an independent console.
The control interface is simple and user-friendly for the operator. Designed to fit between a welder and a corner cleaner, the Propva can also be used in standalone mode. This equipment can be interconnected with other products, subject to verification. Propva can bring shops into Industry 4.0 with enhanced production flow, inventory management and maintenance alerts. Propva staff will evaluate needs and support clients in their goals with capabilities to design, cut, weld, assemble and program an entire project before shipping. Also, the software is entirely programmed by the Propva team with no subcontractors. Propva specializes in windows, patio doors, entry doors and garage doors with a team of dedicated people known for flexibility and ability to adapt to needs. The equipment is manufactured using North American components and backed by local suppliers and highly technical support staff.
FLUSH MULTIPOINT
8 ferco.ca
Ferco has introduced Fenix Evo casement hardware, updating its casement program offering groundbreaking recessed multipoint locking handles. The Evo line features a flush profile and screwless assembly that integrates into the user’s window profile and prevents
collision with curtains, among other advantages. The whole program now comes in stainless steel hardware including the operators, hinges, brackets and multipoint locks to achieve the highest performance to date for weight, cycling and corrosion.
SEVEN COLOURS
8 adfastcorp.com
Adseal Production 4550 series is a neutral cure silicone adhesive sealant available in seven standard colours. This product is specially designed to meet the requirements of door and window manufacturers. Adseal 4550 is used on back-bedding, as well as cap, toe or heel bead. It has excellent resistance to UV, can be used indoor or outdoor and does not give off any unpleasant odour during vulcanization. It is compatible with most common porous and non-porous building components and adheres perfectly to glass, most types of wood, clean metals, many painted surfaces and certain plastics.
MAXIMUM IG LIFE
8 tremcosealants.com
EnerSeal 332 is a butylbased hot melt sealant, specially formulated as an applied perimeter sealant used to fabricate insulating glass units. EnerSeal 332 is
