November/December 2020 Vol. 18 No. 1
2020 VRCA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE NOMINATED PROJECTS PM 40063056
GERALD EPP, STRUCTURECRAFT BUILDERS | CONSTRUCTION SAFETY
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Inside November/December 2020 | Vol. 18 No. 1
06 Connections Gerald Epp, president and chief engineer of StructureCraft, has been delivering landmark projects for more than two decades.
PUBLISHER
MANAGING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Cheryl Mah Peter J. Gasparini Graham Henderson Neil Wilson
15 Special Supplement 2020 VRCA Awards of Excellence Nominated Projects
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Dan Gnocato Tel: 604.549.4521
PUBLISHED BY
Industry Focus 10 Construction Safety Building Support for Mental Health Workplace Safety Leadership Promoting Dimension Health
Departments 04 Message from the Editor 13 The Legal File Alberta’s Prompt Payment Legislation
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Cover Photo North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex is a nominated project for the VRCA Awards of Excellence. Construction Business is British Columbia and Alberta’s construction magazine. Each issue provides timely and pertinent information to contractors, architects, developers, consulting engineers, and municipal governments throughout both provinces. Complimentary copies are sent bi-monthly to all members of the Architectural Institute of B.C., B.C. Construction Association, B.C. Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association, Consulting Engineers of B.C., Construction Specifications Canada — B.C. Chapter, Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association, B.C. Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C., Urban Development Institute of B.C. and Vancouver Regional Construction Association.
Editor’s Note
Next Year
I
’m sure most of you would agree that we can’t wait to see 2020 come to an end. It’s been an exhausting year on so many levels with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — lineups, masks, hand sanitizer, working from home, temperature checks, contact tracing, Zoom, lockdowns etc. While everyone has done their best to adjust at home and at work, our daily lives have been irreparably changed. Our heightened focus on health and safety has been necessary to contain the spread of the virus, but the dramatic changes have also exacerbated isolation, mental health and addiction challenges. The second wave of the pandemic is increasing stress and anxiety, and the construction industry is not immune. Employers need to have strategies
in place to provide support for mental health and addiction issues. Our safety feature takes a look at mental health and the need to continue improving workplace safety. For our profile, we talk to Gerald Epp, president and chief engineer of StructureCraft Builders. The well known and respected structural engineer has delivered many landmark projects across North America and overseas. Inspired by the master-craftsman tradition, the design-build company is using innovative engineering and modern construction techniques to create complex and beautiful structures. The North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex, on our cover, is a recent award winning project that is adding to the company’s long list of accolades.
Normally this issue is devoted to the VRCA Awards of Excellence winners but like so many events, it had to be cancelled to meet health and safety guidelines. Instead, we are celebrating the 41 projects nominated in 2020. VRCA’s decision to showcase the nominated projects virtually this year allows the best of the industry to still be recognized. Hopefully we can return to celebrating the industry (and more) in person next year.
Cheryl Mah Managing Editor
BFL CANADA Construction and Real Estate Insurance, risk management, and surety bond brokers For more information contact: BFL CANADA Insurance Services Inc. 1177 West Hastings Street, Suite 200 Vancouver, BC V6E 2K3 T. 778-329-4179 construction@bflcanada.ca
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November/December 2020
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MODERN MASTER
BUILDER BY CHERYL MAH
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CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
November/December 2020
Connections North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex
Vancouver structural engineer Gerald Epp loves to create beautiful and efficient structures. His curiosity, persistence and drive for excellence have resulted in an illustrious career spanning 40 years. Since founding StructureCraft Builders in 1998, Epp has delivered numerous landmark timber projects in North America and overseas. The company has worked on a string of award winning projects including Central City, Richmond Olympic Oval, the Bow River Pedestrian Timber Bridge and the Arena Stage Theatre. “We are engineer builders. We love building beautiful structures and building it efficiently and quickly,” says Epp, president and chief engineer of Structurecraft. “I think our design abilities set us apart. Engineering is foremost in our company which is unique among timber companies.” The engineer-led construction firm specializing in timber has more than 20 years of experience in design, fabrication and construction. It works with clients internationally to design and build complex architectural, exposed wood structures.
“We focus not only on mass timber. We also do long span structures, foot bridges and custom architectural buildings,” he says. “We guide clients through the whole process and ensure the budget is maintained.” Recognized as a pioneer in modern mass-timber construction, Epp began his career working with consulting firms on various commercial, residential, and institutional structures. “I was always curious and detailed when I was a boy. I was good at science and math in high school so engineering came naturally to me,” he says. Born and raised in B.C., Epp received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1981, and a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering in 1983 from the University of British Columbia. His early interest in unique structural forms led him to join the Vancouver office of Geiger Associates in 1985 where he worked on key projects for Expo 86. In 1987, Epp joined his friend Paul Fast’s firm, and in 1989 the partnership of Fast +Epp was formed. During their almost three decades-long partnership,
the two engineers worked on a variety of projects that earned the firm an international reputation for producing architecturally expressive structures, often featuring pioneering structural solutions. “Right from the beginning, even as we pounded the pavement looking for work, we dreamed of doing something special — beyond the conventional,” recalls Epp. The two partners’ passion for the unconventional led to early collaborations with many renowned architects, which allowed the firm to explore and work on projects that pushed new boundaries. The growing interest by architects in exposed structures and then timber was a “real game changer,” according to Epp. A seminal trip to Europe in 1994 inspired Epp with the master builder concept where architecture, engineering and construction operate as one. He took the traditional master-craftsmen ideas home and the opportunity to engineer and build materialized with a Vancouver Aquarium project by architect Bing Thom in 1997.
