Yellow Excavators are digging the soil in the construction site
by SHCA SHCA

Link Developments Ltd Selected to Construct Regina General Hospital Parkade Project

Link Developments Ltd has been selected as the team that will construct and maintain the new Regina General Hospital (RGH) parkade with construction set to begin this fall.

Link Developments Ltd was selected through a two-stage procurement process. A Request for Qualifications resulted in four teams moving forward to a Request for Proposals, where Link Developments Ltd was ultimately selected as the successful team.  

“This milestone is significant in addressing the challenges encountered by residents, staff and other users of the Regina General Hospital parkade facility,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Joe Hargrave stated. “Our commitment remains unwavering as we strive to deliver accessible and convenient infrastructure for the benefit of all Saskatchewan residents.” 

“Our government is very pleased to have a construction team in place for the new parkade at Regina General Hospital,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “We have heard the concerns of staff and visitors to the hospital. This parkade will provide a safe, convenient option for parking for years to come.  

The new parkade at the RGH will be built in the northwest section of the existing visitor parking lot. Link Developments’ proposed design includes a parking facility with a total of 1,005 stalls, consisting of 873 stalls in the parkade and 132 surface stalls, for a net increase of 686 parking stalls.

“Ensuring a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people remains a priority for this government and the key objectives for this project drive us closer toward this goal,” Regina Pasqua MLA Muhammad Fiaz said. “These include improving safety, accessibility and convenience for staff, patients, families, and visitors at Regina General Hospital.” 

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is pleased that the construction of the parkade at the RGH is moving forward,” Interim Vice President, Quality, Safety & Chief Information Officer, of Saskatchewan Health Authority Michelle Mula said. “With safety at the forefront of our decision making, the parkade aims to provide additional safe and accessible parking at RGH for staff, patients and visitors.” 

Regina-based Link Developments Ltd. has been operating in Saskatchewan since 2014. Link Developments’ team recently built the Eastgate Centre – Medical Professional Building with a heated parkade in Regina. They also built the University of Saskatchewan stadium parkade and the Avenue P Medical office building in Saskatoon.  

“Our dedicated team of local consultants and contractors, in partnership with Cornerstone Credit Union, is grateful for the opportunity to construct this parkade for our community,” said Carmen Lien, Link Developments team spokesperson.

“Understanding the eager anticipation surrounding the necessity of this parkade, we are thrilled to bring this long-awaited project to life, serving our neighbours and families in Regina with heartfelt pride.”

Construction is expected to begin September 2023 and expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

chabkc | 123rf

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

The Season of Change

Shantel Lipp

The leaves have turned colours, the temperature is dropping and as summer turns to autumn, we look forward to working through changes that have come up in this industry.

At the end of last month, numerous changes were made to Saskatchewan’s cabinet. That includes Lori Carr becoming the Minister of Highways, taking over from Jeremy Cockrill who moved to the Ministry of Education. I thank Minister Cockrill for his interest in learning about our industry and its successes and challenges, and I look forward to bringing Minister Carr up to speed along with her executive team.

I, along with the SHCA board, will be meeting with Carr in September and October to talk about this construction season, including what was built and what work may be carried over. I have heard that during this season there was only one asphalt plant processing material for highways work, when during a normal season we should see at least four or five mixing material. I will also be pointing out to her the fact that many Saskatchewan contractors were building outside of the province this year.

I have questions for her and her officials too, to learn what they see coming up in the months and years ahead. I want to discuss project planning and the upcoming budget. Then, there is the memorandum of understanding that was signed in April by our province and Manitoba to strengthen the economic corridors between both provinces. We would like to know more about what the next few years of work between the provinces will include.

Also, I will take the opportunity to point out that our neighbouring provinces have made multi-year commitments to highways in recent budgets. In Manitoba’s last provincial budget, the government announced a $2.4 billion, three-year capital plan. The plan commits to investing a minimum of $500 million per year into highways. In Alberta, the provincial government announced it was investing $7.3 billion over three years in its Transportation and Economic Corridors capital plan. 

I will be sharing with Carr that inconsistent and uncertain funding burdens our industry. It makes it difficult for members to prepare for the future when the amount of capital investment can swing up and down by tens of millions of dollars from one year to the next. Deciding to invest in equipment becomes difficult, as does creating jobs and retaining employees. Those neighbouring governments are making three-year commitments, but we know provinces would see more value from five-year investments.

