Shows
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 371: The VRCA 2024 Awards of ExcellenceOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey and daily news editor Lindsey Cole look at not only the 2024 Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) Awards of Excellence but also the leading stories in construction across Canada. Lindsey spoke about the Ontario Building Trades convention covered by staff writer Don Wall, with a focus on the NextStar plant currently being built in Ontario, as well as coverage of RESCON’s housing summit. Warren also talked about his recent story covering industry reaction to the recent B.C. election which as of publication still doe...2024-10-2516 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 370: CIRP and Community Savings partner on Recovery Protection ProgramOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP) executive director Vicki Waldron and Community Savings Credit Union vice-president of strategic partnerships Raj Khunkhun about their partnership in deploying the Recovery Protection Program (RPP), which addresses the financial needs of those suffering mental health or substance use pressures and are going through CIRP’s rehabilitation process. Waldron said the impetus for the partnership was that a big barrier to people staying in treatment was their finances, which often were affected negatively by their mental health or su...2024-10-1815 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 369: CIOB CEO Caroline GumbleOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) CEO Caroline Gumble about skilled trades recruitment and DEI initiatives in both the UK and North America. Gumble explained the CIOB has existed for 190 years and stands for science, ethics and practice of the built environment. She detailed some of the ays the UK has encouraged diversity in hiring through the use of “blind CVs” where no personal information in included in a resume to discourage unconscious bais. She also explained that while there are slig...2024-10-1112 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 368: 2024 ICBA Construction Innovation SummitOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the Independent Business and Contractors Association’s (ICBA) 2024 Construction Innovation Summit. The first interview is with BuildForce Canada executive director Bill Ferreira, who addressed attendees at a session called The State of the Construction Workforce - Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities, laying out the current and future labour trends affecting the industry. Dusty Robotics CEO and co-founder Tessa Lau explained the cutting edge of automation in construction with a session titled “The State of Robotics in Construction - Today’s Real...2024-10-0421 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 367: Richard Florida on Toronto’s waterfrontOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with urbanist, author and Creative Class Group founder Richard Florida about a new report he’s written about the need to revamp Toronto’s waterfront. Great Waterfront, Great City compares Toronto’s development on its waterfront with other world-class cities such as Dubai, New York and London and points to how while residential and office development has gone forward, the area needs to draw in not only Torontonians but increase tourism to the city. He added focusing on the tech sector, creati...2024-09-2721 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 366: B.C. Election Part Two with Chris Gardner and Brynn BourkeOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews with Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA BC) president Chris Gardner and BC Building Trades executive director Brynn Bourke about who they’re endorsing and what they want to see for their sectors after the election on Oct. 19. Gardner said the ICBA is supporting the BC Conservatives and its leader John Rustad and pointed to the current NDP government’s use of community benefit agreements (CBA) as one of the main reasons. Bourke said the BC Building Trades are alli...2024-09-2032 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 365: Hard Hat History with Vince VersaceOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace about the long history of the humble hard hat. Invented by American Edward W. Bullard in 1918 the hardhat is both the first and one of the most vital pieces of safety equipment on site and an iconic, instantly recognizable symbol of the construction industry. From its origins as an overlapping layer of canvas and glue to its current iteration, hardhats haved saved lives and prevented injuries for countless workers over the past century.2024-09-1813 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 364: Bill Black on the Calgary Green LineOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Calgary Construction Association president Bill Black speaks with digital media editor Warren Frey about the many delays and governmental clashes affecting the City of Calgary’s Green Line light-rail transit project. Alberta premier Danielle Smith recently said she wants the project to proceed as originally envisioned and expressed concerns the current project is not cost-effective. Black does not want to take sides on the design of the project or see it devolve into a political battle as he expressed during several media interviews but expressed concerns the con...2024-09-1317 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 363: How 9/11 changed constructionOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 about how the subsequent study of the tragedy led to new designs and building practices. Vince explained how new forms of egress were adopted in tall buildings in order to facilitate evacuations, how construction moved away from the “core pillar” design of the Twin Towers and improved resiliency not only against a hostile attack but other stressors. Another change was adoption across the world of more uniform building code...2024-09-1114 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Cnstruction Record Podcast – Episode 362: Construction goes to the MoviesOn this special episode of The Construction Record Podcast, as children and teens across North America make their way back to school for another year, digital media editor Warren Frey and ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace discuss construction as seen in the movies. Films and television can inspire future career choices for young people, and certainly The LEGO Movie, which celebrates becoming a master builder in a world of bricks is no exception. Vince and Warren also cover more adult fare such as Locke, a film starring Tom Hardy about real construction challenges as he...2024-09-0621 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 361: The B.C. election with Jeannine Martin and Chris AtchisonOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey interviews Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) president Jeannine Martin and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about the upcoming B.C. election. The B.C. election race was upended on Aug. 28 when BC United leader dropped out and the party withdrew from the race, leaving David Eby’s NDP and John Rustad’s BC Conservatives going head to head. Rustad also spoke that same day at the VRCA offices in Vancouver as part of the association’s “Constructive Conversations” series, which previ...2024-08-3016 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 360: Wesgroup CEO Beau Jarvis on housing and regulationsOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks to Wesgroup president and CEO Beau Jarvis about dealing with the housing crisis from a developer perspective. Wesgroup recently released a video titled “Housing Crisis 101: Why Homes Don't Just Happen” (embedded below) which illustrates through animation how changing government regulations and an uncertain building environment are adding risk for developers. Jarvis also noted that with 95 per cent of Canadian housing stock coming from the private sector, in his view it makes sense to work within the current paradigm to try to expa...2024-08-2313 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 359: Economist Jack Mintz on Canada’s infrastructureOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with economist and President’s Fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy Jack Mintz about Canada’s reinvigorating and expanding ageing infrastructure. Mintz said privatization is one possible route to increasing infrastructure across Canada, and pointed to the telecommunications industry as an example of infrastructure that works reliably and upgrades at a regular cadence. Pension funds investing in infrastructure is another possibility, along with public-private partnerships (P3). Housing affordability is another factor and Mintz said