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Connections
The Soto Office Building, San Antonio
The market at the time did not offer the right price or the expertise for the unusual hybrid timberstainless steel trusses designed for the Aquarium project so Epp created StructureCraft to realize the ambitious structure. “The Aquarium project was the first and a huge wakeup call — taking on the risk as builder. But it worked out well,” he says. “As engineer builders, we have more control over quality and cost. The concept of the master builder is our inspiration and that’s what we still do.” Eventually the increasing demands of two successful businesses saw Epp leave Fast + Epp amicably in 2014 to be the sole owner of StructureCraft, with Fast as sole owner of the consultancy. Today, StructureCraft is team of 125 including two of Epp’s sons, Lucas and Gerald Jr. Headquartered in Abbotsford, the company operates out 8
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of a state-of-the-art 50,000 square foot office and shop. The facility was built in 2017 to accommodate growth and to showcase a new standard in industrial building design with wood. The building was erected in five days, garnering two prestigious industry awards for use of wood and structural engineering. The new facility also allowed the company to launch a new mass timber product into the market — Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT). StructureCraft is the first and only North American manufacturer of DLT. “Half of our shop is dedicated to producing DLT and the other half produces custom designed work,” says Epp, explaining that DLT is similar to CLT but is formed by stacking boards vertically and put together with hardwood dowels instead of nails or glue. “DLT was not really
November/December 2020
well known here so we saw an opportunity to have something unique. We invested heavily in machinery from Europe.” While the company works with all types of materials and mass timber products, Epp notes DLT is highly efficient for use in one-direction spans in floors (like an office building) or roof applications. Panels can be made into a variety of sizes, typically 10 feet wide and 60 feet long, and can be used for floor, wall and roof structures. “We find architects, from a visual point of view, really like the narrow faced look that DLT products create,” he says. “But we use whatever makes the most sense, is the most efficient and the right architectural solution. Shipping lengths, delivery schedule, species desired by the client…all those things are judged for each project.” Growing interest and demand for mass timber structures, along with government support, has meant steady business for the company. “Most of our work is now in the U.S. We are registered in multiple states. We’re working in California, Seattle, Portland, Baltimore and Indianapolis. Texas has been a big market for us,” says Epp, noting wood construction has become increasingly competitive in recent years. In Nashville, the company is currently working on two office buildings and a soccer stadium. They just completed the DC Southwest Library, the capital’s first all mass timber building, which uses DLT to achieve a world-first folded plate roof. For the University of Idaho basketball arena, StructureCraft was the structural engineer and builder for the unique free-form timber roof structure. When completed, the arena will be the first signature wood facility of its size in the state, serving as a national model for the use of mass timber for long-span sports facilities. “If it wasn’t for COVID, we would be even busier,” says Epp, noting the pandemic has delayed or cancelled a few projects but overall it has not had a big impact. “We’ve been able to adapt using technology so we’re able to work almost seamlessly — using video for site tours and sharing info on projects. We normally have two or three of our people on site and then hire crews locally.” The company has also worked on groundbreaking mass timber office buildings like T3 in Minneapolis and Atlanta. T3 in Minnepolis was the first modern tall timber building in the U.S. and StructureCraft installed the 180,000 square foot timber superstructure in only 9.5 weeks. “That project was seminal. It convinced the client that they can be successful in a genre that’s not tested. They took the risk and it was economical and the building was leased up quickly,” says Epp. While more local work would be welcomed, he cites two main reasons why the U.S. is keeping them
Connections
busy. “First, the market is ten times the size of Canada. Second, you have highly entrepreneurial people in the U.S. They jump on new ideas quicker than Canadians. They will take the risk and experiment. We Canadians tend to be more cautious.” Projects in China have also provided interesting challenges such as the Tsingtao Pearl Visitor Centre in 2012 and most recently, the Taiyuan Botanical Gardens. The gardens project comprises three domes acting as greenhouses. A slender timber lattice grid shell supports the glass-clad enclosures in each dome. The largest dome spans almost 300 feet, making it the longest clear-span timber grid shell of its type in the world. The complex geometrical arrangement meant that every one of the members is unique. “We’ve done many great projects — experimental projects — that allow us to create new connections or erection methodologies that really push the boundaries. I love conceptualizing and challenging our engineers,” says Epp, citing his favourite and most challenging project was Banff ’s pedestrian bridge, one of the longest timber bridges in the world. The innovative use of wood and technical engineering excellence for that project earned it multiple awards. A recent award winning project is the North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex, which received a 2020 NCSEA Excellence in Structural Engineering Award. StructureCraft’s suggestion for pre-fabricated wood roof panels as an alternate to deep metal deck on the complex resulted in substantial cost and schedule savings for the client. “We gave them a cost which was attractive. Typically arenas are built in steel. We suggested wooden panels and it turned out beautifully and we did it very economically,” says Epp, explaining the long-span hybrid timber/steel trusses span up to 140 feet to form the main roof support.
With Canada’s new building code, allowing for the construction of taller wood buildings up to 12 storeys, future opportunities look promising. But Epp believes much more can be done, especially when it comes to commercial wood buildings, noting most local mass timber projects have been largely confined to institutional or multi-residential. “I think commercial buildings are where the real market and opportunities could be. There are some projects on the books here but nothing has
been built yet,” says Epp, adding the 2021 International Building Code allows for wood buildings up to 18 storeys tall. As for the future of the company, Epp wants to continue pushing new frontiers with engineering solutions and mass timber structures. Passing on his knowledge and passion to the next generation will ensure the continued success of the company. “I’m still engineer of record for most of our projects, but I see my role largely as mentoring now,” says Epp.
Speedskating Oval for 2010 Olympics “woodwave” panel.
Bow River Bridge, Alberta
November/December 2020
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9
Construction Safety
Building Support for Mental Health
COVID-19 s raising concerns and awareness in the industry BY CHERYL MAH
W
hen it comes to mental health issues in the construction industry, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is raising concerns and emphasizing the importance of having strategies in place to provide support. The high level of uncertainty and stress created by the crisis can lead to anxiety, substance use and depression. There is a real need to transition workplace cultures in meaningful ways to allow for open conversations about mental health. COVID-19 has brought mental health, along with other safety issues, to the forefront like never before. With construction deemed an essential service early in the pandemic, companies had to react quickly to implement new public health measures to continue working. “One of the advantages we had as a construction industry is we do have a lot of health and safety
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“COVID-19 has brought mental health, along with other safety issues, to the forefront like never before.”
protocols in place already that are required,” said Darin Hughes, president of Scott Construction. “For us, it was really about understanding what we needed to do immediately to ensure that our workers are safe.” Hughes was one of several industry experts that met for a virtual summit to discuss mental health strategies as part of the BC Municipal
November/December 2020
Safety Association’s free psychological support toolkit, developed to provide workers with resources to cope during the pandemic. For the construction industry, collaboration and sharing protocols was key to getting through the initial stage of the pandemic, said Hughes, and then through the summer, it almost felt normal.
