Nova Scotia Construction Review 2014

NOVA SCOTIA Construction Review

PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510

2014 Inaugural edition

In this issue: Dalhousie University’s Ocean Sciences Building New Trades Building at NSCC’s Marconi Campus Build Right Nova Scotia: Build Better, Live Better | Gold Seal Continues to Grow

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nova scotia Construction Review In this issue...

Message from the Editor............................................................................................................. 6 Premier’s Message........................................................................................................................ 7 Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council Focuses on the Future................................. 8 Mainland Building Trades is Committed to Building Nova Scotia.............................. 10 Build Right Nova Scotia: Build Better, Live Better..............................................................13 Construction Profile: Dalhousie University’s Ocean Sciences Building.................... 14 The Drive to Succeed................................................................................................................ 18 Women in Skilled Trades and Technologies.......................................................................19 Construction Profile: New Trades Building at NSCC’s Marconi Campus............... 20 Lieutenant Governor’s Design Awards in Architecture................................................. 23 Gold Seal Continues to Grow.................................................................................................24 Amendments to Allow Earlier Payment to Subcontractors.........................................26 Hewitt Rentals: Here to Serve................................................................................................ 27 World-Leading Steel Building Design from BEHLEN......................................................28 Index to Advertisers....................................................................................................................31

On the cover: Nova Scotia Power Corporate Headquarters in Halifax – South East Harbour View.

Published by: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com President & CEO: David Langstaff Publisher: Jason Stefanik Editor: Lyndon McLean lyndon@delcommunications.com

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Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

Editor’s Message T he challenges faced by the province’s construction industry are well known, chief among them being the shortage of skilled labour. Recruiting, training and retaining skilled workers is more important than ever, as the number of new entrants isn’t keeping up with the number of employees leaving the industry. Up to 25 per cent of the workforce will retire over the next decade, so Nova Scotia’s construction industry needs to step up efforts to attract more young people to keep the industry growing and vital.

And it is.

The industry is addressing these issues with initiatives like Build Right, making Nova Scotians more aware of the industry and what it really does on all levels, and Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, whose Trades Exhibition Hall focuses on attracting new entrants to the industry. The efforts of industry groups such as the Mainland Nova Scotia Building & Construction Trades Council and organizations like Skills Canada – Nova Scotia – whose Young Women’s Conference offers high

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Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

school students the opportunity to explore skilled trade and technology careers – are also highlighting opportunities in the field. And the continuing growth of the CCA’s Gold Seal Certification program attests to the industry’s strength.

In this inaugural issue of the Nova Scotia Construction Review, we highlight that hard work, as well as success stories in the industry, including projects such as the Ocean Sciences Research Centre at Dalhousie and the Marconi Trades Building at Nova Scotia Community College. We’ll continue the showcase the industry in future issues, bringing readers project profiles and relevant information on the latest topics of interest, from safety and training to immigration and HR. I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nova Scotia Construction Review. If you have any questions or comments, please drop me a line.

Lyndon McLean lyndon@delcommunications.com v

Premier’s message

I am very pleased to have this opportunity to congratulate you for producing the 2014 inaugural issue of the Nova Scotia Construction Review Magazine.

Building roads, schools, offices and more has a positive impact on our economy and our province. Construction cranes dot the skyline in Halifax – three on the Convention Centre site alone – so it is clear business believes in the future of Nova Scotia’s capital region.

Outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality and indeed across our province, there is work being done to improve or replace aging schools, offices, and hospitals. The private sector can be a leader here by helping us take advantage of the many geographical, topographical, and historical benefits of our province that exist throughout Nova Scotia.

We value the work done by the construction industry and we are committed to working closely with you so projects can proceed smoothly and safely.

We want Nova Scotia to be a leader in Canada for progress, for livability, and for innovation.

We want young Nova Scotians to be able stay here to live and work. The construction industry can be a valued partner in making that happen.

Good luck with your first issue. May there be many more.

Sincerely,

Honourable Stephen McNeil, M.L.A. Premier

Nova Scotia Construction Review 2014

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Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council

Focuses on the Future

T

he current state of the construction industry is a hot topic in Nova Scotia. Politicians, media, industry, and the general public eagerly discuss the issues that face the sector while anticipating what the future holds. Terms such as “labour shortage” and “skills shortage” are often used, but what do they actually mean? While they are often used interchangeably, they do not convey the same thing. Labour shortage implies that there are not enough people available to do the work, while skills shortage suggests that the people available don’t have the right skills for the job. It is often debated which of these issues Nova Scotia faces or will face. Are there not enough people or do the people lack the skills demanded by the industry? Although there is yet to be a clear consensus on this topic, the debate has brought to light the fundamental importance of skilled labour to our future economy.

The Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council (NSCSC) recently launched a Labour Market Assessment (LMA) project in partnership with industry organizations, stakeholders and the provincial government to pinpoint the issues that affect the province. The goal of the

8

project is to assemble up-to-date, accurate labour market information for organizations to use to address human resource and business planning needs in the IndustrialCommercial-Institutional (ICI) construction sector. The LMA project includes a group of surveys being distributed to all levels of the ICI sector across Nova Scotia, along with stakeholder interviews. The project will help clarify many of the human resource issues faced by the industry with the final report to be completed toward the end of 2014. This report will also assist in directing policy specific to the ICI construction sector and clarify the current labour market situation in Nova Scotia.

One topic in particular that Atlantic Canada faces in relation to labour and skills challenges is mobility. Workers are becoming more mobile regionally, nationally and internationally for work. The draw for employment in other areas can either be an opportunity or a result of necessity. This dynamic impacts the local market’s ability to retain skilled labour and attract the workers of tomorrow. On a smaller scale, mobility is also a challenge faced in managing jobsites – construction

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

rarely happens in one's back yard.

Ensuring a worksite operates productively and efficiently and results in profitability demands process improvement, innovation and training.

Other unique initiatives that the NSCSC is undertaking to address these issues include: • The Functional Information Technology project (FIT, for short) – an innovation project promoting new skills leading to higher productivity and efficiency.

• The Trades Exhibition Hall – a first-of-its-kind “attraction” project to increase interest among youth in the construction trades as a career choice.

The FIT project began as a research project looking at the use of technology in the Nova Scotia construction sector. The initial phase identified both a lack of technological integration and skills in the industry. With the release of the findings, FIT quickly garnered attention across the country. Since then, the project has continued to evolve to explore new technologies applicable to the construction sector while assessing the sector’s preparedness and willingness to adapt. With the deployment of new devices and software into the field, the study shifted

focus to the role of the foreman/ supervisor – the position with the highest potential for productivity increases through the use of new technology. The NSCSC examined the processes related to transmission of data between the office and jobsite while testing mobile, durable, and easy-to-use devices. The project is now focusing on the training needs to prepare supervisory positions to use these technologies on the jobsite.

The Trades Exhibition Hall focuses on attracting new entrants to the construction industry. The NSCSC has partnered with industry and the Province of Nova Scotia to develop a one-of-a-kind facility to showcase trades and management occupations in the ICI construction sector. Students, teachers, career counselors, community groups and the general public have the opportunity to experience the unique qualities of various occupations by

visiting interactive “booths”. For example, instead of just reading a brochure about becoming a bricklayer, participants are able to speak oneon-one with a trades-professional about the nature of their trade, and even lay a brick or two.

As a result, individuals interested in the industry will develop a greater appreciation of the trades and have a better understanding of occupations that are often misunderstood or overlooked. On learning of the Hall’s development, schools and community groups from around the province quickly began booking their own experiences. The Hall, which officially opened on April 16th, has already received great feedback from the pilot groups who have had a chance to visit. In fact, nearly 150 youth and chaperones have tested electrical cable, mixed concrete, soldered pipe and assembled scaffold.

The Labour Market Assessment

initiative, the Functional Information Technology project and the Trades Exhibition Hall are examples of the work that the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council is doing to address labour supply, demand and productivity issues facing the industry.

As a not-for-profit industry organization made up of equal representation of labour and management, the NSCSC is uniquely able to address industry issues and develop cooperative solutions with the industry, province and federal government.

This partnership of labour and management has also resulted in a new initiative called Build Right Nova Scotia. It includes a public campaign that highlights the benefits of unionized construction to the general public and the impact these organizations have on the communities and the economy Nova Scotia. Learn more at www.buildrightns.ca. v

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Committed to

Building Nova Scotia

By Brad Smith, Executive Director, Mainland Nova Scotia Building and Construction Trades Council

T

he Mainland Nova Scotia Building and Construction Trades Council is committed to providing highly trained, safe working industrial-commercialinstitutional (ICI) tradespeople. By forging partnerships with owners and developers, we are driven to

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become synonymous with sound investment and growth in Nova Scotia.

The building trades play a fundamental role in the economic prosperity of Nova Scotia. It’s a recognized fact that the ICI sector represents over 10 per cent of the province’s GDP. An estimated 14,000

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

tradespeople work in the sector, and 11,000 of them belong to the unionized building trades. In addition, our affiliates are very involved in training apprentices; there are now over 2,700 apprentices in the province’s building trades – the workforce for tomorrow.

We have a long-established history and strong partnership with contractors and owners. The building trades proactively manage the supply of skilled craftspeople. We provide worker stability, and a ready skilled labour supply that responds effectively to changing labour demands.

Economic development and job creation are vital to the building trades. Our union tradespeople are an integral part of community

economic and social development, and as our membership prospers so does the province. In Nova Scotia, there’s a prominent myth that there is a skills shortage. Economic statistics paint a different story and specifically in the case of the building trades where there is further evidence to debunk the skill shortage myth, particularly the professional skilled tradespeople.

