Tips for hiring independent contractors

With costs on the rise, many condominiums are choosing to retain independent contractors to provide superintendent and/or cleaning services, which tend to come at much more affordable rates in comparison to larger companies.

Also, by retaining an independent contractor, as opposed to an employee, there is no need for a condominium to set aside funds for vacation pay, benefits and statutory deductions, such as CPP and EI. Independent contractors are also not entitled to reasonable notice of termination or pay in lieu thereof, which can save a condominium thousands of dollars upon the relationship coming to an end.

However, problems arise when an independent contractor provides services to a condominium on paper as “independent contractor,” yet their relationship with the condominium resembles a traditional employer/employee relationship.

In such a scenario, the independent contractor may be deemed by the courts to be an employee for the purposes of termination and, as such, may be entitled to reasonable notice of termination or pay in lieu thereof upon their relationship with the condominium being terminated. This can result in a condominium being forced to pay thousands of dollars as pay in lieu of notice and/or incurring exorbitant legal fees if sued for wrongful dismissal.

A condominium can safeguard itself from the foregoing risks and benefit from the cost savings associated with retaining an independent contractor by ensuring that the solicitor prepares a carefully drafted contract in advance. To ensure that the contract achieves its intended purpose, it should contain provisions that reflect the following:

1. If the independent contractor is economically dependent on the condominium, they will be deemed to be an employee for termination purposes. Accordingly, the contract should be non-exclusive and enable the independent contractor to perform work for other condominiums.

2. The contract should also stipulate that the independent contractor is responsible for arranging and paying for their insurance, remitting their statutory deductions and taxes, and providing all of the tools and supplies required to perform the services under the contract.

3. If the independent contractor does not have some degree of control over the day-to-day performance of the services, it is more likely that a court will find that the independent contractor is an employee for termination purposes. Thus, the contract should be drafted in a manner that provides the independent contractor with some degree of control over how and when the services will be rendered on a daily basis.

4. A well drafted contract can only achieve its intended purpose if the parties govern their relationship in accordance with its terms. Accordingly, it is advised that a “failsafe” provision be included in the contract stipulating that if the independent contractor is deemed to be an employee of the condominium if and when the contract is terminated, the independent contractor’s entitlements upon the termination of the contract (and consequently their employment) will be limited to the minimum statutory entitlements provided under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). If such a clause is not included, the condominium runs the risk of the independent contractor being entitled to notice of termination or pay in lieu thereof at common law, which is always substantially more than the minimum entitlements provided under the ESA.

If a condominium is considering retaining independent contractors, it should ensure that its solicitor drafts a contract in advance of one being retained and that the contract contains provisions reflecting these recommendations. Doing so will allow the condominium to reap the cost savings associated with retaining an independent contractor, while at the same time, safeguarding itself from having to incur exorbitant costs upon the relationship being terminated.

Ashley Winberg is one of the leading condominium lawyers in Ontario and is the Head of Corporate Practice at Pulver on Condos, which is a boutique condominium law firm that provides specialized legal services to condominium corporations and unit owners throughout Ontario. Ashley can be reached at [email protected].

Bird Construction to acquire Jacob Bros for $135M

Bird Construction is set to acquire Surrey-based Jacob Bros Construction for $135 million.

Jacob Bros is a privately-owned civil infrastructure construction business with self-perform capability, serving public and private clients across the region with a workforce of over 350 salaried, hourly and craft personnel.

Jacob Bros’ two shareholders, Scott Jacob, CEO and Todd Jacob, COO, will join Bird to lead the combination of Bird’s Western infrastructure business and their existing business. Jacob Bros operates with a strong, people-first culture and has been recognized as a top employer in both B.C. and Canada.

“Bird shares many of our core values and our cultural attributes, and will be a great fit for our people and our clients. With access to Bird’s resources, we will be able to build on our success and accelerate our growth and capacity as one of Western Canada’s most respected builders of public and private infrastructure,” said Scott.

Jacob Bros specializes in civil infrastructure construction across a wide array of projects, such as airports, seaports, rail, bridges and structures, earthworks, energy projects, and utilities. Additionally, Jacob Bros delivers expertise in specialized projects that require innovative, purpose-built, custom solutions that leverage their suite of comprehensive services.

