VICA Members donate over $25,500 in toys and groceries to Vancouver Island Families
Giving back to the community is something that the construction industry has always prided itself on, so in a year where a helping hand is needed most VICA Members answered the call. Through our inaugural Virtual Christmas Luncheon and our annual Toy Drive, VICA Members from across the Island donated $25,625 to help support of communities were we work and live.
“While we weren’t able to gather and celebrate like in year’s past, that did not stop our members from expressing their generosity”, said VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “We in the construction industry have been fortunate throughout this pandemic having not experienced the historic downturn which other sectors have endured, and I believe we are seeing a result of that with this record donation.”
$13,000 will benefit our Kids in Need initiative, where we purchase grocery gift cards and give them to principals of local elementary schools, who then distribute the cards year-round to families needing help alleviating the burden of keeping food on the table while living paycheque to paycheque.
Recipient schools include George Jay and Oaklands in Victoria, Tillicum in Saanich, Ruth King in Langford, and Georgia Avenue Community School in Nanaimo. Each elementary school principal received $2,500 worth of grocery gift cards to give to families in their communities that need it the most.
In addition to the funds raised through our Virtual Luncheon, $12,625 was donated in cash and toys for our annual Toy Drive. This amount almost doubles last year’s total with thirty-four member companies participating, with donations going to CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, the Ladysmith Resource Centre, Nanaimo Toy Drive and Holiday Hamper Drive in Courtenay. For a full list of those who donated, visit www.vicabc.ca/toydrive.
Media Contact
Owen O’Rourke, Communications Specialist Vancouver Island Construction Association 250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca *Photo’s included below. High-resolution photos available on request
VICA Victoria Office
VICA Nanaimo Office
December 14, 2020
HeroWork & CCSPI Named Top 100 Recovery Projects
The holiday buzz has begun. But meanwhile, across the country and under the radar, Canadians are working hard to help their communities respond and recover from the pandemic.
The HeroWork Society was selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Recovery Projects by Future of Good, a Canadian digital publication covering social impact. HeroWork was selected from among hundreds of nominations across the country. The pan-Canadian exercise, led by Future of Good was to find, celebrate, and showcase 100 of the most ambitious and innovative projects doing essential work, as determined by an expert selection committee.
We’re less than a decade away from the deadline to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the pandemic has set Canada and the rest of the world back. Rates of poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, gender-based violence, and more are skyrocketing. The SDGs’ rallying cry — ”leave no one behind” — is more important than ever.
From volunteer-based to professionally run organizations, short-term to long-term projects, local to national in scope, projects such as HeroWork are stepping up to help one another. They’re building mutual aid networks from scratch, creating technology that supports at-home learning, developing re-skilling programs for those who’ve lost their jobs, and more.
“All kinds of people in places all across Canada are coming up with projects that are helping communities get back on their feet. This is an extraordinary local and civil society response. As a digital publication focused on social impact, we are excited to celebrate and amplify these projects by telling their stories and sharing their projects with a pan-Canadian audience,” says Future of Good Publisher and CEO Vinod Rajasekaran.
“It’s an honour to be chosen for this award,” says Paul Latour, founder and CEO of HeroWork. “Providing purposed-designed infrastructure for charities is a huge asset to the Victoria community. Even during the pandemic, we were able to complete a transitional housing project for young moms and their children, in partnership with the YMCA and Kiwanis Victoria. Coming this spring, the Salvation Army ARC building in downtown Victoria gets a new kitchen to help them provide 15,000 meals a month to the vulnerable. These kinds of collaborative partnerships are what will help us build back better!”
As part of recognizing the top 100, Future of Good has created an interactive digital map of the 100 most impactful community recovery projects, so people across Canada can learn about and engage with them. The top 100 projects were revealed at the Future of Good digital summit on November 25-26, 2020, where more than a thousand charities, non-profits, philanthropic organizations, impact investors, co-operatives, CSR teams, and social enterprises gathered to discuss how communities can build back better post-pandemic. In 2021, Future of Good will be telling digital stories of how the projects evolve and support local communities.
