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Sarens installing more than 80 turbines at Alberta wind farm
Sarens is offloading and installing 83 new wind turbines on behalf of Borea Construction for the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm project near Lomond, Alta.
The project’s first turbine was installed in April 2024, with installation now complete on more than a third of the turbines. Sarens expects to finish the remaining installation work in the fourth quarter of 2024, followed by full grid connection. The Buffalo Plains Wind Farm is located on 17,500 acres of privately owned farmland, and when complete will be the largest onshore wind farm in Canada.
Sarens is using a boom booster and a Liebherr LG-1750 lattice boom crane to complete the project, along with three Demag CC-3800s and an additional LG-1750 for lifting maximum weight at the heights required. During the installation process, challenges have included the sandy terrain adding to slower dismantling times, along with avoiding storms and the high winds caused by them, the company said.
When operational, the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm is expected to deliver 494 MW of clean energy to power over 100,000 homes; reducing carbon emissions by roughly 795,000 tons per year. The project has also led to the creation of 300 additional jobs during the construction process, along with 10 to 15 permanent jobs upon completion.
This project is the latest in Sarens’ history of helping lift wind projects to completion in Western Canada, including the Golden South Wind Project and Blue Hill Project in Saskatchewan, along with performing maintenance manoeuvres for Alberta’s Whitla Wind facility, currently the largest in the province.
New tower crane regulations take effect in B.C.
New regulations within British Columbia’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation will now require employers to submit a Notice of Project (NOP) for tower crane erection, climbing, repositioning and dismantling as of October 1.
While WorkSafeBC already requires NOPs for a variety of applications, this regulation is new for tower crane activities. These new regulations will require every employer responsible for any on-site tower crane activities to acquire a written NOP at least two weeks in advance of any crane usage. These changes follow meetings from March
Sarens is installing 83 wind turbines for the Buffalo Plains Wind Farm, which when complete will be the largest onshore wind farm in Canada.
and July of this year that saw 130 stakeholders from across B.C.’s heavy lifting sector gather to address provincewide gaps in safety in response to several recent crane-related incidents in the Lower Mainland. These meetings featured labour representatives, tower crane operators, employers, prime contractors, rental companies and members of the BC Association for Crane Safety.
In addition to the NOP requirements, these meetings also helped inform a new crane and rigging risk reduction strategy for the province from WorkSafeBC.
Building Ontario Fund appoints inaugural CEO
Michael Fedchyshyn, the new CEO for the Building Ontario Fund’s board of directors.
The Building Ontario Fund, a fund focused on facilitating the development of revenue-generating critical infrastructure across the province, has appointed Michael Fedchyshyn as the inaugural CEO of its board of directors.
Effective November 12, Fedchyshyn brings more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure investment and strategic corporate development to the role, including previous roles as interim CEO of Invest Ontario and senior leadership positions with Infrastructure Ontario.
Prior to his time in the infrastructure sector, Fedchyshyn worked in markets including private equity, renewable energy development and project financing. His appointment follows an extensive recruitment process by the board of directors in collaboration with executive search firm Massey Henry.
“I am deeply honoured to join the Building Ontario Fund to help advance infrastructure development within the province and thank the board for their confidence in my leadership,” said Fedchyshyn. “As a proud Ontarian, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support investors with new financing tools to help build critical infrastructure that will benefit our province for generations to come.”
Strongco rebrands to Nors
Nearly five years after its acquisition by Portugal’s Nors Group in Q1 of 2020, Canadian heavy equipment dealer Strongco is rebranding to further align with its parent company on an international scale.
“It is with great pride that we share a new and important chapter in our history: Strongco is now Nors, a single global brand,” said Strongco’s CEO and president Oliver Nachevski.
Now fully under the Nors umbrella, its Canadian locations will join a network that spans more than 100 service units across seven countries in markets including construction equipment, trucks and buses, agriculture and aftermarket.
This change is to be phased in and when complete, will allow Nors to offer the Canadian market its diversified portfolio of services, solutions and reference equipment, the company said.
PHOTO CREDIT: SARENS
Looking ahead and learning globally
The CCRA sets resolutions for the new year and beyond at leadership meetings.
The Canadian Crane Rental Association (CCRA)’s fall board meeting took place in Kelowna, B.C. this September, and involved strategic planning on the association’s key deliverables for the future. It was unanimously agreed that one of the most significant challenges facing the industry is the rapidly growing workforce shortage, compounded by the limited time and opportunities for knowledge transfer.
Three years ago, the board of directors identified goals such as the creation of a Technical Committee, harmonizing weights and dimensions in the western provinces and developing tools to support its members’ understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Indigenous Engagement. As the CCRA celebrates these accomplishments, it will continue to monitor trends and bring timely education on these topics.
Industry initiatives for the year ahead
As a national association operating across multiple provinces, one of the board’s primary goals is to better understand the provincial limitations of apprenticeship programs and the regulations governing them. With this, the CCRA aims to develop a clear path to apprenticeship that reduces frustration and saves time in identifying the right contacts across each province.
In the coming year, the CCRA is also developing a promotional video to serve as an educational tool and a call to action. Produced in both English and French, this
video will be a valuable resource for engaging with municipal, provincial and federal legislators. A separate version will also be created as a recruitment tool, directing potential employees to the CCRA website as a start to this exciting career path.
The CCRA is also developing an industry presentation for members to use at career fairs and schools. This presentation will offer information on the various types of cranes and job opportunities within the industry, from mechanics and operators to marketing professionals and managers.
Since their inception, the CCRA’s technical committees have both made significant progress. The Technical Research & Development Committee is moving forward with its five-year bridge formula research project on all-terrain cranes with the University of Alberta, while the Technical Committee is collaborating with provincial organizations in Ontario and British Columbia regarding tower cranes.
International collaboration
In mid-October, CCRA representatives, including board members and leaders from BC Crane Safety and the University of Alberta, attended the International Crane Stakeholders Assembly’s meeting and the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) conference. The ICSA meeting provided an opportunity for CCRA representatives to connect with industry partners and sister organizations from across the world.
