The Trowel August / September 2015

Publications Mail / Agreement # 40719512

Serving the wall & ceiling industry since 1953 • www.wallandceiling.ca • August / September 2015

In this issue:

Trends in the Light Gauge Framing Industry

Mini Communities: Net Zero Pilot Project Underway

Halifax Central Library

Construction Changes in the Next 50 Years

Regional Profile: Vancouver Island / Coast

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In the next issue: Green Building • Innovative Wall Systems • Business Management

06 Trends in the Light Gauge Framing Industry BIM and building trends make light gauge framing systems more challenging

to engineer, but provide a more robust end product.

10 Canada’s Largest Mini Communities Net Zero Low-Rise Residential Pilot Project Underway

Production builders are doubling Canada’s NZE housing stock in a pilot project that will help promote the possibilities nation-wide.

14 Help Wanted: Public Project Contractors Required to Sponsor Apprentices

As of July 1, contractors and subcontractors are required to hire apprentices on all public projects over $15 million.

16 Drywall, Insulation Made State-of-the-Art Halifax Central Library One for the Books

Halifax Central Library one of CNN’s eye-popping buildings globally thanks to high-performance drywall and insulation.

20 5 Ways Construction Will Change in the Next 50 Years

From holographic imaging to robotics and beyond, times they are a’ changin’ for the construction industry.

22 Regional Profile: Vancouver Island / Coast

CONTENTS • august / september 2015

04 editorial

24 feature focus

25 contractors 101

26 building science

27 around the world

28 it’s the law

29 industry news

31 advertiser index

Departments & Columns

Simply scan the QRCode with your

smartphone to be taken directly to

the wallandceiling.ca website.

The Trowel teamLara Perraton, Group [email protected]

Jessica Kirby, Editor877.755.2762 • [email protected]

Lara Perraton, Advertising Sales 877.755.2762 • [email protected]

Christina Tranberg, Advertising Sales877.755.2762 • [email protected]

contributing writers

Mark BreslinAndew DelmonicoDana HennisNick HricoJessica KaneJared KellerRussell MacKinnonRiley J. MahaffeyJustine ShafferJennifer StoweJohn Wiebe

cover photophoto courtesy of NWCB



In this issue:






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Published bi-monthly by

Point One Media, Inc.The Trowel P.O. Box 11, Station A Nanaimo, BC V9R 5K4t: 877.755.2762 • www.wallandceiling.ca

While information contained in this publication has been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable, the publisher may not be held liable for omissions or errors.

Contents ©2015 by Point One Media Inc.

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The Trowel is a registered trademark of the BC Wall & Ceiling Association.

The Trowel is published six times per year expressly for members of the wall and ceiling industry.

Journal of Record for

Photo credit Government of BC.

4 » The Trowel

The Trowel magazine has a long and important history as the official journal of record for the BCWCA. In publication since 1953, the magazine has profiled its members and non-members, government, industry, and contractor news, training and education, product and industry news, and pages upon pages of photos documenting the wall and ceiling industry’s rich – and at times tumultuous – history in this province.

As publishers, we try to keep up. We follow the news and subscribe to the PR agencies who get it out there; we stay in close touch with the BCWCA and work hard at making

The Trowel: We are in this togetherBy Jessica Kirby, Editor

sure we cover as much as we can about the association’s activities, changes, challenges, and successes, and we – sometimes relentlessly – call contractor members to find out who is doing what on which project and where. It is a fine dance, gathering information, deciphering the best of it, and packaging it in a way you, the readers, will appreciate and enjoy, and we like to think we do a good job. But there is something missing and it sounds a lot like your voice. We need you, your stories, your news, your photos, and your expertise to ensure ours is a timely, focused, and exceptional publication—our success is your success.

Moving forward, we are looking at ways to re-engage, rejuvenate, re-inspire, and recollect participation in The Trowel’s many opportunities for showcasing BC’s best in wall and ceiling work. Most exciting for the moment is the launch of our product review campaign, which will put the best of wall and ceiling tools and technologies in your hands for a pre-determined demonstration period.. This cost-free, no-obligation-to-report-favourably experience is open to all Canadian contractors, and is so easy to participate in, you might think we are kidding. Just send me an email with your name and business name, and I will send you a list of products to choose from. You pick one, use it for a while, answer a few questions at the end, and bask in the glow your expert advice brings to the magazine.

We are also in need of project stories. We know you guys are working, and we know where—this means opportunities for showcasing your talent and achievements are knocking at your door (or flashing on your voicemail, or pinging in your inbox).

So call us. We have space over the next six issues in the project section and in Around the World, for those of you doing fabulous work outside of Canada. Spend 15 minutes sharing the technical details of your work and, again, bask in the expertise you bring to the magazine. (Of course, if you are not interested in free, professional, magazine-quality coverage of your work and business, drop me a line to tell me about that, too ... you see where I am going with this.)

And finally, it is important to us that you know we are more than a print magazine. The Trowel’s website, Facebook page, Twitter feed, and WC Professional eNewsletter are bursting with news and activity. Follow / Like / Subscribe / and visit us the first chance you get—we want to hear from you in all forms.

We know you are busy. We know you are busy building BC, and bringing beauty to the province’s structures and might not think you have the time to get involved with The Trowel. We take that into account when we work together with you by doing most of the work, and running clean, functional copy past you before print to make sure your message is perfect. It really couldn’t be simpler.

So, moving into fall, think carefully about where you want to go with your business and how amazing it would be to get the word out about your work while contributing to your industry publication. In case I haven’t made it clear, we would love to hear from you. You can reach me at [email protected] or 250.816.3671, and I am looking forward to hearing from you. ■

To register please contact Peter Francis at 604.290.1961

or [email protected]

Members of China Magnesite Materials Association will join the Magnesium Oxide Cement Association to educate and advance building science with MgO boards. Plan to attend this first-ever event with keynotes, seminars, and on-site visits, followed by two days of networking to build new relationships and move the industry forward.

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6 » The Trowel

Trends in the

LIGHT GAUGE FRAMING INDUSTRYBy / Riley J. Mahaffey, Principal, P.E., LEED Associate, with Jared Keller, Associate, P.E., Dana Hennis, S.E., P.E., and Nick Hrico, EIT

to check one another’s modelled framing prior to installation. There are five different industry accepted levels of modelling that may be requested:

100 –The equivalent of conceptual design. The model consists of overall building massing, non-geometric data, line work, areas, and volumes zones.

200 – Similar to schematic design or design development. The model consists of generalized systems or assemblies with approximate quantities, size, shape location, and orientation in three dimensions.

300 – Model elements are suitable for the generation of traditional construction documents. Contains specific elements with confirmed 3D object geometry. All major structural elements shown on the construction drawings are provided in the model.

400 –This level of development is considered suitable for fabrication and assembly. It is typically produced by the trade contractor or fabricator with a majority of the parts and pieces incorporated into the model. Includes all the elements shown

Evolving TrendsOver the last couple of years, light gauge framing systems have become more challenging to engineer and construct. This is due partly to the state of light gauge construction following industry standards and becoming more involved with Building Information Models (BIM), energy codes, and updated building codes. Gone are the days when an exterior façade was simply exterior sheathing and light gauge framing. More stringent building codes, energy codes, and design standards are causing the light gauge world, for both engineers and contractors, to become a much more involved process.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) More of the construction industry is following the architectural and engineering world by adopting BIM (Building Information Modelling) processes. The evolution of BIM for building core elements has advanced quickly, while shell/façade framing is still catching up. BIM has proven a vital asset when time and money can be committed upfront to a project, and has helped reduce the number of RFIs or field conflicts created during construction since all trades are able

Image courtesy of Lochsa Engineering

wallandceiling.ca » August / September 2015 » 7

become more apparent. However, since the technology and systems is still developing for light gauge framing, additional time will be needed to support this position.

