New WCA Phone System

 

The Winnipeg Construction Association and Construction Safety Association of Manitoba offices are now operating under a new phone system. Please find WCA and CSAM staff's new extension numbers in the document link below. Thank you to both members and staff for their patience during installation.

 

New WCA & CSAM Phone Directory

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Permits X-Press Progress Report

The City of Winnipeg, along with representatives from the construction industry, gave a progress report recently on the Permits X-Press project - a joint initiative designed to speed up and improve the permit application process.

Planning, Property and Development Director Harry Finnigan presented the Project Report Card, an update on the implementation of Phase III.

"Improving customer service through the Permits X-Press process has been a priority in the Planning, Property and Development Department over the past three years," Finnigan said. "With the support of our Industry volunteers, we've come a long way in improving our systems and speeding up permit approvals. In fact, we've implemented 57 of the 66 recommended actions in the 2004-2006 Report Card."

Some of these improvements include the implementation of the Building Design Summary, introduction of codes training for design professionals, an improved Internet site that enables applicants to check the status of their applications online, more permit application forms available for downloading and an appointment system that includes Industry professionals and contractors.

Winnipeg Construction Association President John Bockstael supports the improved system, but says more needs to be done.

"The Permits Express initiative has had some very positive results, particularly with some of the early developments, but we are now encountering some of the more difficult obstacles that will require continued commitment and a higher level of cooperation between City departments. We are still looking for assurances that low and mid complexity Commercial Permits will be issued within three or four weeks of application," Bockstael says. "WCA has been very active and committed to finding a solution to commercial permit delays in Winnipeg – regardless of how long it takes. We ask for continued support from the City to complete this process."

According to Finnigan, six priorities remain for Phase IV.

• Continued improvements to the Building Permits process
• Improvements to the Land Development Applications
• Implement Red Tape Recommendations
• Staff training in process improvement
• Enhanced measurement and monitoring framework
• Communication and reporting process

The City also hopes to launch a Joint Public Education Campaign on the value and benefits of obtaining permits during Phase IV.

After the report, Mayor Sam Katz presented Ron Hambley, WCA Executive Vice-President, with an award of recognition for WCA's participation on the Permits X-Press Industry Advisory Group.

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Master Electrician License Requirements Course

As of January 1, 2007, Manitoba electricians wishing to take out permits and work in Ontario will need a Master Electrician License. Electricians wishing to obtain the Master Electrician Licence must write an exam and apply for the license.

Winnipeg Construction Association – Electrical Contractors Division - is sponsoring a ONE TIME opportunity for local contractors to attend a five day course in preparation for the Master Electrician Exam. The purpose of this course is to familiarize the individual with the Ontario Electrical Safety Codes and other Ontario reference material in preparation for the exam. Students will be supplied the Ontario Electrical Safety Code Book and the Occupational Health and Safety Act for Construction projects.  Following the completion of the course work, contractors must apply to write the exam directly with the ESA and pay a $125.00 fee plus taxes. Applications to write the exam can be obtained from www.esasafe.com or by calling 1-905-712-5385.

Once the applicant has passed the exam, they will be responsible to apply to ESA for their Master Electrician License and their Contractors license. (There are fees for both licenses.)

Contact ESA for more information: 1-800-372-7233

Master Electrician License Requirements Course

March 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 2007 (8 hours each day)

Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Winnipeg

Instructor: John Miller, Certified Electrical Inspector

Course length is 40 hours. (Five days, eight hours each day, over a two week period.) A three hour exam will follow on March 22, 2007.

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Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

The Canadian Government has announced $1,000 grants for registered apprentices who have completed their first or second year in a Red Seal trade program, on or after January 1, 2007.

It is estimated that, annually, up to 100,000 apprentices in Canada will be eligible to receive this taxable cash grant to cover the costs of tuition, travel and tools.