“Now we’re at this stage where we’re starting to see the long-term effects of being in this state of hyper attention to COVID,” he continued. “What we’re seeing now is... people definitely having anxiety, seeing some absentee issues and we are also seeing a general irritation on a day-today basis.” Hughes explained it’s important to allow mental health to be an approachable subject and deliver the information easily and in “digestible size” content to those who need it. Moving forward, he said it’s important to watch workers closely, identify what are the signs and provide the right support. Scott Construction’s mental health committee has focused on making information as easy to access and as frequently available as possible. “The key for us is to make sure they know what supports are out there. We’re not going to solve the issues around mental health necessarily but we’re able to direct them and guide them. From our standpoint, that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said. “But we can do a lot better to continue to make the information available.” Scott Construction created a mental health committee several years ago to assist workers who need help with their mental health and wellness. The volunteer committee assists and teaches what to notice, what to do, and how to be proactive with someone struggling with mental illness. COVID has also made substance abuse, which is already a challenging problem, worse in the industry. Hughes explained that construction work is very physical that can cause repetitive strains and injuries, driving workers to seek relief with alcohol or other substances. “This is a very hard subject to talk about. When you look at the numbers and how they relate to our industry specifically — it’s daunting,” he said. “We’re a male dominated industry and the way males typically deal with mental health is through substance abuse.” Although there is more awareness about mental health, the biggest barrier to mental illness assistance is the stigma that still exists. COVID has put a greater focus on mental health and substance abuse, which Hughes feels will be the upside that comes out of this. “I think putting the spotlight on these issues for the construction industry is needed,” he said. “There will be a much greater focus on it going forward — how do we provide y estimate the resources to the people who need it and raming.ca how / (604)558-2473 do we identify it. We have a lot more awareness in our industry and I’m excited about where we can take that.”
Construction Safety
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The app includes checklists and links to industry-specific protocols and resources that can help you keep workers healthy and safe. Visit worksafebc.com/covid-19-app.
November/December 2020
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
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Construction Safety
Workplace Safety Leadership
Improving fall protection safety, hand safety and culture in a pandemic BY PETER J. GASPARINI
T
he pandemic has been the focus of everyone’s attention for several months. The successful application of COVID-19 protocols has made construction workplaces some of the safest, and allowed us to get back to the business of improving safety, preventing workplace injuries, and strengthening our safety culture. In Ledcor’s case, we focused on preventing falls from height and hand injuries — you’re wondering how could these two things possibly be related? Falls from height are a leading contributor to workplace injuries and fatalities. In many cases, workers have the training, experience, and equipment to do the work safely and according to plan, but they do not execute accordingly. They take shortcuts for convenience or to achieve production demands. These shortcuts often put workers in a fall hazard. Fortunately, workers do not always fall, but this creates elevated risk tolerance in life-critical conditions. Hand injuries are common and are, in some respects, accepted as part of the job working in construction. Often the injuries to hands are not significant, and hand injuries, like fall protection near-miss incidents, go unreported because there were no significant outcomes. If employers are dismissive of near-misses or cuts and scratches to hands, they are letting their workers and themselves down. We knew from statistics that incidents and injuries were underreported. We engaged our trade partners’ management and workers to understand 12
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what were the organizational, workplace and personal barriers to safety. We were rewarded with an increase in reporting and appreciated the trust that was given us by workers and trades to providing greater transparency. Typically, an increase in safety stats is not often greeted positively or with enthusiasm. We were ecstatic. We took this as a sign that workers and our trade partners shared our concerns for safety, and they also wanted to understand the full extent of safety issues to develop activities that reduce risks. We repurposed policies and protocols existing both in construction and in the less obvious but equally dangerous world of scuba diving. Work in a fall hazard can be as “dangerous” as work in confined spaces or as “risky” as hot work. We turned workat-height for leading edge activities into a permit process. We developed and implemented the trial use of Fall Protection Work Permits at the point of work to verify precautions were aligned with the fall plan and appropriate to current conditions. We envisioned the process to be as similar and important as an airplane pilot completing a checklist in the cockpit prior to takeoff. From scuba, we adapted the use of “Buddy Checks.” Buddy Checks is a procedure where each diver checks that another diver’s equipment is configured and functioning correctly just before the start of the dive. By checking each other’s equipment as well as their own, it is thought to be more likely that any equipment faults will be identified prior to the start of the dive. Workers and trade partners on our construction projects immediately saw value in applying Buddy
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Checks to fall protection preparations, and we reached out to the broader industry to add this to CSA standards and training curriculums. For hand safety, many employers already have mandatory glove policies. Our initiative focused on educating ourselves, trade partners and workers in hand injuries and how to prevent them. We partnered with hand safety expert and glove manufacturer Superior Glove and conducted consultations with contractors and workers to evaluate and improve current hand safety practices. There was little understanding among field personnel of ANSI and ASTM standards for glove design and characteristics for cut, abrasion, puncture, heat, and impact resistance, as well as flexibility, water proofing and cell phone touch capability. Superior Glove helped us identify gloves appropriate for the variety of jobsite tasks and other tasks where gloves should not be worn because they would constitute a hazard. Using the contents of the book Rethinking Hand Safety (Joe Geng, 2019) as a lens to evaluate our practices and our culture against safety paradigms and practical wisdom, we engaged our executive team and safety personnel in a virtual book club. From the book, we launched into honest and reflective discussions that influenced our practices and culture in addition to educating ourselves. Ledcor believes that all incidents are preventable. Our goal is ZERO. When we have zero as a goal, it puts us in a frame of mind to question commonly held beliefs and to challenge our current practices and look at things differently. Zero is not just a goal; it represents our moral commitment to workers and the industry. There is no way to say safety is important but hand injuries and fall protection near-misses are OK, but that is exactly the message that some employers have unknowingly sent to workers. Change is difficult, and improving workplace safety as well as our own culture is a journey. How we engage our trade partners and how we engage industry is the difference between success and failure. Our goal is not to create Ledcor-centric standards but to develop and support industry best practices. The construction industry’s development of COVID-19 precautions and success is proof of what employers, workers and industry can achieve when they are aligned and committed. We must remain equally aligned and committed to workplace safety wherever we encounter challenges. Peter J. Gasparini is vice president, operations and head of HS&E, construction, Ledcor Construction Limited.
Construction Safety
Promoting Dimensional Health BY NEIL WILSON
M
itigating risk and supporting injury prevention through programs that contribute to the safe work and wellness of workers, on and off the job site, is crucial in our industry. In recent years, we have seen these practices drastically improve injury occurrence, but the risk for injury remains. The importance of increasing awareness to support workers and their overall dimensional health should be a top priority for all employers. We tend to see injuries fall into two categories on sites. The first is acute or traumatic in nature, resulting from a cause-effect relationship, such as a twisted ankle and subsequent sprain. The second, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), occurs as a result of musculoskeletal dysfunction which refers to body alignment and tissues that are misaligned from their natural-designed position. These tissues are then continually stressed causing weakness, thus decreasing the ability to function and absorb force. Similar to principles in industrial hygiene, there is a threshold limit value (TLV) that continues to be reduced. At any point where the TLV is exceeded by load, which are the forces required of the tissue, or volume which further fatigues the dysfunctional tissues, an injury can occur, generally defined and recognized by the worker feeling pain. It is imperative to support the prevention of these types of injuries and to promote participation from workers well before they set foot on site. The success of these programs is founded on communication, and the early recognition of ergonomics or physical environment, symptoms, and behaviours that directly impact the outcome.
