Unique champion golden trophy standing out of the crowd unique leadership business concepts.
by SHCA SHCA

Government of Saskatchewan Honoured with BOMA Environmental Awards  

Unique champion golden trophy standing out of the crowd unique leadership business concepts.

The Government of Saskatchewan (GOS) has received several environmental certifications and awards from the Saskatchewan Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), which recognizes excellence in building performance and sustainability.  

BOMA BEST (Building Environmental Standards) is one of Canada’s largest environmental assessment and certification programs for existing buildings. It recognizes excellence in energy and water use, air quality, tenant comfort and wellness, custodial upkeep, waste management and reflects the dedication and day-to-day efforts of staff who manage, maintain and support government facilities.  

“We are pleased to see so many Government of Saskatchewan properties receiving these environmental certifications,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This reflects the progress we are making under the province’s Prairie Resilience Climate Strategy, and our growth plan goals for 2030.”  

This year, 11 GOS buildings received BOMA BEST certifications. This includes eight gold and three silver:  

  • Wiciwakan Place in Meadow Lake (Gold)
  • Regina Provincial Courthouse (Gold)
  • Paul Dojack Youth Centre (Gold)
  • Lloyd Place in Regina (Gold)
  • Government House in Regina (Gold)
  • McNevin Building in Nipawin (Gold)
  • Eiling Kramer Building in North Battleford (Gold)
  • Saskatoon Equipment Repair Depot (Gold)
  • Melfort Court of Kings Bench (Silver)
  • E.I. Wood Building in Swift Current (Silver)
  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic E.A. Davies Building in Saskatoon (Silver)  

As part of the BOMA BEST Certification process, eligible buildings also underwent ENERGY STAR assessments. Four government buildings received ENERGY STAR certification based on their scores:  

  • Eiling Kramer Building (score 84) – more efficient than 84 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.
  • El Wood Building (score 81) – more efficient than 81 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.
  • Lloyd Place (score 87) – more efficient than 87 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.
  • Wiciwakan Place (score 91) – more efficient than 91 per cent of similar buildings nationwide.  

In addition to these certifications, three government buildings earned BOMA Earth Awards for 2024, presented to buildings that obtained the highest overall BOMA BEST score in each asset class. Recipients of these include the Government House, which was the highest-ranked Universal Building, Lloyd Place for the highest-ranked Office Building and the Saskatoon Equipment Repair Depot, for the highest-ranking light industrial score.   

GOS received recognition not only for buildings, but employees as well. The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement Environmental Manager, Elena Diebel, was awarded the Lloyd Rogers Member of the Year Award and has been nominated nationally for Member of the Year. This award honours a member who has demonstrated leadership, initiative and service to the commercial real estate community.  

These certifications are a step towards the Government of Saskatchewan’s Prairie Resilience: A Made-in-Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy. The work undertaken to receive these awards and certificates answers the strategy’s call for reduced energy consumption in government-owned buildings.   

The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to improving sustainability and taking action on climate change.

Blurred audience listening to a speaker at a professional conference event in a large auditorium.
by SHCA SHCA

Construction Professionals to Gather in Toronto for Inaugural Best Practices in Construction Symposium

Blurred audience listening to a speaker at a professional conference event in a large auditorium.

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is hosting a high-demand event for professionals from across the construction industry to showcase the tools, strategies and real-world insights they can put to work right away when delivering their next project.  

“This is a pivotal time for our industry and the opportunities ahead are endless,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “We are delivering this hands-on, skills-based event for the people that are building Canada. This is an opportunity to connect with experts so that we can all build better, faster. With a strong line-up of experts, this event is sure to be a valuable experience for all attendees and raise the standard of excellence even higher for our entire industry.”  

From engaging speakers to insightful panel discussions and networking sessions, the program is crafted to help construction professionals solve everyday job site challenges and deliver better project outcomes. Topics will include:  

  • Greener building practices – and how to implement them  
  • Data-driven decision-making from site to office  
  • Project management strategies that deliver results  
  • Equitable procurement and smarter contracting  
  • Collaboration models that break down silos  
  • Post-pandemic innovations that are here to stay  

In addition to the value that the program content will provide, all participants will also qualify for accreditation from various professional organizations, including two credits that are valid for construction management professionals applying for Gold Seal Certification or Professional Gold Seal Certification.  

“As our country looks to strengthen its economy and build major infrastructure, our industry needs to meet the moment,” said Gilbert. “The Best Practices in Construction Symposium is just one way of ensuring that we’re all operating at our best and rise to the occasion.”  

For more details on the symposium, visit CCA’s website at cca-acc.com/events/best-practices-symposium/.

Prairie Road and School House Saskatchewan Canada
by SHCA SHCA

Ministry of Highways Partners with the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert

Prairie Road and School House Saskatchewan Canada

On Aug. 6, the Ministry of Highways provided an update on a partnership with the Rural Municipality (RM) of Prince Albert to cost share paving of the service road south of Prince Albert between Elevator Road and the junction of Highways 2 and 11. The service road will act as a truck route, reducing traffic crossing the median at the intersection of Highway 2 and Elevator Road.

