Stock picture of an Overpass
by John Mark Aquino John Mark Aquino

 $25 Million Highway 6 and Ring Road Overpass Project Reaches Midway Point

Construction has paused for the winter on the $25 million Highway 6 and Ring Road overpass project in Regina. When complete, the improvements will better support and build Saskatchewan’s export-based economy.

“This infrastructure project will allow the transportation system to better and more safely handle truck and other traffic on a key economic corridor,” Highways Minister Lori Carr said. “This project builds a stronger Saskatchewan and will help protect the ability to ship goods more efficiently.”

The project involves construction of a pair of new overpasses and associated works at the location of the existing two structures at Highway 6 and Ring Road, which is also sometimes referred to as the south end of Albert Street in Regina.

The new overpasses will each have a clearance height of 5.3 metres and will accommodate larger vehicles. The overpasses being replaced had 4.7 metres of clearance and are nearing the end of their service life, as they were originally completed in 1966. The new overpasses will each continue to have two lanes of traffic.

Construction on the project began in spring of 2023 and saw the new northbound overpass open to traffic in late October. Two-way traffic can now flow normally using both overpasses. 

The new southbound overpass and the remainder of the projects are expected to be completed in 2024, with construction resuming next spring. 

by SHCA SHCA

Mary Van Buren Announces Her Spring Departure from the Canadian Construction Association

After six successful years as the president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Mary Van Buren has announced that she will be leaving the association in the spring of 2024.

Mary Van Buren

As the first female president in the association’s long history, she has guided CCA into a new era that is digital first and inclusive. Her focus on modernization was critical in CCA’s ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating on behalf of the industry and continuing to deliver member value in the face of a global crisis.

Under her leadership, CCA has developed an expanded focus on innovation and best practices, and is currently piloting a digital contract service which will roll out in early 2024.

One of the most significant achievements of her tenure has been the review of CCA’s governance model, and the restructuring that allowed the association to be more nimble in addressing member issues. Working closely with the board of directors as well as the governance and nominating committee, Van Buren’s commitment to governance effectiveness has seen the consistent evolution of the model and led to CCA receiving aGovernance Award from the Governance Professionals of Canada in 2023. 

While her impact on the association is evident, her unwavering commitment to engagement stands as the bedrock of her success at CCA. Through her steadfast dedication to collaboration, she has strengthened the relationship with CCA’s 62 partner associations and developed new strategic partnerships that have not only delivered more value to CCA’s 18,000 member firms but also elevated the profile for the national construction industry.

“The construction industry is essential to Canada’s economic success and quality of life, yet it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves,” said Van Buren. “I am so proud to have brought more attention to an industry that has such a profound impact on our country and affects positive change in our communities every day.

“To see the growth in member engagement in advocacy and the resulting effects that a strong, unified voice for the industry has, is especially rewarding. I am so fortunate to have an excellent team who are committed to advancing the industry’s interests across the services we provide.”

Brendan Nobes, chair of CCA, said, “The board of directors sincerely thanks Mary for her stewardship of the association over the last few years. Through her commitment to advancing member issues, she has raised the industry’s profile, and her legacy of leadership will be long lasting. While we are sad to see her move on, we understand she is interested in taking on new challenges and wish her all the best in this next stage of her career.”

A search process is underway with a goal of a smooth transition and continuing the positive momentum gained under Van Buren’s leadership.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

SHCA Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show Takes Place Next Week

Shantel Lipp

I am counting down the days until the first ever SHCA Infrastructure Summit & Trade Show takes place in Regina next week, and I can’t wait for you to see all that it will bring to the forefront.

First, you will see the importance and impact of the heavy construction industry within and beyond Saskatchewan reinforced. I look forward to seeing contractors, suppliers, engineers, government officials and other professionals coming together to focus on infrastructure and transportation for two full days on Nov. 29 and 30, 2023, at the Delta Hotel & Convention Centre.

You have heard me say that funding to develop and maintain that infrastructure can deliver a return when there is a strategy for investment. This event is another opportunity to deliver that message. The role of infrastructure in trade relationships and the need for long-term investment in infrastructure  to grow trade that will benefit our economy are why this event will be valuable to more than members.

I hope all who are there  will take in the panel discussion, which is in the agenda for Nov. 29. You will hear the panel discuss how trade and transportation infrastructure intersect in Canada’s economic growth strategy. The panelists will include: 

  • John Law, senior fellow with Canada West Foundation and co-author of From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth  
  • Gary Mar, president of Canada West Foundation 
  • Mary VanBuren, president of the Canadian Construction Association
  • Kyle Toffan, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Highways  
  • Jodi Banks, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Export  
  • Chris Lorenc, president of the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA)  

Mar and VanBuren are involved in a coalition of national organizations that also includes the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. They are concerned about the current level of investment as well as the lack of coordination and planning on a long-term strategy and the state of the federal trade corridors fund.They have endorsed the WCR&HCA report by the Canada West Foundation, From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worth: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth.

This coalition is approaching the three orders of government to advocate for a nation-building strategy to invest in Canada’s trade corridors to harness trade-based economic growth. This summit is important for government because for decades the private sector has been asking for a long-term permanent plan to grow business investment.

I am excited about the opportunities you will have to deepen your knowledge  about infrastructure, equipment, labour needs, projects, investment and much more.

As projects become more complex and technology evolves, there is always a need to prepare for the future. At the summit, you will gain information through industry education sessions that can help you become an even better builder. Technological advancements within the industry will be highlighted through technical sessions across a broad sector of industry applications.

Valuable information on many different topics will be shared by Brandt Industries, Gerry Huber, Wirtgen Group, Water Security Agency, Asphalt Institute, SMS Equipment, SaskPower, Cenovus Energy and the Women of Asphalt. They will cover cold in-place recycling, how to use intelligent compaction, asphalt volumetrics, balanced mix design, AI advancements in roadbuilding equipment, new technology in tack coats, flood mitigation, the future of carbon capture and mining, and the inclusion and retention of women in the industry.

There will be opportunities to learn more about the production and processing of materials as well as troubleshooting asphalt plants and greener ways of paving. You can expect to see virtual reality being used to attract young people to our sector as well as to conduct safety training.

It is a time to develop personally as well as professionally. Speakers at the summit include Mark Nesbitt, who will discuss creating the next generation of construction leaders. There will be a presentation by Pamela Barnum, who will describe how to unlock the code of non-verbal communication. Also speaking is Bob Vaughn, who will cover projects becoming more complex and how to create a culture of success. There will be so many people you will want to meet and interact with – whether it is at the innovative trade show  or the industry awards and banquet that will wrap up the event.

It will be a busy two days full of people embracing our industry and sharing what it means to this province we call home. I look forward to seeing you there to take part in all that activity to show you value a strong future for all who make up and support the heavy construction industry.