Medicine Hat Construction Association magazine 2022-23

MHCA MAGAZINE is published by DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com

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In this issue

Message from MHCA Chairman Doug “Doc” Bide 4

Welcome from MHCA Executive Director John Digman 8

2022-23 MHCA Executive, Committees, and Directors 10

MHCA Staff 11

MHCA Past Chairs 12 MHCA 2022-23 members 14

MHCA 2022-23 Industry Affiliates & Associate Members 20

Message from the Medicine Hat Regional Safety Committee 21

Message from Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark 22

Message from Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure Nathan Neudorf 24

Message from Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat 25

ACA Advocacy with new Premier and Cabinet paying dividends for membership 26 CCA securing a strong future for the industry through collective advocacy 28

Gold Seal Certification: Become a recognized employer 30

Message from BILD Medicine Hat 31

Taking your business to new heights 32

Medicine Hat College Co-op Wellness Commons opens it doors to a bright future 36

New power generation plant helps the city support a growing economy 38

Twinning Highway 3 Project moves forward 42

Exciting opportunities at Southlands Common 44

Member Benefits 46

MHCA Membership Application form 47

Index to advertisers

Advance Design & Construction Ltd. 27

AECON Infrastructure 31 Ag-Plus Mechanical Ltd..............................................................41

Alberta Roofing Contractors Association 29 Allmar Inc. 14

Alta-Wide Timber Mart 33

Amtech Aeronautical Limited 9 Bartle & Gibson 13, 35

Baumann’s Ventilation & Plumbing Ltd. ...............................37

Bice & Sons Drywall/Stucco Services Ltd. 23 BrokerLink Inc 40

Burnco Rock Products 43

Canadian Construction Association 6 & 7

CertaPro Painters of Southern Alberta 33

Connections Career & Safety Services Ltd. 15

Contact Automation Inc. 27

Contempora Construction Inc. 15

Cooper Equipment Rentals 34

Design Flooring Centre 5

Dynamic Industrial Solutions IFC

Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta 28 EMCO Corporation....................................................................... 23

Gas City Drywall & Acoustic Ceilings Ltd. 16

Industrial Backhoes Ltd. 37

Inland Screw Piling 25

Jake’s Drywall Ltd 12

Jayco Builders 17

Kost Fire-Safety 17

Kruse Glass and Aluminum 18

MJB Enterprises Ltd. 23

Midwest Design & Construction Ltd. 45

Pahl Fire Protection Ltd. ............................................................18

Panther Builders Ltd. 8

Plato’s Superior Roofing Ltd. 28

Positive Life Concepts Inc. 19

Reliance Insurance Agencies 22

Spider Electric Ltd. 39

Squareone Consulting Ltd. ........................................................19

Target Products 41

TBC General Contracting 34

Terralta Inc. 34

Timber-Tech Truss Inc. 12

Weimer Welding & Fabrication Ltd. OBC Weir Construction Ltd. ............................................................... 26

PRINTED IN CANADA | 01/2023

Envirogeotech Consulting Inc. 39 F & S Safety Buzz Ltd. 31

Wolseley Canada 13 WSP Canada 4

Message from MHCA Chairman DOUG “DOC” BIDE

With 2022 at an end, it’s time to look back on an eventful year and look forward to what we hope will be an exciting and successful year for the construction industry in and around Medicine Hat.

First of all, I would like to thank MHCA Vice-chair Amanda Cook for her support. My thanks also to my fellow board members who have taken on additional responsibilities as MHCA representatives on various Alberta Construction Association committees.

This year continued to present many unforeseen challenges, particularly supply shortages, skilled labour shortages, and cost of material inflation. Despite the challenging financial times that we all operate in, it is testimony to all our members and the

construction industry in general that we have continued to commence, and complete, projects throughout the year.

With the spring of 2022 came the grand opening of the City of Medicine Hat’s 43-megawatt Unit 17 power generation facility, a project that was built proudly by local contractors.

Thanks to tender structuring in stages by the City of Medicine Hat, local contractors will be again able to bid the Residuals Management Facility for construction in 2023.

It’s good to see that our community infrastructure is being built by contractors within our own community, especially during these hard economic times.

Because wind and sun are never in short supply in this part of Canada, Southeast Alberta lends itself to both wind and solar projects. Renewable energy projects are still being planned and

constructed in our area, as are potential hydrogen projects.

Our association has been heavily involved in advocating on behalf of the construction industry for new legislation relating to prompt payment, reduction in red tape, and much needed revisions to OHS regulations. As members of the Alberta Construction Association, we wish to thank them for gathering the views from ourselves and the other seven regional associations and pressing the message home to the government.

The efforts made have paid off and new legislation is in place.

The Medicine Hat Construction Association has been a longtime advocate and continues to be the voice of the construction industry for over 65 years. The Alberta Construction Association, which the Medicine Hat Construction Association is part of, has been working together to lobby the local municipality for transparency and accountability in all areas of the city. We will continue this work through this next year.

The Alberta Construction Association, supported by MHCA and the other seven construction associations, continues to lobby the provincial government for fair labour standards, WCB standards, and OHS requirements. ACA meets with the government to constantly improve communication and relationships as part of the process of making a better environment for everyone.

There has been, and continues to be, emphasis by federal, provincial, and municipal governments on releasing infrastructure projects to reinvigorate the economy. Medicine Hat has been the recipient of a few local projects, including a number of new walking trails in and around the city, but we would like more emphasis placed on Southeast Alberta.

With the election of Alberta’s premier as a local MLA, and the appointment of another local MLA, Nathan Neudorf, as Infrastructure Minister, we at MHCA are hopeful that additional infrastructure projects will be provided in our region. A major opportunity relates to the proposed twinning of Highway 3 between Brooks and Medicine Hat

Our office continues to provide great support to MHCA members. John and Danita are available to answer any of your questions. It’s a pleasure to know that they are the face and voice that you see and hear at our office.

In closing, I would like to extend another huge thank you to our directors for the many hours that they volunteer for the association. If it were not for their passion and commitment to the construction industry, the association would be lost.

Have a great and successful 2023. n

MHCA Chairman

Welcome from Executive Director JOHN DIGMAN

As 2023 gets underway, I would firstly like to thank my assistant Danita, who has proved to be invaluable in keeping the MHCA office running smoothly.

My thanks also to our board members who have provided input and support throughout the year. As always, my biggest thank you goes out to our members. The association operates for them, and without them, we would not be here.

Our association continues to promote initiatives aimed at underrepresented sections of our society. We are acutely aware that there currently is a skills shortage and that over the coming years it will most likely get worse. The skills shortage is exacerbated by older workers moving into retirement. MHCA is active-

ly involved in, and sits on the board of, Careers Southeast Alberta. We also support the Registered Apprentice Program and the Skills competition for youngsters wishing to enter the trades.

Another initiative aimed at lessening the skills shortage relates to the integration of newcomers into the local job. Newcomers may be from other provinces or from other countries. There is a need to ensure that qualifications gained elsewhere are assessed and given equivalence in our trades.

The Regional Workforce retention program that we announced last year is now in the pilot phase in both Medicine Hat and Grand Prairie. In 2023, the project will move into the next phase, which will involve four other regional construction

associations. The project is being headed by MHCA, in conjunction with Alberta Construction Association.

The aim is to enable retention of skilled workers at a local level rather than losing them to the larger cities such as Calgary. Also embedded in the project is an intent to encourage more young workers to enter the construction industry. This is essential, as there is an aging workforce who will be retiring over the coming years coupled to an upcoming shortage of skilled workers.

Construction in general, and infrastructure projects, are still seen by both provincial and federal governments as a key route to maintaining a strong economy. Here at MHCA, we welcome Nathan Neudorf into his new position as Infrastructure Minister. The new minister met with MHCA’s Executive Director as one of his first meetings.

As we now have Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith as one of our local MLAs, and the infrastructure minister based out of Lethbridge, we are expecting Southeast Alberta to finally get an equal share of infrastructure projects.

MHCA attended the annual Leadership Breakfast which was, for the first time in a few years, an in-person event and featured presentations by Medicine Hat’s mayor, the Premier of Alberta, local MLA Drew Barnes, MP Glen Motz, the Reeve of Cypress County, and the Mayor of Redcliff.

We are aware that the twinning of highway 3 between Lethbridge and Medicine Hat is seen as a priority by both Premier Smith and Infrastructure Minister

MHCA Executive Director

Neudorf. This project will undoubtably bring additional business to Medicine Hat.

Also seen locally as a priority is the expansion of opening hours at the Wild Horse border crossing. Once the crossing moves to 24-hour operation, it will bring more freight traffic through Medicine Hat, which in turn will benefit local accommodation and associated businesses.

Renewable energy projects continue in and around Medicine Hat Alberta as part of the green energy initiatives. MHCA member companies continue to work with major contractors on solar and wind projects.

Further work on low-carbon initiatives is being spearheaded by Invest Medicine Hat; they are leading a world-class Task Force composed of Prairies Economic Development Canada, City of Medicine Hat, City of Brooks, Palliser Economic Partnership, CF Industries, Methanex Corporation, APEX Regional Innovation Network (Alberta Innovates, Community Futures Entre-Corp and Medicine Hat College), RockPoint Gas Storage, Campus Energy, Envoy Energy, and The Transition Accelerator.

The Task Force will produce foundational tools that detail the opportunities available to advance a zero-emission fuel economy in Southeast Alberta.

