MCABC Spring 2018

the official publication of the mechanical contractors association of British columbia

Plumbing & Mechanical

PM 40063056

Trotter & Morton upgrades Iona Island WWTP Core Mechanical Ltd. | HVAC

SPRING 2018 Vol.8 No.1

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Contents

SPRING 2018 Vol. 8 No.1 PUBLISHER Dan Gnocato dang@mediaedge.ca Managing Editor Cheryl Mah Graphic Design Jody Sparkes CONTRIBUTING WRITERS James Kohl Dan Lee B.C./ALBERTA SALES Dan Gnocato 604.549.4521 ext. 223

PUBLISHED BY

PRESIDENT Kevin Brown

Features over Story 06 C

vancouver office

2221 Hartley Ave. Coquitlam, BC V3K 6W9 Tel: 604.549.4521 Fax: 604.549.4522

Toronto office

1000-5255 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6P4 Tel: 416.512.8186 Fax: 416.512.8344

Working in a challenging environment, Trotter & Morton Building Technologies Inc. upgraded the Iona Island WWTP to extend the plant’s operational capacity.

Copyright 2018 Canada Post Canadian publications mail sales publication agreement no. 40063056 – ISSN 0834-3357

10 Profile

PRINTED IN CANADA

Return all undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Suite 1000 – 5255 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6P4

At 28 years old, Ryan Harrison is young and ambitious. His company is finding success in the Lower Mainland with plans to expand.

MCABC Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine is published two times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc.

13 Trends

REPRINTS: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form — print or electronic — without written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission to reprint any portion of this magazine should be sent to the publisher.

Residential Building Trends

14 HVAC

For all subscription inquiries or address changes, please contact customerservice@mediaedge.ca or call 416.512.8186 ext. 259.

Wireless Technology for Smarter Buildings Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Departments

04 Executive Vice President’s Message 05 President’s Message 17 Association Corner 21 Safety Scene

Marijuana in the Workplace

22 Industry News ON THE COVER: Iona Island WWTP

Dana Taylor Executive Vice President Jane Andrew Director of Membership Development Services and Event Planning Vicky Noble COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Berry Lam Administrative Assistant Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC) 223 - 3989 Henning Drive, Burnaby BC V5C 6N5 Ph: 604.205.5058 Fax: 604.205.5075 Email: staff@mcabc.org Visit us Online: www.mcabc.org

Plumbing & Mechanical magazine is the official magazine of the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC published two times a year by MediaEdge Communications Inc. Opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily endorsed by the MCABC or MediaEdge Communications. Editorial inquiries should be sent to the editor at cherylm@mediaedge.ca.

executive vice president's message

Disruption, Opportunity, Leadership of this edict. However, they remain committed to support MCABC through 2018.

IMIRA’s retreat has prompted MCABC’s board to re-examine the purpose of the association, its mandate on behalf of industry, and begin to activate a plan to support and grow the membership on terms very different from the past 50 years. Also to be considered will be the succession of senior staff leadership, because my current role with MCABC will end by mid-2019.

In one sense, the mandate of the association will not change: MCABC represents mechanical contractors. In at least one respect, it is now free to truly represent all mechanical contractors without the albatross of seeming to favour only the unionized sector.

It’s true that change comes to everyone. But how do you deal with it?

To my mind, these changes represent an opportunity to create a new vision for what the mechanical sector is, to restate where we think it is going, and who we represent.

I would suggest that mechanical contractors are punching way below their weight level among industry groups. I would also argue that technology in construction favours both the mechanical and electrical components of the built structure. How might we use this advantage better in advancing our interests at all levels? And who is pushing us to do so? Another suggestion: the push is or ought to be coming from our current and prospective members.

Leadership is about taking initiative, and actionable leadership is about assembling the personnel and resources to help those initiatives take off.

If this were not so, instead of being on the threshold of having Prompt Payment legislation introduced in the B.C. Legislature, the construction industry would still be trying organize a meeting of associations and arguing about who would take the lead to raise the matter with government. In typical fashion, the government would have been

E

replaced while industry associations were still arguing over who is to sit where at the meeting table. ach year throws a few obstacles and opportunities at the

Instead, your MCABC’s board endorsed and supported immediate

association. All are urgent in their own way and many have

action in July 2017, when the current government was sworn into office.

long-term impacts. In 2017, MCABC staff and board members

This support enabled MCABC to mobilize the Council of Construction

became increasingly aware of the need to provide new services to improve

Trades Associations (COCTA) to get in front of government at the earliest

the value of membership, while staying within our means.

opportunity. Presentations and meetings in November and December

The past 18 months has been a period of considerable disruption. The

last year caught the government’s attention.

most impactful and enduring occurrence was the retreat of our unionized

MCABC, on behalf of COCTA, has approached the new NDP Premier

contractor affiliate, Island MIRA and the Mechanical Trade Promotion

and his government with a proposal to introduce Prompt Payment

Fund (MTPF). The retreat may impact the cohesion of this trade sector.

legislation here in B.C. The campaign continues in earnest with the

Our Vancouver Island affiliates’ decision to withdraw from a Joint

growing involvement of sister associations and interested parties across

Services Agreement with MCABC and co-affiliates MIRA and JTIP, has

the province, with the commitment of the Attorney General’s ministry

forced the association to re-think its operational model.

to craft and introduce this legislation soon on the government’s agenda.

For 52 years, IMIRA and MTPF have been full partners operating under

While the buy-in from industry has been underwhelming, we continue

the administrative umbrella of MCABC. Their board ultimately decided,

to march slowly forward. The passage of similar legislation in Ontario

because they are contractors located in a distinct geographical region

and progress at the federal level have begun to push other Canadian

(Vancouver Island) and uniquely signatory to a regionally based local

jurisdictions, including B.C., to move this economic accelerator further

union, they could better serve their constituents from a locally based office.

up the provincial legislative agendas with multi-party support.