Energy CodesCodes from structural to mechanical and electrical to energy efficiencies are constantly updated to make a building’s design and construction safe and efficient. With public emphasis on “green” facilities, a conscious effort is underway to reduce the amount of energy a building consumes, reach objectives like LEED certification, and reduce yearly building cost to the owner.

The adoption and evolution of the current energy code has caused a ripple effect in the light gauge industry, specifically with exterior facades. Energy codes are becoming more stringent to reduce thermal bridging, and while many building designers opt for rigid exterior insulation to satisfy code requirements, they are unaware of potential negative impacts. For example, once rigid insulation has been installed, no penetrations of the insulation or subsequentially applied damp-proofing membranes are allowed.

More often than not, light gauge contractors are also responsible for the installation of exterior façades. After the framing members, exterior sheathing, and the rigid insulation are installed, there is no way of attaching the exterior façade back to the structure without penetrating the rigid insulation or damp proofing membranes. Stucco, EIFS, siding, and other lightweight materials have not had the same complications as heavier and bulkier systems that require anchorage back to the building structure or substrate. Historically, veneer systems have anchored directly to the sheathing and provided an air gap between the sheathing and the veneer of approximately an inch. The requirement for continuous insulation between the veneer air gap and the sheathing increases the attachment point for the anchorage farther out from the face of sheathing. This results in the need for stronger and often thicker clip systems.

With regards to damp proofing, veneer clips are typically placed as needed during the installation. Typical liquid applied membranes do not allow clip installation after product is sprayed on, presenting a major hurdle. The system we are employing to frame this type of a system is a vertical Z-furring with a horizontal hat channel or another Z-girt. This system, however, interrupts the continuous insulation requirement, but with minimal thermal bridging. As the energy codes continue to develop, all thermal bridging may be eliminated, and the Z-girts used now may be eliminated, resulting in cost prohibitive approaches for exterior heavy veneered finishes.

When these situations arise, early co-ordination between the contractor and the design team is crucial. The most effective

on plans or details and would include such things as plates, parts, and pieces. Fasteners are not typically modelled.

500 – This level of model development represents the project as it has been or will be constructed with all elements being modelled. This level is often referred to as As-built/Record conditions or a virtual mock-up.

When it comes to a building’s core structure, minimal detailing (Level 300) is often required for simple beam or column framing. This is not the case with light gauge framing. As light gauge framing becomes more intricate, and contractors and designers are trying to push the limits of design, the need for 400 level co-ordination models becomes more prevalent. These advanced models are increasingly used to co-ordinate connection locations, splay wire supports, MEP penetrations, material clearances, and other characteristics. Advanced co-ordination often comes with additional upfront cost to the framing contractor during the development of shop drawings/models since the construction documents or BIM models (when available) are not sufficiently detailed for fabrication. An example of this is engineering notes that typically limit the placement of connections, splices, supports, bearing conditions, anchorage, and other elements, which are not generally co-ordinated within a level 300 model or conventional 2D construction drawings.

The next anticipated step in the BIM evolution is the incorporation of Level 500 as-built models following the completion of a project. With this direction, one of the hurdles faced in light gauge framing is the lack of graphical representation, which can be shown in the BIM models. The industry is behind in BIM when it comes to light gauge framing, and is making advancements to progress how light gauge framing is shown in models. Many light gauge manufacturers are beginning to develop BIM compatible resources for their products so they can be quickly and correctly implemented within 3D models. It is anticipated that as BIM continues to prove a valuable asset for planning and co-ordination, the overall cost savings on a project will

8 » The Trowel

■ Trends in Light Gauge Framing

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time for identifying these conflicts is prior to construction for Bid-Build projects or during design for Design-Build. At the very least, it should be done before material has been ordered and/or mock-ups built.

Strapping and Web CripplingLight gauge framing is being used for bearing systems across the Northwest, bringing awareness of its limitations among building officials and plan reviewers. One major area of concern is with bridging and web crippling. Wall bridging can come as a pre-manufactured bridging channel which runs through the punch outs in the webs of the studs, or as full stud blocking and straps. Each system can become a sticking point with some contractors due to the time and money required for installation. The bridging system is crucial in the overall design of light gauge framing since it helps stabilize studs against buckling or twisting. Often times bridging may be eliminated if sheathing is to be provided on both sides of the framing; however, the sequencing of supported loads with the installed sheathing or other proposed construction techniques also play a role in when bridging is required. Another common condition is when sheathing is only provided on one side of the wall. For these conditions, bridging is needed to prevent the unsheathed flange of the C-stud from buckling on itself.

Greater insulation cavities are calling for deeper studs. The code has limitations on how thick a metal stud needs to be in regards to its depth before the web needs to be stiffened. Web stiffeners come into play at each point of support along the length of any stud, creating a substantial add to a project if it is not recognized in the early design phase. These stiffeners help to prevent web crippling at the points of support where the stud is deep but thin.

The light gauge industry is growing more complex with each new set of codes. Whether the codes address energy, design loads, or even the overall design procedure of the light gauge framing, the AEC industry needs to embrace the fact that light gauge systems are not as simple as they once were, but as a whole, we can work with one another to develop and maintain high standards in the area of light gauge. ■

About Lochsa EngineeringEstablished in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1995, Lochsa Engineering has become a leading firm around the world, offering structural, civil, and traffic engineering. In 2003, Lochsa Engineering of Idaho opened its doors and has quickly grown to nearly two dozen employees. The firm’s extensive experience and core competency has permitted the firm to complete numerous light gauge projects in the areas of municipal, renovation/remodel, government, commercial, and private sector.

Lochsa’s dedication to practical, yet innovative design solutions and outstanding client service has earned us the reputation for excellence in the industry and we look forward to making your project a reality. The firm holds licenses in 50 United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, Canada.


FAST FACTSSteel is one of the most sustainable building materials in the world. The industry has embraced the common sense approach that reducing its impact on the environment is not only the right thing to do, but it makes economic sense.

• Since the early 1990s, the steel industry has reduced its energy use to produce a ton of steel by approximately 1/3.

• More than 95% of the water used in the steel-making process is recycled and returned—often cleaner than when it was taken from the source.

• Every piece of steel used in construction contains recycled content. Further, all steel can be recovered and recycled again and again into new high quality products.

• Steel is durable, safe, and strong. It is not susceptible to rot, termites, or mold. Steel used for framing will last from hundreds to over a thousand years due to its zinc coating, a natural element. Steel structures require less material (both reduced weight and reduced volume) to carry the same loads as concrete or masonry or wood structures.

• Steel is dimensionally stable: it will not warp, split, or creep—making it durable and built to last. Don’t waste time and dollars on costly call backs. Minimize cracking and pops in drywall and other finishes with CFS framing.

Source: http://www.steelframing.org/sustainability.html

CANADA’S LARGEST MINI COMMUNITIES Net Zero Low-Rise Residential Pilot Project Underway

Project Lead: Mark Carver, NRCan – OttawaLead Proponent: Owens Corning Canada LPLocation: Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and AlbertaecoEII Contribution: $ 1,962,870Project Total: $ 4,200,042Strategic Area: Energy Efficient Buildings & Communities

By / Jessica Kirby

further adoption of NZE housing (NZEH).

The federal government’s ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII) is behind the project, with building materials manufacturer Owens Corning Canada LP as the proponent and buildABILITY Corporation as the project manager. NRCan is contributing $2 million towards consultancy fees that will assist builders in developing technical guidelines that can be used in future projects. Focusing on affordability and market acceptability of NZEH in a

production housing context, the project stands out as one of very few examples of NZEH constructed on a community scale, market-ready for production builder adoption.

