Rolling out GVCA Salutes the Construction Teams That Helped Bring the ION Rail Project to Completion

VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 JULY // AUGUST 2019

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND VALLEY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

Rolling Out GVCA salutes the construction teams that helped bring the ION rail project to completion.

THE FINANCE, SURETY AND BONDING ISSUE With articles on cash flow management, an update on the national surety and insurance market, and a look at how Black and White Commercial Roofing got a financial-management makeover.

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GVCA EVENTS AND EDUCATION CALENDAR Growth

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2 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND VALLEY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

THE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 FINANCE, SURETY JULY-AUGUST 2019 AND BONDING PUBLISHER Martha George ISSUE EDITOR James Raiswell

CONTRIBUTORS Ted Dreyer Tim Gorman Aki Merced Greg Petrela Wayne Root

PHOTOGRAPHY Lisa Lackenbauer CONTRIBUTOR LAYOUT & DESIGN Janet Day 14 16 ADVERTISING SALES Sandra Arthurs [email protected] 519-622-4822 x129

SUBSCRIPTION [email protected] INQUIRIES & LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Canadian Publications Mail: Product Sales Agreement #42259531; ISSN 2368-2930; in Canadian Periodical Index. FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

GVCA Journal subscription is a benefit 14 EYE ON THE MONEY 4 WELCOME of Grand Valley Construction Association Messages from the Chair membership and is included in and the President membership fees. 16 UPD ATES ON THE SURETY 5 CRYSTAL BALL REPORT Magazine Subscription: AND INSURANCE The Barrel Yards Canada $28/yr (incl. 13% HST). MARKETS US/International $32/you (CDN). 6 SIGHTINGS Were you spotted? 19 FOUR COMMON Return undeliverable addresses to: 8 SAFETY Grand Valley Construction Association MISTAKES THAT HURT Driven to distraction 25 Sheldon Drive, A CONSTRUCTION Cambridge, Ontario COMPANY 10 LEGAL N1R 6R8 5 Predictions for prompt payment & adjudication 20 G VCA SUPPORTS Cover photo courtesy of 12 FINANCIAL Region of Waterloo Rapid Transit CONNECT THE CORRIDOR Use KPIs to improve your bottom line 31 GVCA EVENTS & ©2019 Grand Valley Construction Association. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication EDUCATION CALENDAR may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part without prior written consent of the publisher 31 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 3 WELCOME TO JOURNAL

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Predictions are that there will be five million jobs lost to automation by 2025. This is a scary thought. But let’s turn that idea around for just a second. Josh Heller, GSC

There will be new jobs created that materials, and building requirements to driven by a workforce that has a different we haven’t begun to identify. The make them livable, workable and afford- attitude toward life. Work-life balance is challenge will be adaptability and getting able. AI will continue to enter our industry the new norm for employees. Diversity, our workforce trained to meet this new at a very fast pace. More than this, it will respect and gender balance are common- demand. Factors out of our control, such require expertise to accommodate as we place for every workplace, which is as climate change, will have an effect on build buildings with comforts and flexi- a change in the construction industry. the construction industry, and we will bility that is new to us. We all need to take a look at how see temperatures climb at alarming rates. we can fill the jobs of tomorrow in non- This will have a huge impact on building It is exciting to look at the change that is traditional ways.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT ARE YOU READY? I like to look to the future. It is inspiring to me to see changes, and to anticipate what the next few years will look like.

We know that nothing stays the same, and Some of us may worry that jobs will that we are always evolving. Demands are be replaced by robots, but think about increasing, challenges are greater than this: robots are good at performing ever and timelines are shorter. What is it diagnostics and calculations, but going to take to survive? they are not good at creating original content or being abstract. People skills Mental elasticity and complex problem- will come back as a sought-after skill. solving skills are key. The future will bring Since the introduction of e-commu- problems that we have never seen before nications, we have lost the knack of in a world we’ve never experienced. Add conversation, listening and emotion. to those critical thinking skills to sort There is a desire to work collaboratively through information and find truth. If as opposed to working independently. you don’t trust technology now, imagine Collaboration, teamwork and sharing your attitude toward technology in the of ideas will always be required to future. Questioning information that is remain successful. posted is a responsibility to ensure truth. Martha George, GSC

4 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 CRYSTAL BALL REPORT

Crystal Ball UNMATCHED PRE-BID REPORT CONSTRUCTION INTELLIGENCE

GVCA’s Crystal Ball Report is a unique and insightful member service. Updated daily by GVCA staff, the report tracks planned projects during the pre-bidding phases, following them from concept to design to prequalification, construction and completion.

The Barrel Yards 20 Barrel Yards Blvd, Waterloo

Located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, The Cooperage, The Onyx, and live-work units The Barrel Yards will feature 11 buildings—ranging With an estimated completion date of 2025, from 8 to 27 storeys in height. Primarily composed the development will also include a seniors’ of residential apartment and condo buildings, the residence, townhouses, street-level retail, office 12-acre site boasts uptown’s newest hotel, The space, a 2,400-space underground parking Delta Waterloo, Proof Kitchen + Lounge, garage and a park.

Stonerise Construction is dedicated with a composite floor system—a spray foamed, buildings heated and cooled to using advanced building technologies method where large flutes in the deck with hydronic heating systems, and every as the development of The Barrel Yards act as joists and are poured mono- light fixture offers LED lighting. progresses. All of the project’s building lithically with the floor. Further, each structures are composed of either building within The Barrel Yards has For more information or to have cast-in-place or total precast concrete. been designed to boast high energy your project profiled, contact The company is further experimenting efficiency. All exterior walls will be GVCA’s pre-bid reporter Rob Agley at [email protected]

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 5 SIGHTINGS

WERE YOU SPOTTED?

COCA Awards, 2019 Gold Seal Certification Award On June 12, the Council of Ontario Construction Associations GVCA President Martha George presents Sohila Ghaosi of (COCA) presented GVCA President Martha George with the Hard Gateman-Milloy with his Gold Seal certificate for Project Manager, Hat Award for Outstanding Achievement. The award was presented General Contracting. by Steve Dietrich, Chair of COCA, and Gary van Bolderen, Past Chair.