“We are really pleased that Scott and Todd Jacob will be bringing their comprehensive experience to the Bird team. The company brings a strong market reputation, highly skilled team, and proven track record for delivering complex projects to sophisticated, long-term clients,” stated Teri McKibbon, president and CEO of Bird. “The combined company will have a greater platform from which it will be able to access larger-scale projects and expand career opportunities for employees. The acquisition will enable Bird to advance our strategic focus on complex work in high-demand, higher-margin self-perform sectors, which we expect will contribute to continued margin enhancement.”

Spring/Summer 2024

Ontario boosts capacity to ease overcrowded jails

The Ontario government is adding more beds to several adult correctional facilities and reopening two intermittent detention centres in an effort to reduce overcrowded jails.

“We’re expanding and building facilities that will help frontline staff to do their jobs safely and effectively while increasing capacity to keep violent and repeat offenders off our streets,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “

In the short term, the government is repurposing the Regional Intermittent Centre at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre in London and the Toronto Intermittent Centre at the Toronto South Detention Centre, adding up to 430 new beds by 2026 to accommodate minimum- and medium-risk inmates.

The province also plans on building two new jails in eastern Ontario, including the Brockville Correctional Complex that will more than double capacity by adding 184 new beds. The Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex in Kemptville is also moving forward.

An expansion at the Quinte Detention Centre will bring inmate programming, female capacity and 18 new beds, which increases the institution’s capacity to more than 300 beds. The St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre will also be expanded to accommodate a women’s treatment unit.

The province announced it will also hire up to 200 additional correctional staff for the facilities, which could include nurses, correctional officers and support staff.

Bell Media to divest select advertising signage

Bell Media has been directed to divest outdoor advertising signage in 669 locations in Quebec and the Greater Toronto Area as a condition of its acquisition of Outedge Media Canada. With the $410-million deal, which now has the consent of Canada’s Competition Bureau, Bell Media takes ownership of the U.S.-based real estate investment trust’s commercial billboard, transit and mobile assets in Canada, minus those it has been instructed to sell.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Bell Media and solidifies our leadership position in the out-of-home space,” says Sean Cohan, president of Bell Media.

A statement from the Competition Bureau notes that Outedge and Bell had “vigorously competed” in the GTA, Greater Montréal, Québec City, Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke markets with few other rival options available for advertisers. Single ownership of these assets is deemed detrimental to competitive pricing, particularly given municipal bylaws and permitting processes that constrain the development of new outdoor advertising displays.

Under terms of its agreement with Competition Bureau, Bell Media is to divest assets that are positioned to enable purchasers to “effectively compete” in the designated markets. “In designing the remedy, the Bureau considered the differences across Bell and Outedge’s outdoor assets,” it states.

For its part, Outedge’s parent, OUTFRONT Media, is retrenching in the United States. “The sale of our Canadian business illustrates the inherent value of our out-of-home assets, and will enable us to proactively reduce our financial leverage and also focus entirely on operating what is now a fully domestic business here in the United States,” says the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, Jeremy Male.

CAGBC awards salute low-carbon contributors

The Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) is saluting low-carbon contributors with its 2024 awards for advancing and exemplifying sustainability and high performance in the built environment. Honours were bestowed to four individuals, four buildings and two organizations during CAGBC’s annual Building Lasting Change conference in Toronto last week.

“The CAGBC awards are a showcase of the market’s commitment to green building,” maintains Thomas Mueller, the organization’s president and chief executive officer. “This year’s winners represent the best of Canada’s sustainability leaders and the most innovative green and low-carbon projects in the country.”

Josée Lupien, president and co-founder of Quebec-based Vertima, a third-party consulting firm that steers projects and companies through the environmental certification process, received CAGBC’s lifetime achievement award. She is a LEED Fellow, accredited for both interior design and construction (ID+C) and building design and construction (BD+C) and is also a WELL accredited professional, whom Mueller characterizes as a “stalwart supporter” of CAGBC’s zero carbon building standards.

“Josée Lupien is a visionary and pioneer who, over her 20-plus year career, has advanced green building in Québec and Canada,” he asserts. “Beyond her numerous professional achievements, the industry has benefited from Josée’s tireless commitment to education. We’re privileged to have her as an active CAGBC member and as part of our faculty of subject-matter experts.”

