SHCA 2023 Infrastructure Summit
by SHCA SHCA

SHCA 2023 Infrastructure Summit

See the importance of the heavy construction industry within and beyond Saskatchewan

By Martin Charlton Communications

SHCA is excited to spearhead the first-ever industry summit for Saskatchewan, which will bring together contractors, suppliers, engineers, government officials and other professionals to focus on infrastructure and transportation.

The summit will be made up of industry education sessions, an innovative trade show and networking opportunities spread over the course of two days on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30, 2023, at the Delta Hotel & Convention Centre in Regina. Speakers will deliver insights and knowledge on a variety of topics. The event will wrap up with industry awards and a banquet.

It is an opportunity to broadly see the importance and impact of the heavy construction industry within and beyond Saskatchewan, while deepening knowledge and insight about infrastructure, equipment, labour needs, projects, investment and much more.

“The Infrastructure Summit is important to members of SHCA because it will provide education sessions that will make us better builders,” said Shantel Lipp, SHCA president.

“Projects are becoming more complex, technology is changing and communication – or more importantly how we communicate – has become more important than ever before.”

Technological advancements within the industry will be highlighted through technical sessions across a broad sector of industry applications. 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. Attendees can expect to see virtual reality being used to attract young people to the heavy construction sector as well as to conduct safety training.

The Brandt Group of Companies, Gerry Huber, Wirtgen Group, Water Security Agency, Asphalt Institute, SMS Equipment, SaskPower, Cenovus Energy and Women of Asphalt will all be sharing valuable information on many different topics. They will cover cold in place recycling, intelligent compaction, asphalt volumetrics, balanced mix design, artificial intelligence advancements in road building 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.

The summit will also offer personal as well as professional development opportunities. Speakers include Pamela Barnum, who will describe how to unlock the code of non-verbal communication. There will be a presentation by Mark Nesbitt, who will discuss creating the next generation of construction leaders. Also speaking is Bob Vaughan, who will cover projects becoming more complex and how to create a culture of success.

A panel discussion on harnessing trade to grow Canada’s economy will bring together Gary Mar, president of Canada West Foundation (CWF), Mary Van Buren, president of the Canadian Construction Association, and Chris Lorenc, president of the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA).

They have all been involved in a coalition of national organizations that also includes the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

This coalition came together through the development of a report by the CWF titled, “From Shovel Ready to Shovel Worthy: The Path to a National Trade Infrastructure Plan for the Next Generation of Economic Growth.” The WCR&HCA helped initiate the report, but it has been endorsed by numerous associations and organizations concerned with the current level of investment, the lack of co-ordination and planning on a long-term strategy, and the state of the federal trade corridors fund. This coalition is approaching the three orders of government to advocate for a national building strategy that would invest in Canada’s trade corridors, enabling and harnessing trade-based economic growth.

Topics such as the role of infrastructure in trade relationships and the need for long-term investment in infrastructure to seize opportunities and grow trade to benefit the economy are why this event will be of value to more than SHCA members. It is another opportunity to deliver the message to all who are invited that funding to develop and maintain infrastructure can deliver a return when there is a strategy for investment.

“This summit is important for the government because for decades the private sector has been asking for a long-term, permanent plan,” said Lipp. “Business investment grows when our industry is allowed to build, and the prairie provinces are Canada’s export leaders.”

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in April by Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta is aimed at strengthening the economic corridors between the three provinces, but that too is a chance to do more.

“The importance of the prairie provinces signing an MOU to open up trade corridors is an opportunity for growth because we know that supply chains don’t stop at the provincial borders,” said Lipp. “While this memorandum is a step in the right direction, SHCA continues to encourage the government of Saskatchewan to look at long-term funding commitments similar to Manitoba and Alberta.

“Long-term commitments will help the industry plan for future growth, which will contribute to meeting the goals set out in the memorandum,” said Lipp.

Those goals include improving the efficiency of inter-provincial highway and rail networks, encouraging the federal government for infrastructure funding and national supply chain solutions, keeping these provinces’ economies competitive, growing capital investment and harmonizing regulations to support businesses, industries and shippers.

It is an opportunity to broadly see the importance and impact of the heavy construction industry within and beyond Saskatchewan while deepening knowledge and insight about infrastructure, equipment, labour needs, projects, investment and much more.