a big issue is...2024-08-1616 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 358: Cobots and construction with BCIT’s Mathew SmithOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with BCIT Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy director Mathew Smith about “cobots,” robots designed to work collaboratively with students and workers in industrial environments. Smith said cobots differ from traditional industrial robots in size, function and cost and because of the use of sensors can maneuver around human operators, making them much more flexible in a learning environment. Cobots do not replace human skills, he added, as they follow preprogrammed instructions, and BCIT students are taught manual dexterity skills that remain...2024-08-0915 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 357: ConstructConnect chief economist Michael GuckesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Michael Guckes as he details his plans for his new role. Michael and Warren discussed what’s in store for the economy as summer turns to fall including the possibility of a rate cut from the Federal Reserve as well as the shifting political landscape as the United States heads to a presidential election in November. Michael also went into detail on his career and how it’s meshed with both construction and economics since the beginning and ga...2024-08-0221 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 356: Site safety trends with Terry DussaultOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Yellowknife Consulting Services president Terry Dussault about emerging trends and safety risks on worksites. Dussault highlighted rising risks such as struck-by incidents and the need for better respiration masks to deal with threats such as potential silica inhalation. He also said more awareness is needed about biological risks, such as harmful plant life on a site which can result in workers developing allergies or reactions to the environment. He also said supervisors should be equipped with essential steps for prevention an...2024-07-2625 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 355: Building accessibility with Mark DeMontisOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Substance Group chief accessibility officer Mark DeMontis about how accessible buildings in B.C could be a new and lucrative market for developers. DeMontis said while there has been some resistance to BC Building Code changes that increase accessibility in new buildings, he thinks those attitudes focus on the short term rather than viewing those with disabilities as an untapped new market for residential units. He also said there is a common misconception that disabled people are also receiving assistance...2024-07-1916 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 354: The TAS Reconciliation PlanOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both TAS CEO Mazyar Mortazavi and Creative Fire managing director Jordan Baptiste about the TAS Reconciliation Plan, a document intended to guide company actions as they engage with Indigenous communities to further development. Mortazavi described as an impact platform which uses real estate to drive positive change operating as developers, asset manages and through private equity. He said the firm released its plan is an evolution of their impact framework and work off od its interactions with Indigenous communities to create a “fram...2024-07-1214 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 353: immigration and the labour shortageOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both BC Building Trades executive director Brynn Bourke and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about Canada’s immigration system and how it intersects with an ongoing labour shortage in the construction industry. Bourke addressed what she said is an “addiction” to temporary foreign workers in the construction industry and advocated for changing the immigration system to both reflect modern labour needs and provide an easier path to permanent residency for skilled tradespeople looking to work in Canada. Atchison...2024-07-0524 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 352: The state of UK Construction in 2024 with Alastair HayfieldOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Alastair Hayfield from Interact Analysis to discuss the state of construction in the UK in 2024 with an emphasis on heavy equipment. Hayfield was last on the podcast in episode 322, and since then the economic situation has not improved, he said. With an impending election on July 4 the industry is in a holding pattern and waiting to see which party takes Parliament before committing to large economic projects. On ongoing labour shortage is also affecting construction in the UK, with heavy equ...2024-06-2813 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 351: Designing The Well’s retail space with architect Adrian PriceOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Adrian Price, an architect and principal with London-based BDP Architects, about the design of the retail segment of The Well, a mixed-use “micro-city” of residences offices and retail in downtown Toronto. One of the standout features of The Well is an extensive glass canopy that brings European-style shopping to Canada while still protecting shoppers and residents from the elements in an aesthetically striking configuration. Price also explained how the colonnade feature of the Well’s retail space uses terracotta to blend se...2024-06-2121 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 350: ConstructConnect chief economist Alex CarrickOn this special 350th episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick reflects on his career, the construction industry and the broader economy as he prepares for retirement at the end of June. Alex spoke about the many changes in the economy over the previous decades from the gradual greening of every aspect of construction and the economy to the rise of technology and entertainment as a driver for large-scale building. He also spoke of unpredictable events such as the dot.com crash of the late 90s, the financial crisis of 2008 and th...2024-06-1430 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 349: Modern Niagara’s Meg MathesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor speaks with Meg Mathes, the senior manager of diversity, equity and inclusion at Modern Niagara and a Canadian Apprenticeship Forum board member. Mathes is also a transgender woman and she shared her journey through the trades from becoming a journeyperson to assuming a management role and her current role ensuring a safe and equitable workplace for all employees. Mathes also gave advice for young queer individuals looking to enter a career in the trades and for employers who may not understand terms and perspectives bu...2024-06-0713 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 348: AEC Cares in D.C. with ConstructConnect’s Jen JohnsonOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with AEC Cares president and ConstructConnect chief product officer Jen Johnson about ProjectDC, an initiative in the District of Columbia to renovate the Residential Empowerment Adolescent Community Home (REACH) located in D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Once a year construction industry professionals come together for AEC Cares Day of Service, with last year’s project in San Francisco was the Lark-Inn, a facility run by Larkin Street Youth Services, in a “blitz build” to remodel the living and social spaces for 18 to 24-year-old y...2024-05-3110 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 347: interviews from the RAIC conferenceOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the recent Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s annual conference in Vancouver. The first interview features architects Graham McGarva, Richard Evans and intern architect Tatiana Vovchenko about their session about False Creek South, one of the first showcases of urban planning in Vancouver which is now looking to revamp by building in concert with the existing community rather than replacing it. The second interview is with Williams Lake First Nation chief Willie Sellars and M2 Architecture Inc.’s Michae...2024-05-2417 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 346: Kansas City design and CPKC StadiumOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey talks to designers and architects in Kansas City about the design culture of the city and region and the challenges and successes of building CPKC Stadium, the first ever women’s soccer stadium in North America and the home of the Kansas City Current. First, Warren interviews DLR Group principal and interior design leader Gretchen Holy and KC Global Design managing director Ashley McDonald about the vibrant and deep design