The group was invited to the CICA Road Managers meeting to engage with software developers, road managers, engineers and government officials to learn about the world’s most advanced permitting system; Queensland and Tasmania’s Heavy Vehicle Access Management System (HVAMS).
The onboarding process in Australia shares many similarities with Canada’s provincial jurisdictions, as Tasmania and Queensland manage their weights and dimensions restrictions differently due to being two distinct states. HVAMS allows each state to work on the same system while managing their respective road restrictions, making this presentation highly relevant to the CCRA team. The CCRA will remain engaged with the Tasmanian Government to explore how this technology could be adopted in Canada.
At the ICSA meeting, the Canadian representatives learned about the Guideline Inspection of Winch Gear Boxes Used on Mobile Cranes and Lifting Operation Risk Management Guidelines standards developed by the European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes (ESTA).
As the leading secretariat, the SC&RA also presented the final version of its “Guidance Manual – Safe Crane Operation in the Vicinity of Power Lines”; developed by representatives from the ICSA, including Canada’s own Darin Richards, P. Eng. and Clinton Connell. Members of the ICSA approved the final version, which will soon be available to CCRA members.
The University of Alberta’s Dr. Shay Abtahi was invited by the CCRA to present on the Bridge Formula Research Project. The team will benefit from the international relationships developed by the CCRA over the years, with this project looking to align bridge formulas for mobile cranes across Canada and potentially worldwide.
The CCRA convened with other members of the International Crane Stakeholders’ Assembly in Australia this October to share industry insights from around the world
(PHOTO CREDIT: CCRA)
Our 2024 Top 10 Under 40
This year’s winners on their climb to the top.
By Jack Burton
Each year, Crane & Hoist recognizes ten of the top rising stars from across Canada’s heavy lifting industry. This year’s Top 10 Under 40 crop is no exception when it comes to lifting the sector to new heights, with 2024’s winners spanning a wide range of roles, responsibilities and resumes while all sharing a passion for the industry and a commitment to driving it forward.
Congratulations to all our winners!
As North America’s largest cable-stayed bridge project, the Gordie Howe International Bridge stands as a monumental achievement in the recent history of Canadian infrastructure. For David Beaudoin, though, the project is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honour his hometown.
“When I got the call to come to work at the bridge, I was extremely excited,” said Beaudoin. “I never thought I would have the chance to work on a job of this size 20 minutes from home. Having steady work so close to home has given me the chance to settle down, get married and have two beautiful children, all while working on this project.”
During his time on the project, Beaudoin has operated a Comansa 21LC1050, a Manitowoc 16000 and MLC300 VPC Max, and a Liebherr LR1300 among others across a variety of tasks, including building the bridge’s 700-plus foot towers, its deck, and the placing of anchor boxes and cable stays. No matter the activity, Beaudoin always approaches his responsibilities with an eye for safety and leadership.
“Dave is safety-conscious and ensures everyone on site returns home to their families at the end of the workday,” said Nicole Flippance, senior communications manager for Bridging North America. “Dave is also a mentor to junior operators,
taking time out of his busy day on-site to help with project presentations to grade school students about the importance of the skilled trades and the exciting work he performs on the project.”
For Beaudoin, the opportunity to settle down in his hometown while working on the massive project is about more than just convenience – it has also provided him and his family with a stunning reminder of his still-growing legacy in the heavy lifting sector that’s just outside of his window.
“We live in the middle of Essex County, and through the trees you can see the 750foot piers of the iconic bridge. It’s very special to me that my kids will grow up with that view, knowing that their dad had a part in building it,” he said.
Michael Brophy Director of operations, Mammoet Canada Western – Edmonton, Alta.
Since joining Mammoet Canada Western 18 years ago as a crane apprentice, Michael Brophy’s journey has provided him with a winning education in all things heavy lifting – though for his peers, it’s his trademark enthusiasm that puts him on the honour roll.
“Mike’s willingness to learn and his ability to harness his experience has allowed him to excel well beyond his years, and his ambitious mindset and electric personality have quickly allowed him to progress into various levels of leadership,” said Curtis Barnett, Mammoet Canada Western’s senior operations director.
This enthusiasm has stuck with Brophy as his career has evolved through the roles of core super lift crawler crane operator, crawler crane supervisor, site superintendent and eventually a project superintendent for Mammoet’s heavy lift and hauling
contract with the North West Refinery.
Brophy transitioned from the field to the office in 2017, taking on the role of operations manager and then branch manager before being named director of operations in 2022, where his enthusiasm and deep industry knowledge currently provide the foundations of his leadership.
“Mike’s ability to influence and inspire others, coupled with his drive and leadership skills truly sets him apart: he’s not only personable and confident, but also possesses a vast network across the industry,” said his colleague Tanya Gairdner. “Mike’s problem-solving skills and logical approach are matched by his ambitious nature and resilience. He consistently delivers results, always with a strong focus on safety.”
Brophy’s journey remains a clear example of the wide range of opportunities across the sector, and it’s these opportunities that keep his heart tied closely to Canada’s heavy lifting industry.
“There is no cookie-cutter start to finish with this career: the real beauty of all these different avenues is that if you have the right attitude and are willing to put in the work, the experience gained in one role can lead you right into another,” he said.
Sébastien Girard-Pagé Owner, SGP Crane Repairs –Québec City, QC
In the five years since founding SGP Crane Repairs, Sébastien Girard-Pagé has quickly established himself as a repair and maintenance savant across not just a variety of different crane types and models, but also across the world.
Girard-Pagé’s skills, attention to detail and sense of camaraderie have earned him a number of unforgettable experiences
David Beaudoin Crane and heavy equipment supervisor, Bridging North America – Windsor, Ont.
PHOTO CREDIT: BRIDGING NORTH AMERICA
PHOTO CREDIT: MAMMOET
across the industry, from remote Canadian projects in Nunavut to sites in worldwide locales such as Greenland, Denmark, and Finland. Wherever he does end up, GirardPagé is sure to leave a lasting impression.
