Building Permits on the Rise

The construction climate continued to burst at the seams this spring, as the value of building permits hit a record in May and have continued to post strong increases on a year-to-year basis.

According to The Daily, a release by Statistics Canada, municipalities issued $36.6 billion worth of building permits from January to June 2007, an increase of 18.2% since the same time frame in 2006.

Of that $36.6 billion, $21.8 billion was generated in the residential sector, an increase of 11% from a year before. Manitoba's residential building permit value increased from $407.4 million during January to June 2006, to $468.7 over the same duration this year, a 15% jump.

In the non-residential sector, the value of building permits in Canada from January to June 2007 peaked at $14.8 billion, up 29% over the same duration a year before. In Manitoba, the rise was also significant, with values increasing from $232.6 million during January to June 2006 to $280.4 million in 2007.

In Winnipeg, the value of building permits over the January to June 2007 time frame totalled $452.5 million, up by 10.8% since 2006.

The second quarter of 2007 was the highest on record for the total value of building permits, with construction intentions reaching $19.5 billion, up 13.6% from the first quarter of 2007. Strong quarterly growth was recorded in both the residential (up 12.9%) and non-residential (up 14.5%) sectors.

* Information courtesy of Statistics Canada.

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Gold Seal Update - August 2007

• Gold Seal met with the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals to discuss the parallels between the CRSP and Gold Seal Construction Safety Coordinator designations. The meeting was extremely positive in recognizing the specific requirements of safety professionals in the construction sector. It was noted that many safety managers will pursue cross-certification.
• A recent search of Canada’s largest on-line job search and posting sites illustrates the impact of Gold Seal as an industry preference. Some highlights:
  • Construction Project Manager for a 2-year contract in Saudi Arabia – “Registered Engineer, Gold Seal Project Management or PMP certifications are desired.”
  • From the Department of National Defense: “Specialized knowledge of project management as promulgated by the Project Management Institute or Canadian Construction Association Gold Seal Program”
  • From British Columbia: “Preference will be given to candidates with the following qualifications: A graduate of a Civil or Structural Engineering degree program. CCA Gold Seal Certification is an asset, or proven track record.”
  • Project Director, Calgary: “Gold Seal Certification will be an asset”
  • Senior Project Coordinator, Kitchener-Waterloo: “Requirements: 10 years experience in field construction project management in projects between $8,000,000 and $30,000,000; Post Secondary Degree/Diploma in Construction Mgmt/Architecture/Engineering or equivalent; Gold Seal Certification through C.C.A.”
• The next Gold Seal exam is scheduled for Friday, October 12 - applications should be submitted to your local association no later than early September.

For more information on Gold Seal in Manitoba, contact Kelly Pochuk at 775-8664 x 2225 or kpochuk@wpgca.com. Kelly is also available to meet with companies to discuss the Gold Seal program and assist in distributing and completing applications.

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Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction

The next cycle of the Holcim Awards competition is now open for entries, with a submission deadline of March 2008.

The Holcim Awards recognize any contribution to sustainable construction -- irrespective of scale -- in architecture, landscape and urban design, civil and mechanical engineering and related disciplines. This international design competition celebrates innovative, future-oriented and tangible sustainable construction projects from around the globe and provides prize money of USD 2 million per three-year competition cycle.

For more information, visit www.holcimawards.com.

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School Presentations - Share Your Experiences!

As part of our Explore Your Future in Skilled Trades / Trade Up! Campaign, Winnipeg Construction Association is offering enticing and informative class presentations on Careers in Manitoba Construction. In a short 30-60 minute presentation we'll give junior high and/or high school students an overview of the various skilled trades and career opportunities in Manitoba construction and provide a list of post-secondary education and apprenticeship programs.

We'd also like to have a young skilled tradesperson speak about their experiences in Manitoba's construction workforce. If you or one of your co-workers or employees would be willing to share your experiences and knowledge at an upcoming school presentation, please contact Twila Driedger, Communications Coordinator at 775-8664 x 2242 or tdriedger@wpgca.com. Your participation is appreciated!

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Email: wca@wpgca.com

 

Visit our full website at www.wpgca.com

Winnipeg Construction Association is located at

290 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB  R3G 2A7

(204)775-8664

Copyright of Winnipeg Construction Association © 2007. 

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