News

BCCR hosted and facilitated great round table conversations on November 22, 2023 that opened dialogue between owners, consultants, general contractors, sub-contractors, material suppliers and others in the construction industry, on the challenges we are facing and how we can best work together to respond. To read more about the impact of cost inflation to the BC construction industry click here.    

An interesting study published by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) discussing “2023 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook”. Please click here to view.

View the brochure: BC Major Infrastructure Projects Brochure - Infrastructure BC

The British Columbia Construction Roundtable (BCCR) is excited to announce the launch of its newest initiative, the Emerging Leaders Group (ELG). The ELG is intended to serve those at the intermediate stage in their careers.

The main objectives of the ELG are to:

The ELG will be supported by a new BCCR committee.

Interested in joining the committee? As the ELG is a new initiative for the BCCR, we are currently looking for enthusiastic individuals willing to take a leading role in setting up the group. Click here to download the application form and feel free to email us at ELG@bccr.net if you have any questions. Applications are due 25th March 2022 and successful applicants will be notified in April.

BCCR collaborated with Stratice Consulting, RAM, and PwC to present the BC Infrastructure Point of View: Building a vibrant BC for the next decade and beyond.

BCCR - BC Infrastructure Point of View

Park People / Amis des parcs has launched their second annual Canadian City Parks Report, and the results of their just-released survey on how COVID has impacted park use in Canada.

The report presents key data from 27 Canadian cities, through five themes:

1. Nature

2. Growth

3. Collaboration

4. Activation

5. Inclusion

This is highlighted through indicators and statistics as well as stories that showcase challenges, opportunities, and leading practices in Canada's city parks.

Access the report here: https://lnkd.in/exBZmt3

Climate action is more urgent than ever, and local communities play a key role. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program’s Climate in Focus video series can help your municipality get started. You’ll discover how to apply a climate lens to municipal planning and decision-making, and how to move from planning to action.

Learn how to:
- Define a vision and gather data

- Use systems thinking

- Engage local businesses, academia and community

- Develop and implement a climate action plan that meets diverse needs

- Find supportive resources, tools and relationships

View the video series here: https://lnkd.in/gK3B6et

The City of Burnaby is inviting the community to help build the second phase of a new Transportation Plan through an online survey. This new Transportation Plan will ensure Burnaby remains a thriving and dynamic place to live, work, learn and play.

The new Plan will outline a long-term vision for moving people and goods across the City in ways that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. In Phase One of the Transportation Plan process, the community helped to develop the vision, themes and goals that drive the plan. Phase Two will help establish the targets, actions, policies and networks.

For more information on the Plan: https://lnkd.in/gngMH7F

To access the survey: https://lnkd.in/g7Qgwmn

Metro Vancouver (MV) is thinking long-term with the region’s water supply strategy. The region’s population is expected to grow from 2.5 million today to 3.6 million by 2050, and up to about 5.5 million in a century from now. Water demand will grow from about 390 billion litres per year today to over 600 billion litres per year by 2120.

Seven future water supply options have been shortlisted in a report by MV. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/g_2hbwE

VICTORIA — The Province of B.C. has greenlit a series of clean energy projects in First Nations, northern and rural communities.

Officials stated the seven projects will reduce pollution and make life more affordable through the Community Energy Leadership Program (CELP).

“Through CleanBC, we’re supporting communities across the province to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for British Columbia,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of energy, mines and petroleum resources, in a press release. “These projects will help local governments and First Nations make energy efficiency improvements and help lower their energy costs.”

CELP was established to assist local government and First Nations investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects, including building retrofits, heat pumps and solar panels. It’s most recent round of funding totalling $470,000 will go towards projects that reduce pollution, lower energy bills, stimulate economic activity and support resilient communities.

“We believe strongly in working with and supporting leaders from Indigenous Nations, communities and industry,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy. “Together we can increase access to clean energy, reduce pollution and support good jobs as we build back from economic effects of COVID-19. Investing in expanded opportunities for people and communities with new, clean technologies is an integral part of our CleanBC plan for building a stronger, sustainable and better low-carbon future for everyone.”

The approved projects include a solar array on the Elders’ Building for the Ashcroft Indian Band. Part of efforts to develop community resilience in an area affected by wildfires, the project is expected to save the band about $2,775 per year on energy costs.

The Village of Midway was awarded funding for energy efficiency retrofits to the Midway Community Centre. Improvements to the hot water system, windows and lighting will increase energy efficiency by 50 per cent.

Funding will also be dispensed for the installation of a battery-power storage bank in the remote community of the Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation. This project will reduce the use of diesel generators leading to emissions reductions of 159 tonnes per year.

“Many Indigenous communities are leading the way when it comes to developing and implementing clean-energy alternatives,” said Scott Fraser, minister of indigenous relations and reconciliation. “Through partnerships like these, we’re working with Indigenous peoples on a low-carbon future to support strong, healthy and resilient Indigenous communities in B.C.”