“The Ministry of Highways is continuing to work closely with municipal governments to improve roadways through partnership agreements aimed at providing benefits to local traffic and the economy as a whole,” Highways Minister David Marit said. “Paving this service road will support both the local and provincial economies by fostering growth and improving safety.” 

The agreement between the RM and the ministry was signed in the spring. Surfacing work is estimated at $924,000, with the ministry contributing up to 50 per cent of the cost. The Ministry of Highways will perform all maintenance, except for winter maintenance.

“Investing in our road infrastructure is essential for the growth and quality of life in our community,” RM of Prince Albert Reeve Tyrel Tait said. “This project is one of a number of road upgrades the RM is undergoing that will not only improve heavy hauling, but also support local businesses by facilitating better transport routes.”

Bright Orange Construction sign by the of a road
by SHCA SHCA

Weekly Orange Zone Construction Update Launch

Bright Orange Construction sign by the of a road

On Aug. 8, Highways Minister David Marit announced the launch of the new Weekly Orange Zone Construction Update. The Weekly Orange Zone Construction Update will be released every Friday at 10 a.m. This will give motorists access to the most recent changes, as well as information on how to find all Saskatchewan’s ongoing highway construction. Equipped with the most recent information, it will allow motorists to plan the quickest and safest routes to their destinations. 

“As I am reaching the halfway point of my province-wide summer road tour, I have been consistently hearing from communities I have visited that they want greater access to construction updates,” Marit said. “With the launch of the Weekly Orange Zone Construction Update, we will be able to highlight all new projects that are starting and show motorists where they can view all the ongoing highway construction in Saskatchewan.”

“Safety is our top priority – not just for the workers on the job, but for every driver passing through a construction zone,” SHCA president Shantel Lipp said. “We urge the public to slow down, stay alert and respect the signage and people working to maintain and build the roads we all rely on. Every cone, every sign and every reduced speed limit exists for one reason: to make sure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.”

Additional details about key highway projects to help plan safe and efficient travel are available at saskatchewan.ca/orange-zone.

A close-up view of a freshly paved road, showcasing the intricate texture and layers of asphalt, hinting at the ongoing urban development and infrastructure improvements in the area.
by SHCA SHCA

Summary of Updates to 200 – Test Procedures

A close-up view of a freshly paved road, showcasing the intricate texture and layers of asphalt, hinting at the ongoing urban development and infrastructure improvements in the area.

Please be advised that the following is a summary of updates posted to the Saskatchewan Publications website.

Item: STP 204-5-1 Handling, Storage and Transportation of Asphalt Concrete Core Samples 
Location: publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/126776 

Description of change: The new STP 204-5-1 Handling, Storage and Transportation of Asphalt Concrete Core Samples is intended to streamline the processes and methods use in handling, storage and transportation of core samples, as well as complement STP 204-5 Asphalt Concrete Samples Obtained by Coring. 

Contact: aziz.salifu@gov.sk.ca 

Item: Asphalt Concrete Core Samples Chain of Custody Form 
Location: publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/products/126777 

Description of change: The new Asphalt Concrete Core Samples Chain of Custody Form is intended to improve record keeping for core samples at the time the core is obtained from the road until it reaches the testing laboratory. 

Contact: aziz.salifu@gov.sk.ca

Cover photo of CCA's Building resilience: A guide to climate governance for Canada's construction sector publication
by SHCA SHCA

New Guide Helps Construction Leaders Build Climate-Ready Companies

As climate change intensifies across Canada, a new report released by the Canada Climate Law Initiative (CCLI) and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is calling on the construction sector to embed climate resilience into their core governance. Building resilience: A guide to climate governance for Canada’s construction sector provides a practical roadmap to help industry leaders address growing climate risks across the entire construction value chain.

Cover photo of CCA's Building resilience: A guide to climate governance for Canada's construction sector publication

With nearly 30 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to construction, companies within Canada’s construction industry can play a significant role in addressing climate change and creating more sustainable and resilient communities.

“The construction and buildings sector holds enormous potential to drive positive change,” said Rodrigue Gilbert, CCA president. “Through effective governance, leadership and collaboration across the value chain, the sector can play a pivotal role in creating more sustainable, climate-resilient communities. From project financing and design through to construction, maintenance and renovations, each actor plays a critical role.”

While construction has always faced environmental challenges, climate change introduces more severe risks – like heatwaves, wildfires and flooding – that disrupt projects and endanger communities. The guide calls for long-term, governance-driven strategies to build resilience.

Key messages from the report include:

  • Directors and senior leadership are central to climate action. They hold significant power to ensure that climate risks and opportunities are properly considered in business decisions.
  • Climate action is a competitive advantage. By adopting long-term strategies around mitigation and adaptation, companies can lead in a changing marketplace, enhance business resilience and meet evolving client expectations.
  • A systems-level coordinated approach is essential. Projects involve many players at different stages in the life cycle – from project inception and financing to maintenance and renovations. Building climate resilience requires cross-sector coordination, continuity and shared accountability.