culture of Kansas City, a modern city with deep roots in the U.S. Mi...2024-05-1729 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 345: The “What is Normal Anymore” economic webcastOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey compiles highlights from the recent Construction Economy Outlook Spring 2024 titled “What is Normal Anymore?” and held online on May 9. The webinar, presented by ConstructConnect, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) featured ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes, AGC chief economist Ken Simonson, AIA chief economist Kermit Baker and ConstructConnect vice-president of content acquisition Morgan Stinson and vice-president of product marketing Paul Hart. Baker looked at recent trends in construction activity as wel...2024-05-1055 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 344: Interviews from VICA’s annual conferenceOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the Vancouver Island Construction Association’s (VICA) annual conference held recently in Victoria, B.C. The first interview is with MNP Consulting Services partner Susan Mowbray who gave attendees a look at the current economic situation on Vancouver Island and explained where opportunities for innovation would allow the construction industry to adapt to changing demographics and an increasingly shrinking labour pool. She added artificial intelligence (AI) is an opportunity for employers to both streamline what they do but also compete more...2024-05-0316 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Special: Federal Budget ReactionsOn this special episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) president Richard Lyall and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about the recent federal budget and its effects on construction and housing. Lyall said the housing measures introduced in the 2024 federal budget will not address the regulatory hurdles homebuilders still encounter and that meaningful consultation with the construction industry and others doing the work was not pursued by the federal government in a meaningful way. He added the budget did not reflect the...2024-04-2633 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 343: Interviews from COFI 2024On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) 2024 annual conference in Vancouver. The first interview is with Don Iveson, the former mayor of Edmonton and current executive advisor on climate investing and community resilience for Co-Operators Insurance. Iveson is also the co-chair for the Task Force for Housing and Climate and he spoke to the important ways both the current affordable housing crisis and the present and future climate change emergency are linked together and can be mitigated in an integrated fa...2024-04-1918 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 341: Nashville contractor Brandon Mason on building and communityOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Nashville-based Brandon Mason, the president of BCMason Group about his work as a contractor on both community-based and large-scale projects in the city. Mason said he grew up around construction and after work across North America with other firms he set out on his own path, starting with projects in Nashville’s African-American neighbourhoods that reflect his commitment to giving back to his own community. He’s also worked on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the area at varyin...2024-04-0518 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 340: Economic diversification with Alex Carrick and Michael GuckesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes about how general contractors and others in the construction industry can diversify their work portfolios in terms of geography, new vs. renovation projects, strategic work in verticals and the comparison between public and private sector work. Alex pointed to demographic changes in both Canada and the United States as driving construction including Atlantic Canada’s dramatic growth and the southern United States seeing an unprecedented rise in population due to migration from bigg...2024-03-2930 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 339: A new blueprint for housing with Tsering YangkiOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Dream Unlimited executive vice-president Tsering Yangki about a new report from the Task Force for Housing and Climate titled “Blueprint for More and Better Housing.” Yangki went into detail about the reports recommendations for doubling the amount of housing stock in Canada by concentrating on not only modular and panelized construction but also emphasizing climate resilient construction to ensure housing can withstand a worsening climate crisis while still building at scale. The report recommends legalizing density, implementing better building codes, invest...2024-03-2211 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 338: VRCA and CCW’s LEAP conferenceOn this episode of the Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey has three interviews from the LEAP conference, a collaboration between the Vancouver Regional Construction Association and Canadian Construction Women. The one-day conference held March 8 in Vancouver brought together women in the construction industry with thought leaders to push their careers further ahead and inspire them with new ways to navigate a male-dominated industry. The first interview is with VRCA president Jeannine Martin and CCW president Seema Lal about the origins of the conference and what they hope to achieve by bringing women in the...2024-03-1516 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 337: Dr. Victoria Lanteigne on embedded equity in built formsOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Dr. Victoria Lanteigne, a research principal at Steven Winter Associates Inc. in New York City about improving the built environment through equity, accessibility and inclusive design. Lanteigne explained that embedded equity is an emerging approach to design that supports marginalized groups that have been traditionally not benefited from the ways in which the built environment has been implemented and stressed the importance of integrating equity into building sustainable structures. They added design fails marginalized communities is by not soliciting their inpu...2024-03-0811 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 336: 2024 Tech and Construction Trends with Kris LengiezaOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Procore Technologies global technology evangelist Kris Lengieza about what new technology and innovation is headed for the construction industry in 2024. Kris explained how while artificial intelligence (AI) gained traction in 2023 in the construction industry, over the next year AI use will accelerate as awareness of ChatGPT and other large-language models (LLM) spreads awareness of possible AI implementation for a number of different applications. LLMs will also allow for preservation of institutional knowledge, he said, by allowing industry veterans to error-check AI recommendations to...2024-03-0116 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 335: Holistic Forest Management with Justin PerryOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with British Columbia Institute of Technology instructor Justin Perry about a new holistic approach to wildfire management. Perry recently spoke at TedX Abbotsford with a talk titled “Holistic Wildfire Management: Seeing Fire Through Multiple Lenses” (embedded below) which elaborated on ways in which we can change our perspective from a traditional approach of fighting every fire individually to shaping, cultivating and adapting the landscape to a new set of conditions as climate change creates stronger and more deadly wildfires across Canada every summer and...2024-02-2321 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 334: Economic risks in 2024 with Alex Carrick and Michael Guckes Part TwoOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes in part two of a two-part series looking at current challenges in the financial markets affecting not only construction but the wider economy as well as the unpredictable nature of federal politics both north and south of the border. Michael elaborated on current data which shows continued hesitancy towards investment in real estate due to high interest rates and continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and cautioned that even if the Federal Re...2024-02-1634 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 333: Economic risks in 2024 with Alex Carrick and Michael Guckes Part OneOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes in part one of a two-part series looking at the geopolitical situation across the globe and how it affects the construction industry and the pressing