While there may have been a financial case to contradict that viewpoint, at the end of the day none of that mattered and they chose to depart.

This led the MCABC board of directors to decide in September last

This is what disruption, opportunity and leadership look like and MCABC will always represent the kind of contractor who prepares for each contingency.

year to give notice to all affiliate members to separate their operations

4

from MCABC by December 31, 2019. MIRA and its industry fund JTIP

Dana Taylor

are contemplating their future administrative requirements in light

Executive Vice President, MCABC

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

president's message

Supporting Apprentices the CEC’s well-regarded and popular instructor, Kevin Dougherty. If you missed these the first time around, we hope to run them in our Burnaby classroom again next year.

B.C. has found itself in the middle of a political controversy that impacts our industry and trade, namely the building of the Kinder Morgan TransMountain

pipeline.

Clearly

there

continues to be substantial support across the province and country to see that this project is built, and this is particularly true among the many mechanical contractors who

board of directors 2018-2020 EXECUTIVE President Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Ltd. Secretary Treasurer / Past President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros. Mechanical Contractors Executive Vice President Dana Taylor

will benefit from the investment in both jobs and infrastructure. MCABC members should ensure that their voices are heard on this issue.

This year’s annual conference, A Whistler Wildlife Encounter, was a fantastic opportunity as always to catch up with fellow members, network, meet new folks in the

W

industry and new to MCABC, and have a good time. e managed to work our way through

As well, it has been an election year for

the chilly, snowy and damp winter

the MCABC board of directors. Thank you to

with sunnier thoughts on our mind.

those of you who attended the Annual General

The only cloud that lingers is the memory of the

Meeting in early May and cast your vote. We

Humbolt Broncos tragedy that took so many

had the good fortune to re-elect some veteran

young lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out

directors and welcome some fresh legs as well.

to all those affected by that terrible accident. #HumboldtBroncos As the construction industry ramps up for the spring and summer months, manpower continues to be an issue. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find trade schools such as PVC and BCIT that have enough classroom space to accommodate apprentices through all levels of their training in the fouryear program set out by the ITA. We hope classroom capacity increases soon as those desks would be easily filled and would help contractors get the skilled workers they need.

When you manage to get a new hire, my advice

MCABC’s education program remains a key focus of its services....

is to mentor those young workers well and give them a reason to stick around! They have lots of options for employment these days and are a scarce resource.

MCABC’s education program remains a key

You can see a listing of the new board on this

focus of its services for members. New on the

page. I’m happy to be continuing as president

course roster this past May were two career

for another year and hope to accomplish some

courses aimed at middle management. One is

goals I have set for myself and our new board.

Advanced Supervisors: Turning Supervisors into Better Leaders and the other is How to be

Dale Miller

a More Effective Foreman. Both were taught by

President, MCABC

DIRECTORS Associates Chairman John Fu Noble BC Associates Vice-Chairman Jeff Newmarch Hy-Line Sales Ltd. (2018) Director Brian Bradshaw Altac Services Inc. Director Kyle Wisniewski Black & Mcdonald Ltd. Director Henry DeJong, ESC Automation Inc Director Chad Kinsley R.H Jones and Son Mechanical Director Stuart Morrison Northland Mechanical Director Piero Lamartino Fred Welsh Ltd. Director Len Voon Aarc West Mechanical Insulation (2013) Inc. Director John Weisgerber Johnson Controls Ltd. Director Trevor Hildebrand Phase Mechanical Systems Ltd. Director Robert Marchiori Ram Mechanical

FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical

5

cover story

Improving Wastewater

Treatment

By Cheryl mah

Wastewater treatment plants are important

wastewater treatment and to meet the demands

treated at the plant. The Iona Island WWTP solids

municipal infrastructure assets for safeguarding

of a growing population. To comply with federal

handling upgrade involved the construction of a

public health and keeping waterways clean. For

regulations, the plant is scheduled to undergo a

new solids handling facility with screening and

more than 50 years, the Iona Island Wastewater

major upgrade to secondary treatment by 2030.

de-gritting equipment to better remove more of

Treatment

provided

For the plant to continue providing effective and

the sand and debris from the liquid waste stream.

primary wastewater treatment to Vancouver,

reliable service until then, an upgrade to the solids

When wastewater comes into the plant, it is

the University Endowment Lands, and parts of

handling processes was required.

Plant

(WWTP)

has

6

treated to reduce solids and organic matter content.

Because the area serviced by the plant has a

The new screening and degrit processes remove

The plant has undergone a number of

large number of combined sewers, a significant

the inorganic solids (rags, debris, grit) and leaves

expansions and upgrades over the years to improve

amount of storm water from road drainage is

behind the organic solids of the primary sludge

Burnaby and Richmond.

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cover story

to be digested. This provides for better treatment

a scaffolding system to install the new pipe,” he

Lee, estimating value of equipment installed at

efficacy in the digesters, increases hydraulic and

says, explaining the scaffolding was moved along

$2 million.

solids capacity and reduces maintenance of the

with the use of a 120 tonne Leibherr crane with a

The successful completion of the $8.6 million

digesters and associated pumps.

swing-out-jib as the new pipes were installed. “We

project earned Trotter & Morton a 2017 VRCA

had to run pipe in the existing plant to tie into the

Silver Award of Excellence in the mechanical

new facilities.”

contractor category. Kenaidan Construction was

Trotter & Morton Building Technologies Inc. installed and supplied all the mechanical equipment for the project, which included grit

Limited site access to existing buildings

separators, screens, new pipelines and a multitude

required pipe to be fabricated offsite (using

“It’s always nice to be recognized by

of pumps. The project consisted of upgrades to the

CADMakers) before they were shipped to site for

your peers,” says Lee, who is proud of the

existing plant and new construction of a gravity

installation. The hazardous plant environment

workmanship on the project. “This project wasn’t

thickener, main pump house and grit separation

with potential exposure to biological dangers

our usual HVAC and plumbing work so the crews

building. The project required more than 21,000

also meant careful health and safety coordination

enjoyed that.”

manhours with an average crew size of 12. Trotter

for workers.