The city continues to grow with new and diverse workforce entering the area. This leads to a need for additional construction projects, such as new housing areas, new roads and infrastructure, and provides new business opportunities to support the incoming workers and their families.

Our association continues to work closely with the City Council; we are a key member of both the Development Advisory Panel and City procurement meetings. We also work closely with Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce as both organizations have many shared concerns and goals.

Throughout the year, MHCA have attended the bi- weekly virtual Canadian Construction Association meetings. The CCA and Alberta Construction Associations are key players in advocating to federal and provincial governments on behalf of the construction industry.

MHCA is very much aware of the requirement for all workers to be able to

work in a safe and healthy environment. Our Executive Director continued in 2022 as Chair of the Alberta Construction Safety Association.

The 2022 summer golf event was our most successful to date. Everyone was glad to have the opportunity to relax from work and network with fellow members. Our in-person member meetings resumed in 2022, and we thank all the informative speakers that have made presentations to our members.

Our aim going into 2022 was to retain existing and attract new members, and I am pleased to say we met our targets. We continue to offer Virtual Instructor

Lead Training as a part of our training offerings, which is a great benefit to our members as it negates the need to undertake extensive travel for training courses.

We hope to bring you some new training and Information offerings in 2023.

In closing, I would like to thank our generous members who provided goods and services as part of our ongoing renovations. We are almost complete. Thanks again, MHCA members.

Kind regards and best wishes to all our members for 2023. n

1955-1956

E.A. Johnson 1957

Cote 1958

Harry Stewart 1959

Maurice Knowles 1960

Jack Fuller 1961 Ales Ott 1962-1963 Jack Sissons 1964 Doug Oland 1965 J. Huddart 1966 Elmer Fisher 1967 Ed Jackle 1968 Bert Maltin 1969 Ed Moritz 1970 Art Link 1971 W.J. Morrison 1972 Alex Clarke 1973 Frank Westgarth 1974 T.E. Oland 1975-1976 A. Oster 1977 Doug Stober 1978-1979 Bill Szakacs 1980 Lloyd Jackson 1981 Arnold Niebergall 1982 Adolf Leis 1983 Ken Barnard 1984 J. Boechler 1985 Alex Chisholm 1986 Bill Thieman

1987

E. Vander Heiden 1988 H. Hilgendorf 1989 T.E. Oland 1990 R.R. Smythe 1991 Brian Booth 1992 Randy Carvell 1993 Colin Chisholm 1994 Richard Oster 1995 Immanuel Moritz 1996 Hardy Hilgendorf 1997 Ken Padfield 1998 Jim Lawrence 1999 Rick Wahl 2000 Russ Rankin 2001 Glenn Congram 2002-2003 Jeff Sohn 2004 Perry De Ruigh 2005-2006 Terry Meier 2007-2008 Tim Padfield 2009 Chris Loran 2010 Pat Basso 2011-2012

Hieland Mayzes 2013 Barry Bitz 2014 Barry Bitz 2015

Robin Kurpjuweit 2016

Hugh Bice 2016-2018

John Rodermond 2019-2021

Dean Kopperud

MHCA 2022-23 Members

A to Zed Ltd.

Box 246, 620 2 Avenue E

Brooks, AB T1R 1B3 Tel: 403-793-5594

Contact: Zed Noel Plumbing

A-Phase Electrical & Contracting Services Ltd. 965 4 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0M2 Tel: 403-878-8800

Contact: Rory Garrecht Electrical Contractor , Solar, Automation & Security

Advance Design & Construction Ltd. 23 Southwest Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E7 Tel: 403-580-5054

Contact: Clarence Briggs, Jeff Sohn General Contractor

Aecon Transportation West Ltd. Box 460

Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7G2 Tel: 403-548-3961

Contact: Jon Wilson/Enie Nielsen Civil & Road Work

Affordable Paving Box 698

Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-548-4758

Contact: Doug Norman Civil, Paving & Excavating

Allmar Inc. Unit 3, 753 15 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4W5 Tel: 403-504-1994

Amron Construction Ltd. 8 - 1500 South Highway Drive SE Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0

Tel: 403-548-3137

Contact: Darrell Slobodin General Contractor

Amtech Aeronautical Ltd. 678 Prospect Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4C1 Tel: 403-529-2350

Contact: Craig Martin Engineering Consulting

Armor Building Developments Ltd. Box 1032 Brooks, AB T1R 1B8 Tel: 403-362-6637

Contact: Kent Chudleigh General Contractor

Art’s Excavating 1793 32 Street Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N9 Tel: 403-526-5269

Contact: Warren Schneider Civil & Road Work

Atron Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Ltd. 2319C 10 Avenue SW Medicine Hat , AB T1A 8G2 Tel: 403-526-2992

Contact: Ron Melnik/Garth Stark HVAC

Avara Landscaping & Property Care 2, 753 15 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4W5 Tel: 403-878-9414

Contact: Larson Laing

Axiom Asbestos Corp. 578 18 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8A7 Tel: 403-928-3352

Contact: Jarett St. Jacques Asbestos Removal & Vermiculite Remediation

BYZ Enterprises Inc. 1843 32 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N9 Tel: 403-526-9172

Contact: Mat Zmurchyk Civil & Road Work

Baumann’s Ventilation & Plumbing Ltd. 79 Southwest Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8 Tel: 403-529-9744

Contact: Clayton Baumann/Raymond Baumann Plumbing

Benchmark Geomatics Inc. 105 - 2201 Box Springs Boulevard NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0C8 Tel: 403-527-3970

Contact: Adam Thompson/Graeme Teeare Land Surveying

Berger’s Plumbing & Company Inc. 119 Southwest Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8 Tel: 403-528-2082

Contact: Rob Berger/Lorrie Berger Plumbing

Bice & Sons Drywall/Stucco Services Ltd. Box 23044 Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4C7 Tel: 403-527-7688

Contact: Hugh Bice Drywall/Stucco

Broersen Construction Ltd. Box 1017 Brooks, AB T1R 1B8 Tel: 403-793-0688

Contact: John Broersen General Contractor

Burnco

645 17 Street SW

Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4X6 Tel: 403-527-6800

Contact: Terrell Sprecher Ready mix, Asphalt, Aggregrate & Landscaping

Can Doo Excavating Services Ltd. 757 17 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7R6 Tel: 403-504-6958

Contact: Brian Kalmring/Joy Kalmring Civil

Capstone Concrete Inc. 1968 11 Avenue NW

Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1T6 Tel: 403-580-1864

Contact: Adam Coehoorn Foundations and Cutting & Coring

CertaPro Painters

1048 Allowance Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3G8

Tel: 403-526-6197

Contact: Darren Jacques/Bob Jacques Painting

Chandos Construction Ltd. 7, 660 2 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C9 Tel: 403-502-4635

Contact: Eric Hullah General Contractor

Connections Career & Safety Services Ltd.

1007 Factory Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1X8 Tel: 403-528-3779

Contact: Janice Kirchner Safety Training

Contact Automation Inc. 1906A 10th Avenue NW

Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1T5 Tel: 403-581-0115

Contact: Lane Johnson Automated Solutions Provider

Contempora Construction Inc. 1614 32 Street SW

Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N8

Tel: 403-527-9345

Contact: Jim Schmidt/Brad Braaten General Contractor

D.L. Nagel Excavating Ltd. 2730 Gershaw Drive SW Medicien Hat, AB T1B 4P8 Tel: 403-502-3512

Contact: Darrell Nagel/LeeAnne Nagel Civil

Davison Excavating Ltd. Box 879

Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7G8 Tel: 403-527-8972

Contact: Clayton Davison/Landon Davison Civil

MHCA 2022-23 Members

DEL Communications Inc.

300 - 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 Tel: 204-254-6418

Contact: David Langstaff Publisher

Design Flooring Centre

4 - 1335 Trans Canada Way SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 1J4 Tel: 403-528-9200

Contact: Kevin Brooks/Roy Brooks Flooring Installation

Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N8

MHCA 2022-23 Members

DOX Construction Management & Safety Services

46 Sunwood Place SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4Y5

Tel: 403-581-7744

Contact: Doug Bide Safety Consulting & Project Management

Dynamic Industrial Solutions Ltd. 1791 30 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N5 Tel: 403-527-7272

Contact: Donovan Bellamy Welding, Fabrication & HD Mechanical

Elhart’s Electric Ltd. 954 19 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7X1 Tel: 403-528-9809

Contact: Mark Elhart Electrical Contractor

EMCO Corporation 2359 9 Avenue SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8R4

Tel: 403-526-8205

Contact: Rob Alston Plumbing, Mechanical & Supply

Engineered Air 1421 Hastings Crescent SE Calgary, AB T2G 4C8 Tel: 403-444-4095

Contact: Derek Douglas HVAC

ERB Construction Ltd. 51 Links Place Desert Blume, AB T1B 0M6 Tel: 403-952-0453

Contact: Kevin Erb/Tyson Erb General Contractor

Evolution Electric and Controls Ltd. 2, 2139 10 Avenue SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8B7 Tel: 403-487-1888

Contact: Chris Baillie Electrical Contractor

Falke Construction Services (2011) Inc. Box 1345 Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7N2 Tel: 403-528-8862

Contact: Chris Loran/Jen Loran Brick Laying

Fortress Fabrications Ltd. Box 1270 Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-528-3091

Contact: Sean Herter/Tracy Herter Welding & Fabrication

FoxCanada 2891 Box Springs Link NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0H3 Tel: 403-548-8147

Contact: Tim Fox Safety Training & Supplies

Gas City Drywall & Acoustic Ceilings Ltd.

