March 23, 2022

Alberta’s construction recovery will be modest through 2027, with employment sustained by demographics

Via GlobeNewswire OTTAWA, March 17, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alberta’s construction market showed signs of a long-awaited recovery in 2021, thanks to a strong rise in residential-sector investment and increased major-project requirements. That growth and increasing heavy-industrial maintenance requirements should lead to an even stronger pace in 2022, before moderating through 2027. BuildForce Canada released its 2022–2027 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward report for Alberta today. The report focuses on a six-year horizon for provincial labour market data as opposed to the 10 years studied in previous reports. The shortened forecast period allows the report to focus more clearly on short- and...

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March 23, 2022

Sidebar: The struggle for construction labour continues

Via ConstructConnect OTTAWA — In its latest workforce report, BuildForce Canada projects that overall hiring requirements in the industry are expected to approach 172,000 due to the retirement of approximately 156,000 workers, amounting to 13 per cent of the current labour force, and growth in worker demand of nearly 16,000. Factoring in projections for new entrants that will leave a possible retirement-recruitment gap of 13,000 workers, the industry may be short by 29,000 workers by 2027 – a more manageable number than seen in previous 10-year forecasts. “It’s going to be an ongoing challenge, particularly as we start to see...

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March 9, 2022

Calgary construction shows strong recovery signs

via Journal of Commerce by Construct Connect PROVINCE OF ALBERTA — Crews work on the Calgary Cancer Centre in 2020. The city says building permit values show construction in the city has greatly increased after taking a hit during the start of the pandemic. CALGARY, ALTA. — Calgary has seen strong building permit recovery in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. According to the city, its latest building permit data shows strong year-over-year growth in 2021. The total construction value of $5.7 billion is up 68 per cent compared to the $3.4 billion reported in 2020. “Calgarians are optimistic...

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March 3, 2022

Alberta builders welcome 2022 budget

via Journal of Commerce by ConstructConnect PROVINCE OF ALBERTA — Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announces funding for an expansion of Red Deer’s hospital as part of Budget 2022. Alberta’s 2022 budget has arrived and many in the province’s construction sector were pleased to see spending on capital projects and workforce development. “Through new funding commitments to capital projects and steps to address the looming skill shortage crisis, we remain hopeful of the direction taken in the budget,” wrote the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) in a statement. Some of the new capital project spending the CCA highlighted included: $41 million for...

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March 2, 2022

Preparing for Prompt Pay Legislation In Effect August 29, 2022

The new Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act (the renamed Builders’ Lien Act)which introduces prompt payment, changes to the existing Builders’ Lien Act and an adjudication process comes into effect August 29, 2022. Industry representatives appointed by the Alberta Construction Association including Gowling WLGs law firm have been directly involved in the stakeholder discussions. Here’s what you need to know to get prepared. For your reference is a consolidation of the old Act with the amendments, Prompt Pay Regulations, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions. The FAQs list a number of considerations for changes you will need to make to your invoicing and payment systems....

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February 28, 2022

Alberta Budget 2022- Summary of the potential impacts on Calgary’s local construction industry

On February 24, 2022, the Province of Alberta released Budget 2022. Through new funding commitments to capital projects and steps to address the looming skill shortage crisis, we remain hopeful of the direction taken in the Budget. The following is a summary of the potential impacts on Calgary’s local construction industry:  New capital projects in the Calgary region: As City builders, we understand the importance of creating spaces for Calgarians to thrive – by investing in the community and in areas to live, work and play. The 2022 Budget offers millions of dollars in new funding capital spending on projects...

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