I know you are busy evaluating what you can realistically complete this season. With the temperature taking longer to rise in the morning, the number of hours you have in a day for pavement to cure is shortening and so being efficient matters a lot right now if projects are to get done. However, I also know you are looking forward to what other projects are coming up to bid on, so it is important that we discuss the fall tender schedule. We are working with the ministry to better identify when projects will hit the market.

Then, next month, I have an opportunity to join those gathered at the 2023 provincial Area Transportation Planning Committees Convention in Saskatoon on Oct. 10-12. Those who attend tend to be government officials, rural, urban, and Indigenous leaders, and industry specialists from across the province.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Transportation for Growth & Prosperity in Saskatchewan.” I have been asked to present on how SHCA hopes to shape a growing Saskatchewan and where we see opportunities for growth. I will be sharing who we are as an association, why strategic investing in trade infrastructure can encourage Saskatchewan’s and Canada’s economic growth, and the advocacy SHCA undertakes on behalf of our members. I will also be sharing the support we have in the province from those in other industries who recognize the importance of the work you do and the infrastructure you build and maintain for their own growth and success.

Finally, I look forward to seeing you at the board meeting and a first-of-its-kind event that SHCA is developing for our industry in November.

The first-ever industry summit for Saskatchewan, which SHCA is excited to spearhead, will bring together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals to focus on infrastructure and transportation. There will be great industry education sessions, an innovative trade show and awesome networking opportunities spread over two days on Nov. 29 and 30 at the Delta Hotel & Convention Centre in Regina. More information will be published on SHCA’s website as well as in the next issue of Think BIG magazine.

Until then, I know you will be working safely and efficiently to complete everything on your to do list as the board and I work to get your challenges and successes recognized and addressed.

Construction of Project Underway
by SHCA SHCA

$26 Million Paving Project Underway in Southeast Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan is ramping up repaving work this year with 230 kilometres (km) of improvements at key corridors around the province, including a segment of Highway 33. It is part of a plan to improve another 1,000 km of highway this season.

“Our government is in year four of the Growth Plan and we made some commitments to Saskatchewan people, including a pledge to improve 10,000 km in a decade,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Our construction crews are working all over the province making improvements to our transportation network which will improve safety and enhance key transportation corridors.” 

The 38-kilometre repaving project between Fillmore and Stoughton will also include four intersection improvements on Highway 33. Construction began earlier this month and is expected to continue through most of the summer. 

“Maintaining and improving rural highway infrastructure is important for the people who work, live and visit our communities,” Fillmore Reeve Russell Leguee said. “The upgrades to Highway 33 will positively contribute to the safe and reliable movement of agricultural commodities to markets domestically and globally. Ensuring connectivity between communities and providing safe and reliable roads ensures a better quality of life for people living in rural areas.”

The general contractor is Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina.

Drivers can expect delays with multiple work zones in the area at times. Traffic will be guided by a pilot vehicle. Remember to slow to at least 60 km/hr through the work zone, be extra cautious and obey all signs.

A weekly highway construction update is published on Saskatchewan.ca to provide drivers with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel.

Transportation trucks in line passing on a highway on a bright blue day. Highway transit transportation with lorry trucks. Transportation And Trucking Industry.
by SHCA SHCA

$50 Million Passing Lanes Project Complete on Highway 16

Major safety improvements on Highway 16 have been completed. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to commemorate completion of the final set of passing lanes which have opened near Saltcoats. 

“The Yellowhead Highway is a major transportation corridor that is used to move people and goods across the province,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “With the expanding canola crushing facilities in the area, there are a lot of large trucks traveling through the area and we’re taking steps to move that traffic safely and efficiently. These passing lanes allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely.”

The multi-year passing lanes project extends from Clavet, east of Saskatoon, to the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border, east of Yorkton. This highway safety project was a key investment in Saskatchewan’s $2 billion stimulus program during the global pandemic to help drive economic recovery. In all, 26 passing lanes and multiple intersection upgrades were constructed.