5 South Railway Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2W3 Tel: 403-529-1717

Contact: Chico Glauser Drywall

Global Raymac Surveys 124 - 1310 Kingsway Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2Y4 Tel: 403-526-6300

Contact: Brian Munro Geomatics & Surveying

Grassroots Landscaping & Irrigation Ltd.

1566 Gershaw Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E2 Tel: 403-526-2645

Contact: Randy Valk Irrigation & Landscaping

GVN Structures Inc. Bay 1, 1611 Broadway Avenue East Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-548-3100

Contact: Amanda Cook/Doug Turner General Contractor

Gyptec Drywall Inc.

701 Kingsway Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2X3 Tel: 403-527-3777

Contact: Wayne Straub Drywall & Steel Framing

Hranco Industries Ltd. 1554 Brier Park Crescent NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1Y8 Tel: 403-527-4190

Contact: Cody Millington Steel Fabrication, Welding

Iconic Communication Services 802 16 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B5 Tel: 403-866-4561

Contact: Nolan Campeau Telephone & Security Systems, Network Cabling

Industrial Backhoes Ltd. 1686 32 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N8 Tel: 403-529-6665

Contact: Harvey Neigum/Ryan Neigum Civil & Road Work

Inland Concrete Ltd. Box 70 Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7E5 Tel: 403-526-2222

Contact: Ron Schimpf/Rob Young Concrete Supplier

Jake’s Drywall Ltd.

27 Stratton Place SE Medicine Hat , AB T1B 0G3 Tel: 403-504-6778

Contact: Jake Forsyth Drywall & Attic Blow-In Insulation

JayCo Builders Inc.

Box 296

Bow Island , AB T0K 0G0

Tel: 403-545-6048

Contact: Chris Friesen/Jason Friesen General Contractor

Jim’s Electric (2006) Ltd. 143 Southwest Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8

Tel: 403-529-2566

Contact: Jim Lawrence Electrical Contractor

Kimball Carpet One Floor & Home 130 - 578 South Railway Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8T2

Tel: 403-504-4446

Contact: Angela Hillmer/Joel Kimball Flooring & Installation

Kost Fire Equipment Ltd. 677 14 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4A2 Tel: 403-527-1500

Contact: Safwat Gabriel/Doug Krecsyl Safety Supplies

Kruse Glass & Aluminum 1288 Brier Park Road NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0B7 Tel: 403-527-3331

Contact: Tyler Hopfner Window, Door, Auto & Interior/Exterior Railings

Kurt’s Iron Works Ltd. 933 19 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B2 Tel: 403-527-2844

Contact: Frank Hilgendorf Steel Fabrication & Erection

LMT Enterprises Ltd. 2235 2 Avenue Dunmore, AB T1B 0K3 Tel: 403-527-1562

Contact: Terry Meier/Jim Taylor Civil & Road Work

M & R Contractor Ltd. 1363 32 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N7 Tel: 403-504-8668

Contact: Gideon Mandel/Sherry Mandel General Contractor

M.J.B. Enterprises Ltd. 601 17 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4X6 Tel: 403-527-3600

Contact: Gordon Gukert Civil & Road Work

Main Floor Carpets Ltd. 4 - 645 South Railway Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2V8 Tel: 403-527-9900

Contact: Ken Straarup/Jason Straarup Flooring & Installation

Matulin Concete Ltd. 57 Rundle Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3W8 Tel: 403-977-3621

Contact: Mathew Matulin Foundations & Custom Form Work

Mayzes Masonry Inc. 7 Cottonwood Bay SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4R3 Tel: 403-527-2816

Contact: Hieland Mayzes/Ken Rutley Masonry

Medicine Hat Elevator Inc. Box 24071 Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8M8 Tel: 403-580-5807

Contact: Greg Arnold Elevator Installation/Maintenance

Mid-West Design & Construction Ltd. 1065 30 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N3 Tel: 403-526-0925

Contact: Guy Bellis General Contractor

Mudrack Concrete Ltd. 851 Industrial Avenue SE Medicine Hat , AB T1A 3L7 Tel: 403-487-5323

Contact: David Mudrack/Dennis Mudrack Concrete & Curbs

Overhead Door #9, 1771 30 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N5 Tel: 403-526-1626

Contact: Matt Knutson/Tracie Knutson Door Supplier

Pad-Car Mechanical Ltd. 3271 17 Avenue SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4B1 Tel: 403-528-3353

Contact: Dave Janecke/Jason Risk/Mitch Ziegler Plumbing, HVAC & Engineering

MHCA 2022-23 Members

MHCA 2022-23 Members

Pahl Fire Protection Ltd.

Box 2608

Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8G8 Tel: 403-952-1642

Contact: David Pahl/Quentin Pahl Sprinkler Systems

Patterson Bros. Drywall (1991) Ltd. 1005 East 11 Avenue Dunmore, AB T1B 0J4 Tel: 403-581-3290

Contact: Kevin Patterson Drywall & Insulation

Peerless Building Products 1301 Porters Hill SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3M8 Tel: 403-527-5700

Contact: Wayne Herman Roofing, Siding & Cladding

Plato’s Superior Roofing Ltd. 3317 17 Avenue SW

Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4B1 Tel: 403-527-4439

Contact: Duane Plato Roofing

ProComm Powered By The Phone Experts 627 Kingsway Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2W8 Tel: 403-527-5555

Contact: Guy Schottanus Telephone & Security Systems, Network Cabling

Quick Way Electrical (1999) Ltd. 127 Southwest Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8 Tel: 403-526-0688

Contact: Bill Baker Electrical Contractor

RailPro Inc. 24 2 Street NW Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-526-0342

Contact: Marc Leonard Supply & Install Vinyl Decking & Glass Walls

Red Arc Manufacturing Ltd. 2196 Brier Park Place NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1S6 Tel: 403-866-0792

Contact: Dustin Ziegenhagel Welding & Fabrication

RLB Concrete 34 Sundown Road Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4W3 Tel: 403-594-9011

Contact: Ryan Benallack Commercial & Residential Concrete Services

Rodermond Enterprises Inc. Box 481, 4 4 Street SW Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-528-9912

Contact: John Rodermond General Contractor

Romer Environmental Ltd. Box 2157 Brooks, AB T1R 1C8 Tel: 403-362-3556

Contact: Rob Weir Oilfield Reclamation

Shunda Consulting & Const. Mgt. Ltd.

4, 7935 Edgar Industrial Drive Red Deer, AB T4P 3R2 Tel: 403-343-1248

Contact: Deekyn Brown General Contractor

Solid Rock Fencing Ltd. Box 700 Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7G6 Tel: 403-977-7625

Contact: Robin Kurpjuweit Fencing Contractor

South Country Glass Ltd. 2 - 645 South Railway Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2V8 Tel: 403-529-1890

Contact: Gary Leis Glass, Automatic Doors, Mirrors & Repair

Southeast Concrete Pumping Inc. 3340 17 Avenue SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4B2 Tel: 403-502-4469

Contact: Landon Fink Concrete Pumping

Spider Electric Ltd. 3372 17 Avenue SW Medicine Hat,, AB T1B 4B2 Tel: 403-529-9315

Contact: Mark Simmons Electrical Contractor

Starks Plumbing, Heating, & Electrical Ltd. 4850 Box Springs Road NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0H3 Tel: 403-527-2929

Contact: Albert Stark/Jay Stark Plumbing, Heating & Electrical Contractors

TBC General Contracting 102, 1720 10 Avenue NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0G9 Tel: 403-526-0343

Contact: Scott Wilson/Ryan Thares General Contractor

Terralta / Air-Tech 557 18th Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8C3

Tel: 403-488-0404

Contact: Marcus Campbell /Laura Shivak Geotechnical, Solar & Plumbing Contractor

Titan Exteriors 1870D 6 Avenue SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7Y5 Tel: 403-952-6278

Contact: Henry Bartsch Roofing & Exteriors

Trademark Roofing Ltd. 133 Vista Road SE Medicine Hat , AB T1B 4X6 Tel: 403-952-8497

Contact: D’arcy Vannini Roofing, Siding & Soffit

Transit Paving Inc. 3047 Gershaw Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4P8 Tel: 403-526-0386

Contact: Dean Dinning/Earl Morgan Civil & Road Work

Tri-Kon Precast Concrete Products 601 Patterson Street W Cranbrook , BC V1C 6T3 Tel: 250-426-8162

Contact: Chris Kostiuk Manufacturer/Supplier Precast Concrete

True Gritt Fencing Ltd. 822 13 Street NE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5V5

Tel: 587-770-0506

Contact: Lewis Trotter/Coralee Trotter Fencing Contractor

Unity Electric Inc. Box 694 Bow Island, AB T0K 0G0 Tel: 403-548-8640

Contact: Jeremy Mitchell Electrical Contractor

Wahl Construction Ltd. 830 15 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4W7 Tel: 403-526-6235

Contact: Rick Wahl General Contractor

Weimer Welding & Fabrication Ltd. 957 17 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4Y1 Tel: 403-487-4845

Contact: Aaron Weimer Welding Fabrication & Repairs

Weir Construction Ltd. 156 Charles Street Dunmore, AB T1B 0K9 Tel: 403-527-1829

Contact: Jason Weir/Dave Barton General Contractor & Oilfield Construction

Western Foundations & Construction Services Inc. 2 - 200 Saskatchewan Drive NE Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-529-2803/403-952-2670