An agenda for the summit and more details will be released as the date of the event gets closer. As with all SHCA events, please visit saskheavy.ca and check under the Events section of the website to find details about this event, including how to register.

SHCA 2023 Infrastructure Summit Speakers

Like many of the events hosted by SHCA, the first-ever industry summit for Saskatchewan will offer opportunities to learn and grow by featuring speakers who deliver valuable perspectives.

Events are held by SHCA to help develop and strengthen the voice of the association. Gathering to share experiences, ideas and suggestions helps members recognize and realize improvements and opportunities. It is also how members can find and form the connections that make their businesses and this industry better.

On an individual level, these events are also an opportunity for members to access personal as well as professional development opportunities that will benefit them in their own businesses and careers. This summit will feature numerous speakers who offer knowledge and insights they have developed through decades of professional experience and relationship building. They are sharing these insights to strengthen attendees’ abilities to navigate relationships and challenges to achieve greater success.

Pamela Barnum

Pamela Bernum

The first speaker is Pamela Barnum, who will describe how to unlock the code of non-verbal communication. 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 lawyer.

While in graduate school, Barnum studied corporate negotiations and applied those skills to the non-verbal communication techniques she learned over two decades while working in the criminal justice system. In her presentations, she teaches others how to detect deception and interpret non-verbals cues in their personal and professional lives. Those eager to know what she has to share can get a sneak peek by watching her TEDx Talk, “What Drug Dealers Taught Me About Trust.”

Mark Nesbitt

Another presenter will be Mark Nesbitt, who will discuss creating the next generation of construction leaders. Nesbitt is the founder of Nesbitt Training and is an active member of the aggregate community with 30 years as a veteran in the aggregate, mining, trucking and construction industry. He has fostered a passion for helping people develop a multitude of personal and professional assets as they strive to grow and improve upon themselves. He dedicated himself to not only his own development as a leader, but also to assisting his fellow peers in the industry.

By attending leadership seminars and additional alternate training sessions, not only did Nesbitt develop a well-rounded perspective of leadership practices, but he also identified a key component frequently missed by most training and leadership programs – valuable background knowledge and subject matter directly pulled from industry experience.

Nesbitt knows the mining and construction industry is composed of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, and he is able to accommodate all of those involved given his unique collection of experiences and topical relatability.

Nesbitt knows that most industries today desperately need employees who can better their company and ensure its success into the future. Through Nesbitt Training, he is able to help companies establish better legacy knowledge practices and operational processes, as well as improve team leadership and communication skills. He wants to help everyone learn to be a valued member of a top professional team.

Bob Vaughan

Also speaking is Bob Vaughan, who will cover projects becoming more complex and how to create a culture of success. Vaughan has more than 25 years of experience in organizational effectiveness, change management and performance improvement in the private and public sectors in North America, South America, and Europe.

Vaughan will share the lessons he has learned from conducting over 100 workshops on alliance, partnering and culture for success that can be applied to project management. Today’s projects are more complex, with multiple owners, multi-discipline consultants and several sub-contracts. Everyone has good intentions to finish the projects on time and on budget, but there are many misaligned goals and miscommunications.

Those who have heard Vaughan speak appreciate his quick wit, intelligence and the street smarts that come from having both entrepreneurial and business experience. He is comfortable working in both the executive boardroom and the shop floor, and his speaking style demonstrates that.

He is with Bob Vaughan and Associates (BVA), an international consulting firm providing leadership training, business coaching, partnering sessions and strategic planning to mining, heavy equipment, construction, health care and other industries. Prior to forming BVA, Vaughan was the manager of quality improvement for Finning Canada. He was responsible for employee engagement, customer experience and process improvement. He led leadership training and partnering sessions with Finning’s employees and customers in North America, Chile, and England.

Vaughan has worked with the boards of directors for the BC Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association and the Alberta Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association, plus many member companies over the last 20 years. He has conducted partnering sessions on many of B.C.’s and Alberta’s most significant road-building projects, including Northwest Anthony Henday in Edmonton, Alta., Kicking Horse Canyon Project in Golden, B.C., and South Fraser Perimeter Road in Vancouver, B.C.

Barnum, Nesbitt and Vaughan are among many speakers at the summit who represent several different types of organizations including equipment dealers, government agencies, trade associations and more. They will be delivering information on a variety of topics, including 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.