need for labour at a level never been seen before in either the Canadian or U.S. economies. Alex lays out the current economic situation by laying out the latest construction starts data and pointed to risks such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the Middle Ea...2024-02-0927 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 332: CIRP executive director Vicky WaldronOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with BC Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP) executive director Vicky Waldron about its Opioid-Free Pain Clinic pilot program which approaches pain management after workplace injury without drug prescriptions. Waldron spoke to the importance of avoiding opioid use to mask pain and the clinic instead uses an innovative technique called myoActivation trigger point therapy which reduces pain without pharmacological intervention. She also said those who go through the therapy recover more quickly while avoiding drug use, and that the construction industry has co...2024-02-0212 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – World of Concrete Part Two: Women in Construction, 3D printing and architectureOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™ from the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both speaker and entrepreneur Rhonda Sargent Chambers and architect and designer Kaneshka Salehi. Chambers, who grew up in a construction family that ran a concrete staining business, spoke at a session titled Women Construction Business Owners: "Creating Your Legacy" where she addressed many of the challenges of running a business from a female perspective including imposter syndrome, outdated cultural attitudes and the similarities between her production business and those working in construction, including intense phy...2024-01-2920 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - World of Concrete Part One: Robotics and ConstructionOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey looks at the role of robotics in construction with DPR Construction robotics lead Henning Roedel and Rogers-O’Brien Construction chief innovation officer Todd Wynne from the World of Concrete conference in Las Vegas. Wynne and Roedel spoke to the many ways the construction industry is already utilizing robotics along with new innovations such as Hilti’s JaiBot drilling robot, which drills over the shoulder holes and spares workers injury and exposure to silica, as well as the Dusty Robotics Fieldprinter, a “Roomba with a printer”...2024-01-2512 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - World of Concrete PREVIEWOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with World of Concrete senior show manager Kevin Archibald about the history of the conference, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year in Las Vegas, as well as the many features of this year’s event. Archibald said in 1974 the original conference was started by a small group of industry professionals with 71 exhibitors over 75,000 sq ft. and the event will tip its hat to the past with a “walk down memory lane” even as the current conference covers the breadth of the Las Vega...2024-01-2309 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 331: “Building Toronto’s Skyline” author Nick AinisOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with author Nick Ainis about his book, “Building Toronto’s Skyline,” about the history and progress of development of apartment buildings and condominiums in Canada’s largest city. Ainis broke down how Toronto developed multi-dwelling housing from boarding houses to apartment blocks and then after initial resistance and delays in the 1970s saw a boom of condominium developments in the 1980s and beyond. He also spoke to NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) in Toronto even as far back as the early 1900s and the...2024-01-1917 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 330: CAW Architects principals Mousam Adcock and Monique WoodOn this episode of the Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with CAW Architects principals Mousam Adcock and Monique Wood about the Palo Alto architecture firm’s accomplishments in the institutional and educational sectors and the firm’s shift to becoming a women-led organization. Adcock said one of the reasons the firm has succeeded is a meritocratic structure where anyone who wants to take on more or different work can do so, leading to eventual movement into leadership positions. She said the shift to a woman-led firm was gradual and “just reflects the diversity of the...2024-01-1216 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Special Episode – Bentall IV 43rd anniversary memorialOn this special episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks to British Columbia construction and safety stakeholders about a rising number of work-related deaths as they observe the 43rd anniversary of the tragic accident at the Bentall IV building in Vancouver that claimed four lives on Jan 7., 1981. BC Building Trades executive director Brynn Bourke hosted the event and addressed startling statistics both at the event and afterwards in an interview. Fifty-four people died in 2022 at the workplace, 28 due to trauma and 26 due to exposure to harmful materials, representing a 74 per cent increase...2024-01-1013 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 329: Renew’s John Tenpenny on the year’s top infrastructure projectsOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey discusses Renew Canada’s 2024 list of Canada’s top infrastructure projects with Renew editor John Tenpenny. As with previous years, health infrastructure projects made a strong showing due to pandemic-era spending increases to deal with the current health crisis and any future ones. Transit also continued to dominate the list across Canada, Tenpenny said, with over a quarter of the list’s projects. He also noted most energy projects are focused on hydroelectric transmission and nuclear power rather than fossil fuels, and pointe...2024-01-0511 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 328: Coroner’s inquest changes with Threads of Life’s CK DesGrosseilliersOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with CK DesGrosseilliers, a spokesperson for the Threads of Life victims group, about recent changes by the Ontario government regarding mandatory inquests after construction-related deaths. DesGrosseilliers has a personal stake in the issue, as her brother Tim DesGrosseilliers, a unionized elevator constructor, died in a Toronto mishap in September 2017. She believes the government’s failure to move on the thousands of recommendations that have come from construction inquests is a failure of the system that should be rectified, and said if recommendations were fol...2023-12-2913 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Five Pods of Xmas – news media director Vince VersaceOn this episode of the Five Pods of Xmas, ConstructConnect news media director Vince Versace talks about the most interesting construction stories of the past year and talks with digital media editor Warren Frey about future plans for The Construction Record™ Podcast. Vince said artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly grown into a functional and useful tool within the construction industry, but not In the ways popular conceptions of the technology usually depict such as chatbots. Behind the scenes number crunching and other tasks have seen a significant AI boost and he discusses how that will progress as wel...2023-12-2215 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Five Pods of Xmas – News editor Lindsey ColeOn this episode of the Five Pods of Xmas, news editor Lindsey Cole looks at some of the most important stories of 2023 and predicts what lies ahead for the industry in the coming year. Lindsey pointed to the housing crisis in Ontario as a major story, as well as the Greenbelt scandal as Doug Ford’s government backpedaled on development of a large amount of publicly-owned land. She also pointed to a cumbersome approvals process in many municipalities paired with an ongoing labour crisis as an ongoing story throughout 2024. She also said she’ll be watc...2023-12-2111 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Five Pods of Xmas – Daily Commercial News staff writer Angela GismondiOn this episode of the Five Pods of Xmas, we hear from Daily Commercial News staff writer Angela Gismondi as she reflects on some of the most important stories she covered throughout the year and looks at what’s in store in 2024. Housing was of course top of mind and one of her key areas of coverage both in Ontario and on the national landscape. She said the Greenbelt scandal was an important part of that coverage, but equally important was the measures put forward by the federal and provincial governments to increase housing