CSC Design Competition Winners Congratulations to the winners of the Construction Specifications Canada design competition! The award was presented to Ryerson University students. Left to right: Nora Alkeyat, Sydney Smeets and Paul Lee. Absent was Daniela Figueroa-Bautista.

Construction Specifications Canada A great crowd assembled at Construction Specifications Canada’s Connection Café at Catalyst 137 on May 15. Top to bottom: Sheri Thompson of WalterFedy and Lee-Ann Herriott of Custom Building Products. Mike Lanthier of Sika Group. Susan Cunha, Producer, ssstudio.ca

6 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 Construction Insurance Construction& Surety Specialists Insurance & Surety Specialists & Industryspecificprograms Surety Specialists IndustryspecificprogramsIndustryspecificprograms WinC Spring Dinner Tailored insurance A full house at the Women in Construction Spring Dinner in May. A fun networking event at the Pines in Cambridge! Tailored& surety insurance solutions Left to right: Kimberley Ball of Ball Construction, Tania Ziolkoski of & surety solutions Cowan Insurance Group, Waterloo Region Chair Karen Redman, and & surety solutions Ann Treusch of Cowan Insurance Group. Dedicated risk managementDedicated risk team management team CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Terri Lovely-Gallant and Theresa Mina of ACL Steel.

GVCA President Martha George, Nikki Laskin of AON, Marisa and Astrit Toffolo of Tosca Tile.

Kevan Thompson Industry Leader, Kevan Thompson Vice PresidentIndustry Leader, Construction Vice President Construction Phone: 519-650-6363 ext. 41552 Phone:Toll 519-650-6363free: 1-866-578-6030 ext. 41552 [email protected] free: 1-866-578-6030 [email protected] www.cowangroup.ca

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 7 SAFETY

DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION

For many drivers, operating a car or truck may seem second nature, whether it’s for personal or work use. However, no matter what the level of experience or comfort, driving requires your full attention.

With the popularity of cell phones, texting, talking and emailing on the go are increasingly becoming factors in collisions. This infographic highlights the importance of minimizing distractions, and offers helpful tips for both drivers and employers to keep the focus squarely on the road.

8 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 Editor’s note: this infographic was created by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. For more information, visit www.ccohs.ca.

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 9 LEGAL

5 PREDICTIONS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT & ADJUDICATION Here are five predictions about how prompt payment and adjudication will roll out and develop.

performed after October contracts and subcontracts Authority (ANA) will oversee 01 1, 2019. The old rules will to which prompt payment the training and qualification IT WILL START WITH continue to apply to subcon- and adjudication apply, it will of adjudicators. As of May 31, A WHIMPER. tracts signed after October take a while for work to be 2019, the provincial govern- Prompt payment and adju- 1, 2019, if the subcontract performed, disputes to arise, ment had still not selected the dication go into effect on relates to a prime contract and for those disputes to be ANA. Once selected, the ANA October 1, 2019, but most signed before October 1, referred to adjudication. will need to hire staff, develop contracts will continue to 2019. The old rules will even curriculum, enroll students be governed under the old apply to prime contracts and then graduate them. It signed after October 1, 2019, 02 seems unlikely that the ANA rules. The old rules will THE FIRST ROUND OF apply to any contract signed if that contract arose out ADJUDICATORS WILL BE can accomplish all of this by of a procurement process LEADING LAWYERS WHO October 1, 2019. I expect the between an owner and a ARE GRANDFATHERED IN. contractor before October 1, that started before October provincial government to 2019, even in respect of work 1, 2019. Even for those The Adjudicating Nominating appoint few leading lawyers

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10 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 to handle the few adjudica- everyone agrees on what tions that occur in late 2019 that means. Section 26 of the and early 2020. act now says that each payer upon the contract or a subcontract shall pay the 03 basic holdback where all liens THE BATTLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID: ARE that may be claimed against MATERIAL SUPPLIERS that holdback have expired. SUBCONTRACTORS? On the one hand, section 26 Prompt payment operates appears to say that early on a pay-when-paid basis. trade, like an excavator, is If a subcontractor is not entitled to its holdback 61 paid, then they can delay days after leaving the site. payment to their sub- On the other hand, if prompt subcontractors by delivering payment operates on a a notice of non-payment pay-when-paid basis, does pursuant to subsection 6.6(6) a general contractor have in the prescribed form and an obligation to pay out time. If a material supplier holdback to its trades before is a “subcontractor” for the the general contractor has purpose of the act, then received holdback from the unpaid trade contractors owner? I expect this to be can delay payment to them among the first issues to by delivering a notice of be dealt with in adjudication. non-payment. That will be a rude awakening for material suppliers who have always 05 NON-LAWYERS WILL Get it done right expected payment in 30 days ENTER THE MARKET FOR Trajan Pro Font whether or not their client ADJUDICATION ADVOCACY. had been paid. No doubt, the first time! Only lawyers can represent the first time! material suppliers will take The success of yourRae project hinges Lips on robust designkie someone else in court, The success of yourRae project hinges Lips on robust designkie the position that they are not and the dependability and accountability of your but anyone can act as an and the dependability and accountability of your subcontractors. Expect this subcontractors and your crew. Your profitability depends advocate in an adjudication. subcontractors and your crew. Your profitability depends issue to come up early and on keeping costs down. Why would you approach your Some contractors will act for on keeping costs down. Why would you approach your often. personal investment portfolio any differently? themselves. Large general personal investment portfolio any differently? Integrity is the foundation of The RaeLipskie Partnership contractors will hire people Integrity is the foundation of The RaeLipskie Partnership and the cornerstone of our relationships with our clients. to handle adjudication in and the cornerstone of our relationships with our clients. 04 For over 25 years we have been providing private wealth THE BATTLE OVER house. The real challenge For over 25 years we have been providing private wealth HOLDBACK: WHAT DOES to lawyers will occur if management solutions for individuals, corporations and MANDATORY RELEASE management solutions for individuals, corporations and charities. Our portfolios of stocks and bonds are crafted OF HOLDBACK MEAN? businesses similar to charities. Our portfolios of stocks and bonds are crafted to your specific needs to achieve strength and reinforce X-Coppers and Points to your specific needs to achieve strength and reinforce Mandatory release of your long-term objectives. Please call or visit us online (X-Contractors, perhaps?) your long-term objectives. Please call or visit us online holdback is part of the new to learn how we can perform for you. enter the market for to learn how we can perform for you. Construction Act, but not adjudication advocacy. Trust. Experience. Integrity.