About HeroWork
HeroWork is a charity that renovates other charities because many non-profit buildings are run down and in need of repairs or upgrades. With renewed buildings charities have bigger impact, are more sustainable, and better serve vulnerable populations.To date HeroWork has completed over 5 million worth of non-profit renovations in the greater Victoria region. In a typical year HeroWork engages over 150 companies and 900 volunteers. Together they participate in huge community events through which comprehensive renovations are completed in a fraction of normal time and costs. HeroWork describes these events as modern-day barn raisings, calling them “Radical Renovations.” HeroWork Canada launches in 2021, where they will replicate their model in cities across the country, building a movement of charity and community renewal.
For more information on HeroWork, please visit herowork.com
For further information: Marlena Salvador, Philanthropy & Communications Manager. marlena.salvador@herowork.com (250) 588-0148
We are excited to share that the Coastal Communities Social Procurement Initiative (CCSPI) has been selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Recovery Projects by Future of Good. Future of Good selected CCSPI as a program helping communities not just return to normal, but build back better for a thriving decade.
“We’re thrilled that CCSPI has been selected as a top recovery project,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, CCSPI Co-Chair. “We began this initiative in 2016 to improve the health of our communities and the strength of our economies by changing the culture of public sector procurement. This work is now more important than ever.”
CCSPI is a member-led initiative that provides local governments across the region with the training, expertise and support they need to integrate social procurement practices and community benefits into their existing purchasing. Participating governments access a full suite of professional development and training, templates, case studies, impact measurement tools and expert consultation support to implement social procurement practices in their community.
“It’s exciting to see the community benefits and impact that local governments across Vancouver Island and coastal regions are experiencing as they embrace and implement social procurement. Their opportunity to be recognized is a reflection on the real value that local government and staff are receiving,” stated City of Campbell River Councillor Colleen Evans, CCSPI Co-Chair.
In just two years, the CCSPI membership has grown from 6 to 20 local governments on Vancouver Island and the Coast. Collectively, members have realized over $25 million in procurement spend with added community benefit. That means local employment and community benefits are generated from existing procurement dollars at a time when local economies need it most.
Social procurement is a key economic recovery opportunity for local governments by adding social value to their existing procurement in order to help economies and communities weather the storm of COVID-19.
About Future of Good
Future of Good is a fast-growing digital publication covering Canada’s social impact sector. Thousands of Canadians look to Future of Good each month for its comprehensive coverage of the world of impact so they can stay current and improve their ability to do good in the world.
Future of Good’s readers and members include professionals working in charities, non-profits, philanthropic foundations, social enterprises, co-operatives, public policy, corporate social responsibility departments and more.
For more information on Future of Good, visit futureofgood.co. For more information on Canada’s Top 100 Recovery projects, visit https://100recoveryprojects.futureofgood.co/.
For further information: Thi Dao, Account Manager / Content Partnerships Lead thi@futureofgood.co
November 30, 2020
B.C. government provides financial assistance for construction training
If a construction association, labour union or First Nation is looking for funding to train people for work in the construction industry, the B.C. government is here to help.
For example, the Community Workforce Response Grant program (CWRG) provides up to $10 million a year to support skills training leading to employment for unemployed and precariously employed (part-time, seasonal or casual) British Columbians.
CWRG has something for almost everyone. Four of its six funding streams have the most relevance to construction:
The Emerging Priorities Stream supports communities that require skills training because of a shift in their labour market.
Eligible applicants include unions and local governments.
The Indigenous Communities Stream funds skills training to meet local labour market needs.
Indigenous governments and organizations serving First Nations, Métis or Inuit people are eligible.
The Workforce Shortages Stream helps address immediate workforce shortages.
It provides funding for skills training and employment services for unemployed or precariously employed British Columbians.
Eligible applicants are industry, sector and employer associations.
The Skills Training for Economic Recovery Stream provides short-term skills training for people who lose their job because of COVID-19.
Eligible applicants are industry, sector and employer associations with a mandate for training; union halls and training boards; Industry Training Authority-designated trade schools; B.C. private training institutions; Aboriginal-controlled institutes; B.C. post-secondary institutions; and trade and industry-recognized personal safety trainers.