supply and improve af...2023-12-2004 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Five Pods of Xmas – staff writer Don WallThe Five Pods of Xmas – staff writer Don Wall On this episode of the Five Pods of Xmas, Daily Commercial News staff writer Don Wall reflects on important stories from 2023 including changes in Ontario to the inquest process. Don recently wrote a story about Ontario changing its approach to inquests in order to clear a backlog of cases leading to substantial delays. Additionally stakeholders have often changed their safety approaches by the time inquest findings are released, making the information less relevant. Don also highlighted the two-year anniversary of Skilled Trades Ontario and po...2023-12-1910 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Five Pods of Xmas – Journal of Commerce staff writer Sarah RowlandThe Five Pods of Xmas – Journal of Commerce staff writer Sarah Rowland On the first of our Five Pods of Xmas, Journal of Commerce staff writer Sarah Rowland reflects on her new position reporting on Western Canadian construction and lets us know what she’s looking forward to covering in 2024. Amongst Sarah’s favorite topics is the changing Vancouver landscape as city council and the ABC party look into changing view protection plans, which restrict where a building in Vancouver’s downtown can be built and how tall it can be in order to preserve views of...2023-12-1803 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 327: 2023 economic year in review with Alex Carrick and Michael GuckesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey looks back at 2023 and forward to 2024 through an economic lens with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes. Chief amongst the big construction stories of 2023, Carrick said, is the increased number of megaprojects underway in both the United States and Canada, as well as an intense push to electrification of infrastructure on both sides of the border. However he cautioned that in order for this change to happen, the number of electric vehicles has to increase. There will be bumps along the...2023-12-1524 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 326 – AI and Construction with Arash Shahi and Doug DockeryOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, we have highlights from a recent Buildings Show fireside chat style panel about artificial intelligence (AI) moderated by ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace, featuring LandLogic CEO Arash Shahi and Doug Dockery, ConstructConnect’s chief technology officer. The trio discussed the current and future role of AI in the construction industry, where it can help companies do more with less and separated hype from reality in an ever-changing space. Dockery also emphasized the way to grasp AI’s potential is to use it yourself and learn what t...2023-12-0825 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 325: Extreme weather and building resilienceOn this episode of the Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Weather Network meteorologist Mark Robinson and Western University’s Dr. Greg Kopp about the increasing dangers of extreme weather and how construction can create resilient building techniques to withstand climate change. Robinson detailed the disaster areas he’s seen across the planet ranging from Nepal to America’s Tornado Alley and Ontario, and explained how climate change is creating mor extreme weather events, though recent wildfires have actually suppressed tornado activity to an extent. He also detailed how while some tornados are simply t...2023-12-0129 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 324: RESCON president Richard Lyall on the Fall Economic StatementOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Residential Construction Council of Ontario president Richard Lyall about the federal government’s Fall Economic Statement, introduced by deputy prime minister and finance minister Chrystia Freeland on Nov 21. Lyall reflected on the parts of the statement of benefit to the residential construction industry, including a substantial focus on housing including billions committed to increasing supply. However he cautioned what’s needed to truly see change is a housing ‘Marshall Plan’ involving all three levels of government coordinated to identify where housing is needed and...2023-11-2433 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 323: The Ireland-Canada Construction Network with Dara CallearyOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Daily Commercial News staff writer Angela Gismondi speaks with Dara Calleary, Ireland’s minister of state for trade promotion, digital and company regulation, about the launch of the Ireland-Canada Construction Network, an initiative to share products, skills, and innovations between the two nations. Calleary said while Ireland has traditionally exchanged skilled tradespeople with Canada, technological progress now allows the country to also export innovation and knowledge to Canada, as well as share expertise between the two construction sectors. He said the Ireland-Canada Construction Network will allow construction le...2023-11-2223 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 322: European Heavy Equipment downturn and leadership leveraging crisesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both Interact Analysis senior research director Alastair Hayfield about the downturn in the European heavy equipment market and what that indicates more broadly as well as an interview with Jacob Bros. president and CEO Scott Jacob about leadership in times of ongoing crisis. Hayfield detailed how demand for heavy equipment has ebbed in the European market has ebbed in the short term and may stay muted for some time, and explained how the current war in Ukraine is affecting the larger European e...2023-11-1723 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 321: CCPPP’s annual P3 conferenceOn this episode of the Construction Record Podcast™, we have interviews from the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) 2023 annual P3 conference in downtown Toronto about the present and future of the public-private partnership (P3) procurement model. Digital media editor Warren Frey spoke with CCPP president Lisa Mitchell about both the conference and the current P3 climate and about a panel she moderated about what Canada can learn from P3 activity in the United States and conversely what the U.S. can learn from Canadian P3 practices. Warren also spoke with Infrastructure Ontario president Michael Lindsay about th...2023-11-1526 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 320: ConstructConnect’s Construction Economy Outlook webcastOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, we have highlights from ConstructConnect’s Fall 2023 Construction Economy Outlook podcast, featuring ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes, American Institute of Architects chief economist Kermit Baker, Associated General Contractors of America chief economist Ken Simonson, and ConstructConnect vice-president of product strategy Claire Stubblefield. Baker looked at leading monthly indicators, the spend on construction of buildings and gave a forecast for the coming year, and Simonson struck an optimistic note and spoke about construction employment, including a declining unemployment rate for the industry. Stubblefield explained the late...2023-11-1047 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 319: All Nations United president Mary FrenchOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with All Nations United president Mary French about the current opportunities and future potential of Indigenous collaboration with the construction industry on major projects. French recently took part in the “From Reconciliation to Building Together — A Discussion on Building and Fostering Meaningful Business Relationships between Construction Companies and Indigenous Organizations” panel at the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s (ICBA) 2023 Construction Innovation Summit held recently in Vancouver. She touched on the importance of boardrooms engaging in self-reflection as they engage in reconciliat...2023-11-0828 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 318: ICBA Innovation Summit interviewsOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor has two interviews from the recent Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of B.C. Innovation summit. The first interview is with Brad Burnett, the executive vice-president of ITC Construction Group and was on a panel titled “The Future of Construction is Pre-Construction.” He explained how he went from an estimator with the company to a one-man department and how over the ensuing years pre-construction has grown in importance and points the way forward for the industry. The second