Roughly 15 per cent of the building trades’ workforce – close to 1,700 workers – are inter-provincial commuters, meaning they travel outside Nova Scotia to go to work and return on bi-weekly or monthly rotations. They don’t do this because they want to spend extended time away from their family. They do so out of economic necessity. Is there further data to explain why this is happening? In a province with one of the highest costs of living, Nova Scotia has the second lowest average weekly wages in Canada. And if you break down the statistics even further you find that the construction sector’s weekly wages in Nova Scotia is 24 per cent less than the national average.

In a global competitive market we have to compete for capital, we have to compete for business, and we have to compete to attract and retain skilled professionals. The building trades and our contractors recognize this fact. The challenge is to find the balance between nationally competitive wages and our contractors’ ability to win business and be profitable in our provincial economic climate.

Supply and demand of labour is something our organization is constantly dealing with. To highlight the issues, opportunities and work to be done on labour supply for the ICI sector, we will be holding a conference – Building Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow – on June 19, 2014 in Halifax. Sessions planned for the day

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include Apprenticeship, Safety & Enforcement, Tripartite Partnerships, Labour Supply in Atlantic Canada for Major Projects, and Approaches to Trades Training – Today and the Future.

The Mainland Nova Scotia Building & Construction Trades Council is involved in many exciting projects and initiatives, including Build

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trained workers and employers make to the community. The 350 employers (along with 3,000 administrative support staff) and 11,000 unionized professional tradespeople in Nova Scotia will continue to join forces to improve the wellbeing of Nova Scotians because we believe in our slogan: Build Better.

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Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

Please recycle.

Build Better, Live Better U

BUILD RIGHT NOVA S COT I A

nionized tradespeople and the contractors who hire them have joined forces to

unionized tradespeople (including

vided to the unionized trades.”

2,700 apprentices) who work to-

“Trade unions in Nova Scotia in-

gether “to construct this province

launch Build Right Nova Scotia, an

vest more than $7 million in training

right, one building at a time, mak-

initiative aimed at promoting the

each year, and our research shows

ing sure they are strong and safe.”

benefits of union-built industrial,

that our training programs signifi-

Build Right Nova Scotia contractors

commercial and institutional build-

employ unionized tradespeople and

cantly outperform our non-union

ings in the province.

pay nationally competitive wages to

“The general public doesn’t nec-

keep talented workers in the prov-

essarily think about the quality of

ince in good jobs. Their contractors

the buildings they’re in – the school

also employ over 2,500 administra-

their children attend or the hospi-

tive, technical and managerial posi-

tal their family uses – and how they

tions in the sector.

counterparts,” adds Smith. “Unions have invested in creating customized facilities for each trade across the province to ensure they have the best environment to deliver these programs.”

Starting this spring, Build Right

are built,” says Trent Soholt, Ex-

Brad Smith, Executive Director of

ecutive Director of the Nova Scotia

Mainland Nova Scotia Building and

Construction Sector Council. “Build

Construction Trades Council, em-

of a new, state-of-the-art greenhouse

Right Nova Scotia is a partnership

phasizes the quality of work when

for the youth-run company Hope

focused on increasing awareness of

unionized tradespeople are em-

Blooms, providing all of the supplies

the unionized construction sector.”

ployed. “This high-quality work,”

and labour.

Build Right Nova Scotia is com-

says Smith, “is the result of the

prised of 350 contractors and 11,000

second-to-none training that is pro-

L S

Nova Scotia will begin construction

For more information, visit http://buildrightns.ca. v

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Ocean Sciences Building Joins

Dalhousie University

By Lisa Fattori

A

new research facility at Dalhousie University offers a state-of-the-art building that provides 76,000 square feet of space for world-leading oceans research.

The Ocean Sciences Building is home to CERC. OCEAN, the research group of the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Science and Technology, led by Dr. Doug Wallace.

Construction of the $38-million project began in the summer of 2011 and was completed in May 2013, with LEED Silver certification pending.

Located on Oxford Street, the

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Ocean Sciences Building abuts the west end of the university’s Life Sciences Centre (LSC) and has direct access to the LSC’s Oceanography wing. A glass atrium forms the pedway between the two buildings. The four-storey Ocean Sciences Building houses three 300-cubic-metre pool tanks and a 400-cubic-metre pool tank that are located on the first floor. Next door are CERC labs, a dedicated container bay accommodates five 20-foot modular labs.

These portable plug and play containers enable researchers to trans-

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

port labs to ocean-site locations and bring them back again, which saves time and effort in assembling and dismantling research equipment.

The second and third floors of the complex include offices and meeting spaces for other key Dalhousie U oceans research projects, including Marine Environmental Observation Production and Response, The Ocean Tracking Network and The Halifax Marine Research Institute.

Part of the third floor and the fourth floor have been reserved for future expansion.

building features a curtain wall exterior with two and a half sides finished in stone from New Brunswick. The water supply and clean-

In order to make room for the new building, a grove of 40 trees had to be removed, but they remain on-site. “We had the logs from these trees sent away to a solarpowered facility to kiln the wood,”

says Alex Walker, Director of Projects for Dalhousie U. “The wood was dried and milled, then used to create beautiful benches that are now located in the atrium.”

