Friday, September 20, 2024 
SmartPM Introduces Custom Reporting Feature for Schedule Controls Software
With the overwhelming amount of data available on a commercial construction project, getting clear information on a project’s status is a huge burden, further complicated by what information is important and to whom. To help companies transmit consistent and easy-to-understand information…
Ontario Government Leverages Digital Twins for Key Infrastructure Projects
The Ontario government is embracing digital twin technology to enhance the delivery of crucial infrastructure projects, including hospitals, highways, and transit systems. This innovative approach aims to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Digital Twins: A Game-Changer for…
Single stair buildings will be allowed in British Columbia’s new building code
British Columbia’s next building code will allow single-staircase buildings, a design previously banned in Canada, to boost denser housing options like multiplexes and townhouses. This change aims to address “missing middle” housing needs, enhance climate benefits, and provide more family-friendly units.…
Engineers call for more building-plan checks in wake of Moncton engineer’s suspension
An engineering professor, Taylor Steele, emphasized the need for more independent reviews of building plans, especially from single-person firms, to prevent mistakes. This follows allegations against suspended Moncton structural engineer Hélène Thériault for serious deficiencies in her building designs. Steele and…
Construction Sector Insights: Q1 2024 Industrial Capacity Utilization and Key Challenges
Industrial Capacity Utilization Rate for Construction Statistics Canada reports that in the first quarter of 2024, the industrial capacity utilization rate for the construction sector stood at 82.7%, marking a slight increase from the previous quarter’s 82.6%. These two quarters represent…
All eyes on looming strike that could hit BC’s construction sector Friday
The union representing Vancouver-area concrete workers, Teamsters Local 213, has given Heidelberg Materials, one of the world’s largest building materials companies, an ultimatum to accept their proposals on pensions and other issues by Friday or face a strike. The union’s threat…
3 years and a record $239M in recovery funding later, Lytton still hasn’t rebuilt
Three years after a devastating fire reduced Lytton, B.C., to ash, the community remains largely displaced despite over $239 million in committed funding. Only five homes are near completion, and about 15 building permits have been approved. The fire caused over…
Edmonton offers solar panel rebates for apartments, condos and townhouse owners
Edmonton has re-opened applications for its solar rebate program, offering $1.3 million for owners of multi-unit residential buildings like apartments and townhouses. The program covers up to 50 cents per watt, with a maximum of $4,000 per unit or $100,000 per…
Nexii Building Solutions saga ends with bankruptcy sale
Nexii Building Solutions, a green-tech company, has been sold in a court-approved bankruptcy sale to Nexiican Holdings Inc. and Nexii Inc. for $500,000, along with the assumption of over $20 million in debt. The new owners, Blake Beckham, a Dallas-based lawyer,…
Doug Ford’s ‘red-tape’ cuts save Ontario developers $400M a year
Premier Doug Ford’s government has introduced 12 bills aimed at reducing red tape since 2018, resulting in significant savings for developers and other sectors. The latest legislation, the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, contributes to an annual $1.2…
US construction spending unexpectedly falls in May
U.S. construction spending unexpectedly fell by 0.1% in May due to higher mortgage rates impacting single-family homebuilding, following a revised 0.3% increase in April. Year-on-year, spending rose 6.4%. Private construction dropped 0.3%, with residential construction down 0.2% and new single-family projects…
Preparing for summer storms and tornadoes
According to the Weather Network, forecasters expect a pattern of heat domes to develop south of the border that could enhance severe storms over parts of Canada through the heart of the summer. First Onsite Severe Weather Guide can help Canadians…
Construction sector sees highest GDP loss, led by decline in residential building
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s goal of building nearly four million new homes by 2031 is threatened by a slump in the construction sector, with residential building construction dropping by 2.3%—the largest decline since May 2023. This downturn, highlighted in a recent…
Deadline to Submit Proposed Changes for 2027 National Standard Plumbing Code is Feb. 28
In order to facilitate the development of an updated National Standard Plumbing Code — Illustrated (NSPC), the IAPMO NSPC Committee requests proposed changes to the 2024 NSPC. All proposals are due by Feb. 28, 2025. Proposals accepted by the technical committee will appear in the…
Sterling launches new website – designed to simplify your upfit planning
Whether you’re looking for a custom upfit, selecting from our popular trade packages, or purchasing items online, our new features make it easier than ever to Get More Done! Whether you are an owner/operator, technician, or fleet manager, our products are…
