Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Register for the SHCA Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show!

Shantel Lipp

I am very excited that our second SHCA Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show will take place in Regina early next month on Dec. 4-5, 2024, at the Delta Hotel and Convention Centre. Once again, we are bringing together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals to learn, share and explore the latest knowledge in the heavy construction industry. 

Growing from the success of last year, we will have two full days of informative sessions related to the heavy construction industry, information sharing among members and colleagues and a trade show to keep SHCA members up to date on innovations within the industry. Day 1 will include keynote speaker Michelle Ray. Ray is an entrepreneur, author and educator who is one of the most sought-after international speakers on leadership and change. 

This year’s sessions span issues facing our industry with a strong focus on innovation and new technology. Attendees will hear from industry leaders talking about the latest technology that can be applied to our industry to move it into the next generation of building our infrastructure. Topics such as applying AI to the construction industry, the evolution of construction technology, understanding the deployment of carbon capture and storage practices are a few areas that will be covered. Topics of practical application for the industry will also be front and center for attendees to learn from and join in on the conversation.  

The second SHCA Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show has an exciting line up of guest speakers representing all aspects of the industry who will bring their unique insight on the future of infrastructure work.  

We will hear from David Elwood from the University of Saskatchewan on soil mechanics and Daniel Anvari from Capilano University on the use of AI in the construction industry. Anvari is an expert on AI startups, driving innovation in AI applications for business including AI-driven innovation in civil construction, smart city infrastructure management and project planning, procurement and delivery. Another guest speaker will be Marcello Lirusso from Caterpillar Inc. Lirusso will speak on paving principles and techniques, to name a few. 

It will be an exciting and busy two days of informative sessions along with the trade show of over twenty-five exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of items related to the industry. There is still time to sign up for one of the most important annual events for our industry in Saskatchewan. For registration and more information on the SHCA Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show, go to saskheavy.ca/events. 

I look forward to seeing SHCA members there!

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Priorities for New Government

Shantel Lipp

Our Saskatchewan election is almost over. When the government convenes this fall, whoever they may be, I will be working to ensure Saskatchewan’s urgent infrastructure issues are top of mind. Here are some specific things I will be immediately communicating to all MLAs, ensuring they understand our issues as they put together their new legislative agenda:

  • Last month, the SHCA joined Insightrix Research, a Saskatchewan research company, to gauge where issues impacting the heavy construction industry register in the minds of Saskatchewan residents.
  • Healthcare, education, cost of living and the economy are the top priorities for most Saskatchewan residents. However, right behind these, infrastructure and road safety improvements are major concerns – especially because they are directly linked to economic growth.
  • Saskatchewan residents know that robust infrastructure fuels a thriving economy by ensuring safe and efficient transportation and that our residents need to safely travel across the province.
  • Most agree that the provincial highway system has gotten worse over the past 10 years and 63 per cent believe the government must increase its investment in road repairs.
  • Research also indicates that 53 per cent of Saskatchewan residents support increasing spending to improve northern roads. Other findings of the research included:
    • 79 per cent agree Saskatchewan based companies should be given preference to work on provincial and municipal infrastructure projects.
    • 72 per cent agree road construction should be 24-hour projects due to our limited construction season.
    • 89 per cent agree that unused funds for construction projects should be carried over to be used in the next construction year.

Our research also indicated that Saskatchewan residents believe municipalities should be committing more resources to local infrastructure projects:

  • SARM, representing rural municipalities, puts infrastructure at the top of its list of priorities for the next government.
  • SARM represents rural municipalities who are responsible for 164,000 kilometres of roads and 1,280 bridges, 60 per cent of which are at, or beyond, their lifespan.
  • The organization says bridge building costs increased by 36 per cent per square foot between 2010 and 2020 and increased another 25 per cent between 2020 and 2022.
  • As SARM and the SHCA know, government funding is not keeping up with the needs or inflation.

