THE CHRONICLE HERALD SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 I1

www.nsrba.ca CUSTOM MEDIA FEATURE

Shubenacadie River Bridge Project The Shubenacadie River bridges, which accommodate more than 20,000 vehicles daily, are being replaced. The project is expected to be completed by late 2015. Contributed CBRM taking an innovative approach Municipality thinking outside the box to fund infrastructure investments By Ken Cashin The TIR budget in 2013 was Custom Media Writer about 246 million. “This is a significant problem for municipalities,” says Lake. It’s like a typical household con- “Infrastructure investment is versation at the kitchen table. funded by tax dollars. Many muni- One partner points out that the cipalities have a finite source of roof is leaking and in need of revenue from their tax base and repair. There’s no money to fix it, these infrastructure projects can says the other, because the mort- pose a significant burden for gage is due. Both are correct. It’s them. Municipalities look to the a dilemma from which there’s no province for assistance and the easy escape. province looks to the federal The same kind of catch-22 is government. Many municipalities facing municipalities across the are looking for funding arrange- country with respect to infra- ments in order to fund infrastruc- structure funding. Their roads are ture investments.” deteriorating and the traditional source of revenue, property tax, CBRM $300 million capital plan is a small pot with not enough left over in it to pay for new or even The Cape Breton Regional Muni- maintain existing infrastructure. cipality (CBRM) is trying a novel How did things get this way? approach. In April 2013 it put Andrew Lake, president of the together a pitch to present to Nova Scotia Road Builders Asso- Ottawa for a funding formula to ciation, says there’s three main help solve the area’s huge infra- reasons: governments are running structure problems. Mayor Cecil deficits and not allocating enough Clarke has developed a funding to infrastructure, which 300-million dollar plan for fixing compounds the problem annually; roads, arenas and other infra- existing infrastructure is aging; structure over five years. and the Feds are imposing much CBRM’s pitch calls for the higher standards for water and federal government to pay 50 per sewer, which is leaving municipal- cent of the municipality’s five- ities scrambling to upgrade their year-plan with the province and assets, with scarce funding the municipality each paying 25 around to do so. per cent or $75 million. Overall, the infrastructure Clarke is arguing that CBRM is spending deficit in Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia Road Builders Association (NSRBA) 2013 Board of Directors: back row (left to the only city in Atlantic Canada right): Bob Bernier, Brian England (former Director), Pam Sullivan, Chris Meunier and CCA/CICC huge. Lake points out that a 2009 with double digit unemployment representative John Flemming. Department of Transportation and at the same time is being Middle row (left to right): Stephen Weeks, President Andrew Lake, Office Manager Carol and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) required by regulations to up- Ingraham, Vice President Greg MacDonald and Phil Sullivan. report indicated the province grade $454 million in wastewater needed to spend 400 million over Front row (left to right): Mark Underhill, Immediate Past President Donald Chisholm, Executive each of the next 10 years to get Director Grant Feltmate and Calvin Flight. the system in decent shape. See INNOVATIVE /11 Absent: Dave Wilson Contributed 22013013 NNSRBASRBA MMembershipembership LListist 3091592 Nova Scotia Limited Basin Contracting Limited Direct Traffi c Control Inc. Holcim (Canada) Inc. Martin Marietta Materials Canada Ltd. Control Systems www.nsrba.ca Aberdeen Paving Limited Bell and Grant Insurance Dyno Nobel Limited Howard E. Little Excavating Limited McAsphalt Industries Ltd. Ormac Industrial Supply Inc. Absolute Traffi c Services Limited Bell Mobility Inc. Earthmover Atlantic Ltd. HSBC Bank Canada McLennan Sales Division of EMCO Ltd. OSCO Concrete Acklands-Grainger BERPIC Inc. East Coast Capital Inc Industrial Cold Milling McLeod Safety Services Ltd. Parts for Trucks Aggregate Equipment (Atlantic) Ltd. Bird-Stairs Eastern Fence Erectors Inspec-Sol Inc. McNally Construction Inc. Peterbilt Atlantic Allnorth Consultants Ltd Black & McDonald Ltd. Eastern Infrastructure Inc. IronPlanet Metso Minerals Canada Inc. Pura Vida Financial Services Stantec Consulting Ltd. Allstar Rebar (Nova Scotia) Ltd. Bluewave Energy Elmsdale Landscaping Limited Irving Oil Commercial GP MFE Manufacturing Inc. R. S. T. Industries Ltd. Strescon Ltd. Allterrain Contracting Inc. Bourque Security Services NS EXP J. R. Eisener Contracting Ltd. Miller Tirecraft Reinforced Earth Company Ltd. Strictly Sales & Service Inc. ALPA Equipment Company Ltd. Brenntag Canada Inc. Fairley and Stevens Ford Lincoln K & M Inspection Consultants Ltd. Modern Enterprises Ltd. Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (Canada) Ltd. Strongco Equipment Limited Alva Construction Limited Brycon Construction Limited Fraser & Hoyt Insurance Ltd. L. S. W. Wear Parts Limited Multiserve Petroleum Equipment Ltd. Roadtec Inc. The Canadian Salt Company Ltd. AMEC Environment & Infrastructure Canada Culvert Gary Parker Excavating Ltd. Lafarge Canada Inc. Municipal Ready-Mix Ltd. Ron Chisholm Hydro Seeding Ltd The Cat Rental Store/Hewitt Rentals Archibald Drilling & Blasting (1986) Ltd. Casey Concrete Ltd. Gateway Insurance Brokers Leica Geosystems Ltd. Norquip Supply Ltd Roto-Mill Inc. Trans East Trailers Ltd. ARMTEC Limited CBCL Limited Gateway Materials Ltd. Lepage Equipment & Parts Ltd. North East Truck & Trailer S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd. Turf Masters Landscaping Ltd. Arrow Construction Products Ltd. Chapman Bros. Construction Ltd. GE Canada Equipment Financing GP Liebherr Canada Northeast Equipment Ltd Sackville Trenching Limited United Rentals of Canada Inc. Atlantic Canada One Call Classic Freight Systems Ltd. GEMTEC Limited Lockhart Truck Center Nova Communications Sancton Equipment Inc. Urquhart-MacDonald & Associates Atlantic Explosives Ltd. Conestoga-Rovers & Associates Ltd. General Liquids Canada LVM / Maritime Testing Limited Northern Construction Inc. Say it with Stitches Inc. V. J. Rice Concrete Ltd. Atlantic Industries Limited Conrad Bros. Limited GENIVAR Inc. Mac Williams Engineering Limited Northern Contracting Limited Seaboard/Harmac Transportation Group WAJAX Equipment Atlantic Road Construction & Paving Ltd Consbec Inc. Drilling & Blasting GEOCON Atlantic Ltd. Maccaferri Canada Ltd. Nova Construction Company Ltd. Shaw Group Limited Wallace Equipment Ltd. Atlantic Tractors & Equipment Ltd. Costin Paving & Contracting Limited Gillis Truckways Inc. (Trailer Sales) Mackays Truck & Trailer Ltd. Nova Enterprises Limited SMS Equipment Inc. Weightronic Canada Inc. Atlas Copco Mining & Rock Excavation Craig Manufacturing Limited Grant Thornton Maritime Fence Ltd. Nova International Ltd. Sojourn Signs Wilcraft Concrete Services Technique Canada Creighton Rock Drill Ltd. Graymont NB Maritime Hydroseed O’Regan’s National Leasing Soleno Inc. Will-Kare Paving & Contracting Ltd. Axis Mobility Limited Cumberland Paving & Contracting Ltd. Guarantee Company of North America Maritime Road Recycling Inc Ocean Contractors Limited Source Atlantic Wilson Equipment Ltd. B. Spicer Construction Ltd. D. W. Matheson & Sons Contracting Ltd. Hertz Equipment Rental Maritime Testing (1985) Ltd. Ocean Paving Limited South Shore Ready-Mix Wolseley Engineered Pipe Group Barrett Enterprises Limited Dexter Construction Company Ltd Higgins Construction Marsh Canada Limited On-Grade Inc. Survey & Machine Stanhope Simpson Insurance Ltd. Wolseley Waterworks FForor NNSRBASRBA MMembershipembership aandnd ootherther information,information, pleaseplease ccallall 4405-349705-3497 I2 SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 THE CHRONICLE HERALD MacDonald, Chisholm given Presenting your 2013 award winners: honourary memberships WCB Shield Award: Calvin Flight (Industrial Cold Milling), presented by Stuart MacLean, CEO of WCB.