A number of union training schools are applying, or considering applying, for CWRG funding.
“The Piping Industry College of BC is applying to offer programming to deliver essential skills, trade awareness and piping and welding foundation courses,” said BC Building Trades Council spokesperson Corry Anderson-Fennell. “These programs typically have successful outcomes. The college’s last welding foundations course saw all eight students in the program go directly to work in their field.”
In addition to the welders, The Ironworkers Local 97 training centre and the Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union Local 1611 training centre are both considering applying for funding in advance of the February 2021 deadline.
A recipient of CWRG funding is Jobs North (JN), a training initiative of the Kitsumkalum Band in Terrace, B.C.
JN is a six-week, hands-on program whereby participants complete 10 industry certifications that enable them to apply for construction work.
The program includes work site job training, in which each participant works for one month on a construction site under the direction of a licensed journeyman.
“CWRG funded six cohorts of 12 people each in the last year and a half,” said Tom Harrow, Jobs North manager of employment and training.
Two-thirds of the participants got jobs in construction, almost all of them at the LNG Canada facility under construction in Kitimat.
Also funded by the B.C. government is Construct Your Future (CYF), a program of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) thatenables young people to learn about careers in construction.
After eight weeks of free training – which pays up to $1,400/month – in virtual classrooms and on job sites, CYF helps participants find paid employment with a local construction company.
“Construct Your Future is probably unique in Canada,” says VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “It’s a gentle introduction to the industry, not specific to any particular trade.”
Kulmala says CYF is four years old, and in that time it has put through more than 100 young people, about 80 per cent of whom have found employment in construction.
“We’ve created a way for young people to find out about construction and ease them into the industry safely and at the same time enable them to contribute in a way that works for everyone involved,” said Kulmala.
One of the CYF graduates is Melissa Lacharity, who drives tandem dump trucks in the Victoria region.
“I used to work in retail, but I was always fascinated by trucks,” said Lacharity. “In 2019 I did 10 weeks of training with CYF and then a month of dump truck training afterward. Today I haul gravel and fill from excavations to dump sites and I love the work.”
Kinetic Construction Limited has employed several CYF graduates.
“They come to Kinetic after some actual construction work experience,” said Randy Delisle, Kinetic’s talent and development manager. “They start with us as labourers and if they show promise and interest we encourage them and support them as apprentices.”
Delisle says they’re “great workers.”
“We have one young man working on the new dormitory project at the University of Victoria and another working on some concrete replacement near the Legislature,” he said.
The next CYF program begins Feb. 8, 2021. For more information, click here.
November 25, 2020
Q3 Building Permits rebound, Island-wide
The total value of building permits issued on Vancouver Island during the third quarter of 2020 rebounded to $681.6 million, or 40 per cent above the second quarter of 2020.
This gain came mainly from non-residential permits which rose 252 per cent to $254.5 million with commercial permits jumping 416 per cent to $210.5 million. Institutional-government permits rose by 66 per cent to $28 million in the quarter, while industrial permits fell 31 per cent.
Residential building permits edged three per cent higher over the second quarter but decreased 13 per cent compared to the third quarter of 2019.
“Interest in communities across the Island has been strong during the last number of years, and despite the coronavirus pandemic, shows signs of continuing,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association.
The Island’s construction rebound was evident in all regional districts and was broadly based in most instances. The Comox Valley surged 123 per cent, Strathcona was 52 per cent higher and the Capital Regional District saw a 42 per cent jump.
Leading in residential building activity was the Powell River Regional District with a 363 per cent increase, followed Mount Waddington Regional District with a 216 per cent increase and the Comox Regional Valley with a 123 per cent increase.
“Smaller communities continue to experience a significant amount of residential building as demand for housing increases, said Kulmala. “We suspect retirees are continuing to come here in search of affordable housing options. As well, as more employees in urban areas shift to working from home, rural towns and villages are becoming more popular because of their lower home prices and increased livability.”
