The dollar value of building permits on Vancouver Island fell by 14 per cent to $506.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter, largely the result of an industry slowdown due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. However, permits issued began to increase each month through to June indicating the worst was over.

Residential permits held steady at $434 million in the first two quarters of 2020, though the number of dwelling units declined 21 per cent from the first quarter. Non-residential permits dropped overall by 54 per cent led by a 72 per cent drop in institutional-government permits and a 37 per cent decline in commercial permits. Industrial permits were down 28 per cent.

“On the positive side, permits did increase during the quarter and Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May 2020 to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related contraction in April,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association.

Investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area decreased nearly five per cent in May 2020 from the prior month, continuing a declining trend. Building construction cost increases were higher in residential than in the non-residential sector, and construction industry employment declined across the Island, with the largest decreases outside the Victoria metro area. 

“Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery” said Kulmala.

While record-low interest and mortgage rates are positive for the residential sector and investment spending, investment in commercial and industrial buildings looks to remain low until there is more clarity about future demand.

“We expect total building permits could post a small gain in 2020 and a larger one in 2021. However, if a second wave occurs or pandemic restrictions extend well into next year, large surges in construction activity will likely remain low this year and possibly next year,” Kulmala said.

Click here to download the entire report.

Arrange an interview with VICA CEO Rory Kulmala:

Owen O’Rourke, Communications Coordinator
Vancouver Island Construction Association
250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has submitted a letter of support (below) to Employers’ Forum’s submission to WorkSafeBC’s proposal to add COVID-19 to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act. 

We courage both VICA members and non-members to also signal their support of the letter, found here, by writing to WorkSafe regarding this proposed change. 

In support of Island Health and front-line healthcare staff, working tirelessly to keep our communities safe from COVID-19, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has put a call out to their membership for donations of new, unopened N95 masks, sanitizer solution and wipes,  or other personal protection equipment suitable for their work.

“Right now, there is a desperate need for support of our front-line medical workers. We understand that both the Federal and Provincial governments have made recent announcements that industry is going to increase supply, but we at the Vancouver Island Construction Association would like to help out wherever possible”, states Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association.   

As of March 19, there have been 271 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia with 22 confirmed cases on Vancouver Island.

“We believe this initiative, regardless of how many donations we receive, will underline the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for all members of our community to come together if we’re going to stop the spread of the coronavirus”

The Vancouver Island Construction Association has made arrangements to turn over all donations to the Vancouver Island Health Authority for them to distribute as necessary.

In Victoria, donations can be dropped off at VICA’s Victoria Office, 1075 Alston Street, by appointment between 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday. To schedule an appointment please call 250-388-6471 or email, Owen@vicabc.ca.

Donations for the VICA Nanaimo office can be arranged by calling 250-388-6471 or emailing Dawn@vicabc.ca.

Available for Interviews

Rory Kulmala
Chief Executive Officer
Vancouver Island Construction Association

Media Contact

Owen O’Rourke , Communications, VICA
comms.events@vicabc.ca | 250-800-1722

About VICA

The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has served the construction community since 1912 and is one of Canada’s oldest not-for-profit, industry associations. With offices in Victoria and Nanaimo, VICA connects the Island’s institutional, commercial, and multi-family residential sectors with skilled labour, education, and networking opportunities. 

Starting March 18, 2020, our Nanaimo office (map) will be closed until further notice. 

Our Victoria office (map) will still be operating, however, it will be closed to the public. The Victoria office will be offering members statutory declaration service, copy order services, and will have staff answering phones during our regular hours of operation.

All statutory declarations and copy order pick-ups must be made by appointment, by either calling 250-999-8942 or emailing Lauren.  

During this time of unprecedented concern as we collectively navigate the impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) takes the safety and well-being of our community, members and colleagues very seriously.

In the wake of recent announcements from federal and provincial health officials surrounding COVID-19, we would like to provide you with an update on the actions we, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is taking in response to the direction set out by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).

As we consider the safety and health of our community paramount, it is our duty to support and reflect the intentions and efforts of our governments as it addresses COVID-19. As a result, we have canceled our annual Vancouver Island Construction Conference scheduled for April 16, 2020 and we have deferred our 2020 Annual Awards Gala of May 8, 2020 to a later date. If you have purchased tickets, we will be providing full refunds.

In addition, we have suspended all VICA member events and activities, including those of both our Women in Construction and Under 40 networks.  Further, we will also be reviewing our scheduled in-person training and education programming and possibly deferring those as well. We will notify registrants immediately of any changes or cancellations.
 