Contact: Jordan Kindrat Foundations & Site Management

White Fox Group Ltd. Box 69, 1 - 7013 Old Trans-Canada Highway Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-527-8188

Contact: Mike Bullin Construction, Earthworks, Gravel & Enviro Cleanups

Wolseley Canada Inc. 1721 10 Avenue SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7M9 Tel: 403-527-8851

Contact: Ian Ruetz Mechanical Supplier

MHCA 2022-23 Members

MHCA 2022-23 Industry Affiliates & Associate Members

ASSOCIATES

BrokerLink Insurance 200, 623 4 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0L1

Tel: 403-526-3283

Contact: Stuart Green / Grant Walker Insurance broker

Cee Gee Construction Ltd. 1843 32 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3N9 Tel: 403-527-1054

Contact: Mat Zmurchyk / Ryan Neigum Civil

City of Medicine Hat

580 1 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E6 Tel: 403-502-8063

Contact: Adam Yurkoski Planning, building & develpment services

Cooper Equipment Rentals 1289 Brier Park Way NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1TZ

Tel: 403-526-6076

Contact: Dean Jans Construction Equipment Rentals

Digitex 101 - 1235 Southview Drive SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4K3 Tel: 403-526-8807

Contact: Kiel Owen Business Machine Supplier

ECCO Supply 101 - 26 Southwest Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8V1 Tel: 403-527-3226

Contact: Bev Mutschler HVAC Supplier

Eecol Electric Corp. 921 18 Street SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8S7

Tel: 403-527-7189

Contact: Larry Sebastian Electrical Supplier

Environmental 360 Solutions Inc 1169 Brier Park Way NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1T2

Tel: 403-594-0844

Contact: Lisa Torrie Waste & Recycling Services

FWBA Architects 101, 623 3 Street S Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0H5 Tel: 403-928-7524

Contact: Bryce Stickel Architects

Guillevin International Co. 15 Southwest Drive SW Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E7 Tel: 403-529-2444

Contact: Chris Kisinger Security Services

Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce 413 6 Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2S7 Tel: 403-527-5214

Contact: Lisa Kowalchuk Regional Business Network

Medicine Hat College 299 College Drive SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6 Tel: 403-529-3844

Contact: Scott Stickel Trades Department

MNP LLP Box 580, 666 4 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7G5 Tel: 403-527-4441

Contact: Greg Anderson Chartered Accountants/Business Advisors

Paterson Consulting Inc. 41 Sierra Green SW Medicine Hat, AB T1B 0R5 Tel: 403-928-9606

Contact: Wes Paterson Health & Wellness Consulting

PH McNally Associates Ltd. 373 Aberdeen Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7N2 Tel: 403-527-5772

Contact: Pat McNally Engineering Consultancy

Positive Life Concepts Inc. 640 3 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0H5 Tel: 403-527-6724

Contact: Luc Beriault Recruiting and Business Consulting

Reliance Insurance Agencies

414 6 Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2S8 Tel: 403-526-8800

Contact: Chad Fai Insurance

Safety Buzz Campus 350 Eagle Butte Road Dunmore, AB T1B 0K2 Tel: 403-526-8400

Contact: Amy Zuk-Olsen Safety Training

United Rentals

2 - 2350 South Highway Drive SE Redcliff, AB T0J 2P0 Tel: 403-580-5000

Contact: Bill Phillips Equipment rentals & contractor supply sales

Western Financial Group

459 2 Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0C4 Tel: 403-526-2885

Contact: Clint Parnell Insurance

WSP Canada Inc.

110 - 1222 Brier Park Road NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0B7 Tel: 403-528-8818

Contact: Ken Jacobs Engineering

AFFILIATES

Brock Canada Inc. 2184 Brier Park Place NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 1S6 Tel: 587-801-4338

Contact: Phil Fitzgerald / Deb Lambert Scaffolding/insulation/fireproofing/ coating/sandblasting

EnviroGeotech Consulting Inc.

110 - 851 Industrial Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3L7

Tel: 403-458-4422

Contact: Chandra Achayra Engineering Consultants

Whodunit Construction Box 191 Acadia Valley, AB T0J 0A0 Tel: 403-664-9432

Contact: Bob Rai/Michael Stolz Aggregate Supply

Message from the Medicine Hat Regional Safety Committee

The Regional Safety Committees are volunteer-led, and they are made up of volunteer representatives from construction and trades associations; small, medium, and large contractors; suppliers; union reps; Workers’ Compensation Board; and Alberta government, along with individual worker members for the purpose of providing a communication link between the employers and the association’s board of directors.

The RSCs serve an important role and are an integral part of the ACSA operations. Along with functioning as a conduit between ACSA and their members, RSCs plan and implement community outreach activities furthering ACSA’s vision and mission in the eight regions. We all advocate for lives lived safely.

If you would like more information regarding the Regional Safety Committees, please visit https://www.youracsa.ca/ regional-safety-committees/.

Here in Medicine Hat, the RSC tries to get the message about safety out into the community as often as we can. We also sponsor three scholarships at our local college, aiming to give scholarships to those students showing an aptitude for safety.

In the summer of 2022, MHRSC sponsored Safety City’s annual BBQ and provided hands-on support flipping burgers. This is an organization that’s predominantly aimed at educating younger generations in the need for safety at home, safety on the roads, and safety online. We provided funds to allow

Safety City to upgrade their fleet of bicycles. Money will also be used for the purchase of cycle bells and cycle helmets.

In Southeast Alberta, we have an emergency air ambulance service which is partially government funded. The running costs of HALO Emergency Service Air Ambulance are also funded by donations. We at MHRSC have, for many years, supported this essential service with both direct donations and specific fundraisers.

As always, MHRSC was instrumental in organizing the annual National Day of Mourning (April 28th). Thanks goes out to Steve Brosnikoff, who is deeply involved in the fine details. There was a large attendance from families who had lost loved ones in workplace incidents, workers, emergency service personnel, and politicians both local and federal to observe a minute’s silence.

The committee sponsored a Safety and Health week event in May, manning a stand at this event and our local construction association’s golf event, distributing promotional safety materials to the participants.

As is tradition, we also ran summer safety ads on the local radio station, and our winter ad campaign is well underway. These are an opportunity to highlight safety issues such as keeping warm on construction sites, and they also serve to get the word out about the safety committee.

For more information on our local committee, please visit our Linkedin page: (25) Medicine Hat Regional Safety Committee: Overview | LinkedIn. n

Message from Medicine Hat Mayor LINNSIE CLARK

As we exit the pandemic and move toward some semblance of reality, it goes without saying that the de-

velopment sector continues to face the fallout of challenges experienced over the last few years and find new obstacles and opportunities along the way. The

strength and resilience of this sector in Medicine Hat and our region is admirable, and the network of stakeholders that have formed to support each other and find innovative ways to address these challenges has been inspiring.

Through our administrative channels, as well as in-person interactions that I am so grateful to have had with many of you, I have learned a lot about the state of development in Medicine

You’ve shared with me how supply chain issues and the ability to obtain and cost of building materials has been drastically impacted, and how this trickles down to the ability to deliver a quality product in a reasonable timeline. I have heard your concerns around shortages of skilled workers and the ability to attract those workers to our community and retain them once they

Rising interest rates have tightened belts significantly and reduced ability to access credit, as well as caused cold feet among investors. I have also heard how inflationary pressures and skyrocketing prices can price certain developments out of the market. These and many more factors are contributing to the challenges you are facing and brings the question of “How can the municipality help?” to mind.

In a word: collaboration. By listening to and seeking to understand your concerns, we will be better able to address these challenges together locally, provincially, and federally. Open lines of communication are crucial to the success of our relationship, and by con-

tinuing to share your ideas of how we can best support you and the goals of our community, we can improve our actions to further your goals as an industry. We are very grateful for the inclusion of the City of Medicine Hat in your meetings, your conversations, and your advocacy as we work together to ensure stability and success for your industry.

That being said, the industry in Medicine Hat continues to move forward. While we have seen decreases in institutional development over 2022, the private sector remains strong in Medicine Hat with comparable data year over year in our region even showing growth in some respects. Through 2022, the City of Medicine Hat has issued 612 building permits for a total valuation of $72.2 million. Our year-to-date data indicates 58 apartment/multi-family units in 2022 vs. only 13 at this point in 2021. Additionally, commercial and industrial permits have a value of $26.5 million so far, vs. $9.8 million in 2021.

The City of Medicine Hat looks forward to supporting continued growth and collaboration with our valued community partners in development.

The Medicine Hat City Council and I are so grateful for the work of the Medicine Hat Construction Association, its stakeholders, and the industry as a whole in our region. As we move forward into 2023 and beyond, I look forward to increased collaboration and growth. Thank you for all your hard work and resiliency this past year. Onward and upward. n

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Message from Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure NATHAN NEUDORF

As the new Minister of Infrastructure, and on behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to extend greetings to the members of the Medicine Hat Construction Association. I know that you are a tremendous team of professionals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you in the weeks and months ahead.

Over the next three years, Alberta’s government is investing $20.2 billion into public infrastructure through our 2022 Capital Plan. Here at Alberta Infrastructure, we are responsible for delivering one quarter of this investment.