“I worked alongside Sébastien on a largescale hydro dam project, and what impressed me the most was his intense focus when it came to figuring out the problem, regardless of complexity,” remarked Jeremy Geurts, founder of Winnipeg’s Skyline Crane. “Since working together many years ago, we’ve had him and his team out to Manitoba to help us out at Skyline Crane and I can personally attest that his commitment to giving the best service possible has only grown.”
For Girard-Pagé, this commitment is founded both on his repair skills and his determination to provide honest solutions focused on developing trust with the client.
“It makes the biggest difference, that honest approach, and I think it’s helping my company grow and be good – I’d say it’s one of the big reasons we now have clients all over the country,” said Girard-Pagé. “It’s about understanding them and their
struggles, like getting parts in remote places, and letting them know, ‘I’m working with you to try and figure this out.’”
Girard-Pagé’s personable approach, combined with his deep technical knowledge, has cultivated trust and respect across all operational levels, from Canada’s heavy lifting industry at large all the way down to his own team.
“He’s a positive leader who has rallied a great team around him to join on the road of success,” said Valerie Vigneault of SGP Crane Repairs. “Sébastien is a team player, authentic, energetic and full of ambition, and it’s great to be at his side to witness his projects and help make them a reality.”
Sean Hutchinson Area manager, Sterling Crane –Saskatoon, Sask.
No matter the title he’s held across his 14 years with Sterling Crane, Sean Hutchinson has spent his entire career knowing he was right at home in Canada’s heavy lifting industry.
“From day one, I was introduced to the taxi fleet family and never looked back,”
Congratulations!
Firstly, we would like to recognize Andy Smith as a mentor to our staff and apprentices. Attitude reflects leadership, Andy is the epitome of that. This will be Andy’s 5th apprentice trained that has won Top 10 under 40, in two different industries. In today’s trade pool market, it is difficult to find qualified personnel. Andrew Ricard is a true Canadian, serving his country on a 10-year stint in the infantry unit. Through his dedication and his commitment, Andrew was a quick study and was promoted to Sergeant. Andrew continues to apply his work ethic learnt in the Canadian Armed forces into all that he does. We are blessed to have Andrew work with us as an apprentice and bring his commitment to excellence with him. Thank you, Andrew, for all your efforts, they are clearly paying dividends.
All of us at Capacity would like to congratulate you on your accomplishments and we look forward to your continued growth in your personal life and in your trade.
said Hutchinson. “In a short three and a half years, I was trained by some of the finest Sterling had to offer in the taxi world. I couldn’t have been more fortunate to have the mentors that I did, and it showed by completing my schooling at the top of my class. I’ll forever be grateful.”
Hutchinson then spent the next four and a half years diversifying his training across a variety of cranes. His hard work paid off
CONGRATULATIONS TO SEBASTIEN GIRARD-PAGE
The SGP team would like to congratulate him on his nomination, which we feel is fully deserved. He is a truly comprehensive and generous man. Sebastien is a leader who builds a solid relationship with his employees, which allows us to have confidence and to feel recognized for all the energy we put into our work.
His dedication to impeccable service and his priority to creating a sincere and committed relationship with all his customers ensure that we always feel welcome wherever we go.
We’re all very proud to be part of his team at SGP inc.
in 2018 when he was named the crane and rigging supervisor for Sterling’s Saskatoon operations, before once again proving his way up to area manager.
In a career comprised of equal parts milestones and forward momentum, Hutchinson’s latest achievement occurred earlier this year as project manager for Sterling’s Cenovus Turnaround; an operation that saw him guiding more than 50 cranes and 160 employees down the path to success.
“Sean’s leadership during the Cenovus Turnaround was nothing short of exemplary. His meticulous preplanning, including budgeting, developing comprehensive information packages for each work scope, and facilitating internal and external meetings, was crucial to the project’s success,” said Jeff Clark, Sterling’s regional director for Eastern Canada. “His ability to ensure thorough planning and seamless execution set a new standard for project management within our organization.”
Central to Hutchinson’s leadership – both on the project and across his career – is a whole-team approach that understands success as a shared outcome achieved through mentorship and collaboration.
“This recognition in the Top 10 Under 40 is not just a reflection of my efforts, but of the incredible team and mentors who have inspired and guided me throughout my career. It is an honour to be included, and I thank everyone who has helped me along the way,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to contribute to this industry, and the goals and challenges that lie ahead.”
Construction photographer, Construct YEG –Edmonton, Alta.
Though firmly embedded in Canada’s crane and rigging industry, Ashleigh Kaliszuk’s perspective consistently looks beyond the boom. This knack for identifying opportunities, combined with her underlying enthusiasm for all things heavy lifting, has seen her excel as a crane operator, construction photographer, and most recently, instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).
“My journey through the crane world has been anything but traditional – it’s been filled with a variety of unique opportunities,” she said. “I’ve always known I was capable of more, so I consistently invested in my professional development and sought ways to create opportunities outside the cab whenever possible. However, no matter where my career took me, my background
Ashleigh Kaliszuk
as an operator was always the common denominator.”
Her work in the industry also extends to advocacy efforts and writing via her Construct YEG blog, where she shares her experiences as a woman in the construction industry and champions women’s experiences in the trades – an approach she hopes to bring to her new role of crane instructor at NAIT as she teaches the next generation of Alberta’s crane operators.
“I love this industry, but I won’t pretend it’s been easy as a woman. Over the years, I’ve met many other women who’ve faced similar or even tougher challenges, and I felt compelled to do something about it,” she said. “I began blogging to offer advice and insights to help women navigate the industry – something I wish I had when I was getting started.”
While Kaliszuk may appear to wear many hats, all of her work, whether with a camera or a crane, stems from a firsthand knowledge of the heavy lifting industry that runs as deep as her passion for the sector.
“Being part of this industry as an operator and now having the opportunity to capture
it through photography is incredibly gratifying,” she said. “It allows me to showcase the professionalism and dedication that defines the field, and highlight the people and machines that make it all possible.”
Knowledge has been the compass guiding Davis MacGillivray’s 21-year journey with Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.’s Skycrane –compelling him to both learn new skills and pass along the wide range of what he’s mastered.
