Roofing BC, Winter 2011

WI NTER 2011-12 IN THIS ISSUE: FEATURES: Member profile: Tomtar Roofing & Sheet Metal ...............1 RCABC rebrands guarantee ..... 4 Steep-sloped roofs: no safety shortcuts ...................16 Playing it safe with ladders ....18 Atlas opens BC plant............... 22

THE VOICE OF PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Vol. 8, No. 4 • WINTER 2011-12

ASSOCIATION: President’s message .................. 3 RCAIC low rates hold firm ......10 RCABC elects board................. 11 Steep slope roofing symposium in works............... 12 Roofing consultants: worth the cost........................... 25 INDUSTRY NEWS: Soprema expands plant ......... 10 Pipeline hearings begin.......... 11 Realtors award top projects .. 12 Pro-Line opens in Penticton... 12 Roofers get rate break ............13 Architects cheer amendment...13 Sika acquires Axim.................. 13 Shipyard deal a boost..............17 Fall protection in a can .......... 20 Multi-family housing up......... 21 Office tower re-starts .............. 21 Metal tile mimics slate ........... 22 Survey explains high building costs............................ 23 BC Place holds guarantee ...... 23 Flat roofs booming .................. 24 JM to open new plant ............ 24 Construction jobs rise ............. 24 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Contractor liens ....................... 26

Third-generation roofer Robert Greenough with one of the Tomtar Roofing & Sheet Metal trucks: crews have finished projects as far east as Saskatchewan.

Photo: Douglas Farrow

A star is born

Member profile: Tomtar, 3 decades and still growing Third generation roofers Tomtar Roofing has been at the peak of the roofing game for over 30 years

By Frank O’Brien

Robert Greenough learned roofing at his father’s feet. “I remember pounding out standing seam clips when I was seven,” said the third

generation roofer. He also ruefully recalls his teenage rookie days stripping fiberous insulation during a Kelowna tear-off for his father. “I didn’t know I should be wearing gloves and long sleeves,” he jokes, “I itched for days.”

Now, as the learning curve continues, Greenough, 28, is general manager of Tomtar Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. of Kelowna, and carefully taking the reins of the

company his father Tom founded in 1980. Today, Tomtar Roofing is one of the largest locally-owned roofing contractors in BC’s central Okanagan, with its crews working across the region and as far east as Saskatchewan.

“We do jobs that other companies don’t even know about.

I’m not interested in show like some other guys. Most of our trucks don’t even have our name on

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40014608 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:

Roofing Contractors Association of BC 9734 201 Street Langley, BC Canada V1M 3E8

them. I was even hesitant to even do this interview,” Greenough said.

Tomtar has one of the most advanced sheet metal shops in the industry – three computerized folding machines including one of only two Jorns Twinmatics bidirectional folding machines in Canada. This, combined with crack crews – many of them long-time employees – means Tomtar is well TOMTAR continued on page 6

The RCABC guarantee gets a brand new look. See page 4

Focus on roofing safety From hardware to training, we’ve got you covered.

See pages 12, 16, 18 and 20

From the President

Looking (and moving) forward Having started my career in the roofing industry in 1985, I witnessed the emergence of the RCABC from being adrift to becoming the strong association it is today. This was a result of the vision, determination and hard work of previous staff and directors. I consider it a privilege to serve on the RCABC Board of Directors today.

Our association is always looking ways to improve our industry and product. The following are two initiatives.

Introducing RoofStar RCABC has rebranded the guarantee name from the clumsy “RGC” guarantee to RoofStar. The industry-leading RCABC roofing guarantee has been around for more than half a century, but now we’re simply streamlining the program by giving it a new name, a new image and a new web site. Check it out at RoofStar.ca The launch was made at the Annual General Meeting on December 3, 2011. This was the result of the members’ input at the strategic meeting in Phoenix, where the marketing of the RCABC brand and guarantee program emerged as

ROOFING BC

Roofing BC is published quarterly on behalf of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC and the professional roofing industry by Market Assist Communications Inc.

Roofing BC online at: www.rcabc.org Managing Editor and Publisher J. Michael Siddall Phone: 604-740-8369 E-mail: Michael@RoofingBC.ca Editor Frank O’Brien E-mail: Frank@RoofingBC.ca Production/Art Director and Advertising Associate Paddy Tennant Phone: 604-507-2162 E-mail: Paddy@RoofingBC.ca

one of the key components of the action plan. It won’t be long before you are being asked to provide the RCABC RoofStar guarantee in projects you bid.

The guarantee program is largely responsible for providing the additional required funding for the apprenticeship program of the roofing and architectural sheet metal trades. Last year we subsidized the training by approximately $250,000. Having trained applicators is one of the key reasons for the success of the program and for our future, both as an association and for us contractors.

who field numerous calls daily on Roofing Practices Manual on-line technical issues. Thanks for the Early in 2012, the RCABC good work!

Roofing Practices Manual will be Gone are the days when new available standards gets faxed on-line in out, but not updated the Wiki into your manual until format. months later. Gone are This will the days when you pull become out pages from your the RPM and insert the official replacement ones, current hoping that the right edition, as all pages were correctly updates will be made replaced. It won’t be to the on-line edition long before all your site Laurence Matzek as soon as they are personnel will need to approved from the Board of upgrade their mobile phone to Directors. You will be able to search include data plans, if they haven’t through the 1,200 plus pages for done so already. the information you need, copy, Wishing all of you a happy, print or email it. The information healthy and prosperous 2012. will be friendly to all computer Laurence Matzek, formats and mobile devices. This President, Roofing Contractors upgrade was initiated by our staff, Association of British Columbia ■

WINTER 2011-12

Contributing Writers Laurence Matzek Paddy Tennant Circulation Barbara Porth Phone: 604-882-9734 E-mail: bporth@rcabc.org While information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable, neither the publisher nor the RCABC will be held liable for errors or omissions.

The opinions expressed in the editorial and advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher or RCABC.

Executive Vice President Ivan van Spronsen, TQ ivan@rcabc.org Administrative Services Manager Barbara Porth bporth@rcabc.org Technical Manager Rob Harris, RRO rharris@rcabc.org Safety & Risk Management Supervisor Roger Sové, I.P., PID, Ad.Ed. roger@rcabc.org

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LANGLEY – The Roofing Contractors Association of BC has rebranded its roofing guarantee as ‘RoofStar’ and, judging from members’ reactions at the Association’s annual general meeting, it is a winner.

“There is a lot of support for the rebranding,” said Ivan van Spronsen, Executive Vice President of the RCABC. The whole concept of gaining greater exposure for the RGC Guarantee grew out of a unique meeting in Arizona last year, which drew 70 percent of the membership, van Spronsen explained.

A key discussion was how to bring the roofing guarantee to a larger audience.

“The former name was imminently forgettable,” van Spronsen said, though the warranty behind it is the best in the roofing industry.

The name RoofStar evolved from a number of brainstorming sessions.

RoofStar leverages the pre-existing brand equity in other similar products, such as Energy Star, the national brand for energy-saving products; Road Star, the universally known road assistance auto insurance program; and such touchstones as Star Alliance, the international air carrier and service program, he explained. “A star is above it all.”

RCABC management kept the RoofStar logo and marketing materials under wraps until they were unveiled at the AGM. According to van Spronsen, the RoofStar marketing initiative will be primarily aimed at the architectural and building design community. There are a lot of new people in design who may not be as familiar as industry veterans with the Guarantee, he noted.

With strong graphics showing thundering skies, the print ads carry the strong message: “Only a RoofStar Guarantee by RGC covers all labour, materials and includes a follow-up inspection schedule performed by independent, third-party inspectors. What’s more, RoofStar ensures things are done right from square one. Because those same inspectors are involved in the installation process, too — making sure all workmanship and materials used are in accordance with industry-leading RCABC standards.

“RoofStar: New name. Same great guarantee.”

A new dedicated microsite, www.roofstar.ca, has also been developed. It describes the RoofStar guarantee, and contains links to Members, Associates, Accepted Inspectors and the RCABC main site. van Spronsen called on all RCABC members to get the word out. “We want to see the RoofStar logo on every newsletter, every truck and every member’s letterhead and advertising,” he said.

The new RoofStar logo includes the tagline “Guaranteed. Better”. As van Spronsen points out, “There are lots of guarantees out there, ours just happens to be better”. ■

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ROOFING BC

Robert Greenough with office manager Cathy Ankerman and (in rear office) project manager Gilles Rouleau.

Photo: Douglas Farrow

TOMTAR continued from page 1

known for its custom roofing, metal siding and ACM panels. Greenough, however, said the company’s real strength is the versatility of its 50person staff.

“Our crews are trained as specialists in everything,” Greenough said. Most of their current work is large scale 2-ply torch-on flat roofs for such projects as the LEED-rated Kelowna General Hospital expansion, where

Soprema’s Soprastar HDGR reflective cap with SopraNova coating was installed; the Orchard Park mall expansion; the new WalMart Superstore (where the entire envelope was done by Tomtar), and the new Snyatan Fashion Centre that required 750 squares of roofing.

The company recently also refinished an 80,000 square foot roof that they originally installed back in 1984. “It never leaked,”

Greenough said, “but the owner thought it was time for preventive measures.”

Tomtar was also among the first BC contractors to complete a green roof, for the Mission Hill Winery, more than a decade ago.

Deep roots Greenough came right out of high school to start work with his father and gained a college business diploma while working.