John Chisholm 11th Annual NSRBA Golf Tournament By Heather Laura Clarke Winners: Basin Custom Media Writer Contracting’s team of Pam Sullivan, Curtis Allister MacDonald and John “What I have Isenor, Jeff Sullivan & Chisholm both grew up in the Brad Scott. heavy equipment industry, so it noticed is they don’t was no surprise when these dis- tinguished road builders were run with an issue of recognized as honorary members of the Nova Scotia Road Builders one particular Association. Members had voted unanim- member — it has to ously for MacDonald and Chisholm, and there was much benefit the whole applause when they each accep- ted their membership at the 66th association.” annual NSRBA general meeting in H.W.L. Doane Trophy John Chisholm January. An honourary member- Winner: Jesse Spicer ship may be extended by the Honorary lifetime member, Board of Directors to “any person (B. Spicer Nova Scotia Road Builders in recognition of distinguished Construction), service in the field of road con- Association struction.” presented by Pam NSRBA President Andrew Lake noted that MacDonald has atten- Sullivan (Basin ded every single annual general Contracting). meeting since the inception of the NSRBA back in 1947 — when he drove his father to the very first one. Allister MacDonald was just 12 years old when he began his career in heavy construction. Working for his father as a water- boy, he was responsible for carry- ing the pail and dipper to each of the labourers. MacDonald grew up in the 61st Curling Bonspiel industry — constantly learning Winners: Phil Sullivan and improving his skills — and ultimately took the reins of his (AMEC), Albert Gibson father’s business: Alva Construc- (Casey Concrete - tion Limited. A lifelong road builder, he’s absent), Neill Ritchie been successful in bidding, secur- ing, and building many of the (John Deere ULC), and roads and bridges throughout the George Cooper province. From coordinating challenging projects along the (Elmsdale Landscaping Cabot Trail to twinning large - absent). Trophy portions of Highway 104, Mac- Donald made a name for himself presented by the by consistently building struc- Honorable Stephen tures on the leading edge of tech- nology and design. McNeil. Today, he co-owns Alva Con- struction Limited with sons A.G. and Allan — making them the 61st Curling Bonspiel third generation to own and oper- ate the family business. When he Runners Up: John retires someday, he will be re- membered in the industry as Flemming (Ocean someone who always ran well- Contractors), Raymond organized, efficient projects, and always questioned whether there Benere (Basin may be a better way of doing Contracting), Dan things. Lake commended Chisholm for Church (Bomag) and his outstanding accomplishments, Steve McCall (absent). which include building many of the twinned sections of the Trans- Trophy presented by the Canada Highway through Cum- berland, Colchester, and Antigon- Honorable Jamie ish Counties. Baillie.

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Head Offi ce · 186 Terra Cotta Dr. · New Glasgow · NS Tel: 902-755-3777 · Fax: 902-755-2580 THE CHRONICLE HERALD SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 I3 More 2013 Award Winners: Motorists can expect safer travels on Highway 125

Second Annual NSUPA Softball Tournament, June 22, 2013 Above: Presentation picture (Left to right): Back row: Don Walls (Enfield Le- gion President), Mike Deering(NSUPA), Pat Adams(Enfield Legion Events Co- ordinator), Mark Underhill (NSUPA). Front Row: Casey Underhill

Below: Winning team (Left to right): Back row: Ashley Whitehead, Travis White- head, Cody Roland, Sim Robart, Mike Deering, Ellis Carrol. Front row: Ter- rance Bona, Brent Keough, Chris Isenor, Julie Hughes, Rob Kay.

Construction is underway to build an interchange that will help improve the safety of motorists on Highway 125. Contributed By Heather Laura Clarke So far, two structures have Custom Media Writer been completed. One is an under- pass structure at the intersection with Alexandra Street (Exit 7) Construction is underway to build that carries traffic over the newly- an interchange that will help twinned highway. The second is improve the safety of motorists an overpass at the George Street on Highway 125. (Exit 8) intersection that forms Project Engineer Greg Mac- the Eastbound lane of Highway Donald with Alva Construction 125. Ltd. says Highway 125 is “ex- MacDonald says the majority of tremely busy” and is used by the 8.5 km subgrade work will be commuters as a bypass to down- completed late this summer. town Sydney. Before 2013 comes to a close, he “It’s going to improve traffic says they are hopeful to have flow, and the general safety of the completed the third intersection/ NSRBA 10th Annual traveling public,” says MacDon- structure — that has yet to be ald. started — which will link Mem- NSRBA Hockey Highway 125 was built in 1970, bertou to the province’s highway Challenge Cup Winners: and encircles the west side of and nearby reserve lands. the South Atlantic Cats. Sydney Harbour. Currently, it’s a There is also paving work to two-lane highway. It’s being con- complete, which will include the Presented to Steve verted into a four-lane narrow construction of a roundabout at Mackenzie of Ocean median highway between Sydney the Grand Lake Road intersec- River and Grand Lake, and the tion. MacDonald says all of the Contractors by Mayor new interchange will improve work is schedule to be completed Mike Savage access to locations off the high- by next summer, and that it’s way -- including the Cape Breton expected to greatly improve high- Regional Hospital. way travel. “I can only imagine it’s going to “It will make for an easier com- be better for the public, going from mute for drivers, with more ac- one lane to two lanes,” says Mac- cess points off the highway,” says Donald. “Being able to pass slow- MacDonald. “That that will inher- moving vehicles can really improve ently result in a safer drive for your whole travel experience.” everyone.”

NSRBA’s 10th annual Hockey Challenge Winning Team, the South Atlantic Cats. I4 SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 THE CHRONICLE HERALD

Costin Paving & Contracting Ltd. is an example of a paving company that is switching to cleaner-burning, more efficient fuels such as natural gas for the process of heating up asphalt. Contributed Amherst now home to a natural gas-fuelled asphalt plant

By Ken Cashin in general, forging ahead. savings within only a year. “It’s quieter, burns line to the manufacturing plant in Custom Media Writer For example, paving companies “There’s just so many advant- Florida where it’s made. are switching to cleaner-burning, ages,” he says, of the alternative cleaner and more “It allows you to get exactly more efficient fuels such as natur- fuel source. “It’s quieter, burns what you want,” says Costin. In the minds of many people, road al gas for the process of heating cleaner and more efficiently, efficiently, there’s no “That’s very important with as- building is old school. Typically, up asphalt. there’s no parts to wear out like phalt because if you have to do it the images that first come to One such company is Costin nozzles or pumps, no storage parts to wear out over, it can be very costly — you mind are those of dump trucks, Paving & Contracting Ltd. in tanks to worry about, no spills, no have to get it right.” hot asphalt and shovels. While like nozzles or Amherst, N.S. Owner Bill Costin odor, and no maintenance. It’s Road builders today are utiliz- these mainstays have not disap- ing various other technologies peared from road building — a has shifted from fuel oil to natural just a win-win all around.” pumps, no storage gas at the plant and also invested Natural gas burning is 90 per and ways of stretching a dollar, sector that is 160 member com- tanks to worry such as warm mix asphalt. With panies strong in Nova Scotia — in a new computer-controlled cent efficient, compared to at best this method the asphalt is mixed the industry is changing. Like blending system, allowing for a 75 per cent with other fuels, like about, no spills, no at a lower temperature, which, in others, it’s always looking for more consistent and efficient furnace oil, and is also cheaper. addition to reducing fuel costs, ways to improve efficiencies in blending of material. Costin says his company’s use odor, and no main- creates less odor and is easier on costs and energy. Costin converted to natural gas of a computer-controlled blending Road builders are also utilizing in 2007 and his was the first busi- system also saves money, as it tenance. It’s just a the environment. new and creative ways to reduce ness in Amherst’s industrial park allows for better quality control Costin says the road building their environmental footprint. to do so. The changeover and and consistency with the asphalt win-win all around.” industry is well suited to environ- mental efforts, as asphalt is 100 Like other long-time industries purchase of a natural gas burner mix. A sophisticated piece of Bill Costin here, road building is going green, cost $75,000, which Costin says equipment, for troubleshooting per cent recyclable. He points out embracing new technologies and, he recouped through operational operations it communicates on- Owner, Costin Paving & that companies today are turning to things like reclaimed asphalt Contracting Ltd. pavement (RAP). With this pro- cess a paving train consisting of a mill, re-blender, and paving ma- chine recycles an existing road and uses it, plus new materials, to make a new one. The RAP method can build a new road using up to 20 per cent recycled material. The process saves on new asphalt cement and also reduces the costs of trucking material to the construction site. “Every truck load can be re- cycled and reused,” says Costin. “That’s the way it’s going, there’s huge potential for savings there.” Another method used today is the grinding up of roof shingles to help make asphalt. The process saves on virgin liquid asphalt and reduces the amount of shingles that end up in the dump. Costin says road builders are doing whatever they can to stay competitive. “The industry might seem old style, but we’re moving ahead and trying new things,” says Costin. Road builders are utilizing new and creative ways to reduce their environmental footprint. “There’s more stuff coming out all Contributed the time.”