interview is with Amy Marks, the executive vice-president of tec...2023-11-0323 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 317: 2023 Halloween SpecialIt’s that time of year again as digital media editor Warren Frey and correspondent Peter Kenter delve into the spooky and ghoulish side of construction with a look at their favorite structures that may or may not be host to unexplained apparitions and forces beyond life and death. Peter interviewed Haunted Walks director Jim Dean for an upcoming story about infrastructure hauntings around Ontario, including the tale of the tunnel monster of Cabbagetown, a legend from 1979 about a Gollum-like creature hiding underneath Parliament St in Toronto, a haunted bridge in Scarborough, and an investigation into the pa...2023-10-3120 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 316: Hiring and retaining youth for construction careersOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Dr. Jon Callegher about attracting young people to the construction industry and then retaining them once they enter the field. Callegher, the executive director of the Job Talks research and media agency, spoke at the recent British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance Health and Safety Conference about what younger workers are looking for in a career path and how many of the traits regarded as “university-ready” are also well suited to the skilled trades. He added men and women have to be marketed to in...2023-10-2712 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 315: New staff writer Sarah Rowland and WorkSafeBC’s Trudi RondouOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Sarah Rowland, the Journal of Commerce’s new staff writer, about her background in journalism including stints at the Georgia Straight in Vancouver and the Montreal Mirror, her time in communications and her hopes for her new role as she brings you news from western Canada’s construction, architecture and engineering industries. We also have another interview from the British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance’s recent Health and Safety conference, featuring WorkSafeBC first responder mental health committee chair Trudi Rondou about mental health c...2023-10-2527 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 314: BCCSA’s Health and Safety ConferenceOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, we have interviews from the British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance’s 2023 Health and Safety Conference, including BCCSA president Mike McKenna and safety expert Michael Fears. McKenna gave an overview of both conference content and the importance of being able to network with one’s peers and spoke to the importance of mental health work being done throughout the industry. He also pointed to Jan 1., 2024 as a significant date for construction as both asbestos certification and concrete pump operation certification regulations come into effect. He also said while the in...2023-10-2020 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 313: The 2023 VRCA Awards of ExcellenceOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Vancouver Regional Construction Association president Jeannine Martin about the 2023 Awards of Excellence, held Oct. 17 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Martin discussed the many projects involved in the awards, including impressive retail like the Pacific Centre Apple Store in downtown Vancouver, striking office complex The Stack all the way to large infrastructure projects such as the Highway 91/17 project. She also reflected on her first months as president of the VRCA and further challenges and opportunities ahead as the association moves fo...2023-10-1820 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast: Episode 312: The ICBA Construction Innovation Summit with Chris GardnerOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) president Chris Gardner about the organization’s upcoming Construction Innovation Summit. Gardner went into detail about how technology and innovation can help construction address an ongoing and worsening labour shortage as well as showcase how the industry is already innovating and adapting to digital technologies to improve productivity. He also addressed the need to improve perceptions of construction as a career path for young workers and pointed to sessions an Indigenous participation in the indus...2023-10-1312 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record – Episode 311: Economic Update with Michael GuckesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect senior economist Michael Guckes about his work with a new Project Stress Index tool, the current federal deadlock and its effect on the wider economy and the somewhat muddled state of office to residential conversions. Guckes gave a fulsome look at some of the trends he’s seeing via the Project Stress Index, and explained the methodologies behind the numbers the index draws from and how it can help firms understand the dynamic tension between starts and current economic conditions. ...2023-10-1137 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 310 – Building Transformations president Thomas StrongOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Thomas Strong, the president and CEO of Building Transformations, about the organization’s upcoming industry summit focused on sustainability and ESG, as well as the challenges of getting to net-zero and the opportunities digital technology offers to reach sustainability goals. Strong said energy consumption, emission reduction and on-site power generation have to be addressed and that digital technologies can help improve adoption and accelerate innovation. He added COVID-19’s net effect is that more people will work from home which will mean less c...2023-10-0619 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 309: BCIT SoCE dean Dr. Guido WimmersOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Dr. Guido Wimmers, the new dean of the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s School of Construction and the Environment. Wimmers talks about his initial impressions as he takes on his new role and his previous work both at the University of Northern British Columbia and in Europe, as well as his focus on wood design and sustainability. He also speaks to the partnership between trades training institutions and the wider construction industry and the potential of the school’s Trades and Techno...2023-10-0423 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 308: Prompt payment with Dan LeducOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Soloway Wright LLP partner Dan Leduc about prompt payment in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada. Leduc said prompt payment is not working the way it should, largely because of contractors not being proactive in pursuing payment. He attributed some of the reticence to traditional relationships, corporate culture and the role of the pandemic in slowing down payments since little work was getting done at the time in comparison to pre-pandemic activity. He advocated for streamlining the invoicing process and acceleration of...2023-09-2913 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 307: Ball Construction’s century of buildingOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Daily Commercial News staff writer Angela Gismondi speaks with Jason Ball, the president of Ball Construction, to mark the 100th anniversary of the Kitchener, Ont. based firm. Ball reflected on recent 100th anniversary celebrations including speeches from some veterans of the company’s earlier days, his own journey as leader of the company, and how the firm has adapted through the decades to different market conditions and construction needs. News editor Lindsey Cole also joined digital media editor Warren Frey to discuss the latest headlines, including the on...2023-09-2730 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 306: Clean energy tax credits with Paul De Jong and Bea BruskeOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey discusses the federal government’s clean energy tax credit initiative and attached labour conditions through interviews with both Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCAC) president Paul de Jong and Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) president Bea Bruske. De Jong pointed to the hiring requirements as an impediment to competitive work on clean energy projects while stressing PCAC and other industry associations fully support skilled tradespeople getting high wages and benefits for the work they perform. Bruske stressed the importance of the transition to a c...2023-09-2219 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 305: The economics of the housing crisis with Alex Carrick and Michael GuckesOn this episode of the Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes about the current housing crisis, how it affects construction and the wider economy and what the differences are between the U.S. and Canada as housing prices climb higher and higher and supply shrinks. Michael explained that while there is a narrative of people moving from larger cities to smaller ones because of increased housing affordability, numbers don’t explain other factors such as big-city appeal. He also said while starts are us...2023-09-2027 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 304: Atlantic Canada, labour markets and constructionOn this episode of the podcast Daily Commercial News staff writer Angela Gismondi looks at the current state of the labour market in Atlantic Canada. She spoke with Construction Association of Prince Edward Island general manager Stanley Sanderson about the challenges faced by the industry that resonate around the country, such as shifting attitudes towards the trades as well as labour shortage issues inherent to PEI. Angela also spoke to ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick about Atlantic Canada from an economic perspective and he reflected on how the pandemic contributed to people moving to the Atlantic provinces i...2023-09-1524 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 303: Vancouver architecture and climate change with Sean Pander and Brenda Scott CastroOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with City of Vancouver green building manager Sean Pander and clean energy engineer Brenda Scott Castro about how Vancouver can adapt aging architecture to changing climate conditions. Vancouver’s older building stock was built in a more temperate environment but as the world heats up and the Lower Mainland experience heat domes and other temperature-related stresses it becomes necessary to retrofit where possible. Pander and Castro said heat pumps are showing promise in adapting older building stock to rising temperatures and sa...2023-09-1331 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 302: NREL’s Jill Engel-Cox and Shanti PlessOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) research advisor Jill Engel-Cox and senior building energy research engineer Shanti Pless about the lab’s work at helping the world get to net-zero through both new technologies and increased collaboration. Engel-Cox explained how the NREL works and gave a brief history as well as going into detail on how the lab travels the world and collaborates with other nations to accomplish sustainability goals, and Pless spoke to some of the technologies on the horizon for net-zero in...2023-09-0816 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 301: training the next generation of construction workersOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with LiUNA Local 1611 training plan administrator Tom Miller and B&B Contracting Group operations manager Peter Mihalech about an initiative to train Surrey School District students as construction craft workers right out of high school. Miller explained the origins of the program and gave an overview of what students experience as they move from high school to training to the work site, and Mihalech relayed his experiences teaching and managing the program as B&B Contracting introduced students to everything the construction industry...2023-09-0625 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 300: A Celebration with Vince VersaceOn this very special 300th episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Fey is joined by director of news media North America for ConstructConnect Vince Versace to both reminisce about past episodes and look towards the future of the podcast. Warren And Vince delve into the origins of the podcast and highlight notable news stories and episodes that shaped it into the form it takes today, including an interview with renowned architect Luis Vidal and the COVID-19 pandemic where the podcast became a vital link to making sense of an unprecedented and ongoing news...2023-09-0121 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 299: B.C. Wildfire response with Chris Atchison and Kelly ScottOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast. Digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison and BC Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association president Kelly Scott about what their membership is doing both right now and in the upcoming recovery phase after wildfire season has ended. Atchison said one of the top priorities is to rebuild residences and other structures burned down in the fire and stressed that members of both the BCCA and the Southern Interior Construction Association have been directly affected by the wildfires and are working...2023-08-3018 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 298: Interest rates and construction with Alex Carrick and Michael GuckesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey engages in our monthly economic discussion with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes to discuss interest rates and their effect on the construction economy along with the conditions we’ll need to meet to move towards an economy based on renewable energy. As interest rates continue to climb both economists warn increased capital costs will keep construction projects from going forward, and Michael pointed out the U.S. government has taken on so much debt since the Great Recession and th...2023-08-2523 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 297: Canadian immigration and construction with CBTU’s Sean StricklandOn this episode of the Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Canada’s Building Trades Unions executive director Sean Strickland about Canadian immigration policy and how it affects the construction industry. Strickland detailed how while the Canadian immigration system leans in on bringing highly educated individuals into the country, the focused has largely been on those with extensive post-secondary credentials and not skilled trades and other necessary workers, other than through temporary foreign worker programs. He also advocated for letting unions co-sponsor new immigrants in order to get them into apprenticeship pr...2023-08-2327 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 296: Gensler’s Duanne Render on office to residential conversionsOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Gensler senior associate and regional associate lead for building transformation and adaptive reuse Duanne Render about the challenges and opportunities of converting office and commercial building stock into residential units. Render explained that much office building stock is simply not suitable for conversion but that some conversions can significantly improve the building and create a positive residential experience. He also said construction challenges are different for conversion than for a standard residential build and that developers also have to keep in mind...2023-08-1820 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 295: ECA president David JohnsonOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Edmonton Construction Association (ECA) president David Johnson about why he’s optimistic about the construction industry’s near-term prospects despite substantial headwinds. Johnson recently wrote an opinion piece in The Canadian Business Quarterly detailing why he thinks the Canadian construction industry still has reason for optimism. Among the reasons he cited in our interview is while labour shortages in Alberta and across Canada remain a concern, the ECA and other construction associations are in “violent agreement” in addressing the issue through advocacy at all l...2023-08-1639 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 294: new VRCA president Jeannine MartinOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with new Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) president Jeannine Martin about her plans as she takes the helm of the organization. Martin discusses her previous construction industry experience, as well as how she intends to collaborate with the British Columbia Construction Association in the push for prompt payment legislation as well as working with other construction associations across the province and in Alberta. She also spoke to ongoing VRCA projects such as their Reconciliation Action Plan, operationalizing the association’s strategic pl...2023-08-1112 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 293: U.S. immigration and construction with AEM’s Kip EidebergOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor speaks with Association of Equipment Manufacturers senior vice-president of government and industry relations Kip Eideberg about the state of U.S. immigration and how it affects demand for skilled tradespeople. Eideberg recently wrote an op-ed for The