Building great business and good community TOGETHER By Dianne Hawkins, CEO, Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce
when we speak of the construction indus-
C
onstruction is, and will continue to be, a vital part of the future of the Comox Valley. The women and men
who build our communities are also our neighbours, friends, and loved ones. So
try in Comox Valley, we are referring to the people who sponsor our youth sports leagues, give generously to charity, and provide good-paying jobs. Recent building reports show a significant increase in construction during the third quarter of 2020, which was above the second quarter of 2020. The Comox
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COMMERCIAL /RESIDENTIAL/ INDUSTRIAL Telephone: 250.474.3234 Fax: 250.474.3230 Email: info@mcdonaldelectric.ca Website: www.mcdonaldelectric.ca 58 Vancouver Island Construction Association
Valley surged 123 per cent, Strathcona was 52 per cent higher, and the Capital Regional District saw a 42 per cent jump. Impressive! These numbers, however, do not tell the whole story. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on all industries with construction being no different. Through Comox Valley Chamber virtual round tables, featuring City of Courtenay representatives and our construction members, and our monthly meetings with the Canadian Home Builders Association of Vancouver Island, we have identified some of the challenges the construction industry in Courtenay is facing. While projects are still moving forward, the pandemic has altered timelines, project milestones, and completion dates. Production changes such as rescheduling sub trades on jobsites to maintain socialdistancing practices and ensuring sanitization procedures, although necessary, have a real effect on timelines. Permits are still moving forward throughout municipalities, but there is concern with the lack of public hearings and the way in which projects move forward until such time as people can gather again to share their voices. While we have heard it is helpful to be able to submit drawings electronically for permits, there is still concern with the length of time it is