“Throughout his career, Davis has shown a passion to learn and train others on the diverse tasks that allow these heavy lift machines to operate safely on jobsites across Canada and overseas; from crane erection, maintenance, troubleshooting, customs & logistics, job planning, AutoCAD design, code compliance, health & safety management and office management,” shared Skycrane’s founder, Jim Howard.
MacGillivray credits Howard’s mentorship as one of the key influences behind his career successes, with Howard’s encouragement of his staff to share ideas and his investment in educational opportunities setting an example that showed MacGillivray not just the importance of having a mentor, but being one as well.
SEAN HUTCHINSONCongratulations
CONTRATULATIONS TO OUR OWN
MATT TAYLOR
Sean Hutchinson’s exemplary leadership, meticulous planning, and ability to set new standards have elevated how we approach major projects, says Jeff Clark, Regional Director. Beyond his technical expertise, Sean’s passion for developing his team has created a positive and collaborative work culture, inspiring those around him. He treats crane operation as a career, not just a job, and his efforts have fostered one of the most engaged teams at Sterling Crane. Sean’s forward-thinking approach, including adopting new technologies, ensures we stay ahead of industry trends.
ON MAKING CRANE & HOIST CANADA’S
CRANE RIGGING
“A good mentor makes all the difference – adopt as many as you can,” said MacGillivray. “Find and foster mentor-mentee relationships; there is no school that can teach you all the skills needed to excel in this field. It takes a lifetime to acquire the gut instinct to navigate a company in this marketplace and keep up with the new advancements we have seen.”
Since joining Skycrane in the summer of 2003, MacGillivray’s career has since evolved into its own heavy-lifting highlight reel, including his first time climbing a tower crane during the Niagara Falls Hotel expansion (“What a view,” he said), his first crane erection in the city he grew up in, along with his first solo project in Bermuda.
No matter where his career has taken him, MacGillivray has kept his passion for learning alive and well, with constant opportunities for growth following naturally.
“Foster a passion for the machines that allow our cities to grow, and always keep learning,” he advised. “We are very lucky to live in the age of information, so take on new challenges and leverage the knowledge of others to learn something new each day.”
Crane apprentice, Capacity Truck and Crane Services –Abbotsford, B.C.
After nearly a decade of service in the Canadian military, Andrew Ricard was looking for his next adventure. The heavy lifting industry provided a natural fit for the dedication and drive he had cultivated in his previous roles, and things have only excelled from there.
“Coming from a military family, structure and discipline have been foundational in my upbringing from day one. The structured environment gave me a strong sense of discipline and a great work ethic, helping me stay focused and committed to my goals,” said Ricard. “I also honed my problem-solving abilities, learning to think critically and make quick decisions under pressure, which is essential in high-stakes situations.”
In his time as a crane apprentice for B.C.’s Capacity Truck & Crane Services, Ricard has already impressed both his organization and the province at large with his natural knack for navigating his way to success: in a recent B.C. skills competition for mobile crane operators, Ricard triumphed across a theory exam, crane inspection and obstacle course to take home the top prize among his peers in the province.
Andrew Ricard
“Andrew is well respected amongst his peers, and we are blessed to have him at Capacity Crane. He continues to have a positive attitude that’s constantly reflected in his personal goals and what he’s able to accomplish in our ever-changing industry,” said Capacity Crane’s owner, Aaron Pelletier.
While his talent and can-do attitude have helped Ricard’s rise, he also credits opportunities from across the industry for showing him the path forward, such as the Helmets to Hardhats initiative, his apprenticeship with the local IUOE 115 union and the support of those at Capacity Crane.
“I quickly realized that this is more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle: the dynamic nature of the work keeps me engaged, and the camaraderie with my colleagues adds to the rewarding experience of being part of this industry,” he said. “Every day presents new opportunities to learn and grow, and I am excited to see where this path will take me in the future.”
Pinky Solanki
Software
developer,
WrightPlan – Waterloo, Ont.
Much like her Top Under 40 cohort, Pinky Solanki excels in building things – but what sets her apart is what she builds. As a software developer for WrightPlan, Solanki has spent the last four years creating tools to support the crane and rigging industry in getting the job done.
“Pinky is constantly pushing our software forward, making it more intuitive and easier for heavy-lift professionals to use,” said Adam Gall, sales and marketing manager at WrightPlan. “From
improving the design and logic of the company’s flagship operations management software to spearheading Field Solutions, the next evolution of our native time tracking app, Pinky has proven herself a versatile leader who can deliver on big projects.”
Solanki sees her role in developing the aforementioned Field Solutions product as a major career achievement, with her sense of accomplishment coming from how the end-product and the work she put in reflects what she values about working to support the heavy lifting industry.
“I’m passionate about problem-solving and love that each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in how our customers do business,” she said. “My role in developing Field Solutions is directly tied to supporting those working on-site in the heavy lift industry – their problems are my problems.”
The solutions demanded by the construction and heavy lifting industries look much different than those provided by teams in other software development fields, with special attention required by this technology’s interaction with dynamic, real-world environments through variables such as mobility and site conditions.
“This demands a focus on creating dependable tools that are intuitive for users without a tech background, yet powerful enough to deliver efficiency in fast-paced, on-the-go environments,” said Solanki. “Our senior development team constantly reinforces the importance of adaptability, attention to detail, and continuous improvement – lessons that have greatly shaped my problem-solving approach and ability to deliver effective, user-centric solutions.”
Matt Taylor Owner, Vertical Crane & Rigging – Calgary, Alta.
The heavy lifting bug bit Matt Taylor in 2007, when he moved from Ontario to Alberta to work in Western Canada’s burgeoning construction sector. From there, he quickly enrolled in a crane apprenticeship and by 2012, had purchased an 80-ton Terex crane to begin the solo taxi service that would eventually grow into Vertical Crane & Rigging.
Vertical Crane has since evolved beyond its origins as a one-man show, with the company now spanning 19 employees and over 15 pieces of equipment, including a 2015 Terex Explorer 5600, a 2013 Grove 110 and a 2024 Tadano GT-800XL.
With this growth, Vertical Crane has become more than just a company, but a family – with Matt’s brother Brad and wife Chantelle joining to help further the organization’s success; a testament to Matt’s supportive and inclusive approach to running his business.