Other individual recipients of the 2024 leadership awards include:

Sarah Petrevan, vice president, sustainability, with the Cement Association of Canada, commended for green building leadership;
Shefali Panse, associate product manager with CertainTeed Canada, recognized as emerging leader; and
Lyle Scott, principal of the consulting firm, Footprint, honoured for committed voluntary technical advisory services to the CAGBC.

Petrevan is noted for bringing attention to the issue of embodied carbon and promoting low-carbon building materials, both through her current focus on low-carbon concrete and previously as the founder of the Buy Clean Industry Alliance. She also lends her expertise to CAGBC’s advisory panel on carbon capture and utilization in cementitious building materials.

Panse holds a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering from University of California, Berkeley, and has been a key player in the development of CertainTeed’s zero-carbon drywall manufacturing plant in Montreal. The project, which is a first for North America, includes electrification of plant equipment and systems to recycle and reconstitute used drywall.

Scott has participated in a diverse range of CAGBC’s committees and taskforces over the past 17 years, including as a past chair of the LEED Canada steering committee and now as the first chair of the new LEED advisory committee. He is a mechanical engineer specializing in energy efficiency, facilities management and sustainable development.

Two organizations also received 2024 leadership awards. The Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning was named green building visionary for commitment to sustainability in the development, management and operations of its buildings and campus. The Region of Peel’s Office of Climate Change and Energy Management was recognized in the government leadership category for guiding the Region’s corporate net-zero-energy building policy and standards for new construction.

Turning to 2024’s exemplary buildings, awards were bestowed in four categories this year:

The Neil Campbell Rowing Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario, was recognized for zero carbon design;
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, was named the leading deep carbon retrofit project;
Centennial College, Toronto, received the new construction award for the expansion of its main campus building, which incorporates a five-storey, mass timber housing student services; and
Simon Fraser University’s 90-unit family housing complex on its campus in Burnaby, British Columbia, won in the inspired home category.

Both the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre and 25 St. Clair Avenue East are certified under the CAGBC zero carbon building design standard.

Canada’s average asking rent tops $2,200 per month

The average asking rent for all residential property types in Canada increased 9.3 per cent year-over-year in May, reaching a record-high $2,202 per month according to Rentals.ca and Urbanation’s latest National Rent Report. This rate of increase is consistent with the annual growth rate recorded in April and reflects an average annual growth of 9.1 per cent over the past three years. Despite rent declines experienced during 2020 and 2021, the latest five-year average annual growth for asking rents was 4.7 per cent.

“Canada’s rental market is entering the peak summer season with continued strength,” said Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation. “Markets such as Vancouver and Toronto that had experienced some softening in rents in previous months are stabilizing near record highs, while many of the country’s mid- and small-sized cities are still posting double-digit rent increases.”

All provinces recorded annual increases in apartment rents for purpose-built and condo rentals in May. Ontario saw a 0.6 per cent gain after recording a 0.7 per cent annual decrease in April, with rents reaching an average of $2,423. Apartment rent growth in B.C. increased from a 1.6% annual pace in April to a 2.3 per cent annual pace in May, with rents averaging the highest of all provinces at $2,526. Both Ontario and B.C. recorded month-over-month rent increases in May of 0.7 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively.

Quebec was the only province to record a month-over-month decline in apartment rents during May, dipping 0.6 per cent from April to an average of $1,999, although asking rents in Quebec were still up 6.7 per cent from last year.

Average asking rents for apartments in Vancouver and Toronto continued to decline on an annual basis in May, however less than in April. Toronto apartment rents decreased 0.9 per cent year-over-year in May (compared to a 2.3 per cent annual decline in April) to an average of $2,784, while Vancouver rents were down 4.1 per cent from a year ago

Edmonton continued as the leader in rent growth among Canada’s largest cities, posting a 14.6 per cent annual increase in asking rents for apartments. Despite increasing by nearly twice the amount in Calgary (+7.6%) over the past year, Edmonton’s average asking rents for apartments remained significantly less expensive ($1,507 vs. $2,089).

For the full report, click here: Average Rents in Canada Rise 9.3% from Last Year (rentals.ca)

Rise of the Robson Street corridor

The aging buildings of Robson Street in Vancouver’s West End have a long history of serving as storefronts for an array of fashion retailers, from boutique luxury shops to renowned global brands. But like many popular shopping destinations, the once-thriving corridor has faced its share of challenges since the heydays of the 80s and 90s, including changing consumer preferences, exorbitant lease rates, and buildings that have noticeably weathered over time.