& Morton completed the 18-month project in April 2017.

concurrently

with

other

contractors,

good project team, “We had a good working relationship

with

CH2M

Hill

and

Metro

Working within an operational wastewater

multiple shutdowns to coordinate tie-ins to the

Vancouver. The job was difficult but everyone

treatment plant was the main challenge, according

existing system, meeting stringent specifications and

worked well together.”

to Mike Lee, the project manager for Trotter &

procurement of equipment with American suppliers.

The latest upgrade to the second largest

“Right after we got the job, the Canadian dollar

wastewater treatment plant in Metro Vancouver

“Working at height over the tanks in the existing

plummeted so we had to really negotiate with

will help to extend the operational capacity of the

building was quite dangerous so we had to create

the suppliers on the cost of the equipment,” says

plant to the year 2030. PM

Morton Building Technologies.

8

Lee credits the success of the project to a

Other challenges included multiple projects running

general contractor.

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

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profile

Ambitious

Growth

by CHERYL MAH

10

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

profile Ryan Harrison’s serendipitous career path began when a hand injury to a neighbour, who owned a plumbing company, prompted him to help out one summer. He was 15-years-old, learned on the job and hasn’t looked back since.

By the time Harrison was 17, he was taking service calls on weekends by himself for the small residential plumbing company. “It was a bit scary at first but it was important in my growth,” he recalls.

He then moved on to work for a larger company downtown that focused on commercial plumbing and tenant improvements. After several years there, he founded his own mechanical contracting company — Core Mechanical ­— in 2013.

“I didn’t see much upward mobility available at the company I was working for and I was ambitious,” says Harrison about why he struck out on his own. He also got some good advice.

“Even though I was making good money compared to my friends, I always thought I would do something else. But I remember talking to some successful people who said there was

“We do commercial, new construction, tenant

outs for WeWork’s new downtown offices. One

nothing wrong with being a plumber and owning

build-outs, labs and a bit of industrial work for

of the company’s largest and notable projects is

your own company.”

Metro Vancouver. We also have a small service

Silliker Labs.

Young and determined, the 28-year-old has

division,” says Harrison. Metro Vancouver was an

“Labs are always challenging — weird and

steadily grown the company over the past five

early and ongoing client of Core Mechanical, which

wonderful with lots of interesting systems and

years. Today the Vancouver-based company

has completed jobs such as repiping of chlorine

you have to be careful,” he says.

has a staff of about 40 and focuses primarily

injection stations for the regional district.

on commercial and industrial jobs across the Lower Mainland.

Core Mechanical takes safety seriously and is

Current projects include boiler retrofits for BC

currently on the way to obtaining its Certificate of

Hydro, Cineplex Odeon at Park Royal and build-

Recognition (COR). COR certification is becoming

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FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical

11

profile

Harrison believes training of apprentices is a problem (compounding the skilled labour shortage issue) and wants the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to make changes.

“I wish they would split up commercial and residential plumbing — that’s a big one,” says Harrison, who obtained his plumbing ticket from the Pacific Vocational College. “I have guys coming here saying that all they do is wood frame — and we don’t do wood frame — so I wish there was more of a segregation.”

He adds the union (Local 170) is introducing a foreman course soon which he thinks will be beneficial, “People don’t quite understand what a foreman actually does. It’s not just being in charge of a job — lots of paperwork, tracking increasingly important not only to safeguard the

staying up-to-date, and treating people well

health and safety of workers but because it is also

because finding skilled people in the marketplace

A MCABC member since 2015, the company

a pre-requisite to bid on many projects.

is difficult and will only get worse with the

believes strongly in ongoing education and

pending wave of retirements.

encourages and pays for staff to attend courses

“There is a lack of (safety) standardization

to “make a difference in their confidence

from job site to job site, so it’s important that

“We unionized about 10 months ago. Best

we have a high standard of safety as a company,”

thing we ever did,” he says, who has moved

says Harrison, noting safety is especially

out of the field and into the office, focusing on

Harrison is optimistic about the future and

important to public clients like BC Hydro and

estimating and management. “We were growing

says the focus moving forward is to continue

Metro Vancouver.

too fast. We couldn’t staff the jobs and the people

growing with larger and larger projects, “At end

we were obtaining weren’t cutting it. So we

of the day, we’re highly ambitious but won’t be

decided to unionize and it’s been worth it.”

reckless in our growth.” PM

Asked about his success so far, Harrison credits it to not being afraid of technology and

12

hours, quoting extras on jobs.”

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

and knowledge.”

trends

Residential Building Trends

By Dan Lee

I

n the greater Vancouver area and the Lower

amenities, service and retail spaces are located

Germany, and targets reduction of energy

Mainland,

directly

buildings,

density to about one-fifth of the current

opportunity and the increased focus on

reducing the need for travel and attracting more

standards. Cities are promoting the adoption

energy efficiency among various stakeholders

buyers. These types of multi-family buildings

of

are the strongest factors driving trends in the

provide a great opportunity for everyone

offering reduction in development time or

multi-residential market.

involved, including the developer, building

other incentives. Many cities are promoting and

owner and both the retail and residential tenants.

developing district energy utilities, trying to

To accommodate the increased demand

take advantage of waste heat facilities, as well as

Baby boomers are reaching retirement age

for multi-family and mixed-use buildings,

the current low cost of natural gas. Connection

and are downsizing from a single-family home

developers are partnering with owners of

to the district energy is being mandated by

as part of their retirement plan. Although this

large parking lots that are underutilized, such

the cities if the property falls within their

demographic of people is ready to down size,

as shopping malls and churches. This type

development zones.