He has a preference to torch-on

two-ply roofing and has invested in after it’s installed and not do any state-of-the-art spray equipment for damage,” he said, “and we don’t cold applied systems. like call backs.”

He also admits to a Tomtar has been a slight aversion to “Our crews are member of the Roofing green, with its Contractors Association trained as potential for of BC for 30 years, but specialists in maintenance and the Greenough’s RCABC everything.” repair problems if roots go even deeper – something starts leaking beneath Barr & Andersen’s Kelowna branch, soil and plants. owned by Robert’s grandfather “Two-ply is bullet proof. Other Harold Greenough in the mid trades can walk across the roof 1940s was the first RCABC-certified

Tomtar provided the entire envelope for the West Kelowna Superstore.

Photo: Tomtar Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd.

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ROOFING BC

Tomtar’s state-of-the-industry sheet metal shop has three computerized folding machines including one of only two Jorns Twinmatics bi-directional folding machines in the country. Photo: Douglas Farrow

roof contractor in BC outside of the lower mainland.

“RCABC membership means you are held to a higher standard,” Greenough said. He praised the RCABC’s apprenticeship program – which is often used to train Tomtar staff, including its female foreman; but he said the Association is not doing enough to promote itself. “We should get the word out more about the RCABC warranties, which are the best in the roofing business,” he said. He agreed that concern may be addressed as the RCABC rolls out the new ‘RoofStar’ promotion of its warranty coverage.

This 30,000 square foot private residence is roofed with Tomtar’s proprietary copper tile roof.

Photo: Tomtar Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd.

Challenges Challenges facing professional roofers in the Okanagan are the “fly-by-night” or low-ball contractors whose quality is not up to standards. Greenough said he has seen competing quotes from non-RCABC members that “were priced at our cost.” Often, he said, Tomtar is called in to repair jobs done by such low-ballers. “I ask who did the work and why they don’t call them back for the repairs.

They tell me they just don’t want to deal with them, or won’t return our calls,” Greenough said.

The competition for roofing work in the Okanagan will likely become TOMTAR continued on page 8 ROOFING BC

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The Kelowna General Hospital project is one of Tomtar’s larger projects. Photo: Tomtar Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd.

TOMTAR continued from page 7

even more cutthroat in 2012, Greenough said, as reroofing is now dominant in the market. He also cited the rise and fall of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) as a costly blunder that “continues to

cost us all money.”

Competition and fighting back come naturally to Greenough. At one time a Western Canadian champion in jiu-jitsu and a Canadian National discus champ, he knows what it takes to win.

Greenough also has a pilot’s license, and he often uses his small plane to check on roofing projects, an indication that Tomtar is ready to use any means necessary to find and finish a job.

The young roofer is modest when

asked about his future with Tomtar.

“I still have a lot to learn,” he said.

“I have some pretty big boots to fill.

My father [Tom] sacrificed a lot to make Tomtar what it is today.”

He is extremely confident that Tomtar will remain one of the top

roof contractors in the Okanagan.

“With so many roofing companies in the area you can’t rest on your laurels,” he said. “Hard work, perseverance and a devotion to quality is what will keep us here, and we plan to stay.” ■

Public washrooms in Gerstmar Park, Kelowna, using 100% aluminum composite material (ACM) panels

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Members sheltered by RCAIC as global insurers hike premiums The RCA Indemnity Corporation (RCAIC) was founded seven years ago to protect roofing contractor members from a predatory insurance industry that viewed roofers as a high-risk cash cow.

It was not uncommon for even

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major BC roofing contractors with low claim histories to be hit with premium increases of 1,000 percent, as private insurers tried to cover losses in the investment markets.

Some BC roofing contractors

were even denied as a whole had insured losses of insurance, even more than $50 billion in just the though such coverage first four months of 2011. In was often mandatory in Canada, insurers lost more than the bidding process and half a billion dollars in the third having valid liability quarter alone. insurance is a “Several carriers requirement of have stated their need “RCAIC reduced RCABC. premiums by 25 for increased rates,” The RCAIC, 100 percent last year Lockton states. percent owned by the Lloyd’s of London and will hold RCABC, was the first insurer Hiscox and rates in 2012.”

Captive insurance Munich Re, the world’s company created by a largest reinsurer, has roofing association. already warned of hefty hikes in Today about 50 percent of premiums, according to a report in RCABC members are covered by the Guardian newspaper.

RCAIC, but others may be looking Rose, an insurance veteran, to sign on next year because noted that some major insurers private insurance companies began offering low rates to take appear poised to increase market share in the past few years. premiums on some lines of But, he warned, “when the market business. changes, they will put the screws to In comparison, RCAIC reduced them again.” its effective premiums RCABC members covered by by 25 percent last RCAIC can rest easy, however. year and will hold RCAIC is dedicated to providing rates in 2012, long-term, stable and economical according to Don liability insurance coverage Rose of Shaw matched to the general and unique Sabey Insurance requirements of the members of the Brokers, who manages RCAIC. RCABC. Its insurance rates are not A report from Lockton Cos. LLC dictated by global disasters or the warns, “insurance rates for performance of the stock market. construction contractors are on the “The biggest difference with rise.” Lockton notes that losses on RCAIC and other insurers is we are such disasters as Japan’s tsunami, owned by roofers and we are there flooding in Thailand and Australia, to look after them in the event of a Hurricane Irene and tornadoes in loss. Normal insurance companies the U.S. have combined with a are there to protect their global economic crisis to hammer shareholders. We are here to the insurance industry. The industry protect our roofers,” Rose said. ■

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Soprema expands Chilliwack plant CHILLIWACK – Soprema Inc, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of waterproof roofing products, is expanding its Chilliwack plant after 11 years of operation in the Fraser Valley community.

Soprema will build a second production plant on the same property of its current operation on Yale Road West at the Chilliwack Business Estates.

“After a relatively quiet period of more than three years of industrial development, it is hoped that this investment – a vote of confidence in Chilliwack, will echo Soprema’s beginnings during the last economic downturn,” site director Paul Boileau said in a press release.

Boileau said the Chilliwack expansion will mean a small increase in Soprema’s current workforce, now numbering about 40 people. In 2011, for the second year in a row, the Soprema plant in Chilliwack was the company’s topranked production facility out of 14 sister plants in the U.S. and Europe.

Boileau also added that the Chilliwack plant became the first COR-certified goods manufacturing plant in BC. ■

ROOFING BC

RCABC Board announced

Pipeline hearings may last two years

The Roofing Contractors Association of BC held its Annual General Meeting on December 3, 2011. Included in the business was the election of the Board of Directors for 2012.

Laurence Matzek of Bollman Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. (Surrey) steps up to the role of President, taking over from Tony Caputo of Eby & Sons Construction Ltd. in Prince Rupert, who will serve as Past President.

The new Vice President is Bruce Taylor of Laurence Matzek Alpha-Duron Roofing Ltd. in Burnaby; and the Secretary-Treasurer is Colin Rasmussen of Western Roofing (Kamloops).

Also re-elected to the Board were Howard Schlamb of Chilliwack Roofing Ltd. (Chilliwack), John Silva of Flynn Canada Ltd. (Surrey), Ross Laing of Laing Roofing Ltd. (Kelowna), Lyle Nelson of Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. (Cumberland), Jamie Mantle of Soprema Inc. (Surrey) and Ali Nanji of Convoy Supply Ltd. (Surrey).

Newly elected to the board were Andy Mrak of Pro-Line Construction Materials Ltd. (Surrey) and Murray Tysowski of Aurora Roofing Ltd. in Coombs.

Continuing on to complete their two-year terms are Ray Dennis of Roy Dennis Roofing [2005] Ltd. (Richmond), Eldon Donald of Coast Hudson Ltd. (Richmond), Alex Goldie of Admiral Roofing Ltd. (Prince George) and Leonard Coughlin of Carlisle SynTech Canada (Surrey). â–

Hearings opened on January 10 as the federal government weighs a decision to allow the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project to proceed. The twin pipeline would carry up to 525,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oilsands to a deep-sea oil tanker port at Kitimat BC, and 193,000 barrels of condensate – a thinning material – back to Alberta.

The 6.6 billion dollar, 1,177-kilometre pipeline is worth an estimated $72 billion to oilsands’ producers, according to a report from the Alberta government.

Public hearings into the proposal began in Kitimat and more than 4,200 people representing about 200 organizations had signed up to speak. The hearings will be held in two dozen communities across BC and Alberta and are expected to take about 24 months to complete.

There is both strong opposition and serious financial support for the pipeline. In a National Energy Board report prior to the hearings, it was revealed that Calgary-based Enbridge Inc., the pipeline’s developer, is being backed by industry giants including Suncor Energy Inc., Nexen Inc., Cenovus Energy Inc. and MEC Energy Inc. Backers also include China-owned energy company Sinopec.

Groups arrayed against the pipeline include local native bands and domestic and international environmental groups.

Most argue that the pipeline and tanker traffic represent a hazard to marine life and BC’s fishing industry.