RAE & LIPSKIE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. RAE & LIPSKIE INVESTMENT COUNSEL INC. WATERLOO • BURLINGTON Ted Dreyer is a construction and insurance lawyer WATERLOO • BURLINGTON 1 888 578 7542 at Madorin, Snyder LLP in Kitchener. This article 1 888 578 7542 www.raelipskie.com should not be relied on as legal advice. www.raelipskie.com

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 11 FINANCIAL

USE KPIs TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE

With financial reporting, quite often we find analysis is based on historical information.

For example, reviewing your gross margin your company with other companies with on completed jobs is a great way to similar values. If your partners also value determine the end profitability on that safety, it will lead to lower incident rates. job. However, when the job is completed, This in turn typically leads to better it is too late to make any adjustments employee morale, lower insurance to boost your profitability or hit other costs and higher productivity. targets. If you start to track a few key performance indicators (KPIs) regularly, you will have a more up-to-date picture EFFICIENCY/PRODUCTIVITY of where you are, and what adjustments There are many different KPIs to you need to make. measure efficiency and productivity. Wikipedia defines a KPI as a type of Some common measures are performance measurement to evalu- as follows: ate the success of an organization or a • e mployee utilization (the percentage particular activity. Many people think of of the employee’s billable vs. non- KPIs only in the financial sense, however billable time) there are many others that are vital to the • e mployee realization (the percentage long-term success of your business. For of the employee’s billable time you are example, in construction safety is always a able to charge to customers) top concern. The number of accidents per • equipme nt hours (tracking equipment job might be important an KPI to track, use and downtime) especially if you want to improve safety. Here are a few common KPIs you may The employee utilization will help show want to track. how much of the employee’s time is spent on items directly billable to customers. For example, an employee may work an SAFETY eight-hour day but six of it may be billable to the client. The other two hours may By tracking the number of accidents per have been spent on internal training contractor, you will be able to better align or other non-chargeable projects. This

12 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 would put the employee’s utilization at • average cost of repair presented on a dashboard for easy analy- 75% billable (i.e., 6 hours/8 hours). This • average time to fix issues sis. In the employee utilization example, measure can be used to determine how • customer satisfaction the dashboard could show the average employees’ hours are being used and en- employee utilization by level compared sure proper allocation between billable Having KPIs in place to track how many to the previous year. By presenting the and non-billable work. quality issues arise is important. Equally high-level aggregate data on the dash- important is having systems in place to board, it helps to better identify trends The employee realization will help to quickly address any issues as they arise to and eliminate over analysis. If there are track the efficiency of billable work. maintain the highest level of quality and any changes in expectations, then further For instance, in the example above, customer service. analysis can be done. for quoting if you typically charge an employee out at $60 per hour, you would By effectively identifying a few key expect six hours of billable work would EFFECTIVE USE OF KPIs performance drivers for your business, equate to $360 in billings (6 hours * $60 you can start to track what is really per hour). However, if you quoted the Once you have identified the KPIs that important to your success with real time job at $240 based on four hours of work, drive your business, the next step is data. This will help you to be proactive in and it took six hours (and you were not implementing tracking and analysis. In making changes required to promote both able to bill more) the realization would most cases you likely already have access short and long-term success. It is crucial be 67 percent ($240/$360). Tracking this to the information, it is simply finding an to continue to evaluate your KPIs as the would help to identify training opportu- efficient way to present it. For example, driving forces for your business may nities to improve efficiency if some em- you likely already have a time and billing change over time and with growth. ployees are able to get work done with a function that tracks employee’s hourly higher realization while still maintaining time. However, it is inefficient to look at the desired quality standards. every employee’s time sheet to track their utilization or realization. Dashboards are This article was written by Wayne Tracking equipment hours can assist very helpful in this regard to eliminate Root CPA, CGA, a partner with with asset purchasing and scheduling data overload. A dashboard is a collec- RLB. Wayne can be reached at decisions. If you have incurred the cost tion of a few key items to be tracked on (519) 822-9933, ext. 289 and to acquire an asset you want it to use it to a regular basis. Some of the KPIs noted [email protected] its maximum potential. By tracking the above can be automated and the results hours of usage and downtime you can make better decisions on resource allocation and whether additional assets are required or whether short term rentals would be more beneficial. Serving Your Industrial & Door Hardware Needs QUALITY Since 1906.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 13 FEATURE

EYE ON THEMONEY Advice from BDC helped Black and White Commercial Roofing perform a much-needed financial-management makeover, and keep the business on track to manage its impressive growth.

Marc Lindner’s roofing company had for many business owners absorbed in a problem some businesses would only the day-to-day hurdles of running their be too happy to share. Sales had jumped companies. 50 percent each year since the company started in 2014. Its workforce had grown “Many small and mid-sized entrepre- from one employee to 35. neurs don’t always have a good handle on everything financial in their business,” But despite the explosive growth, says Roshan D’Souza, Director of Business Kitchener, Ont.-based Black and White Development in BDC’s Advisory Services Commercial Roofing was having cash- team. “They tend to believe that financial flow issues. Lindner had focused so heavily management is only for accountants. on sales and customers that financial The reality is that entrepreneurs need to management had been neglected. He was understand how sound financial manage- making major purchases without proper ment practices contribute to the success planning and didn’t have a good idea of their business. For example, it’s import- about his costs. ant to periodically review their company’s financial performance, with relevant and “We never had a budget,” Lindner says. reliable information for decision making.” MARC LINDNER “There wasn’t a lot of planning or prepara- tion. When we bought capital equipment, The impacts can be especially serious in it was always reactive.” fast-growing businesses. “These com- coming year. They also looked carefully panies are burning cash very quickly,” at costs and margins. Lindner turned to the Business Develop- D’Souza says. “If they don’t have a basic ment Bank of Canada (BDC) for advice financial process in place, their risks go up The process was eye-opening. For exam- on how to overhaul his financial man- significantly.” ple, Lindner hadn’t realized that some agement. The exercise quickly paid off. customers were taking over 90 days to pay bills. That, in turn, had contributed to Much-improved financial controls have EYE-OPENING PROCESS not only made it easier to ensure adequate the company’s cash flow hiccups. Lindner cash flow, but also helped Lindner cut At Black and White Roofing, a BDC consul- started working with clients to reduce costs, vastly enhance business planning tant did a thorough review of the company’s payment times. and improve teamwork in the company. finances and future goals. Lindner and his team then sat down to work out an action DEVELOPED PERFORMANCE COMMON CHALLENGE FOR plan to reach those goals. INDICATORS ENTREPRENEURS They created the company’s first annual He also finally got an understanding of Poor financial management is a challenge budget and cash-flow projections for the his costs, which allowed him to look at

