Articles tagged with "Government and Policy"

The Pattullo Bridge, a vital connection between Surrey and New Westminster in British Columbia, is being replaced by a new cable-stayed bridge. The project, valued at $1.22 billion, is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025, following adjustments made due to pandemic-related delays.

The British Columbia Construction Association's latest report highlights a 4% increase in construction material costs within the province, surpassing the national inflation target. Despite higher costs, industrial, commercial, and institutional permit values, as well as multi-unit residential permits, have risen significantly. The sector contributes 9.2% of B.C.'s GDP and employs over 267,000 people. The BCCA supports new Prompt Payment legislation to help mitigate the financial pressures on the industry.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's first budget is set to include large-scale infrastructure investments, requiring approval from additional parties due to the minority government status. The investments include a Canada-wide initiative for housing and increased defense spending. The budget vote, which is also a confidence vote, comes amid economic challenges like U.S. tariffs. Parties are undecided on supporting the budget, with conditions varying among them.

Construction has begun on a new BC Cancer centre in Nanaimo, with the facility slated to open in 2028. This centre, located on the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital site, will offer comprehensive cancer care, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The project, costing $311 million, aims to serve patients throughout central Vancouver Island, reducing the need for long-distance travel for treatment. The BC Cancer centre will be operated in partnership with Island Health and is part of broader investments in health-care infrastructure in the region.

A Richmond company has been denied financing for a $100 million project following complications related to a land title in the Cowichan area. Councillor Alexa Loo has expressed a desire for the provincial government to resolve the uncertainties surrounding the land title. This situation has resulted in setbacks for the construction project. The resolution of the land title issue is seen as crucial for moving forward.

The article highlights the urgent need to strengthen Canada's workforce, particularly in the skilled trades, due to impending retirements and high job openings. Canadian polytechnics, such as BCIT, are pivotal in producing job-ready graduates and creating inclusive pathways for careers in trades. To address this demand, the government and academic institutions must adopt decisive actions and foster partnerships. The upcoming expansion at BCIT's Burnaby Campus aims to enhance training capacity, significantly impacting Canada's economic growth.

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) reports significant growth in British Columbia's construction sector according to the Fall 2025 Stat Pack. There has been a 14% increase in construction trade jobs and the number of construction companies has risen to over 28,000. Women in construction trades have also increased by 5.3%, adding 600 more women to the industry. Despite inflationary challenges, the sector remains a major contributor to B.C.'s GDP, with construction costs rising by 4% over the past year.

The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has released its Fall 2025 Stat Pack, highlighting that construction material costs in British Columbia have risen by four percent year-over-year, doubling the national inflation target. Despite these increasing costs, the construction sector in B.C. remains robust with significant growth in industrial, commercial, and institutional permits. The sector continues to play a critical role in the provincial economy, accounting for 9.2% of GDP and employing 267,000 people. Additionally, the introduction of Prompt Payment legislation aims to ensure timely payments for completed work.

The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has released its Fall 2025 Stat Pack report highlighting inflationary pressures in the construction industry. Material costs have risen by 4% year-over-year, double the Bank of Canada's inflation target, adding to affordability challenges. Despite rising costs, the sector remains steady with an increase in permit values and ongoing strong employment. The introduction of Prompt Payment legislation aims to address payment delays, a move supported by BCCA.

The City of Vancouver is continuing with applications for market-rental housing projects despite a failed attempt to create a market-residential development corporation. Three out of six planned projects, valued at $213 million, are proceeding through the development-approval process. These projects are expected to provide 2,700 market-rental homes. While the proposed development company didn't receive needed support, the city remains committed to facilitating rental housing on city-owned land.

Several companies are facing fines totaling over $184,000 following an incident in June where a worker fell due to the collapse of a rebar tower at the University of Victoria's construction site. WorkSafeBC confirmed the incident occurred on June 8 at the new engineering lab's site. These fines highlight the importance of adhering to safety regulations in construction projects.

The City of Vancouver's plan to enter the market-rental housing development has been halted after the city council vote did not reach the required two-thirds majority. Mayor Ken Sim's proposal aimed to build 4,000 housing units on municipally-owned land in partnership with the private sector and government. Despite having majority support, the plan was not approved due to opposition from four councillors. The initial project was set to start at Pacific Boulevard and Hornby Street with two residential towers.