In Victoria investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area rose in the three months ending in September due to a rebound in commercial and public permits.
“Building permits are a leading indicator of activity in the construction industry,” said Kulmala. “Construction – both residential and non-residential continues to weather the pandemic despite continued uncertainty,”
Construction activities will continue to play a significant role in Vancouver Island’s economy recovery during and following this pandemic.
The outlook depends on the pandemic’s path. If the second wave doesn’t cause further movement restrictions, the 2021 outlook becomes brighter and construction would likely increase over this year. Overall, the pandemic will result in less construction activity on the island this compared to last year.
The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) and its membership elected five industry leaders to its 2020-2021 Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting on November 13, 2020. There were six nominees from across Vancouver Island.
Incumbents, Stuart Cuthbert, Mazzei Electric (Nanaimo & Victoria), Mark Liudzius, Kinetic Construction Ltd. (Victoria), Chris Lyons, Omicron Construction Ltd. (Victoria), and Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering (Victoria), were re-elected. Former Director Morley Wilkins, Campbell Construction (Victoria) will also be making his return to the VICA Board. James Clapp, Wilson M Beck Insurance, is poised to Chair the Board and Roger Yager, Knappett Projects Inc., will become Past Chair. Chris Lyons is poised to be appointed Vice Chair at the first board meeting of 2020 after serving as Board Treasurer.
In accordance with Provincial Health recommendations, the 2020 AGM pivoted to an online platform with industry and non-industry members joining virtually from across the Island. For the second year, VICA utilized an online voting platform for the election of the 2020/2021 VICA Board of Directors, enabling members to cast a vote for their elected industry leaders from office, jobsite, or home — giving everyone a voice in this busy industry where time is hard to come by.
Outgoing director David Flint (former Past Chair), Flynn Canada, was recognized for 12 years of service on the VICA Board. During his tenure David was involved in numerous initiatives, including the amalgamation of the North Vancouver Island Construction Association, Mid-Island Construction Association and the South Island Construction Association in 2011.
CEO / Chair / Director Quotes
“In a year which has been plagued with such uncertainly, the Vancouver Island Construction Association and it’s members can be confident in our board to steward the Association in a direction which benefits current members and the industry at large. Our industry has shown it’s resiliency in the face of COVID-19, and we will continue to champion safe policy and procedure to allow construction to continue on Vancouver Island.”
Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Island Construction Association
“I am very excited to be elected back to the VICA Board of Directors to serve the association and membership for another term. I look forward to continuing to provide a voice for sub-contractors across the Island.”
Stuart Cuthbert, Mazzei Electric
“It’s an honour to be re-elected back to the VICA Board of Directors for another term. I look forward to working with this great team and helping VICA continue to provide excellent value to its members”
Kate Ulmer, Herold Engineering
“As I return to the VICA Board of Directors, I look forward to lending my expertise to my fellow board members as well as supporting initiatives which will benefit our membership.”
Morley Wilkins, Campbell Construction
“It is a great honor to be re-elected to the Vancouver Island Construction Association’s Board of Directors. I look forward to working with this great group of industry leaders and continuing the excellent work for our members and the industry on Vancouver Island.”
Chris Lyons, Omicron Construction Ltd.
“This year has shown that our industry can unite under a common goal, and I am honored to return to the VICA Board for another term to help our members endure this pandemic as well as continuing to support progression in the construction community.”
Mark Liudzius, Kinetic Construction Ltd.
“I am very proud to be a member of this industry as we continue to take on challenges that the future will bring. VICA’s Board, highlighted by its experience, diversity and flexibility will afford our members success in the years to come. I am thankful to both current and former board members who have given me their support during my time as Board Chair.”
Roger Yager, Outgoing VICA Board of Director Chair, Knappett Projects
Media & Interview Inquiries
Owen O’Rourke, Communications Specialist Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) owen@vicabc.ca | 250-800-1722
About VICA
As the Vancouver Island Construction Association, we serve our construction community: the institutional, commercial, industrial, civil, and multi-family residential construction sectors on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal areas of British Columbia. VICA members come from all areas of our industry from owners, designers, and contractors to purchasers of construction services. With roots that date back to 1912, we are one of the oldest not-for-profit construction associations in Canada.