Site preparation included excavating through bedrock and providing structural supports to the existing storm and sanitary lines running beneath the building site.

The concrete and structural steel

ing system for the four pool tanks are tied in with the existing systems for the aquatron in the LSC. The systems are very elaborate to meet certain flow rates, and to empty and fill the pool tanks at certain times. To withstand the salt

Nova Scotia Construction Review 2014

15

water used for the pool tanks, corrosion-resistant, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping was installed.

As a LEED Silver-targeted building, the Ocean Sciences Building incorporates several energy-efficient features and green building practicANTIC HVAC system ties ATLbuilding’s SERVINes.G The VER RO campus’ own steam plant CANADinAtoFOthe and includes perimeter radiation systems on each floor. The complex

has its own cooling system, with a rooftop cooler, and a chilled beam system in the lab area economizes space. Occupancy sensors ensure that air is conditioned only if a room is occupied.

“The building also has Strobic fans that are stacked on the roof,” says Khristian McGrath, Project Manager for PCL Constructors Canada Inc. “This is a massive exhaust system to

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draw air from the labs and disperse it away from surrounding buildings.”

Other sustainable features include the use of recycled materials in the concrete, steel and flooring used in the construction of the building, and the use of low VOC finishes. Watersaving fixtures, such as low-flow toilettes, faucets and shower heads, help to conserve water. The building has energy-efficient light fixtures and occupancy sensors to ensure energy isn’t wasted, and the design includes bike facilities and an electric car charging station. New plantings, including 200 trees and shrubs, will replace the trees that were cut down at the beginning of the project.

To the south of the building, faculty and students have access to a patio with seating areas amongst an existing grove of mature trees.

“It was important to create a space where people could meet and sit outside surrounded by trees,” says Margaret Hawkins, a Principal at Duffus Romans Kundzins Rounsefell Architects Ltd. “Dr. Doug Wallace told me that when you’ve been out to sea doing research for months, the last thing you want to do is look at more water when you’re back home. This area has some beautiful trees, including one that is the oldest on campus.”

With a portion of the building as a possible animal-care facility (salt water pools), the Ocean Sciences

Building has extra levels of security but is still very accessible, with public tours a possibility in the future.

Extensive glazing, both outside and from the atrium, offer partial views of researchers at work, without compromising the privacy of the research. Once a back lot to the LSC, the Ocean Sciences Building is now a distinguished landmark for the campus. The stone accents comple-

ment the historic, ivied buildings of Dalhousie U, while the sleek, modern design and blue-tinted windows of the building give it a sense of place in the science and research block of the campus.

“A key consideration in the design of the Ocean Research Building was that the facility would be a place where there would be large gatherings and events attended by

dignitaries from around the world,” Hawkins says. “The building is a destination area now, with a real presence, and has an identifiable entrance that serves as a new main door to the university. The curtain wall exterior helps to create a light airy feeling and it evokes a sense of technology and innovation, which is very suitable for a world-class research centre.” v

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17

The Drive to Succeed –

A Conversation with Amy Gorman, DORA Construction Ltd.

A

recent StatsCan report indicates that women have surpassed men in attaining post-secondary education and account for approximately 48 per cent of the general workforce. Yet, according to various reports, only five to seven per cent of those women work in the trades and construction.

The numbers have increased over the years, and there are still challenges facing women entering the industry, but more women are meeting the challenges and succeeding at high levels. Amy Gorman, Procurement Manager with DORA Construction Ltd., is one of those women. The Nova Scotia Construction Review recently talked with Amy about her experience, training and challenges in the construction industry.

Tell us about your position I have been with this department for nearly three years. I work closely with project managers to bring subcontractors on board to DORA’s newly awarded projects while meeting our budget, identifying potential risk or scope gaps and monitoring the project buyout to ensure a consistent and creditable process remains in place.

In addition to working with project team, Procurement works closely with the estimating team to ensure we have appropriate coverage for all trades for a bid submission – reaching out to subcontractors in an effort to reinforce and build long-term, healthy relationships while working behind the scenes on initiatives to better reward those subcontractors who are performing are also top priority.

How did you become interested in the industry and what training did you have?

My family is responsible for a big part of my development. Both my parents were hard workers. I was born

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Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

and raised in the rural Antigonish community of East Tracadie, and as a young girl, I was constantly picking up books of various residential building plans, studying the layouts and recreating my own designs on paper. In later years, I maintained a position with a building supplies company in the local area. I worked with contractors and private homebuilders and was extremely interested in residential construction. I successfully completed the Interactive Multimedia Technology Program, but over the years, my interest in construction resurfaced, and in 2009, I made the move to return to school to further develop my skills. I chose Construction Management Technology and, as I’d hoped, a career in this field allows me the opportunity to go against the grain, to look forward to each day being a bit different than the last and to watch my work take shape in front of me.

What challenges did you face going into the trades?