Without adequate rural infrastructure our oil and gas, agriculture, mining and other natural resource sectors will suffer bringing our economy significant consequences. The consequences of rural residents not being able to safely travel are also dire. SUMA, representing urban municipalities, says increasing infrastructure spending is critical:

  • SUMA is responsible for over 60 per cent of public infrastructure.
  • Considering inflation, there isn’t enough revenue coming in for municipalities to maintain this infrastructure.
  • SUMA wants to see government go increase and create new revenue streams for urban municipalities to maintain infrastructure.
  • SUMA would also like property assessments simplified, with more frequent assessments, so municipalities can properly fund infrastructure.

Our main messages for the new government are:

  • SHCA members continue to see escalating costs for fuel, materials and labour, while the base spending for urban and rural infrastructure remains relatively unchanged. This can’t continue.
  • Inflationary costs reflected in bid pricing that isn’t adequately addressed through realistic infrastructure funding leads to less projects tendered, which creates further financial uncertainty for the industry and impacts the health of the Saskatchewan economy.
  • Our research shows Saskatchewan people support increased government funding for infrastructure. Our municipalities say it is critical.
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

We’re Heading Into an Election – Speak Up!

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

Interesting things are happening in Saskatchewan.  

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) joined with the SHCA to raise the volume on our message regarding provincial infrastructure funding. 

SARM has called on the provincial government to increase funding for rural roads and bridges. It said that without urgent attention, there will be significant economic and social consequences for Saskatchewan. 

Background 

Saskatchewan rural municipalities (RMs) are responsible for 164,000 kilometres of roads, Canada’s largest road network and 1280 bridge structures.  

Unfortunately, given the current level of provincial funding that’s dedicated to rural infrastructure, we have not been able to keep up: 

  • 60 per cent of rural bridges are at, or beyond, their expected service lifespan and need to be replaced to avoid safety hazards or a serious disruption in our export of products.
  • Our roads connect our rural population to each other and to urban centres – maintaining this connection is critical. 
  • Our province’s economic generators (mining, agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, ag tech, etc.) need connection to urban centres and to export markets. Healthy infrastructure is essential for exporting our goods and supporting jobs in the province.  
  • Without further aid, Saskatchewan’s economy will suffer, and we will face serious economic and social consequences. 

As we all know, this isn’t limited to rural infrastructure. Urban infrastructure is also in urgent need of investment.  

Saskatchewan’s Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) has numerous resolutions from its convention calling on more provincial support, especially for its urgent construction projects.  

Government funding is seriously lagging the great infrastructure needs in Saskatchewan. 

Our industry has been asking for a long-term, serious commitment to building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure, and our municipalities are saying that the situation is reaching near-crisis levels. 

Government Funding Ignores Inflation 

SARM points out that funding for the rural road program decreased from $25M in 2009-2014 to $15M from 2015-2023. While there was a modest increase in funding in the 2024/2025 program year (to $17.4M), this funding does not consider one of our members biggest problems – inflation. 

As it relates to rural infrastructure: 

  • The cost of building a bridge per square foot increased by 36 per cent between 2010 and 2020 and another 25 per cent between 2020 and 2022. 
  • Road construction costs also increased. Many members report stark increases in their costs (fuel, materials, labour, etc.). This has resulted in our members withdrawing from bidding on some municipal projects because government funding doesn’t support the actual costs of the project. 

Inflationary costs that our members reflect in their bid pricing isn’t adequately addressed in the funding that government provides to rural and urban municipalities.  

This leads to fewer projects being tendered and creates great uncertainty for our members as they can’t plan, and adequately provide for, projects in the future. 

The larger implications are that Saskatchewan people, who are working hard to produce fuel, fertilizer and food, are deeply concerned about how we will move our goods to the world markets.  

They are also concerned about their critical connections to urban centres. 

An Election Request 

So, I am asking that during this provincial election, if you come face-to-face with a candidate who is running to become a member of legislative assembly, please take the time to ask them for their help in giving our province’s infrastructure the attention it needs. 

Remind candidates that it is not only possible, but imperative, to build and support all the infrastructure required to help Saskatchewan remain competitive on the world stage.  

Tell them if we don’t keep up, our province’s growth plan and future prosperity is at risk. 

We need to look for government leaders who have the vision to build modern infrastructure that connects supply chains, moves goods, supports job creation and ensures our economy will continue to grow.  

We also need government leaders who will preserve and enhance the quality of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan that often requires connectivity between rural and urban Saskatchewan. 