For the most part, we will continue to conduct business as usual as the circumstances dictate. We are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of our Victoria and Nanaimo staff members; including working from home when necessary and asking staff members to self-isolate if they do feel ill.  We will continue to work to serve our members.

HealthLinkBC’s website has information about COVID-19, including how it is transmitted, symptoms and precautions individuals can take to prevent infection. Each of us can help slow the spread of this virus by washing our hands often, by practicing “social distancing” and by staying home when sick.

Of course, safety is always a priority on job sites, and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. While many companies are re-evaluating their work-from-home policies in preparation for what might come, it’s recognized that tradespeople can’t work from home. As such, employers are strongly encouraged to have a clear policy regarding when workers should stay home, enforce sanitary standards in portable washrooms, and keep hand sanitizer stocked when running water isn’t available.

Employers should also provide common-sense advice about the simple actions that employees can take to reduce the risk. The most important thing individuals can do to prevent infection is to wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their face.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as we can.

Available for Interviews

Rory Kulmala
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Vancouver Island Construction Association

Media Contact

Vancouver Island Construction Association
Owen O’Rourke
Communications Coordinator 
(250) 800-1722
comms.events@vicabc.ca

About VICA

VICA is a member-based, industry-led association serving the industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-family residential construction sectors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and coastal British Columbia, including Powell River. With bases in Victoria and Nanaimo, VICA connects the industry with skilled labour, training and education, and business development opportunities.

In light of the 13th case of the coronovirus disease (COVID-19) being reported in British Columbia, the first phase of a redevelopment in Burnaby being halted after an on-site worker was found to have consistent symptoms, and architectural conferences being cancelled in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Italy, and Germany, we would like to share a healthy and safety notice on behalf of our provincial partner, the BC Construction Association. 

“Safety is always a priority on job sites and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. Simply from a human resources perspective, tradespeople can’t work from home, so we strongly encourage employers to provide common sense advice about the simple actions employees are expected to take to reduce the risk. We also suggest they have a clear policy regarding when workers should stay home, enforce sanitary standards in portable washrooms, and keep hand sanitizer stocked when running water isn’t available. BCCA is keeping a close watch on this issue and how it may affect BC’s construction sector.”

7 Simple Steps To Protect Your Health

• Wash your hands often and well, using hand sanitizer if necessary. Read HealthLink BC’s handwashing guide. 
• Avoid touching common surfaces like handles with your bare hands.
• Do not share your tools or your PPE.
• Do not touch your hands, nose, or mouth.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Do your part to keep the portable toilets clean.
• If you experience symptoms of cold or flu, stay home.

You do not need to rush out to buy a N95 respirator or face mask — CDC recommends against it if you have not contracted the virus — but you and your crew do need to practice good hygiene and take precautionary measures at home, in the office, and on your job sites.

As of March 5, 2020, 34 cases of COVD-19 have been reported across the nation, according to the Government of Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure and include fever, cough, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing. 

Click the image to read McKinsey & Company’s COVID-19 Report, February 28, 2020

On Wednesday, February 26, the local construction community supported children across British Columbia as they stood vibrantly in solidarity for a bully-free world. While the Pink Shirt Day initiative is focused on youth, bullying certainly happens at all ages and in all stages of our lives. This day symbolizes a stand against such behaviour and encourages individuals to recognize that it’s cool to be kind, and that we should lift each other up.

We were thrilled to see so many VICA Members donning “safety pink” in the office and on site for Pink Shirt Day this year. A special thanks to those members who took part in VICA’s Pink Shirt Day initiative.

• Alpine Insulation
• BCCA Employee Benefits Trust
• CGI Constructors
• Dalcon Construction
• Don Mann Excavating
• Durwest Construction Management
• Current Millwork
• Edgar & Miner Floor Coverings
• Farmer Construction
• F&M Installations
• Gordon ‘N’ Gordon Interiors
• Hazelwood Construction
• Houle Electric – Victoria
• Island Aggregates
• Kinetic Construction
• Lewis Sheet Metal
• Method Engineering
• MT Construction Advisory Services
• National Contracting Solutions
• Northridge Excavating
• PD Stover
• RC Roofing
• Saywell Contracting
• SupERB Construction
• Western Grater
• Western Interior Design Group
• VICA U40
• VICA Women in Construction

Click the photo to the side to see photos of VICA Members in their loud and proud garb. You can also check out our Instagram feed @viconstruction or the soon-to-be-posted album on our Facebook page and LinkedIn.