many are still not quite ready for condo living.

of partnership benefits both parties, as the

It is likely that current residential building

This is one of a few reasons why we have seen

developer finds the land to develop and the

trends that we are seeing in Vancouver

a recent increase in the townhome market.

shopping malls or churches are financed and

and the Lower Mainland will continue to

Besides rising construction and development

redeveloped

residential

dominate in the future. Rental and residential

costs, there is simply not enough single-family

properties surrounding them, giving them a

mixed-used condos will remain popular to

housing in Vancouver to make the market

fresh start.

accommodate the market demand. Lack of

demographics,

affordability,

Demographics & Affordability

competitive, thus decreasing their affordability and driving first-time buyers into the condo market or to renting.

below

multi-residential

with

high-density

these

high-performance

standards

by

affordability will still be an obstacle with

Energy Efficiency & Regulatory Standards

higher costs of land, materials, labour and increased construction standards. This will

are

New regulations and building codes are

continue to reduce the size of apartments

continuously reducing the size of new condo

being introduced that are continually pushing

or cause buyers to find alternate methods of

units, many down to less than 500 square

increased

reduce

financing. Federal, provincial or municipal

feet in area. In addition, more owners are

residential and commercial buildings carbon

regulations and building codes will continue

addressing rising costs by adopting secondary

footprint. In British Columbia, the Step Code

to pursue energy efficiency and sustainability.

suites or ‘mortgage helpers’. As a result, rental

that came into effect in late 2017 provides a

However, some very specific energy efficiency

apartment developments are increasingly active

performance-based

to

building trends may wain due to climatic

in response to the high demand, with many

building energy management — with an eventual

impracticalities in many locations, as the cost

targeting high-end renters. Luxury rental units

target of being “net zero ready” by 2032.

to build may not see a realistic payback in

Pressures

concerning

affordability

with full air conditioning and luxurious finishes are becoming common.

Opportunities Mixed-use, multi-family buildings are the most prevalent trend in new construction. More

energy

efficiencies

compliance

to

method

A growing construction standard being used

some climates. PM

in lieu of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is called

Dan Lee, AScT, LEED AP, is mechanical team

Passive House, which focuses strictly on energy

lead with Williams Engineering. He has more

density

than 30 years’ experience as a mechanical

rather

than

overall

sustainability.

Passive House is a standard originating from

design technologist.

FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical

13

hvac

Leveraging Wireless Technology to Enable Smarter Buildings Remote access to building systems offers many benefits

By James Kohl

A

s technology in everyday life becomes more integrated, with more devices offering

improved

connectivity

and

visibility, building owners expect the same capabilities from their building systems. Using wireless technology for a building automation system (BAS) can help engineers create a building design that meets customer expectations and sets them apart from the competition.

When designing building systems — whether for new buildings or retrofit projects — using wireless technology to install automated building controls provides benefits, both on day one and over the life of the building. Affordable first costs and simplified installation for a smoother construction process are key benefits that make wireless technology for building controls and

Disrupted signals automatically and immediately

(HVAC) and lighting. Solutions that provide

devices a good option.

reroute around obstacles. This can eliminate the

an easy-to-use, single point of control for these

It’s important to also consider the benefits

risks of traditional wired systems, which simply

systems make it easier to optimize energy efficiency

beyond installation. Implementing wireless as part

fail when wires are cut or damaged. With self-

while balancing the energy consumption of a

of a BAS allows building owners to access a wealth

repairing mesh, there is no longer concern about

building with the comfort and control of the space.

of building data, monitor building performance

a single point of failure for the entire network.

Improved reliability can result in reduced

to these building control capabilities. Web-enabled

service and maintenance needs over the life of

solutions provide access to building systems from

In addition, technology advancements make

the system. Because wireless systems extend

virtually anywhere using a tablet or smartphone,

today’s wireless systems more reliable than

wire-free communication throughout the entire

resulting in more responsive building control.

wireless technology of the past — and in some cases

building and network, they also offer reduced

Easy access to building data — whether on-site or

more reliable than traditional wired solutions.

troubleshooting and maintenance compared to

remotely — is critical to keeping a building and its

wired systems.

systems running as they were designed.

Benefits beyond day one

utilization of energy management solutions,

and adjust systems remotely, and ensure the building continues to run as it was designed.

Reliable wireless technology A growing number of building projects

Some

BAS

technology

also

enables

the

utilize wireless technology. Wireless can be

Enabling building automation via wireless

providing features such as real-time monitoring

used in building automation systems for many

technology can provide capabilities such as remote

of all energy-related data gathered in a building,

applications,

equipment,

access to building systems, unified control of

energy analytics and automated fault detection.

system communications, remote access and

multiple building systems and multiple buildings

This provides a link to additional intelligent

service tools.

from one interface for easier management, and

services that make it easier to monitor data and

improved performance and efficiency.

gain insights into building performance and usage

including

sensing,

Wireless technology has evolved, making it

to help drive efficiency-improvement efforts.

more reliable and cost effective. Today’s solutions

Building automation that utilizes wireless

offer reliable and secure performance by taking

technology makes it easier to manage all types and

In addition wireless provides flexibility to easily

advantage of new wireless standards, such as

sizes of buildings more intelligently and efficiently,

add or move devices, change building spaces and

ZigBee Certified Building Automation, which

resulting in a high-performance facility. Using the

expand their capabilities in the future as building

offers a global standard for interoperable products

data-driven solutions that are available through

needs evolve.

enabling secure and reliable monitoring and

some automation systems can provide insights

control of commercial building systems. These

into building performance and help owners

technology advancements offer better outcomes,

uncover opportunities for improvement that help

including extended signal range, longer battery

transform their building into an asset.

life and improved reliability through a selfrepairing mesh network.