During this campaign, we are hearing all politicians, regardless of their political stripe, painting a picture of how their leadership will improve our quality of life.  

But that requires infrastructure investment – please take the time to remind them of this.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Advocating for Project Extensions Amid Heavy Rains

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

Did you almost float away? With so many days of rain this spring and early summer, I would not be surprised if you felt like it was time to build an ark when I know you would rather be building highways.  

While farmers love getting rain – especially after dry years – to boost their productivity, we know that in heavy construction, you find yourself in the opposite position. Days of rain mean you can’t be as productive as you would be during a string of sunny or overcast days. That puts you behind on your progress as your completion date on your highway project creeps closer. 

I am making sure the government understands the ripple effect of a delay caused by days of rain. While you are trying to plan carefully, find efficiency and manage your resources among the rain, I know your costs start adding up. With employees waiting around in hotel rooms for the intense rain to pass (sometimes over long weekends and holidays), and traffic lights and equipment waiting to be installed, with your teams being unable to do so, I know this is just the tip of the iceberg.  

My job is to advocate for you. With the provincial election coming this fall, we can’t afford to wait to see what the Ministry of Highways might offer in this situation. Pushing for this conversation now puts us in a better position than if we waited until after the election, when we are in November.  

I requested an in-person meeting in mid-July to discuss the requests our association has on behalf of the whole industry. In advance of that meeting, I requested that the ministry grant an extension on some project completion dates without imposing penalties on contractors to help contractors make up for lost time.  

For extreme cases, I requested an extension of up to 90 days. For all other projects, I requested 30 to 60 days. Exactly how long each project’s completion would be delayed by would be negotiated between the contractor and the ministry. This is a recommendation I have requested be put into policy to set a precedent for future extreme weather-related delays.  

I pointed out that these have been unforeseen weather challenges, and that a practical and compassionate approach to managing project timelines this season would provide you much needed flexibility to complete projects to the required standards without compromising safety or quality. Allowing for additional time would enable you to plan more effectively around future unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring your work can proceed smoothly during periods of favourable conditions. 

I asked the ministry to suspend cold weather paving restrictions in October and to waive the 14-day requirement for preliminary notice for weather related claims for 2024.  

Another request I made was for the ministry to prorate site occupancy based on an agreed percentage. This would mean that we arrive at a percentage using the number of rainy days that are more than typical weather for the season. Then, the site occupancy bid days would be increased by that percentage.  

Then there is the Contractor Performance Evaluation guide. It is time for adjustments to be made to the guide and the scoring system. I have reviewed it closely and proposed a series of changes to the wording to clarify what is being stated. I am also monitoring the impact of weather delays on the current construction season’s budget, as well as any potential impact on next year’s budget if there is a significant amount of carry-over due to the weather delays. Each opportunity I get, I raise the industry’s capacity.  

It would great if the fall tenders could be released earlier to give contractors some certainty of work. This being an election year, I know there is valuable time lost when the writ drops, which is expected to happen in September. The election is to be held on or before Oct. 28, 2024 (this is also another reason why we as an association persist in asking the ministry to release infrastructure timelines that are at least three years into the future). 

Members of the SHCA’s board joined me for that meeting. So far, what we heard is that ministry officials would like to monitor progress on projects as well as the weather. They also shared that currently, they are overbudget on projects, but that is on tendered work, not awarded, so we will see how it all sorts out in time. While we were unable to secure commitments on that day, I provided our written recommendations to the ministry for future consideration and discussion. We will meet with ministry officials again this month to discuss this further. I will keep you up to date on those developments as I have more to share.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA Backs Construction Industry

Shantel Lipp

It would be hard for any Canadian to not notice the conversation around housing construction. Cities in our province, like every other province in the country, have seen their populations grow while the growth of housing stock has not kept up with demand. The need for housing in Canada has been a major concern over the last few years, with report after report coming out about this challenge.   

Like many in Saskatchewan’s heavy construction industry, I am paying attention to this topic because this issue is about more than residential construction. The infrastructure necessary for this housing will be built by our industry because our members build more than roads. 