According to a CBC News report, Samuel Robinson, a hereditary chief and fisherman from Kitamaat Village, voiced his opposition to the project. “I know every inch of our territory. The area’s rich with seafood, halibut, cod, fur-bearing animals,� he said. “It worries me that all this will be lost or destroyed when there is a spill. Mark my words: when there is a spill. Experience knows it will happen.�

Enbridge, however, says that nearly two dozen First Nations groups have signed up as equity partners. According to the company, natives will be offered a 10 percent share in the pipeline that would equate to more than $280 million over the next 30 years, plus preferential hiring during construction. â–

ROOFING BC

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CHILLIWACK, BC

MAPLE RIDGE, BC

CALGARY, AB

Tel 604.596.3787 Fax 604.596.4559

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Stay on Top Steep slope roofing symposium slated for March

Keary House in New Westminster was named the top project by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Project architect is Pattison Architecture. Photo: Pattison Architecture

Realtors award top projects VANCOUVER – The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) honoured the very best in commercial building at its 2nd annual Commercial Building Awards this past fall.

A sold-out crowd at the Marriot Vancouver Pinnacle was on hand to see the Maria Keary Cottage, a 35-bed supportive housing facility in New Westminster, win the top honour of the night, the Judges’ Choice Award.

“This event is about celebrating innovation, talent and the spirit of collaboration in our building community,” said Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president.

“These awards are a salute to professionals committed

to meeting the needs of today without sacrificing those of future generations.”

Other award winners include: • Jameson House, 830 West Hastings Street in Vancouver, which received two excellence awards, including one for mixed use- commercial/residential; • Amanat Architect, 1515 West 7th Avenue in Vancouver, who received an award of merit in the mixed use – commercial/residential category; and • The Rosewood Hotel Georgia, 801 West Georgia Street in Vancouver, which won the commercial renovation /restoration excellence award. ■

WorkSafeBC has announced plans for ‘Stay on Top’, a steep slope roofing symposium designed to deliver in-depth safety education for people in all aspects of steep slope roofing.

Although appropriate for any sector of the construction industry, the event is geared towards anyone who works in steep slope roofing as a roofer, supervisor, employer, contractor, estimator, consultant/ inspector or supplier.

The symposium will be divided into four sessions: • Responsibilities in the roofing industry – designed to illustrate that people at each level of an organization are involved and must do their part to ensure that a work site is safe for everyone.

• Fall protection planning and procedures – designed to assist employers, contractors and sub-contractors in planning their fall protection needs for each project they work on. This session will walk participants through planning, including the fall prevention methods and the use of fall protection equipment. Participants will receive tools and resources including forms, checklists and other information to assist with fall protection planning and procedures.

• Officer site inspection, equipment demonstration and inspection — this session will show what WorkSafeBC officers look for on-site (including work being performed by estimators, roofers and roof consultants). Participants will watch an inspection being carried out and will then have an opportunity to inspect various types of fall protection equipment and try some equipment in a fall arrest situation.

• Panel discussion and wrap up – representatives from the roofing industry, WorkSafeBC and the RCABC will share their thoughts on the importance of safety in steep slope roofing.

Stay on Top will be held Wednesday, March 28 at the RCABC’s training facility, 9734–201 Street in Langley. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with breaks for coffee and lunch.

The $25 registration fee includes lunch. Delegates will also receive an information package with safety resource materials, a voucher for free entry into a fall protection course at RCABC, and a discount on fall protection equipment.

For more information email steepsloperoof@worksafebc.com.

Register in advance at the RCABC office or on-line at http://tinyurl.com/steep-slope-roofing Stay on Top is a partnership between WorkSafeBC, the BC Construction Safety Alliance and the RCABC; and is supported by Hazmasters and ONO Work and Safety. ■

Pro-line opening new Okanagan branch RCABC Associate Member Pro-line Construction Materials Ltd. is opening its fifth branch, in Penticton, BC. Co-owners Andy Mrak and Don MacAulay made the announcement in January from their head office in Surrey, BC. MacAulay said the full-service outlet, opening in early February, will carry the same product lines as their other locations.

He added that an experienced, knowledgeable crew is already in place, and the company has been serving its Okanagan-area customers by shipping out of their Chilliwack store.

Mrak and MacAulay expect to expand even further this Spring, adding a supply outlet in Edmonton, Alberta. In addition to the Surrey head office, Pro-Line has stores in Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Calgary, AB. ■

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Roofers to see WorkSafe rate break Architects cheer law amendment

construction; unions; residential tree services; casinos; manual tree falling; and grain, hay, vegetable and white mushroom farming. â&#x2013;

RICHMOND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; WorkSafeBC has announced that the average base premium rate for registered employers will remain unchanged from 2011, and will actually decrease for steep and low-slope roofing. The 2012 average published base rate will be $1.54 per $100 of employersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; assessable payroll. The rates continue to be among the lowest in Canada and the lowest rates in BC for the last 30 years.

For 2012, 53 percent of employers will experience a base rate decrease and eight percent of employers will have their base rate remain unchanged, while 39 percent of employers will experience a base rate increase.

Industries with base rate decreases Rate decreases are projected for many industries, including the following: steep- and low-slope roofing; municipalities; public schools; fishing; ranching; log hauling; real estate and construction management consulting.

Industries with base rate increases Industries whose rates are projected to increase include: construction labour supply; loghome construction; helicopter services; log towing; house

VANCOUVER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For the past two years, the Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC) has been seeking legislative amendments to authorize â&#x20AC;&#x153;consensual resolution.â&#x20AC;? This followed a 2009 BC Court of Appeal decision involving the professional engineers that led AIBC Council to put the instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successful consensual resolution process on hold pending statutory reform.

On November 3, 2011, Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto introduced â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bill 18: The Advanced Education Statutes Amendment Actâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for first reading. In doing so, she stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In this bill we will ensure the Architectural Institute of British Columbia may continue to engage in efficient and effective means of resolving disciplinary matters.â&#x20AC;?

The new bill would enshrine consensual resolution as an option to disciplinary inquiries for resolving professional conduct matters. If enacted, the amendments would require AIBC members to pass a bylaw relating to consensual resolution practices and procedures.

Such procedures were established in

2001 by AIBC Council within the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rules for the Professional Conduct Process of the AIBCâ&#x20AC;?.

Updates on the status of this bill will be provided as it proceeds through the legislature. â&#x2013;

Sika strengthens admixtures business On December 19, 2011, Sika Canada Inc. announced that its parent company, Sika AG, has acquired Axim Group, the global cement grinding aid and concrete admixture business of Italcementi Group in Bergamo, Italy. Axim Group consists of six legal entities that operate several production facilities and sales organizations in Italy, France, USA, Morocco, Spain and Canada.

Axim generates sales of more than $80 million worldwide.

Financial terms of the transaction have not being disclosed.

In Canada, Axim operates as Axim Concrete Technologies Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario.

The company offers a broad range of concrete admixtures, cement grinding aids and specialized chemicals that enhance the performance of cement and concrete, as well as improve cement production efficiency. â&#x2013;

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Nate Nelson, crew foreman for RCABC member Parker Johnston Industries, handles a tear-off of old asphalt shingles on a sloped roof in Saanich.

Photos: WorkSafeBC

Safer slopes No shortcuts to safety on steep-slope roofs Former steep slope roofer Jay Beddows had only been a corporate safety officer at Victoria-based Parker Johnston Industries Ltd. for one year when he got to witness first-hand the consequences of ignoring safety protocols.

His co-worker was roped off, but decided to release the slack on his fall protection device in order to move from one part of the roof to another.

“He was cutting a piece of wood, and he slipped and fell over the edge,” Beddows recalls. “He dropped 13 feet and landed feetfirst on concrete. He was never the same again.”

In 2010, steep slope roofers accounted for 35 percent of all WorkSafeBC penalties. As well, this subsector of the construction industry represented more than 40 percent of all WorkSafeBC construction claims and more than 80 percent of all claim costs. With each claim averaging almost $64,000, workplace injuries have cost this particular trade $14.4 million over the past five years — not to mention an immeasurable loss of life.

Nonetheless, steep slope roofers have an abundance of safety

training programs to choose from in BC, so there’s really no excuse for the terrible toll on workers’ health and safety, says Shirley Caldwell, Education and Training Manager for the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC). “We overhauled our programs in 2009 and now provide everything workers and contractors need to know about avoiding hazards and injury,” she says.

Unfortunately, a lack of education and training — particularly in the residential steep slope roofing sector — has prompted many contractors to take safety shortcuts.

Mike McKenna, Executive Director of the BC Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA), says pressures to meet demand lead to hasty errors in judgement. “Many roofing companies are small operations whose contractors demand fast work and feel they don’t have time for operating fall arrest lines.”

How to stay safe on high Beddows draws on his years of experience as a roofer and safety officer to offer the following advice to workers: • Attend any safety orientations to become familiar with the rules and hazards of the jobsite.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required for each hazard, and stop work if such equipment is not available.

• Inform your employer if you’re

not trained or qualified to perform specific work procedures.

• Stop work and inform your employer if you cannot perform the work in accordance with established safety rules and guidelines.

• Exercise your right to refuse unsafe work.

Beddows also cites the following six activities workers must avoid while working on a sloped roof: • Do not perform work before a proper fall hazard assessment has been conducted, regardless of the height.

• Do not perform work before a proper electrical hazard assessment has been conducted.

• Do not perform work without fall protection when working above 3 metres (10 ft.) or when faced with an exceptional hazard.

• Do not perform work without footwear that provides adequate traction on sloped surfaces.

• Do not perform work with fall protection equipment that is damaged, worn, or unable to provide a proper fit.

• Do not perform work using fall protection equipment that you have not been trained to use.