This summit will feature numerous speakers who offer knowledge and insights they have developed through decades of professional experience and relationship building. They are sharing these insights to strengthen attendees’ abilities to navigate relationships and challenges to achieve greater success.

More details on these speakers, their sessions and how to register for the first-ever industry summit will be available on the SHCA website under the Events section. 

SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by SHCA SHCA

News from the Field

Sharing news that SHCA members need to know

Premier makes cabinet changes

Honourable Lori Carr, Minister of Highways
Honourable Lori Carr, Minister of Highways

At the end of August, Premier Scott Moe announced a number of changes to the provincial cabinet.

“The mandate of our new cabinet is to build and protect Saskatchewan – to continue building a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, and to protect all that we have built together from threats like federal intrusion and economic challenges like inflation,” said Moe.

Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod enters cabinet for the first time as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health. Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave re-enters cabinet as Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement.

Six ministers remain in cabinet but take on new responsibilities:

  • Lori Carr becomes Minister of Highways;
  • Jeremy Cockrill becomes Minister of Education;
  • Dustin Duncan becomes Minister of Crown Investments Corporation and Minister responsible for all the major Crowns, including SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskTel, SGI and SaskWater, as well as Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission;
  • Christine Tell becomes Minister of Environment;
  • Paul Merriman becomes Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and Minister responsible for the Firearms Secretariat; and
  • Everett Hindley becomes Minister of Health.
  • Nine ministers retain their current responsibilities:
  • Donna Harpauer remains Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance;
  • Jim Reiter remains Minister of Energy and Resources;
  • Gordon Wyant remains Minister of Advanced Education;
  • Jeremy Harrison remains Minister of Trade and Export Development, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, and Minister responsible for Innovation and Tourism Saskatchewan;
  • David Marit remains Minister of Agriculture and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, and also becomes Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency;
  • Don McMorris remains Minister of Government Relations, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission, and also becomes Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, and the Minister responsible for Workers’ Compensation Board;
  • Bronwyn Eyre remains Minister of Justice and Attorney General;
  • Gene Makowsky remains Minister of Social Services; and
  • Laura Ross remains Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport and Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the Lotteries and Gaming Corporation.

The overall size of cabinet remains unchanged at 18, including the premier.

Two members who recently announced they will not be seeking re-election in 2024 – Don Morgan and Dana Skoropad – are leaving cabinet. Morgan becomes Provincial Secretary.

“I want to thank those two members and particularly recognize Don Morgan, who along with Donna Harpauer has been in every cabinet since our government was first elected in 2007, making them the two longest-serving current ministers anywhere in Canada,” said Moe.

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,” Minister 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 ministry will improve more than 1,000 km of provincial highways, putting the province on track to meet the Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways over 10 years.

The Highway 15 construction project is 22 km, which runs from 15 km east of the junction with Highway 11 to about 20 km 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,” Minister 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.

Yellow Excavators are digging the soil in the construction site on the orange sky background

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.

“This milestone is significant in addressing the challenges encountered by residents, staff and other users of the RGH 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 RGH,” 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 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 RGH.”

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is pleased that the construction of the parkade at the RGH is moving forward,” interim vice-president, quality, safety and 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.”

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

$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,” said Jeremy Cockrill, former Saskatchewan Minister of Highways and Infrastructure and current Minister of Education. “With the expanding canola crushing facilities in the area, there are a lot of large trucks travelling 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.”

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.

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 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,” said Susan Ewart, president of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association. “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.

Beautiful aerial view of the highway in Italy with cars passing by.

WSA announces $500K infrastructure crossing replacement program

The Water Security Agency (WSA) is launching a new $500,000 cost-sharing pilot program that will assist rural municipalities and irrigation districts with the cost of replacing aging infrastructure. RMs and irrigation districts replacing infrastructure like bridges or culverts that cross WSA channels are eligible for 50/50 cost sharing.

“This is another great example of WSA creating partnership programs to support rural infrastructure in Saskatchewan,” the former Minister Responsible for the WSA Jeremy Cockrill, whose duties were replaced by David Marit in August, said. “As replacement costs for infrastructure continue to rise, WSA is partnering with RMs and irrigators to alleviate the financial impact of replacement, all while safeguarding provincial infrastructure and protecting our communities.”