Major projects are underway in Saskatchewan cities to address the underground infrastructure before revitalizing the surface infrastructure. The Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) is there to support the heavy construction companies working on those projects. Municipal leaders in our province are describing the strain they are under as they are asked to make decisions around upgrading infrastructure in their communities and securing the necessary funding to complete these projects.  

As our cities grow, we are seeing councils having to make decisions about updating aging infrastructure while also looking at expanding that infrastructure to ensure all residents receive the municipal services they require at their homes and businesses. Councils also face conflicting perspectives when it comes to infill construction, with some pushing to build multi-unit developments in existing neighbourhoods where there already is infrastructure, while others resist such changes to their neighbourhoods.  

The push for infill housing is led by the federal government, which is offering cities tens of millions of dollars through its $6 billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. Of this, $1 billion is being distributed to cities for urgent infrastructure needs such as improving wastewater, stormwater and solid waste systems.  

To many Canadians, that $1 billion sounds like a lot of money, but when you look at Regina as an example, it puts that amount into context. In early July, Mayor Sandra Masters said the city’s infrastructure has been “chronically underfunded” as council considered the Water Network Expansion, a critical project already underway to build a new pump station, plus two additional storage reservoirs that are necessary to supply water to Regina’s growing east end. Masters says  Regina has “a billion-dollar infrastructure problem.” 

A recent report by the Canadian Urban Institute plainly states that a plan to build homes must also factor in the need for water, wastewater, roads, transit, power-distribution infrastructure and more. In the introduction of A Jump Start: Providing Infrastructure for More Housing, the report makes it clear why we can’t discuss one without the other. “Bluntly speaking, any new housing needs toilets and tap-water,” the report states. 

This report says that in fast-growing parts of Canada, the cost of providing a full range of infrastructure likely exceeds $100,000 per home over time. It also says that the cost of infrastructure to serve 5.8 million new homes in Canada over the next decade exceeds anything existing municipal fiscal arrangements could support. Municipal governments receive less than 10 cents of each tax dollar collected in Canada, the report says, while municipalities own and operate most of the public infrastructure. That is why all three levels of government have a history of sharing the cost of this infrastructure through capital grants or lending programs. 

The SHCA maintains excellent relations and access to all levels of government. We are in regular communication with MPs, MLAs, ministers, mayors and councillors to put forward our members’ interests. We maintain these relationships not just to bring forward concerns. We also offer solutions to elected officials and bureaucrats. Our members have very valuable insights into the projects these governments undertake, and we offer recommendations on how to be more efficient and effective in these projects.  

Being an SHCA member is the most effective way for a heavy construction company to be heard by all three levels of government. SHCA members do so without the risk of standing alone as they deliver what can sometimes be difficult messages to deliver. The message coming from industry – as opposed to a single company – can have more impact.  

There are some difficult days ahead for these governments who are being asked to deliver more to taxpayers who are not agreeable to paying more. The Canadian Urban Institute recommends four measures to help municipalities pay for this necessary infrastructure. The first is moving from pre-payment to secured payment for infrastructure over its useful life. The second is ensuring all beneficiaries contribute to infrastructure’s cost over time. The third is reducing municipalities’ infrastructure financial risks and limitations by using innovative financial models and private capital. The fourth and final recommendation is to tailor infrastructure financing models to the fiscal risks and realities of Canada’s small, rural and remote municipalities. 

Knowing what other organizations are proposing to the government that can potentially impact our industry is also important. This helps the SHCA  keep members informed, but it also allows us to find opportunities to build relationships with organizations to present a united front on issues we have in common. 

We saw this with the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA) working with the Canada West Foundation and the Canadian Construction Association to get the Shovel Worthy report in front of and seriously considered by governments. SHCA members are automatically also members of the WCR&HCA and the Canadian Construction Association, who collaborated with the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to advocate for a nation-building strategy that would invest in Canada’s trade corridors to enable and harness trade-based economic growth.  

I look forward to hearing from all SHCA members about the different types of projects you work on in various parts of our province. I want to understand the challenges and successes you are experiencing so we as an association can support your needs and interests because it is likely your company is not alone in its experience. When it comes to municipal infrastructure, I will continue to maintain my connections and keep listening to the conversation out there so I can advocate to the best of my ability on your behalf. 