Get in gear The main components (and associated components) of steep slope roofing safety equipment are as follows:

• CSA or ANSI standard fall restraint devices; • CSA or ANSI standard fall arrest systems; • Anchors that can support anywhere from 3.5 kN (800 lbs.) to 22 kN (5,000 lbs.), in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation; • Lanyards, lifelines, and other connecting equipment.

The OHS Regulation states that workers using fall restraint must wear a full body harness or a safety belt. When using fall arrest, a worker must wear a full body harness or other harness deemed acceptable by WorkSafeBC. The Regulation also requires safety gear to be regularly inspected and properly maintained, and to be removed from service if it’s damaged, or after it has been used to arrest a worker’s fall.

A number of safety and construction equipment suppliers — such as Acklands-Grainger, Jelco, and Hazmasters — provide the latest in fall protection gear. Derek Malone, outside sales manager for Hazmasters, says the latest equipment enables workers to operate with a minimum of hindrance. “Plus, the gear is ergonomically designed and comfortable to wear, which was not always the case in the past.”

As for design innovations, Malone says that descent and

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ascent systems are becoming more prevalent on jobsites where steep slope metal roofing prevents the installation of toe boards or footholds. “And rather than causing the descent to speed up, the latest descenders stop a worker’s descent if he suddenly panics and squeezes the control handle extra-hard,” Malone says. “This feature still enables workers to control their speed of descent and location to park. And if the worker slips or lets go for any reason, the descender automatically stops.”

A new look at safety WorkSafeBC is working with members of the construction industry to host a Metro Vancouverarea roofing symposium for workers and contractors. “The purpose is to raise awareness about proper safety procedures, equipment, and supervision,” says WorkSafeBC construction industry specialist Kathy Tull.

In the meantime, it’s up to roofing employers to set higher safety standards for their employees, Beddows says. At Parker Johnston, he’s redoubled his efforts to make his workplace accident-free after witnessing the trauma of a serious injury. “Today, our penalties for non-compliance start with being suspended a week without pay and end with unconditional termination. Plus, we have a safety fund that is paid out to crews that remain accident-free for a certain length of time,” Beddows says. “These initiatives may seem drastic, but they’ve nipped non-compliance in the bud.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to mitigate risk. And that’s how you create a culture of safety in what is an extremely hazardous environment.”

Reprinted with the permission of WorkSafe Magazine, WorkSafeBC

Note: See page 12 for information about the roofing symposium. ■ ROOFING BC

Seaspan’s terminals, North Vancouver: $8 billion deal. Photo: Seaspan Marine Corp.

North Van shipyard deal to boost construction NORTH VANCOUVER – An $8 billion federal government ship building contract is expected to boost construction of commercial and industrial real estate in North Vancouver, with the uptick expected to start in 2013.

Terry Thies, a principal with Avison Young, has been discussing real estate needs with North Vancouver-based Seaspan Marine Corp., which landed the multibillion-dollar contract on October 19. Thies said it is “still early in the game” for Seaspan, which has sufficient facilities to start the largest federal procurement contract ever awarded in BC. Thies said it is likely that demand for both industrial and office space in North Vancouver will begin to ramp up in mid-2012 as suppliers and contractors for the huge project begin to assess their real estate needs.

North Vancouver City and District currently have an industrial vacancy rate of 2.1 percent, according to a survey by Cushman & Wakefield, and has the highest warehouse lease rates in Metro Vancouver, from $10 to $15 per square foot. There is 140,000 square feet of new industrial space under construction on the North Shore. Prices for industrial land are also the highest in the province, averaging $2.5 million to $3 million per acre of serviced industrial. ■

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None of these men are wearing fall protection or a hardhat with chin strap.

Work safe, BC!

This ladder does not extend far enough past the edge of the roof; is not tied off; there is no stand-off in place, and it is dangerously close to the corner of the roof.

Ladder safety: more than meets the eye

by Paddy Tennant

The toe board overhang should be at least 6 inches and a maximum of 12 inches outside the roof jacks (irons).

How NOT to do it...

There are more safety violations here than we can tag!

intend to set the ladder(s) up: – If the ladder absolutely must be placed in front of a doorway, ensure that the door is locked or blocked off. Always coordinate this with building owner, tenants or maintenance personnel; – “Look up and live” – check for overhead power lines. Metal, including wire-reinforced wooden ladders, must not be used near energized electrical conductors.

– Ensure that the base of the ladder’s side rails will rest on a firm, level foundation and also that the top of the rails will be placed against a stable surface.

Eavestroughs must never be used for support.

Most people would be surprised to learn that a commonly used piece of equipment like a ladder represents a huge potential for risk. But the numbers don’t lie – WorkSafeBC statistics show that falls from ladders account for more serious injuries than any other type of jobsite accident.

A recent report from WorkSafeBC states, “In May 2011, three BC workers died after falling from ladders. Though these incidents are currently being investigated, this tragic cluster of fatalities highlights the potential danger of familiar equipment like ladders, and how a fall — even from a low height — can result in serious injuries and even death”.

From 2001 to 2010, WorkSafeBC recorded more than 9,400 injuries due to ladder falls in BC. More than 18

half of those were serious, including 13 fatalities. By comparison, fewer than one in three claims in all other sectors combined meet the ‘serious injury’ criteria1.

Not surprisingly, the sector with the highest number of injury claims for falls from ladders is construction.

One of the three deaths in May 2011 was construction-related. Six of the 13 fatalities recorded between 2001 and 2010 were in the construction sector – the other seven were divided among natural resources, nonconstruction trades and service industries.

From 2001 to 2010, steep slope roofing accounted for 214 falls from ladders, with 148 (almost 70%) listed as serious; and low slope roofing claims stood at 100 with 62% considered serious.

As dismaying as the numbers are,

what’s even more troubling is that, like most accidents, falls from ladders are completely preventable.

WorkSafeBC has established a set of guidelines that should make falls from ladders virtually a thing of the past.

Before you start • Check that the ladder is in good condition and strong enough for the job: – Inspect it to check for flaws.

Ladders with loose, broken or missing rungs must be removed from service; – For construction, use only CSA Grade 1 or ANSI Standard approved heavy duty ladders or job-constructed ladders built to acceptable WCB standards.

• The maximum ladder length for roofing is 72 feet.

• Assess the location(s) where you WINTER 2011-12

Setting up a ladder • When erecting a ladder, position it to ensure stability from below, above and the sides: – The ladder should have nonslip feet or be spiked to prevent slipping or being kicked out of position at its base; – Make sure there is enough room to safely step on and off the ladder – the areas at the bottom and top of the ladder should be level, and free of equipment and materials; – Ladders should extend approximately one metre (36 inches) above a safe landing or parapet wall. If it goes beyond that distance, it must be tied off and secured at the roof and landing area to ensure that it can’t slip when in use.

– Prevent side-sliding: In some cases, as in a low-slope or flat roof, standoffs are enough to prevent the ladder from sliding sideways. On a steeper slope it must also be secured to the roof with tie-downs; – Position the ladder to sit at a 4 vertical to 1 horizontal slope, so it can’t fall backwards (too steep) or bow and break (too shallow). For every 4-up

measurement in height, the base should be 1-out from the wall. RCABC’s Safety & Risk Management Supervisor Roger Sové points out that this ratio can be easily determined without measuring – if a person stands with his toes even with the feet of a ladder and his arms straight out to the front, the position of his hands will automatically be where the ladder should line up.

• When using an extension ladder: – Be sure the two sections of the ladder overlap according to the manufacturer’s instructions; – Tie off the securing rope; – Check that all locks on the ladder are properly secured.

Before you climb • Check that boots and ladder rungs are free from grease, mud or any other slip hazards.

• Plan ahead, and prepare any equipment necessary to get tools and materials up and down safely: – Carry tools in a tool belt or raise and lower them with a hand line; – Heavy, bulky or hazardous materials must not be carried when climbing ladders. Suitable hoisting equipment must be used for this purpose; – Only one person is permitted on a single-width ladder at a time. Erect additional ladders if required.

While on a ladder • Always face the ladder.

• Don’t lean to the side – always keep your body weight centered between the ladder side rails.

• Keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand).

• Never work from the top two rungs of any ladder.

Ladders and roof access • Workers must not use ladder-type material hoists for roof access unless the hoists are designed for that purpose.

ROOFING BC

This man is looking back at his co-worker instead of forward to the ladder.

It is not safe to stand on the top two rungs of any ladder.

The hammer should be in his tool belt, not being carried up the ladder.

This ladder extends high enough, but is not secured to the roof.

No safe landing on the rooftop or parapet

Work should never be done while standing on an extension ladder.

The angle of this ladder is too shallow – it should be 1-out for every 4-up in height.

• Crawl boards or ladders used for roof work must be securely fastened over the ridge of the roof or be otherwise effectively anchored (i.e. using a ridge hook).

• Only straight or extention ladders may be used for roofing – and only for access, not to work from.

The only exception is gutter installation or cleaning.

• Any sloped roof work must be done with the use of equipment like roof jacks (irons), slide guards or toe-holds, and appropriate fall protection systems must also be in place when there is a possibility of a fall from 3 metres (10 feet) or more.

• Both toe-holds2 and fall protection systems must be used when the roof slope is 8 in 12 or greater, regardless of the height of the roof.