Hill placing the blame for stalled immigration reform on both parties in Congress. He said with 85,000 job openings in the equipment manufacturing industry there are regions of the U.S. that simply don’t have enough Americans to fill required positions. He added immigration can revitalize rural are...2023-08-0925 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 292: CAWIC’s Lisa LarondeOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) new president and board member Lisa Laronde. Laronde, who is also the first female president of the road safety group for the Powell Group of Companies addressed CAWIC’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as well as recent work with Habitat for Humanity and the association’s push to establish a national presence. She also pointed out some of the continuing barriers to women in the trades and the need to focus on rete...2023-08-0417 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 291: Ontario Construction Secretariat CEO Robert BronkOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) CEO Robert Bronk about that organizations efforts to increase apprenticeship in Ontario. Bronk detailed how OCS and the industry as a whole adapted to the pandemic and that certain benefits sprang from adapting to new circumstances, such as improved sanitation on-site as well as innovations in training born out of necessity, such as hybrid learning in-class and virtually. He also spoke to the continued efforts to rid the construction industry of its stigma as a second...2023-08-0228 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 290: Labour and the economy with Alex Carrick and Michael GuckesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes about recent strike actions and the ongoing labour crunch affecting Canada and the United States. Michael cited a recent report from the National Federation of Independent Business which cites the need for labour as the number one concern for small businesses across the United States, and Alex pointed to increased immigration as one possible safety valve for the Canadian labour crunch with the caveat that more new arrivals to Canada means a...2023-07-2827 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 289: Centre Block renovations with Siavash MohajerOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Siavash Mohajer, the senior director of construction at Public Services and Procurement Canada about renovation of the Centre Block of Parliament in Ottawa, a massive project to transform the structure for the 21st century while preserving its heritage aspects. Mohajer detailed improvements to Canada’s seat of democracy including extensive seismic mitigation and strengthening of IT, ventilation and other infrastructure. He also spoke to the new underground vistors reception area, a new addition which is not only a more welcoming wa...2023-07-2614 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 288: The ‘emoji’ case and UBC forestry micro-certificatesOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with British Columbia Construction Association president Chris Atchison about a Saskatchewan case involving contracts and emojis. Atchison pointed out while the case is not related directly to construction it serves as a cautionary tale for owners and contractors to ensure they are diligent when forming agreements on projects. We also have an interview by Journal of Commerce staff writer Evan Saunders with Sheri Andrews-Key, the director of micro-certificate programming with the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry about use of...2023-07-2127 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 287: Thornbury Acres and the CAF’s advocacy mandateOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Daily Commercial News staff writer Angela Gismondi interviews Harley Valentine, a partner with Castlepoint Numa, the company behind the proposed Thornbury Acres development in Thornbury, Ont., a residential farm co-operative on large lots that will allow the condominium owners of each homestead to utilize agricultural and recreational common elements. We also have an interview between staff writer Don Wall and France Daviault, the CEO of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF), an organization that recently pledged it is expanding its advocacy efforts from women in construction to include other underrepresented...2023-07-1944 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 286: AXIS’s Wayne Dorris on cybersecurityOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital editor Warren Frey speaks with Wayne Dorris, the cybersecurity program manager for the Americas for Axis Communications about some of the pitfalls and vulnerabilities construction firms face as they defend themselves against cyberattacks. Dorris pointed out that construction firms are usually victims of cyberattacks because they are a route into other systems, and smaller sub-contractors in particular are vulnerable because they often lack the resources of capabilities to repel attacks. He also pointed to procurement as a focus for cyber criminals since some procurement protocols require...2023-07-1419 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 285: ICBA president Chris Gardner on the Port of Vancouver strikeOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Journal of Commerce staff writer Evan Saunders speaks with Independent Contractors and Businesses Association president Chris Gardner about the ongoing strike at the Port of Vancouver and the consequences for both national and local supply chains and for the Lower Mainland’s construction industry. Gardner detailed how supply chain disruption will delay projects and emphasized the national implications of the port strike action, comparing the effects of the 2021 floods and how that temporary shutdown of the port led to action to restore access compared with stalled negotiations and lack of...2023-07-1224 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 284: CCDC’s Ready For Takeover with Katy Fairley and Terry BrownOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Katy Fairley of Fairley Strategies and Terry Brown of STBR Consulting about Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) documentation and new changes including Ready For Takeover, a new project milestone. Brown explained the origins and uses of CCDC documents and explained how Canada was the first country to have all parties sit down and come up with a series of standardized documents, a practice that has since expanded to other nations. Fairley also pointed to some potential pitfalls when supplemental conditions...2023-07-0725 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 283: ConstructConnect’s Alex Carrick and Michael Guckes on tech and constructionOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes about the intersection of technology and construction and where the industry is going as automation meets a labour crisis and artificial intelligence grows in prominence. Guckes and Carrick looked at trends that will push construction towards technological change such as a soon-to-retire labour force that isn’t yet able to be replaced by younger workers, who have as Carrick points out many career options beyond the skilled trades. Guckes also said changing th...2023-07-0530 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 282: Toronto election reaction with RESCON’s Richard LyallOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Daily Commercial News staff writer Don Wall speaks with Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) president Richard Lyall about the possible impact of Olivia Chow’s election as the new mayor of Toronto. Chow took the helm of North America’s fourth-largest city in a tightly fought mayoral by-election on June 26 caused by former mayor John Tory abruptly resigning from the post after revealing an extra-marital affair with a staffer. Lyall is generally optimistic of the road ahead in terms of increasing the availability and supply of affordable housing and...2023-06-3032 min
The Construction Record™ PodcastThe Construction Record Podcast – Episode 281: ConCntric’s Steve Dell’Orto and Mymoon Bhuiyan of Engiqueers CanadaOn this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, we speak with Steve Dell’Orto, the founder and CEO of ConCntric, a digital preconstruction platform. Steve is a 26-year veteran of the construction industry and he talked with digital media editor Warren Frey about using that experience to bring together stakeholders during the pre-construction phase of projects via digital technology as well as looking at how a consolidated platform pushes new efficiencies in a segment of the construction industry that has traditionally lagged in terms of collaboration. Warren also spoke to Mymoon Bhuiyan, the vice-president of Engiqueers Canada, ab...2023-06-2827 min