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

A Safe and Prosperous Season

Shantel Lipp

This is an exciting time of year to be in our industry. Summer is nearly here, and the push is on to get out and construct all the projects you have been contracted to develop. 

Seeing crews out on worksites doing what it takes to repair or build a road, replace pipes and other infrastructure underground or prepare a site for a future building is undeniable evidence of all that our industry does to support our communities and the provincial economy. 

As I drive around – on roads our members built – I look around to see so much other infrastructure that requires heavy construction to exist: the sidewalk where pedestrians can safely walk; those lots being developed so more houses can be built in a subdivision that will welcome many more families to live in our city in a new neighbourhood that will flourish; those kids playing basketball on a court using materials donated by one of our members; families packed in a half ton that is pulling an RV headed out on the highway to a provincial park to make memories on a family vacation; that rail line being used by that train carrying cars of agricultural commodities or manufactured equipment to other parts of the country where they will be used or to reach ports to export to other countries.

I hear the planes coming into my city knowing they are going to land on the airport runway. I trust there will be a parking lot where I will park my vehicle when I arrive at my destination. We built that. The members of our association are the ones who made sure high quality, durable infrastructure is constructed so other people living in our communities can enjoy a high quality of life. 

This infrastructure makes travel easier and safer. Getting to school and work every day is possible because of the infrastructure that our members build and maintain. It prepares future stages of development so people have places to work and live.

While it is common for our industry to just get the job done and focus on ensuring it gets done well, I think there is value in stopping to consider just how impactful that infrastructure is in our daily lives and how significant it is to a functioning society. There is so much for a person to notice and take pride in once we start looking for it. While those in the industry know it, let’s remind others of it too. 

While you are working this summer on whatever project your crew is doing, remind people we built that – whether you are telling the employees at the hotel where you are staying, the restaurant where you eat or the gas station where you fill up. Not only do they get the benefit of this new infrastructure, but indirectly, they also benefit from the money your company is spending in their community as your crew moves in for the duration of the project. That indirect benefit helps to support their jobs and income. 

Telling people which projects we are working on helps others who are not in our industry see that it is real people – not simply dollars and documents – who make infrastructure happen. Reminding other people of exactly what our industry builds and maintains and how that betters the lives of our family, friends and neighbours is an important message to deliver so the value of our industry’s work is recognized and appreciated.

In turn, this helps our message land more impactfully when we meet with governments who rely on us to construct the infrastructure they decide to build. Governments pay attention to the public who vote them into office. Having the public value our contribution to our communities helps reinforce what SHCA says to politicians. 

I hope your summer is filled with solid projects that make a difference to the many people living and working in our province. Here’s to a safe and prosperous season ahead. 

Shantel Lipp - SHCA President
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Takeaways from SHCA’s Spring Meeting & AGM

Shantel Lipp - SHCA President

One of the best parts of my job as president is interacting with the many members of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA).

Heavy civil construction is filled with dedicated, hard-working and passionate individuals who take great pride in a job well done. While some outside of our industry might think heavy construction is only about paving, we know there is so much more happening when we look at the work done by our membership. That is why we use the tagline, “If the Earth moved, it was us.”

The scale of the infrastructure developed and maintained by our members is tremendous. These projects often have long timelines, complex engineering requirements and significant environmental considerations. Highways, roads and parking lots are just a few examples of public infrastructure improvements that SHCA members complete.

Other heavy civil construction projects include excavating and preparing sites for commercial and industrial sites or subdividing land into individual lots for homes. There are those who do underground utility work and some who tackle water infrastructure, such as water diversion tunnels, water and sewer lines, water drainage and irrigation ditches and bridges. 

SHCA President Shantel Lipp
SHCA Conference

We welcome contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals as members. They are designing and planning, supplying materials and equipment, and constructing structures that are cost effective while maintaining the flow of public operations and delivering results that will benefit people for decades to come. There are also those whose financial expertise and legal proficiency are necessary for contracts to be developed and proceed. Other professionals are responding to tenders, doing payroll, processing payments and conducting other administrative work necessary to keep our members’ businesses running.