14 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE THE BUSINESS IS GOING. IT HAS BROUGHT US TOGETHER AS A COMPANY / Marc Lindner ways to reduce them. He was able to find the business monitor its financial man- budget and where we’re going.” significant savings by cutting overhead agement. “We had been struggling with and unproductive marketing efforts. KPIs for a couple of years,” Lindner says. He believes the financial management makeover has laid a solid foundation Meanwhile, creating cash-flow projec- Lindner now monitors his cash flow on a for the company to keep up its fast pace tions helped Black and White Roofing weekly basis and holds monthly meetings of growth and meet its ambitious sales plan capital purchases to reduce impacts with his team to review KPIs and compare targets. The team meetings and trans- on working capital. “Now that we have results to targets. They also have quarterly parency have also brought the business the costs down on paper, we can plan meetings where they go deeper into the closer together. out the longevity of equipment and numbers, including project costing. new purchases,” Lindner says. “Before, we were working in silos, in “Continuous improvement is a big part our own little areas,” Lindner says. “We With BDC’s help, Lindner also worked of this,” Lindner says. “We’ve developed are working as a team now. Everyone with his team to identify a set of key a lot of transparency among senior man- knows where the business is going. It has performance indicators (KPIs) to help agement. We discuss variations in the brought us together as a company.”

THREE TIPS FOR BETTER Don’t wait until year-end to review your finances. Financial management should be a hands-on, year-round process. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Here are three tips:

ONE Create an annual TWO Establish relevant KPIs. Brainstorm THREE Monitor and improve. budget and cash flow with your team about KPIs relevant to your Financial management should be projections. These business goals. These could include: a continual process that happens documents are the • growth and profitability ratios (e.g., gross through the year. Consider holding foundation of your margin by product) monthly meetings to review your financial management. KPIs and compare actual results to • liquidity ratios (e.g., sales to working Without them, your targets and projections, plus more capital ratio) business is flying comprehensive quarterly meetings. • activity ratios (e.g., average accounts without instruments. receivable days outstanding)

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 15 FEATURE

UPDATES ON THE SURETY & INSURANCE MARKETS And what you can do in tighter times

Changes in the bond and insurance markets might typically be characterized as ‘slow and steady’.

This past year, however, has been a difficult one for insurers and bonding companies, which in turn has meant new considerations for contractors. Below, we discuss those challenges, and what contractors can do to best position themselves when addressing these issues with their bond, insurance and broker partners.

2019 Q1 RESULTS CANADIAN SURETY UPDATE The surety industry’s premium and loss data for the first quarter is now available on the website of the federal Office of the Super- 2018 RESULTS intendent of Financial Institutions. Though the direct loss ratio is Following several years of positive underwriting results, the down year-over-year to 20 percent, and (fingers crossed) there are Canadian surety industry suffered its worst year ever in 2018. no new large contractor defaults known to be unfolding, 2019 has Losses exceeded $600 million, and the industry’s loss ratio hit 107 seen an increase in loss frequency and the outlook for the industry percent. The significant Carillion and Bondfield insolvencies made overall remains questionable. up a large part of the industry’s 2018 losses, but even after removing those, the industry loss ratio increased by over 50 percent over 2017. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CONTRACTORS? While the record losses are primarily being taken by a few bonding DRIVERS OF CLAIMS companies, most sureties cede a portion of their risk to the same The claims experience was largely driven by the two large con- pool of re-insurers that are starting to react to the losses they’re tractor failures, where myriad issues were at play. Owner disputes taking. As a result, a tightening in the surety marketplace can played a key role, highlighting the risks in certain financing models be envisioned. (such as AFP) and contract structures, and emphasized the abso- lute importance of capitalization and pricing work adequately. The challenges faced by the surety and construction industry In both cases, an abundant backlog may have served to hurt rather as a whole over the past 12 to 18 months are a good reminder than help the contractors, which recalls FMI’s wise maxim, for contractors to prequalify their clients and be selective in the “Contractors don’t starve to death; they die from gluttony. They general contractors you work for, and subcontractors and suppliers get too much work, too fast, with inadequate resources, and then you work with. Strong partners will reflect well on you and help they get into financial trouble and run out of cash.” (FMI, Why ensure any hurdles your firm faces are manageable. Check where Large Contractors Fail – A Fresh Perspective, 2016). appropriate that sufficient financing is in place to finance the work.

16 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 (e.g., sewer backups and burst pipes), as well as the increasing costs of the associated repairs, For general contractors, bond your large or critical path subtrades, • increasing trend in liability losses due to slips, trips and falls, or find other ways of mitigating the risk of subcontractor default. partly attributable to the judicial landscape in Canada and For subcontractors, find out if you are working under the protec- the growing litigiousness in Canada, and tion of a labour and material payment bond, and be mindful of the • sustained issues with high losses in the Ontario automobile notice periods stated within that bond. And whenever in doubt, marketplace, due to automobile construction and design, talk to your business partners, which should include a knowledge- increased repair costs, and severe accident benefit and able surety broker, for advice. liability claims.