To be eligible, bridges or culvert-style crossings must cross WSA canals or other conveyance while maintaining current flow rates.

“Thanks to a grant from the WSA Infrastructure Crossing Replacement Program, an RM can not only complete a bridge or culvert project, but the money saved can be used for other critical infrastructure,” said Ray Orb, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.

There is no deadline to apply to the program, and grants will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Costs incurred through March 31, 2024, will be considered.

$26 million paving project underway in southeast Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan is ramping up repaving work this year with 230 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 construction crews are working all over the province making improvements to our transportation network which will improve safety and enhance key transportation corridors.”

– Jeremy Cockrill 

“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,” former Minister of Highways and Infrastructure 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.”

Construction process making of mixer truck freshly

The 38-km repaving project between Fillmore and Stoughton will also include four intersection improvements on Highway 33. Construction began in July and is expected to complete in October.

“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.

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. 

President's Message - Q4, 2023
by SHCA SHCA

First-Ever Industry Summit and Trade Show

Bringing together contractors, suppliers, engineers and other professionals

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

Saskatchewan is embracing its role of providing the world with the food, fertilizer and fuel it needs. The provincial government’s Growth Plan has numerous economic goals, and our industry has a role in ensuring a number of them are achieved.

We know that roads and highways connect our landlocked province to the world. The construction our industry undertakes helps other industries achieve their goals set by the province. For example, earthwork was necessary ahead of the development of canola crush facilities, which will increase Saskatchewan-based processing of canola grown in the province. Our industry is also working 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 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 in those 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 industry education sessions, an innovative trade show and networking opportunities spread over two days on Nov. 29–30, 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 technical sessions across a broad sector of industry applications. You will have 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 both attract young people to our sector and conduct safety training.

The summit will offer personal as well as 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 non-verbal cues 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, including how to register. Right now, if you are interested in participating, I would be happy to hear from you about your interest. You can email me, and I’ll respond to you.

This event is just one of many activities that have me busy lately. We are also planning to make a presentation to the official opposition about our industry and its impact. Other plans are to host breakfast meetings with Deputy Ministers and senior government officials to talk about SHCA. Finally, there will soon be a launch of a series of podcasts about the work SHCA is doing on behalf of members and the people of Saskatchewan.

Before you know it, the summit will be here. Until then, I look forward to working to develop this fantastic event to bring us all together once again! 

Investment Attraction and Addressing Labour Shortage Key Initiatives in Saskatchewan Throne Speech
by SHCA SHCA

Investment Attraction and Addressing Labour Shortage Key Initiatives in Saskatchewan Throne Speech

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) welcomed many of the directions outlined in the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2023 Speech from the Throne.

“The continued expansion of Saskatchewan’s economy, and the growth in our agricultural exports is positive news for Saskatchewan businesses and residents across the province. We are very pleased to hear about progress that has been made in achieving the government’s Growth Plan goals, including population growth, private capital investment, and agri-food exports,” said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.

Ramaswamy said she is looking forward to learning more about the new Investment Attraction Strategy. Investment attraction and economic development was ranked as the fourth highest priority for government expenditures among Chamber members. More than 54 per cent of SCC members have indicated investment tax incentives would lead their businesses to invest more capital and create more jobs in Saskatchewan.

“Labour shortage is a key issue facing businesses across the province. Eighty-two per cent  of SCC members have indicated moderate to significant impact on their business due to labour shortage. Saskatchewan businesses will be interested in acquiring more details about the recruitment initiatives the province will be implementing as part of Saskatchewan Jobs Plan,” she said.

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Government Need to Partner with Canada's Construction Industry to Strengthen Foundation for Economic Growth
by SHCA SHCA

Government Needs to Partner with Canada’s Construction Industry to Strengthen Foundation for Economic Growth 

With many Canadians distressed about the housing crisis, high cost of living and economic uncertainty impacting their daily lives, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is launching an industry call-to-action urging the federal government to partner with the construction industry on building a strong foundation for a stronger Canada.

Estimates by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation reveal that Canada needs to build 3.5 million additional homes above and beyond what is currently projected to be built by 2030. With the current construction workforce shortage, the industry does not have the workers required to meet the projected building needs. Add to that inflation, rising interest rates and affordability, and Canada’s deteriorating foundational infrastructure and it becomes clear that Canada is in dire need of a holistic and long-term strategy to get on track. 