According to NRCan, 17% of Canada’s secondary energy use can be attributed to housing, along with 15% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1990, Canada’s housing stock has grown, contributing to a net 14% increase in household energy use. These figures will only increase, says NRCan, unless a cleaner, more sustainable housing strategy – such as net zero energy housing – moves forward in Canada.

The building industry’s current approach to carbon emission reduction is improving energy efficiency in buildings, a strategy NRCAN says is helpful, but does not conquer future growth in the demand for energy.

The landscape of Canada’s housing market is poised to change forever. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has contributed significantly to a program that will see five production home builders construct 25 net zero energy (NZE) homes over the next three years in an energy-focused pilot project that will double the NZE housing stock in Canada. Their work will explore and demonstrate the feasibility of broadening NZE construction in Canada while tackling design, equipment, and education challenges that have so far held up

Photos courtesy of Buildability.


NZE Communities, however, have the potential to achieve ambitious environmental goals through the adoption of new design strategies that blend advanced construction techniques, advanced mechanicals, and market-ready renewables at a house and community scale.

“We wanted to demonstrate that it’s feasible across Canada, so our objective was to find five production builders that have experience building green in their track process and take it one level further and go net zero,” said Candice Luck, director of strategy and programs for buildABILITY Corporation.

Net zero energy buildings produce at least as much energy as they consume on an annual basis and they’re seen as a means of helping eliminate air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from energy production. There’s a goal of making net zero energy housing commonplace in North America by 2030, but Luck said that will be dependent on the market approach.

“It’s not going to happen tomorrow,” she says. “Even in March, when all of these houses are done and we’ve made a case that it’s affordable and doable, builders aren’t going to start doing this right afterwards. But they’ll offer it as an upgrade.

“Building isn’t the biggest hurdle. It’s marketing or having customers understand that they can have a product that has the potential to be net zero, but it really depends on how you operate it.”

The ProjectsReid’s Heritage Homes, Mattamy Homes Ltd., and Provident Development Inc. are constructing single detached homes in Guelph, Calgary, and Halifax, respectively. Construction Voyer is building a three-storey, six-unit condo in Laval, QC, and Minto Communities is constructing one single detached model home and a row of four townhouses in the Ottawa’s Kanata suburb.

Houses in each city will differ to accommodate geographical, climatic, and market conditions, but will share common elements to help them achieve NZE status.

One of the primary components is a tight and well insulated building envelope—the walls and envelope will be clad with rigid insulation and an exterior air barrier to ensure the envelope is air tight and prevents seasonal air leakage. Each building will contain higher-than-normal roof insulation and triple-pane windows.

Energy management will employ a heat recovery ventilator and an air source heat pump, designed to exchange air between outside and the homes’ interiors, replacing a conventional furnace.

Similarly, hybrid heat pump water heaters will use the air source heat pump to heat the homes’ water and power will be generated through solar photovoltaic roof panels, which will

also connect to the electricity grid and allow homeowners’ the ability to offset electricity consumption.

Although builders are funding the materials and construction costs of the pilot project and are permitted to make their margins on many parts of the projects, they are not allowed to profit from the net zero portions of the the homes, says Luck.

“They’re budget-conscious and they need to build it in a fashion that they can sell it,” she says. “They’re very, very careful about what technologies they can include and the consultants that are working with the builders have to keep costs in mind.”

ChallengesNet Zero Energy is under discussion and a part of pilot projects across North America. Although it is difficult to argue the benefits, there are challenges, including affordability, technology availability, and infrastructure barriers that are currently in the way of widespread adoption, at least in Canada.

One of the primary components is a tight and well insulated building envelope—the walls and envelope will be clad with rigid insulation and an exterior air barrier.

12 » The Trowel

■ Mini Communities

Building codes are changing, however, starting with increases in energy efficiency requirements in BC, Ontario, and other provinces and municipalities.

The project has the potential to change the housing market forever. In fact, the project’s success alone will result in a dramatic GHG reduction, while improving the existing technologies used for code-built homes.

“Adoption of renewable technologies, advanced mechanical systems, and advanced envelope systems will significantly improve building practice and provide homeowners with a better built home and a healthier living environment and community,” says NRCan.

The first net zero house broke ground on September 29, 2014 in Guelph by Reid’s Heritage Homes. More information can be found here: http://buildability.ca/blog/firstnze/.

Additional Links:Owens Corning’s Net Zero Housing Community Project - http://zeroenergy.ca/ ■

HIgh Performance Materials:Insulation and a high-performance building envelope are key features of NZE housing. Owens Corning Canada LP is supplying CodeBord® Air Barrier System, which eliminates the need for an additional weather barrier and negates the needs to seal the polyethylene on the inside as the air barrier is moved to the outside.

Headers can be insulated with Eco Touch® PINK® Fiberglas® insulation. As part of a comprehensive line of wall assembly insulation solutions, R-19 to R-29 is achievable for exterior walls with 2x4 / 2x6 wood studs at 16/19.2/24 inches cc. using Foamular CoreBord extruded polystyrene rigid insulation and R-12/14/19/22/24 Eco Touch Insulation.

Because Canada has a large and fractured housing construction industry, individual builders are geographically and financially prohibited from pooling resources (and risk) to achieve long-term, meaningful research and development into sustainable housing. According to NRCan, most rely on existing “prescriptive packages from labelling programs such as R-2000 and Energy Star, and on the building code when designing the energy performance components of their homes.”

Beyond these programs, a small but significant fraction of homebuilders is constructing near- and net-zero energy housing, says NRCan. “They want to know which technologies will have the highest impact in reducing the first cost of NZE homes, and how best to integrate them. This will build the pathways required for NZE homes and communities to become more commonplace.”

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Help Wanted: Public project contractors required to sponsor apprentices

BC expects one million job openings over the next decade, with 78% requiring post-secondary education, and 44% in the skilled trade and technical occupations. The policy also helps the government meet labour workforce requirements of private sector projects—a key objective, given a recent agreement between the province and Pacific Northwest LNG, which sets the stage for a potential $36-billion investment.

According to the province, much of the driving force to increase opportunities for apprenticeship sponsorship comes from recommendations made in two reports: the McDonald ITA Report and the Premier’s Liquefied Natural Gas Working Group, “which aspires to a goal of having 25% of overall workforce on LNG-related construction projects apprenticeable trades.”

Extensive consultation between government and stakeholders from the construction industry also saw recommendations that companies

The BC government has announced a new program that will require public project contractors to sponsor apprentices on major public construction projects like schools, roads, bridges, and hospitals with a $15-million-plus government investment. Contractors’ obligation will begin upon hiring and continue through the entire project cycle. Final payment will be withheld until contractors report on their on-project use of apprentices.

The policy applies to projects tendered after July 1, 2015, and is part of the provincial government’s B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint document, which aims to re-engineer education and training, and reallocate training dollars to fill seats associated with the most “in-demand” trade occupations—mainly relating to liquified natural gas (LNG) projects proposed across the province.

Over the next decade, said the BC government, there will be hundreds of projects on the go across the province, many of them slated for northern BC.

working on smaller projects also put apprentices to work and voluntarily report on apprentices’ employment.

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour, said the policy is set to help the government deliver apprenticeship opportunities and connect young people with the skills they need to find their fit in B.C.’s diverse, strong and growing economy.

“Government is leveraging its major construction investments to help meet our goal of aligning skills training with in-demand careers,” she said.

“Taking these steps today is one step in building the workforce of tomorrow with British Columbians at the front of the line.”