Within the Brooks-Medicine Hat-Cypress area, we are investing in renovations, additions, and maintenance upgrade and renewal projects, all of which are in various stages of planning, design, and construction or recently completed. These projects are stimulating economic activity, supporting hundreds of jobs, and improving access to new and renewed facilities and other public infrastructure local communities need.

In Brooks, courthouse renovations are underway within the Provincial Building. This project, which includes an interior renovation and an addition of a sally port, will help improve court services for the community. Construction completion of this $4.6 million project is anticipated in February 2023.

Work is continuing on seven capital maintenance and renewal projects worth about $14.4 million with some reaching completion. In Brooks, this includes replacing the air handling and building mechanical systems in the P. Duncan Hargrave Building and replacing the fire pump in the Palaeontology Field Station. In Medicine Hat, projects include renewing, repairing, or replacing roofs, security and heating systems in the new and old courthouses, the Remand Centre, and the Provincial Building.

One of my ministry’s responsibilities is to lead our government’s effort to ensure our province gets its fair share of feder-

al funding to help provide much needed public infrastructure and create jobs. Alberta Infrastructure has been instrumental in securing billions in federal funding which includes funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). In the Brooks-Medicine Hat-Cypress area, through ICIP, the Alberta Government and Government of Canada – and in some cases the municipalities or other community organizations – together are investing about $30 million into infrastructure improvements. This includes completed or underway upgrades and repairs to recreational, municipal, water and wastewater treatment facilities; health, family, and senior care buildings; trails, sidewalks and transit systems; and an accessibility and inclusion project at the Medicine Hat College.

I am also very pleased to note that last summer we completed construction of the new $18.3 million school in Brooks. École Le Ruisseau welcomed about 200 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students to their new classrooms in September 2022. All told, including this new school and the other projects underway or recently completed, a total $67.3 million investment into the Brooks-Medicine Hat-Cypress area is supporting about 376 construction-related jobs, boosting the local economy, and enhancing public infrastructure.

I want the Medicine Hat Construction Association members to know that I believe we are key partners in providing needed infrastructure, creating jobs, and growing the economy. My very first official meeting as Minister of Infrastructure was with John Digman of the MHCA. He shared some of the key issues I hope to address as minister—prompt payment legislation to include the Government of Alberta, procurement practices that allow for best value and a more clear and balanced allocation of risk, and a more open and transparent relationship between the construction industry and the government.

I sincerely thank you all for your ongoing commitment and excellence, and I look forward to working with you. n

Message from MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat DREW BARNES

Over the years, through booms and busts, Alberta has become known as the place in Canada to come and set down roots. Medicine Hat, in particular, has drawn thousands of folks seeking a fresh start for themselves and new opportunity for their families.

The Medicine Hat Construction Association and its many

members have been a key part of building this Alberta dream for generations of families. With nearly 70 years experience, I know we can count on the association to continue its role as a cornerstone of our communities in years to come.

On behalf of your friends and neighbours across Cypress-Medicine Hat, thank you for all that you do. n

Alberta Construction Association Advocacy Update

BY KEN GIBSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALBERTA CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

ACA Virtual Townhalls with UCP Leadership candidates provided a forum for industry to share concerns and priorities with leadership candidates. Our Town Hall with candidate Danielle Smith was particularly engaging.

Premier Danielle Smith’s direction to Ministers is a solid step toward addressing long-standing and emerging issues of Alberta’s construction industry. Ministerial mandate letters across government address key issues for Alber-

ta’s contractors. Mandate letters can be found at https://open.alberta.ca/publications/mandate-letters-to-ministers-2022. Highlights include:

• Sustained infrastructure investment including trade corridors to support Albertans’ quality of life and economic prosperity

• Best value procurement and standardized contracts to reduce risk

• Extending prompt payment provisions to Government of Alberta contracts

• Promoting trades education, working training, recognition of out of prov-

ince credentials, fostering opportunities for people from under-represented communities, and expanded Provincial Nominee Program

• Continued red tape reduction with an emphasis on streamlined permitting and Land Titles processes

• Complete Occupational Health & Safety Code review and more focus on mental health supports to keep workers safe

• Review Building Code changes to ensure safety and affordability

New Infrastructure Minister Nathan Neudorf comes from our industry, having owned his own firm as a carpentry subcontracting, having worked for a general contractor, and having served as a consultant for several public owners. Nathan is a former Chair of the Lethbridge Construction Association and a former Board member of the ACA.

Infrastructure

Some of the issues ACA looks forward working with the infrastructure minister and the government include:

• Extending prompt pay to projects under the Public Works Act

• Lack of transparency and variability regarding future projects, funding, timing, delivery, project budget, impacting industry’s ability to plan. It takes years of steady work to produce skilled design

consultants, tradespeople, and project managers. Swings in infrastructure spending inevitably lead to periods in which industry capacity can’t meet demand without price increases at the expense of taxpayers.

• Relations that are contractual and transactional rather than collaborative.

• Inappropriate allocation of risk.

• The revision of GoA agreements removing all forms of alternative dispute resolution, leaving the Courts as the only option.

• Contractor selection primarily based on low price treating construction as a commodity, rather than selection on best value and innovation treating construction as a specialized service.

Builders’ Liens and Prompt Pay

Prompt pay came into effect for contracts signed after August 29, 2022.

ACA successfully advocated for Land Title provisions to speed up resolution of liens in the government’s Pending Registration Queue system, and to overturn stop payments on progress draws by Alberta Infrastructure where a court order signaled pending removal of the lien on schools projects.

Updated ACA Form A and B contracts and an updated Builders’ Lien Plain Language Guide are now available. Two new ACA Plain Language Guides (Prompt

Pay

Provisions;

Prompt

Pay Adjudication

process) are in the works.

The industry consortium of ACA, Alberta Trade Contractors Coalition, Municipalities Alberta Association and Consulting Engineers of Alberta will not submit at this time a proposal to Government to act as a Nominating Authority to accredit prompt pay adjudicators and manage the adjudication process. ACA is concerned that the proposed administrative responsibilities contemplated in the regulations run counter to the goal of affordable costs borne by parties to an adjudication. ACA will advocate for choice amongst Nominating Authorities to best serve industry.

Apprenticeship, Skills, and Workforce Development

ACA continues to advocate for a stronger industry role in vocational education and apprenticeship, offering to assist the new Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Board with industry engagement.

ACA will be meeting with the new Minister of Skilled Trades to reinforce the need for the apprenticeship system to maintain quality and address skill shortages.

ACA Executive Director Ken Gibson has been appointed to the Premier’s Council on Skills. The Council is to provide advice on issues and emerging trends

with respect to the skills needed in Alberta’s workforce, particularly as they relate to educational programming in Alberta’s adult learning system.

ACA Develops Recommendations to Improve Federal Immigration

Skilled foreign trained tradespeople can become productive permanent residents that mentor Canadian apprentices to help address chronic labour shortages. ACA will be meeting with federal ministers to share industry recommendations on recommended improvements to federal immigration programs.

ACA Panel Discusses Cost Escalation at Municipalities Alberta Conference

ACA hosted a panel discussion in MA’s September Conference to discuss successful owner/contractor collaborations to manage cost escalation. Thanks to Sue Howard (City of Westakiwin), Don Stang (City of Lloydminster), Trevor Doucette and Sam Johnson from Graham, Kevin Koster from Bird, and Eric Kristjansson from PCL for their expert participation. The panel discussed the new normal of volatile prices and the move away from traditional design bid build project delivery to better manage risk. n 23 Southwest Drive S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8E7 www.advancedesign.ca

855-580-5054

CCA securing a strong future for the industry through collective advocacy

BY MARY VAN BUREN, CCA PRESIDENT

Representing 20,000+ member firms, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is proud of our mission to inspire a progressive, innovative, and sustainable construction industry.

The key to our success is working with valued partner associations like the Medicine Hat Construction Association. We are powered by your engagement. Together, we are driving change on key issues that make a real impact, not only for the industry but for all Canadians.

A smart infrastructure plan backed by investment

As the industry’s national advocate, CCA has been working to help shape a long-term plan for sustainable infrastructure investment. Through our participation in the National Infrastructure Assessment, meetings with government leaders, and reinforced by our advocacy, CCA understands that one size does not fit all. Every region and municipality, including our Indigenous communities, have different needs and priorities.

We need to move from quick fixes to a strategy that focuses on long-term solutions and value for Canadians in the regions they live. It is why we engage with our local construction association partners and members – to learn first-hand what is important to you and your community.

Our industry can be the path to green and road to economic prosperity, but we need supportive policies and a national plan backed by a long-term investment strategy. Working with our

partners at the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, we released a report, From shovel ready to shovel worthy, to strengthen our case for a national trade-enabling infrastructure plan. It identifies key trade gateways and corridors across the country, including Western Canada, that will link resources to industry, people to jobs, and products to market. We are also supporting a media and government relations outreach campaign to create more momentum and support for this initiative.

Fair procurement

CCA’s semi-annual Meech Lake meeting with government leaders resulted in a commitment to establish a working group on procurement and project delivery methods. We also embarked on a fact-finding mission this summer to learn first-hand from members about their challenges with current procurement practices. Dubbed the Standard Practices Tour, CCA visited Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, St. John’s, and Montreal in June.