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A reputable paving company in business in Port Hawkesbury for over 35 years Providing quality asphalt work to RESIDENTIAL, CumberlandCumberland Paving & CContractingontracting COMMERCIAL and INDUSTRIAL customers MacDonald Paving & CConstructiononstruction FREE ESTIMATES Industrial CColdold MillinMillingg Located in the Light Industrial Park, Port Hawkesbury Paving and Rehabilitation services throughout Atlantic CCanadaanada 16 MACINTOSH AVE. CumberlandCumberland Paving CCumberlandumberland Paving MMacDonaldacDonald PPavingaving Industrial CColdold Milling IndustrialIndustrial CColdold Milling PORT HAWKESBURY, NS B9A 3K5 SSpringhillpringhill HaliHalifaxfax MMonctononcton MMonctononcton HHalifaxalifax 90902-597-33202-597-3320 90902-865-21112-865-2111 506506-857-2805-857-2805 506506-857-0112-857-0112 902902-468-1448-468-1448 PHONE: 1-902-625-3130 FAX: 1-902-625-0400 website:website: www.mwww.millergroup.caillergroup.ca THE CHRONICLE HERALD SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 I5 ‘The old bridge’ getting a new look

Halifax’s Macdonald Bridge set to undergo a redecking project

By Ken Cashin Custom Media Writer One of the major road building pro- jects on the horizon in Nova Scotia is the estimated $150 mil- lion Macdonald Bridge Suspended Span Redecking Project.

The work will see the bridge’s road deck, floor beams, trusses, and suspender ropes replaced in 2015-16. Being done to extend the life of the bridge and reduce mainten- ance, the job will go out to tender in 2013 and on-site work will begin in earnest in 2015 with the The Macdonald Bridge Sus- first panel being replaced some- The Macdonald Bridge Suspended Span Redecking Project is the largest bridge-related develop- pended Span Redecking Pro- time in March 2015. Engineering ment in Halifax since the opening of the MacKay Bridge in 1970. ject is expected to be com- began in 2010 and the project will HERALD FILE / ERIC WYNNE pleted in 2016. Contributed be complete in 2016. Known locally as “the old lenges will be met on the project, sidewalk and bike lane will be bridge,” the Angus L. Macdonald which will be conducted largely removed before the main work suspension bridge crossing Hali- at night to minimize impacts to begins. A new sidewalk and bike fax Harbour opened in April 1955 transportation. Because of insuffi- lane will be added as the new and is one of the province’s most cient capacity to handle the extra panels are installed and will be travelled and recognizable pieces traffic during peak periods on the open when the project is com- of roadway infrastructure. It nearest alternative, the MacKay plete. carries approximately 13.6 million Bridge, the Macdonald’s redeck- Other challenges are related to crossings per year. ing project will see its deck re- weather and climate, such as the The Macdonald Bridge has seen placed during 10.5 hour closures high winds, salt air, and fog in many upgrades over the years, at night, 10 or 20 meters at a time. Halifax. including modernization and the Throughout the deck replace- Eppell says the project will addition of a third lane in 1999, ment the bridge will remain open represent only the second time in but its deck is nearing the end of during weekdays to vehicular the world that the suspended its functional life. traffic, but close weekdays from 7 span of a suspension bridge has “The bridge remains safe, but p.m. until 5:30 a.m. and several been replaced at night and open after 60 years the deck is wearing full weekend closures will be during the day. The first time was out and needs to be replaced,” needed for deck segments that on the Lions Gate Bridge in Van- says Jon Eppell, senior engineer for Halifax Harbour Bridges cannot be replaced in 10.5 hours. couver in the late 1990s. The (HHB). “When complete, much of The work on the Dartmouth Lions Gate Bridge is the sister the infrastructure will be new, side will involve a lifting gantry bridge to the Macdonald Bridge, leaving the original towers, main positioned on suspender ropes also designed by P.L. Pratley. HHB cables and anchorages on the and existing panels being lowered is working with the same bridge suspended spans.” to a barge in the harbour, with engineering firm, Buckland and The project — which will also new panels being lifted into posi- Taylor, as was used on the Lions raise the bridge’s road deck by tion in the same manner. On the Gate redecking project. about 2.1 meters, to increase Halifax side the deck panels will “It’s a very challenging and headroom for ships entering the be replaced in 10 m lengths over interesting project,” says Eppell. harbour — will be the largest of land and brought in by truck “It’s like something you would its kind in Nova Scotia since the rather than on a barge. expect to see in a documentary nearby MacKay Bridge opened in Also, due to safety concerns on the Discovery Channel. We’ve 1970. and space requirements neces- been planning this for many years Many unique engineering chal- sary for construction, the bridge’s and we’re very excited.” MacDonald Bridge HERALD FILE / CHRISTIAN LAFORCE

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stanhopesimpson.com (New website coming soon!) (902) 454-8641 • Halifax, Nova Scotia I6 SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 THE CHRONICLE HERALD Building Futures for Youth By Ken Cashin Custom Media Writer

As evidenced by the success of the Nova Scotia Department of Education’s Co- Operative Education initiative, there’s a huge demand in the province for co-op work placement pro- grams that allow students to get hands-on experience in and test drive po- tential careers.