Fixed ladders The content of this article has refered only to portable ladders, not fixed ladders. In most circumstances,

roofing work is not to be done from a ladder of any kind – the ladder is for access only. If it has been determined that it is safe to do the work from the top of a fixed ladder, WorkSafeBC requires that these safe work practices be followed: • Ensure ladders are in a safe condition with no bent or missing rungs or other damage; • A ring or safety cage on a fixed ladder is not considered effective fall protection when working from a ladder. If working from a ladder, ensure that the fall protection system meets the requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation, part 11; • If a ladder safety system (i.e. a vertical lifeline system, illustrated below) is used as a fall protection system, ensure that it meets the appropriate standard, such as ANSI A14.3 American National Standard for Ladders – Fixed – Safety Requirements; and

This ladder does not extend far enough past the edge of the roof; is not tied off; and there is no stand-off in place.

• Ensure that a plan is in place to rescue a worker who may become incapacitated while suspended in a personal fall protection system.

Taking the time to put all these accident-prevention measures into practise will ensure a safer working environment for work crews and provide peace of mind for contractors and building owners alike. ■

This man is standing sideways on the ladder instead of facing it.

No guard rails

Paddy Tennant is the editorial assistant, art director and advertising associate for Roofing BC. The ‘Work safe, BC!’ series outlines safety issues as they affect people in the construction industry generally and the roofing industry specifically. Topics in this series include WorkSafeBC’s guidelines; sources of safety products, services and training; fall restraint systems; personal protective wear; ladders and stabilizing equipment; eye and skin protection and working with hazardous materials.

Footnotes: 1 WorkSafeBC’s criteria for classifying a claim as serious are: long duration of wage loss (28+ days); high health care costs (equal to or greater than the cost of 28 days of wage loss); a serious medical diagnosis; or a fatality.

2 Toe-holds must be at least two inches thick and six inches wide.

Att yyour A our sservice! er vice!

We are BC’s provincial construction safety association. Working with industry, we develop for over 39,0 00 construction employers health and safety programs, tools and resources fo and their workers. The BCCSA is dedicated to raising health and safet y awareness and preventing or minimizing the impac t of accidents and injuries through: IW\[j o jhW_d_d] WdZ [ZkYWj_ed _d Wbb h[]_edi e\ j^[ fhel_dY[1 Ed#i_j[ YedikbjWj_edi1 :[l[befc[dj e\ jeeb#Xen a_ji" cWdkWbi" WdZ ej^[h iW\[jo h[iekhY[i1 WdZ ?d`kh o cWdW][c[dj%h[jkhd je meha i[h l_Y[i$ Whatever your question, we can help.

L_i_j ekh m[Xi_j[ Wj mmm$XYYiW$YW eh YWbb '$.--$.,&$),-+ Using a vertical lifeline in a fixed ladder.

Photo courtesy of Capital Safety ROOFING BC

Raising Raising Awareness, Awareness, Reducing Reducing IInjuries njuries WINTER 2011-12

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Figure 6: Can and straps installed

Figure 4: Prototype of ‘block-out’

Figure 7: in use at Willingdon Park

‘Canny’ fall protection system wins award At its annual awards ceremony on of the strap onto a vertical piece of October 19, 2011, the Vancouver 15m rebar projecting out the top of Regional Construction Association concrete walls or columns. The gave Stuart Olson Dominion the opposing end would then be pulled Construction Workplace Health and down and the strap placed against Safety Innovation Award for a the wall or column (see Figures unique fall protection strap it put in 1&2). The formwork, being a fly place at a Burnaby construction site. form or free form is then put into All it took was some position with the strap sandwiched brainstorming, ingenuity and a used between the formwork and concrete plumbing can. wall and column (see Figure 3).

The fall protection straps are normally poured into suspended concrete slabs to provide an easy and effective means of fall protection for trades that are required to perform leading edge work.

At Stuart Olson Figure 1 Dominion’s Willingdon Park project – phases 8/9, the project superintendent and The concern was that additional safety officer wanted to find a more straps were needed “in-between” efficient solution to installing the where a wall or column was straps, in particular in open areas positioned, in particular with where a wall or column was not structural designs using post present. tension cables. There was also a The manufacturer’s concern with removing the recommended installation procedure formwork after the concrete floor is to slide the loop at the upper end had been poured. With the straps

Figure 5: Can with strap prior to installation

took a five inch plumbing can (“block-out”), cut it in half to shorten the vertical height to allow for maximum concrete coverage and taped it back Figure 2 together. Then a Figure 3 small opening was hanging beneath the formwork, the cut at the top of the can to allow straps could potentially be damaged the top loop of the anchor strap to as the plywood and supporting project through and be connected to material fell from the soffit of the the reinforcing steel in the floor to concrete floor above. be poured above (see Figure 4).

After some brainstorming and The section of strap below the bouncing ideas back and forth a top of the can is rolled up and solution was found. The site placed inside the plumbing can (see superintendent and safety officer Figure 5). The can is then nailed or

screwed to the plywood formwork.

Once the supporting formwork is removed, the strap simply falls out of the plumbing can cast into the suffix of the floor above (see Figures 6 & 7). With the straps hanging approximately 4-5 feet below the ceiling, a ladder is not required to reach the strap and the strap is not damaged because of the formwork being stripped.

At the Burnaby project, over 300 straps were installed in this manner.

The cans and straps were prefabricated in advance, saving preparation time, and minimizing the potential for falls by limiting ladders used to reach the straps above. ■

S PRI NG 2011

IN THIS I SSUE:

FEATURES:

THE VOICE OF PROFESS

Member profile

IONAL ROOFING CONTRAC

TORS

Vol. 8, No. 1 • SPRING

Capital impact Parker Johnston has shaped Victoria’s skyline

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Rod Parker, immediate past president of the Roofing Contractors Association of BC and general manager of Parker Johnston Industries Ltd., of Victoria, is no newcomer to the roofing industry.

According to Parker, when his school principal “gave me off” at age 12 he landed a week a job packing half-buckets of tar to a Victoria rooftop.

The education proved Today Parker, 34, helps profound. head one of Vancouver Island’s largest roofing contracting companies.

With a staff of 250 with 35 field crews, Parker has been involved in some of the biggest – and most challenging – construction projects in BC’s capital city.

In the past two years alone, Parker Johnston has completed roofing contracts for the Jubilee Hospital Patient Royal Care the 17-storey, glass-roofed Tower, office tower downtown, Atrium the University of Victoria Social Sciences and Mathematics, the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence and all four phases at the giant Dockside Green, said to be the most environmentally progressive development in the world.

Currently, the veteran firm is working on contracts for the 80,000 square-foot Uptown Phase shopping mall in Saanich; II Land Rover Victoria and the North Saanich Middle School.

PARKER continued

RCABC: changing

of

Strategic planning

in

the guard Not good-bye, but see you soon.

See page 5

RCABC members map Phoenix the future.

See page 3

on page 6 Rod Parker, general

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40014608 RETURN UNDELIVERABL E CANADIAN ADDRESSES

2011

Member profile: Parker Johnston Industries......... .........1,6 Project profile: BC’s first cleaning roof installed air..............8 Innovation: TPO coated accessories ...........10 Vegetative roofing systems .. 12 Tying off for fall protection....

14 Profile: Pro-Line .......................15 Roof Lifters: adding space ..... 21 ASSOCIATION: President’s message .................. 3 Crane certification in effect ...... 4 CRCA ROOFTech 2011 ...............4 Changing of the guard ..............

RPM now online ....................... 5 5 Subscribe to Roofing BC ........17 INDUSTRY NEWS: Reroofing dominates BC........... 4 Modular homes for BC? ......... 16 JM building EPDM plant.........16 Canada Place’s PTFE roof ...... 16 Blind leading the sighted ....... 17 RKW buys Danafilms........ ...... 19 Colourful roof shingles ........... 20 Architects’ festival coming.......18 Carlisle’s new Polyiso plant....18 Steels, Owens Corning deal... 18 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Ugly Facebooks .......................

22

Clearing the air

manager of Parker

Johnston Industries

Ltd., Victoria

Old technology finds new cleaning Noxite roofing life in airproducts.

See pages 8-9

TO:

Roofing Contractor s Association of BC 9734 201 Street Langley, BC Canada V1M 3E8

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604-507-2162 Paddy@RoofingBC.ca ROOFING BC

A rooftop garden at the new Summit condo project at Morgan Crossing, Surrey. Photo: Larco Investments Ltd.

Multi-family towering into 2012 SURREY – Housing starts in British Columbia are forecast to increase in 2012, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – and the increase will be primarily in multiple-family starts, especially condominiums.

The forecast is for 28,500 starts – up from 26,000 in 2011 – with

Ivanhoé Cambridge restarts 29-storey office tower

18,000 of these in the multi-family sector and 10,500 being single detached buildings.

“Population growth, stronger employment growth and favourable mortgage interest rates are expected to support demand for new homes in 2012,” said Carol Frketich, CMHC’s British Columbia

Regional Economist.

The pick-up in residential construction follows a period of stable home building in 2011.

Much of the multi-family housing starts will be in Metro Vancouver, which is forecast to see 14,500 condos or townhouses break ground in 2012. ■

Olympic Roofing Ltd. Port Coquitlam, BC

604 552 4743 www.olympicroofing.ca

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • 100% FINANCING AVAILABLE ON RESIDENTIAL

Photo: Ivanhoé Cambridge

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New towers, theatres in the works The first major high-rise office tower in Metro Vancouver in five years is about to soar in Burnaby and a $10 million multi-screen movie theatre is part of a 820,000 square-foot development at Marine Drive and Cambie in Vancouver.

It is all shaping up as another busy year for roofing and sheet metal contractors.