I believe the challenges I faced were only those I placed in front of myself. I will never forget the feeling the first day of class in the Construction Management Program – the heels of my boots clicking into a classroom full of male students. Somewhere in those moments, I decided that I would no longer set barriers for myself or others may think it is acceptable to set them for me. I had very little experience in construction compared to others, and I was worried I wouldn’t make it through the program; however, I learned that most are very willing to help once they see your drive and passion to succeed. Of the 27 students enrolled in the program, 11 completed and graduated.

How important is mentoring and networking for women in the industry, and what advice would you give young women interested in the trades?

I think early education is important for young women, to become aware of the rewarding careers and vast opportunities there are waiting for them in construction.

Getting over my own fears was a big feat – taking the initiative to learn new things, asking for help and becoming more confident in my skills took time. Talking to other people in the industry, listening and learning from their experiences and building those networks in early stages proves valuable. I am very fortunate to be surrounded by many seasoned professionals in the industry. Mentorship has given me the confidence and support to push further, learn more and not be afraid to ask questions. v

Women in

Skilled Trades and Technologies

By Laura Decker, Project Manager for Skills Canada – Nova Scotia

T

here are a lot of myths out there about women and skilled trades and technologies. The reality is that skilled trades and technologies need energetic workers with strong reading, writing, math and science skills, as well as good hand-eye coordination and balance; which are all qualities that both women and men can possess equally.

So, how do we get more women involved in skilled trades and technologies?

• exposure • awareness • encouragement On March 4, 2014 – the week of International Women's Day – 63 young women in grade nine from the TriCounty Regional School Board took part in a recent Young Women's Conference, presented by Skills Canada – Nova Scotia (SCNS) at the NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth.

The Young Women's Conference is an annual, one-day event that offers high school students the opportunity to explore skilled trade and technology career options by participating in hands-on workshops, ranging from carpentry to mechatronics.

Skilled trades and technologies offer well paid jobs with unlimited opportunities. Those who work in these fields develop a variety of skills that make them well-rounded and skillful employees; problem solving, precision, cooperation and project management can all be developed through training. v

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19

New Trades Building Comes to

Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus

By Lisa Fattori

T

he new trades wing at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Marconi Campus in Sydney is a showcase of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. In April 2013, the building achieved LEED Silver certification, making it the first of its kind for the Cape Breton area. Home to approximately 120 students in Automotive Service Technician, Motorcycle and Power Products, Welding and Metal Fabrication, and Heavy Duty Truck and Transport programs, the Trades Building accommodates the campus’ growing student body in a learning environment that is, itself, an example of leading-edge technologies and of best practices in the design and construction of the buildings of tomorrow.

“The Trades Building is a good example of a common-sense approach

20

to sustainable construction,” says Michael Chapman, Manager of Infrastructure and Sustainability for NSCC. “The extra cost to build the wing to LEED standards was very minimal, and we now have a building that is as durable as ever and

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

efficient to operate. Through high levels of insulation, in-floor heating, building controls, and efficient HVAC systems, the building is 55 per cent more energy efficient than a conventional building.”

Construction of the $7 million

project took just nine month complete and the building was open for students in September 2011.

The 2,493-square-metre building is a two-storey structure that houses offices and classrooms on the sec-

credits to meet the LEED Silver standard. The slab-on-grade, steelframed building features tilt-up concrete panels. Fly ash, which would otherwise go to a landfill, was incorporated into the concrete mix.

ond level, as well as a two-storey full shop. The trades wing is linked to the main Marconi campus building via a pedway that spans a road running between the two buildings.

The site of the trades wing was formerly a parking lot with excavated waste concrete used as backfill for the project.

Several green building practices earned the project the required

Concrete was poured into casting beds on-site and, after seven days, the 20-foot-by-40-foot concrete panels were lifted by a 50-tonne crane and installed. In addition to the environmental benefits of using recycled materials, the tilt-up panels sped up the construction process, which contributed to the completion of the projection in less than a year.

“We stood the building in just

three days, and it was completely enclosed in three weeks,” says Clayton Bartlett, Manager of Special Projects for Roclan Construction.

“With tilt-up panels, you’re not waiting for brick or block, or specialized steel, so the building goes up very quickly.”

The building’s HVAC system includes a heat-recovery system and high-efficiency, water-source heat pumps that operate in a closed loop system. The in-floor heating, together with high R-value building insulation, significantly enhances the building’s energy efficiency. The heating system is tied to the main campus building, with piping running through the pedway. Ample glazing allows for plenty of natural light, with heat loss minimized throughout the use of low-thermalconductivity (U-value) windows.

The project scored high in the area of construction waste management, with 93 per cent of construction waste diverted from landfills.

In addition, 20 per cent of recycled materials were used in the building’s construction and 25 per cent of materials used were sourced locally.

Occupancy sensors and high efficiency light fixtures further reduce energy consumption. The building was finished with low-VOC materiNova Scotia Construction Review 2014

21

als, and water-efficient sinks and toilets were installed. Irrigation-free landscaping also reduces water usage. Alternative transportation is promoted, with the inclusion of bike racks and preferred parking areas for carpooling and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles.