As part of its co-op expansion efforts, the province has de- veloped and strengthened part- nerships with the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and industry. One example is the Building Futures for Youth (BFY) program, designed to attract young people to careers in con- struction. The program was developed by the Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) in partner- The province of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Community College have created the Buildings Futures for Youth program, ship with the N.S. education de- designed to attract more youth to careers in construction. Contributed partment — English Program talent, ensuring that we continue “The challenge removed from the program have Services, N.S. Department of to have a skilled and available since found work in construction. Labour and Advanced Education workforce.” facing employers will Over 120 employers from Strong support — Apprenticeship Division, NSCC Too often, adds Lefebvre, ca- Sydney to Yarmouth have hired and local school boards, and in reers in construction are dis- be to develop and students through Building Fu- Here are some of the NSRBA consultation with industry and missed as unskilled and low pay- tures for Youth. members that have particip- groups like the road builders ing. Nothing could be farther retain talent, ensur- “Industry feedback is very ated in the Building Futures association. from the truth, he says. ing that we continue positive,” says Lefebvre. “Many for Youth program: Grade 10 and 11 students from “There’s potential for excellent employers see it as an opportun- - AMEC Environment & across the province can apply compensation,” he says. “Wages in to have a skilled and ity to gain a summer employee Infrastructure online to CANS. Successful ap- the skilled trades are on average who is prepared for work in the - Black & MacDonald plicants attend 80 hours of work- 21 per cent higher than other Nova available workforce.” industry, and also as a way to - J. W. Bird & Company place orientation, safety, and Scotia wages. In fact, a skilled Alain Lefebvre identify potential future employ- Limited hands on tools training at a local construction worker can start off ees and support youth in career - Ocean Contractors Ltd. NSCC campus, in preparation for earning a higher salary than that Program Coordinator, exploration.” - Dexter Construction a five-to-seven week, paid sum- of a starting police officer, fire- Construction Association of fighter or school teacher.” - Will-Kare Paving & mer work placement with a host Contracting Ltd. of employers in the construction Hundreds of different construc- Nova Scotia industry. tion occupations are available for For their participation, students young people to consider, says can earn high school Co-operative Lefebvre. The choices, he points Education credits, Construction out, can range from less skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship hours, labour to highly skilled occupa- NSCC scholarship opportunities tions like a heavy duty equipment NNOVAOVA SSCOTIACOTIA and, most importantly, they’re operator, a blaster, or a civil en- given the opportunity to safely gineer — all of which require gather information and make substantial learning and training. Building Futures for Youth RROADOAD BBUILDERSUILDERS informed career choices. Program coordinator Alain started in 2008 as a pilot program, Lefebvre of CANS says that, con- presented to students in high schools across the Halifax Re- AASSOCIATIONSSOCIATION sidering Nova Scotia’s aging workforce and the significant gional School Board. In 2009 the number of expected new skilled program was expanded into Chignecto-Central and Cape Bre- Past Presidents trades jobs on the horizon, the timing is excellent for young ton-Victoria Regional School Dr. H.W.L. Doane* S.W. Weeks* people looking to enter construc- Boards. In 2010 it grew to encom- tion. pass all eight regional school D.F. MacIssac* Dave MacKenna “It’s estimated that over the boards. W.P. Bickle* Vic Lunn* next decade far more people will Since its inception BFY has provided opportunities to over be retiring from than entering the G.C. Hault* John Chisholm 400 students from 45 different construction industry,” he says. high schools. Recent alumni fol- O.H. Norman* Dan Arbing* “The challenge facing employers low-up has found that 80 per cent will be to develop and retain M.H. McManus* Eric Barker of participants two years or more R.S. Parsons* Haluk Alemdar F.C. Hudson* Aubrey Martell J.D Harnett* Tim McSorley Memberships H.H. Latimer* Gerry Holle* D.R. MacKay* Elmer Thomas Continued from I2 W.W. Spicer* Fred Benere Chisholm also got an early start volved with several local charities behalf of its members and works L.H. Langley* Jack Eisener in the industry, as he spent much and community organizations. for the betterment of the whole H.W. Doane Jr. Greg Burke of his childhood hanging around President of the NSRBA in association,” says Chisholm. construction sites with his father 1986, Chisholm describes the “What I have noticed is they don’t A.O. Parsons* D.J. Campbell (who owned Chisholm Construc- association as one with “a signi- run with an issue of one particu- D.W. Latimer Cecil Vance tion). ficant role to play.” lar member — it has to benefit At the age of 17, he bought a “It deals with government on the whole association.” J.S. Stevens* Ron Legere used bulldozer and started up a little business building driveways, J. A. Domville* Gary Rudolph and digging basements and lawns. C.A. Maier* Barry Hunter He was so successful that his projects often interfered with his R.K. Chappell* John Flemming schoolwork, but Chisholm contin- L.D. Hopkins* Wally Caldwell ued to dedicate himself to his business. He soon landed a job P.W. Ross* Carl Baillie digging the foundation for the Angus L. Macdonald Library at St. J.T. Douglas* Don Maillet F.X., which he remembers was “a F.A. Martell* Paul White big job at that time.” Chisholm’s dozer business R.E. Bayard Ken Thomas continued to grow, and today it’s A.M. Dechman Brad Scott known as Nova Construction Company Ltd. — employing more R.F. Titus* Ron Dunn than 250 people during the peak R.G. Steed Donald Chisholm season. Nova Construction has been J.G. Flemming *Deceased involved in many major projects, including the paving and con- struction of hundreds of kilo- metres of highway in Newfound- land, dams at Wreck Cove in Cape Breton, a major part of the high- way over Cobequid Pass, and the aggregate production at Porcu- pine Mountain near the Canso Causeway at Auld’s Cove. Chisholm received an Honour- ary Doctor of Laws degree from Allister MacDonald. www.nsrba.ca St. Francis Xavier University in Contributed 2011, and remains actively in- THE CHRONICLE HERALD SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 I7 Training a new generation By Ken Cashin Custom Media Writer

The future of road building in Nova Scotia is being shaped by two significant trends, which are causing the industry to take steps now to ensure its ongoing suc- cess. The NSRBA is a proud sponsor of the Turkey Club, One the one hand the sector is quite healthy, with 5,000 direct a volunteer group dedicated to raising funds so and 2,500 indirect jobs that gener- ate $375 million in payroll. The less fortunate families can enjoy a Christmas outlook is also promising, due to dinner and a brighter holiday season. For more infrastructure renewal programs announced by federal and provin- information please visit www.turkeyclub.org. cial governments. Labour fore- (Left to right: Ron Leger, past President of the casting reveals that 40 per cent of new jobs in the coming decade NSRBA and chief organizer of the annual golf and will be in skilled trades or techno- logy. curling events; Mel Boutilier, Chair of the Turkey Counterbalancing all this is that Club and 2012 NSRBA President Donald many of the skilled trades people in the province are nearing retire- Chisholm.) ment. The industry is realizing that if it doesn’t act now to train people to fill the jobs of tomor- row, there won’t be enough quali- The Asphalt Laydown Technician (ALT) program was first de- fied people here to do the work. In view of these realities, and livered in the spring of 2012 and met with such success that specifically in response to a 2010 the NSRBA offered it again this year and plans to keep it going. labour department workforce Contributed study that identified more training ledge that will allow them to courses, he notes, are offered in as a top priority, the road building industry is taking measures to become much more valuable to other jurisdictions, but the ALT head off the forecasted labour their employers,” says Feltmate. program is both unique to the shortages. One of the key initiat- “The average attendance has been province and of very high caliber. ives on this front is the Nova 12 and the feedback from parti- He points out that the training is Scotia Road Builders Associ- cipants is excellent.” not entry-level, it’s more for ation’s development of an asphalt The 2013 course ran from someone who shows an interest laydown technician’s course, March 18 to April 12. Training in working in the paving side of took place at the Nova Scotia aimed at retaining and developing road building and is looking for a The Tearmann House was the charity selected for better longer-term employees. Construction Safety Association facilities and Atlantic Cat. This solid foundation in it. the 2012 AGM silent auction donation ($24,651). The Asphalt Laydown Techni- During the class time parti- cian (ALT) program was first year a session at Cat Rentals was conducted on small power tools cipants receive both technical and delivered in the spring of 2012 and safety training and even learn met with such success that the and portable equipment used in NSRBA offered it again this year paving operations. about some of the history of road and plans to keep it going. Nine participants representing building and asphalt paving. They ALT was developed proprietar- three companies took part, for continue to work on their practic- ily for the NSRBA, which received 120 hours. Participants represen- al ability during time on a paving assistance from the N.S. Depart- ted a variety of experience in the crew. Once they meet all the ment of Labour and Advanced paving industry, including crew requirements they receive certific- Education. The program consists foremen, MTV operators, paver ation. of two sections: a four-week operators, asphalt production, “The quality of the course has classroom phase followed by a and screed operator. been recognized with the Cana- similar amount of practical exper- Tom Gamblin of Industrial dian Construction Association Learning Resources led the in- ience in the workplace. Gold Seal Accreditation,” says struction, helped by several oth- The NSRBA’s executive director Feltmate. “The NSRBA also offers Grant Feltmate says the work ers with decades of experience segment can vary in duration, as and highly respected in the in- its own certification. This allows TAPA Cat Rescue Society donation ($300). (Left to the course is more focused on dustry. those who have successfully training for competency than it is Feltmate says the course was completed the course to receive right: Angela Miller and Ron Legere, NSRBA past time-driven. developed strictly from an intern- documentation that will allow President.) “It provides students, who al road building discussion as to current or new employers to already have paving experience, what training was most needed, know that they’ve had this high with significant skills and know- specific to the industry. Similar level training.”