Placing the onus on employers to support apprentices and grow the labour pool is the only way to keep the labour force moving forward, said Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority (ITA). “Employer sponsors

Photos courtesy of BC government


are key to guaranteeing a skilled workforce needed to sustain and grow our economy,” he said. “This policy ensures apprentices have opportunities to gain experience that aligns with labour market demands so they have the right skills in the right place at the right time for the future.”

According to industry, the requirement to bring apprentices to the job site ensures apprentices will experience the practical component of their training, which is key in helping to develop a strong work force for the future.

We all know that 80 percent of learning takes place on the jobsite, said Tom Sigurdson, executive director, BC Building Trades. “Apprentices can only complete their apprenticeship when they have the opportunity to take classroom theory on to the job site. Building the BC economy cannot be done without building the skills and talents of the young men and women who build BC.”

The policy is a strong part of a multi-faceted approach to drawing more young people into trades, which includes educating them about career possibilities and future job prospects.

Wayne Marsden, field personnel advisor, PCL Constructors Westcoast, said a policy like this has been a long time coming. “It’s a fabulous step in the right direction for employing more apprentices in the trades,” he said. “PCL is regularly visiting schools, promoting opportunities in the industry, and talking to young people about the benefits of construction careers. This policy is another way to ensure companies are offering young people the experience they need.”

The BC government is a major investor in construction and can help maximize the province’s supply of experienced tradespeople, while collecting data that will help better understand how apprentices are used on public projects, said the BC government.

Under the policy, all prime contractors on construction infrastructure projects procured after July 1, 2015 with a provincial investment of $15 million or more will be required to demonstrate an engagement in apprenticeship training, meaning it must use and ensure its subcontractors use registered apprentice(s) in contracts valued at more than $500,000, where the primary scope of work is in one of the 57 Red Seal trades. Registered apprentices

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must be used directly on the project throughout the term of the contracts.

Prime contractors are also required to report on the use of registered apprentices, meaning they must complete and submit Confirmation of Intent to Use Registered Apprentices. Prime contractors are to provide apprenticeship data for all contracts where the primary scope of work is in a Red Seal trade by completing and

Continued on page 31

16 » The Trowel

By Russell MacKinnon

Drywall, Insulation Made State-of-the-Art Central Library One for the Books

Halifax Central Library in Nova Scotia is on the cutting edge of modern design. It is a $57.6 million

glass structure that boasts a publicly inspired aesthetic fittingly reminiscent of a stack of books. It is truly one of a kind, using the latest building materials both inside and out. CNN even listed it as one of 10 eye-popping buildings around the globe last year.

Photos courtesy of Adam Mørk


“It’s an amazing piece of architecture, and the biggest thing to happen to the city in a couple of decades,” said George Cotaras, president and general manager of Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd. Architecture and Interiors of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The chief design goal of the 129,000-square-foot building was to create a library that would serve as a cultural hub for the whole community. It was to house books most certainly, but the intent was that it would also offer enviable performance space, cafes, gaming stations, learning spaces, and more. Importantly, the structure was to be environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Goals in hand, architects set forth to achieve Gold level certification by the Canada Green Building Council in its

Tartan Interiors Limited of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, was the contractor hired for installation of sustainable insulation and drywall as well as acoustic solutions specific to the library’s performance spaces. Alex Crocker, project manager with the company, says the library was a particularly complicated job due to the building’s unique cantilevered glass box design.

“The design of the library was new to this market,” he said. “Trying to take products with which we were familiar and modifying them into an atypical design was a challenge.”

His point is easy to fathom. A glimpse at the now-complete building reveals its floors to be purposefully misaligned in an effort to capture the look of books stacked atop one another. This is of course visually interesting, but it also created extra hurdles for Tartan’s crew. For one, it meant overall access to

Halifax Central Library is truly one of a kind, using the latest building materials both inside and out.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, for which they currently are on track. Among the LEED-related efforts was to specify sustainable materials. Cotaras said the design team looked for products that contained high amounts of recycled content, and this included sustainable insulation made from recycled glass and renewable content, low-VOC gypsum drywall, and related materials.

the building changed between various floors so they spent a lot of effort just trying to get to their workspace.

He also noted that because of the offset floors and the time it took to construct them, crews commenced interior wall and electrical work before the building was fully sealed in order to move the construction schedule forward. As a result, there were several instances in which horizontal soffits had

18 » The Trowel

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to be enclosed with an enduring moisture-resistant shaftliner and then clad over. Unlike typical shaftliner, the mold- and moisture-resistant embedded glass mat gypsum board used can withstand up to 12 months of exposure to the elements, which made it the right choice for unsealed areas of the building.

“GlasRoc Shaftliner was used on interior walls in advance of the building envelope being weather tight,” said Crocker. “Had it not been for this material, we would not have been able to install the shaft walls until the building was fully sealed.”

Once the building was weather tight, however, the crew switched to a one-inch-thick, two-feet-wide gypsum shaftliner and coreboard with moisture- and mold-resistant properties. This type of gypsum shaftwall system is more typical for interior jobs and has replaced traditional masonry for interior vertical enclosures like elevator enclosures and stairwells per its lightweight construction, thinner walls, ease and speed of installation and clean up, and cost-effective construction. In addition, the crew used recommended finishing compounds per manufacturer guidelines.

Figuring out how to best drywall interior walls exposed to the elements was just one hand the library’s unique design dealt to

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contractors. The sun was another. Due to the building’s glass design, its interior is bathed in natural sunlight that occupants get to enjoy year round. This beautiful light, however, made drywall work all the more tedious for contractors. It meant they had to use high-end level five finishing products to accomplish the quality finish a structure of this stature deserves. As such, the crew skimmed the entire surface of the walls.

“Paint absorbs onto paper and gypsum board at a different rate than the mud or taping compound,” said Chris Chisholm, Tartan’s owner and general manager. “When the crew skimmed the entire wall of gypsum board, the level five finish created a more uniform paint adhesion that looks more like plaster. It was more time consuming but delivered a more pristine finish.”

Tartan’s ’s crew had their work cut out for them without a doubt, yet arguably the most challenging aspect of the job was not labour, but logistics.

Take the atrium. It is an expansive space that spans five floors and features a labyrinth of stairs and bridges. It required an enormous amount of scaffolding for all of the trades to even get to their respective worksites, and that alone created a labour-intensive environment as each crew had to be accommodating to every other crew. All this while managing unusual design elements that also intertwined contractors’ work with one another.

For instance, the crew had to understand how to make their insulation and drywall work correctly with an atypical custom ceiling and its related components such as mechanical and electrical systems.

“The biggest thing about this job may have been the logistical undertaking to get the work done in a productive manner for the whole site, not just for us,” said Crocker, noting that his company, like others, established a permanent onsite office with a full-time staff to get their work done.

In the end, architect Cotaras is pleased with the insulation and drywall and says good materials choices helped keep the construction on schedule, create a sound structure, and push the project toward its anticipated LEED certification. “High quality products allowed this project to look as good as it does, and that includes joint tapes, crack fills, mixes, everything,” he said. ■

Russell MacKinnon is the territory and architectural solutions manager -

Atlantic Canada for CertainTeed Gypsum. He holds a Bachelor of Business

Administration from Cape Breton University. Beginning as a technical

representative in Western Canada, he has been in the construction industry

for more than 10 years. He resides in Metro Halifax and can be reached at

[email protected].

The need for homes, businesses, and other buildings is expected to rise over the next 50 years. According to Raconteur, people are going to need more affordable housing, and builders are going to start using advanced products that help promote cost-effective buildings. BIM technology, 3D printing, and an increase of government spending into propping up an increasingly dilapidated infrastructure are all factors that are going to promote growth and innovation in the field of construction.