“The building is performing even better than anticipated,” Chapman says. “It was designed to use 60 per cent less water than conventional buildings, but now that we have two years of actual data, we know that the building is using 75 per less water than its conventional counterpart.”

The design of the new Trades Building complements the existing building and adds a modern,

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youthful flare to the campus. “The new building continues the campus building tradition of concrete facades, which evoke a robust, practical and industrial character, akin to the spirit of the NSCC Marconi curriculum, as well as the culture and people of Cape Breton,” says Spyro Trifos, Principal Architect at Trifos Design Consultants Architecture and Interiors. “The blue-tinted glass of the atrium and bright green accents are dynamic, energetic colours that derive from the NSCC brand.”

Prior to the trades wing expansion, the college leased space from Cape Breton University to accommodate its growing student body and trades programming. Now, fac-

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

ulty and students have dedicated space that offers ample room and an enriching learning environment.

A key educational component of the building is an interactive display that provides real-time data of the facility’s energy and water consumption. The building itself is a teaching tool and a constant reminder of the benefits of innovation and environmental sustainability.

“Through leading by example to NSCC learners, which is tomorrow’s workforce, about how we construct and operate our buildings, the positive spin-offs are limitless,” Chapman says. “As a LEED project, this is a demonstration building and is a great example of the future direction of the construction industry.” v

Nova Scotia Power Corporate Headquarters – South East Harbour View (Photograph by Greg Richardson)

Lieutenant Governor’s

Design Awards in Architecture I

mplemented in 1986, the Lieutenant Governor’s Design Awards in Architecture recognize outstanding architectural projects completed in Nova Scotia annually by members of the Nova Scotia Association of Architects. The jury – comprised of industry professionals and a student from the Dalhousie School of Architecture – reviews all submissions and determines awards based on their own merit. The award categories are Medal of Excellence, Award of Merit, Citation, and Honourable Mention.

The 2012 awards ceremony was held in June of 2013 at Government House in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where recipients received their awards from His Honour Brigadier-General The Honourable J.J. Grant, CMM, ONS, CD (Ret’d), Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.

The recipient of the 2012 Medal of Excellence was WZMH Architects of Ontario (with collaborating archi-

tect Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. of Halifax, NS) for the Nova Scotia Power Corporate Headquarters.

The headquarters occupy a prominent location in downtown Halifax, with significant frontage on the public boardwalk that lines the western edge of the city’s harbour. In a gesture to the memory of the building’s initial use the original steel structure has been retained and featured.

Skylights sit in the base of former chimney stacks along the roof of the galleria.

The other 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Design Awards in Architecture recipients were: • Solterre Design Inc. – Solterre Concept House (Award of Merit) • Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. – Dr. William D. Finn Centre for Forensics Medicine (Award of Merit) • MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects – Sliding House (Award of Merit) • MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Ar-

chitects – Sunset Rock (Award of Merit) • WHW Architects Inc. (with Farro Partnership

Healthcare

Plan-

ning Consultant) – Colchester East Hants Health Centre (Award of Merit) • Omar Gandhi Architect Inc. – Shantih (Citation) • William Nycum and Associates Ltd. – Brigadoon Village, Camp for Children with Chronic Illness (Citation) • WHW Architects Inc. – White Point Beach Resort (Honourable Mention) • Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. – Cabot Links Lodge (Honourable Mention) A list of past recipients of the Lieutenant Governor’s Design Awards in Architecture can be found on the Nova Scotia Association of Architects’ website at www.nsaa.ns.ca. v Nova Scotia Construction Review 2014

23

Continued Growth and Excellence for

Gold Seal Certification

Interest in Gold Seal Certification remained strong over the last year

T

he Gold Seal Certification program – the industry’s most highly-respected certification program related to the management of construction – continued to grow

24

in 2013, with more than 700 construction professionals from across Canada submitting applications to pursue Gold Seal Certification.

In total, more than 8,000 individu-

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

als have received their certification in the Canadian construction industry, and the certification program continues to be recognized for its promotion of excellence in the management of construction.

“We have continued to see interest in Gold Seal Certification, not just from construction professionals, but from owners of construction projects across Canada,” says Barry Brown, Chair of the National Gold Seal Committee. “It is a certification that showcases ongoing professional development, as well as an established competency that is welcomed on any construction project.

Those who have achieved certification understand the inherent value that Gold Seal Certification brings.”

In addition to the number of applications received, there was also an increased interest in registering Gold Seal Projects. A Gold Seal Project is a joint effort from the project owner, the construction firm, and the local construction association to promote Gold Seal Certification and certify those working on the project. It also provides added visibility to the project through the distribution of marketing materials, as well as events to celebrate those being certified.

“Gold Seal Projects are another means through which we have seen increased interest in the Gold Seal Certification program,” Brown adds.

“Those construction firms that have included Gold Seal as part of their human resource strategy and their employees can proudly pursue certification in a very team-oriented environment. At the same time, the added exposure at the completion of a project helps to further showcase the professionalism of Gold Seal Certified individuals.”