14

Available BAS solutions also allow remote access

A cost-effective option for retrofits In many existing buildings, especially those

Automation can provide the ability to easily see

where the age or historical significance restricts

what’s happening in a building — from information

the changes that can be made to the structure, a

Redundant, self-repairing mesh technology

about equipment, to alarm information, to energy

BAS may never be considered. That’s because the

found in some wireless systems helps prevent

use. Varying resources show that 60 to 70 per cent

requirements of wired building controls make

communication failures by maintaining wireless

of energy consumption in a commercial building

a BAS too costly — and perhaps even physically

communication, even when signals are obstructed.

is due to heating, ventilation and air conditioning

impossible — in those buildings.

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

hvac

Wireless technology is changing that by eliminating the communication wires between building controls, equipment or lighting controls, room sensors and service tools. This freedom from wires provides the option to consider automated building controls in existing and historical buildings where the technology wasn’t feasible, or was considered too costly, in the past.

Choosing a BAS with wireless technology can reduce the complexity, time and cost of installation, since wireless controls eliminate the need to pull

many benefits over the life of the building.

saving strategies within reach in more buildings

or run wires in the building for humidity and

Today’s cost-effective wireless systems offer

and applications. PM

temperature

system

reliability and flexibility and enable many

communications, remote access and service tools. In

intelligent building solutions that can improve

Jim Kohl is controls senior product manager

existing buildings, wireless results in less disruption

performance and efficiency.

for Trane, a leading global provider of indoor

sensing,

equipment

and

to the facility and its occupants, and can help avoid

A wireless solution puts building automation,

disturbing the structure and reduce contact with

improved building performance and energy-

comfort solutions and services and a brand of Ingersoll Rand.

potentially hazardous materials, for decreased contact with cleanup costs and risk involved with installation.

These factors make wireless a cost-effective, simpler solution that puts a more sophisticated level of building control within reach, especially for older buildings and retrofit applications.

The Moody County Courthouse in South Dakota is an example of an aging building where the building controls and systems were updated

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www.bccabenefits.ca info@bccabenefits.ca

604 683 7353 1 800 665 1077

When considering wireless technology for building systems, look for a wireless system built on platforms that support open standards, such as BACnet. This makes integration easier so the many diverse systems in a building (including HVAC, lighting, elevators, fire and security) can be monitored, managed and adjusted via one single interface through the BAS. When controls and HVAC equipment come from one provider partner, it can be easier to resolve any potential issues in the future. In addition, having integrated building systems also makes it easier to partner with a single provider for remote monitoring or diagnostic services.

This monitoring provides visibility into what’s happening in the building so issues can be addressed in a timely manner.

Wireless is an option for many buildings Specifying wireless technology built on open standards for building systems can result in

FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical

15

hvac

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

I

n recent years the tankless hot water heater (also known as the instantaneous or on-demand water heater) has evolved

from a mid-efficient, 83-per cent efficiency range, vented type to a more modern 90-97-per cent high efficient, direct-vented condensing tankless heater. Due to this increased efficiency rate, these tankless hot water heaters have become more popular in both residential and commercial applications.

Tankless hot water systems have become popular with residential home owners simply because of the advantages these gas appliances provide. For example tankless hot water heaters have a very small carbon footprint and are beneficial due to the high square footage cost of today’s construction and limited space for a mechanical room. One other benefit is the

lifespan, provided that the customer follows the

location of tankless water heaters. Unlike the

recommended manufacture servicing.

more commonly known standalone hot water

benefit

of

residential

and

tanks that take up valuable floor space, the

commercial installations of tankless hot water

installation of tankless water heaters are units

systems is the flexibility to install numerous

hung on the wall near the point of use. This wall

tankless heater units in the same location,

hung design allows the homeowner more floor

thus, providing the customer(s) with optimal

space for storage.

hot water accessibility. An example of such a

Floor space for storage is one benefit to

scenario would be for a large family supply of

tankless water heaters; another is the cost of

hot water. This supply can be endless, providing

heating the water. Tankless hot water systems

that the required flow rate matched the demand

do not have the pricey heating costs that normal

of the tankless hot water heater. The possibility

for several decades in Europe. It is not new

standalone tank type water heaters have. The

of numerous tankless systems is also known as

technology, it’s simply new to the West Coast,

customer only has to pay to heat the water that

a parallel piping arrangement.

and Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is

is used, when it is needed, rather than paying

The versatility of tankless hot water heater

to heat the stored water in a large tank. Not to

systems allows for countless possibilities. For

mention that the life expectancy of a standalone

example, from the dock at the lake house to

Recently the plumbing department at KPU

hot water tank is approximately 10 years,

road trips in an RV, their compact size and light

has received two generous donations of tankless

whereas the lifespan of a tankless hot water unit

weight allow them to be uniquely portable. A

water heaters and the plumbing instructors

is in the region of 20 years. Heating the water

tankless hot water unit can be fueled by natural

are excited to be including this technology into

on demand and the duration of 20 years before

gas (NG), propane (LP) and/ or electricity,

their curriculum. The plumbing instructors at

needing to replace the tankless system makes

making the location and flexibility of these

KPU want to instill the knowledge of tankless

economical sense to the consumer as well as a

systems endless.

hot water systems to current plumbers in the

Having

or

industry, as well as train future generations of plumbers on the benefits of this technology.

heater will use roughly 30 per cent less energy,

banked together now allows the technology

Thanks to Rinnai and AO Smith for donating the

on average, than a standard storage hot water

side

technology to help train all plumbers.