Through its online advocacy platform, the Construction Action Network, CCA is urging its 18,000 members and the public to send a letter to their local MPs reminding them of the importance of partnering with the industry to make the following strategic changes:

  • Commit to a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure investment strategy that includes a 25-year plan for housing and trade-enabling infrastructure. 
  • Address the workforce shortage by modernizing the existing immigration policy and points system to better reflect the workforce needs of the Canadian economy.
  • Modernize procurement to ensure practices better balance risk-sharing between public contracts and the private sector, reduce red tape, and accelerate approvals for critical projects.

While the federal government has launched various programs, such as the Express Entry program to target immigrants with high-demand skills as well as several initiatives under the National Housing Strategy to fast track the building of new homes, these measures are short-term solutions to problems that require consultation, partnership and long-term planning.

In addition to the campaign, CCA will be hosting its annual Hill Day event on Nov. 7, 2023, where industry representatives will meet with parliamentarians to discuss the construction sector’s essential role in creating and maintaining the infrastructure Canadians use daily. This includes the foundational infrastructure at the heart of new homes and communities.

With construction as its partner, the federal government can build a stronger Canada through comprehensive infrastructure investment, workforce development and procurement modernization.

paisan579/123rf
Saskatchewan on Track to Exceed Target of Rebuilding 100 Bridges Over Four Years
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan on Track to Exceed Target of Rebuilding 100 Bridges Over Four Years

Eleven rural communities will receive nearly $4.9 million in provincial grants from the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program to rebuild 14 bridges and large culverts. 

When combined with municipal dollars, the total estimated value of the projects is more than $12.3 million.

“We prioritized investments in rural bridges and roads to keep our economy going during the pandemic,” Highways Minister Lori Carr said. “Four years ago, Saskatchewan pledged to rebuild 100 bridges over four years. With the announcement of this latest round of projects, we will have rebuilt or replaced 105 rural bridges.

“Thanks to $1 million in grants from RIRG, our rural municipality will replace two bridges,” RM of Lacadena Reeve Brad Sander said. “Investments in transportation infrastructure support our farmers and keep our rural economy growing.”

RIRG assists rural municipalities to build and upgrade local infrastructure. The program provides grants up to 50 per cent of each project’s total cost, to a maximum of $500,000.

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SHCA The Interchange - Default background
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Preparing for a Brighter Future: An Update on Saskatchewan’s Fall Tender Schedule

Shantel Lipp - Portrait

It’s that time of year where we begin to say goodbye to this year and look ahead at what the upcoming year will bring. As the summer construction season nears its end, I know you are eager to see what is contained in the fall tender schedule. Now that it is out, I want you to know what the board and I are doing about it. 

Off the top, we are building new relationships. As you know, there is a new minister, Lori Carr, but there are also new faces in other prominent roles in the ministry. We look forward to working with Kyle Toffan, the new deputy minister, who previously served in the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement, where he was deputy minister. There is also a new chief of staff, Josh Hack. 

As we approach an election year in this province, we are eager to promote  how Saskatchewan as a whole can benefit from increased investment in trade infrastructure. First, we need the ministry to understand that changes are necessary to prepare for that brighter future. 

The board and I recently met with Carr and Toffan to lay out those changes. We have been consistently pointing them out to others who have been in her position, but this is an opportunity for someone new to see them from a fresh perspective. 

Making these changes would send a strong message not just to the heavy construction industry and the industries who supply ours, but the world. Canada – and Saskatchewan in particular – has a strong reputation for being a global source and provider of fuel, fertilizer and food. Robust infrastructure is necessary to move commodities and people through the country and out to other parts of the world. When it comes to planning how that trade infrastructure will be maintained and enhanced, our country’s reputation is weak. That impacts our competitiveness in global trade, which adds a challenge to growing our economy. 

Here at home, there are changes that could be made to signal to the world we are serious about competing.

First, Saskatchewan’s government must do better when it comes to getting work out in a timely fashion. Tenders continue to hit the market too late. The 2023 Fall Tender Schedule was only recently released. In the fall of 2022, there were several projects listed on the fall tender schedule that were released too late. Some were not released at all, leaving them to be carried over. It is not just contractors who are impacted by these delays, but also  those in design and engineering, materials, fuels, aggregates, oils and equipment supply. 