In addition, an abundance of capital made its way into the insur- CANADIAN INSURANCE UPDATE ance marketplace over the past five or so years. This generally led to heightened competition, lower rates and broader coverage, and 2018 RESULTS culminated in a rough landing in 2017, with 2018 being even worse. 2018 was a very difficult year for Canadian insurers, as their combined loss ratio (which is made up of overhead plus direct WHY IS CANADA SO BAD? losses on policies written) skyrocketed up from the prior year—by Actually, it’s not just the Canadian marketplace. Lloyd’s of London, 10 percent. What that means is that in 2018, the insurance market the largest insurance provider on the planet, just came off two of its as a whole paid out $1.04 for every $1.00 they charged in premiums, worst years in history, losing $5.7 and $1.6 billion over that period. up from about $0.94 in 2017. That’s a terrible trend, and a severely unsustainable business model, so the insurance companies are WHAT ARE THEY DOING ABOUT IT? actively engaged in correcting what’s broken. Insurers have a few levers to tweak their business, and they’re actively using them all. They can raise prices across the board, WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE INSURANCE drop poor-performing segments of business, reduce coverage, and MARKET, EXACTLY? cancel brokers whose portfolios are either too small to manage, or It’s not one thing. It’s death by a thousand cuts. Some of the big generally unprofitable. issues include: • a continued increase in weather-related losses (e.g., floods, Case in point, seven Lloyd’s syndicates shut down their construc- forest fires and hurricanes), tion businesses, causing $1 billion of capacity to evaporate over a • significant growth in the quantity of water damage claims 12-week period in the fall.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 17 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CONTRACTORS? large enough to have lots of options for contractors, and has clout Insurance companies aren’t fighting over business as they were with their insurers. a few years ago, so the trend of seeing slight rate reductions or Good luck! unchanged rates in the past has changed radically. Generally speaking, contractors that have performed well (from a loss ratio point of view) can expect to see rate increases of five Petrela, Winter & Associates are bond and insurance brokers specializing exclusively in the construction to ten percent on auto, property, and some liability classes. industry. This article was written by Greg Petrela Companies in higher hazard classes, such as roofing, winter ([email protected]), PWA president and Tim Gorman ([email protected]), a partner maintenance, plumbing, and some civil contracting classes with the firm. prone to underground damage or slips, trips and falls, should expect higher rates from their incumbent insurers—and in some cases, a wave goodbye from their Insurers.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? If you’re caught in a storm, you are going to get wet. But you don’t have to get drenched or drown—and you can affect the result. Be selective about who manages your risk and be proactive with your insurance advisors. We advocate the following trifecta of best practices:

1. Engage your advisor early, strategize with them about your upcoming renewal, and work closely with them to achieve the best renewal result.

2. Ensure your advisor understands the construction industry well and has staff that are dedicated to managing contracting risks, and insuring contractors. If they don’t represent a large portfolio of other contractors, and if they’re not focused on the construction business, they won’t be able to benchmark your rates, nor will they be able to predict the land mines that lay hidden in many insurance policies which are often generically written and not tweaked for the nuances of construction. www.aclsteel.ca 519.568.8822 2255 Shirley Drive 3. Finally, ensure your advisor is small enough to care about your Kitchener, ON, N2B 3X4 business, and to offer pragmatic and tailored service, but is ISO 9001: 2008 Registered

18 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 FEATURE FOUR COMMON MISTAKES THAT HURT A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY Experienced construction business owners may think that only beginners suffer from cash flow woes, but this is far from the truth.

Cash management in construction involves constant monitoring of each aspect of the business, from controlling expenses to collecting receivables. Any misstep in this process can and will have an impact on an organization. To protect a company’s financial interests and prevent costly mistakes, awareness of common cash flow errors is vital. Here are some of the common mistakes that hurt a construction company’s cash flow.

FRICTION BETWEEN THE FINANCE BOTTLENECKS IN THE CASH is the most common. Errors in data entry, such 01 AND SALES DEPARTMENTS 02 MANAGEMENT PROCESS as a client mistyping a contact number or an The sales department is concerned with Cash management is a vital element in employee inputting the wrong address, cause increasing the company’s revenue while the ensuring a company’s financial stability delays in processing and can be difficult to finance department is concerned with profit and solvency. It involves improving liquidity, correct. For example, sending the invoice and maintaining a positive working capital. choosing appropriate investment vehicles, to the wrong address will result in delays If there is friction between these two depart- decreasing the time between billing and in payment if not noticed immediately. ments, a construction company’s cash flow collection, and increasing collection rates. may be affected. GRANTING CREDIT WITHOUT In the construction industry, where delayed VETTING THE CLIENT Conflicts that arise between these departments payments and even non-payment are 04 are largely because they are not always on frequent, successful cash management Another common mistake in the construction the same page when it comes to their specific is essential. Construction businesses need industry is closing deals without due diligence. goals. The sales department is responsible for to employ sustainable strategies to deal with Before granting credit to a customer, it is good getting more clients and projects to increase fixed expenses and operating costs while practice to check their history. revenue. On the other hand, the finance waiting for their receivables. Bottlenecks One of the best ways to do so is by asking department deals with billing and collection. in the cash management process will force your contacts if they have partnered with Sales wants to close the deal while finance a company’s hand—leaving them unable a potential client before. Getting references wants to reduce financial risk. So when the to deal with unforeseen expenses, delaying from previous suppliers and asking them if sales department brings in more clients with payroll and halting growth. the potential client has a history of timely less than favorable credit terms, the finance Streamlining cash management processes payments are good practices that companies department will have a difficult time collecting will improve overall cash flow. For example, should employ when vetting potential custom- receivables and the company may resort to construction companies should take advantage ers. Another way is to do a background check using its cash reserves. of automation to regularly send invoices to cus- is through publicly available records—many Improving the relationship between the tomers and follow-ups for at-risk receivables. of which are online—where court records sales and finance departments is the respon- and notice of liens are accessible. If there sibility of organizational leaders. They should POOR DATA are customer reviews on forums and social facilitate open communication between the 03 MANAGEMENT media sites or complaints lodged with the two and mitigate conflicts that may arise. Better Business Bureau, include them in the Trouble in maintaining good quality data assessment. The finance department should invite the plagues the construction industry. According sales department to join in the revenue to McKinsey, the construction sector has Cash flow issues are some of the biggest forecasting process. The sales department, been slow to adopt technological innovations challenges of all business owners. By taking in turn, should justify their credit requests. and is among the least digitized. As a note of potential pitfalls in business oper- The inherent conservative approach of the consequence, data collection is inefficient ations, construction business owners can finance department will blend well with and the quality of the data is poor. mitigate future issues and keep the company the sales department’s optimistic outlook in the black. to create cash flow goals that are realistic There are several ways a company makes and attainable. mistakes in managing data. Human error

This article was written by Aki Merced, the Content Manager at Handle, where they build software that helps contractors, subcontractors, and materials suppliers secure their lien rights and get paid faster by automating the collection process of unpaid construction invoices.