A green roof, in fact, will form part of Metrotower III in Burnaby’s Metrotown area, according to developer Ivanhoé Cambridge.

The $170 million building’s completion is scheduled for April 2014. The general contractor for the 29-storey tower is Ledcor General Contractors.

The tower is rated LEED Platinum, according to Gordon Wylie, development manager for Ivanhoé Cambridge.

Metrotower III, which was started and then stopped in 2008, will come to market about a year ahead of three new office towers in downtown Vancouver, where new projects by Oxford Properties, Bentall Kennedy and Telus are expected to complete by 2015.

Meanwhile, PCI Developments Corp. is forging ahead with its ROOFING BC

mixed-use mega-project at Marine Drive and Cambie Street in south Vancouver.

Cineplex Entertainment will spend $10 million to build an 11screen multiplex that will anchor the Marine Gateway development.

Once complete in 2015, PCI’s 820,000-square-foot development on a two-hectare footprint is expected to have: • 460 housing units in two towers;

• a 12-storey, 230,000-square-foot office building; and • a major grocery store, plus other retail.

Other Metro projects to watch – and potentially bid on – include the Sealynn Village project in North Vancouver District near the Second Narrows Bridge; and the Evergreen rapid transit stations that will be built in the Coquitlam-Port Moody area. ■ WINTER 2011-12

21

Atlas Roofing opening first plant in BC State-of-the-industry facility in full production

by February 2012

By Frank O’Brien

Georgia, USA-based Atlas Roofing Corporation, an industry leader in polyiso roof and wall insulation, asphalt shingles, roll goods, and specialty facers for the gypsum and polyiso industries, has chosen

Annacis Island in Delta, BC, for its second manufacturing plant in Canada. Atlas cited strong transportation, a highly educated workforce and access to ports as key reasons.

“Vancouver has an excellent highway system and ocean ports for shipping products,” said Tom Rowe, Atlas vice-president, commercial sales and marketing.

The 140,000-square-foot plant, being retrofitted from a paper distribution facility, will be operational by February 2012, Rowe said. Atlas is investing approximately 20 million dollars in the plant, which will employ up to 50 people when at full production.

“All of the staff will be hired from

the Vancouver area,” confirmed Atlas vice-president of operations Bill Judge, who handled recruiting.

“I was very impressed with everyone I interviewed. There is a fantastic, dynamic workforce there and the education level is very high in the Vancouver area. We believe it is a great place for manufacturing.”

Rowe, a frequent visitor to BC and an avid fisherman, said the economics of Western Canada are equally attractive.

“Construction in Western Canada is trending upward at the moment and the Western US continues steady expansion in commercial building. Both markets require energy-efficient building envelopes to meet increasing federal and local

codes and standards,” he said, adding “this is an exciting business opportunity for Atlas.”

The Annacis plant will serve all of Western Canada, plus Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

Atlas also plans to ship its product to Alaska – and its existing customers in Asia – through the Port of Vancouver.

The new Atlas polyiso manufacturing facility will incorporate state-of-the industry laminating and blowing agent technologies to produce a polyiso board with versatility and high long term thermal resistance values. All Atlas polyiso insulation products are certified under the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) QualityMarkcm Program, providing third party certification for thermal insulation values. Additionally, Atlas polyiso products are manufactured with CFC-, HCFC-, and HFC-free foam blowing technology with zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential.

“This new plant will produce the smoothest, flattest, strongest polyiso board products in the industry, using leading lamination processes,” Judge said.

Atlas has 17 manufacturing plants across North America, including Toronto. The closest plant to Vancouver is in Colorado, and the Annacis plant will split western customers with that facility and Atlas’ Phoenix plant, Judge explained.

The new Atlas plant will have the capacity to produce in excess of 400,000,000 board feet per year.

Rowe said that the Western

Canada and the North Western US markets are roughly equal in size.

Putting the plant in the central lower mainland of BC will allow Atlas to reach a huge number of customers quickly and efficiently, he added.

Atlas aims for a one-day haul in what has become a competitive, just-in-time business environment.

“A customer will call you Wednesday at 4 p.m. and they need the insulation Thursday morning,” Rowe said, “Atlas prides itself on customer service.”

Speaking from Atlanta, Atlas president Ken Farrish (a dual Canadian-American citizen) also stressed service.

“Our new plant is an opportunity to cultivate new partnerships with building materials distributors, contractors, construction specifiers and building owners in the region, while providing even better service to our existing partners,” he said.

“With our versatile line of facers, specialty products, and number of code approvals, Atlas is a great choice as a single source for polyiso insulation.”

Judge added that Atlas is looking forward to working with the RCABC office, which he has visited during his research on the BC market.

Judge said the new Atlas plant would be made available to RCABC if needed, for student or industry tours, or to help with RCABC’s training programs. “We look forward to working closely with the entire roofing industry in BC,” he said.

To find out more about Atlas Roofing Corporation, log on to www.atlasroofing.com. ■

Metal roof panel looks like slate SURREY – Rare Manufacturing Inc. of Surrey has released a new metal roof panel, IronStone Slate, that looks like slate but costs like steel.

Each interlocking IronStone roof panel covers approximately 2.88 square feet and is made from prepainted commercial grade sheet steel. The panels are coated with a baked on ultra-durable Hylar® 5000 resin-based coating by Solvay Solexis Inc., combined with cool roof technology for energy savings.

Surrey is the only factory location for Rare Manufacturing and all of its roofing products are made there, including IronStone.

The IronStone Slate is priced at about half the price of real slate, noted Rare Manufacturing spokesperson Holly Quintal.

The new IronStone Slate roof panel offers contractors a different aesthetic to choose from when considering metal roof options for residential customers, she said, while priced competitively with other metal roofing profiles. ■ Right: IronStone Slate is a metal roof panel that mimics slate at a fraction of the cost.

Photo: Rare Manufacturing Ltd.

22

WINTER 2011-12

ROOFING BC

A 100,000-square-foot industrial building, such as this example in Burnaby, was used as the baseline for the 2011 regional development cost survey. Total civic fees ranged from a low of $169,000 to more than $1 million among the 20 municipalities surveyed. Photo: NAIOP

NAIOP survey shows why building costs so high VANCOUVER – Ever wonder why it being used for more than just costs so much to complete an accommodating growth. In [these industrial building, even though cities] the streets are already in, the most construction and material sewers are in, the water lines are prices have come down over the in. They are not extending that past year? infrastructure to any new A lot of the development costs developments. It is mostly infill are due to municipal fees and cost projects,” he said. charges, according to a survey from Almost half of the municipalities NAIOP /Commercial Real Estate surveyed reported increases in Development Group of Vancouver. development cost charges, which The parameter of the survey is a are just part of the overall fees that 100,000-square-foot distribution a developer can face. Total civic fees warehouse on 5.5 acres of land. ranged from a low of $169,000 in The development also includes Burnaby to more than $1 million in 15,000 square feet of office space Richmond. within the warehouse. Each of the More unnerving for some 20 Lower Mainland developers is what “...the DCCs are municipalities NAIOP calls “the obviously being used excessive” use of received a for more than just development letters of credit and proposal where other forms of accommodating rezoning, security demanded growth.” subdivision, a before a project is development permit and a building approved. Four municipalities now permit would be required. The require bonds of $750,000 or more.

Green fees municipalities then provided a There are also new green fees report on costs and approval times, and regulations in some according to their usual standards. municipalities, Silvera noted. Over In New Westminster, the half of municipalities now have development cost charges for such some form of green incentive or a project are $112,000, compared requirement, compared to two to just $19,166 in the 2009 survey. years ago. Most are voluntary and In Vancouver, the development include a green checklist for charges are $417,000, nearly developers, which are included in double the 2009 cost of $240,000. the project application to city In Vancouver, this works out to council. “It is a kind of moral more than $4 per square foot persuasion,” Silvera said. Some before the foundation is even have mandatory requirements, such poured. This, developers say, is as Port Coquitlam and Richmond, passed directly onto the final lease, which require green roofs on large which in turn drives up the cost of new industrial or commercial doing business for tenants. buildings. The City of Vancouver “It is surprising to see costs go also has significant green up that much, given that we have requirements in terms of energy been in a fairly turbulent time for efficiency and certain types of the market,” said Graeme Silvera of building materials that must be NAIOP. “Most people are trying to used on new buildings. While control costs to make it better for Vancouver leaves little room for business.” green negotiations, both Port Silvera noted that development Coquitlam and Richmond have cost charges, historically and legally shown leeway in their green roof under provincial regulations, are to bylaws. provide the necessary new NAIOP members appear realistic infrastructure, such as roads, in the impact of their annual cost sewers and water lines for new survey, which remains the only such development. study in Canada. “I don’t know if “When you get mature the survey has modified municipal municipalities, like New West and costs,” Silvera said, “in industrial, Vancouver with those kinds of they have a captive market.” ■ increases, the DCCs are obviously ROOFING BC

BC Place Stadium: RCABC has it covered Manager, noted that there are only two or three companies in North America that specialize in the type of fabric roof chosen for BC Place Stadium.

But the stadium renovations were not limited to the retractable white roof. In fact, very little of the old stadium was left untouched, with lounges, offices and entry areas all getting a facelift.

RCABC member Flynn Canada was contracted to install the roof on the outer perimeter of the stadium – a 55,000 square foot concrete deck covered with polyisocyanurate insulation and two-ply SBS by Soprema.