October 5, 2020
CCA: Growth plan must include strategy for swift flow of funds to be effective, says Canadian Construction Association
CCA members – 70 per cent of which are small and medium-sized, family-run businesses – have been asking for a clear, balanced, fair and flexible infrastructure stimulus plan as Canadians focus on pandemic recovery.
The growth plan announced on October 1 by the federal government and Canada Infrastructure Bank is a promising step towards securing jobs and boosting economic growth through infrastructure investment. In order for the plan to have the intended impact, there must be urgency in tendering the projects and a swift flow of funds.
The announced details of the plan do not mention support for certain essential parts of our infrastructure, like roads and bridges, which are in need of attention (as detailed in our Canadian Infrastructure Report Card). This infrastructure enables the flow of trade and, especially important at this time, the distribution of health and safety materials. Also, regions hard hit by the downturn in oil and gas also appear to be left out of the plan. We hope these oversights will be addressed.
We encourage the federal government to remain focused on getting tenders out, reducing red tape, and working with other levels of government on important infrastructure projects in all regions of Canada.
Our industry can help. We are committed to working with the federal government and the Canada Infrastructure Bank to make these investments a success.
Across Canada, CCA represents more than 20,000 member firms drawn from 63 local and provincial integrated partner associations. CCA gives voice to the public policy, legal and standards development goals of contractors, suppliers and allied business professionals working in, or with, Canada’s institutional, commercial and industrial (ICI) construction industry.
The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers and a major contributor to the country’s economic success. The industry, 70 per cent of which is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employs more than 1.5 million Canadians and contributes 7 per cent towards Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Rodrigue Gilbert Vice-President, Public Affairs 613-236-9455, ext. 432 rgilbert@cca-acc.com
October 1, 2020
VICA Members win big at VIREB Commercial Building Awards
The Vancouver Island Construction Association would like to congratulate its 10 members who were recognized at the 13th Annual VIREB Commercial Building Awards on September 30th. Out of the 10 VICA Members recognized, 6 were named winners of their respective categories with Westmark Construction Ltd., MKM Projects Ltd., and Island West Coast Developments taking home multiple awards.
Tourism Tofino was named the Judges’ Choice best overall entry this year. MKM Projects Ltd. was the General Contractor.
A team of independent judges chose the winners in the 11 categories of these awards: Apartments, Hospitality, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Office, Retail, Retail-Renovation, Seniors, Social-Community and Townhouse.
The winners of each category received an Award of Excellence, with runners-ups receiving an Award of Merit.
Apartments – Award of Excellence: Village on Third, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Westmark Construction Ltd. Merit: The Arbutus, Nanaimo. General Contractor: WestUrban Developments Ltd.; The Hub at Pacific Station, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Westmark Construction Ltd.; 575 Residences, Campbell River. General Contractor: Crowne Pacific Development Corp.
Hospitality – Award of Excellence: Ucluelet Brewing Company, Ucluelet. General Contractors: Woodenworks Construction and Tidewater Timber Frames.
Industrial – Award of Excellence: 1851 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Windley Contracting Ltd. Merit: Island Pacific Transport, Ladysmith. General Contractor: Island West Coast Developments; P & R Truck Centre, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Windley Contracting Ltd.
Mixed-Use – Award of Excellence: Cardea, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Tectonica. Merit: 91 Chapel, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Island West Coast Developments.
Office – Award of Excellence: Portsmouth Professional Centre, Nanaimo. General Contractor: Westmark Construction Ltd. Merit: The Learning Clinic, Lantzville. General Contractor: R.W. (Bob) Wall Ltd.
Retail – Award of Excellence: Snaw-Naw-As Market, Lantzville/Nanoose. General Contractor: Ecklundson Construction Group.
Retail Renovation – Award of Excellence: RE/MAX Mid Island Realty, Port Alberni. General Contractor: CANBuild Smart Solutions.
Social-Community – Award of Excellence: Braidwood Supportive Housing, Courtenay. General Contractor: AFC Construction Inc.