In 2014, the City of Vancouver launched a formal plan to revitalize the area in an attempt draw back businesses, improve livability, and create new housing for residents of all income groups. With these ongoing efforts, the West End will continue to blossom into a diverse, walkable neighbourhood, offering world-class parks and beaches, a vibrant social scene, and a wide range of restaurants and commercial services.

No stranger to the Robson Street corridor, GWL Realty Advisors (GWLRA) acquired a development site for a boutique-style building known as “Chronicle” in 2016. The 21-storey market rental tower at 825 Nicola Street officially opened in 2021, adding significant new rental stock to the Lower Robson neighbourhood.

As the first Robson Street rental project approved under the City’s West End Community Plan, Chronicle captured a lot of attention and its units leased-up with ease. Since then, GWLRA has purchased two new adjacent sites at 1555 and 1525 Robson Street that are collectively zoned to accommodate 400 purpose-built rental units and 40,000 square feet of retail density.

According to Geoff Heu, Vice President, Development Service, Western Canada, these latest acquisitions align with the company’s long-term strategy to help ease Vancouver’s housing shortage and bring quality rental inventory to a neighbourhood lacking supply. Most of the rental stock on Robson Street is decades-old and inadequate for the influx of new residents—but GWLRA saw the potential with its proximity to Stanley Park, host of shopping amenities, and the Central Business District (CBD), when it set out to create Chronicle eight years ago.

“Since the launch of Chronicle, we have been strategically focused on securing additional opportunities for development in the West End, and specifically on the Robson Street corridor,” he said. “Continued development and a renewed rental inventory will lead to a more diversified housing supply for the community and bring in new residents—which in turn, will help local businesses thrive while creating further retail amenities in the future. We anticipate this renewal will have a positive impact on the success of the already-popular retail corridor.”

A neighbourhood focal point

Projected to break ground in late 2025, the two adjacent sites purchased by GWLRA for the same investor client in 2023 and 2024, will allow for a two-tower, mixed-use project that Heu anticipates will act as a focal point and a neighbourhood hub.

“The two residential rental towers with approximately 200 units a piece will offer much-needed rental housing options and a host of amenities aimed at delivering an elevated resident experience,” he said. “It will be one of the few new rental projects along the Robson corridor, bringing additional life and animation to the area.”

Meanwhile, the 40,000 square feet, two-storey commercial podium will help improve the streetscape and offer a variety of new retail options, including a potential new grocer and a host of other, smaller scale pedestrian-oriented retailers.

According to Heu, GWLRA had a development permit application in progress for a 193-unit residential tower for the first site acquired in 2023 and were working through the entitlement process with the City prior to acquisition of 1555 Robson in April. That application has since been put on hold while the team redesigns for a consolidated project on the larger site. The project is expected to proceed through the City entitlement process for the next twelve months before construction kicks off in the second half of 2025.

“We are excited about the opportunity to combine 1555 Robson with our client’s neighbouring ownership position,” added Steven Marino, Executive Vice President, Portfolio Management, GWLRA. “The combined site represents a rare, scaled opportunity in one of Canada and North America’s most attractive and dynamic markets.”

About the West End

The West End is situated between West Georgia Street, Burrard Street, Stanley Park, and English Bay. It includes the Davie Village—the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community—and Denman Street, which provides local shopping, services, and restaurants. Robson Street is known as the higher-end shopping district and main thoroughfare to the downtown core. According to the latest data, the West End community is home to approximately 48,000 residents, the majority of which are renters.

For more news and updates, visit: GWL Realty Advisors

Calgary celebrates BMO Centre opening

The $500 million BMO Centre at Stampede Park in Calgary has officially opened. Canada’s largest convention centre features 565,000-square-feet of new expanded spaces for a total of one million square feet.

Despite the scale and complexities of the project, the project came in on time and on budget.

The prime design consultants for the project were Stantec, Populous and S2, with construction management by PCL Construction and project management by M3 Project Management.