Improved Imaging3D printing has reached a new level of realism. Currently, the US Department of Defense uses holographic prints that reveal plans for entire city blocks when shined on with an LED light. This technology will continue to improve and be used for creating effective realizations of architectural projects.

New innovations in imaging will make new buildings more effective and project proposals can be displayed with ease. The added ability to use 3D printing can make it simpler for architects to plan and tweak buildings before they are built in

5 Ways Construction Will Change in the Next 50 years

By / Jessica Kane | Brand Constructors

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Spectral


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the real world. The relative cost of 3D printing will continue to go down, and it will become the ideal work environment for architects that want to be able to visually manipulate and work with their products. Holograms will also be more effective in the future, and computer modeling will evolve to allow the use of holograms with the added benefit of no wasted materials during demos.

Improved RoboticsWe’re not talking about an army of robots creating new buildings, but machines that can build increasingly sophisticated and detailed buildings are in our future. Humans are still going to be needed to run the machines, but just as micro-surgery has evolved to use robotic arms for the repair of nerve endings and other procedures that the human hand is too clumsy for, construction will use robotics to create increasingly flush systems. Buildings can be built with greater speed and perform many of the tasks that up until now have been risky for construction workers. Moving steel beams, painting, concrete floor finishing, and other large-scale projects are already being completed by robots in certain sectors.

Increase in JobsWith the increase in technology, many people may fear that robotics will replace the construction worker. However, workers will still be needed to run machines and complete work that a machine can’t be trusted to do on its own. Construction workers may go from being a manual labour job to a sort of hybrid field that mixes technology and traditional construction practices. Construction workers will be required to use machines and computers to perform many of the jobs that previously required several men. This will create an increase in jobs, as more “eyes” will need to be available to supervise and monitor machine workers.

Better than RoboticsAnother possibility for the construction industry is the use of virtual equipment for construction workers. Workers may still use machines, but use specially designed suits that allow them to lift more and be generally more effective at their jobs. Using body movements that are tracked by a high-definition camera, the worker can don a suit and operate machinery through body movements and spoken commands. This may be better than robots since it will keep employment high but still allow for the use of technology to create increasingly complex architectural systems. Having the ability to operate equipment simply by moving your hands would be a great boon to construction and make for more reliable and sturdy buildings.

Natural Environments and MaterialsThe 21st century has seen a trend toward bringing nature back to construction. In the future, it’s likely that this trend will

continue to advance and become the norm as opposed to a rare novelty. Buildings will be built using organic methods that allow for better energy efficiency, less pollution and a less invasive impact on the environment. As water shortages continue to become an issue in the future, it’s going to become increasingly important that we devise ways to conserve. Construction can use photosynthetic energy, collect rainwater, and create low-cost insulation using natural elements. The use of plant-life in construction is likely to continue to increase as new environmental mandates are applied across the board.

It’s an exciting time for the construction industry, and new methods of creating buildings are going to be needed to keep up with demand. As the world’s population grows, there is going to be an increased need for affordable housing and highly efficient transportation systems. Cars will need to be replaced by more effective transportation systems, and the architects of the world will be in high demand to ensure that these futuristic construction wonders come to fruition. New technologies are continuing to evolve and innovate the way construction is handled in many parts of the world. The future of construction will focus on efficiency, environmental awareness, and safer practices that provide more jobs for workers. ■

The article has been reprinted with permission from the author and Brand

Constructors. See its original publication at www.brandconstructors.com.

The Vancouver Island / Coast (VI/Coast) region is located on the west coast of BC. It includes all of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the central portion of the Mainland coast from Powell River to just north of Ocean Falls and Bella Coola. The region covers 84,231 km3 of 9.1% of the province’s total land base, and is known worldwide for its mild climate, pristine wilderness, and stunning coastlines. Cities of various sizes, including BC’s capital of Victoria, are located in the VI/Coast economic region, and the service sector is a major player in this region. Health care, public administration, tourism, and natural resource extraction such as logging and fishing all contribute to the region’s diverse economy.

Regional Profile:

Vancouver Island / CoastEconomyThe BC government predicts an annual employment growth rate of 0.8 percent between now and 2022, resulting in 147,200 job openings over that ten-year period. Health and Social services are slated for top economic growth by industry.

In 2013, the largest industries by employment in the VI/Coast region were wholesale and retail trade (15.6% of workers), health care and social services (13.9%), accommodation and food services (8.5%), educational services (8.2%), and construction (8.0%).

Forestry, fishing, and mining are important industries in the mid and north Island and Mainland coast, although employment in these industries has dropped over the past decade.

Employment OutlookJust under 16 percent of B.C.’s workers live in the VI/Coast region.

The “British Columbia 2022 Labour Market Outlook” said approximately 77 percent of the job openings coming up will be to replace retiring workers, and approximately 23 percent of these openings, or 34,000 jobs, will result from economic growth over the 10-year period.

The top three occupations slated for growth in the VI/Coast region are health related, but construction is also set to be an important contributor. The region’s population is scattered, with a major concentration along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island between Victoria and Comox, and the economy reflects with varied settlement pattern.

Construction has been the largest goods sector employer over the past decade, largely the result of the region’s attraction of retirees.

Building the FutureHousing starts have experienced slight

Left: “2009-0605-Victoria-Harbor-PAN” by Bobak Ha’Eri - Own work. Right: “Namaimo aerial 4” by KenWalker [email protected]


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declines over the past decade, but 2015 is expected to report solid increases in most regions at the year’s end. Property sales were up 6.8% last year, spurring construction industry employment growth, along with new project proposals, mostly centred on liquefied natural gas (LNG) proposals valued at $3 billion and a $750 million wind power project.

The value of newly proposed projects was up from $0.8 billion in 2012 to $4.4 billion in 2013. Most of this proposed investment (86%) is for non-residential projects, primarily located outside Greater Victoria (68%).

This includes a $2 billion LNG processing, storage, and export facility in Campbell River, a $1 billion LNG export facility in Port Alberni, and a

$750 million wind power project in Sooke. In contrast, the value of new projects starting construction last year remained stable at $1.9 billion; mostly due to the start of the $1.1 billion John Hart Hydro generating station replacement in the fall. The total value of proposed projects was also up 15.5%, from $16.9 billion in 2012 to $19.5 billion in 2013. Just under half (48%) are power generation or upgrade projects, another 20% is for LNG facilities, and the rest are civic, transportation, education, and mining projects. The value of projects on hold fell from $10.3 billion in 2012 to $1 billion in 2013.

Major projects • Nanaimo: downtown revitalization,

including $50 million hotel

• Victoria: $30 million in marine projects, including Royal Victoria Yacht Club, Victoria International Marina, and Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal and Docks.

• Cowichan Bay: Cannery Development

• Sidney: Affordable housing, including Resthaven Lands Ltd., Seaport Place, micro-units on First St., and East Shore Village.

• Comox Valley / Campbell River: Two major hospital projects, one in each locale

• Comox Valley: John Hart Generating Station Replacement ■

Property sales were up 6.8% last year, spurring construction industry employment growth, along with new project proposals.

24 » The Trowel

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Factory finishing of aluminum trims and products prior to installation is highly recommended by various aluminum product manufacturers, painting companies, and other industry professionals. Quality assurance issues, which can arise from field priming and painting, can easily be avoided by having an aluminum product factory finished. When aluminum products, in particular aluminum trims, are painted in the field it opens up the possibility of issues such as surface soiling, improper surface preparation, streaking, and weather conditions. Delays in jobsite paint application due to unpredictable weather can be avoided through factory finishing since the material is treated in a controlled environment allowing for sufficient coating application and drying time. The end result of factory painted material is a superior, long-lasting finished product that can minimize future maintenance.