We intend to educate owners on the challenges identified by our members, as outlined in the report. Procurement needs to adapt to encourage innovation, account for long-term value and sustainability, promote the use of alternative delivery models, and support shared risk. Too often contractors take on the risk of project costs and delays due to the shortage of workers, materials, and supply chain disruptions.

Workforce an urgent priority

Even the best laid plans can be derailed without the workers we need to keep us on track. Members across Canada have told us they need a skilled workforce to deliver on the many infrastructure projects underway or in the pipeline. There are over 81,000 open jobs in construction that the industry is struggling to fill nationwide because of baby boomer retirements, pandemic aftershocks, and, quite simply, a public misconception about careers in construction.

CCA has been very public about the need to modernize Canada’s immigration policies, work with the provinces and territories to ensure skills matching is well aligned between jurisdictions, and update the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. More than 70 experts from across Canada and representing all sectors of the construction industry met with parliamentarians from all parties to discuss the labour crisis and urgent need to Rebuild Canada’s workforce NOW during CCA’s annual Hill Day on November 15.

We are also thrilled to be partnering with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum on a federal government initiative offering financial incentives to employers who hire new first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades. This program will provide support to employers wanting to hire apprentices and promote the skilled trades as a first-choice career for youth, women, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+, immigrants and foreign workers.

The Canadian construction industry recognizes the benefits of a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work culture. Our Talent

Fits Here initiative is a national public awareness campaign designed to attract workers by positioning construction as a career of choice.

Action-backed policies to support green infrastructure

Federal procurement strategies are on the agenda thanks to the united advocacy of CCA and our integrated partner associations. We all know that construction has a major role to play in achieving Canada’s net-zero targets, and the federal government must act now to support businesses in their decarbonization efforts over the coming decade. This includes updating the building codes, providing incentives for businesses, sharing climate data, and creating a list of approved “green” materials.

Stay in touch!

You can count on CCA to be a collaborative partner to the Medicine Hat Construction Association, providing helpful tools, sharing best practices across the country and being your voice with the federal government. We hope you can join us March 7-10, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona for CCA’s Annual Conference. Registration for this marquee event is now open.

Stay in the loop by subscribing to CCA’s newsletter at bit.ly/ccasubscribe, by following @ConstructionCAN on Twitter, or by looking up Canadian Construction Association on LinkedIn. n

Gold Seal Certification: Become a recognized employer

BY CHANEL ROBERTS, MANAGER, EDUCATION AND GOLD SEAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

With over 11,000 Gold Seal Certified (GSC) professionals across Canada, CCA’s Gold Seal Certification Program is the industry’s nationally recognized certification. Gold Seal construction management professionals have attained the highest standard of excellence in the industry, have proven industry experience, and are held in high regard. Through professional development and continued mentorship, this professional certification program is focused on helping individuals achieve excellence through education, training, and skills development.

Become a Gold Seal Employer Employers who support their employees’ professional development are seen as industry leaders. Becoming a Gold Seal Employer capitalizes on the integrity and prestige of the Gold Seal Certification and profiles your commitment to excellence in the management of construction.

“The Gold Seal Program and becoming a Gold Seal Employer was a logical choice given our commitment to customers and employees through continuous learning, and our ability to influence sustainable construction practices and safety as a best-in-class industry standard,” said Michael Parker, P.GSC, and Vice-President for Jancon Construction

Ltd., an established commercial interior construction management firm operating in Southern Ontario. Jancon is a Gold Seal Employer with 20 per cent of eligible employees who are Gold Seal Certified and 72 per cent of employees who are currently in the process of obtaining their Gold Seal Certification.

Key advantages of being a Gold Seal Employer include:

1. Demonstrating your preference for construction professionals who have earned a nationally respected certification.

2. Industry recognition for supporting continuous professional development.

3. Maintaining a competitive advantage and ensuring that clients understand that your company’s construction projects consistently set the gold standard with Gold Seal Certified professionals.

4. Opportunities for Gold Seal Project recognition, providing increased promotion and exposure for featured projects.

5. Advocating for the Gold Seal Certification Program.

Get the best people for the job Including information on Gold Seal Certification on your website’s careers section and in job postings can benefit your company in many ways. Having a clearly defined and articulated way of

growing talent and investing in professional development is an incentive for applicants and can help differentiate your company from the competition. By asking for the certification in job postings or by listing it as an asset, you can showcase your appreciation and support of professionalism.

Gold Seal Projects

Having your project recognized as a certified Gold Seal Project is also a great way to encourage eligible jobsite staff to become certified and gain visibility for your commitment to professional development.

Gold Seal Projects promote the value of Gold Seal Certified professionals on a project site and educate those who are non-certified about the value of certification. A Gold Seal Project demonstrates a company’s ability to manage and undertake challenging construction projects and showcases their professionalism and expertise in the construction industry.

To learn more about Gold Seal Certification, visit cca-acc.com/workforceexcellence/gold-seal.

To learn more about Gold Seal Projects, visit cca-acc.com/workforce-excellence/ gold-seal/gold-seal-projects/.

To inquire about becoming a Gold Seal Employer, contact the Gold Seal team at goldseal@cca-acc.com. n

The Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) Gold Seal Certification Program can help your company attract, grow, and retain top talent.

Foundations for growth

BY SHELLEY BROOKS, BILD MEDICINE HAT

BILD Medicine Hat (formerly the Canadian Home Builders Association of Medicine Hat & District) has been operating for over 14 years and has a wide variety of members – all with the common goal of success and excellence in the residential home building and renovation industry of our city.

BILD Medicine Hat meets regularly with the City of Medi cine Hat to discuss topics of common interest. The City recog nizes BILD Medicine Hat as leaders in the field of home build ing and renovating and is the most knowledgeable resource for our community developers.

BILD Medicine Hat has teamed up with the Medicine Hat College in the past to offer a $500 scholarship to a student in the construction trades. We know the importance of fostering tal ent for our industry and are excited to work toward education in trades involved in home building.

Taking your business to new heights

Taking your business to new heights was the theme our Chamber selected to summarize our 2021-2022 fiscal year. We have over 120 years under our wings, stemming from the strong foundation established many decades ago, allowing us to build a runway and take flight. Our legacy has grown from many great leaders who have fueled the engines and taken ideas to new heights so that we can lift ideas off the ground and generate new opportunities, creating the business environment we have today.

It has been an active year building various connections and providing multiple means of support for our business community. We have also continued to elevate our strong and influential voice to raise the profile of our business community, address their challenges, and assist with the opportunities on our horizon.

We propelled our areas of influence with six new policy positions during our 2021-2022 fiscal year. These are positions we bring forward to the different levels

of government, ensuring they’re aware of the concerns and recommendations we have to address the challenges our businesses face. These have included:

• Tax Equity: Narrowing the gap between residential and nonresidential property taxes

• Creating a Business-friendly Regulatory Environment

• Creating a New Pharmaceutical Industry in Canada (Co-sponsor)

• Dual Credit Opportunities in Alberta

• Creating Jobs through Remediating and Redeveloping Brownfields

• Building Canada’s Community Revitalization

These policies are now part of the 40 active local policies and subsequent recommendations to our local, provincial and federal governments that we continue to work on for our members and broader business community.

We’ve spent nearly 1,400 dedicated hours in our advocacy and lobby efforts over the past year, including over 40 letters to government representatives and

59 dedicated meetings with government at all levels. These efforts have resulted in seeing actions such as HALO Air Ambulance funding, improved access to mental health supports, progress on dual credit opportunities, new business incentive programs, additional twinning of Highway 3, progress on a made-in-Alberta label, improvements to grazing leases, changes to the City procurement policy and process, as well as continued work on the Alberta 2030 plan: Building Skills for Jobs, to name a few.

We provided our business community with the opportunity to engage through government events that we hosted. These included our Selling to Government seminar with the City of Medicine Hat, our Leadership Lunch-In with local our MP, MLAs, the mayors from both the City of Medicine Hat and the Town of Redcliff, as well as our reeve from Cypress County. We hosted a Luncheon with Premier Kenney, our Annual State of the City, and an event specific to Creating Connections and Building our

Future with CFB Suffield – all focused on driving our economy forward and creating opportunities for our business community.

Our advocacy has been supported through a business research survey we conducted and the resulting economic impact report produced. Over 502 businesses participated in the study, with over 650 hours of research invested. The work resulted in a final report titled Economic Impacts, outcomes and opportunities for Southeast Alberta in a Post Covid Economy. The report looked at the research and provided strategies and policies for economic prosperity in the future. Key highlights focused on small business; access to capital and financial support; cost certainty and price stability; privatization; business expansion and diversification; infrastructure; municipal development; downtown development; consumer-focused trends; marketing and social media; technology and innovation; workforce development; along with future prevention protocols, plans and practices when dealing with crisis management, disasters, and pandemics. We look forward to using this data to advocate to all levels of government as we move forward.

We are proud of the hours we can invest on behalf of our business community, and we’re pleased with the positive results stemming from the countless hours of work spent in consultations, government meetings and correspondence that we have with government behind the scenes.

We also want to play a role in addressing the various challenges our business community faces, as we know that they are often out there needing to check the engine while flying the plane (figuratively). To assist beyond our advocacy role, our Chamber created a Local Business Toolkit. This toolkit is intended to assist businesses with various resources and supports that can help guide them, no matter where they are in the business

lifecycle. The toolkit continues to evolve as we find new pieces to add to improve the supports moving forward.

In other areas of our organization, we focused on supporting our membership, building community partnerships, delivering various events, and enhancing our communications.