Together, on top of the positive message we shared with our 560 pink shirts, we raised nearly $6,000 for the CKNW Kids’ Fund: a BC-based charity that helps fund anti-bullying programs across the province that support children’s healthy self-esteem, both with their peers and themselves. Youth programs that have benefitted from the CKNW Kids’ Fund include the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Canada, the Kids Help Phone, Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC, and the Stigma-Free Society, among others.

#PinkShirtDay #VICAMembers #CDNConstructionGives #ItsCoolToBeKind

The 2020 BC Budget released on February 18th is essentially a continuation of the budget the NDP introduced three years ago when they first came into power in British Columbia. Predominately focused on health and human services, the 2020 Budget brings no relief for small businesses facing increased tax and administrative burdens such as the new Employer’s Health Tax, an increase in carbon and corporate taxes, and a rising minimum wage.

We continue to see a “tax and spend” approach that raises concern for the stability of the BC economy as a whole and our industry in particular. BC is still facing a skilled workforce shortage, and we do not see an appropriate corresponding budgetary commitment from this government.

While $7 billion spend in social housing remains on the table, the BC Construction Association (BCCA) continues to work with BC Housing in an ongoing effort to ensure fair, open, and transparent procurement methods.

The 2020 Budget did not include any new CBA/PLA projects but we continue to watch this topic with concern: in this economic climate with our workforce development challenges, adding new barriers is not conducive to the outcomes we all need.

In August 2019 BCCA was advised that its recommendations regarding Prompt Payment legislation were adopted by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and included in their unanimous report on the 2020 Budget. The recommendations made were given during this presentation on June 13, 2019 as part of the 2020 Budget Consultations. A previous presentation was given by BCCA President Chris Atchison on September 25, 2018 to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of their 2019 Budget consultations.

Read more about provincial advocacy initiatives from BCCA here: bccassn.com/resources/advocacy-&-issues/

An update on Gaoshi Holdings’ (Canada) proposed Powell River Airport development was presented at the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, February 18. The committee approved sending to Council a Development Permit (DP) to facilitate construction of the first phase of a mixed-use aviation park.

“Planning Services is in support of this DP for two main reasons, the quality design work we’re seeing, and because what they’re proposing for our airport is going to give us another ‘new sense of arrival’ to the City with this state-of-the art building,” said Planning Services Director, Thomas Knight.

In September 2019, the City accepted an offer from Gaoshi of $600,000 in exchange for a 99-year lease and a revitalization bylaw to create an aviation centre at the airport on 4.65 hectares of land, east of the existing terminal building.

“The development of this industrial land is to bring more jobs and businesses to Powell River, by focusing on aircraft storage, maintenance, pilot training, retail shops, hospitality services, and more,” said Gaoshi director and vice-president Victor Gao, who was appearing before the committee for the first time since the deal was announced. “We hope this facility can create an attractive entry point for those who come into the City by air looking to do business here.”

Gao showed architectural renderings for the design of Phase 1 of a 4 Phase development. A 20,000 square-foot aircraft hanger is planned for maintenance and service for mid-size jets to small propeller aircraft. The 11,000 square foot multi-purpose building is the central feature of the development, and Gao said it was crucial to the success of the airport project.

“Whether hosting a conference, a community event or an expo or trade show, the idea for this building is to accommodate the demand for different functions and amenities, with coffee shops, restaurant, souvenir shop, and meeting spaces,” said Gao.

The building design is a spit-level, open layout, west coast concept with wood, rock, glass walls, and vaulted ceilings.

Pending Council’s approval of the DP and staff’s approval of the building permit, Gao said the development of Phase l could begin as early as summer 2020.

Media Contact

City of Powell River
Dave Brindle
Communications Coordinator
(604) 223-7868
dbrindle@powellriver.ca

VICA, along with members Hazelwood Construction Group, Scotiabank, Canwest Mechanical, and Pinchin, will be attending ABM Indigenous: Vancouver Island again this year. Held in partnership with the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation at the Songhees Innovation Centre in Victoria from March 16 to 18, ABM Indigenous: Vancouver Island is part of a series of events held across Canada by Advanced Business Match with the express purpose of connecting Indigenous to non-Indigenous decision makers to create opportunities for business.

At ABM Indigenous: Vancouver Island, community and business leaders will meet potential collaborators for projects in industries that range from natural resources, construction, tourism supply and services, manufacturing, retail and more, as they look to forge sustainable, prosperous futures.

ABM Indigenous events provide a trusted and safe space within which to start, facilitate and grow business relationships with Indigenous leaders. As we know, one of the first, and most impactful, steps in advancing economic prosperity involves real estate development and construction. We think VICA members can benefit from meeting the Indigenous leaders actively pursuing development projects. And there are non-Indigenous Island businesses also available to meet for potential partnerships.