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Tactile Walking Surface Indicators are typically made from metal, rubber or plastic inserts, or are built directly into concrete. Optimally TWSIs should have a texture that can be felt underfoot and detected by a long cane, and beveled edges to decrease the likelihood of tripping. Contributed Safety both in the car and on foot Tactile Walking Surface Indicators working out well at new Dartmouth bus terminal

By Ken Cashin Custom Media Writer

Road safety has always been a top priority for both the users of “TWSIs have a posit- Nova Scotia’s roads as well as the ive impact. They in- people who build them. The Nova Scotia Road Builders Association crease the independ- (NSRBA) has a long history of working with government to ence and safety of ensure that the province’s 23,000 km of paved roads and 4,100 blind and partially- bridges are properly maintained. The Road Builders association sighted people.” works with government to stand- ardize road building processes Peter Parsons Tactile Walking Surface Indicators have been used at the corner of Alderney Drive and Portland and develop environmental and Street in Dartmouth for a number of years, and were installed at the new Dartmouth bus terminal safety regulations. And, every Manager, programs and in 2012. Contributed spring, the NSRBA partners with services, CNIB the department of Transportation for the use of this technology a long cane. TWSIs should also bus shelters, train stations, air- and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) have started showing up in pro- have beveled edges to decrease ports, and many others. on a safety campaign aimed at vincial and municipal building the likelihood of tripping. The CNIB installed TWSIs at its educating the public on the haz- standards, as supplements to Locally, TWSIs have been used Vision Rehabilitation Centre of ards that road crews face while building codes. at the corner of Alderney Drive Excellence on Almon Street in working on the province’s road- Typically, the standards require and Portland Street in Dartmouth Halifax, which opened last Au- ways. TWSIs in prescribed locations, for a number of years. gust. The building has Guidance While traditionally the safety such as on the slopes of pedestri- The technology has also been TWSIs that indicate to clients that efforts in construction and road an curb cuts/curb ramps, exterior implemented at the new Bridge they are in line with the stairs or building have focused on the and interior ramps, at the top of Terminal bus station in Dart- in line with the ramp. The centre motoring public, and in general, stairs and on landings, and at the mouth, completed in the fall of also has Attention TWSIs at the today there’s a growing emphasis edge of rail platforms. TWSIsin- 2012. TWSIs were installed at top of its front steps. on making all of the built environ- clude both truncated domes and each crosswalk access point and Parsons says TWSIs have also ment safer and more accessible to tactile bars. at each bus stop at the terminal. been installed at an intersection everyone who uses it. There are two types: Attention In addition, a directional bar tile in Bridgewater. He says a CNIB Increasingly, the use of techno- TWSIs and Guidance TWSIs. was installed between each TWSI client had self-advocated for them logy like Tactile Walking Surface Attention TWSIs, sometimes at the bus stops, along both sides because the curbs there are so Indicators (TWSIs) — sometimes called warning TWSIs, call atten- of the terminal platform. This was blended that it’s very challenging called detectable warning sur- tion to key hazards, such as the done to improve the accessibility to tell if you’ve stepped out onto faces — are being used to help start of a staircase or edge of a of the new terminal and help the street. the visually impaired with safety platform in a subway station. guide passengers who are blind or “TWSIs have a positive impact,” and wayfinding. TWSIs are stand- Guidance TWSIs, also known visually impaired. says Parsons. “They increase the ardized walking surfaces that as wayfinding TWSIs, provide Tiffany Chase, communications independence and safety of blind convey information to people information about the direction of advisor with HRM, says the pro- and partially sighted people. with vision loss through texture, travel through open spaces. ject is the first in Nova Scotia to We’ve had positive feedback from and, occasionally, through sound. They’re designed to guide a per- utilize the directional bar tile and our clients regarding the TWSIs in Originally used at crosswalks in son on a designated path of the response has been very posit- front of the CNIB building. Our Japan and elsewhere, the US and travel. ive. orientation and mobility specialist Canada started implementing the TWSIs are typically made from Peter Parsons, manager, pro- teaches people to travel safely technology in transportation in inserts — made of metal, rubber, grams and services with the and independently and has re- the 1990s. Canada has been intro- or plastic — or are built directly CNIB, says the organization re- ceived positive feedback from ducing TWSIs into the built envir- into concrete. To work best, TWS- commends that TWSIs be in- clients regarding the TWSIs when onment since the early 2000s and Is should have a texture that can stalled at various public places, teaching them at the new Bridge in recent years the requirements be felt underfoot and detected by such as railway platform edges, Terminal.” Aberdeen Paving Ltd. 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GENERAL CONTRACTORS P.O. Box 1193, Antigonish, NS (902) 863-6445 THE CHRONICLE HERALD SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 I9 GPS technology makes its mark in Cape Breton highway project

By Heather Laura Clark Custom Media Writer

Highway 125 near Sydney has become one of the most heavily-travelled roads in Nova Sco- tia, handling more than 15,000 vehicles per day. The highway has been undergoing incremental twinning upgrades — converting a two-lane road into a divided four-lane highway — since the 1990s, and the final section is scheduled to be fin- ished this month. The 8.5 km stretch between Exit 6 and Grand Lake Road is being completed with the help of the latest in GPS technology, and Alva Construction Ltd. is finding that it’s helping to keep the $33.5 million project on track — and in budget. Reg Tramble, the firm’s engin- eering manager, says they’ve been Using machine control on excavators has helped Alva Contstruction Ltd. improve production in some cases as high as 25 to 30 using machine control on their per cent. Contributed excavator for land-based dredging work, because it allows them to then we’d put the gravel down, “Because we are see where the actual grades are stringline it, and go from stake to — even those under water — and stake -- a fairly labour-intensive getting things done they avoid the risk of over- process when you factor in all the dredging. Once the dredging checking that is necessary,” says quicker than ever be- wraps up, they have the luxury of Tramble. “But with GPS, we being able to move that system simply do everything from inside fore, we are burning over to their motor grader — the cab. The operator always maximizing the use of the techno- knows where he is at, he knows less fuel in each logy. when he is at grade, he knows all “When we won the bid for this the cut and fill areas.” GPS-equipped ma- segment of Highway 125, we “It was both fast and accurate, knew a dozer with machine con- and eliminated the need to have chine — and, as a trol was the answer to boost that surveyor present at all result, reducing production for us — and, at the times.” same time, cut down on some of While they still did put in isol- emissions.” our survey costs,” says Tramble. ated stakes on the job, Tramble Working with the Dartmouth said they did so more for the Reg Tramble branch of On-Grade, Inc., the benefit of the supervisors who local dealer for survey and ma- needed to verify how close we Engineering manager, Alva were getting to grade. chine control systems, Tramble Contstruction Ltd. said they committed to Topcon’s “There was very minimal stak- 3DMC2 machine control system ing throughout the job,” he said. Alva Construction Ltd. has helped outfit their excavators with — and had it installed on a new “So we really saved on labour GPS technology, provided by On-Grade Inc. in Dartmouth. Komatsu D-65 dozer purchased commonly associated with that Contributed specifically for the Highway 125 part of the job, as well as on the job. final checking to identify high and consideration be taken — in the ability to get to grade quicker and “The fellows at On-Grade were low spots.” form of a geosynthetic clay liner more accurately, and do so with excellent, both in the initial de- “We no longer need to have two (GCL). less effort and manpower. But cision-making process and in labourers stringlining as the “GCLs are common in landfill- Tramble says there is another support afterwards. We can’t say grader gets closer to the final pass type jobs, but not that common perk that often gets overlooked. enough about them,” Tramble — those men can now be reas- for us on highway projects,” said “There is something of an envir- said. signed elsewhere onsite.” Tramble. “However, because we onmental component to using Using both their existing ma- From a production standpoint, were within an area that has to be GPS that even we didn’t foresee,” chine control on a Cat 140H mo- the percentage of improvement protected from spills and runoff, he said. “Because we are getting tor grader and the newly-acquired will vary — depending on the it was in the design and it was up things done quicker than ever one on the dozer, work com- complexity of the job itself, the to us to find a way to grade those before, we are burning less fuel in menced in July of 2012. Tramble information coming from the areas accurately and quickly.” each GPS-equipped machine — says it was on the gravel applica- owner or the engineering group, “But once we got the info and, as a result, reducing emis- tion that GPS technology really and the weather — but Tramble loaded into the dozer’s system, sions.” made itself known, because the says production increases are as the operator simply followed “Many companies like ours are process of laying down the Type 2 high as 25 to 30 per cent when what was on screen in his cab. We becoming increasingly aware of gravel was much, much easier everything goes well. were able to bring the material to the impact we have on the envir- with machine control. The project’s proximity to the grade without any effort at all.” onment, and taking steps to min- “In the past, we would have Cape Breton Regional Municipal- The most commonly-touted imize that impact. This is a great had a surveyor stake out the road, ity reservoir dictated that special benefits of GPS equipment are an way to do so.”