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“We take a lot of pride in our image: we spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining our equipment to ensure we have a professional image for our clients and the public,” said Taylor. “Our crews show up in clean coveralls wearing Vertical swag, with clean cranes and trucks, new rigging, colour-matching spreader bars, and man baskets.”
Matt has created a work culture that’s engaged, happy, and proud to be a part of Alberta’s heavy lifting sector by ensuring his company is not just a business, but a team.
“Matt contributes greatly to the team at Vertical Crane with his professionalism, sense of humour, vast knowledge, and teaching abilities,” said Vanessa Tavares, Vertical’s operations coordinator and office manager. “His presence brings a positive energy to the workplace, making it a joy to be a part of his company and crew, and his expertise and experience are invaluable assets that benefit everyone by creating a collaborative and supportive environment.”
THE POWER OF ASSOCIATION
Since joining the industry in 2007, NCSG’s Megan Tomkow has held roles across British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta –though her drive to innovate and bring her teams to new heights seems to follow her wherever she goes.
“As a project manager, Megan consistently pushes NCSG to explore new and innovative solutions for clients, often stepping out of the company’s comfort zone to deliver exceptional results,” NCSG’s management team shared.
While Tomkow’s pursuit of innovation has established her as a clear asset to her peers, it’s her drive to solve the ever-evolving puzzle of optimization that has kept her motivated in the industry for nearly two decades.
“I think that’s the thing that really hooks me, is there’s always new things, new challenges and new equipment. There’s always going to be something new or different to try,” said Tomkow. “That’s always going to be a challenge, but I love that when you think you’ve reached the limit, there’s always two more pegs that you can go.”
In addition to her role as project manager, Tomkow helps support NCSG’s estimating and engineering departments, and played a pivotal role in the company’s first-ever bunked 4-file hydraulic trailer transport, the Wolf WRF1 & WFS – De-Meth Towers & Flare Stack project. Tomkow also helped her company secure nominations in the SC&RA’s 2023 Hauling Job of the Year and the CCRA’s last two Lift of the Year awards – all while balancing her duties as a mother to her two daughters and dogs.
These accomplishments, along with her determined and dedicated attitude, have made Tomkow’s expertise recognizable to both NCSG and their many clients across the industry.
“[Megan’s] influence and dedication make her a deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition,” said NCSG. “Clients frequently request her by name, reflecting the high level of confidence and respect she has earned throughout the heavy lift and heavy haul industry.”
Megan Tomkow, P. Eng Project manager, NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul –Acheson, Alta.
PHOTO CREDIT: NCSG CRANE & HEAVY HAUL
PHOTO CREDIT: VERTICAL CRANE & RIGGING
Avenues to apprenticeship
For Canada’s future crane operators, the paths forward remain wide and varied. By
While some join a crane training institute right out of high school, for others, like James Ingram, the path to the sector wasn’t a straight line. After spending four years driving 18-wheelers, he decided to use his Class 1 driver’s license and work experience to change careers, signing up for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IOUE) Local 721’s eight-week mobile crane training course in Nova Scotia.
“I wanted to use my Class 1 license that I had gotten, and that’s what led me to cranes,” Ingram said. “The course is only eight weeks, so that made sense for me. I went and took the course and got hired right out of school.”
In December 2023, Ingram was hired as an apprentice at A.W. Leil Cranes & Equipment in Dartmouth, N.S. Currently in the second of four blocks of his apprenticeship, Ingram expects a growing demand for mobile crane operators as Halifax’s population continues to increase.
“I’d say what got me into cranes was the large demand coming soon in our city,” he said. “There’s pretty good job security.”
Entering the crane sector as a second career choice is not an unusual path. Ralf Notheis, manager of the Bigfoot Crane Academy in Abbotsford, B.C., also jumped into the sector as a second career more than 20 years ago. He was working logging road construction as a heavy equipment operator in the late 1990s. When sawmills started shutting down, the idea of joining the crane sector popped into his head.
“I liked operating heavy equipment, and I was listening to my VHF radio in my truck and heard a conversation about cranes. I thought, ‘this actually sounds pretty cool,’” he recalled. “The operators are paid well, and you’re operating heavy equipment, not stuck in some logging camp in the middle of nowhere, so I started pursuing that.”
In 2000, Notheis decided to move to B.C.’s Lower Mainland to build up his apprenticeship hours as a crane operator for the construction of the Millennium Line SkyTrain, which transports passengers
the Canadian Crane Rental Association
from East Vancouver to Burnaby, Port Moody and Coquitlam.
Although he was able to find work on a busy project, it almost didn’t work out due to being partnered with the wrong journeyperson. Fortunately for Notheis, he ended up being partnered with another journeyman shortly afterwards, and that changed everything.
“The next guy I had was amazing – Doug Delaney was his name, and he basically told me, ‘I’m going to get some brushes, some paint and some sandpaper, and I’m going to clean the crane and paint everything, and you’re going to run it every day, all day long,’” he said.
Notheis quickly earned his journeyman ticket by 2002. He operated cranes until 2009, when he accepted a position as an operations manager for a crane rental company. Since 2015, he has been the lead trainer for the Bigfoot Crane Academy, which offers training for all crane types across Western Canada and crane operator certification courses at their Abbotsford and Agassiz, B.C. training centers.
Apprenticeship training has changed for the better since Notheis joined the sector: “The whole thing is a lot better now,” he said. “Back then, you were an indentured apprentice, and you were basically at the
mercy of the journeymen. Things have changed now, where an apprentice can operate the crane with indirect supervision.”
While this does not apply to working on critical lifts, apprentices are able to gain hours operating cranes for more standard lifts, once they follow the entire training process to the point where they are comfortable operating independently, Notheis explained.
“Once enrolled in a thorough training program, apprentices can operate with indirect supervision using a ‘Qualified Supervision Plan’ that includes the name and phone number of a qualified supervisor they can call if they have any questions. It’s no longer the whole thing where you’re standing beside the crane, wishing you could be running it. Now the apprentices are getting a lot more hours towards their apprenticeships. I know it’s not like that everywhere […] but I think the whole process has come a long way,” he said.