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 19 FEATURE

GVCA SUPPORTS CONNECT THE CORRIDOR

GVCA has thrown its support behind an initiative to deliver all-day GO rail service along the Toronto–Waterloo corridor.

The Grand Valley Construction Associa- fast and frequent, rapid transit across tion is among nearly 40 organizations that the corridor.” TWO-WAY ALL-DAY are calling for the federal and provincial According to information published GO SERVICE REPRESENTS governments to deliver two-way all-day on the CTC website, there is 80 percent GO rail service across the Toronto– support for the service across the THE SINGLE BIGGEST Waterloo innovation corridor. province. In addition, OPPORTUNITY TO BOOST “Two-way all-day GO service represents • appr oximately 500,000 Ontarians PRODUCTIVITY, CREATE the single biggest opportunity to boost believe they would use a service like productivity, create good, high-paying this every day, GOOD, HIGH-PAYING jobs across the corridor while making • 1,300,000 said they would use it once JOBS ACROSS THE commuters lives easier,” says GVCA a week, and president Martha George. “Rapid and CORRIDOR WHILE • 52 percent of commuters say they would frequent rail transit within Ontario’s use this service to go to work or school. MAKING COMMUTERS Innovation Corridor is a potential win LIVES EASIER / Martha George for our province. It is a key to reducing The Toronto Region Board of Trade congestion on our roads and making a estimates that congestion and delays tangible impact on our environment.” along the corridor costs Canadian The Connect the Corridor (CTC) businesses and consumers between group is, “committed to connecting $500 and $650 million per year in higher people to good jobs and pushing our prices for goods. economy forward through reliable,

20 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 A rapid and frequent rail solution could THE CORRIDOR IS ONE OF ONTARIO’S save $20 billion in passenger travel time savings, road maintenance cost avoidance LARGEST ECONOMIC ENGINES. IT: and reduced congestion.

And while CTC officials say they were glad to see the federal and provincial budgets commit funding to transit infrastructure, they had hoped to see more done by stake- holders to make this vision a reality.

POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR CTC IS FRACTURED • is home to 6 million Ontarians In April, Kitchener Centre MPP Laura and generates 17 percent Mae Lindo introduced a private member’s of Canada’s GDP, motion in the provincial legislature • employs more than 200,000 calling for the government to provide tech workers, a firm funding commitment and a clear • is home to 15,000 tech companies timeline for the delivery of two-way, and one of the world’s most all-day GO service along the corridor. sophisticated financial sectors, and

Lindo asked for that timeline and plan • employs thousands in the financial to be delivered by June 6, the last day the services, advanced manufacturing and education sectors. provincial legislature will sit before rising Map image courtesy of www.gotransit.com

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 21 for the summer. The motion was defeated The government has promised to make Verster indicated that service to Waterloo by a vote of 51–22, and without the support two-way, all-day GO trains a reality by region is among his top three geographic of fellow regional MPPs Mike Harris Jr. 2024. In the meantime, Metrolinx CEO priorities in terms of expansion—along (Kitchener-Conestoga) and Amy Fee Phil Verster recently hinted than an with Niagara and Bowmanville. (Kitchener South-Hespeler). announcement on the all-day service was coming soon. Learn more at connectthecorridor.ca Support for Two-Way All Day Go Train ReasonsThe overwhelming to have majority a Two of Ontarians-Way (80%) All support Day the proposed GO Train service. The two-way all day GO train would run all day, departing every 15-30 minutes and run from downtown Toronto to Kitchener-Waterloo Ontariansand believe back with the stops reasons at Union, toBramalea have, Brampton,a train likeMount this Pleasant, are allGeorgetown, good. Acton,Reasons Guelph, tied Kitchener. to a reduction When electrified, in trafficthe congestion and greenhouseaverage trip gas between emissions Toronto andare Kitchener slightly-Waterloo more would compelling take approximately than infrastructure, 1 hour and 30 minutes economic with all stops. and employment reasons. Different peopleIs this have something offered you different would stronglyreasons support,as to why support, they think oppose we or should strongly have oppose? a two-way all day GO train between Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo. Please indicate whether you think each of the following is a very good, good, so-so, poor or very poor reason for why we should have a train like this?

Strongly support Support Oppose Strongly oppose DK/NR Very good Good So-so Poor Very poor DK/NR

Reduce traffic congestion by taking cars off the highway 60% 26% 8% 3% Reduce traffic congestion by taking cars off the highway 60% 26% 8% 3% Total 29% 51% 4% 3% 14% Reduce GHGs by taking cars off the highway 53% 28% 11% 4% Reduce GHGs by taking cars off the highway 53% 28% 11% 4%

Provides much needed infrastructure 39% 38% 13% 6% Provides much needed infrastructure 39% 38% 13% 6%

Help the economy by creating new jobs 34% 38% 17% 3% 6% Help0% the economy by creating20% new jobs 40% 34% 60% 38% 17%80% 3% 6% 100%

Strengthen the technology corridor 33% 38% 17% 3% 7% Strengthen the technology corridor 33% 38% 17% 3% 7% Base: ONLINE: Total sample (n=802). Fieldwork October 25 – 30, 2018 Help companies access talent to grow/remain competitive 28% 41% 18% 4% 7% Help companies access talent to grow/remain competitive 28% 41% 18% 4% 7%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Base: ONLINE: Total sample (n=802). Fieldwork October 25 – 30, 2018 Base: ONLINE: Total sample (n=802). Fieldwork October 25 – 30, 2018

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22 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

course EDUCATION outlines 2019 GVCA offers a wide range of education programs, courses and workshops. Some are offered regularly; some as demand dictates.

We provide private corporate training depending on the number of registrants you have—and these sessions can be done at our facility or at yours. Workshops and seminars are scheduled as legislation changes, and as new techniques and products are introduced to the ICI construction industry. This segment contains details of some of our courses, Stay educated—and and a listing of others. Don’t hesitate to contact [email protected] if you have any questions. Please stay on top of the also contact us if there is something we don’t offer, and you would like us to provide. competition!