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The Shubenacadie River bridges, which were built in the mid-1970s, are made out of steel girders which are in need of repair. Contributed Shubenacadie River bridges being replaced

By Heather Laura Clarke looking at the progress with in- terest as they drive by, and soon Custom Media Writer they’ll get a chance to try it out. “We’re about a month away from having the temporary bridge installed and open to traffic,” says Commuters going Cooke. “At that point, the Halifax- between Truro and bound traffic will be re-routed onto the temporary bridge.” Halifax have been Once traffic is rerouted, crews driving through a will begin demolishing the exist- ing southbound structure. By major construction about this time next year, the first new structure should be in place, zone since January, and Halifax-bound traffic will be as the Shubenacadie moved onto it. At that point, Truro-bound River bridges under- traffic will be rerouted onto the go a complete over- temporary bridge, and the original northbound structure will be haul. demolished and rebuilt. Cooke says the project is pro- Kevin Cooke, Estimator/Project ceeding on schedule, with a crew Manager with Dexter Construc- working daily. tion, says the plan is to replace “It was slated to be approxim- both of the existing structures — ately 30 months, so everything northbound and southbound — should be completed by Septem- on Highway 102. ber of 2015,” says Cooke. “The original structures aren’t He explains that it’s common The Shubenacadie River Bridges Project is slated to take 30 months, being completed by really that old — they were built with bridge projects to only have September 2015. Contributed in the mid-1970s — but they have one crew working at a time, be- steel girders in them, and they’re cause it’s a linear project. follow the other, because of the “Some of the work being done the project is completed. in bad shape,” says Cooke. “There “If you’ve got a big road job, nature of the work.” on the temporary bridge has “For the last five years, the are some serious corrosion is- you can quite often get two-to- Cooke says it’s a “challenging revolved greatly around the bridge decks have been really sues, so that’s really the main three crews working at a time. project” because it’s such a high- tides,” says Cooke. rough,” says Cooke. “The bridges reason for replacing them.” But with this project, you can’t traffic area, and Mother Nature Approximately 20,000 vehicles have a lot of flexibility, so it tends The project began in January tear down an existing bridge until isn’t always making it easy for the travel over the Shubenacadie to make the asphalt not stick and is currently in the first phase, the detour is put in, and you can’t crew. The river experiences a River bridges each day. Cooke well.” which involves building a tempor- start new construction until after tidal bore twice a day, sometimes travels them daily himself, and “But once they’re completed, ary bridge between the two exist- the demolition,” says Cooke. “It’s reaching up to three metres in says motorists will certainly ap- the new structures should last 100 ing sections. Motorists have been a situation where one task has to height. preciate the smoother ride once years.” THE CHRONICLE HERALD SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 I11 Getting a head start in the roadbuilding industry

By Ken Cashin occupational health and safety. future can be exciting, scary and A top priority for the industry, overwhelming all at once,” says Custom Media Writer though, is to replace the retiring Cochrane. “Work placements are skilled trades persons and train important in every industry be- enough people to do the work cause they allow students to Taking up a career in road build- coming down the pike. To this explore the trades in a hands-on, ing is a smart choice. The chal- end, organizations such as the minds-on way, and that’s what lenge for the industry, though, is Nova Scotia Road Builders Asso- good learning is all about. The getting more people to see just ciation (NSRBA) and government construction and road building how good of a choice it is. and educational institutions are industry have identified the im- For starters, there’s lots of partnering up to help meet the portance of being proactive and work on the horizon. The long- labor needs of the future. preparing for future workforce term employment forecast is quite A major initiative on this front shortages.” positive, largely in response to is the Nova Scotia Department of Co-Operative Education has infrastructure renewal programs Education’s High School Co- grown considerably since first announced by federal and provin- operative Education program, launched in 2006. The amount of cial governments. which has spawned others of its credits earned has spiked by 700 Road building jobs tend to be kind. It consists of co-op work per cent and the number of good ones, too. In Nova Scotia placement through schools across schools participating has jumped the industry is a major economic the province and allows students from 15 in 2006 to 84 out of 87 in driver, employing about 7,500 to earn high school credits by 2013. This summer it’s expected completing an experiential work people and contributing an estim- placement in the community, in a that Nova Scotian students will ated $375 million in wages annu- choice of various work industries. earn more than 400 co-op credits. ally. Its payroll and benefits far Placements are arranged by the Cochrane says the province is exceed minimum standards. The school and comply with N.S. in the midst of some of the best top 20 per cent of all individuals Department of Education policy opportunities in its history and is working in heavy construction and guidelines. The program focused on making sure Nova earn more than $45,000 annually, consists of both an in-school and Scotians are ready. He points out while the average salary for the a placement component. that in the province’s booming profession is about $39,000 per John Cochrane, community- construction sector, alone, in the year. based learning coordinator with next five years we’ll see a demand Job opportunities run the the education department says for 7,000 workers. If we don’t act gamut from heavy equipment the co-ops help students plan now, he says, we won’t have operators to highly technical their education and get hands-on enough skilled people to fill the careers like surveying and new experience in potential careers upcoming opportunities. product development. Many while they’re still in school. He “We’re investing not only in the unique career paths are available, says it provides students with the future of students, but the future both in the field and in the office, opportunity to understand the of Nova Scotia,” says Cochrane. with positions as diverse as pro- workplace and gain the know- “We’re preparing today’s youth for ject management and engineering ledge, skills and attitudes they tomorrow’s opportunities. Nova & design. Options range from need to succeed. Scotia will have a strong, capable Roadbuilding employs about 7,500 Nova Scotians and mechanics and technicians to “For students, planning for the and prosperous workforce.” contributes $375 million in wages anually. Contributed Innovative

Continued from I1 infrastructure, an amount that continue emphasizing a state of “At FCM we believe there is no comprises over 20 per cent of the good repair for our assets while surer way to create jobs today wastewater requirements of all also budgeting some for growth.” and strengthen the economic Atlantic Canada. He says the foundations of tomorrow than five-year plan would allow CBRM Downloading of responsibility investing in municipal infrastruc- to address its core community ture,” says Dauphin. “When feder- infrastructure, such as water, Michael Atkinson, president of al, provincial, territorial, private sewer, roads and sidewalks, while the Canadian Construction Asso- and local partners bring funding stabilizing its communities. ciation, says he’s not surprised and expertise to the table, no The cost sharing idea has that municipalities are looking for other investment goes as far or already received support from the different ways to fund infrastruc- achieves as much. One of the best province, contingent upon ap- ture renewal. He points out that and surest ways to reduce red- proval from Ottawa. Other Cape greater Toronto has come up with tape, increase private sector Breton municipalities are also various ideas for alternative infrastructure involvement and looking favorably on the idea and sources, including the GST, tolls, ensure fairness is through predict- may try a similar approach them- and user fees. able infrastructure investments. selves. Atkinson says the trend of When municipalities can plan Arguably, the state of the roads downloading custodial care and against the funding they know in Halifax is not as bad as those in responsibility for infrastructure they will receive, all stakeholders CBRM. This is due to a focus on from the federal to the local level and the local community benefit.” asset renewal over the past sever- has been going on for many years. al years and funding arrange- Unfortunately, he says, the results Patches on patches ments with the province. are poor and showing. He says However, while HRM has not politicians are beginning to real- Dave MacKenna, president of tabled any proposals that look ize that the deteriorating roads, Municipal Ready-Mix Ltd., a large anything like CBRM’s, the muni- bridges, wharves, and waste construction company in Sydney, cipality, like others across the water systems are negatively says that if CBRM’s five-year country, is indeed reaching out to impacting standard of living, the funding plan goes through, it Ottawa. economy, health, and the environ- would be a huge shot in the arm As existing federal infrastruc- ment. for the local construction in- ture programs are set to expire in “These issues are all linked,” he dustry. In season, his company 2014, HRM council recently ap- says. employs up to 250 people and he proved priority areas for funding Claude Dauphin, president of says that number would likely under the new long-term infra- the Federation of Canadian Muni- double. He says the work would “There’s patches on patches structure program, the new Build- cipalities (FCM), agrees. He says also allow contractors to make now,” he says. “If you let it go too ing Canada Fund. The targets all orders of government can and capital investments for equip- long then it’s no longer just pav- HRM has identified include transit must do better by working togeth- ment, which would increase ing, it’s rebuilding. It’s like a leaky funding, urban core investments, er and forming long-term partner- future capacity. roof, soon you’re into the boards and wastewater systems. ships to address these issues. MacKenna says a major boost and then the moisture gets in and The city is currently in the Dauphin points out that in road building work would you’ve got to fix the ceiling. Then process of communicating its Canada’s municipalities own and make CBRM a more viable muni- you’re in trouble.” funding priorities to the province operate 60 per cent of the coun- cipality. Cape Breton, he says, is a Cape Breton Regional Municipality Mayor Cecil Clarke has and Ottawa, as well as its desire try’s core economic infrastruc- great place to live, and tourists developed a $300-million plan for fixing roads, arenas and other to be included in infrastructure ture, but collect just eight cents of enjoy it, but there’s years worth of infrastructure, with the federal government paying 50 per cent funding negotiations going for- every tax-dollar paid in Canada. work needed to upgrade the of the municipality’s five-year-plan and the province and muni- ward. Increasing asset management highways and byways. cipality each paying 25 per cent. Contributed “The plan for the next 10 practices across the country, he years,” says HRM communica- says, is imperative for the future tions advisor Tiffany Chase, “is to sustainability of our communities. Sod & Trees – First Aid for the Earth Proud member of the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association 113 Elmsdale Road, Elmsdale, NS B2S 1K7 Phone: (902) 883-2291 Toll Free: (800) 219-SODS (7637) Fax: (902) 883-2761 • Hydroseeding • Hay mulching www.elmsdalelandscaping.com • Sediment Control Ensuring construction work proceeds in an • Land Revegitation environmentally friendly manner throughout Eastern Canada. • Native Tree Planting