MITIGATE INJURY RISK Much of the work required to keep our most valuable asset, our workers, successful and free of injury on-site takes place off-site. This includes ensuring proper rest, nutrition, and adequate support of mental and physical health. Many extended benefit programs offer paramedical services that provide access to professionals including chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopaths, massage therapists, dieticians, psychologists, and naturopathic doctors, to name a few. At Stuart Olson, we provide regular reminders, resources, and education for employees on these important topics, and on-site, teams utilize ‘Toolbox Talks’ to encourage an open dialogue and culture that puts health and safety at the forefront of everything we do. Below are just a few ways we promote dimensional health: Sleep is critical and we regularly discuss the
importance of rest and remind our teams that the
average person requires 7 to 9 hours of sleep to avoid entering an ongoing sleep deficit. In theory, this deficit can only be sustained for a maximum of 48 hours before it begins to cause fatigue and dysfunction, directly impacting health, safety, and performance both on and off-site. Psychological Health is an integral part of Stuart Olson’s HSE and HR programs. The current climate of the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people at varying degrees and, for many, support is needed now more than ever. In addition to our regular resource sharing and our Employee and Family Assistance Program, our supervisors and leadership recently participated in a mental health webinar to ensure they are equipped with the tools required to support their teams. Movement is one area where employers can affect change and see immediate return on investment. Movement is the foundation of the Stuart Olson injury prevention program, known as the musculoskeletal dynamic warm-up and stretch program. These programs are built and executed under the principle of developmental movement patterns. The neurological activation of the movement patterns allows the fascial chains to move freely without dysfunction. Fascial chains are the connective tissue between all parts of the body, particularly muscles and
organs. When one area of the body is under fascial stress/dysfunction, it can, and will affect many other areas of the body as it compensates to manage that dysfunction, in turn reducing the threshold capacity (increasing risk of injury). Since implementing movement supplemented with static stretching micro-breaks throughout the workday, we have seen a significant increase in our workers’ involvement, and the positive effects felt as they have prepared the body for the rigours of each workday. Morning warm-up movement activities can also benefit the workers psychologically as it fosters social connection, comradery, and movement which scientifically makes you feel good. As leaders, we all play a role in supporting the health and safety of our workers, peers, and ourselves on site. To do this right, we truly need to maintain balance among all dimensions of health and wellness and to encourage this across the board. This can aid in reducing chance of injury both on and off-site, improving psyche, and can be vital in maintaining adequate immune health. Your program can be successful if you define the purposes of each activity and continually educate the workforce on the “why”. Neil Wilson is regional health, safety, and environment (HSE) manager with Stuart Olson Industrial in Red Deer, Alberta.
November/December 2020
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Legal File
A First Look at Alberta’s Prompt Payment Legislation BY GRAHAM HENDERSON • An adjudication must be performed by a qualified adjudicator, appointed by a Nominating Authority that will be established by the Minister of Service Alberta. • The determination of a matter by an adjudicator is final and binding on the parties, except that it may be reviewed by the Court on certain grounds through an Application for judicial review. 4. Further rules for the dispute adjudication system, such as the procedures for conducting an adjudication, will be provided in regulations established by the Government of Alberta and in procedures established by the Nominating Authority.
T
he Government of Alberta has introduced Bill 37, which proposes new rules relating to issues such as builders’ liens, payment terms, invoicing, and dispute resolution in the construction industry. Below, we highlight the key changes that are proposed in Bill 37.
PAYMENT & INVOICING Bill 37 is intended to implement a regime providing prompt payment for construction work performed in Alberta. In this regard, Bill 37 introduces new deadlines for payment of invoices and new restrictions on payment terms in construction contracts. The key changes relating to payment and invoicing are as follows: 1. Owners, contractors and subcontractors will be required to pay “proper invoices” within 28 days after receipt. 2. Bill 37 defines a “proper invoice” for the construction industry, and sets out the minimum requirements for the content of a proper invoice. • For example, under Bill 37, proper invoices will need to include specific information such as (i) a description of the work or materials provided, (ii) the period of time during which the work or materials were provided, and (iii) the authority (whether in a written or verbal contract or otherwise) for the work or materials to be provided. 3. Construction contracts will be prohibited from including ‘pay-when-paid’ clauses (clauses stating that a person is not obligated to pay a subcontractor until after that person receives payment). 4. Construction contracts will be prohibited from requiring certification from a person or approval from an owner before a proper invoice can be issued. However, prior certification or approval will be permitted in contracts for testing and commissioning. 5. With respect to the mandatory 10 per cent holdback currently required under the Builders’ Lien Act, Bill 37 expands on existing provisions regarding 14
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progressive release of the holdback over the course of a project (under current rules, a progressive release is permitted through certificates of substantial performance) by providing an additional mechanism for progressively releasing the holdback. •P ursuant to the new mechanism, a progressive release of the holdback will be allowed when specific requirements are met. For example, such requirements include that (i) the contract price would need to exceed a certain amount (that amount is not yet prescribed by the Government of Alberta), and (ii) the construction contract would need to include certain terms expressly permitting the progressive release of the holdback.
DISPUTES & ADJUDICATION Bill 37 provides new rules relating to dispute resolution, including a new dispute adjudication regime. The key changes relating to dispute resolution are as follows: 1. Owners, contractors and subcontractors have 14 days to issue a notice disputing a proper invoice. 2. With respect to partially disputed invoices, Bill 37 will require owners, contractors and subcontractors to release payment of the undisputed portion of a proper invoice. 3. Bill 37 will establish a new dispute adjudication system intended to provide an alternative to resolving disputes through the Courts. Some details of the adjudication system are as follows: • A party to a contract or subcontract may refer a dispute to adjudication. • A party may only refer to adjudication a dispute with the other party to their contract or subcontract. Therefore, entities involved in a project but not contracted with each other will be unable to adjudicate with each other (for example, a subcontractor and the owner’s consultant will be unable to adjudicate). • The adjudication procedures in Bill 37 override any contrary adjudication procedures in a construction contract.
November/December 2020
BUILDERS’ LIENS Bill 37 mostly leaves the current builders’ lien procedures unchanged. However, Bill 37 does modify lien deadlines and the minimum amount of a lien claim: 1. The deadline for registering liens for the concrete industry is extended from 45 days to 90 days. Oil and gas well projects will also have a deadline of 90 days, which is consistent with the current rules in Alberta. 2. The deadline for registering liens for the rest of the construction industry is extended from 45 days to 60 days. 3. The minimum dollar value of a lien claim is increased from $300 to $700. OTHER INFORMATION AND CHANGES In addition to the changes outlined above, the following information and changes are noteworthy: 1. Alberta’s Builders’ Lien Act will be renamed to the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act. 2. Bill 37 expands the availability of information requests relating to a construction project. Specifically, additional people involved with a project (not just the lienholder, as is the case under Alberta’s current rules) will be allowed to request information such as statements of accounts, contracts and mortgage terms. 3. The new rules proposed in Bill 37 will not apply retroactively. They will only apply to contracts entered into after the rules come into force. 4. The proposed changes do not apply to projects that would not have been governed by the Builders’ Lien Act. If Bill 37 passes, then the next step will be for the Government of Alberta to develop regulations associated with Bill 37. Service Alberta currently intends to bring the new rules into force in July 2021. Graham Henderson is an associate at McLennan Ross LLP in Edmonton.