Grand openings, events, advocacy, promotion and community partnerships are the many ways we foster relation-

ships with our members and celebrate their successes, giving a helping hand, and sometimes assisting with putting on the oxygen mask, when needed.

We are pleased to serve close to 800 members, welcoming 72 new members through our 2021-2022 fiscal year. While it was still challenging for businesses, we still celebrated seven grand openings. We also hosted 25 micro-events, in addition to our business awards, trade show,

and political events that we usually hold. Through partnerships with local businesses, we offer 82 member-exclusive sales and promotions for business and their employees. In addition, we work alongside the Alberta Chambers and Canadian Chambers and local service providers to provide close to 40 corporate value-added programs and benefits that can result in thousands of dollars in ROI for our members.

We were pleased to be able to move

from virtual events with our business awards and leadership luncheon back in late 2021 to hosting events in person, such as our various political events, trade shows, micro-events, and networking. We held 29 events over 2021-2022 and welcomed over 1,300 attendees through our events, in addition to the close to 5,000 attendees at our spring trade show. Our community partnerships remain a valuable connection for us as they help us build connections between

our members and consumers. This past year, we were pleased to have received a grant from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce Shop Local initiative that enabled us to reinvest over $160,000 back into our local community through local partnerships. These included supporting the marketing efforts for Savour the Southeast and ShopYXH and assisting us in creating new partnerships with local marketing firms. These partnerships helped us launch the Stories that Shape our Community and the Shape Your Neighbourhood campaign.

The Stories that Shape our Community is a series of podcasts that help tell the stories that have shaped our business community and continue to influence our lives and those within our community. In addition to these podcasts, through the Shape your Neighbourhood campaign, we launched 12 videos highlighting local photography and videography to share stories of local heroes who helped shape our community through their business efforts and local collaborations. These videos can be located on the Chamber’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.

In addition to marketing campaigns

Medicine Hat, AB (403) 526-0343 www.tbcinc.ca

that profiled our local business community, we also invested in our Downtown Collective to create a brand and build upon signature events such as Midnight Madness. We were able to elevate this event and take the success of Midnight Madness as we collaborated on Art in Motion with the City of Medicine Hat Esplanade over the summer of 2022. This event was a culmination of ArtWalk, MuralFest, and Summer Midnight Madness. We continue to work with our Downtown Collective on our communication efforts, including the new DowntownMedicineHat.ca website, a communication channel, safety initiatives and building a downtown community. We hope this model can be duplicated and continue creating other “Collectives” in our community.

Another community initiative was created when we signed a joint partnership agreement with the Canada Spe-

cial Olympics Summer Games to work on building support, sponsorship, and awareness leading up to the 2026 Canada Special Olympics Summer Games being held in Medicine Hat. We’ve promoted that for as little as a cup of coffee a week, businesses can contribute to the sponsorship of the Special Olympics leading up to 2026. Through this investment, they can be recognized through the Corporate Friends of the Games as part of our local Chamber, without the high dollar price tag typical event sponsorships can sometimes carry. This partnership was in recognition that the last couple of years have been difficult for businesses, and we wanted to provide a runway of sorts to allow our companies to come on board and join the ride.

Our communications efforts continue to rise exponentially, making us a hub for business information and resources. Our Facebook reach grew to over

84,000, doubling our reach from last year with over 119,000 webpage views, growing our web reach by over 60 per cent year over year. Our social media following continues to grow, and we have increased the reach through our newsletter, which enables us to share more resources, information, and support as we move forward.

It has been another impactful year. Our commitment to helping support businesses and voice solutions and recommendations to the government continues to motivate us and propel us forward as we continue Fuelling Our Business Community. We look forward to building plans that will take us to new heights and help elevate the work we do into the future as we continue to serve the needs of every business in our region. You can find out more at https://www. medicinehatchamber.com/2022annualreport/. n

Medicine Hat College Co-op Wellness Commons opens it doors to a bright future

In October 2022, Medicine Hat College (MHC) opened the doors to its long-awaited, new Co-op Wellness Commons. This is a project that has been many years in the making, and one that represents a new page in the college’s history that demonstrates its commitment to growing a vibrant future for learners in the region.

With financial support from the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta, the project has three key components – Indigenous teaching and learning, wellness, and health simulation – while also addressing several critical infrastructure upgrades. The Co-op Wellness Commons also supports inclusion for all and includes an enhanced, open, and modern fitness centre with tech-enhanced equipment to support college and community users.

“The new fitness centre is technologically advanced and houses equipment focused on elite athlete training, while offering a wide variety of cardio equipment, weights, and other workout

BY PAUL ADAIR

options,” says Chuck Payne, Executive Director of Facilities & Information Technology at MHC. “Improved accessibility is another key element of this expansion, providing improved access to the east side of the campus, elevator access to the gymnasium, and accessible washrooms.”

Students in programs within the School of Health and Community services – including Bachelor of Nursing, Health Care Aide, Occupational/Physical Therapy Assistant Paramedic and Social Work – will also now benefit from improved spaces that reflect various healthcare settings. By integrating real-life scenarios in the classroom, students will gain more than 400 hours of practical, hands-on experience each year, with advanced simulation equipment and training at MHC.

“Advanced simulation spaces have been added, expanded, and – in some cases – renovated to allow for more student engagement in various health and community service-related programs and increase access to hands-on learning opportu-

nities, which include ambulance driving simulators and high-, mid-, and low-fidelity manikins,” says MHC Dean, School of Health & Community Services, Jason Openo.

At the heart of the project is a unique gathering space dedicated to Indigenous teaching, learning, and events. The space formally received its Blackfoot name, Ómahksípiitaa, which means Big Eagle, from Blackfoot Elders at a special naming ceremony in September 2022. Elder Charlie Fox also led the land blessing ceremony at the onset of the project in August 2020. This warm and inviting space supports cross-curricular education directly aligned to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and provides a unique venue to honour and celebrate Indigenous culture and history.

“Ómahksípiitaa features a distinctive and unique circular design representing spirituality, family structure, and ceremony,” says Chasity Cairns, Manager of Indigenous Engagement and Student Support at MHC. “A common circular influence is the Medicine Wheel, which symbolizes interconnectivity to the natural world. The building also faces east, the direction of the rising sun, and reflects where all things begin.”

Collaboration for the Co-op Wellness Commons project has been – and remains – broad-spanning, and includes multiple levels of government, regional Indigenous community repre-

sentatives, cross-institutional cooperation, and community donors – specifically South Country Co-op Ltd., whose commitment to education and community is reflected in the facility’s new name and will support future opportunities for learning, wellness, and growth.

“They encouraged us to think differently and push the boundaries of traditional post-secondary education, looking beyond ourselves, and finding new and unique ways to serve current and future students and community,” says Tonielle Pavlovic, MHC Development Officer. “We are proud to have partnered with a community-minded organization in South Country Coop Ltd. and to honour the building with the name Co-op Wellness Commons.”

“South Country Co-op’s vision is ‘Building sustainable communities together’. This starts with creating a culture of belonging. Providing space where everyone can thrive, feel safe and feel at home,” said Paul Haynes, CEO, South Country Co-Op Limited in a press release. “The Co-op Wellness Commons at Medicine Hat College will foster greater inclusivity, while providing outstanding educational and cultural opportunities for generations to come. We feel very honoured and privileged to be partners in this expansion and look forward to what the future may bring.” n

Medicine Hat’s new power generation plant helps the city support a growing economy

BY LISA KOPOCHINSKI

This past May, the City of Medicine Hat celebrated the grand opening of Unit 17, its new power generation plant.

Construction on this $66 million project began in April 2021 and was completed just 13 months later.

“The new electric generation unit was required to provide a reliable electric supply to serve growing demand and to provide contingency,” says Brad Maynes, managing director of Energy and Infrastructure for the City of Medicine Hat.

“The additional 43 megawatts provide n-1 supply, which means if one of the City’s largest generators fails, it would still be able to meet peak load demands for the 30,000-plus electric customers.

This brings the total electrical generation capacity to nearly 300 megawatts, positioning the city to support a growing economy.”

GVN Structures was the general contractor on this impressive project. The company began its work in early May 2021, which Nathan Zilinski, project superintendent, says is when things really ramped up and got into full swing.

“We completed our scope of work onsite and demobilized on September 28. It was a whirlwind five months that saw an incredible amount of work completed in that timeline.”

GVN’s scope of work included all bored concrete piles, concrete foundations, helical piles, and grounding grids

for the co-gen/unit 17, in addition to being responsible for all helical work in the MH69s-16 Cousins Substation Extension project that is part of the same site.

“Beyond that, we were responsible for changes to the site such as extra culverts for drainage, additional paved roads, as well as widening the road up to the substation,” notes Zilinski.

Units 16 and 17 operate on a separate supply of natural gas than the main power plant, further safeguarding the City’s ability to generate power if a natural gas pipeline were to fail.

The LM6000 simple cycle unit—manufactured by General Electric—includes a heat recovery system for increased efficiency and selective catalytic reduction

Unit 17’s LM6000 turbine includes a heat recovery system for increased efficiency.

Brian Strandlund, director of Medicine Hat Power and Water (left) unveils the project in $66 million project in early 2021 with Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark, and Brad Maynes, managing director of Energy and Infrastructure for the City of Medicine Hat.

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF MEDICINE HAT.

emission control technology to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.