For more information visit www.gvca.org or call 519-622-4822

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 23 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

Gold Seal Certification

Gold Seal Certification is a nationally recognized standard of excellence Certification enhances your professional development, established by the Canadian Construction improves your job mobility and recognizes your skill, Association. It is earned through industry competence and experience in general contracting, electrical or mechanical contracting, roadbuilding and experience, education and by successfully heavy construction or speciality trades. It is recognized completing a final exam. There are six and valued across the country. designations you can apply for: To apply for one of the six designations, you need to have a minimum of five years’ work experience • Estimator in that category. (There is also an Intern option • Site Superintendent if you do not have the required experience.) Your educational background is taken into consideration, • Project Manager and you receive credits by completing Gold Seal certified courses. A minimum of 100 credits must • Owner’s Construction Manager be achieved in order to apply to write the exam. • Safety Coordinator The GVCA offers many in-class and online sessions to help you achieve GSC status. • Foreman/Woman

More details are available on our website or you can email Your first choice in [email protected] Your ﬁrst choice in construction intelligence construction intelligence.

24 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

Gold Seal Certification

In-Class Gold Seal Courses

Construction Industry Ethics This two-part program is mandatory for anyone seeking Gold Seal Certification (GSC). There is an online ethics portion that must be taken prior to the in-class session. Whether you are seeking GSC or not, the ethics course will help you understand ethical boundaries and responsibilities and enhance your contribution to your company. It is intended for owner/clients, contractors, supervisors, project managers, etc. who must deal effectively and professionally with employees, sub-trades, owners, clients, engineers, employers and the public. GVCA offers this course several times a year, and will be scheduling it again in the fall of 2019.

Responding Successfully to a Request for Proposal More and more frequently, private-sector companies and government Other In-Class organizations are releasing requests for proposals (RFPs) as part of Gold Seal Courses their procurement process and moving away from the traditional bid • Construction 101 process. You will win or lose contracts based on your response to an • Construction 201 RFP. You need the knowledge, understanding, and a proposed solution in order to convince the potential owner that your company is best • Close-out of a Construction suited to build their project. This is a two-day workshop designed for Project general contractors, trade contractors, architects, designers, engineers, • The Construction Execution Plan consultants, bid/proposal managers and allied professionals in the construction industry.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for all courses. To register, gvca.org or to request additional info, contact [email protected], call 519-622-4822 x120, or visit www.gvca.org

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 25 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

Gold Seal Certification

In-Class Gold Seal Computer Courses

Other In-Class Gold Advanced MS Project for Construction Seal Computer Courses

This workshop is designed for project managers, estimators, site • Excel for Construction (Basic) superintendents, and those who have used MS Project in the past. • One Note for Construction It focuses on using advanced MS Project for better communication • In from the Site: Office Computer with site staff and trades within your company and with your customers. Skills You will learn how to create a master template to streamline project planning and tracking processes. You will be better able to keep track • Change Management for Construction of change orders, equipment and trades, and update work calendars quickly. “Look Ahead” reports and checklists can be developed for • Risk Management for Construction site supervisors. This class will keep you on top of everything with • Microsoft Project for Construction accurate records of cash flow and other costing reports. • Social Networking for Construction

Lean Construction

Things are hectic in the construction industry. You need to get your project done faster these days and at a lower cost. From project owners wanting to see tangible results for their investments to contractors and designers who want to perform their roles well and move on to the next project — it’s a race to the finish.

Lean Construction courses are aimed at minimizing The Lean Construction costs and maximizing value at all phases of project Education Course Curriculum includes: planning including: design, construction, operations, maintenance, demolition and recycling. • Variation in Production Systems (AGC 1)

To help you develop the knowledge you need • P ull in Production (AGC 2) to build lean, this Lean Construction Education • L ean Workstructuring (AGC 3) Program has been developed. You will learn • T he Last Planner® System (AGC 4) the building blocks necessary to transform • L ean Supply Chain and Assembly (AGC 5) your projects into a lean operating system. • L ean Design and Pre-Construction (AGC 6) • Pr oblem-Solving Principles and Tools (AGC 7)

These courses build on each other so doing them in order is best, but not necessary. Once you complete gvca.org all seven, you can challenge an exam and obtain a “CM Lean” designation.

26 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

Creating a Competitive Advantage Through Education

What is your training strategy? There is great evidence that training is critical to the success of a company. This can be evident in a number of ways. Training can be a retention tool —increasing job satisfaction and instilling loyalty and commitment from good employees. Training can be a recruiting tool as today’s workers are looking for professional development opportunities. Training is also essential for knowledge transfer—do you have registered apprentices learning from your experienced employees? Training is necessary in today’s competitive landscape in order to stay abreast of technological change. Well-trained employees provide a competitive advantage and may help you run a better business. Conestoga ❚ GRADUATE CERTIFICATE College can assist with your training WORKING • Construction Project needs. We offer 22 different appren- Management ticeship programs, and have a variety TOGETHER of full-time programs from which ❚ APPRENTICESHIP to recruit including HVAC Technician, • Brick and Stone Mason Mechanical Techniques Plumbing, TO DEVELOP • Electrician Construction and Brick and Stone Fundamentals, Maintenance and Carpentry and Renovation A SKILLED Technician. We also offer continuing • General Carpenter education classes and part-time WORKFORCE • Plumber programming such as Construction Send your apprentices for • Refrigeration and Air Management. Conditioning Systems training; enhance the skills Contact us today—Conestoga Mechanic College can help you develop your of existing employees or • Residential (Low Rise) Sheet skilled workforce. recruit from our full time Metal Installer programs • Roofer ❚ CONTINUING EDUCATION • Backflow Prevention www.conestogac.on.ca/trades • Gas Technician 2 and 3

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 27 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

Your Partner in Training

Do your workers have the training they need to stay safe, skilled, and certified?

CLAC Training offers courses that will keep your workforce safe and productive, and in compliance with ever-changing legislative requirements.

Our top in-class and hands-on courses include Working at Heights (MOL approved provider), elevating work platforms, standard first aid/CPR, and many more.