The work of our members supports other major sectors of Saskatchewan’s economy, including the transportation, agriculture and energy sectors. Many recent projects that have proceeded in Saskatchewan began with the work of SHCA members.

SHCA members can be found at sites where canola crush plants are developed, where mines need access roads and haul roads, at airports where runways are being improved and much more. These are just a few examples of how our industry supports the evolving infrastructure needs and economic growth of Saskatchewan in ways that go beyond building, widening and improving highways.

What’s the big deal? All of this work and all of these people are an immensely big deal – not just to our association, but to our province and its prosperity. I am mentioning all of this because I know there are others out there doing this vitally necessary work who would benefit from being an SHCA member. 

We want to welcome more of them into the association. We are developing even more ways to provide additional resources and deliver greater value to our existing membership, which I feel confident will appeal to new members as well.

Growing our membership and reviewing our members’ return on investment were two of the priorities set by the SHCA board at its April meeting. Another priority is to work with other industries to deliver messages to the voters, candidates and parties about the importance of adequate investment in the critical infrastructure needed by our province to create more opportunities in Saskatchewan.

We will work to deliver this message as we head towards a fall provincial election. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Saskatchewan has a big job ahead of it. Getting on top of it will take someone speaking up to say we need to do better. That someone will be us – SHCA, representing members who continue to better Saskatchewan. We encourage SHCA members to like SHCA on Facebook or LinkedIn to follow this advocacy as it unfolds.

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Advocating for Infrastructure Growth in Saskatchewan

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

When you know what you have to say matters – and you are clear on how it matters to others – it makes it easier to speak up.

We are seeing yet another status quo provincial budget. In a growing province, we know that is not enough. This year, highways received less than it did in the 2023-24 budget. The capital budget is down $18 million, but we know our industry is prepared to build more than $404 million worth of work.

 This year’s budget announcement wasn’t just a matter of the provincial government not keeping up.  There was nothing new in it – no new work at all. I encourage SHCA members to read more in the article on page 24 about how this year’s budget compares to other years, back to 2018-19, and what SHCA is calling for going forward – not just for our industry, but to encourage the economic growth of our province. 

I want to thank all of you who attended the MLA reception on March 4. We appreciated the opportunity to gather at the Legislative Building to catch up with one another and to also share with MLAs what we need them to know about our industry and our relationship with the provincial government.

We know we play an important role in this province achieving goals that matter to our economy and quality of life. While I am in contact, sharing and receiving information with ministry officials and Minister Carr, it is important for them to hear from you as well so they can learn how those of you on the frontlines are impacted by their decisions. 

MLAs often listen to hear what is happening in their constituency, which is why it’s important that those working on projects across the province speak to elected officials. Those voters will decide this fall who will be getting the seat for that area. What affects us affects those projects. 

This year’s budget announcement wasn’t just a matter of the provincial government not keeping up.  There was nothing new in it – no new work at all.

I would also like to update you on a few other matters related to the federal government. We are letting the public know how our province and communities will be affected by politicians’ statements and decisions in a few different ways. 

There was the statement about the funding of road infrastructure projects in Canada made by the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault. We were among many industry groups across Saskatchewan who wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ask him to clarify the federal government’s position on funding future road construction in Canada.

We reminded him and his government that Saskatchewan’s economy heavily relies on a robust network of roads because all industries and sectors depend on that road system. We pointed out that in 2022, Saskatchewan reached $52.6 billion in exports, which was the highest figure recorded in our province’s history. 

We made it clear that if we were unable to upgrade and improve our network of roads in Saskatchewan, our economy would falter, leading to a decline in jobs. That letter was signed by leaders of the Construction Associations of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Auto Dealers Association, Saskatchewan Trucking Association, Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, North Saskatchewan Business Association, Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), the Association of Consulting Engineer Companies of Saskatchewan and the Prairies & Northern Canada representative of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. At the top of the list of signatories was our association. 

We have also been vocal about changes to the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF). The CCBF is used for infrastructure projects such as roads, transportation, wastewater and sewer, fire services, and tourism and culture. 

The federal government is looking at adding affordable housing to the mix. That would be a clear case of putting the cart before the horse. Building infrastructure, such as servicing lots for housing projects, comes before building units. 