Training options
A range of options should be considered in looking at crane operator training courses, as the amount of schooling and tuition varies from province to province.
As one of the country’s many training options, Bigfoot Crane Academy teaches all crane types used across Western Canada at its B.C. locations. (PHOTO CREDIT: BIGFOOT CRANE ACADEMY)
“Newfoundland’s [IUOE] program is 25 weeks, Nova Scotia’s is eight weeks, and then they are six to eight weeks throughout other parts of the country. Newfoundland is the longest because it does the 25 weeks upfront, which is very unique, because every other province has blocks that they complete,” explained Lorna Harnum, international representative, Canadian Region, for the IUOE.
The IUOE has eight training institutes across Canada:
• IUOE, Local 904, OEC (Newfoundland and Labrador)
• IUOE, Local 721, OETINS (Nova Scotia)
• IUOE, Local 946 (New Brunswick)
• IUOE, Local 793, OETIO (Ontario)
• IUOE, Local 987, OETIM (Manitoba)
• IUOE, Local 870 (Saskatchewan)
• IUOE, Local 955 (Alberta)
• IUOE, Local 115 (British Columbia)
IUOE training ranges in cost from province to province, with tuition varying from $9,500 to $25,424.
Funding continues to be a challenge not just for people who want to enter a training program, but also for apprentices, said Harnum. For more than a decade, the federal government has offered the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG); a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person. Unfortunately, the AIG ends on
March 31, 2025, with applications not accepted after this date.
“It was very helpful for apprentices, because apprentices are not making the wage that a journeyperson would make,” she said. “It’s always helpful in getting them the tools that they need for work.”
Another challenge in all provinces (except for Newfoundland) is the income inconsistencies created by the block training format.
“An individual will go out to work for X amount of hours, and then they have to come back for Block Two, so now they have to be laid off from their employment. That’s a huge challenge: these individuals are not always young teenagers with no responsibilities, we have adults who have mortgages and car payments and families,” said Harnum.
Doing your research
Harnum said it’s vital that people do their research before signing up for training with any institute.
“I work with the operating engineers, and we have training facilities across Canada, from Newfoundland to B.C. and everywhere in between. We train for the industry, but there are some colleges that train for profit,” she said. “You have to research the school that you want to attend and find out how much seat time you actually get, which will vary within each province.”
Harnum suggests potential apprentices speak to active operators within the sector to learn more about their workplace and training options, as well as reach out to their local union office.
“Search out a union office that dispatches and represents mobile crane operators. I would suggest they go speak to crane employers and find out what the job is all about,” she said.
Ralf Notheis joined the sector over 20 years ago after a stint in forestry. Now, he trains the next generation as manager of the Bigfoot Crane Academy. (PHOTO CREDIT: BIGFOOT CRANE ACADEMY)
Another aspect of being a mobile crane operator that is occasionally overlooked is the amount of travel it can require.
“Most of the time, you are either out in another part of Canada or somewhere in the world. You’re not home every night. If you’re not prepared to be mobile, it’s not the career for you,” Harnum said.
All training institutes require a standard full driver’s license as a minimum to enter a crane operator program, and most require a Class 3 or Class 1 license upon graduation. A Class 1 license allows operators to haul the mobile cranes to worksites. Ingram says a Class 1 driver’s license and experience driving an 18-wheeler would be advantageous for all apprentices to have.
“There’s a few apprentices I’ve seen where they don’t know how to drive a truck, and that puts them in a bad position,” he said. “If you don’t have any trucking experience, you’re going right into one of the harder trucking jobs around, because you’re always going to crazy locations and hauling heavy weights. I would suggest telling apprentices to go do trucking for at least a year.”
Trades transitions
During his time running the Bigfoot Crane Academy, Notheis has had many journeypeople active in other trades call him looking to become crane operators.
“I get a lot of tradespeople calling me in their fifties and sixties. They picked trades that are hard on the body, and there are a lot of people who get injured or just worn out, and then they sometimes are lucky enough to be retrained or work sponsored by WorkSafeBC,” Notheis said.
Earning a living as a crane operator has significantly less impact on one’s body than many other construction trades, while offering a similar income.
“Crane operator is a no-brainer. You’re still in construction, you kind of understand how the whole process works, and you’re just learning how to operate the machine safely. You can go back to making a six-figure income, and you can be 75 years old,” Notheis said.
Building up the future
After completing their 5,400 hours as an
apprentice, the Red Seal exam can be written to become a journeyperson. Harnum says it’s important that employers always focus on bringing more apprentices into the pipeline to replace those that graduate.
“Employers sometimes still have the thought that an apprentice costs them money, but it doesn’t,” Harnum said. “If we don’t hire apprentices, what’s going to happen when a crane operator decides to retire? We’re going to have a skills gap. We always have to keep that in mind: people are retiring, and we need to make sure that we have somebody to sit in that seat.”
While becoming a crane operator is well-paying and secure, Notheis noted it also creates opportunities for career advancement down the line should an operator decide to take on a different role.
“If there are 100 crane operators, then there’s 100 people behind them doing other parts of that job, before that crane is able to go to the job site. You’ve got operations managers, service coordinators, all kinds of technical people – there’s no end to it,” he said.
Western Canada’s crane cowboys
Operators test their talent at Falcon Equipment’s annual Crane Rodeo.
By Matt Jones
Crane jockeys from around British Columbia pitted their skills against one another at Falcon Equipment’s third annual Crane Rodeo in Port Kells, B.C. this September. The event serves as an exciting outlet for operators and their families, an outreach and networking opportunity for the industry and a chance for Falcon to showcase some of their new products.
Falcon’s own employees and operators do not participate in the competition, but help run the cranes as necessary for the operators entered in friendly competition between their customers and the wider industry. The contests themselves have also evolved with each iteration of the competition.
“It seems like every year, year after year, the consensus and feedback we get from our customers is they want the obstacle courses to be more challenging, and harder,” said Falcon’s marketing manager
Kelsey Patrick. “So definitely, by the time we got to this third year, I’m not even sure how we’re going to make it any harder.”