Our many online courses, including WHMIS 2015 and CSTS, allow workers to stay up-to-date in their training wherever they are in Canada.

We’re proud to support and promote the skilled trades through our partnership with the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Institute. Students can pursue GET CUTTING-EDGE SKILLS a career in the construction trades AND SAFETY TRAINING with CLAC and PAT Institute in CLAC’s Cambridge Member Centre. As a union that works to build better workplaces and better lives We are a union for today with for all Canadians, we open our training courses to the public. progressive labour relations, interest- Our state-of-the-art centre in Cambridge features expanded based problem solving, mutual training facilities to meet the needs of the construction industry gains bargaining, modern training, in southwestern Ontario. multi-platform delivery with public accessibility. Sign up today! Visit clac.ca/training. Visit CLAC.ca

Visit CLAC’s member centre and training facility in Cambridge.

clac.ca

28 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

Training for Today’s Workforce

Training needs to address not only the Ropp says the LIUNA Local 1059 Triston Gagnon, a graduate of the specific needs of experienced trades- Training Centre allows apprentices apprenticeship program, agrees. people, but also those just beginning to learn how to work safely using the “The instructors have so much their careers in the construction trades. latest technology, tools and materials. experience. They teach you tips you “It’s a controlled environment our can’t find in the textbooks to make “Employers know that when they call members can really learn from. You it easier and safer for you and others us to fill a position on a crew, it will be can’t duplicate the job site any closer. around you.” with someone who is highly competent There’s an indoor sandbox to perform and trained with safety in mind,” says excavations, scaffolding to practice Members get a comprehensive level Mike Ropp, Training Director at LIUNA working at heights, overhead cranes of safety training and certification Local 1059 Training Centre in London, Client: LIUNA 1059 Publication:and even GVCA a sewerJournal and waterAgency: main ON Communicationso Incthey are not only valuable in the Ontario. “That confidence is a result Project: Day One: Job Ready Size:system 7.125" x 4.625 to "learn how to workAgency in Contact: Jen Grozellelabour market, but return home of our commitmentDate: toJune developing 2018 a Bleed: none Telephone: 519-434-1365 xt 220 confined spaces. It’s a great place safely at the end of each work day. training programDesigner: focused JM on results.” Colour: CMYK Email: [email protected] to learn the safest way to do the job.”

DAY ONE: JOB-READY

Thanks to training programs that are delivered in conditions that replicate the job site and meet the specific needs of today’s employers, LIUNA Local 1059 members are safe, productive workers as soon as they arrive on-site. Each year, experienced trainers at the LIUNA Local 1059 Training Centre and the mobile classroom instruct hundreds of apprentices and journeypersons in more than 15 different sectors and 40 different trades. We’re committed to delivering well-trained workers because on-the-job training is too late for your business.

For more information, please visit www.liunalocal1059.com

The Union That Works

6657 GB Recruitment Ad-GVCA-FINAL.indd 1 2018-06-18 11:24 AM

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 29 ADVERTISING FEATURE

GVCA Education Supplement // 2019

Health & Safety

In-Class Courses

• Working at Heights • Working at Heights Refresher • Standard First Aid • Emergency First Aid/First Aid Refresher • Book 7 Traffic Control

Online Courses

Gold Seal • Communication, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution • Confined Spaces Safety Awareness Training • Construction Law • Construction Project Management • First Level Supervisor Training Program • Introduction to Building Information Modeling • Introduction to Construction Estimating • Construction Industry Ethics

Health & Safety • Aerial Lift • Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities • Confined Space Awareness Your ﬁrst choice in • Manager Due Diligence construction intelligence. • Fire Safety Training • H2S Awareness • Incident Investigation Training Your first choice in • Ladder Safety construction intelligence • Forklift and Lift Truck Training 25 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge, ON • Lockout – Tagout Training • Manual Material Handling Training Office: 519 622 4822 Toll-Free: 1.800.265.7847 • Office Ergonomics Training Email: [email protected] • Pipeline Construction Safety Training • Transportation of Dangerous Goods Training • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Training • Workplace Inspection gvca.org • Workplace Violence and Harassment

30 GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 CALENDAR EDUCATION & EVENTS JULY - AUGUST 2019

School is out for the summer! Well, sort of. We are continuing with our mandatory Working at Heights and Working at Heights Refresher courses through July and August, but the rest of our schedule is being kept to a minimum due to vacations and the peak construction season. We are working on an exciting new classroom line-up for the fall and will keep you updated! Don’t forget, online courses can still be accessed at any time!

EDUCATION ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

9 Approved Working at Heights ACL Steel...... 18 Ball Construction...... 2 JUL 10 SOLD OUT Adjudication and Prompt Payment Baywood...... 7 12 Approved Working at Heights – Refresher CLAC...... 28 Conestoga College...... 27 Conestoga Roofing...... 17 13 Approved Working at Heights Cowan Insurance Group...... 7 16 – Refresher Constructing Minds...... 10

AUG Approved Working at Heights Cushman Wakefield...... 32

To view a complete list of upcoming education and to register, please Duncan Litton...... 17 visit www.gvca.org. Note: All education and training courses take place Gallagher...... 2 at GVCA, 25 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge (unless noted otherwise). JDI...... 31 Knells...... 13 EVENTS KW Door Installations...... 21 LiUNA...... 29 18 Leaders in Construction (LinC) Golf Tournament Miller Thomson...... 18 Conestoga Golf and Conference Centre The Guarantee...... 22 JUL Rae Lipskie...... 11 Petrela...... 21 22 Women in Construction (WinC) Golf Tournament Galt Country Club REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for all courses

AUG and events. To register, or to request additional info, contact [email protected] or call 519-622-4822 x120 To view a complete list of upcoming events and to register, please or visit www.gvca.org/calendar visit www.gvca.org.

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 4 // JUL-AUG 2019 31 FOR LEASE FOR LEASE FOR LEASE OFFICE | 200-3,000 SF MEDICAL/OFFICE | 4,697 SF FLEX INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE | 4,000 SF 15 & 21 LEWIS RD, GUELPH 16 ANDREW ST, KITCHENER 5 GODDARD CRES, CAMBRIDGE

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