“CMLC is incredibly proud to have delivered this project on time and on budget, and to have delivered on the world-class promise we and our partners set out to achieve. With the completion of this catalyst project, we have set the tone for the coming years of development in The Culture + Entertainment District, and we are looking eagerly ahead to building on this momentum as we continue to transform this district together,” said Kate Thompson, president and CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, development manager for the project.

The three-level facility will host its first major event, the Global Energy Show, on June 11 with another 500 conventions and events booked into the expansion post-opening to date.

“With an increased ability to compete for world-class conventions and meetings thanks to the expanded BMO Centre, Calgary’s reputation on the global stage cannot be understated,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “The expanded BMO Centre is unique to Calgary, unique to the Calgary Stampede and unique to the industry. This is an architectural icon as well as a community gathering place, and Calgarians can be proud that we built this second-to-none facility right here in the heart of The Culture + Entertainment District.”

After more than 124 years of working together, the Calgary Stampede and BMO have renewed their partnership for another 10 years, through until the end of 2033. As a part of this agreement, BMO has extended the naming rights of the BMO Centre to the BMO Centre expansion, which will welcome guests from our community and around the world.

Toronto proposes measures to boost housing supply

The City of Toronto has released a new report entitled “Launching the Rental Housing Supply Program” to advance its commitment toward the rapid creation of 65,000 rent-controlled homes by 2030. The report was developed in response to City Council’s request that staff review and recommend revisions to the existing Open Door Affordable Rental Housing program, which launched in 2016 and led to the approval of more than 21,000 affordable rental homes on public, non-profit, co-op and private land.

To advance the City’s expanded housing targets, align and build upon recent legislative changes by the Province of Ontario, and support new affordable, rent-geared-to-income (RGI), and rent-controlled homes within a broader economic context, the City is proposing a new Rental Housing Supply Program. In addition, it is calling for “immediate action” by allocating approximately $351 million in capital funding to 18 affordable rental housing projects to begin in 2024 and 2025. According to the City, this first investment under the program will “unstick” almost 6,000 new rental homes, including 2,600 affordable rental and 3,380 rent-controlled homes.

“The new Rental Housing Supply Program responds to the city’s housing and homelessness crises by supporting a shift in Toronto’s housing system to deliver more RGI, affordable rental, and rent-controlled homes, and build the capacity of the Community Housing sector (non-profit, co-ops and Indigenous housing providers),” the backgrounder reads. “It provides a framework to support a range of rental homes from inception to construction start.”

This report will be considered by the Planning and Housing Committee on Thursday, June 13. To access the six major components, visit toronto.ca.

McElhanney names new president and CEO

Consulting engineering firm McElhanney has appointed Jennifer Price, Eng., president and CEO. She succeeds Allan Russell, who will retire in August after more than 10 years in the position.

Price brings a wealth of experience and a proven history of leadership in the engineering consulting industry. Her previous roles include CEO, US of Buro Happold, and executive and senior leadership positions at AECOM, CH2M, and GHD. She is known for her analytical acumen, decision-making prowess, and her commitment to empowering teams.

“I am thrilled to join McElhanney, a company that stands out for its bold and adventurous spirit,” said Price. “My intention is to do everything I can to energize and support the team as we build on our solid foundation that Allan has capably cultivated. It is clear that innovation thrives here, and every person is valued at McElhanney. These are exciting times for the company.”

Price will be focused on driving controlled growth and profitability and is passionate about providing opportunities for women in STEM, young professionals, and equity-deserving groups.

The transition plan and timeline will ensure a seamless handover, with Price and Russell collaborating closely in support of the McElhanney executive team through the end of July 2024. Russell will continue with McElhanney in a consulting capacity until the end of March 2025.

“Jennifer is an exceptional and accomplished executive leader and business manager,” said Russell. “She makes decisions that balance both big picture and small details. I look forward to the company’s future under her direction.”

During his tenure, Russell helped triple the firm in size and expanded McElhanney’s reputation as one of the top consulting firms in Western Canada, and transforming the employee culture within the firm, leading him to be recognized as one of the Top 25 CEOs in Canada by Glassdoor.

Massive new park planned for West Vancouver

A massive new 781 hectares park in the District of West Vancouver will support stewardship and responsible use in the area.