The competition also provides Falcon with the opportunity to demonstrate some of their newest equipment and products.
“After the first year, we had more innovative builds coming out of our shops on the install side, which a lot of customers are getting a heads-up on through Kelsey’s marketing,” said Falcon’s Surrey branch manager, Christina Matthews. “They said ‘Wow, that’s an interesting build,’ and we’re like, ‘Okay, if we’re getting a lot of hype on this one, I want to throw this into the rodeo this year.’”
The Palfinger PK 135, a 135-ton crane featuring joystick controls, was at the center of the event this year. Its controls provided a steep learning curve, with some operators taking a few minutes to get the hang of them, as Matthews noted that BC-based operators are more used to a paddle-style control.
“We put our biggest-tonnage crane on the rodeo with a joystick remote and added a jib attachment. When Kelsey started getting the registrations, and she started marketing the crane, they were like, ‘You’re kidding, a joystick remote? There’s no way!’” said Matthews. “Even the day of the rodeo, when they came in, they didn’t want to go first – they wanted to see the first person struggle. But at the end, they were like, ‘Now that was a challenge!’”
Running the gauntlet
Competitors faced off for prizes and bragging rights across four events – a Hook n’ Hoop, the Forklift Ring Toss, the Rail Spike Throwdown, and the main event, a cranebased obstacle course.
The main event involved lifting a bucket full of water around the obstacle course, with performance scored on time and the amount of water remaining in the bucket afterwards. While the overall winner would be the person with the highest score across all events, the main event was weighted most heavily, with a competitor able win on a solid obstacle course performance alone.
“[The main event] was a little more strict, because you’re operating a pretty heavy piece of equipment, and there’s a lot of safety things that could go wrong if you don’t know what you’re doing,” said Patrick. “For the
The rodeo’s main event involved manoeuvring a bucket of water around an obstacle course, with winners judged on time and the amount of water remaining.
main event, and pretty much any of the stations that you’re operating the cranes, you have to be a certified crane operator, with your license shown at each station and recorded, based on the additional insurance we do take out for these events. We have to show that we’ve done our due diligence to our insurance companies.”
Because of those strict preparations, the main event was the only one which required preregistration – competitors couldn’t just show up on the day of the rodeo and sign up to compete.
The main event ran on the PK 135 crane, partially due to industry trends toward larger equipment that’s seen many of Falcon’s new customers expanding their fleets to include cranes with capacities of 50 tons or higher.
A few of the competitions were also open to everyone – even for those that didn’t have a crane license.
“We’ve got a truck mounted forklift ring toss, and we had a football toss this year,” said Patrick. “Some of our sponsors and vendors come out to do giveaways and swag. That’s a big draw for those in the industry.”
This year, Falcon also held a contest in the lead-up to the event providing an operator from outside of mainland B.C. with a trip to the rodeo, with an operator from Manitoba winning their way to the competition. Falcon sees the debut of this initiative as the first step toward its long-term goal of putting the Crane Rodeo on the road.
“We do get such demand for the Crane Rodeo to go to other provinces we have branches in, so Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and even on Vancouver Island as well,” said Patrick. “There is a big demand for the Crane Rodeo to go there. However, given the manpower it takes to pull off the Crane Rodeo, we don’t have the resources at the moment. That’s not to say it won’t happen down the road, because there’s a big possibility that it will.”
And the winner is.…
The winner of Falcon Equipment’s 2024 Crane Rodeo was Mike Harrison of Eagle West Cranes, who said he greatly enjoyed the experience.
“It was really nice,” said Harrison. “My girlfriend was there to watch and take videos. I talk a lot about my job and she doesn’t really understand because she’s not in that industry, so it was a really cool moment for sure.”
Harrison said that the rodeo was a great opportunity to network with some of his colleagues in the industry, and hopes to attend next year’s event as well.
“I’ve got to defend it now, don’t I?” Harrison joked. “I would like to see some stiff boom competition in the future, because I understand that they’re a dealer of National Crane as well, so it’d be cool to see that.”
A LONG WAY TOGETHER
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Matt Jones is a freelance writer with a specialization in trade publications. He lives in Fredericton, N.B.
Mike Harrison of Eagle West Crane & Rigging (left) took home the top prize as the winner of Falcon Equipment’s third annual Crane Rodeo.
KNOWING THE ROPES BY JUSTIN BROWN
Volunteer advocates
We cannot just enjoy the rewards of an industry; we must contribute equally to its growth and development.
Young professionals – indeed, all industry stakeholders – can drive continued improvement of industry best practices through voluntary advocacy work.
Harvesting the land without plowing nutrients back into the ground will jeopardize next season’s crop and could render the field totally useless in years to come. It’s the same principle as educating younger generations and passing on knowledge so that it doesn’t retire onto the golf course or fishing lake without being embedded into an industry.
That’s why smart business leaders insist their companies and employees take the approach of being very active in their sectors and contribute wherever they can to movements and association bodies that serve their supply chains.
I’m mindful of this even during recruitment processes. We are proud of our participation in such work, and make sure all potential employees are informed of this during the interview stage. Further, we look for signs that a candidate is primed to embrace such activity and ask questions to that end. It’s also great to hear comments from the other side of the table about advocacy and affiliation opportunities.
Industry involvement is the path to a rewarding and fulfilling career. It can provide professional purpose, and is also a method for improving boardroom skills, public speaking, networking and knowledge. It sounds like an easy sell, but not everybody gets it. That’s true of established professionals in the second half of their careers, so I’m always happy to mold the thinking of an inquisitive young mind, curious as to how there is time to wear so many hats, especially where no immediate revenue gain is apparent.
For starters, I’d say it’s about being an active member of an industry. It’s easy to be a passive critic on the sidelines, but far more difficult to put in the work and make positive change. A good example is any effort towards improving the safety of the people working with cranes and rigging. Whether through standards writing or in-
volvement with trade associations, achieving the goal of improved safety comes down to advocacy work, typically represented by individuals’ time and their employers’ willingness to facilitate it.