The past year also saw increased marketing efforts to ensure the program remains a relevant and engaging program. These new efforts included the distribution of posters and literature across Canada, ongoing improvements to the goldsealcertification.com website, and the release of testimonial videos on the Gold Seal Certification YouTube Channel (youtube.com/GoldSealCert).

“The testimonial videos provided a great means to speak to Gold Seal Certified professionals across Canada, and get a very real understanding of their feelings about the program,” Brown says. “In all cases, the sentiment was the same: Gold Seal

Certification has helped distinguish them in their careers, and it is highly respected across the industry spectrum.”

While the past year saw growth for Gold Seal Certification, 2014 has so far continued those same trends.

Increased interest in the program is being demonstrated through applications and inquiries from across Canada, as Gold Seal Certification remains the gold standard in certification for the management of construction.

For more information about Gold Seal Certification, visit goldsealcertification.com or email goldseal@cca-acc.com. v Nova Scotia Construction Review 2014

25

Amendments to Allow

Earlier Payment to Subcontractors

By Chris Madill and Colin Piercey

O

n May 10, 2013, the Nova Scotia Legislature passed amendments to the Builders’ Lien Act (BLA) allowing for the progressive release of holdback monies to subcontractors and a certification process for completion of subcontracts. Though not yet in force, the amendments will be of particular benefit to contractors who complete their work during the early stages of a construction project.

The recent amendments to the BLA will make two significant changes to the holdback release regime in Nova Scotia. First, they will enable a subcontractor to obtain its share of the 10 per cent holdback upon certification that its work is complete.

Second, there will be a provision for a finishing holdback that is proportional to the value of the work required to complete the contract following substantial completion.

Currently the holdback is equal to 10 per cent of the value of the work actually done and is to be retained for 60 days after the contract is substantially performed. Substantial performance occurs when the work is ready for use and any further work required under the contract can be completed or corrected for less than 2.5 per cent of the contract price. Thereafter, the holdback may be reduced to 2.5 per cent of the value of the work actually done and is to be retained until the contract is complete.

The existing regime presents challenges for subcontractors who complete their work during the initial

26

stages of a project. Though they may have completed their work very early on, they nonetheless have to wait for 60 days after substantial performance to receive their share of the 10 per cent holdback.

Certification of Subcontracts Under the amendments, a subcontract may be certified complete by an architect, engineer or other person upon whose certificates payments are to be made. In the absence of such a person, the subcontract may be certified complete by the owner and contractor by agreement or, in the absence of such an agreement, by the courts.

Where a subcontract has been certified complete, an owner can reduce the holdback by the amount held in respect of the completed subcontract provided all lien claims have expired or have otherwise been satisfied or discharged. The time for registering a lien runs from the date of the certificate and an owner can safely pay out the holdback in respect of that subcontract on the expiry of 60 days.

In the result, a subcontractor will be entitled to payment of all monies held back under the subcontract within 60 days of it being certified complete.

The Finishing Holdback The amendments recognize that the actual work to be completed following substantial performance is often minor relative to the value of

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

the holdback that the owner is currently required to retain under the BLA (i.e. 2.5 per cent of the total contract price).

Once the amendments come into force, an owner will only be required to retain a holdback equal to 10 per cent of the value of the work remaining to be done following substantial performance. This finishing holdback will replace the existing obligation to maintain a holdback equal to 2.5 per cent of the total contract price.

Notice of Substantial Performance/ Substantial Completion Under the amendments, notice of substantial performance and notice of completion of a subcontract will be dealt with by regulations issued under the BLA. Regulations have not yet been made.

Conclusion The benefit of the amendments falls to early subcontractors, who often face extensive delays in receiving the final payments for their work. In principle, the legislature appears satisfied that subcontractors should be entitled to the early release of holdback monies attributable to their work.

While the early release provisions will reduce the holdback fund available to contractors as a project proceeds, the amendments will significantly expedite the flow of funds through the construction chain once they come into force. v

Hewitt Rentals Inc.

Here to Serve

A

subsidiary of Hewitt Equipment Limited and Atlantic Tractors & Equipment Limited, Hewitt Rentals Inc. offers a wide range of equipment and small tools to best serve the construction, industrial, commercial and residential industries, events and tradeshows.

Hewitt Rentals Inc. adopts the “service par excellence” motto established by the Hewitt Group 62 years ago and also benefits from Hewitt Equipment Limited’s extensive know-how in providing outstanding product support. Hewitt works hand in hand with Atlantic

Cat throughout the Maritime Provinces, helping you with all your projects. Each employee is here to find the solution and help you in achieving your objective.

Growing rapidly over the past 10 years, Hewitt Rentals Inc. has more than 29 stores in Quebec and the Maritimes. We have a wide variety of equipment and tools for all sorts of projects – everything from aerial equipment to small tools. Everything you need to get the job done, including the full line of compact earthmoving equipment from Caterpillar: skid-steer loaders, multiterrain loaders, mini-excavators and compact wheel loaders. Moreover, we have specialists to help guide you through the rental and the proper use of the equipment in order to keep you and your crew safe on the jobsite.

