CVRD Inco Limited Plans $750 Million in Construction

On October 4, 2007, CVRD Inco Limited unveiled its plans for $750 million in upgrading and construction work at its Thompson, MB, facility.

Exclusively for WCA member companies, the WCA-hosted information session allowed CVRD Inco's Don Allen, Superintendent of Capital Projects, to present an overview of the work and discuss construction opportunities with potential contractors.

As the world's second largest mining company, CVRD Inco is an integrated operation that produces premium grade nickel for the plating market.

Projects planned for the next five years include upgrades to the Thompson Mine, Birchtree Mine, Mill, Smelter and Refinery. Projects to be tendered in the next 12 weeks include Scavenger Cell Replacement, Mold Wash Ventilation, ESP Packages, 138KV Switch Room, Crane Rail Upgrade and the BT Effluent Plan.

In the past, CVRD Inco limited the implementation of capital projects to traditional EPCM models, but have since integrated a combination of EPCM and Design Build. Their current and future approach includes a combination of EPCM, Design Build and T&M.

While capital projects were once restricted to mining and local contractors, CVRD Inco is now extending bid invites to non-local contractors and expanding the contractor database to include use of non-mining companies.

Positive possibilities exist for Manitoba companies interested in working with CVRD Inco, although so do a few risks. According to Allen, 2008 is a contract year, and there is potential of a work stoppage, there is also limited accommodation available for workers in Thompson and skilled trade resources continue to be low.

Prime contractors with an interest to be added to the bidders' list, contact Don Allen at (204) 778-2280 (W) or (204) 679-5177 (C).

Watch for further details on CVRD Inco projects in Manitoba Construction News, WCA's prebid product.

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New Apprenticeship Futures Commission Formed

The province is increasing their focus on the Apprenticeship System with a newly-formed Apprenticeship Futures Commission. The commission will take a close look at the current certification system and make recommendations on enhancing and expanding it to better meet the needs of the province's labour market.

In response to the critical skilled labour shortage, Manitoba's Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Jim Rondeau selected 12 members from key strategic sectors to the commission, including Ron Hambley, Executive Vice-President of Winnipeg Construction Association. Leonard Harapiak has been appointed chair of the commission.

The commission is mandated to consult with the public and stakeholders, then key stakeholders will use the feedback to develop creative, innovative and practical solutions to the apprenticeship system in order to keep up with current labour market pressures.

For more information on the commission, visit www.apprenticeshipfuturescommission.mb.ca or call 204-945-1517.

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Class Presentations Scheduled - Share Your Experiences!

We are still in need of young skilled tradespeople to participate in our scheduled school presentations by speaking 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.

Currently we have two bricklayers and one carpenter willing to participate in upcoming presentations. Thank you to those of you who have signed up. Your involvement is appreciated!

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Showcase Your Company in Upword!

Profile your company in the New WCA Member Company Profile section of Upword magazine!

As an added membership benefit, our next issue of Upword magazine (Quarter 4, 2007) will include a Special Profile Section exclusively for WCA Member Companies. A centre-spread feature, the company profile department will provide WCA member companies with the opportunity to showcase their success in a double-page, full-colour profile. Your image, your branding, your message — all within the official publication of the WCA.

Contact Steve Beauchamp at steveb@mediaedgepublishing.com or (204) 480-4428 for more information. Please note: Limited number of profiles will be included.

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Education News

WCA proudly presents the following seminar sessions:

1. Construction Blueprint Reading Level 2 October 15-16, 2007 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Red River College – Instructor: Jerry Johnstone

This course is intended for individuals who have some knowledge of a set of construction drawings. The content will be general in nature and will focus mainly on architectural and structural drawings. This is NOT a Trade Specific course. See the registration for more details.

WCA Member Fee: $330.00 + GST

REGISTRATION Blueprint Level 2

 

2. Construction Law & Contracts October 29-30, 2007 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Red River College - Instructor: Jason Coreau

What constitutes a contract? What are the rights and responsibilities of the parties to the contract? What are liquidated damages? How are disputes resolved in construction contracts? Answers to these questions and many others will be provided in this workshop-style course, which consists of an overview of the Canadian legal system with an introduction to Canadian Contract Law using local case studies and industry standard documents. Also included in the course will be an overview of the tendering process, along with a look at contract dispute resolution, risk and damages and changes and extras to the contract.

WCA Member Fee: $330.00 + GST

REGISTRATION Law & Contract

 

3. Cost Estimating
November 26-27, 2007 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Red River College - Instructor: Jason Coreau

This two-day course offered in a workshop format will cover the BASICS of construction estimating. Initial topics will include processes and procedures for measuring quantities and standard industry formats for organizing data. Pricing, unit pricing assembly pricing? What should be included in the project in directs or general expense? Be prepared to participate in group discussions.

REGISTRATION Cost Estimating

WCA Member Fee: $330.00 + GST

 

WCA/ASSANTE MANAGEMENT PRESENT 2007 FALL SCHEDULE

4. Ownership Thinking
October 16, 2007 (11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

WCA Offices – Instructor: Joel Lazur of Lazer Grant LLP

Find out about increasing your profits and decreasing your expenses.

REGISTRATION Ownership Thinking

5. What Should I Do In These Volatile Markets
October 30, 2007 (11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

WCA Offices – INSTRUCTOR: Darren Cale, CFP, Vice President, Senior Financial Planning Advisor

Learn about proven strategies that will help you maximize your return and minimize your risks in this volatile time.

REGISTRATION Volatile Markets

6. Tax Advantage Insurance Strategies For The Business Owner
November 6, 2007 (11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

WCA offices – Instructor: Mark Lomow, CFP, Assante Estate & Insurance Services Inc.

Learn strategy and basic insurance survival tricks.

REGISTRATION Tax Advantage

7. Group Benefit Strategies
November 20, 2007 (11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

WCA offices – Instructor: AQ Group Solutions, WCA Benefit Consultants

Registration to follow.

 

8. Tax And Income Planning For The Business Owner
December 4, 2007 (11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

WCA offices – Instructor: Scott Cale, CFP, RFP, CLU, Senior Financial Advisor and Sean Rheubottom, LLB United Financial

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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