As B.C. recovers from last November’s catastrophic floods and mudslides, the province’s construction industry is playing a vital part in the rebuilding effort.

BC Construction Association (BCCA) President Chris Atchison said the association has been working closely with other stakeholders and, along with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies, has met with Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure officials to ensure a co-ordinated response and recovery. 

“We’ve connected with Emergency Management BC to see how the construction industry can be more directly tapped into emergency response measures and continue to work across government and industry,” Atchison said.

B.C.’s construction industry is “essential” during crisis situations as it works on the front lines of response and recovery, with various contractors needed to help assess damage, clean up, make emergency repairs and provide equipment and supplies, he said.

“The most important thing is that we have an organized, multi-sector, well-planned response and that we are thinking long term about what and how we’re building,” he said.

Reconnecting affected communities by road, and B.C. to the rest of Canada, was the first crucial step to allow people to move out of afflicted areas and for emergency responders to step in.

Kelly Scott, president of the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, said members have been assisting provincial and local governments in safely reopening major transportation routes.

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