“As representatives of Saskatchewan truck transport, we are pleased to see investments in the highway network that assist the movement of trucks and most importantly ones designed to improve the safety for our professional drivers,” Saskatchewan Trucking Association president Susan Ewart said. “The passing lanes and intersection enhancements will be welcome by our members.”

Passing lanes are typically a minimum of two kilometres and allow drivers to pass slower moving vehicles safely.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

First-of-Its-Kind Industry Summit Coming Soon

Shantel Lipp

Summer has so many of us spending time outdoors. As we do, we can see other people all around us, which is a big change after years of living through a pandemic, isolating ourselves from one another. 

Everywhere we look, there are simply more people living – and enjoying life – in this province. And that is not just a perception. Statistics Canada recently stated that Saskatchewan’s population increased by 33,101 over the past year, which is a growth of almost three per cent. We now have 1,221,439 people living in our province. We know the provincial government’s Growth Plan from 2020 to 2030 is aiming for our population to grow to 1.4 million people, so we are on our way.

But growing the population of our province is not the only goal of the Saskatchewan government. The Growth Plan has numerous economic goals, and our industry has a role in ensuring a number of them are achieved. 

Saskatchewan is embracing its role of providing the world with the food, fertilizer and fuel it needs. We know that roads and highways connect our landlocked province to the world. The construction our industry undertakes helps other industries achieve the goals set by the province. For example, there was the earthwork necessary ahead of the development of canola crush facilities that will increase Saskatchewan-based processing of canola grown in this province. There is also our industry’s work to improve roads in northern Saskatchewan which supports doubling the size of Saskatchewan’s forestry sector. 

In my role, I am advocating for deeper and more widespread recognition of how our industry contributes to the growth of the province’s economy. That recognition is coming from leaders in other sectors, and I am working with them to broadly deliver their important perspectives on the value of investing in trade and transportation infrastructure to the people and politicians of this province.

While those other industries, such as agriculture and forestry, grow stronger, our industry is also advancing. SHCA is pleased to play a role in that advancement. While I work with leaders those in other sectors, I never lose sight of the relationships I have with members. SHCA is dedicated to representing, advocating and supporting its members and, in that spirit, I am very much looking forward to a first-of-its-kind event SHCA is developing for our industry.

You might have seen posts on social media recently about the first-ever industry summit for Saskatchewan. SHCA is excited to spearhead this event, which will bring together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals to focus on infrastructure and transportation. There will be great industry education sessions, an innovative trade show and awesome networking opportunities spread over two days on Nov. 29 and 30, 2023, at the Delta Hotel & Convention Centre in Regina.

The complete agenda for this key event is still coming together, but I am looking forward to highlighting technological advancements within the industry through these education sessions. You will have opportunities to learn more about the production and processing of materials as well as troubleshooting asphalt plants and more sustainable ways of paving. You can expect to see virtual reality being used to attract young people to our sector and conduct safety training. 

The summit will offer personal and professional development opportunities. I’m excited to learn from Pamela Barnum, who will be one of our keynote speakers. She is a trust strategist and body language expert who developed her skills and insights during her years as an undercover police officer and federal prosecuting attorney. In her presentations, she teaches others how to detect deception and interpret nonverbals in their personal and professional lives. 

As with all our events, please visit saskheavy.ca and check under the Events section of the website, where we will add details about this event in the months to come, including how to register. Right now, if you are interested in participating, I would be happy to hear from you. One of the ways you might participate is by showcasing new technology that can benefit the heavy construction industry, but I am open to hearing about other types of contributions that can be made to this event. You can email me, and I’ll respond to you.

For now, soak in this summer and all this season has to offer because before you know it, November will be here. Until then, I look forward to developing a fantastic event to bring us together once again!

West Coast Port Strikes Puts Saskatchewan’s Landlocked Economy at Risk
by SHCA SHCA

West Coast Port Strikes Puts Saskatchewan’s Landlocked Economy at Risk

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is raising the alarm regarding the ongoing strike at the West Coast ports and highlighting the severe consequences it poses for the province of Saskatchewan. As a landlocked region, businesses in Saskatchewan already face significant disadvantages, and any disruption in trade through the West Coast ports could have immediate and long-term negative impacts on the provincial economy. In response, the Chamber has communicated its concerns to Minister O’Regan and Minister Alghabra, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to prevent further harm to the Canadian economy, competitiveness and our reputation as a stable trading nation.
 
Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, “The strike at the West Coast ports poses a significant threat to Saskatchewan’s economy. Our province heavily relies on trade through the Vancouver-Fraser Port, with billions of dollars’ worth of commodities passing through annually. The inability to access these ports will force us to resort to high-cost alternatives in the United States, causing losses for Canadian businesses and workers.”
 
Saskatchewan’s landlocked status puts it at a distinct disadvantage in international trade. The province’s economy thrives on exporting various commodities, including agricultural products, minerals and manufactured goods. The West Coast ports, particularly the Vancouver-Fraser Port, serve as vital gateways for these exports, facilitating billions of dollars in trade each year. The Vancouver-Fraser Port alone handles $17 billion worth of Saskatchewan commodities each year, and a total of $65 billion in western Canada’s trade goes through the port of Vancouver.
 
The strike has far-reaching implications beyond Saskatchewan’s borders. With more than 7,000 workers currently on strike, the West Coast ports handle an astonishing $800 million worth of goods per day. This disruption poses a significant threat to Canada’s overall economy, impacting businesses and consumers across the nation. Moreover, the strike jeopardizes Canada’s reputation as a reliable and stable trading nation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for international partnerships and investment.
 
The situation is further compounded by the lack of alternative Canadian ports with the capacity to absorb diverted products. The existing trade infrastructure is operating at maximum capacity, leaving Canadian businesses with no choice but to turn to high-cost port options in the United States. This alternative not only imposes significant financial burdens on businesses but also undermines the benefits that come from handling and shipping products domestically.
 
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce urgently urges Minister O’Regan and Minister Alghabra to take swift and decisive action to resolve the collective bargaining agreement between the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canada. Their intervention is critical in ensuring the prompt resumption of operations at the West Coast ports, safeguarding Saskatchewan’s economic stability and preserving Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.

Krisdog/123rf

Major Improvements on Highway 15 Near Kenaston Underway article
by SHCA SHCA

Major Improvements on Highway 15 Near Kenaston Underway

A $22.7 million highway construction project is underway near Kenaston. The two-year major highway improvement project will include construction of a subgrade, widening and resurfacing on Highway 15.

“The Ministry of Highways is dedicated to enhancing safety and improving key transportation corridors through continued investments,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Highway 15, a high clearance corridor, offers shippers and commercial carriers an ideal opportunity to transport over-dimension loads.”

The Highway 15 corridor allows goods to be trucked without the need to raise or temporarily cut utility lines and other structures.

The Highway 15 construction project is 22 kilometres, which runs from 15 kilometres east of the junction with Highway 11 to about 20 kilometres west of the junction with Highway 2. The project will include culvert replacements and road widening work this year, which is expected to be complete this fall. Paving work will begin during the 2024 construction season. 

“This is a major project that will take time to complete,” Cockrill said. “We appreciate the patience of drivers who slow down for safety as we work to enhance our transportation system.”

Langenburg Redi-Mix of Regina is the general contractor.

A weekly highway construction update is published on Saskatchewan.ca to provide drivers with the latest details on projects underway to help plan safe and efficient travel. If you’re planning to travel, check the Highway Hotline at saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline, which provides up-to-date information on construction, emergency road closures, the status of ferries, barges and other road activities. Information is also available by calling 511.

The Government of Saskatchewan is improving 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways this year. This keeps the province on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

Since 2008, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

kavram/123rf

Pavement Sealing is ins Full Swing Across Saskatchewan Highways
by SHCA SHCA

Pavement Sealing is in Full Swing Across Saskatchewan Highways

The Ministry of Highways announced that pavement sealing work is underway for the 2023 construction season.

“Approximately $776 million is being invested this year into Saskatchewan highways to improve safety, enhance key transportation corridors and support the various industries,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We are dedicating a significant investment of $25 million toward seal coating to strengthen and enhance the resilience of our transportation network.”

In addition, the ministry’s operations and maintenance division plans to complete about $17 million of spot, partial and full seal work this year.