Flannery Inc., an aluminum trim manufacturer, works closely with its customers and its finishing companies to ensure an ideal colour match on every job. The painting process is not a one size fits all type of process, especially when dealing with a highly

porous material such as aluminum. This is why Flannery uses only a select few finishing companies for its custom colour jobs, all of whom the company has worked with for over 15 years.

When you choose to have your trim factory painted there are two different types of paint processes to choose from: Powder coating and Kynar. Both options offer a wide array of colour choices and levels of glossiness. Powder coating and Kynar both create a thick and durable layer of protection for the metal surface.

The main difference between Powder coating and Kynar is the way they are applied. Powder coating is applied to the metal in powder form and then

baked in an oven to allow the particles to permeate the material. Kynar is applied in liquid form and is then baked in an oven to harden the coating. Kynar allows for paint touch-ups while powder coating does not. Kynar and Powder coating provide bold, eye-catching, and uniform appearance that will last for several years. With a standard one-year warranty and an average life cycle of over 20 years, it’s no surprise that having your aluminum trim factory painted is always a good decision.

To read more about Flannery’s finishing options and to keep up with all that Flannery has to offer please visit www.flannerytrim.com. ■

FACTORY FINISHING A WINNING DECISION

feature FOCUS

By Justine Shaffer

Photos courtesy of Flannery Trim.


THE GREAT CREW CHANGE:Five Strategies for the Big Transition

It is finally upon us. The Great Crew Change. Most of the crew on every job in the US and Canada are going home soon. And they are never coming back.

It is the anticipated retirement of the many (older, skilled, and a little tired) and the necessary recruitment and integration of the (raw, ambitious, and semi-clueless) many more.

No organization that I know of is fully ahead of that curve. Maybe 25 per cent are actively working on it with a plan of action. Fifty per cent are aware of it and talking about it. And 25 per cent are simply out of luck and won’t know it until it is too late. No matter where you are on the curve, let’s accelerate your strategic initiatives starting right now. Here are five ways to deal with the Great Crew Change.

1. Understand the Implications: to really understand the implications of this trend the most important starting place is to do a demographic analysis of all key positions in your organization and plot the retirement curve of

all key employees eligible to bail out within the next five to seven years. This is the foundation for your urgent need to respond.

2. Evaluate the methods by which you are encouraging formal and informal mentoring in the organization. Having a system for mentoring provides an important tool for knowledge transfer.

3. Employers need to get fully involved with the Apprenticeship Programs to spend a lot more time evaluating prospects, interviewing and testing candidates, speaking to apprentice classes, and identifying high-potential supervisory talent early. After we fill the spots during the Great Crew Change, these new and young prospects are going to be our workforce for the next 25 years. Let’s put in the effort to get it right.

4. Emphasize the importance of training and development along with jobsite production for field supervision. Most foremen and superintendents do not perceive training and development as tools to create profits. They are

By / Mark Breslin

contractors 101

the most important people when it comes to the development of our next generation. We need to talk about it, recognize it, and reward it. You have to make it very visible and important if you want a change in jobsite culture.

5. Put together a plan and budget for training and development. Start with foremen as they actually have direct impact on the bulk of the workforce. Don’t stop the training and investment at the project management level. Get down to where it matters. Getting proactive on the people development side will help you use the Great Crew Change as a competitive advantage.

It is here. And there is not a moment to waste. Gen X leaders and Gen Y workers are assuming the roles onsite. They won’t develop themselves—it’s up to us to make it happen and that is going to take some real discipline, effort, and resources. ■

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26 » The Trowel

The fields of architecture, engineering, and construction have changed significantly with the emergence of 3D technology. Innovative 3D tools help building professionals create more successful presentations and ensure that their products are conveyed effectively to their clients.

Architectural visualization has become more streamlined than the pen and paper drafts from the past. Images that architects make now are more detailed and accurate representations of the finished product. While these pictures are useful reference points for the designer, they’re even more effective as collaborative presentation tools.

In architecture, creating a successful rendering is the first step to a profitable project. Many organizations use 3D architectural modelling on tablets or other devices that allow clients to “walk through” the space in a detailed virtual environment.

Line Shape Space contributor Jeff Yoders noted that eye-popping designs made in these programs can be built by firms of any size due to the capabilities of the cloud and built-in content. Dallas architecture firm HKS Architects, for example, used a 3D design software to render the planned stadium for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys franchise into a virtual reality, allowing prospective season ticket holders and suite lessors

USING HOLOGRAMS AS EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION TOOLS

to see the eventual fruit of their investment.

Although this type of engagement may not be necessary for every situation, there are other programs and techniques that firms can use to effectively present their structures to a large amount of people.

Presenting with holograms3D tools help AEC sector professionals present their designs to current and prospective clients. For DAS Architecture Inc. founder and president Dane Suchoza, holograms are especially useful for giving builders the reinforcement needed during integral demonstrations and marketing efforts.

Suchoza recently discussed a project in which he had only three to four weeks to develop a presentation for an important client in Austin, Texas, and sought out Zebra Imaging to create visual images that would make an impression on the audience. With only a short period of time to create the holograms, Suchoza prepared his 3D files for hologram printing and worked with Zebra to fine tune his designs for presentation.

Zebra expedited the order and shipped them overnight to the site. Once DAS set up the holograms on site at the customer’s conference room, crowds began to gather around the displays

before the presentation began—everyone was dazzled by them.

Since the initial presentation, DAS has completed four other projects with Zebra Imaging and has nine more in the early stages of development. Suchoza noted that because of the kind of demonstrations architects need to make and the level of impression that must be projected, holograms will “become a staple of all presentations.”

Digital holography may end up being utilized as an asset for the extreme front-end of certain types of clients, in which the “wow” factor is necessary to the success of the project and the approval to begin building.

“If I’m working with a group that has three project managers, and we’re working for months with this and now they have to go and present that to their board or something like that, that’s the time that you need the wow factor,” said Suchoza. “To help your client look

building SCIENCE

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By / Jennifer Stowe | Zebra Imaging

Continued on page 31

Photo courtesy of Zebra Imaging.


around the WORLD

CUSTOM ACOUSTICAL PANELS REVOLUTIONIZE CHURCH CEILING The Austin Chinese Church in Austin, Texas selected WoodTrends WoodGrill acoustical ceiling panels from SoundSeal—a logical choice for the religious facility, which wanted to deliver an improved acoustical experience for its congregants while adding to the design aesthetics of the space.

“Another important factor in the decision was longevity,” said Dave Gilbert, general manager for SoundSeal. “With the intent of the install being long term, the birch veneer finish will hold up to the fluctuations in temperature and humidity that is typical for the region.”

WoodGrill panels are also highly customizable for customers’ specific applications, which was a critical component for the large-scale installation. The project incorporates 3420 square feet of wood veneered acoustical grill panels in a design featuring many angle cuts. The manufacturing process for the WoodGrill panels combines both solid wood and veneered MDF to make panels incorporating different blade sizes and spacing. Due to the fact that there were many panel groupings, at different heights, layout of the ceiling was critical.

The ceiling panels feature a plain sliced birch veneer. To deal with the size of the project, multiple logs were sourced and sorted by the master veneer-maker to ensure that log-to-log consistency was optimized in the selection process.

“After slicing, the veneer was laid up by hand with particular attention to colour, grain structure, and overall size,” said Gilbert. “While pre-manufactured veneer, or even laminate would have shortened the lead-time for the products, make-to-order manufacturing of the veneer assisted in keeping the cost down and maximizing quality control.”

the space required a large portion of the project to be installed utilizing lifts as opposed to scaffolding.”