The land donated by West Vancouver makes the park almost twice the size of Stanley Park. It is a key puzzle piece in a larger system of protected areas, including Cypress Provincial Park, Capilano and Seymour Watersheds and other parks within the District of West Vancouver. It also protects lands around the Old Growth Conservancy, home to an important stand of old growth trees in West Vancouver. Combined, these areas cover more than 32,000 hectares – one of the largest protected areas in the world so close to a major urban centre.

“This area will help preserve sensitive ecosystems and wildlife and store carbon to fight climate change. It will also ensure that old growth trees will continue to stand in our stunning municipality, which we know is very important to our residents and people across the globe. We also recognize that this new park dedication will maintain the beautiful view of the mountains, which is something that everyone in the metro region can enjoy,” said Mayor Mark Sager.

BC Parks Foundation has set up a Cypress Hollyburn Legacy Fund for the park maintenance with a $3 million matching gift from the Wilson 5 Foundation for the park. The Wilson 5 Foundation will match every dollar contributed to the fund, up to $3 million.

“We are thrilled to be able to help protect this iconic Vancouver landscape and all of its wonderful values,” said Andy Day, CEO of the BC Parks Foundation. “It’s the right thing to do at this moment in history– people coming together to do something tangible, positive, and lasting for the planet and people’s health.”

Retrofit plans for historic Diefenbunker museum

The federal government is investing more than $977,000 into Ottawa’s Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum to make it more environmentally friendly and accessible.

The 100,000-square-foot underground cultural facility is known as Canada’s most significant Cold War artifact.

A comprehensive retrofit will include upgrades for improved air ventilation systems, a new entrance to support more accessibility, and upgraded electrical systems to improve efficiency and support future technology. The project is expected to reduce the facility’s energy consumption by an estimated 31.1 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 3.3 tonnes annually.

“These facility upgrades will allow us to create more accessible and vibrant community spaces for the public to engage with history, so that we can continue thriving as a one-of-a-kind museum and immersive history destination for visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Christine McGuire, executive director of the Diefenbunker,

The funds come from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. The Diefenbunker is contributing $244,439 to the project.

Surrey mixed-use tower gets greenlight

A mixed-use tower by Appelt Properties in Surrey has received the greenlight from city council.

The project, encompassing more than 380,000 square feet and rising 41 storeys, will be located within Surrey City Centre. Ideally situated opposite Surrey Memorial Hospital and just south of the new UBC Surrey Campus, the tower is set to transform the local skyline.

“The project represents our commitment to innovative, sustainable urban development,” said Greg Appelt, president of Appelt Properties. “We are excited to bring a new landmark to Surrey that not only enhances the skyline but also provides exceptional living and working space in its growing Health and Technology District.”

The residential component boasts 463 modern, amenity-rich rental apartments, available in one, two, and three-bedroom configurations. Residents will enjoy vast amenities spread across four levels, including a state-of-the-art gym, yoga and meditation studios, as well as social media areas, and a gourmet community kitchen.

North View of the New Mixed-Use Tower at 9525 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC (CNW Group/Appelt Properties)

Outdoor landscaped areas, including a pet run, create a serene environment adjacent to a green corridor and creek. The sixth and seventh floors feature vibrant social gathering spaces, perfect for community interaction. Topping it all off, the penthouse and sub-penthouse levels offer an expansive rooftop deck and indoor lounge, providing breathtaking views in every direction.

Complementing the residential units are five levels of Class A medical outpatient space, totaling 67,000 SF. These spaces are designed with independent entrances, lobbies, and elevators, making the building an ideal choice for healthcare, research and education tenants aiming to establish a presence in Surrey’s Health and Technology District.

The podium has been designed from a healthcare delivery perspective, with an emphasis on patient experience and accessibility. Appelt Properties intends to populate the building with synergistic tenancies to create the optimal healthcare ecosystem that will be a great addition to Surrey’s Health and Technology District.

“This project is a testament to our vision of creating vibrant, sustainable communities,” added Appelt. “We are confident that this development will set a new standard for mixed-use projects in Surrey, providing much needed rental apartments and best-in-class healthcare real estate.”

BCCA launches online construction job board

The B.C. Construction Association (BCCA) has launched a new online job board tailored for the construction industry, which allows job seekers to be efficiently matched with employers.