For more information on the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, visit the Service Canada web site at: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/goc/apprenticeship.shtml

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant Application Form

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Mark's Work Wearhouse Discount

WCA is pleased to enter into another successful year with Imagewear by Mark’s Work Wearhouse. All WCA members will receive discount cards for their employees that are valid at any Mark’s Work Wearhouse store, entitling them to a 10 per cent discount on the following items:

Dakota & WindRiver Knits; Wovens, Sweaters and T-Shirts;

DH, WindRiver & Dakota Cargo and Cotton Twill Pants;

Jeans and Casual Footwear.

Where an item is sale priced, the lower price will apply. Your discount card is required to be eligible for discount. Your company will be receiving renewal cards in the next little while. If you’d like to receive the cards immediately, please contact the WCA offices. This offer expires December 31, 2007.

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Gold Seal Update

• 2006 was a banner year for Gold Seal, with certifications up 50 per cent over the previous year.  The largest gains were in the General Contractor group (especially Superintendent and Project Manager) and in British Columbia, where Gold Seal certifications were more than doubled from 2005. The number of construction managers registering as Gold Seal Intern (GSI) has more than doubled in the past two years.

• The new Gold Seal Construction Safety Coordinator designation has been launched. Safety Coordinators work on the job site and are responsible for assisting management (and other company personnel) in the administration, development, implementation and monitoring of the safety, health and environment (HSE) program. Individuals with a Provincial Construction Safety Officer designation or equivalent are automatically eligible to write the Gold Seal exam.

• Recognizing that new Gold Seal Certified managers are active in professional development by undertaking their qualifying exams, the Gold Seal Committee has agreed that, effective in 2007, individuals receiving their Gold Seal certification (via exam and not via Senior Practitioner) will have 90 days to apply for and receive their P.GSC at no charge for the first year. Other application requirements (such as demonstration of education and training, etc.) must still be met.

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Education News

 

WCA proudly presents the following seminar sessions:

February 17, 2007 (8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Electrical Blueprint Reading

Red River College

Instructor: Guy Frechette

This hands-on course will focus on the interpretation and understanding of the electrical construction drawings – both lighting and power and systems – for commercial projects. The importance of coordination between other drawing disciplines such as architectural and mechanical, along with a review of the pertinent sections of the Project Manual (Specifications) will also be covered in this day-long workshop. Previous blueprint reading experience would be an asset, but is not mandatory.

WCA member cost: $200.00 + gst

Electrical Blue Print Reading Registration Form

February 20, 2007 (12 noon - 1 p.m. Lunch Provided)

The Sale of Your Business

Presented by: The Exchange Group

Winnipeg Construction Association

This one hour investment could mean the difference of thousands of dollars in your pocket, if you are thinking about positioning your business for sale now, five years from now or 10 years from now.

The Sale of Your Business Registration Form

February 28 - March 1, 2007 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Blue Print Reading Fundamentals

Red River College

Instructor: Jerry Johnstone

Unsure how to read a construction drawing? This introductory course will provide an overview of the content and organization of a set of commercial construction drawings. Learn how to use the various symbols and conventions to find interpret information. Typical architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical content will be covered but with an architectural/structural emphasis.

WCA member cost: $330.00 + gst

Blue Print Reading Fundamentals Registration Form

February 28 - March 3, 2007 (8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Construction Estimating

Red River College

Instructor: Murray Cliff

WCA member cost: $330.00 + gst

Construction Estimating Registration Form

March 1 & 2, 2007 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Construction Law & Contracts

Red River College

Instructor: Jason Coreau

WCA member cost: $330.00 + gst

Construction Law & Contracts Registration Form

March 14 , 2007 (12 noon - 1 p.m. Lunch Provided)

Simplified Banking for Business

Presented by: Assante Capital Management

Winnipeg Construction Association

Simplified Banking for Business Registration Form

March 21, 2007 (8 a.m. - 12 noon)

LEED for Contractors

Hilton Winnipeg Suites, Airport

Presented by: WCA and Canada Green Building Council

Registration to follow.

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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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