tank. This gas appliance saves money in the long

Bluetooth communications along with hard

Beginning in the summer of 2018, KPU Tech

run. According to Energy.gov, “For homes that

line connections provide the consumer the

(Cloverdale campus) will be providing on-site

use 155 litres or less of hot water daily, demand

information at their fingertips any time of

training, two or three times a year, for service

(or tankless) water heaters can be 24-34 per cent

day. This type of information technology

and replacement contractors, and the plumbing

more energy efficient than conventional storage

allows problems to be identified quickly and

instructors will be a part of this. Once our

tank water heaters”.

the service technician can be informed prior

manufacturer training partners complete their on-

Storage water tanks can have more harmful

to the customer’s knowledge of any concerns.

site training, the tankless hot water heater technology

results on the environment too. As those tanks

Communication capability between tankless

will be integrated into our apprenticeship levels

age, large deposits of rust, scale and other

units and service technicians provides a higher

3 and 4 program. The instructors look forward to

minerals build up on the inner walls of the tank,

level of customer service and a faster response

starting this training. PM

which in turn contaminate the consumer’s water.

time for servicing the unit.

the

industry

of

to

residential

tankless systems.

commercial, single or multiple tankless units of

installations

at the forefront of providing training on these

An ENERGY STAR certified tankless hot water

small carbon footprint on the environment.

16

Another

flourish.

Wi-Fi,

However, tankless hot water heaters provide

Tankless hot water units are gaining steam in

consistently pure water for the entirety of their

North America, although they have been utilized

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

Contributed by the plumbing department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

association corner

1

2

1. Vancouver Chapter Meeting & Texas Hold ’Em Tournament, January 17, 2018. The tournament’s first-place winner was Terry LaJeaunesse of Viaduct Sheet Metal.

2. Corry Belcourt (centre) of Veridis Plumbing & Heating and chairman of the MCABC’s Island Golf Committee, presented representatives from Victoria Hospice with a cheque for $1,990. Funds were raised at the 2017 Island Golf Classic. The 2018 tournament, being held at Royal 3

4

Colwood Golf Course on June 21, 2018, will also raise funds for this great cause.

3. Neil Holbeche of IPEX (left) relaxes with Dennis Coutts, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver, at the charity’s ReStore in Burnaby. Neil is presenting a cheque for $851, net proceeds from last year’s MCABC & CIPH golf tournament.

4. Sabrina Ting, fund development officer for Coast Mental Health, accepts a cheque from MCABC’s EVP, Dana Taylor. A record $5,348 was raised at our 2017 Holiday Open House last December, made

5

6

possible by the generosity of our members and friends! We donated every penny raised to Coast Mental Health.

5. Robert Chalanchuk, portfolio manager & wealth adviser with Chalanchuk Wealth Management Group, spoke at a March Member Luncheon. Robert shared some insightful personal investment strategies for these tumultuous times with his fellow members.

6. Canplas’s Dillon Moulton (centre) represented the MCABC Associates Executive when he presented this cheque for $1,920 to Victoria’s Mustard Seed Street Church. The funds were raised at last year’s Associates Night at MCABC’s 2017 Conference on Vancouver Island. Mustard Seed Street Church provides food bank services to Victoria’s needy.

7

7. MCABC president Dale Miller (left) of Division 15 presents a cheque for $1,505 to Dr. Chris Lee at the Fraser Cancer Centre. The money is a donation from the 2017 Vancouver Golf Tournament to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation of which Dr. Lee is a board member.

8. The 2017 Fraser Valley Golf Tournament helped to feed families in the Fraser Valley by donating proceeds to two area food banks.

Pictured: Earl Storey, B.A. Robinson, presents a cheque to the Abbotsford Community Services Food Bank. Jesse Sanghera, Noble BC, and Mike Vesterback, National Hydronics, donate funds to the

8

8

Langley Food Bank. Net proceeds from the 2018 golf tournament are also going to these two great community service providers.

FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical

17

association corner

2018 Annual Conference and AGM

18

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

association corner

FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical

19

association corner

Members Corner Capri and CMW Insurance, two leading BC-

3Phase HVAC Systems is now the Western

ECCO Supply is now the exclusive supplier of

based insurance brokerages which merged in 2017,

Canada distributor of Danfoss ABQM™ Pressure

American-based Smart Frog Air Conditioners, the

have rebranded as CapriCMW. The rebranding

Independent Balancing and Control Valves PIBCV,

first hybrid residential air conditioning system.

marks the company’s next step towards integrating

actuators, hose kits, and accessories. 3Phase HVAC

Smart Frog air conditioning units are designed

its operations under one identity, with a common

System’s team of engineers, technical sales people

for residential and light commercial applications

mission and core values. The merger in 2017 brought

and factory trained service technicians provides

where low operating cost, lower carbon foot print

together the strengths of a combined 63 years of

extensive application knowledge and technical

and emergency back-up power supply is desired.

insurance and risk management experience, while

support. Despite all the innovations in the field of

ECCO Supply offers heating, ventilation and

retaining the advantages of being independent and

installation, it is still a challenge to balance and

air conditioning professionals a broad range of

employee-owned. As CapriCMW, the company now

control HVAC systems without pressure independent

materials, products and technical knowledge with

has more than 400 employees in 14 offices across

technology. If your project has fan coils, VAV, heat

locations across Canada.

B.C. and Ontario with professional expertise in a

recovery, heat pump, unit ventilators, freeze coils, the

multitude of industries, products and services.

Danfoss PIBCV is an effective solution.

Dual

Mechanical, a well-respected Surrey-

based mechanical contractor with a broad scope of expertise, recently celebrated its 40th year of being in business. Staff, business partners, and friends enjoyed

Manufacturers Representative for

a relaxed get together for afternoon food and drinks to mark the occasion at Maan Farms in Abbotsford.

The company was founded in 1978 by John Collett.