One of the most effective ways to extend the life of Saskatchewan’s provincial highways is to apply a seal coat. Hot liquid asphalt is poured onto the surface before crushed gravel is spread over the asphalt and packed down. It creates a waterproof layer that seals cracks and protects the surface. 

Seal coating provides a waterproof, non-skid surface, reduces deterioration and cracking and prolongs pavement life. It is a cost-effective treatment that can extend the life of a highway by up to 10 years.

Seal coats require approximately 24 hours to fully cure, which is why speeds are reduced. The speed reductions help the seal coat cure effectively and saves windshields from damage. There are several reasons work zones require temporary speed reductions when workers are not present. This includes loose gravel, a sharp pavement drop-off or lane closure. 

Drivers are reminded to obey all road signs and slow down to avoid the risk of damage to their vehicles. Plan ahead by checking the Highway Hotline for construction zones. So, you can get to what you love. 

The ministry will improve more than 1,000 kilometres of provincial highways, putting us on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways over 10 years.

The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $12 billion in highways since 2008, improving more than 19,400 kilometres of Saskatchewan roads.

photovs/123rf

Shantel Lipp - SHCA President
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Construction Zones Bolster Province’s Economy

Shantel Lipp

This is the time of year when the public sees our members’ commitment to working with the government in action. 

There are construction zones across the province right now in support of the Saskatchewan government’s goal of building and upgrading 10,000 kilometres of highways in the province by 2030. More than 300 kilometres of highway are being seal coated to extend their life, including Highway 1 east of Moose Jaw. Other highways are being resurfaced and repaved, including Highway 55 east of Prince Albert.

Passing lanes are being completed, such as those on Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2. Bridges are being repaired or rebuilt, including the Highway 6 bridge over Regina’s Ring Road for traffic heading into southern Regina. Airports are seeing improvements, such as the runway being extended at Sandy Bay. More than 100 culverts are being replaced. 

You are hard at work during these summer months to complete projects that make it possible for families to get from home to work and school. Farmers can move their machinery to get to fields so they can later move their crops to terminals. Businesses can move their products to buyers and receive supplies to manufacture more products. Industries are growing because of this ability to move around the province and beyond it, connecting Saskatchewan and all it has to offer to the world. Traffic can flow – safely and more efficiently – because of your work. 

We want to see a more consistent flow of investment from our provincial government. As you know, I have been working with the government, so its representatives understand the needs of our industry. But my work with the government goes further than that. Our province needs the government to recognize the value of consistent investment that reflects a long-term view of the infrastructure needed by industries in this province to keep our economy strong. 

Consistent investment in Saskatchewan’s trade infrastructure is a message to the world. It says that this province is prepared to continue being a strong exporter of the goods and resources that countries around the world require. It tells people interested in living and working in this province that the government is dedicated to ensuring opportunities continue here so making the move is in their best interest, now and into the future. It says to voters that this government invests purposefully and strategically so that investment delivers a return.

Adopting longer-term investment commitments to grow the economy is about more than having a goal for how many kilometres of highway the province will address. The Ministry of Highways needs to start with looking at how it tenders projects, such as those our members are working on right now in the province. 

Consistent investment is also about looking to the east and west of our province at what those governments are doing. It means allowing for carryovers, which is something the Manitoba government does. Allowing contractors to carry over a portion of the Ministry of Highway’s budget would mean some certainty of work in the next construction season. 

Even better than that are the investment commitments of five years. That is what will allow our industry to become even more efficient and productive because our members will be able to see what opportunities are available, and the level of investment being projected so decisions can be made about priorities and plans. Businesses in our industry can decide on their own investments in equipment and labour. 

Our members contribute to this province by being able to support goals set out in a memorandum of understanding Saskatchewan signed with Manitoba and Alberta to strengthen the economic corridors between our provinces.

This MOU focuses on four areas of cooperation:

  • Improving efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks
  • Encouraging the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions
  • Keeping their economies competitive and growing capital investment
  • Harmonizing regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers

So, while the public sees work zones busy with the activity of employees and equipment, we want those drivers and passengers to also recognize what projects – undertaken by our members – mean for the future prosperity of our province. It is in their interest that this work is done. We want them to identify the role of government in those projects – as the primary customer of our industry – and hold those politicians accountable for wisely investing tax dollars in trade infrastructure.