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No.4 Vol. 6 2009 . 4 No. 2 une May/J y 2007 | Vol
2009 VRCA Awards
PLUS
• CONC
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R I C H A R D C A M P B E L L E C A B C • R O O Fof I N G Excellence • ROADBUILDING
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W W W. C O N S T R U C T I O N B U S I N E S S . C A
WWW. C O N S T R U C T I O N B U S I N E S S . C A
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VIRTUALLY CELEBRATING THE INDUSTRY AS THE LARGEST REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION association in B.C. with a rich history that extends back to the 1920s, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) normally celebrates the construction industry’s finest companies and individuals at its annual Awards of Excellence gala in October. However, the declaration of a global pandemic in March changed that. In the months since, when we would normally be judging project submissions, determining Silver and Gold Award winners and celebrating our industry’s incredible achievements, we were instead laser-focused on supporting our member companies to continue to operate safely through the pandemic when it was having a devastating effect on other industries, businesses of all sizes and Canadians from coast, to coast, to coast. Our industry is privileged to be an essential service provider, a role that comes with enormous responsibility, not only for the health and safety of workers and their loved ones, but for the future success of our province. I send my sincere thanks to everyone who moved quickly to not only implement the enhanced safety protocols that allow construction companies to continue building the schools, hospitals, roads, bridges and other essential infrastructure that B.C. needs now and in future, but to share those same protocols with their trade
partners and even competitors so that they could succeed too. Eight months in and those safety protocols have prevented outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus on site. However, as we have witnessed the number of positive cases increase across the province since mid-October, it is clear we have a long way to go. Dr. Bonnie Henry reminds us regularly that the actions we take as individuals today to mitigate the transmission of the virus influence our future reality. Together let’s double down on those basic protocols — washing our hands, wearing a mask and staying at least six feet apart — that keep us safe at work and at home and let’s flatten our curve. Just as the industry needed to pivot in response to public health orders, VRCA did too! While the order that prohibits gatherings of 50 or more people resulted in cancellation of the Awards gala, it also spawned some new ideas and our decision to celebrate virtually the 41 projects nominated in 2020. Thank you to the 152 companies that submitted nominations and to our 2020 Awards sponsor Home Depot Pro for their generous sponsorship to build the Awards of Excellence online portal and supporting YouTube videos. Meanwhile, all nominations received in 2020 will be moved to the new year and judged alongside nominations received for the 2021 Awards of
Excellence, for which the substantial completion window will be extended from two to three years. I want to close by acknowledging our industry — across the entire supply chain — for its work, its dedication and professionalism and its achievements that are the complex, state-of-the-art buildings and infrastructure that we use every day. We look forward to celebrating you in person in 2021. Fiona Famulak President, VRCA
SUPPLYING PRODUCTS COMMUNITIES ARE BUILT ON. Chilliwack Plant Expansion
New Manufacturing Facility Duncan
The Langley Concrete Group is proud to be continuing our ongoing expansion plans within our operations to support our customers and provide structural precast products using local suppliers. Made in B.C. means investing in our communities, providing jobs and helping our economy. At this time, more than ever, support locally made products, of all types.
www.langleyconcretegroup.com Langley_Concrete_November_2020.indd 1
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R.E. MOUNTAIN SECONDARY SCHOOL
Stuart Olson Construction Ltd. CWC Architectural Millwork 2007 Inc. Gallagher Bros. Contractors Ltd Georgia Mechanical Systems Ltd. Jack Cewe Construction Ltd. Marine Roofing (1996) Ltd. Plan Group Inc. Whitemud Ironworks Limited
THE NEW LEED GOLD 3 STOREY R.E. MOUNTAIN SECONDARY school is an important milestone for families and students in Langley. The 80,000 square foot structure is a combination of steel and concrete with metal cladding and brick, accommodating 1,700 students. The design philosophy for this project was to create an educational environment through natural light and ventilation, rational floor plans, improved visibility and connection to the outdoor.
PENTICTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL PHASE 1
EllisDon Corporation Laing Roofing Pitt Meadows Plumbing & Mechanical Systems (2001) Ltd. Premsteel Fabricators Inc. Rutland Glass Swisslog Upper Canada
THE PENTICTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL PROVIDES SECONDARY and specialized acute care for South Okanagan and surrounding communities. The new six-storey tower provides modern standard of care by accommodating ambulatory care, surgical services, 84 inpatient beds in single-patient rooms, a new medical device reprocessing unit, space for the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine and a rooftop heliport.
SEMIAHMOO SHOPPING CENTRE — FORMER ZELLERS RETRO-FIT AND STOREFRONT RENOVATION
EllisDon Corporation 3E Glass Ltd. Concord Painting & Wall Covering Ltd. Flynn Canada Ltd. Fred Welsh Ltd Impact Ironworks Ltd. Protec Installations Group
THE RENOVATION OF THE 66,000 SQUARE FOOT FORMER Zellers location included updating the base building to accommodate new tenant improvements, adjoining exterior mall entrance upgrades, and removal of brick façade to incorporate the new storefront. Approximately 22,000 square feet dedicated to the anchor tenant was constructed concurrently with the base building work. The construction was needed to be done without any interruption to the public and daily mall activities. 18
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THE SHIPYARDS — CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
Turner Bros. Contractors Ltd. Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. BMJ West Coast Inc. CN Architectural Millwork and Construction Inc. Daryl-Evans Mechanical Ltd. MDE Enterprises Ltd. dba MDE Electrical Mechanical Contractors Richelieu Building Specialties div of Richelieu Hardware Canada Ltd. Sterling Floor & Tile Ltd. Team Glass Co. Ltd.
THE 10,849 SQUARE FOOT CAPILANO UNIVERSITY FEATURES operable partitions that accommodate different class and event sizes, and a metal-clad 14-foot tall structure that provides additional break-out spaces and classrooms. Reflective of its West Coast setting, the new campus highlights architectural focal pieces such as ceiling hung millwork that reflect tree canopies and delicate pendant lights that mimic birds.