In 1990, John’s son Jason began his plumbing apprenticeship and eventually worked his way up to

Boilers & Water Heaters

be Dual’s head estimator/vice president. John and

Manufactured in Canada, RBI has a full line of condensing and non-condensing boilers ranging from 100 MBH to 10,000 MBH.

Jason joined as partners in the business in 2009 until Jason became the sole owner and operator in 2013.

We provide technical assistance to mechanical contractors and engineers as well as post-sales support with factory trained tech’s for boiler commissioning and locally stocked parts.

www.mesales.ca

Dual employs a field crew of 30 to 40 skilled plumbers and HVAC piping installers and accommodates a full range of bid spec, design-build, design assist, custom

604-788-4024

and complex mechanical systems in commercial, institutional, and industrial projects, many of which are LEED-certified. Dual Mechanical prides itself on high quality craftsmanship and an eye for innovation, while remaining true to its humble roots.

UPCOMING EVENTS June 8 Vancouver Golf Tournament Northview Golf Club, Surrey June 13 BCEA & MCABC Golf Tournament Sunset Ranch, Kelowna

t:604.942.0012

June 21 MCABC Island Golf Classic Royal Colwood Golf Club, Victoria August 24 MCABC & ECABC Prince George Golf Tournament Prince George Golf & Curling Club, Prince George

2016 GOLD WINNER MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR

www.div15mechanical.com 604‐214‐8730

20

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

2016 SILVER WINNER MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR

2016 MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Advanced Mechanical Solutions

September 14 & 15 Business Management 1&2 MCABC Classroom, Burnaby September 16 Blueprint Reading MCABC Classroom, Burnaby

safety scene

Marijuana in the Workplace

Should employers be worried about drug impairment on the job?

by BC Construction Safety Alliance

I

n 1973 the LeDain Commission (among

concentrate instead on what is. “If employers

among injured workers. We don’t understand

the better known of the many publicly

think people aren’t using marijuana and other

how to recognize when impairment could cause

funded examinations of illicit drug use

substances now, they need to open their eyes.

problems for the worker and others.”

in Canada over the years) was tasked to look

Those who use will continue to use, and those

into the impact of non-medicinal drugs like

who don’t, won’t,” he says.

The lack of discussion has much to do with the “hangover” culture of the industry,

marijuana. The review was spurred by what the

Earle, who previously worked with CLRA

which is alive and well, Earle says, and the

federal government called a “growing concern”

as VP Government Relations and was also

transitory nature of the workforce. “Long term

about the “sedative, stimulant, tranquilizing, or

president of the Employers Forum, doesn’t

relationships aren’t the norm so for employers

hallucinogenic properties” of such drugs and

expect much change over the short term and

it’s difficult to invest in someone’s recovery or

their effect on individuals and society overall.

In the second half of 2018, the federal Cannabis Act will finally do what the LeDain commission (and others over the years) recommended: decriminalize marijuana for recreational use. As we await the date, there is speculation galore about what will be the impact of legalizing “Maryjane,” “reefer,” “doobie,” “weed,” “bong,” “bud,” or “420.” From “great for business and employment” to “will create a

even drug testing, which is $200 a test.”

...the best thing employers can do is stop worrying about what might be and concentrate instead on what is.

new generation of zombies,” there is no end of guesswork about what the impacts might be.

So what can employers do? Earle suggests among the best strategies is to provide supports for supervisors to talk to and engage their crews about impairment and what to do if they notice a potential problem. “I preach about this all the time. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, 99 per cent of the time it’s not going to be related to substance use, but you still need to have the conversation. If the supervisor has the right training, he or she will recognize that

believes it will be years before we get a handle

something is wrong and if there is concern they

Among those pondering what the future

on the full impact of legalized marijuana. In the

can take appropriate action.”

might hold are construction employers, who

meantime, he says, the focus should be on asking

Executive director Mike McKenna says BCCSA

are naturally concerned about the potential

why people feel the need to use mood-altering

will help get employers talking about the issue

impact of legalization on workplace safety. Will

substances and how to recognize and effectively

by contracting Earle to be the guest speaker at all

there be an increase in workers who toke up or

deal with impairment in the workplace.

four of this year’s regional contractor meetings,

grab an “edible” before or on the job? How will

“Impairment is impairment regardless of

which kick off in Prince George (for the full

being impaired affect their performance and

how someone gets there, and what hasn’t

schedule, visit the BCCSA website). The Alliance

the safety of those around them? What will be

changed is the need to address what is already

will also consider the possibility of endorsing a

the employer’s responsibility in all of this?

a serious problem,” says Earle. “For instance,

pre-existing course or seminar on impairment

Dave Earle, president of the BC Trucking

the number one substance showing up in tests

awareness and action strategies, says McKenna.

Association and an expert on impairment in

in construction was and is cocaine. The problem

“This is a serious problem for our industry and

the industry, says the best thing employers can

is we don’t talk about the ‘whys’ of substance

we have a role in assisting our contractors and

do is stop worrying about what might be and

use, including the impact of opiate addiction

workers overall.” PM

FALL 2017 | Plumbing & Mechanical

21

industry news Vancouver’s energy efficient heat pump To address the City of Vancouver’s target to reduce corporate carbon emissions by 33 percent below 2007 levels by 2020, the City of Vancouver is now using a zero emissions air source heat pump to provide year-round climate control at City Hall, improve energy efficiency, and improve building air quality for occupants.

The city’s new air source heat pump works by using the same principle as a refrigerator; extracting heat from the outside air and transferring it to the inside to warm the building. It can also cool the inside environment by reversing this process.

Electrical

pumps,

annual conference and AGM held in Whistler. From left to right: John Weisgerber, Henry

recently installed at City Hall, save energy

DeJong, Mike Vesterback, Piero Lamartino, Robert Marchiori, Brian Bradshaw, Len Voon,

and

Stuart Morrison, Dale Miller, EVP Dana Taylor, John Fu.

carbon

like

pollution

the

The new 2018-2020 MCABC board of directors was elected at the association’s 74th one

reduce

heat

NEW BOARD

by

using

renewable electricity as an energy input and are highly efficient.