ABM is pleased to offer VICA Members a 10% discount should they feel the event is the right fit for them. Chenelle Falconer and John Espley will be representing the VICA Team at the event, and Kelly Marion will be floating around.

To see who’s already matching online, visit advancedbusinessmatch.com/abm-events/abm-vancouver-island-2020/ and scroll to the right side of the page to see the list of registered delegates. Members interested in attending can contact amanda@advancedbusinessmatch.com for more information. Remember to mention that you’re a VICA Member when signing up to receive the 10% discount!

The 3rd Annual Vancouver Island Construction Conference will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at the Victoria Conference Centre. This one-of-a-kind conference — and VICA’s flagship event — will bring together participants from all walks of the construction industry from contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers to engineers, architects, owners, and developers. Last year, 300+ delegates attended the conference. This year, we anticipate even more! Come rub shoulders with industry stakeholders and engage in workshops, panels, and conversations about issues and opportunities affecting the construction industry today.

Learn more at www.vicaconference.ca and watch a short video from Leonard Brody, our 2020 Keynote Speaker.

About Leonard Brody

Recently named one of the top 30 up and coming management thinkers in the world, Leonard Brody is known as “a leader of the new world order”. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, bestselling author, and a two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary. 

Over his career, Leonard has helped in raising hundreds of millions in capital for startup companies, been through one of the largest internet IPOs in history taking a company to a six billion market cap, and has been involved in the founding and successful exit of numerous companies to date.

Leonard is currently the co-founder and executive chairman of Creative Labs, a joint venture with CAA (Creative Artists Agency in LA), the largest sports and entertainment agency in the world.  Leonard oversees the building of new ventures for some of the most well-known celebrities and political leaders in the world. Leonard is also one of the proud owners of the professional soccer team Coventry City in England.

Learn more about Leonard and our other Conference speakers at www.vicaconference.ca.

The City of Victoria is seeking public feedback to help shape its draft economic action plan, Victoria 3.0 – Pivoting to a Higher-Value Economy – 2020-2041.

The draft plan has been shaped by a six-part series of economic roundtable discussions and by the latest research and thinking in 21st century city building and economics.

Accompanying the City’s Official Community Plan to 2041, Victoria 3.0 has a vision for a sustainable, growing, influential city that creates high-value jobs now and for the future. The aim of the plan is to create a diverse, resilient, inclusive economy over the next two decades.

The City is making this plan now to:

• Stimulate and support innovation
• Build on the economic stability offered by our large public sector employment base
• Diversify our economy
• Respond to the big changes that will have an impact on sustainable economic growth, including automation and climate change
• Tell Us What You Think

Read the draft plan and provide feedback by completing a short Feedback Form and/or emailing engage@victoria.cawith “Economic Action Plan” in the subject line. | The deadline for feedback is midnight on Thursday, January 30, 2020.

An extensive public engagement process begins on Friday, January 10 to decide on a plan for the City of Powell River Recreation Complex Rehabilitation.

Parks, recreation and culture director Ray Boogaards said the city is creating the plan to prioritize facility upgrades to respond to the community’s recreational and social needs for the next 20 years. For the plan to be complete, public input is key.

“The question is how do we plan for the present and future without consulting with the public and user groups to find out what they want in their community recreation centre,” said Boogaards.

Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation residents will have plenty of opportunity to engage with the City on the Rehabilitation Plan.

A survey on the participatePR.ca online public engagement platform is open to engage with the community.

In addition to the survey, information events are planned for the public and user groups with the architectural firm contracted for the project, Architecture 49, headquartered in Vancouver. The consultants will be in Powell River on Wednesday, January 22 and Thursday, January 23 for public engagement sessions at the recreation complex beginning at 6:30 pm in the Arbutus Room at the complex.

“We need to come up with a plan of action that is supported by the community through this public process,” said Boogaards. “We know there are improvements that have to be made, but what does the public want? Do they want to see a water slide? Do they want to see changes to the aquatic centre, the rink or the arena? Do they think our fitness room is big enough? Do we need to look at accessibility, which we know is one of the biggest issues? Are there ideas for making improvements to the theatre and meeting rooms? What are we missing? Where can we make changes to improve the complex?”

Boogaards added, there are improvements that must be made, including the complex’s mechanical and electrical components, the chlorine system for the swimming pool, seismic factors and a follow-up to the review of the refrigeration plant.

City staff will use the Architectural Rehabilitation Plan to make recommendations on facility improvements based, in part, on the survey and input at public events. Once complete, the plan, with recommendations, will be brought before City Council so that they can make informed decisions.