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Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Maurice Smith said the main reasons for twinning Highway 104 around Antigonish are to provide greater driver safety, and to cut down motorist travel time. Contributed Second phase of Highway 104 improvement well underway

By Heather Laura Clarke “This highway is gonish and the community of Custom Media Writer Lower South River. important as a vital The new highway will extend the recently-twinned section from A “vital link” in our link in the Trans- just east of the Beech Hill Road overpass to a point near the highway system is Canada Highway Taylor Road. It’s a stretch of ap- on its way to being system. It not only proximately eight kilometres, with an estimated cost of $88 safer and more con- links Nova Scotians million — of which the federal venient for motor- contribution is $30 million. Work to one another, but is expected to be completed by ists in and around to other parts of the fall of 2015. Antigonish. The project is part of the pro- Canada and North vincial government’s five-year The new highway will extend the recently-twinned section from Maurice Smith, Minister of plan to improve our highways. Beech Hill Road to Taylor Road. Contributed Transportation and Infrastructure America.” Smith says they have invested $1.1 billion in highway capital con- Renewal, says they’re nearly a Maurice Smith year into phase two of the multi- struction since 2009, and commit- year improvement project on Minister of Transportation ted an additional $245.8 million in 2013-2014. What can motorists expect? Highway 104. and Infrastructure Renewal “This highway is important as a “Investing in this work is one of the best ways to generate jobs There are four major projects that are or will be underway this vital link in the Trans-Canada summer: Highway system. It not only links and improve the quality of life in Nova Scotians to one another, but our communities,” says Smith. 1. South River Bridge Construction: Bridge construction is cur- to other parts of Canada and “The project has provided a major rently underway. The concrete abutments and piers for the east- North America,” says Smith. economic boost for northeastern bound lanes are complete, and the contractor is working to com- He says the main reason for Nova Scotia. Its construction is plete the concrete substructures for the westbound lanes. Structural twinning the highway is improved creating good jobs, and its com- steel is now being fabricated, with installation to start on the east- bound structure in August. The westbound structure will follow road safety for motorists, but it’s pletion will result in a valuable upgrade that will provide a safer, with forming and installation of the decks for both bridge and ap- also a matter of convenience. proach work. “The additional benefit of a more efficient — and less conges- ted drive — for motorists.” twinned highway is that it is more 2. Taylor’s Road Underpass:The concrete abutments and centre efficient — it cuts travel time for Smith says it’s important to pier are complete, and so is the installation of the concrete girders. drivers, and greatly reduces road note that the Department of The contractor is currently forming the deck in preparation of deck congestion,” says Smith. Transportation and Infrastructure placement in early summer. They also have the majority of the ap- The first phase began in 2009, Renewal are issuing tenders for proaches for the newly realigned Trunk 4/Taylor Road complete, as and saw the construction of a road work earlier than ever be- well as a portion of the subgrade for the future highway twinning. fore, and allows road builders to four-lane divided highway running 3. Dunn’s Loop Underpass structure (for existing Hwy. 104): This from west of Addington Forks better plan their work and alloc- ate resources. tender is for the construction of the underpass that will eventually Road to just east of Beech Hill form the crossing of the newly realigned (existing Hwy 104, future Road. The new stretch of highway “This has been an important Trunk 4) over the Highway 104 twinning. opened in the fall of 2012. issue for the Nova Scotia Road The second phrase involves Builders Association, and I’m 4. Highway 104 (Phase 2) Grading: This is for a section of sub- constructing a new four-lane pleased we’ve been able to re- grade construction from the end of the Phase 1 portion of the twin- highway that will divert traffic spond,” says Smith. “This ad- ning just east of Beech Hill easterly to South River (approximately from the existing Highway 104 vanced planning allows them to 3.6 km). This will include all drainage structures within this section. bid on more jobs throughout the The pre-engineering and production of plans are almost complete, alignment that currently passes and will be followed by the completion of the estimate for tender. through the eastern side of Anti- year.”

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No data in ad Serving Central Nova Scotia, Canada Since 1974 20359257 Your Paving Specialists serving w:29.9.12PP h:12PP Truro and surrounding areas. TRURO, NS Phone: (902) 897-7283 www.willkarepaving.ns.ca

A S P H A LT • R E A D Y M I X C O N C R E T E • F O U N D AT I O N S • W A T E R A N D S E W E R

Built on Quality.

Proud Member of the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association Since 1974 Halifax, Nova Scotia tel 902.435.1291 fax 902.435.1243 oceancontractors.ca THE CHRONICLE HERALD SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 I13