“Climate governance is a strategic imperative for Canadian construction companies to build sustainable and resilient businesses and communities for the future,” said Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, author of the guide and CCLI affiliated research scholar.

“Climate governance is not merely a corporate initiative – directors must be aware of their evolving fiduciary duties,” said Amee Sandhu, a volunteer climate change governance expert at CCLI as well as senior legal counsel at Alstom. “As citizens, regulators and stakeholders demand accountability, this guide provides practical insights to construction firms’ management and directors as they navigate this newly emerging area of law, ethics and business.”

Building resilience offers clear, actionable guidance tailored for construction companies of all sizes. It includes legal context, risk assessment frameworks and tools to help boards and management teams embed climate governance into their core operations. “Directors have a clear role to play in shaping the future of the industry,” said Gilbert. “This guide makes it easier for them to lead with confidence, fulfill their responsibilities and align with the transition to a low-carbon, climate-ready economy.”

Get your copy of the guide at cca-acc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Climate-governance-report-en-Jun-25-2025.pdf.

Silhouetted business engineers examining blueprints at construction sites during sunset
by SHCA SHCA

More People Working in Saskatchewan Than Ever With 26,300 Full Time Jobs Added in June

Silhouetted business engineers examining blueprints at construction sites during sunset

The latest labour force numbers from Statistics Canada show that despite U.S. and Chinese tariffs, Saskatchewan continues to have the strongest labour market in Canada. Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate among provinces at 4.9 per cent, which is well below the national average of 6.9 per cent. Saskatchewan added 20,500 jobs year-over-year in June.

“Saskatchewan heads into the second half of 2025 with the strongest labour market in Canada,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “Our government is committed to maintaining this continued growth ensuring that Saskatchewan people are prepared for the jobs provided by our strong economy.”

June 2025 saw all time historical highs (aged 15 and over), with:

  • Saskatchewan Employment: 636,800
  • Saskatchewan Full-Time employment: 533,800
  • Off-Reserve Indigenous Employment: 67,900
  • Off-Reserve Indigenous Full-Time Employment: 56,500

Year-over-year, full time employment increased 26,300, an increase of 5.2 per cent. Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 6,300, or 10.2 per cent, for the 12th consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Indigenous youth employment was up 2,200, or 21.8 per cent, for the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year increases. Women employment is up 13,200 which is an increase of 4.6 per cent, and employment for men is up 7,300 an increase of 2.2 per cent.

Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities saw impressive year-over-year growth. Compared to June 2024, Saskatoon’s employment was up 7,600, an increase of 3.8 per cent, and Regina’s employment was up 6,400, an increase of 4.4 per cent. Regina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9 per cent, the fifth lowest among 41 major cities in Canada, and Saskatoon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6 per cent, ranked fourth lowest among major cities.

Major year-over-year gains were reported for healthcare and social assistance, up 11,800, which is an increase of 12.7 per cent. Construction is up 6,500, an increase of 14.5 per cent and public administration is up 5,000, an increase of 13.6 per cent.

The province continues to see economic growth in other areas. Year-over-year, Saskatchewan ranked first among the provinces for growth in the value of building permits an increase of 31.5 per cent and second among the provinces for growth in urban housing starts, a significant increase of 211.0 per cent.

This economic growth is backed by the Government of Saskatchewan’s recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, a roadmap to build the workforce needed to support Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy, and Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy, a plan to increase investment in the province and to further advancing Saskatchewan’s growth plan goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually.

A view of traffic on the Gardiner Express at rush hour
by SHCA SHCA

Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Delivers $1.54M in Grants to Saskatchewan Communities

A view of traffic on the Gardiner Express at rush hour

Flashing pedestrian crossing signs in Estevan, a crosswalk in Lampman and streetlights on the Red Earth Cree Nation are among the road safety enhancements that will be delivered using funding provided in the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund’s latest round of grants.

Sixty-two projects in 61 Saskatchewan communities will receive grants, totalling nearly $1.54 million. Grants in this round range from $853 to $100,000. “The Government of Saskatchewan and SGI are committed to delivering safer roads for everyone in Saskatchewan,” Minister Responsible for SGI Jeremy Harrison said. “This $1.5 million in provincial grants will enable 61 municipalities and First Nations throughout our province to deliver enhancements to traffic safety in their communities.”

The full list of approved projects and grant amounts can be found on SGI’s website.

Provincial Traffic Safety Fund grants are awarded to communities twice a year, using proceeds from photo speed enforcement. A total of $14.55 million has been awarded to 918 projects in Saskatchewan since the program was established in 2019. Eligible projects must focus on one or more of these traffic safety priorities: speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, occupant protection, intersection safety, aggressive driving, vulnerable road users or medically-at-risk drivers.

Applications are reviewed by a committee made up of representatives from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, the Prince Albert Grand Council, the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Highways and SGI.

Applications are now being accepted for the next round of funding. The deadline for applications is Sept. 30, 2025. For more information and for the full list of approved projects, visit SGI’s website: https://sgi.sk.ca/community-grants-programs.