BC HOUSING PENTICTON
EllisDon Corporation Greyback Construction Ltd. Combined Mechanical Contractors Ltd. Keldon Electric Ltd. Trail Appliances
THE BC HOUSING PENTICTON PROJECT IS A FOUR-STOREY multi-purpose building that includes 40 units of residential rentals, two commercial retail units, a playground, and covered parking. This flexible and adaptable project was specifically designed to accommodate multiple tenant groups and allows for convenient access to transit, shopping, grocery stores, parks, Penticton Regional Hospital, and the lakefront.
WEWORK
Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. BC Hardwood Feature Millwork Fred Welsh Ltd. Robertson Walls & Ceilings Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd.
USING A UNIVERSAL APPROACH TO DESIGN AND BY incorporating unique elements that reflect the surrounding neighbourhood, WeWork provides flexible workspaces and scalable business services. The custom-built workspaces integrate creative approaches to coworking space, including central kitchens and pantry areas, AV and conference rooms, IT rooms, hot desks, lounge areas, wellness rooms, telephone booths, and open and closed offices, with custom millwork elements throughout the space. November/December 2020
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BLINK MEDIA OFFICE RELOCATION
Turner Bros. Contractors Ltd. CDC Construction Ltd. Ange’s Plumbing Ltd. KEL Design and Procurement Corp. Norwest Architectural Millwork Razor Manufacturing Ltd. Wicks Electric Inc.
BLINK MEDIA PURCHASED A NEW STUDIO SPACE THAT MET their vision for enhancing collaboration and interaction among team members. Their new office includes a recording studio, green room, rehearsal area, sound-proof room for podcasts, and workstations for editing, administration, and post-production. Special features include a planter system with integrated watering and an elaborate sound system installed throughout the space for hosting events and product launches.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE
Scott Construction Management Ltd. Canem Systems Ltd. Hexcel Construction Ltd. Keith Panel Systems Co. Ltd. Retro Specialty Contractors Inc. Spectrum Painting Ltd. View Inc. Villa Roofing
THE PROJECT IS COMPRISED OF 164,000 SQUARE FOOT 10 and 12-storey concrete towers, including a concrete parking structure decoratively clad with a perforated metal panel system. The standard curtainwall includes smart glass, which uses artificial intelligence to control glare and optimize daylight, while green roof systems were implemented to support several water features.
UNDERGRADUATE LIFE SCIENCE TEACHING LABS RENEWAL — BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES BUILDING PROJECT
Scott Construction Ltd. Bridge Electric Corp. Broadway Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Co. Ltd. Flynn Canada Ltd. Robertson Walls & Ceilings
THE UBC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES BUILDING WAS CONSOLIDATED into one large complex by demolishing the centre block and workshop building and replacing them with a five-storey, state-of-the-art facility. The north wing received a complete seismic upgrade with structural reinforcement while the south and west wings received interior Improvements, including new bridge connections. The upgraded landscaping of the interior courtyard included cedar benches and an improved aquatics research area. 20 CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
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FRASER VALLEY CANCER CENTRE 4&5 RENOVATION Chandos Construction Ltd.
THE FRASER VALLEY CANCER CENTRE VAULT 4 & VAULT 5 replacements involved extensive renovations within the fully operational Surrey Memorial Hospital. The redevelopment was completed in two separate phases and included interior demolition, adjoining control offices, installation of vault doors and dry wall steel stud framing. Both phases were completed under level 4 infection control and avoided disruptions to hospital operations.
MAPLE RIDGE LEISURE CENTRE UPGRADES
Chandos Construction Ltd. Anton Electrical Services (2011) Inc. Omega Mechanical Ltd.
THE PROJECT INVOLVED THE REDESIGN OF THE FACILITY’S interior, which included a new leisure pool, upgrades to the pool’s mechanical systems, and renovations to the existing lobby, change rooms, and administrative offices. Upon construction, it became evident that the 40-year-old building also required structural updates to support the renovations. Even with the additional scope of work, the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre remained open to the general public.
SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY GOLDCORP
Chandos Construction Ltd. Action Electric Limited Dekor Glass (1996) Ltd Peregrine Retail Design Manufacturing Vancouver Fire & Radius Security
LOCATED WITHIN THE REDEVELOPED WOODWARD’S complex on West Hastings Street, the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Goldcorp Centre for the Arts is home to the SFU School for Contemporary Art, SFU Woodward’s Cultural Unit and the SFU Audain Gallery. The project included expansion of the box office, renovating and enlarging the main lobby and creating space for exhibit and public art installations. November/December 2020
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INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE FINANCIAL HEAD OFFICE
JOYCE-COLLINGWOOD SKYTRAIN CENTRE
Axiom Builders Inc. Bridge Electric Corp. Discovery Glass Vancouver Inc.
Graham Construction and Engineering LP Evergreen Demolition Harbourview Electric Ltd. Jack Cewe Construction Ltd. Keith Panel Systems Co. Ltd. Star Tile Co. Ltd. StructureCraft Builders Inc.
THIS 88,000 SQUARE FOOT PROJECT SPANS OVER EIGHT floors and was developed to provide a flexible and dynamic work environment that would enhance teamwork and allow for future growth. The upgrades to the office included incorporating modular wall systems with folding partitions, and a full-service cafeteria that can convert into a large meeting room. The project is under review for LEED Gold certification.
AS THE FOURTH-BUSIEST EXPO LINE STATION OUTSIDE OF downtown Vancouver, the Joyce-Collingwood Station, built in 1986, was due for upgrades to increase passenger capacity and improve accessibility. Now twice the size of the original station, the upgrades include a new elevator and escalators in the east stationhouse, improved station design with better lighting and visibility, and better integration with the surrounding community.
AIR CANADA L4 SIGNATURE LOUNGE
Graham Construction and Engineering LP Core Mechanical Ltd. Crosstown Metal Industries Ltd.
LOCATED ON LEVEL 4 OF THE INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL AT the Vancouver Airport, the Air Canada Signature Series Suite is a premium space designed for their Signature Class Customers, offering priority services and premium amenities. The suite features a full complement of highend finishes and a commercial kitchen fully airside, past security. 22
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PHANTOM CREEK ESTATES WINERY
Ledcor Construction Limited Allmar Distributors Biron Construction Ltd. H&M Excavating Ltd. Keldon Electric Ltd. Limen Group Const. Ltd. Nielson Roofing and Sheet Metal Ltd. Southern Mechanical Services Inc. VC Décor Ltd.
LOCATED IN OLIVER, BC, THE WINE CAPITAL OF CANADA, the Phantom Creek Winery features a sloping 526-seat amphitheatre, retail area, history room, public and private tasting rooms, a restaurant with large patio, administrative offices, a wine production facility and three barrel fermentation cellars. Surrounded by remote hills, the building takes advantage of the varied elevation to create four levels of hidden production and cellar rooms that harness the lower underground temperatures.
