Building Permits: 

June 2004 and the first half of 2004

In June 2004, builders took out a record breaking $3.4 billion in housing permits. A renewed flurry of demand for multi-family dwelling permits led the residential sector to post a new record that broke the $3 billion mark for the second time. Municipalities issued permits for $1.9 billion in non-residential building projects in June, up 32.6% from May and the highest level since August 1989. Breaking through the $1 billion level for only the second time, the commercial component propelled the expansion.

In Winnipeg , there was a 101.8% increase in the value of building permits from May to June 2004. Quarterly comparisons between January and June 2003 to 2004 resulted in a 1.6% decrease in building permit value.

As a province, Manitoba had an overall increase in building permit values from May to June 2004 by 73.1%; a 30.9% increase in residential permit value and a 139.3% increase in non-residential permit value. The quarterly comparison between January and June showed an overall decline in building permit value by 4.7% from 2003 to 2004; residential permit value had an increase of 37.4% while non-residential permit value in Manitoba decreased by 23.4%.

Nationally, Canada 's building permit values were up by 27.1% from May to June 2004 with an increase in both residential permit value by 24.2% and non-residential permit value by 32.6%. From January to June 2003 and 2004, Canada showed a positive gain of 9.4% in building permit values overall. Residential building permit value was up by 19.5% and non-residential down by 6.5% in building permit value.

From coast to coast, the demand for residential construction has led every province and territory to report healthy gains at the midpoint of 2004 in contrast to non-residential permits which have decreased in 7 of the 10 provinces.

Full report available on the Statistics Canada website:

www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/040809/d040809a.htm.xt

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CCA News: 

Tell us if trust legislation works

            
In late 2001, the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) wrote to Public Works and Government Services Canada proposing the adoption of federal construction trust legislation for federal Crown projects. The thrust of the proposal was to ensure that sub-contractors are protected from the risk of non-payment through legislation, as opposed to tender provisions and general contract provisions currently used.

        
As a result of the proposal, CCA expressed its concern over the lack of consultation by the CBA with the CCA itself, and the proposal has since been dropped by the CBA and CCA has taken no further action to move the proposal forward. However, the CCA Trade Contractors Council is highly supportive of the proposal, and feels that the CBA and CCA should maintain a dialogue to investigate the implementation of such legislation.

       
As a result, the Council is now conducting research to investigate instances when such legislation would have protected CCA members from payment default situations, and these cases will be used to support any action by CCA in resurrecting the proposal. Any subcontractor with a past experience whereby they would have been protected from such legislation being in place, is urged to contact the Trade Contractors Council secretary (Doug Hotston of CCA at 613-236-9455).

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CCA News:  National Design-Build Conference,

Edmonton, Alberta

The Canadian Design-Build Institute Presents:

Fundamentals of Design-Build, September 22, 2004
  

Another in a series of full-day interactive tutorials as part of CDBI’s continuing professional development program. An indepth introduction to design-build that is a must for practitioners, owners, decision-makers and those wanting greater knowledge of this growing project delivery practice. Come hear and learn the industry basics from top
design-build practitioners.

THE POWER AND PROSPECTS OF DESIGN-BUILD:
September 23-24, 2004

 
Increasing acceptance of Design-Build across Canada makes way for new Prospects for Owners, Designers, and Builders. From innovation in small design-led private
developments to advances in sustainable development, findings in research, and performance in a nuclear environment, --- see the Power of Design-Build opportunities expanding into new fields.

        
The 2004 Design-Build Conference will demonstrate the Power and Prospects of Design Build through tutorials, case studies, presentations and panel discussions. A “must attend” for individuals and firms looking to participate in a cooperative team building environment.
   

For a complete look at the conference details please visit our web site at www.cdbi.org.

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Livecam links to current projects in Manitoba:

University of Manitoba Engineering & Information Technology Complex

Up close with the MTS Centre

Millennium Library Construction Webcam

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Attention Roofers: 

Roofing Construction Fraud

A recent construction fraud has been uncovered by the Winnipeg City Police, targeting the roofing industry.  A sting operation was put into force and eleven suspects were taken into police custody on August 13, 2004.

Members are advised to take precaution when ordering supplies by having a safety procedure in place with suppliers in order to help stop this type of theft and fraud.

Edited by Jackie Petrus, WCA Construction News Reporter. 

Comments or questions?  Email wca@wpgca.com.

Copyright of Winnipeg Construction Association © 2004.

290 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB R3G 2A7, (204) 775-8664.