Builders Life TalentCentral aims to ease the hiring process by offering B.C. construction employers the ability to post job openings and connect with talent, while giving job seekers the ability to create a profile and access career opportunities. All construction industry job openings, from entry-level to executive roles, can be posted online at Builders Life TalentCentral.

“B.C.’s construction needs are urgent and require action. We continue to do everything we can to help address the province’s severe workforce shortage,” said Chris Atchison, BCCA president. “TalentCentral leverages the overwhelming response we received to our recent Builders Life ad campaign. Construction employers will immediately benefit from this new and efficient way to build the teams they need, in order to deliver the construction projects British Columbians need.”

Features for employers include being able to scan job-seeker profiles and resumes, use in-platform direct messaging and use additional fee-based recruitment support services.

For a limited time, Builders Life TalentCentral is free to all construction sector employers. Job board postings and access will remain free for those who are integrated members of BCCA’s partner Regional Construction Associations (NRCA, SICA, VICA and VRCA).

Builders Life TalentCentral is a free tool for job seekers.

According to BCCA’s Spring 2024 BC Construction Stat Pack, construction is the top employer in the province’s goods sector with a workforce of approximately 229,000. It is predicted that by 2033, expansion and retirements will result in 20,700 construction job openings, and 6,600 construction jobs will remain unfilled. There are more than $160B in construction projects currently underway in B.C., with another $170B scheduled.

Feds launch co‑operative housing development program

The federal government announced it has launched a new co‑operative housing development program to support the next generation of co-op housing in Canada. The program will enable the construction of thousands of new co-op homes by 2028, with priority given to projects that focus on providing homes for residents most in need.

“By focusing on people over profits, co-operative housing is able to keep housing affordable for the long term,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This is the largest investment in co-op housing in 30 years. It will help build thousands of new homes and create a new generation of co‑operative housing housing across Canada.”

Starting on July 15, 2024, co-operative housing providers can apply for funding through the first intake round, which will remain open until September 15th. Additional intake opportunities will be announced at a later date.

“Our government’s plan to build nearly 4 million new homes is the most ambitious housing plan in Canadian history,” said Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. We’re doing this to ensure every generation, especially Millennials and Gen Z, can find an affordable place to call home. Today’s investment to build more co-op housing—the largest investment in co-ops in three decades—will help us build more of the homes Canadians need.”

Co-operative housing, often referred to as “co-ops”, are managed by the people who live in it, with no outside landlord. As such, the housing model is generally considered more affordable than market rental housing. The program, administered by CMHC, will consist of approximately $500 million in contributions and $1 billion in loans to build new co-ops and grow existing ones.

Visit the Co-operative Housing Development webpage for more information on co-operative housing in Canada.

Vancouver Island awards best of construction

The best of Vancouver Island’s construction and development sector was on display as the industry celebrated the winners of the Vancouver Island Building Industry (VIBI) Awards

The inaugural awards were presented by the Urban Development Institute – Capital Region (UDI-CR), Canadian Home Builders Association – Vancouver Island (CHBAVI), and the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA).

A total of 47 awards were handed out, showcasing the world-class builders and developers who reside on Vancouver Island. Ranging from luxury single-family homes, awe-inspiring architectural forms, critical infrastructure, and multi-residential housing projects, the VIBI Awards exemplified the highly skilled construction professionals who contribute to the island’s built environment.

Through UDI-CR, CHBAVI, and VICA, the VIBI Awards represent the development, residential homebuilding, industrial, commercial, institutional, civil, and multi-residential construction sectors on Vancouver Island.

“The inaugural VIBI Awards was a resounding success and a testament to the dedication and excellence of our construction community on Vancouver Island,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association. “I am incredibly proud of all our members and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients. Together, we are shaping the landscape of Vancouver Island, one project at a time.”

Submissions for the VIBI Awards were administered through each respective association, with CHBAVI presenting 24 awards, UDI-CR presenting 10, and VICA presenting 13. Each association had award categories specific to their sector.

“As the industry continues to grow and the demand for construction and development services increases, it is events like the VIBI Awards that remind us that despite our busy schedules, we should take time to pause and celebrate our successes,” said Kerriann Coady, CEO, Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island. “Our award winners exemplify the high standards and commitment to excellence that we strive for every day and make Vancouver Island a wonderful place to work, live, and play.”

A full listing of the finalists and winners is available at www.vibiawards.ca.

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