Road building is one of the longest standing and most successful industries in Nova Scotia, with a storied history going back more than 100 years. Contributed Road building industry healthy, but challenges still await By Ken Cashin roadway infrastructure is a big “A well-constructed of 2012 and 2013, graduating close Custom Media Writer job. It encompasses 23,000 kms of to 25 students. roads and 4,100 bridges, including and adequately- Lake says safety remains anoth- the 100-series highways, second- er chief concern. He points out Highlights of Road building is ary highways, local paved and maintained highway that the NSRBA has partnered gravel roads, and the many con- with the Department of Trans- major roadway one of the longest crete, steel, and wooden bridges. system is what portation and Infrastructure Re- NSRBA member companies newal (TIR) over the past number projects standing and most work on everything from roads, we’re all after. It of years on a safety campaign successful indus- bridges, wharves, and shipping aimed at educating the public plants, to airports, sewer and would have far about the hazards that road crews The Department of Trans- tries in Nova Sco- water systems, subdivisions, reaching benefits for face on the job. It brings aware- portation and Infrastructure tia, with a storied building sites, wind farms, and ness to drivers to slow down Renewal (TIR) total budget landscaping. the entire province.” when entering a construction for 2013-14 is $245.8 million. history going back Andrew Lake, president of the zone. In total for 2013-2014, 10 more than a hun- NSRBA, says the industry’s Andrew Lake major construction projects payroll and benefits far exceed Infrastructure Spending Deficit are planned, along with 83 dred years. minimum standards. He says that President, NSRBA repaving projects, 29 20 per cent of all individuals While provincial spending on double chip re-surfacing While the sector remains ro- working in heavy construction infrastructure renewal has in- highway maintenance pro- bust and healthy, it’s facing chal- earn more than $45,000 annually, creased in recent years, it is still jects and 22 bridge replace- lenges such as forecasted labour while the average salary for the insufficient. In 2009 a TIR report ment or repair projects. shortages and deficits in infra- profession is about $39,000 per indicated the department needed Highlights of the plan for structure renewal spending. year. to spend 400 million over each of 2013-14 include work to However, the industry is working Many of the industry’s skill the next 10 years. The TIR budget re-align highway 103 with government and educational trades people, says Lake, are in 2013 was just shy of 246 mil- between Port Joli and institutions to prepare for the approaching retirement and the lion. Broad River; twinning of challenges ahead and is taking industry has identified as a top However, Lake points out that highway 125 around Sydney steps now to ensure that road priority the need to attract and infrastructure spending in Nova River; twinning of highway building remains strong and retain skilled workers. Scotia is reasonably healthy when 104 around Antigonish; healthy for the future. Lake points out that the pro- compared to other provinces culvert replacement in the Comprised of 160 member posed changes to Employment such as New Brunswick and P.E.I. town of Stellarton; work on companies — 40 of which are Insurance also may have a signi- “As a result this has drawn the Cabot Trail in Inverness focused on core road building in ficant impact on road building. contractors from N.B. and P.E.I. and Victoria Counties, as bridge, heavy civil, marine, sewer “Many employees are con- to compete for road building well as trunk 4 in Cape and water main construction — cerned that their ability to draw contracts here,” says Lake. “This Breton and Richmond Nova Scotia’s road building in- EI will be challenged, which may is the first time in recent memory County. dustry today is one of the force individuals from seeking that tenders have been let early, Some of the other major province’s most modern and employment in the industry,” says with 48 per cent of the provincial projects include replace- ment of the bridges over progressive sectors. It utilizes Lake. “We live in a region where budget already awarded. The the Shubenacadie River on advanced engineering, technolo- the climate and weather condi- department has acknowledged Highway 102 and repaving gies and equipment and is com- tions preclude employers from that they’re receiving great value 17 km on the Cobequid mitted to environmental steward- performing certain construction this year due to the competitive Pass. ship and safety. activities such as asphalt paving nature of the industry. The capa- TIR is also replacing Represented by the Nova Sco- in the winter. People who per- city of the industry is such that it bridges such as the Indian tia Road Builders Association form the asphalt paving have a can handle an increase in infra- (NSRBA), the industry works valuable skill set that’s not easily Sluice Bridge near Yar- structure spending.” mouth, and the Sydney cooperatively with government to transferable or obtainable. Em- In the years ahead, says Lake, standardize road building pro- ployers fear that EI reform will River Bridge. the ongoing challenge will be to Major repaving work is cesses and develop environment- push these skilled individuals to secure from government a sus- al and safety regulations. Road find alternate careers, which planned for several areas tainable, long term funding including Highway 105: builders strive to implement safe could potentially jeopardize the strategy for the province’s roads. working conditions and utilize health of the industry.” Cape Breton County Line He points out that the present easterly to Highway 162 environmentally friendly techno- funding levels won’t be enough to logies and construction methods Training Intersection (10 km); and in halt the deterioration of existing Halifax, Highway 107: from such as cleaner burning fuels and infrastructure and meet new To offset the forecasted labor Route 318 overpass to Main materials like reclaimed asphalt highway needs. shortages, the NSRBA has Street Intersection (9.1 km). pavement. “We must have adequate infra- partnered up with government In addition to roads and Many road building companies structure in place to support also show a commitment to envir- and other industry groups like the highways, TIR is designing growth and investment in Nova onmental stewardship through Construction Association of Nova and constructing all new Scotia,” says Lake. “A well con- best practices in the area of land Scotia (CANS). For example, the buildings — such as structed and adequately main- rehabilitation, for example, that NSRBA has been active in parti- schools, court houses, tained highway system is what go above and beyond legislated cipating in the CANS Building correctional facilities, office we’re all after. It would have far requirements. Futures for Youth program, which buildings — to meet LEED matches high school students reaching benefits for the entire certification standards. Economic Impact who have expressed an interest in province.” the construction industry with Road building is also one of the prospective contractors. The province’s largest employers and partnership exposes individuals economic drivers, representing a to the demands of the industry wide cross section of professions and provides employers with the and trades. It employs 7,500 opportunity to build relationships people and pays an estimated with potential recruits. $375 million in wages annually. Through the NSRBA, the in- Jobs range from engineers and dustry is also developing training architects to surveyors, project programs like the Asphalt Lay- managers, heavy equipment oper- down Technician (ALT) course, to ators and safety managers, to improve the level of training in name just a few. road building and increase the And, make no mistake, building number of skilled workers. The and maintaining Nova Scotia’s program was offered in the spring

We have SIX bays with Licensed Mechanics on site to service your • commercial vehicles. Proper fleet maintenance by professional General/Excavation/Marine Contractor mechanics will cut down time and save you money. • Road/Sitework Construction • Aggregate Supplier 113 Elmsdale Road • Custom Crushing Services Elmsdale, NS B2S 1K7 TEL: 902-883-2112 FAX: 902-883-7003 TRUCK & TRAILER FLEET MAINTENANCE (902) 665-4302 REPAIR SPECIALISTS CIVIC: 813 Highway #2 ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE www.spicerconstruction.ca • 9777 Hwy 1 RR#4 • Bridgetown, N.S. Elmsdale, NS MVIS ON ALL VEHICLES DIESEL FUEL PROVIDER I14 SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2013 THE CHRONICLE HERALD Quarries and pits: gems hidden in the wild

By Ken Cashin quarry site may provide additional Martello tower in North America. Custom Media Writer value once its primary purpose The Quarry Pond, situated near has been exhausted. the entrance to Point Pleasant Typically, rural quarries are Park, was developed as a result of Pits and quarries are reclaimed as mixed forest com- quarrying activities and now patible with the surrounding offers a scenic view and peaceful frequently con- environment; however, quarries resting location. Remaining pit sidered nuisances located near or within urban and quarry features add to the areas present an opportunity for natural topography of the area rather than essential other end-use developments to and can be seen amongst the components of com- further benefit the nearby com- trees and vegetative cover near munities. Such projects may the walking paths and trails munities. Focus is include: sports fields, hiking throughout park. trails, campsites, and golf courses “Environmentally conscious often placed on tem- (recreational end-use alternat- aggregate suppliers place signific- porary annoyances ives), fields, forested areas, lakes ant effort and financial resources or ponds (natural habitat end-use into ensuring pit and quarry re- rather than mid and alternatives), crop or livestock clamation is completed on time long term social and areas (agricultural end use altern- and in an environmentally re- ative), parking lots, buildings, and sponsible manner,” says Gary economic benefits. storage areas (industrial end-use Rudolph with Dexter Construc- Often overlooked, applications). tion. “These reclaimed sites often Locally, there are several ex- transition into a variety of uses End-use alternatives for quarries may include one of several one of the long term amples of successful mine re- and add value to many communit- options such as those in the agriculture, industrial, residential, clamation projects. These include ies.” recreational, or wildlife sectors. Contributed benefits of pits and the site of the Dartmouth Cross- quarries are the end- ing shopping centre, which was developed at a location where use applications of several quarries used to operate. reclaimed sites. The former Pioneer Coal Mine in Stellarton has been reclaimed to All Nova Scotia Environment- include open space, a running approved sites are required to track and related field facility. post a rehabilitation security Part of the Cabot Links Golf proportional to the size of a site Course in Inverness was built to ensure resources are available over a former coal mine. Rock for site reclamation when site faces from aggregate extraction operations conclude. Typically, locations add to the landscape within one year following the and privacy in the Twin Brooks closure of a pit or quarry, reclam- residential development in Sack- ation is to be completed. Reclam- ville. ation activities may include a A much more visible example combination of surface contour- of reclamation is Point Pleasant ing, drainage, and re-vegetative Park, one of Nova Scotia’s most work. All reclamation work is beautiful natural spaces and one completed with a planned end of Halifax’s most popular walking use. End-use alternatives may areas. The park includes upwards include one of several options of 50 former pits and quarries, including those in the agriculture, which presumably were used to industrial, residential, recreation- provide aggregate for nearby al, or wildlife sectors. In this way roads, fortifications, and the Often overlooked, one of the long-term benefits of pits and quarries are the end-use applications the end use of a reclaimed pit or Prince of Wales Tower, the oldest of reclaimed sites. Contributed

“Environmentally conscious aggregate suppliers place significant effort and financial resources into ensuring pit and quarry reclamation is completed on time and in an environmentally responsible manner. These reclaimed sites often transition into a variety of uses and add value to many communities.” GARY RUDOLPH Dexter Construction

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