SUMA recently voiced concerns regarding this proposed change to the fund, which would impact decisions made by municipalities. Our association shares that concern. If new rules are implemented by including affordable housing over investment in infrastructure, municipalities will not be able to build critical projects. 

The federal government will dictate what municipalities can and cannot build. The approach to addressing our infrastructure needs should be collaborative, not arbitrary. Every community has different priorities for infrastructure, and those decisions are best made through a process that includes communities.  

It is important that we keep speaking up about how decisions made by elected officials affect our industry and the people who depend on the work we do. We will continue to speak up this year to draw attention to the value our industry delivers to this province and its communities, and how SHCA members’ work is relevant to the economy and quality of life of citizens. 

by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Looking Ahead: Plans for 2024

The Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show at the end of November last year was all I hoped it would be, and I am so pleased with what we have planned for 2024.

I hoped those who attended the Summit would find it relevant, practical and impactful, and based on the reviews I have received, it seems to have hit those marks. Summit delegates shared rave reviews of the format of the Summit and attendance for the first year far surpassed my expectations.

The Summit was so successful that it will be the model for all future fall conferences, and we look forward to growing this event in future years. Planning for 2024 has already begun. All attendees, sponsors and exhibitors will be surveyed to gain additional information about successes as well as opportunities for improvement to make next year’s event even better.

I was told again and again there was something at the Summit for everyone, which is exactly what SHCA hoped would be appreciated. The goal of the Summit was to showcase the entire industry, so that’s why there were sessions that related to business, earthmoving, paving, equipment and production.

The technical sessions were very valuable, I was told, as was the opportunity to hear about projects outside of Saskatchewan like the Ten Mile Slide in B.C. Over a busy two days, the Summit featured 34 technical sessions, two keynote presentations, 28 exhibitor tradeshow booths and was capped off with the industry awards ceremony. All the breakout rooms were full, as were the morning keynote sessions.

Highlighted by many at the Summit were the opportunities for contractors, consultants and Ministry of Highways representatives to connect over our need to work collaboratively rather than meeting in confrontation. Our keynote speaker on the first morning of the Summit was Mark Nesbitt, who has worked for more than 30 years in the aggregate, mining, trucking and construction industry. He explained why building relationships matters when you are trying to develop employees working for your company as well as advance your own career and business. You can read more about what he shared during his address on page 32.

In 2024, expect to hear much from SHCA about the ways in which Saskatchewan is not keeping up. That applies to long-term planning, infrastructure funding and government policy renewal.

The setting of the Summit focused on team-building, bringing people together to get to know one another and see how we can collaborate to achieve what must be accomplished.  

That need to work together to achieve monumental accomplishments was a key message delivered during the panel discussion on the first day of the Summit. There is a need to plan long-term and invest appropriately in trade infrastructure to grow Canada’s economy. Several national groups dedicated to trade, business, construction, manufacturing and more joined together to form a coalition that is pressing politicians across the country to take this need seriously. Representatives of some of those groups in the coalition were brought together for that panel discussion to describe the relationships and work that came together to develop the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan (CTIP). CTIP urges the Council of the Federation to pursue a federally-leveraged, nation-building plan to revitalize Canada’s trade-enabling infrastructure to support sustained economic growth, and expand and diversify Canada’s global trade profile. We share more of this work in this issue of Think BIG. 

While others focus on the federal government, my attention is on the 2024 election year for provincial and municipal governments. My efforts will be dedicated to pressing them on vital matters. In 2024, expect to hear much from SHCA about the ways in which Saskatchewan is not keeping up. That applies to long-term planning, infrastructure funding and government policy renewal. 

This lack of commitment is causing us to lag. Saskatchewan creates billions of dollars in trade every year and there are targets and efforts dedicated by the province to grow our trade. A significant portion of the provincial GDP depends on trade. Our transportation infrastructure must be able to support even more movement of products and people in and out of the province. 

I look forward to sharing more details about this effort with you in the coming year, and I ask that you help us amplify this message so it reaches voters and becomes an issue on the campaign trail. I know you know it matters, but we must help others recognize and appreciate its vital importance. 

Until then, I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday filled with lots of cheer and goodwill ahead of a safe and prosperous new year.