Townhouse – Award of Excellence: Azalea, Courtenay. General Contractor: Saywell Contracting Ltd.
The Official Souvenir Award Book for the 2020 VIREB awards, which includes photos and descriptions of every finalist building, is available for viewing at: https://issuu.com/businessexaminer/docs/2020_vireb_book
The video of the event is also viewable through the www.vireb.com and www.businessexaminer.ca websites.
August 13, 2020
Construction activity recovering from pandemic low in second quarter
The dollar value of building permits on Vancouver Island fell by 14 per cent to $506.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter, largely the result of an industry slowdown due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. However, permits issued began to increase each month through to June indicating the worst was over.
Residential permits held steady at $434 million in the first two quarters of 2020, though the number of dwelling units declined 21 per cent from the first quarter. Non-residential permits dropped overall by 54 per cent led by a 72 per cent drop in institutional-government permits and a 37 per cent decline in commercial permits. Industrial permits were down 28 per cent.
“On the positive side, permits did increase during the quarter and Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May 2020 to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related contraction in April,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association.
Investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area decreased nearly five per cent in May 2020 from the prior month, continuing a declining trend. Building construction cost increases were higher in residential than in the non-residential sector, and construction industry employment declined across the Island, with the largest decreases outside the Victoria metro area.
“Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery” said Kulmala.
While record-low interest and mortgage rates are positive for the residential sector and investment spending, investment in commercial and industrial buildings looks to remain low until there is more clarity about future demand.
“We expect total building permits could post a small gain in 2020 and a larger one in 2021. However, if a second wave occurs or pandemic restrictions extend well into next year, large surges in construction activity will likely remain low this year and possibly next year,” Kulmala said.
Owen O’Rourke, Communications Coordinator Vancouver Island Construction Association 250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca
June 8, 2020
VICA Supports Employer’s Forum submission to WSBC
The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has submitted a letter of support (below) to Employers’ Forum’s submission to WorkSafeBC’s proposal to add COVID-19 to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act.
We courage both VICA members and non-members to also signal their support of the letter, found here, by writing to WorkSafe regarding this proposed change.
March 20, 2020
VICA and VIHA partner for PPE Donation
In support of Island Health and front-line healthcare staff, working tirelessly to keep our communities safe from COVID-19, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has put a call out to their membership for donations of new, unopened N95 masks, sanitizer solution and wipes, or other personal protection equipment suitable for their work.
“Right now, there is a desperate need for support of our front-line medical workers. We understand that both the Federal and Provincial governments have made recent announcements that industry is going to increase supply, but we at the Vancouver Island Construction Association would like to help out wherever possible”, states Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association.
As of March 19, there have been 271 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia with 22 confirmed cases on Vancouver Island.
“We believe this initiative, regardless of how many donations we receive, will underline the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for all members of our community to come together if we’re going to stop the spread of the coronavirus”
The Vancouver Island Construction Association has made arrangements to turn over all donations to the Vancouver Island Health Authority for them to distribute as necessary.
In Victoria, donations can be dropped off at VICA’s Victoria Office, 1075 Alston Street, by appointment between 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday. To schedule an appointment please call 250-388-6471 or email, Owen@vicabc.ca.
Donations for the VICA Nanaimo office can be arranged by calling 250-388-6471 or emailing Dawn@vicabc.ca.
Available for Interviews
Rory Kulmala Chief Executive Officer Vancouver Island Construction Association
The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has served the construction community since 1912 and is one of Canada’s oldest not-for-profit, industry associations. With offices in Victoria and Nanaimo, VICA connects the Island’s institutional, commercial, and multi-family residential sectors with skilled labour, education, and networking opportunities.
March 13, 2020
Important updates from VICA regarding COVID-19
Starting March 18, 2020, our Nanaimo office (map) will be closed until further notice.
Our Victoria office (map) will still be operating, however, it will be closed to the public. The Victoria office will be offering members statutory declaration service, copy order services, and will have staff answering phones during our regular hours of operation.