Missing from photo: Kyle Wisniewski, Wayne Davidson, Jeff Newmarch, Trever Hildebrand and Chad Kinsley.

By the end of 2019, the heat pump is expected to have reduced greenhouse gases by 34 per cent annually and is projected to save $20,000

and incorporated under the Applied Science

from both local and global leaders and to

each year through energy cost savings.

Technologies & Technicians Act in 1985, the

expand its mission to support zero emissions

Deep retrofits like Vancouver City Hall's

role of ASTTBC is to regulate the standards of

building across the province.

new heat pump bring a building’s energy

training and practice of and for its members,

and carbon performance up to the standards

and to protect the interests of the public.

expected of new construction as a necessary

“I am excited to join ASTTBC and work with

Goodland of Brantwood Consulting will

step to achieve the city’s overall goals of the

the technologists and technicians who are

serve as interim executive director. An

Renewable City Strategy and Greenest City

responsible for performing work that impacts

official launch of the Centre is planned for

Action Plan.

the health and safety of British Columbians

summer 2018.

“We are committed to maintaining and

daily,”

said

McCurry.

“Technology

upgrading all city-run facilities — especially

professionals are accountable for ensuring

older buildings like city hall — so they’re

public safety and their contribution greatly

clean, green, and energy-efficient,” said Mayor

impacts the economic wellbeing of B.C.”

Gregor Robertson. “Buildings produce over half of Vancouver’s total emissions and we need leadership at both the public and private

Vancouver Zero Emissions Centre set to launch

brewery’s commitment to water conservation Steam Whistle recently launched a new

City of Vancouver, Passive House Canada

program

to

conserve

and the Open Green Building Society has

as

possible

through

Theresa McCurry has been appointed

announced the launch of the Vancouver Zero

of

water-saving

by council as the new CEO of Applied

Emissions Building Centre of Excellence

new bottle washer, keg filling line and

Science Technologists & Technicians of BC

(the Centre), a collaborative platform to

shower

(ASTTBC), a professional association of

strengthen the public, private and civic

Beyond water, the brewery’s environmental

10,000-plus technologists, technicians and

capacities to deliver zero emissions buildings.

efforts

technical specialists. She began her tenure

As host of the Centre, VRCA will work

on April 9th, 2018.

ASTTBC is British Columbia’s independent certifying body for engineering and applied science

also

much

the

equipment

on

the

include

water

installation like

packaging green

its line.

packaging,

using Bullfrog power, bio diesel fuels in

closely with many key partners as well as

delivery

industry stakeholders that have voiced their

Deep

support for this initiative.

control,

tapping

Cooling

energy

Enwave’s

temperature

efficient

equipment

accelerate the capacity and enthusiasm of

The CIPH award program was developed to

Technologist (AScT), Certified Technician

local developers, designers and builders

recognize outstanding efforts to improve our

(CTech),

Technologist

to deliver cost-effective, attractive, zero

relationship with water. Past recipients of the

with

many

emissions new residential and commercial

CIPH Water Wise Award include WaterAid

technical specialist credentials to signal a

buildings in Vancouver. Recognizing that

Canada,

high standard of technical and professional

knowledge, inspiration, and the building

Science Centre, le Fonds Éco IGA, Fisheries

competency

throughout

industry itself is not confined to municipal

& Marine Institute of Memorial University,

Canada and globally. Established in 1958

boundaries, the Centre aspires to learn

and Co-op Refinery Complex.

and

are

here

coupled

in

Plumbing & Mechanical | FALL 2017

B.C.,

lighting

into

for

Key designations include Applied Science Professional

and

trucks,

Water

The mission of the Centre is to rapidly

and

and

heads

as

technicians.

(PTech)

technologists

Regional

with its National Water Wise Award for the and purification in its core operations.

New ASTTBC CEO

Vancouver

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) presented Steam Whistle

Association (VRCA) in partnership with the

cent renewably powered city by 2050.”

The

CIPH National Water Wise Award

Construction

level to reach our target of being a 100-per

22

The Centre will be located at the Hive, 128 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver. Helen

and

Vancouver

waste

Aquarium

diversion.

Marine

2018-2020

MCABC BOARD MEMBERS President Dale Miller Division 15 Mechanical Ltd.

Executive Vice President Dana Taylor

Secretary Treasurer / Past President Wayne Davidson Davidson Bros Mechanical Contractors

Associates Vice-Chairman John Fu Noble BC

Associates Vice-Chairman Jeff Newmarch Hy-Line Sales Ltd. (2018)

Director Brian Bradshaw Altac Services Inc.

Director Kyle Wisniewski Black & Mcdonald Ltd.

Director Henry DeJong ESC Automation Inc

Director Chad Kinsley R.H. Jones and Son Mechanical

Director Stuart Morrison Northland Mechanical Contracting Ltd.

Director Piero Lamartino Fred Welsh Ltd.

Director Len Voon Aarc-West Mechanical Insulation (2013) Inc.

Director John Weisgerber Johnson Controls Ltd.

Director Robert Marchiori Ram Mechanical

Director Trevor Hildebrand Phase Mechanical Systems Ltd.

S A V E S P A C E. REDUCE EMISSIONS.

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Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Multi-Split AC and HP AHRI Standard 1230

For the lowest Green House Gas emissions and biggest space savings, trust the Mitsubishi Electric Water Source VRF 575V system - a single, compact system that provides heating and cooling simultaneously. Individual zone control and whisper-quiet airflow provides optimal comfort with less equipment, lower maintenance, and a flexible floor-by-floor modular design for easy installation.

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