GROSVENOR AMBLESIDE PHASE 1
Ledcor Construction Limited Aligned Floor Covering Allwest Electric Ltd. Enersolv Design and Build Ltd. Keith Panel Systems Co. Ltd. Ocean Heidelberg Cement Group Snaidero Kitchens & Design Inc. Woodrose Woodworking Inc.
THIS MID-RISE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CONSISTS OF 57 residential units, a fitness centre, yoga studio and residents’ lounge over one level of commercial-retail space with underground parking and private garages. Each suite features future-ready technologies including automatic sun shades, high-tech lighting, and specialized security. Materials and products were sourced from all over the globe, including stone and cabinetry from Italy.
RCMP E-DIVISION HQ BUILDING D
Bird Design-Build Construction Inc. Houle Electric Limited Selmar Holdings Ltd.
THE RCMP E-DIVISION HQ BUILDING D IS A NATIONAL-LEVEL Canadian forensics laboratory located in Surrey, built to replace its 45-year-old predecessor. The National Forensic Laboratory Services operation receives forensic samples including trace, biological, toxicological, and firearm evidence from across the country and performs forensic analysis to process evidence. LEED performance goals and sustainability initiatives were integrated into the design to achieve a target of LEED Gold certification. November/December 2020
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TRANSLINK BIKE PARKADES
Bird Construction Group Done Right Painting & Sandblasting Limited Harbourview Electric Ltd. Kay-Son Steel Fabricators Knight Signs
TO ACHIEVE TRANSLINK’S GOAL TO CREATE AN INCREASINGLY sustainable transportation network in Metro Vancouver, five new bike parkades were constructed at three SkyTrain stations and two West Coast Express stations. Each parkade includes double-stacked bike racks, sealed concrete floor, and cargo bike racks in a standalone building with structural steel frame, glazing facade, NLT roof deck, SBS roofing, and a paving stone landing to a secured steel door.
SUBZERO COLD LOGISTICS
RAM construction JK Thermal
THE 43,503 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY IS THE FIRST TILT-UP freezer building built in Western Canada. The insulated concrete tiltup freezer storage facility is maintained at a cool -25 degrees to store frozen food and is equipped with a state-of-the-art racking system to ensure that the space can be utilized for the rental of racking space for all types of frozen foods.
PEOPLES GROUP TENANT IMPROVEMENT
CDC Construction Ltd. Maxwell Floors Ltd. TeamArt Millwork Company Ltd. Tri-T Wall & Ceiling Ltd.
THE PEOPLES GROUP TENANT IMPROVEMENT WAS A PHASED renovation spanning four floors including a signature level with main reception, executive offices, meeting rooms and a spacious staff kitchen. Highlights include custom millwork, creatively designed angled bulkheads and metalworks ceiling panels mirroring the floor pattern. The project required construction in an occupied space as well as after-hours to meet the intended schedule. 24 CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
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NOMINATED PROJECTS
We’ve got Even bigger
Whether you’re building new or upgrading, we’ve increased our rebates for a limited time* on select high-efficiency equipment and products to help you lower operating costs and improve energy efficiency. It’s just one way we’re doing our part to help businesses recover from COVID-19. That’s energy at work. For details on all our bigger rebates, visit fortisbc.com/bigger. *Increased rebates on select equipment and products are available until December 31, 2021. Full terms and conditions apply and are available on the individual program webpages accessible via fortisbc.com/bigger.
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FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. do business as FortisBC. The companies are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (20-051.1.4 08/2020)
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VGH EP LAB RENOVATION
CDC Construction Ltd. Catalyst Commercial Painting MDE Enterprises Ltd. dba MDE Electrical Mechanical Contractors
THE VGH EP LAB RENOVATION WAS COMPLETED IN TEN phases with over 150 mechanical and electrical shutdowns within a busy operational hospital. The existing office space was converted into an electrophysiology (EP) lab supported by administration areas, reading rooms, an expanded High Acuity Unit, clean supply room, and soiled utility room. To support the new EP lab, extensive infrastructure was added including mechanical, electrical, and structural upgrades.
EMPIRE LANDMARK HOTEL DEMOLITION
ITC Construction Group JMX Contracting Inc.
THE EMPIRE LANDMARK HOTEL TOWER WAS THE TALLEST demolition in Vancouver’s history without implosion. It was accomplished by systematically dismantling the existing 42-storey building and was completed in a safer and more environmentally friendly way than would be typically done in a project of this magnitude.
NORTH SURREY SPORT AND ICE COMPLEX
Structurecraft Builders AME Group Bogdanov Pao & Associates Colwin Electrical Group Gastaldo Ice Arena Inc. Lark Projects Ltd. Quadra Mechanical Thermo-Design Insulation
THIS NEW 134,000 SQUARE FOOT COMPLEX SUPPORTS THE City of Surrey’s goal of creating healthy communities and features three ice arenas and venues for lacrosse, basketball and trade shows. Highlights of the design include a heavy timber roof, glulam trusses, prefabricated panelized wood and the building exterior is wrapped with First Nation artist Trenton Pierre’s public artwork. The facility was awarded the Rick Hansen Foundation Gold star for accessibility. 26 CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
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FIRST WEST CREDIT UNION
WILLINGDON LINEAR PARK PROJECT
THE NEW FIRST WEST CREDIT UNION REGIONAL OFFICE building is a six-storey, 130,000 square foot office and retail building, featuring office workspace and over 20,000 square feet of retail amenities. The architecture and geometry of the building is composed of slightly different linear forms, combined to represent a stronger unified form.
THE WILLINGDON LINEAR PARK PROJECT INVOLVED THE construction of a 1.17km park that links High-density, mixed-use developments with the Burnaby Heights commercial district, Confederation Park and the regional trail network. It features complex designs and custom architecture for unique plaza spaces and achieved a compressed schedule by performing multiple construction activities concurrently while utilizing both day and night crews. It received the 2019 Envision Silver Award for sustainable infrastructure.
Flynn Canada Ltd.
B.A. Blacktop Ltd.
LICKMAN INTERCHANGE DESIGN-BUILD B.A. Blacktop Ltd.
AS PART OF A LONG-TERM HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN, the goal of the Lickman Interchange Design-Build project was to improve traffic congestion and support future traffic growth. In order to complete the project’s extensive road improvements on the Lickman overpass and the construction of the new roundabout, a robust traffic management and detailed construction staging plan were required to reduce impacts to this high-traffic corridor.