All statutory declarations and copy order pick-ups must be made by appointment, by either calling 250-999-8942 or emailing Lauren.
During this time of unprecedented concern as we collectively navigate the impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) takes the safety and well-being of our community, members and colleagues very seriously.
In the wake of recent announcements from federal and provincial health officials surrounding COVID-19, we would like to provide you with an update on the actions we, the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) is taking in response to the direction set out by the Provincial Health Officer (PHO).
As we consider the safety and health of our community paramount, it is our duty to support and reflect the intentions and efforts of our governments as it addresses COVID-19. As a result, we have canceled our annual Vancouver Island Construction Conference scheduled for April 16, 2020 and we have deferred our 2020 Annual Awards Gala of May 8, 2020 to a later date. If you have purchased tickets, we will be providing full refunds.
In addition, we have suspended all VICA member events and activities, including those of both our Women in Construction and Under 40 networks. Further, we will also be reviewing our scheduled in-person training and education programming and possibly deferring those as well. We will notify registrants immediately of any changes or cancellations.
For the most part, we will continue to conduct business as usual as the circumstances dictate. We are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of our Victoria and Nanaimo staff members; including working from home when necessary and asking staff members to self-isolate if they do feel ill. We will continue to work to serve our members.
HealthLinkBC’s website has information about COVID-19, including how it is transmitted, symptoms and precautions individuals can take to prevent infection. Each of us can help slow the spread of this virus by washing our hands often, by practicing “social distancing” and by staying home when sick.
Of course, safety is always a priority on job sites, and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. While many companies are re-evaluating their work-from-home policies in preparation for what might come, it’s recognized that tradespeople can’t work from home. As such, employers are strongly encouraged to have a clear policy regarding when workers should stay home, enforce sanitary standards in portable washrooms, and keep hand sanitizer stocked when running water isn’t available.
Employers should also provide common-sense advice about the simple actions that employees can take to reduce the risk. The most important thing individuals can do to prevent infection is to wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their face.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as we can.
Available for Interviews
Rory Kulmala Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vancouver Island Construction Association
Media Contact
Vancouver Island Construction Association Owen O’Rourke Communications Coordinator (250) 800-1722 comms.events@vicabc.ca
About VICA
VICA is a member-based, industry-led association serving the industrial, commercial, institutional, and multi-family residential construction sectors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and coastal British Columbia, including Powell River. With bases in Victoria and Nanaimo, VICA connects the industry with skilled labour, training and education, and business development opportunities.
March 4, 2020
COVID-19 & Construction: 7 Simple Steps to Keep Your Crew Healthy On Site & In The Office
In light of the 13th case of the coronovirus disease (COVID-19) being reported in British Columbia, the first phase of a redevelopment in Burnaby being halted after an on-site worker was found to have consistent symptoms, and architectural conferences being cancelled in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Italy, and Germany, we would like to share a healthy and safety notice on behalf of our provincial partner, the BC Construction Association.
“Safety is always a priority on job sites and managing the risk of COVID-19 should be no exception. Simply from a human resources perspective, tradespeople can’t work from home, so we strongly encourage employers to provide common sense advice about the simple actions employees are expected to take to reduce the risk. We also suggest they have a clear policy regarding when workers should stay home, enforce sanitary standards in portable washrooms, and keep hand sanitizer stocked when running water isn’t available. BCCA is keeping a close watch on this issue and how it may affect BC’s construction sector.”
Avoid touching common surfaces like handles with your bare hands.
Do not share your tools or your PPE.
Do not touch your hands, nose, or mouth.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Do your part to keep the portable toilets clean.
If you experience symptoms of cold or flu, stay home.
You do not need to rush out to buy a N95 respirator or face mask — CDC recommends against it if you have not contracted the virus — but you and your crew do need to practice good hygiene and take precautionary measures at home, in the office, and on your job sites.
As of March 5, 2020, 34 cases of COVD-19 have been reported across the nation, according to the Government of Canada. The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure and include fever, cough, muscle pain, and difficulty breathing.
Click the image to read McKinsey & Company’s COVID-19 Report, February 28, 2020
