Articles tagged with "Workforce"

Kalesnikoff Mass Timber has opened a 100,000 sq. ft. mass timber pre-fabrication and modular facility in Castlegar, B.C., making it North America's first. The $30 million investment aims to expand the company's product line and create around 100 new jobs. The initiative supports Canada's sustainability goals and was partially funded by various government programs. This facility will produce prefabricated wall panels, mass timber modules, and other products for efficient construction.

Amazon has inaugurated its first storage and distribution fulfillment center in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, with a facility named YXX1 spanning 825,000 square feet. This center aims to enhance Amazon's ability to deliver faster to local customers by supporting regional fulfillment activities. The project involved multiple local and national contractors, and Amazon is also contributing to local sustainability by funding bike-repair stations. The opening of YXX1 marks a significant milestone in bolstering Amazon’s operations and local economy contributions in the region.

A 30-year-old worker drowned in an industrial accident at a mill in British Columbia, Canada. The incident prompted a response from multiple first responders including police, fire, and ambulance services, with additional support from the Canadian Coast Guard divers to perform a rescue operation. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the worker could not be saved. The tragedy highlights the potential dangers in industrial settings.

The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACEC-BC) recently held its annual Awards for Engineering Excellence, recognizing the outstanding innovative and technical contributions of engineering firms in the province. Premier David Eby applauded the profession's impact on infrastructure. Firms and individuals were awarded for various categories such as Buildings, Bridges, Municipal Infrastructure, and more. Some recipients included Klohn Crippen Berger, AtkinsRéalis, and WSP, among others.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is set to start the bidding process in July 2025 for constructing the Roberts Bank Terminal 2, a new container superport in Metro Vancouver. The project, which received federal and provincial approvals in 2023, aims to significantly boost the region's container handling capacity and is expected to create thousands of jobs. The superport, with an estimated cost of over $2 billion, is scheduled for partial completion by the mid-2030s, pending procurement processes and environmental compliance. The first phase of construction involves land reclamation, with bidders shortlisted through a Request For Qualifications process.

The Site C dam project in British Columbia is nearing completion, and the large temporary worker camp built to accommodate nearly 2,000 workers is now facing potential dismantling. There is a concern that the materials used for the camp could end up in a landfill if not properly managed. This raises questions about sustainability practices in large construction projects. Decisions on the future use or disposal of the camp materials are pending.

Englobe, a Montreal-based consulting engineering firm, has acquired Higher Ground Consulting and Herold Engineering to expand its presence in Western Canada. Higher Ground Consulting, based in Calgary, specializes in environmental and civil engineering, while Herold Engineering is based in Nanaimo, B.C. and focuses on building and marine projects. Both companies will maintain their existing organizational structures as divisions within Englobe, enhancing Englobe’s reach and capabilities in the region.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has unveiled the Mott Electric Pavilion, a new training facility funded by a $2-million donation from BCIT alumnus Dan Mott of Mott Electric. This facility will focus on hands-on training in renewable energy, robotics, and automated controls, increasing the capacity for electrical apprenticeship programs by 250 seats annually. The pavilion is part of the $220-million investment in the BCIT Trades and Technology Complex, aimed at modernizing trades education to meet workforce demands.

The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has launched the Past Chair Legacy Fund to support development in the construction industry. This initiative aims to enhance the construction workforce by funding eligible trade and professional career paths. Up to four beneficiaries will be chosen annually, one from each designated region in British Columbia. Applications are open until June 15, 2025, and the fund aims to maintain industry competitiveness and innovation.

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) has announced the Past Chair Legacy Fund to support education and development in the construction industry. This fund aims to provide financial resources for career pathways in trades and other professional areas within construction. Each year, up to four applicants, one from each specified B.C. region, will receive awards, with the application period open until mid-June. The initiative focuses on enhancing skills and leadership roles within the industry to maintain competitiveness and innovation.

Woodfibre LNG has announced plans to submit an application to regulators for permission to moor an additional vessel alongside its current floatel. This second floatel aims to provide accommodation for nearly 1,000 additional workers involved in the project. The location for this expansion is near Squamish, where work crews are needed for the development. This initiative is a response to workforce needs for the ongoing construction activities.

The Future of Work 2025 construction conference took place at Pitt Meadows Plumbing’s Shop XL in Maple Ridge, B.C., highlighting the need for industry evolution in the face of significant challenges. Over 800 professionals convened to discuss the importance of collaboration, trust, and innovation. The event featured expert-led panels on collaborative project delivery, technology integration, and workforce development, encouraging attendees to think beyond their current roles and responsibilities. It emphasized the collective responsibility of the construction industry to mentor and develop the future workforce.