Vancouver’s BC Place The inspection was Stadium has become done by RCABCa crowning landmark Accepted Inspection on the West Coast Firm IRC Building because of its new Sciences Group BC Inc. multi-million dollar RCABC’s Executive retractable roof, Vice President Ivan van considered one of the Spronsen proudly most challenging points out that “all the construction contracts concourse and entrance British Columbia has canopies around the ever seen. And, like roof carry a brand new An aerial view of the stadium in progress. Photo: FabriTec Structures virtually all of the five year RCABC large construction RoofStar guarantee...

Westcoast Inc. PCL awarded the contracts in the province, members its just the big thing in the middle roofing contract to Quebec-based of the RCABC share the credit for that doesn’t!”

Structal-Heavy Steel Construction the stadium’s magnificent The RCABC is confident that the (Structal), which is a business unit makeover. guarantee, which took effect on of Canam Group Inc. Based on The provincial government, September 16, 2011, will bring German engineering, the project through the BC Pavilion Corporation represents the world’s largest cable- peace of mind to PavCo, and (PavCo), contracted the stadium comfort to stadium patrons and BC supported retractable roof. renovation to PCL Constructors taxpayers. ■ Rob Harris, RCABC’s Technical Workers atop the BC Place Stadium roof.

Photo: Larry O’Brien

WINTER 2011-12

23

$30 million Smart Centre mall in Mission among giant projects. Photo: Smart Centres

Flat roof construction booms in Fraser Valley Two-ply flat roofing should be a mainstay of the Fraser Valley market for the next year as a rush of new industrial and commercial construction makes the area a building hot spot. The Fraser Valley holds 75 percent of all the industrial-zoned land in Metro Vancouver.

“Cautious optimism, along with record low interest rates, continues to drive the Fraser Valley industrial market and provide

owner/operators and investors alike with the motivation to invest in their business or to expand their industrial commercial real estate portfolio,” said Avison Young broker John Eakin.

Avison Young recently profiled some of the upcoming construction work in the Fraser Valley.

Campbell Heights Business Park in south Surrey, with 1,800 acres, and Gloucester Industrial Estates in Langley have both emerged as developing regional industrial nodes.

Industrial lease developments recently completed or under construction at Campbell Heights include twin buildings of approximately 73,000 square feet scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2012.

Serving the Lower Mainland from the Fraser Valley to Squamish

s Full line of IKO commercial products s Safety equipment and tools s RoofAquaGuard UDLX high performance roofing underlayment s Chutes International construction debris chutes s Plywood s Drill point fasteners for ISO board & EPDM membrane with plates (Sizes 1-5/8" to 8") s A.R. EPS foam silver rigid insulation board s Custom made skylights, any size s Chain link and cedar fencing s Custom flashing s Concrete and clay roofing tiles s Low slope shingles

Surrey City Development Corp. is offering industrial lots in its Campbell Heights North Business Park development. Subdivision of the first 44-acre phase is underway and servicing will commence in early 2012.

The Beedie Group is seeking the last tenant for its large-bay Bakerview Business Centre in Gloucester. Beedie is also seeking buyers or tenants for a separate 40-acre site it holds at Gloucester.

As well, roofing giant Soprema is expanding its manufacturing plant in Chilliwack.

Mall expansions On the commercial side, Guildford Town Centre, owned and managed by Ivanhoé Cambridge, has launched a $280-million expansion and redevelopment project. When construction work is completed at the end of 2013, the centre’s gross leasing area will have increased to 1.2 million square feet, which will make it the largest regional shopping centre south of the Fraser River.

In Mission, Smart Centres is forging ahead with a new 117,000square-foot shopping centre, anchored by a 95,000-square-foot Walmart. The $30 million project is expected to complete this year. ■

One Stop Roof Shop s Same Day Delivery 10870 120th Street, Surrey

www.roofingproducts.ca or www.pacificwesternroof.com Tel 604-581-5863 s Toll Free 1-800-918-ROOF Fax 604-581-5864 Email pacificwesternroof@hotmail.com

24

WINTER 2011-12

Manville muscles up with new EPDM plant

Construction jobs up, but will they hold?

MILAN, OH – EPDM producer Johns Manville (JM) expects to open a giant new plant in Milan, Ohio, by February 2012 with full production of EPDM to start in May. The plant, using what Johns Manville says is the most advanced German-engineered roller die extrusions on the planet, will produce wide-sheet membranes for the North American roofing market.

EPDM is a thermoset synthetic rubber single-ply roofing membrane known for its durability, ease of installation and superior weathering characteristics. The new plant, a former rubber manufacturing facility, began renovations in May 2011, and has about 100 million square feet of manufacturing capacity. This will be the second new roofing systems facility opened

by JM in the past three years. The Colorado-based company opened its thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) plant in Alabama in 2008. ■

VANCOUVER – Building permits are down but construction employment was up in October 2011, according to Statistics Canada, which begs the question “can the job numbers hold?”

According to StatsCan, Lower Mainland building permits were up 24 percent in September compared to a month earlier, while construction employment was 14.3 percent higher than in the same period a year earlier.

Total building permit values in the region were $456.2 million in September compared to $600.8 million in August 2011.

Non-residential permit values fell back 37 percent for the month to $102.4 million, while the value of residential permits decreased 19 percent to $353.8 million.

Year to date total building permit values were about even with 2010 at $4.68 billion versus $4.67 billion in the first nine months of 2011, with a six percent drop in residential permits offset by a 16 percent rise in non-residential permit values.

The rise in non-residential permits year to date was led by a 30 percent rise in commercial permits and a 25 percent rise in industrial permits.

Construction employment in the region was up by a meagre 0.1 percent in October from September, with year-to-date employment up 14.3 percent. Regional employment remains just below the record high set in August.

Keith Sashaw, Executive Director of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, agreed that employment is steady but expressed doubts about the upcoming year.

“We don’t expect 2012 to match the job gains seen in 2011,” he said, “[but] we still expect gains led by non-residential investment.” ■ ROOFING BC

Roofing consultants “worth the cost” LANGLEY – With everyone looking to cut costs wherever possible, how do you know if a roofing consultant is worth the additional cost? And is it worth the gamble to find out you needed one when it is too late?

Richard Cook Jr., a partner in building envelope consulting with ADC Engineering and first vice president of consultants group RCI, Inc. says the predominant services provided by roofing consultants are: • Assess the conditions and needs for the roofs of your facilities; • Assist in the management and budgeting for roofs (in terms of repairs and replacements); • Provide design services for the roof work; • Administer the construction projects for the owner; and • Provide inspection services during construction.

“The main benefit of a roofing consultant, I believe, is independence and a nonbiased opinion of a solution,” says consultant Curt Liscum. “A good independent roof consultant isn’t selling a product, isn’t selling a service, and doesn’t have to sell labour for men to put something on.”

In order to be a professional member of RCI, consultants must sign an agreement to its code of ethics, which basically says they are independent and unbiased in their opinions.

In addition to an unbiased approach, there are several additional traits to look for, said Cook. He suggests that you look for the following attributes in a roofing consultant: • Knowledge of roofing and the total building envelope; • Experience in similar projects/work; • A proven track record;

Ideally, roofs should be checked every two years.

Photo: Conkin Patton

Across Northern BC and Alberta

Consulting • An established and qualified staff; • All required insurances (general liability, Workers’ Compensation, etc.); and • Any licenses or registrations as required on the scope of work.

A consultant can save a building owner money, Liscum noted.

“We find that owners are not maintaining their roofs,” he said, “Roofing is out of sight, out of mind. And what we find is premature failure of roofing systems because of the lack of attention and lack of preventive maintenance. Minor things aren’t being taken care of in a timely

fashion and therefore they cause major problems, premature problems, and are very costly to a lot of industries.”

While it is ideal to have a consultant up on your roof a couple of times each year, financially and realistically that doesn’t happen.

“I’m a realist, too, being in this business for over 30 years,” Liscum said. “I really think that if I can get up on my clients’ roofs every couple of years and help them with managing the problems at that time, whether we can just repair them or whatever we need to do, that could make a significant impact on long-term performance.” ■

MEMBER OF

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Dawson Creek, BC

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FALL 2011

IN THIS I SSUE:

FEATURES:

THE VOICE OF PROFESS

IONAL ROOFING CONTRAC

TORS

Member profile: Olymp ic Roofing Ltd.

Former Olympic wrestler Dean DeHamel is turning his young company into an industry contender

By Frank O’Brien

Port Coquitlam roofer Dean DeHamel came within a match of representing Canada at the Beijing Olympics in 2010, and the nationally ranked wrestler young now has a solid grip on the local roofing industry.

As founder and president of aptly named Olympic Roofing Ltd., and one of the latest members of the Roofing Contractors of BC, DeHamel believesAssociation he knows what it takes to build a winning company: hard work, talented crews and the experience to take on any contract. and guts

DeHamel, 34, started Roofing in 2001, shortly Olympic completing his RCABC after apprenticeship training with

Western Roofing Ltd. of Kamloops.

“It all started as a summer job,” he recalls, with his first roofing job the expansion of Thompson River University, where he worked on both flat roofs and metal sheets.

Recalls DeHamel: “I remember walking to school one morning in Kamloops with my nice clean clothes and I saw Western working on a warehouse Roofing with the tar kettle smoking and the workers on the roof with dust all over them.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40014608 RETURN UNDELIVERABL E CANADIAN ADDRESSES

Vol. 8, No. 3 • FALL

Dean DeHamel of Olympic

2011

Member profile: Olympic Roofing ..........................1 LEED the new normal ............... 8 Nelson Roofing wins ASM awards ........................... ....12 Fall protection hierarchies.......