“Utilizing the newest technologies in emissions reduction and highly efficient equipment, Unit 17 is a proud addition to our fleet and will be a backbone to our energy transition ambition over the years to come,” Maynes adds.

Dynamic Industrial Solutions was one of the key contractors for the structural/ mechanical construction portion of the completed project. This included the installation of another LM 6000 combustion turbine generator, including all the structural/mechanical construction of the gas turbine, and the balance of plant applications.

“In greater detail, our experienced personnel performed the majority of the mechanical piping and structural welding applications, and also worked hand in hand with the electrical and instrumentation contractors,” says Donovan Bellamy, President of Dynamic Industrial Solutions, a Medicine Hat-based company.

The Dynamic Industrial Solutions team worked on this project from June 2021 to April 2022. Their responsibilities included:

• on-site welding (structural, pressure piping, stainless piping, pipe racks, stairs, platforms, etc.)

• providing industrial equipment, as well as equipment used for transport to and from the Unit 17 facility.

• in-house welding (structural, pressure piping, stainless piping etc.) and installation performed on-site at the Unit 17 location.

• installation of all Dynamic Industrial Solutions/City of Medicine Hat supplied equipment including pumps, motors, turbines, lube oil vessels, and metering skids.

“Specific drawing packages were provided by the engineering company and the City of Medicine Hat,” Bellamy says. “Our experienced personnel were responsible for reading the drawings and executing them properly throughout the project.”

Project Challenges

As for challenges, Bellamy says one of the biggest ones his team encountered were supply chain issues and sourcing specialty items, including valves, pumps, equipment, etc. To overcome this, the company used its years of experience

and knowledge from its purchasing department to reach out to many rental companies and multiple suppliers worldwide.

“Major component deliveries, materials and specialty parts played a key role in this power generation project. For us to achieve the timelines that were proposed, we had to make sure that all these items were available on time throughout the project. This allowed us to stay on schedule, and formally complete the Unit 17 power plant in a timely manner.”

Zilinski says while this project had its daily logistical challenges, to point out one challenge specifically is difficult.

“I believe the reason for this comes down to communication and management. We had three incredible teams on this project.”

He adds that being awarded a job of this magnitude only minutes from his office was extremely exciting.

“We wanted to make sure that we gave the City of Medicine Hat the best we had to offer. As such, our management team was comprised of our ownership group, coupled with a great in-house crew on site. Our team of subtrades was exceptional and comprised of companies we

“It was an extremely rewarding project that went as well as any project I’ve ever played a role in.”

have relationships with which – when coupled with an incredible relationship with the city’s construction management team – led to us not really encountering true challenges, beyond the expected challenge that is building a power plant.”

Maynes notes that the pandemic caused some unprecedented challenges for construction—from global material shortages and supply chain delays to physical distancing and worker illness. In addition to this, much of the work on this project was done during the winter, which had some challenges with prolonged cold periods.

“A total of 86,442 man-hours went into the construction. Limited numbers of skilled tradespeople was a challenge in completing this project on time, but there was zero lost time injuries.”

Adds Zilinski, “It was an extremely rewarding project that went as well as any project I’ve ever played a role in.” n

An aerial view of Medicine Hat’s new power generation plant.

— Nathan Zilinski, project superintendent, GVN Structures

Brian Strandlund, director of Medicine Hat Power and Water (in orange jacket) conducts a tour of the new power generation plant.

Premier Danielle Smith; Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure Nathan Neudorf; Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen; and MLA for Taber-Warner Grant Hunter, stand outside of Delta Irrigation in Medicine Hat as Alberta’s government commits to twin Highway 3.

Twinning Highway 3 project moves forward

Plans are moving forward on the twinning of Highway 3 from Taber to Burdett, more than two years after the project was first announced by former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.

When Kenney announced this project in 2020, he told local media that the 46-kilometre stretch of Highway 3 from Taber to Burdett will be twinned but would not reach Medicine Hat.

“The twinning will make the Crowsnest safer for the nearly 4,000 people who drive this section every day, will boost the efficiency of transportation in the region contributing to longterm growth here in southern Alberta,” he said. “This is partly

BY LISA KOPOCHINSKI

about strengthening the ability of the huge agribusiness sector in this region to move its ever-expanding volumes of raw and processed food products to national and international markets.”

In November, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that a request for proposals had been issued to three bidders, with the expectation that construction will begin in early 2023.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors for the Government of Alberta, says twinning Highway 3 will make travel safer, quicker, and easier for everyone across southern Alberta.

“Currently, shipping what we produce within our province

Approximately 750 jobs will be created by the first phase of work between Taber to Burdett

“Our government is focused on driving even more job creation and diversification through projects like this one.”

—Minister Nathan Neudorf, MLA for

Lethbridge-East

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GOVERMENT OF ALBERTA.

Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, announces the Government of Alberta’s commitment to twin Highway 3.

has been a big problem due to our province’s supply-chain connectivity. This expansion of Highway 3 will ease supply-chain stresses for farmers and businesses here to get their products to buyers—whether they live in Alberta or anywhere in the world.”

This project is expected to take two years to complete largely because highway building is complex.

“We have many stages to go through before we get shovels into the ground to begin construction, such as detailed planning, design, engineering and contract,” says Dreeshen.

As for the cost of the project, he notes, “Out of respect to taxpayers, we cannot talk about the final cost of the project as we are seeking bids through a competitive RFP process.”

Job creation

This project is expected to create many jobs. For example, there will be approximately 750 direct and indirect jobs created by the first phase of the Highway 3 project that spans between Taber to Burdett.

There will also be more jobs created from the other phases of the twinning— including construction, design, engineering, and supply—in addition to supporting material and manufacturing positions.

“Our government is focused on driving even more job creation and diversification through projects like this one,” says Minister Nathan Neudorf. “As MLA for Lethbridge-East, I know firsthand how long Southern Albertans have waited for this highway twinning.”

Neudorf adds that, ultimately, this project is critical in terms of both economic opportunity and ensuring public safety.

“Not only is it creating significant jobs during construction

and more opportunities for the growing agri-business sector in this part of the province, but it’s also making the route safer for the many trucks and vehicles that use it currently and creating space for more in the future as we continue to diversify our economy.” n

Exciting new opportunities at Southlands Common

BY GUY BELLIS, MIDWEST DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Midwest Design & Construction (MWDC) was thrilled to break ground this past year on Southlands Common, the newest and most exciting commercial development in Medicine Hat! Located just off the South Boundary Road, at 4979 Southlands Drive SE, the development sits on just under three acres and will consist of four commercial buildings, ranging in size from 5,633 square feet to 10,070 square feet. The site was initially owned by the City of Medicine Hat and sat vacant for over a decade, so this development will not only assist with an increase to the tax base for the city, but also provide a fresh new landmark that will add services and convenience to those residents in an already populated portion of the city. The development has been set up as a bare land condominium,

giving prospective buyers the ability to own their own land and building, and will share in the costs of maintaining the common areas.

MWDC partnered with DAAS Developers on this project and were retained as construction manager to oversee all site work and construction of all base buildings and lease hold improvements. Design work started in mid-2021, and we were able to satisfy all conditions for the development agreement later that fall, which allowed us the opportunity to begin construction on the first building in early 2022. Site work consisted of the installation of all deep and shallow services, city connection/tie-in, grading/ cutting, concrete sidewalks and curbs, paving, and landscaping. Phase 1 was completed in the fall of 2022 (approximately 40 per cent) and completion of site work will resume in Spring of 2023.

The first building is a new dental office, opening its doors in February of 2023, rebranding and relocating its existing business from downtown. The client loved the location due to the high-density residential surrounding the area, easy access to and from the development, along with the abundance of parking which was an issue at the previous location. The building is a wood framed structure, complemented with structural steel. It’s a very contemporary design featuring large south-facing curtain wall glazing and a variety of exterior finishes such as stucco, stone, wood tone metal panel, and aesthetic wood beams. During construction, we were able to overcome issues such as supply chain delays by ordering long lead order items early in the process and having a proactive approach to the management of the project.

The next building that is scheduled for construction is just over 6,000 square feet (Building #2) and should start framing before Spring 2023. The foundation is already poured and backfilled. That will leave Buildings 3 and 4, which are 6,275 square feet and 10,070 square feet, respectively. The remaining buildings will have similar exterior finishes, giving the site a clean, consistent appearance,

ensuring satisfaction from both city residents and owners for years to come. There is interest in both remaining buildings, with a pending sale in place on half of Building #3.

We are happy to work with any client searching for a conceptual design idea for their unique floorplan for their business. Our process is very collaborative, and we involve the client at each step of

the way, ensuring that we consider budget constraints as much as possible.

We are proud of our involvement with this project, as we get to be a part of our customers’ journey and provide them with solutions for their unique situation. It’s also exciting that we can invest back into our community and keep our local subtrade and supplier partners active and working over a sustained period. n

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Advocacy. MHCA has been the Voice of the Construction Industry Since 1955.” For over 65 years the MHCA has been the platform on which local contractors are able to bring their concerns and recommendations to the attention of municipal, provincial, and federal authorities

MHCA members (Full Members) are also automatically a member of the Alberta Construction Association (ACA) and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA)

Membership meetings throughout the year, a great opportunity to network and listen to informative presentations from guest speakers.

Opportunity to promote your company by Sponsorship of Meetings and Events

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Discounts on training and other member services

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