Hewitt Rentals Inc. also carries a line of niche products such as generators, pumps and shoring products.

We carry the latest shoring products like trench boxes, Build-A-Box and a slide rail system to keep you safe on an excavating site. Hewitt has the line of Godwin pumps for all your pumping needs, including emergencies. And in order to make sure that these products meet your needs and are used to the best of their capabilities, we have product specialists to answer any question that you may have and walk you through each step.

At Hewitt Rentals Inc., we have the best solutions that enable you to finish your jobs on time, safely and on budget.

Hewitt Rentals: Here to serve you! v Nova Scotia Construction Review 2014

27

BEHLEN Offers

World-Leading Steel Building Design and Value to Atlantic Canada

C

anada’s BEHLEN Industries LP is quickly becoming a global leader in steel building manufacturing. Already the largest company of its kind in the country, you can find BEHLEN’s buildings can be found on six continents, and the company just opened a sales office in Russia to aid its expansion there.

Based in Brandon, Manitoba, BEHLEN has also been growing its presence in Atlantic Canada, where its steel buildings are proving durable and versatile enough for commercial, industrial, agricultural and even recreational purposes.

“Our growth in recent years has a lot to do with the quality of our engineering, flexibility of our designs, as well as our ability to deliver on our promises,” says Franco Ronchi, Regional Sales Manager for Quebec & Atlantic Provinces at BEHLEN. “As we earn more projects here in Atlan-

28

tic Canada, we’re seeing more interest in what we can do.”

Adaptability is key when manufacturing steel buildings, and BEHLEN is able to accommodate almost any design. Its buildings make excellent recreational facilities, churches, warehouses, stores, aircraft hangers

Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

and more. All buildings are manufactured in BEHLEN’s plant in Brandon and shipped to the building site, where an independent erector assembles the structure.

“As a manufacturer, we’re only as strong as our partnerships with builders and dealers. We’re fortu-

nate to work with excellent partners in Atlantic Canada,” says Dwayne Schaus, Director of Sales & Marketing at BEHLEN. “Our estimating and engineering departments work closely with our partners to develop cost-efficient design solutions to suit their customers’ needs and requirements. This results in a strong working relationship that benefits all parties.”

Strong relationships are key to BEHLEN’s success, both in satisfying existing partners and attracting new work. The company recently manufactured the materials for a recycling facility in Tracadie, New Brunswick.

Marcel Basque, President of MultiService Consultants was involved in the project as the engineering firm working on behalf of the client – Acadian Peninsula Regional Service Commission – and coordinating with the construction firm. He said he was pleased with the on-time delivery and quality of the materials.

Everything on the project ran like clockwork, which is so crucial on projects like that.

“We did a good project with BEHLEN and we will recommend them to our clients for other projects in the future,” he says.

In Atlantic Canada, BEHLEN works closely with DORA Construction Limited, a Nova Scotia-based company that combines big project expertise with small company values.

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BEHLEN has partnered with DORA on a variety of projects, including the Membertou Business Centre in Sydney and The Stone Depot in Halifax.

“We get nothing but the best from

BEHLEN,” says Donnie Sencabaugh, Project Director with DORA Construction. “Their work is top-shelf.

They have a great group of people.

Their products are high quality and they are easy to work with.”

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Nova Scotia Construction Review Inaugural Edition

Sencabaugh is just one of the members of the construction industry that travelled to BEHLEN’s plant for its demonstration on erecting frameless buildings in the fall of 2010. BEHLEN manufactured the first frameless steel building in Canada, which are being recognized around the world today for their large clear spans, quick assembly and cost-efficient price tag.

BEHLEN recently manufactured the largest frameless steel building in the world – with clear spans of 313 feet – which is currently being erected in Siberia to house an international-sized soccer field and bleachers.

“We have in-house engineers who know our business inside and out,” says Sean Lepper, Vice President & General Manager at BEHLEN. “We manufacture both our frameless and rigid-frame steel buildings to go beyond the reasonable life you’d expect for them. Our buildings are strong and virtually maintenancefree, and we have custom insulation systems designed specifically for Canada’s cold winters and hot summers.” v

Index to Advertisers Absolute Traffic Services Ltd............................................... 9

Marco Group of Companies................................................ 5

Alantra Leasing Inc................................................................12

McLeod Safety Services Ltd..............................................29

Alumicor Limited.................................................................. 10

Parts For Trucks..................................................................... 19

Atlantica Mechanical Contractors Inc.......................... 30

Safety First-Sfc Ltd...............................................................15

Behlen Industries LP.............................................................. 6

Scotia Insulations..................................................................17

Burchells.................................................................................... 3

Sojourn Enterprises.............................................................. 16

Data Wiring Solutions Inc..................................................24

Stewart McKelvey.............................................................. IFC

Hewitt Rentals Inc............................................................OBC

The Stevens Group of Companies................................... 18

Lawrence S Veinotte Enterprises Ltd...............................13

Western Surety Company................................................... 11

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