HARBOUR CENTRE — CHILLER REPLACEMENT Black & McDonald Limited
THE COMPLEX RENOVATION OF THE VANCOUVER HARBOUR Centre required both Building Information Modeling system and prefabrication capabilities to construct a new mechanical room in the parking level. The new chiller and ancillary equipment were installed over a four-phased schedule to maintain the operation of the building’s existing chilled water plant.
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LAUREL STREET WORKS YARD: YARD BUILDING Black & McDonald Limited
THE NEW LAUREL STREET WORKS YARD IS REPLACING THE aging facility to ensure effective and efficient delivery of public works and infrastructure services for the City of Burnaby. The redevelopment includes demolition, underground works, new distribution, lighting, power, re alarm and data. The construction work needed to be in accordance with all applicable bylaws, and every effort was made to minimize disruption to residents and businesses in the area.
ST PAUL’S HOSPITAL — COOLING TOWER AND CHILLER 2 REPLACEMENT
G3 TERMINAL VANCOUVER
THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COOLING TOWERS AT ST. PAUL’S Hospital was done in a phased approach while maintaining the exiting cooling loads throughout their winter operation. The Chilled Water System was modified to provide increased pump energy savings, fewer pumps, and simpler control requirements. Based on the efficient replacement, the contract for chiller #2 was added and provided key energy savings during the winter months.
THE G3 TERMINAL VANCOUVER WILL OPTIMIZE GRAIN receiving, storage, and shipping operations on Canada’s West Coast. The project involved the design, supply, and installation of the Terminal’s reprotection and redetection systems. The scope included preaction sprinkler system and standpipes, manual deluge systems, dock wet standpipes, diesel repump, realarm, redetection, dry chemical resuppression systems, and explosion isolation systems.
Black & McDonald Limited
OPEN OUTCRY RESTAURANT AND BAR
Gisborne Group Carrier Enterprises Canada Protec Installations Group Carrier Enterprises Canada Control Solutions Ltd. LJH Construction Inc.
THE OPEN OUT CRY CAFE WAS BUILT IN THE EXCHANGE building where the old trading floor of the Vancouver Stock Exchange once stood. The Edwardian style features and the feel and flow of the Stock Exchange was retained in the space by incorporating period specific design elements by award winning designer Ste. Marie Art and Design. 28 CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
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Gisborne Industrial Construction Ltd.
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STANTON TERRITORIAL HOSPITAL
OPEN ROAD TOYOTA-RICHMOND
THE STANTON TERRITORIAL HOSPITAL IS A 280,000 square foot P3 Design/Build project based on the most current hospital standards. The facility is providing single patient rooms and 20% more beds than the previous hospital. The project was designed and installed using BIM 3D modelling and consists of wet, dry, pre-action and clean agent suppression systems.
THE OPEN ROAD TOYOTA — RICHMOND IS APPROXIMATELY 116,000 square foot, modern state of the art facility with numerous lounges and waiting areas, meeting rooms, employee only workout stations and three levels of above ground parkade for vehicle storage. The scope of work included glazed aluminum curtainwall systems, four-sided structural silicone glazing, custom horizontal and vertical sunshade systems, and glazed handrails with stainless steel railings and fittings.
Gisborne Industrial Construction
Semiahmoo Glass
BZAM MANAGEMENT — MIDWAY SECURITY DESIGN Houle Electric Limited
THE PROJECT ENCOMPASSED THE SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, and control of an integrated electronic security system for the company’s 104-acre cannabis growing facility. The system is comprised of a CCTV/access control for on-site modular buildings, gate controllers at vehicle entrances, pedestrian turnstiles, UPS power systems for CCTV, an operations trailer, cannabis secure storage, and 4,600 meters of specialized security fencing.
IMPLEMENTATION OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS Houle Electric Limited
THE PROJECT INVOLVED THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF photovoltaic (PV) panels at three separate Public Services and Procurement Canada locations. The PV systems were required to be integrated into existing electrical systems without disrupting power. They were mounted on a combination of pre-manufactured ballasted systems and custom-built carport structures in existing parking lots to utilize surface area. November/December 2020
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NANAIMO AIRPORT — TERMINAL EXPANSION PHASE ONE
MOLSON AND COORS BREWERY PEAK PROJECT
THE EXPANSION PROJECT BEGAN IN EARLY 2018 AND IS the first phase of a 20-year master development plan for the Nanaimo Airport terminal building. The development includes construction of a new departure lounge, pre-board screening area, new baggage drop-off to speed up check-in, a larger concourse, and new departure gates.
THE NEW 400,000 SQUARE FOOT MOLSON COORS state-of-the-art facility is the most modern of its 29 manufacturing locales. It replaced the aging plant in Vancouver that was shut down in 2015. The facility includes brewing and packaging halls, warehouse space, offices and a hospitality area. The site also has a large truck yard for offloading materials and loading finished products.
SWISS WATER COFFEE ROASTER
BCIT CANADA WAY — ELECTRICAL REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Western Pacific Enterprises
Houle Electric Limited
Western Pacific Enterprises
Western Pacific Enterprises
THE 38,000 SQUARE FOOT SWISS WATER DECAFFEINATED Coffee facility houses a new production line and employs Swiss Water Process to decaffeinate green coffee without the use of chemicals. The specialty coffee company site has area for future expansion, and the construction included supply and installation of a 25kV transformer, Low Voltage MCCs and process instruments including power, control, and data.
VANCOUVER COURTHOUSE — MAIN ELECTRICAL SERVICE RENEWAL Status Electrical Corp
AS PART OF THE B.C. GOVERNMENT SUSTAINABILITY initiative, the original 1950s-era equipment at the substation for the Vancouver Courthouse was replaced with an indoor 15-kilovolt ampere transformer and a 15-kilovolt isolation and load break switches. The work was done within an operating court house and correction centre which required minimal shutdowns and downtimes while working within a constrained space with limited height clearance. 30 CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS
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THE BCIT CANADA WAY ELECTRICAL REPLACEMENT involved the renewal of the hydro receiving station that supplies power to 11 substations and serves the entire northern side of BCIT’s Burnaby campus. The careful planning and execution of this replacement project did not disrupt any trades and education programs that operate on this side of the facility.
NOMINATED PROJECTS
Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc. “General Insurance & Contract Bond Brokers” ~ Serving the construction industry ~ ~ Personal, auto & ICBC fleet insurance ~ ~ Commercial insurance ~
BURNABY 303-8678 Greenall Avenue Burnaby, BC V5J 3M6 Tel: 604.437.6200 Toll Free: 1.888.437.1100
KELOWNA 107-2040 Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 9N7 Tel: 250.763.3840 Toll Free: 1.888.292.6202
CALGARY 640-1414 8th Street SW Calgary, AB, T2R 1J6 Tel: 403.229.2060 Toll Free: 1.855.229.2002
Constructive Advice — Superior Service www.wmbeck.com