As is often the case with House of Worship projects, schedules were built around the delivery and installation of the pews, and there was a hard date by which all ceiling installation needed to be complete in order for the delivery and installation of the pews to occur.

“Due to all the complicated shapes, the contractor was required to field cut many panels to accommodate all the angles and slopes of the ceiling,” said Gilbert. “Overall, the result was an installation more than worthy of the quality of the products themselves.”

Finally, particular attention was paid to the fact that at the extreme heights of the space, variations in temperature and humidity would occur throughout the year.

“Creating these panels to withstand these conditions ensures a rock solid installation that will offer beauty and quality for years to come,” said Gilbert.

For more information, please visit www.soundseal.com or call 413-789-1770. ■

The panels were manufactured with an 11/16-inch-wide by one-inch-high blade with six blades per panel. To provide the owner with a truly acoustical ceiling, the back-sides of the panels were covered with an acoustic textile combined with a generous percentage of open area provided by the blade spacing. This construction allowed for a full 0.75 NRC rating per ASTM C423 to be achieved.

Construction documents for the project were scarce in detail concerning the ceiling products, leaving the manufacturing and installation team to design the most efficient method of install.

Complex shop drawings were created, detailing a combination of reflected ceiling plans and sections through the multiple planes and levels of this ceiling. Design and implementation of the panel terminations at a specific distance from the wall and or bulkheads was found to be particularly challenging.

“As is typical with these ceiling types, the incorporation of lighting, HVAC, and fire protection proved to be difficult not only for the design team, but the installation team as well,” said Gilbert. “The extreme height and angles incorporated into the design of

Photo courtesy of SoundSeal.

28 » The Trowel

DON’T BE EXCLUDED:Don’t Let Liability Insurance become a Liability

It is hard to overstate the importance for developers, contractors, and subcontractors of obtaining proper liability insurance for their construction projects. However, in and of itself, this may not be enough, if care is not also taken to ensure the terms of your specific policy provide coverage for all losses that might arise during a project. Encon Group Inc. v. Capo Construction Inc., a 2015 British Columbia Supreme Court case, clearly shows the consequences of failing to consider the potential impact of an exclusion clause on your insurance coverage.

FactsThis case considered the application of a general contractor’s (the “Contractor”) commercial general liability policy (the “Policy”) to damage suffered by a crane service provider that had been hired as a subcontractor (the “Subcontractor”). The Subcontractor had been engaged to install tilt-up wall panels at a construction project being overseen by the Contractor. During the course of construction, a 121,000-pound concrete panel fell on the Subcontractor’s crane, allegedly causing nearly $1,500,000 in damage. The Subcontractor sued the Contractor in negligence and breach of contract for recovery of its losses.

Ultimately, the Contractor sought coverage under the Policy, but insurance coverage was denied by the Contractor’s insurer (the “Insurer”). In

this case, the Policy contained a clause specifically excluding coverage for losses to “tools or equipment owned by, rented to, or used by or on behalf of” the Contractor. Relying on this clause, the Insurer took the position that it had no duty to defend the Contractor under the Policy, as damage to the crane was actually a loss to equipment being used on behalf of the Contractor.

IssuesThe key issue before the court was whether the Insurer had a duty to defend the Contractor under the Policy.

The DecisionIn interpreting the Policy, the Court considered the common usage and reasonable interpretation of the word “equipment” contained in the exclusion clause and found that this included a crane. Having found that the crane was “equipment” within the meaning of the Policy, the Court next considered whether this equipment was being used on behalf of the Contractor. In finding that it was, the Court relied upon the fact that the Contractor itself

benefited and profited from the crane’s usage, even though it was owned by the Subcontractor. Ultimately, the Court found that damage to the Crane fell within the Policy’s exclusion clause and, as a result, the Insurer had no duty to defend the Contractor under the Policy. This was significant, as without insurance coverage, the Contractor was potentially liable for the Subcontractor’s $1,500,000 claim.

Lessons LearnedIt is apparent that the Contractor in this case had, at its peril, overlooked, or simply not properly considered the impact of the Policy’s exclusion clauses on its potential coverage. This highlights the importance of reviewing the key terms contained in your general insurance policy to ensure that coverage extends to all foreseeable issues that might arise at a specific project. If there is some doubt that coverage will apply under your existing policy, it may be worthwhile to obtain additional insurance coverage to ensure that your general liability policy doesn’t become a liability for your business. ■

This article was written by Andrew D. Delmonico,

a lawyer, and John Wiebe, a summer student, who

practise in construction law with the law firm of Kuhn

LLP. This article is only intended as a guide and

cannot cover every situation. It is important to get

legal advice for specific situations. If you have any

questions or comments about this case or other

construction law matters, please contact us at 604-

864-8877.

wallandceiling.caOUR NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE COMING SOON

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We’ll be launching late this fall so watch for more information to come about what you will find on our website in the months ahead.

By / Andrew Delmonico and John Wiebe

it’s the LAW

UNDER CONSTRUCTION


industry NEWSProjects Focused on Employing Under-represented Groups Receive Funding

Apprenticeship stakeholders gathered on Parliament Hill in July to hear about new projects focused on engaging more women and Aboriginal peoples in the skilled trades. The Hon. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Status of Women, and Member of Parliament Royal Galipeau were on-hand to announce funding for two Canadian Apprenticeship Forum initiatives.

A project collecting best practices for retaining Aboriginal apprentices received $210,000 over three years from the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity program. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum will create an action plan for employers with practical strategies for engaging Aboriginal apprentices.

Minister Leitch noted, “Our Government believes that an inclusive workforce that respects and reflects the diversity of Canada’s population will contribute to a stronger Canadian economy. That’s why we’re pleased to provide funding that will help employers in key industries attract and retain Aboriginal apprentices learning a skilled trade.”

A second project focuses on increasing opportunities in apprenticeship programs for Aboriginal, rural, and immigrant women. It will create an online network for women and employers, providing opportunities to connect and to share information. Promising practices for recruiting and retaining female apprentices will be highlighted, helping employers integrate women into their skilled trades workforces. The project received a $229,645 grant from Status of Women Canada.

Bobby Watt, president of RJW-Gem Campbell Stonemasons and a member of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s board of directors, pointed to the monumental effort underway to restore the stone on Parliament Hill’s West Block as an example of how female tradespeople contribute their talent. “We are proud to include women as stonemasons and carvers on this project and actively recruit them as apprentices. These professionals will carry of piece of Canadian history with them throughout their careers, telling stories about this restoration to their children and grandchildren.”

Sarah Watts-Rynard, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s executive director, added, “With skilled tradespeople in high demand, there is an ever-louder call for workers with the aptitude, interest, and skills to undertake well-paid careers in the trades. By collecting insights from employers who are already finding success engaging Aboriginal and female apprentices, we look forward to inspiring others to do the same.” ■

BCCSA Regional Events

These free events recognize and acknowledge companies who have achieved COR, give an overview about the benefits of COR and the Alliance’s many other services and resources, and provide a feature safety presentation and networking opportunities.

For 2015 the new feature presentation will feature Jeff Lyth CRSP / CHSC and discuss Safety Culture in the Workplace... And How to Finally Measure It! In this session Jeff will address:

• Culture defined and how we can now measure it

• Introduction of the “Safety Climate Tool”

• The three main reasons to use it

• Where do we go from here?

• What resources and services the BCCSA has available

These events have been very well attended are sure to sell out.

Kelowna Free Contractor Luncheon: September 15, 2015.