It’s a long game – standards writing doesn’t happen overnight – but the rewards are worth it. Doubters would do well to realize that it’s to their detriment to not participate in these activities. Companies and people focused only on reaping profits, without giving any support back to the very industry that creates these revenues, will always be behind on current happenings in the industry.
A study of ropes
Take our work with the International Organization for the Study of Ropes (OIPEEC) for example, where I currently sit on the board. Importantly, I choose here a case study that likely exists on the periphery of crane owners and users, and I’ll explain why.
For context, OIPEEC is a worldwide association of scientists, experts, researchers, manufacturers and users dedicated to studying the properties and behaviour of wire and fibre ropes. It has over 100 members from more than 25 countries.
Yet, this type of organization is only promoted into the consciousness of many crane and hoist professionals when they deal with third-party companies doing the
advocacy work. Only then can high-quality technical advice be passed on, as it filters into the very products that are relied upon by the crane and rigging community on a daily basis. These are intangibles that are often lost when dealing with low bidders and falling into the trap of treating safety-related items, like wire rope and rigging, as commodities. It’s the dividend of voluntary work.
At the time of writing, another community is preparing for its latest meeting, the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF). Starting in 2025, at every spring general meeting, AWRF will hold its industry-best product expo along with a newly introduced technical summit. Finding ways like this to bring together the best minds to educate rigging shop members will surely be a major step toward spreading relevant and current technical information to the industries that we serve at large. Again, this is an indirect benefit to the crane and hoist industry, but the advantages will be felt by every user of lifting and rigging products. If someone is still slow on the uptake, it’s helpful to use continuing professional development as a signpost to the value of voluntary advocacy work. People tend to see the direct benefit of training. A business’ philosophy should be to have the best-trained customer-facing team that it possibly can. That means utilizing training and education from the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), OIPEEC, AWRF and others. By ensuring a team is well-versed in an area of specialty, businesses can be certain good information is filtering into the industry through every contact with customers.
Remember, the more educated a customer base is, the better it is for companies that do things the right way. Can you afford not to be a driver of that culture?
Justin Brown is the president of Unirope Limited, a Canadian company focused on the training, testing, and distribution of wire rope and rigging products. Brown holds active memberships with the AWRF and OIPEEC.
The AWRF’s 2024 fall meeting, which ran from October 27 to 30 in La Quinta, CA, is a recent example of the opportunities for leaders to share technical knowledge and inform the industry’s progression.
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Safely decorating your tower cranes with festive lights.
The tradition of decorating tower cranes with holiday lights gives owners and operators of this equipment the opportunity to bring joy and festive cheer to many, transforming the skyline into a dazzling display. However, those looking to celebrate the holiday season in this manner must be mindful of the meticulous planning and careful installation required to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Understanding the hazards
While decorating your crane with holiday lights offers a festive way to celebrate with the local community, this can also cause several risks to your worksite and surrounding areas:
• Blocked access: Lights or cords that obstruct access points can hinder operators and maintenance crews, posing tripping hazards.
• Increased sail area: Decorations add to the crane’s sail area, potentially hindering its ability to weathervane freely. This can put undue stress on the crane’s structure, risking equipment damage and operational failure.
• Electrical hazards: Damaged cords or bulbs introduce risks of electrocution or short circuits.
• Dropped objects: During installation, removal, or regular operations, objects such as tools or decorations themselves can be dropped, creating hazards below and causing delays.
• Extra snow or ice on decorative areas: Adding decorative lights and other elements to a crane increases its surface area. This can lead to more ice and snow accumulating on the crane’s structure. Those areas can trap more snow and ice, which may not otherwise form on the more streamlined original structure. As ice and snow build up, they add significant weight, which could affect the crane’s balance and operational capability.
Planning responsibly
Employers have proposed that any decorative installations must adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s requirements for the
Hanging holiday lights on your crane not only brightens the season, but can also be an opportunity to showcase your commitment to safety and responsible operation.
decoration. Crane users who are leasing the cranes must secure explicit permission from the crane owners before adding any decorations.
To this end, a comprehensive risk assessment is crucial in addressing:
• Sail area effects: Evaluate how decorations impact the crane’s response to wind.
• Visibility: Ensure that lights do not impair the crane operator’s visibility or distract other workers.
• Power supply: Plan for safe electrical connections and ensure all lights meet outdoor usage standards.
• Dropped object prevention: Plan for the prevention of dropped objects during installation and removal. All tools and decorations should be securely fastened to minimize risks to people and property below.
• Qualified install personnel: The best persons to install holiday lights for tower cranes are the crane operators who have knowledge about the crane and the hazards associated with the crane.
Safe installation practices
When installing holiday lights onto your crane, following these practices can help
ensure that on-site operations can continue in a safe manner:
• Keep pathways clear: Ensure that lights and cords do not obstruct pathways or interfere with the crane’s operational mechanisms.
• Secure attachments: Fasten all decorative elements securely to handle wind loads and dynamic forces.
• Use outdoor-rated lights: Only use lights that are rated for outdoor use and are certified by recognized standards (CSA, cUL, or cETL).
• Electrical safety: Engage a licensed electrician to install a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for the light setup.
• Regular inspections: Regularly check the decorations to ensure they remain in good condition and securely attached.
• Regular cleanup: Remove the accumulations of snow and ice on crane equipment. Ice and snow can cause your machinery to crack and rust, so it’s a good idea to look over machinery before using it.
Safely enhancing festive displays
While the festive season brings joy and celebration, construction sites must be careful that their participation in the holiday spirit does not compromise the safety of the equipment or the workers. This festive tradition not only brightens the holiday season, but can also be an opportunity for the industry to showcase its commitment to safety and responsible operation.
WorkSafeBC and BC Crane Safety have co-developed the Using Holiday Lights Safely on Tower Cranes bulletin. This bulletin integrates practices and insights from the industry, ensuring a comprehensive approach to safely decorating cranes during the festive season.
The use of lights not only brings holiday cheer, but can also highlight the importance of safety in crane operations; celebrating both the season and the importance of heavy lifting safety.
Albert Wang is a quality control policy engineer (HS&E) with BC Crane Safety