We also learned something very important about how to assess the quantity of projects in the tender schedule. Projects that are tendered with a two-year completion date have all production quantities linked to the year it was actually tendered. So, for example, a project on the 2022 fall tender schedule with a 2024 completion date shows all quantities in 2022 – this is why we see the same projects announced multiple times in the budget speech.

What this does, from our perspective, is skew the overall budget numbers and mislead our industry when it comes to the overall quantities shown on the tender schedule. We have asked the ministry to better display these types of jobs to paint a more realistic picture of what’s coming to the market.

When contractors have a longer – and more accurate – look down the road at what the level of investment is projected to be, they are able to better determine their business priorities and investments. They can be better organized and prepared, making them more efficient, productive and competitive. They can become more capable of managing costs and  preparing to serve emerging market sectors. Long-term, continuing to release projects too late in the year will have a negative impact on industry capacity. 

Second, neighbouring provinces are projecting their investment in the coming years while Saskatchewan continues to announce annual spending. In the spring of 2022, the Manitoba government announced a $2.4 billion three-year capital plan. The plan commits to investing a minimum of $500 million per year into highways. Alberta announced this year that it will spend $2.3 billion on roads and bridges as part of its 2023-26 Capital Plan. 

Saskatchewan released a low level of work in the 2023 Fall Tender Schedule. On top of that, this year there was only one asphalt plant working in the province producing product for the Ministry of Highways. 

The SHCA board made it clear that our industry has the capacity to complete three times the amount of work shown on the last few fall tender schedules. That capacity is available to the Saskatchewan government, but it will be the Manitoba and Alberta governments who will see an advantage because of their commitment to long-term, sustainable funding of major highways and trade corridors. 

This year’s construction season saw almost all the major paving contractors looking for work in our neighbouring provinces. Eventually, we will see more companies leaving the market, which will reduce the amount of competition in our province. This will have a negative impact on the cost and quality of building and maintaining our critical infrastructure. 

We encourage Minister Carr to bring a clear message to the cabinet table that there is a strong case for increasing infrastructure investment sooner rather than later, especially considering the challenges posed by inflation.

We all know construction is not immune to increased costs. It will cost less to invest in trade infrastructure now than it will later, and the return on that investment is substantial. For every dollar of investment, in the short term, there is an immediate return of one dollar and thirty cents to the province. 

We are seeing the provincial government make announcements about social spending, such as the one they made at the start of October dedicating $90 million to address homelessness and addictions. Being able to find the money to announce spending on areas such as that is possible when we have a strong economy generating income for the provincial government. 

The return we would get on investing in trade infrastructure can make more such announcements possible. 

Investing in infrastructure that supports trade helps to grow our economy by ensuring we are competitive in the world trade markets. Over the longer term, that return on the investment could be as high as four or five dollars during the asset’s lifespan. That means infrastructure built and maintained by the members of SHCA will contribute to Saskatchewan’s continued economic growth. That growth will contribute to paying for all the social investments – in health, education and more – that ensure a high quality of life for people living in this province. If we don’t sustain our investment and make changes to support the industry, it won’t be there to provide for our future needs.

Next is an election year. I, along with the board, will continue to hammer the message, “If you can’t move it – you aren’t selling it.” We look forward to the budget in the spring of 2024 that shows taxpayers the Saskatchewan Party is serious about creating “growth that works for everyone.” 

Change can be good. In our province, I am working with the board to make that case so we see positive change that benefits more than our industry. It is change that is beneficial to the daily lives of the people living and working to make this province even better than it is today.

Manager man industrial engineer building yellow business helmet work hand safety wear construction
by SHCA SHCA

Construction Company Fined $70,000 for Serious Workplace Injury

On August 23, 2023, KMS Construction Ltd. pleaded guilty in Swift Current Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

The company was fined for contravening clause 3-1(c) of the regulations (being an employer, fail to comply with the duties of an employer at a place of employment including the provision of any information, instruction, training and supervision that is necessary to protect the health and safety of workers at work, resulting in the serious injury of a worker). As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $50,000 with a surcharge of $20,000, for a total amount of $70,000.

Two other charges were withdrawn.

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 17, 2021, near Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, when a worker suffered serious injuries in the cab of a scraper buggy. 

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, inspections and prosecutions.

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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