Please email [email protected] for more information. ■

B.C.’s LNG Job Claims Disputed in New Report | CBC

A new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives refutes the BC government’s claim that the Pacific Northwest LNG project will create 100,000 jobs.

“We find this to be a manufactured statistic,” lead author Marc Lee told Rick Cluff on CBC’s The Early Edition.

Lee says the LNG project’s costs outweigh its benefits. He cites greenhouse gas emissions and the impact on the water supply in exchange for what he says are small gains in jobs and revenue. Lee calls the report a reality check.

“The potential gains have been vastly overstated by the provincial government while in a sense, they are privatizing a public resource,” Lee said.

Lee points to job numbers from Petronas, the company behind Pacific NortWest LNG. He says once the facility is built, only 2,000 to 3,000 jobs will remain.

Lee says that’s a long way from the 100,000 jobs the B.C. Liberals have promised even if all five planned facilities are eventually built and there is no way of knowing how many of those jobs will be temporary or filled by foreign workers.


industry NEWSBut Rich Coleman, BC’s Minister of Natural Gas Development, says many of the 100,000 jobs will be spinoff jobs—in other words, work the LNG industry will create indirectly.

“If you add jobs up and down the chain, there are service jobs that have to be done. There are spinoff jobs that come from that. It affects everything,” said Coleman, citing everything from housing construction to new Tim Hortons restaurants.

“You can’t put $36 billion into an economy and not have significant spinoffs,” he said.

He also said the CCPA report did not consider the 2,000 to 4,000 pipeline jobs that will be created by the project itself.

Coleman says the CCPA did not consult the LNG industry in its report and points out the government is citing numbers from credible accounting firms, Ernst and Young, and KPMG. ■

CertainTeed Gypsum Signs Agreement to Acquire Structus Building Technologies, Inc.

Saint-Gobain, through its subsidiary, CertainTeed Gypsum, has announced an agreement to purchase Structus Building Technologies, Inc. (SBTI) of Bend, Oregon, a manufacturer of

innovative, high-performance drywall corner solutions.

Founded in 1996, Structus designs and manufactures a preferred line of products that enhances and supports finishing in the drywall industry. The company’s leading products include No-Coat® structural laminate drywall corners, AquaBead and Hydrotrim® water-activated corners, Optimus Drywall Corner Reinforcement, EasyFlex™ Flexible Corner Bead, AutoPRO drywall finishing machines, Ultraflex™, Ultratrim™, Ultra Arch™, and Ultratool™ drywall finishing tools and accessories, and Levelline® drywall corner trim. Structus is a private label supplier of AquaBead, Optimus, and EasyFlex to CertainTeed Gypsum in North America and in Europe to CertainTeed’s parent company, Saint-Gobain.

Structus includes a single manufacturing location in Bend, Oregon with 60 employees. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

This acquisition opens additional opportunities for Structus products to be sold through CertainTeed Gypsum’s sister businesses globally.

For more information please visit www.certainteed.com. ■

Non-residential Building Permits Rebound in June

Total building permits issued in the Lower Mainland-Southwest Region increased 17% in June to $843.5 million, according to the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA).

Non-residential permits drove the increase, jumping 59% to $257.6 million, following a decline the previous month. Commercial permits rose 77% to $186.5 million and industrial rebounded 158% to $35.3 million, while institutional-government permits

fell 18% to $35.8 million month-over-month. Residential permits trailed with a gain of just 5% to $585 million, following strong growth in May.

“The increase in commercial building permits was likely due to office and retail buildings in Metro Vancouver,” said Fiona Famulak, president of the VRCA. “As for the industrial sector, data is only available at the provincial level, which saw large gains in transportation and utilities permits as well as in mining and agriculture. Total building permits in the Lower Mainland-Southwest Region in 2015 is trending to be 25-35% higher than in 2014.”

Total Abbotsford building permits slipped 15% in June to $19.2 million, from the previous month. Non-residential permits increased 105% to $8.1 million, while residential permits dropped 40% to $11.4 million. Commercial permits soared 588% to $3.2 million and industrial permits increased 636% to $4.9 million; however, there were no institutional-government permits issued in June.

“In Abbotsford, residential permits saw a boost from the multi-unit sector in May and returned to trend level in June. Multi-unit permits are volatile because one or two multi-unit projects have a large impact on a small base,” said Famulak. “We still anticipate that building permits in Abbotsford this year will surpass last year due to more residential activity.”

With close to 700 members, VRCA is British Columbia’s largest and most inclusive regional construction association, representing union and non-union, general and trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and other professionals throughout the Lower Mainland from Hope to Whistler.

Visit http://www.vrca.bc.ca/News/Building%20Permits%20Data.pdf for full regional data and graphs. ■

Have you got indstry news or updates you’d like to share with our readers? Contact our editor, Jessica Kirby, at 250.816.3671 or email

[email protected] for submission guidelines.

EXTRA! EXTRA!


Company Phone Page

Bailey Metals Products 800.818.2666 OBC

Cosella Dörken 888.4DELTA4 13

Demand Products 800.325.7540 08

Dryvit Systems Canada 800.263.3308 05

Flannery Trim 818.837.7585 24

Grabber Construction Products (Canada) Inc. 800.567.8876 26

Johnson Abrasives 800.628.8005 15

Kinetics Noise Control 800.684.2766 18

Lochsa Engineering 208.342.7168 21

MagO 604.290.1961 04

Marion Van Keken-Rietkerk, MBA 604.617.8118 23

NovaCrownTM 604.999.4295 25

New West Gypsum Recycling 604.534.9925 18

SCAFCO Steel Stud Company 403.265.9005 IFC

Steeler Ltd (Delta BC) 877.678.6565 08

Sturdy Ladder Inc. 403.264.2934 19

Wallworks Acoustic Architectural Products Inc. 877.829.2550 12

Winroc Corporation 888.2.WINROC 09

Advertiser Index

industry NEWS

good in his own house and to add a professional edge and new technology into it. That to me, that’s the alpha presentation for this type of stuff.

“The issue is the holograph print is three dimensional,” he added. “The rotating view was two dimensional. It was a two dimensional representation of the three dimensional image. And that difference is subtle. So when [viewers] hover over that site plan and they wave their hand down there and they interact with it by

Continued from page 26BUILDING SCIENCE

moving to the left and looking at the left side and moving to the right and looking at the right side, there’s a far more intimate relationship with that building.”

Holograms can also benefit promotional efforts. Suchoza noted that architects are always marketing in order to bring more work to the business, and the holograms are exceptionally useful in helping builders to impress potential clients and acquire more projects. While

submitting an Apprentice Utilization Report, quarterly and at the end of the project, said the BC government.

“The province uses the information to monitor compliance with this policy and to track whether registered Red Seal apprentices are being used on the project.

For those projects with a total provincial investment less than $15 million, prime

contractors are encouraged to adopt best practices, including engaging in apprenticeship training and reporting on the use of registered apprentices and trainees.”

The policy applies to all major infrastructure projects undertaken by all ministries, health authorities, boards of education, public post-secondary institutions, and B.C. Hydro.

Continued from page 15APPRENTICES

Companies can register to employ apprentices at the ITA at www.itabc.ca.

For more information please see the B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint One-Year Update: http://www.workbc.ca/blueprintaction or visit the BC government’s

Apprentice Job Match tool at http://www.workbc.ca/Job-Seekers/Trades-and-Apprenticeship.aspx. ■

there are other demonstration methods like projections and visuals, holograms are ultimately more successful due to their unique displays. Suchoza’s firm participated in a 3DS Max presentation that showing involved a city block through a projection monitor, which had the building rotating and rendered in full detail. However, the holograph print ultimately held the advantage..■



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