16 ASSOCIATION: President’s message .................. 3 Steep roofing partnership between RCABC, CITO...............

Admiral saves boathouse....... 6 20 INDUSTRY NEWS: New roof walkway system....... 6 Roofing Expo booking .............. 6 BC’s Commercial outlook brightens.................................... ..

Largest solar roof complete....109 Hurricane-proof nail................

11 Steep slope better in high winds................ ..................11 New wood building guide.......11 BC Building Code delayed.......11 Firestone’s SA TPO and weatherproof vapour barrier membrane....... ..............14 Metro building permits up......15 WorkSafeBC gets creative ...... 18 Roofing BC coming online .....18 BC Housing aids building science programs ......................19 China’s Ghost Cities empty .... 21 RCI waterproofing seminar ... 21 CSC presents free fair ............. 21 COLUMN Legal Affairs: Postemployment restrictions ....... 22

Roofing

Award-winning ASM

I thought to myself, ‘man I would never want to do that job – it’s hot and dusty, glad I’m going today’, but only a couple to school later that’s right where of years I ended up, now I look back and just laugh.

DeHamel started Olympic ” with an old Ford pickup and Skidoo trailer he borrowed from his dad.

His first contract was installing shingles for Sears residential and he then moved onto commercial OLYMPIC continued

on page 4

Nelson Roofing takes ASM work to new heights. See page 12

Fall protection 101

First in a series. See

page 16

TO:

Roofing Contractor s Association of BC 9734 201 Street Langley, BC Canada V1M 3E8

Your official magazine, reaching key roofing professionals and specifiers throughout British Columbia Book your next ad now!

604-507-2162 Paddy@RoofingBC.ca ROOFING BC

WINTER 2011-12

25

LEGAL AFFAIRS

Contractor liens The failure of BC resort and residential projects in the past two years raises profile of builder liens Courtesy of Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch

The BC Builders Lien Act (the Act) helps those who have worked on a construction project or supplied material to it, but havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been paid.

Under this law, they can file a charge against the property to secure payment of the money owed to them.

A lien claimant, such as a roofing contractor, can file a builders lien to secure payment for work done on â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or material supplied to â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an improvement to land, such as a construction project. A large construction project is like a pyramid, with a developer (usually a landowner) at the top. The landowner may handle the construction personally, or hire a general contractor. The general contractor may hire several subcontractors such as a plumber, electrician, and so on. Those subcontractors may in turn hire workers and material suppliers.

Somewhere in this chain of contracts, someone may not get paid.

But a builders lien is not always good security. When a project fails, those who have filed liens frequently receive only a fraction of what they are owed. The right to file a builders lien is no substitute for careful credit-granting practices.

File claim quickly A claimant can file a lien personally or have a lawyer file it. The lien claimant must fill out Form 5 and file it in the Land Title Office where the land is registered. It is important to complete the form accurately.

The Parkside Resort in Victoria is among five BC properties sheltered from creditors as the developer, Aviawest, won an extension of credit protection to The form is in the Regulations mid-December. Aviawest owes nearly $100 million to mortgage of the Act, available at holders and unsecured creditors. Photo: Aviawest www.bclaws.ca.

Claimants must act quickly registered against the land, it can What happens in court? to file a lien. If they wait too long, interfere with the landownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s If the landowner doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay the they lose the right to do so. ability to sell the property or claim, and the court decides it is Generally, the deadline to file a lien maintain mortgage financing for the valid, the court will order the sale of is 45 days after the project is project. This alone may encourage the property and the use of the sale substantially the landowner to proceeds to pay the claim. But if the â&#x20AC;&#x153;When a project fails, take steps to completed, court decides the claim is not valid, abandoned or those who have filed â&#x20AC;&#x153;clearâ&#x20AC;? the lien, the lien will be removed, and the ended. But it may claimant may have to pay the liens frequently receive which may involve be necessary to file paying the claim or landownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costs resulting from the only a fraction of sooner. Once a lien and the court case. what they are owedâ&#x20AC;? providing other â&#x20AC;&#x153;certificate of security. If this does Sometimes, the landowner will completionâ&#x20AC;? is not occur, the claimant must take pay the general contractor, but the issued for a contract or subcontract, the further step of suing to enforce general contractor wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay the then the deadline is 45 days from the lien and prove the claim is valid. subcontractors. Because it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the date the certificate was issued.

The lawsuit must be started in a be fair to make the landowner pay Condominium projects, it should be Supreme Court Registry near the twice, the Act uses a system called noted, have different deadlines. property within one year of filing the â&#x20AC;&#x153;holdbackâ&#x20AC;? to protect the Because the deadlines are short and the lien. The lien claimant must also landowner if the general contractor can be confusing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to file file a â&#x20AC;&#x153;certificate of pending or a subcontractor defaults, or does the lien well before a deadline. litigationâ&#x20AC;? against the property in not pay what they owe. the Land Title Office. If both these The landowner must hold back What must be done after filing things are not done within a year, a lien?

10 percent of the contract price until the lien is no longer valid.

Because a buildersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lien is 55 days after the general contract is

substantially completed, abandoned, or otherwise ended. If the total project exceeds $100,000, the landowner must pay the 10 percent holdback into a holdback account at a bank or savings institution, administered jointly by the landowner and the contractor.

After the 55 days are up, if no liens have been filed, the landowner can pay out the 10 percent to the contractor. But if there are liens, the holdback may be used to help pay these liens.

BC also has a â&#x20AC;&#x153;multipleâ&#x20AC;? holdback system. So contractors and subcontractors must also hold back 10 percent from any subcontractors they hire.

But no holdback can be kept from workers, material suppliers, architects, or engineers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they must be paid in full. The value of these holdbacks may limit the amount a lien claimant can recover under the Act.

What about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;trust fundâ&#x20AC;??

The Act says that all money received by a contractor or subcontractor is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;trust fundâ&#x20AC;?.

Contractors or subcontractors must pay for everything they owe for work and materials supplied for the project before they can use the money for anything else. If they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, they may be personally liable.

Builders liens can be very complicated. Contractors who are not sure of their position should get prompt legal advice. â&#x2013;

WI NTER 2010

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Profile: Jack Lam.....................

1, 6 RCABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ASM centre opens... 12 Asbestosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deadly shadow.......

14 ASSOCIATION: Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message .................. 3 RCABC takes safety award....... 5 INDUSTRY NEWS: Steep slope roofers face more danger................ ....... 4 BC Place roof must leak .......... 4 PM backs solar roof innovations................................

10 Roofing leads asphalt From Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gutters demand, despite prices .......... 10 Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof topsto Roofing Consultants elect

By Frank Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Canadian president ................ 11 In the early 1950s Below the roof membrane..... a starving young Chinese 16 boy and his sister begged HST could be killed................... on the chaotic 18 streets of Guangdong CRCA issues chemical province and dug up wild potatoes for food resistance bulletin .....................18 in the former battlefields around UDI picks top projects their village. ............ 20 With Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victorious Housing starts to see communists holding summary executions modest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rise including a in 2011................ 20 man shot dead within feet of the children Vancouver green roof â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father sold him takes landscape award a neighbouring family at the age of six to .......... 21 that was fleeing the Metrodome roof collapses violence. ..... 21 Auto-feed screw driving A year later, in 1956, ......... 21 Jack Lam arrived in Vancouver with his Towers to sprout in adoptive mother, joining his new father who downtown Vancouver was ............ 21 Lam would never see already in Canada.

New Vancouver high-rises his birth mother again, though she searched point to work ahead .............. 22 for him for decades before her Pipe dreams in Major death.

Yet Lam, now founder Projects inventory............ ........ 22 30-employee Lam Metal and president of Football legend Joe Theismann remains thankful, not Contracting Ltd., keynote speaker ...................... bitter, about the sacrifice his family 22 was forced to make Building permits up in ................ 22 those terrible times.

Many COLUMN perished from starvation other children in the revolutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aftermath.

Legal Matters: Get your swagger back â&#x20AC;&#x153;Canada is a great, ......... 17 great country, a country of wealth and opportunity,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Lam defines that opportunity.

He began working construction in the 1970s after graduating with a diploma in Building Technology from the BC Institute of Technology. Soon after he was working as a junior draftsman for Westeel Rosco, which led him into estimating for metal roof decking, metal wall A very grand opening cladding and metal siding.

RCABC celebrates the launch of its Founded own company Architectural Sheet Metal training Confident in his ability, centre in style. See pages 12-15 Lam founded Lam Metal Contracting Ltd. in of my house in Burnaby.â&#x20AC;? 1991 â&#x20AC;&#x153;at the back As he modestly put it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we gradually grew from That is an understatement there.â&#x20AC;? . Lam Metal was recently hand picked to provide the metal work on the Rise mixed-use building in Vancouver, which captured this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Urban Development Asbestos Institute Award of still a clear and Excellence for PCL present danger Constructors.

Risky business: leave LAM continued on it to the pros. page 6 See pages 8 and 9

Vol. 7, No. 4 â&#x20AC;˘ WINTER

2010

Profile: Jack Lam

Jack Lam at the Burnaby

headquarters of Lam

Metal Contracting Ltd.

Photo: Richard Lam

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