2021

SHCA – You and I

Maintaining close contact with governments means a lot of discussion and organization. SHCA partners with those who share common interests.

Meet in Maui

Save the date! The Road Builders of the West are heading back to Maui and you’re invited! The Meet in Maui 2022 Conference will be taking place at the Wailea Beach Resort in Maui, Hawaii, Feb. 6–10, 2022.  Registration will be opening soon. Click here for more information about the Meet in Maui conference!

SHCA Annual Convention – Book Your Hotel Rooms

The SHCA Annual Convention is taking place April 7–8, 2022, at the Delta Hotels Bessborough in Saskatoon. SHCA members are encouraged to book their room at the Delta Hotels Bessborough as soon as possible; SHCA has secured a special room rate of $154 per night. Members need to book their room before March 7, 2022. […]

Winter Weights Postponed

Milder weather this fall will result in the postponement of winter weight season in Saskatchewan. Typically, winter weights begin on all relevant secondary highways Nov. 16 each year and continue through mid-March.  “In an effort to protect the province’s roads, the winter weight program has been postponed until there is adequate freezing,” said Highways Minister […]

Top of the Heap

There is a significant contrast among the banks on how Saskatchewan’s economy will perform in the coming year. A few days ago, for example, CIBC said 3.9 per cent growth was what we would see next year. Then RBC Royal Bank issued their update and they pegged our 2022 growth at 5.6 per cent. Not […]

2022 SHCA Media Kit is Now Available

The 2022 SHCA Media Kit, which outlines print and digital advertising opportunities in SHCA’s publications, is now available. Plan your 2022 advertising and contact a sales representative today to confirm your placements. Click here to download the 2022 Media Kit.

SHCA Convention Postponed

There is a saying that anything worth having is worth the wait. That’s definitely true of the SHCA Convention. You might have recently noticed receiving postcards with new spring dates for that event. The new dates for the SHCA Convention are set for April 7–8, 2022. The convention will be held at the same place […]

Brandt Completes Cervus Deal, Creates International Equipment Dealer Powerhouse

Brandt Tractor Ltd. announced its successful acquisition of Cervus Equipment Corp.

New Legislation Will Protect Contractors from Payment Delays

On March 1, 2022, The Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, 2019 will be proclaimed into force. “This government is committed to supporting the construction industry,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant. “These changes will ensure the prompt payment of contractors and subcontractors and will enable parties to resolve issues quickly and without added costs […]

Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Network Sees Huge Positive Response to Rapid Tests

This week, 18 chambers of commerce in Saskatchewan and several businesses began distributing rapid tests for individuals across the province.

Jobs, Jobs Everywhere

You don’t have to look very far in the business community to find organizations and leaders willing to share their frustrations with filling jobs. Identifying talent and hiring are probably the biggest issues businesses are facing these days. And it seems widespread, not restricted to one or two sectors. And now we have some numbers […]

2022 SHCA Media Kit is Now Available

The 2022 SHCA Media Kit, which outlines print and digital advertising opportunities in SHCA’s publications, is now available. Plan your 2022 advertising and contact a sales representative today to confirm your placements. Click here to download the 2022 Media Kit.

THINK BIG SPOTLIGHT

Click here to read the Q4 2021 issue of Think BIG.

Construction Safety Associations: Critical to Industry Safety

Safe and healthy workplaces matter to industry. Industry is most qualified to identify current hazards in their workplaces that could lead to injuries and to determine best practice to prevent injuries. Industries at higher risk of injuries, such as heavy construction, demonstrate safety is a priority by maintaining safety associations to support workplaces.  Practical and […]

2022 SHCA Media Kit is Now Available

The 2022 SHCA Media Kit, which outlines print and digital advertising opportunities in SHCA’s publications, is now available. Plan your 2022 advertising and contact a sales representative today to confirm your placements.  Click here to download the 2022 Media Kit.

THINK BIG SPOTLIGHT

Click here to read the Q4 2021 issue of Think BIG.

SUMA Convention 2022: Connect

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is excited to announce the return of its in-person convention for 2022 – with a bit of a twist.  The SUMA Board of Directors approved the Convention Planning Committee’s proposal to move convention from February to April for 2022 and beyond. Convention 2022 will be held in Regina from April 3–6.  […]

Meet in Maui 2022

Save the date! The Road Builders of the West are heading back to Maui and you’re invited! Meet in Maui 2022 Conference will be taking place at the Wailea Beach Resort in Maui, Hawaii, Feb. 6–10, 2022.  Registration will be opening soon. Click here for more information about the Meet in Maui conference!

WCB Announces 2022 Preliminary Average Premium Rate

Last week, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced the 2022 preliminary average employer premium rate at $1.23 per hundred dollars of payroll, compared to the 2021 rate of $1.17. The announcement was made Oct. 13 at the WCB’s annual preliminary rate information meeting with Saskatchewan employers, workers and stakeholders. To help mitigate this increase […]

Rowan’s Ravine Sees $10.7 Million in Road and Highways Improvements

One of Saskatchewan’s most popular provincial parks is seeing benefits from the Government of Saskatchewan’s $2 billion stimulus funding, thanks to $10.7 million in new paving and road improvements at Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park and the highways leading to it. “Highways 322 and 220 are essential gateways to those traveling to Rowan’s Ravine and the […]

THINK BIG SPOTLIGHT

Industry consultation with SHCA members helped Southeast College develop a program that will benefit all heavy construction stakeholders in the province

President’s Message

Together, we are better. Now that we can host and attend events, we have a few coming up that offer our members a great opportunity to move forward their interests. Mark your calendars with these events in November.  The first is the MLA reception that the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association is hosting on Nov. 1 […]

Thank You to the Sponsors of the SHCA Southern Golf Tournament!

On Aug. 19, SHCA hosted its first in-person event since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SHCA Southern Golf Tournament was a great success. Thank you to all participants and an especially large thank you to the event sponsors. It was wonderful to see faces once again!

Technology Improving Paving: 3D Machine Control and Beyond

Tech companies and OEMs have been investing heavily in 3D machine control technologies in the roadbuilding sector to help paving and milling operations build longer-lasting roads. But how exactly have some of these technologies been improving operations? Read the article on Rock to Road.

The SHCA Hot Seat

Where are you from? Ponoka, Alberta 2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry? I was able to get work coming out of high school with the company my father worked for. 3. What is your career history? I spent 10 years in pre-cast concrete, and 46 years in road construction. […]

Canadian Rental Association Forecasts Significant Growth in Equipment Rental Industry

The CRA suggests that the event and equipment industry in Canada will grow nearly 10 per cent this year, reaching almost $5.4 billion.

Heavy Construction Associations Have a Message for Ottawa

As Canada plans massive investments in infrastructure, key industry associations are calling for a focus on trade-enabling projects.

Educating the Public about Construction/Work Zone Safety

Respecting the safety of workers building and maintaining Saskatchewan roads means following the posted speed limits in construction zones.

Join the Next Women in Construction – TEC Group Meeting!

The inaugural meeting of the Women in Construction – TEC Group was held in May to great success. The second meeting for the group is scheduled for late-August; contact the SHCA office for details on how to participate!

Saskatchewan WCB Seeking Customer Feedback

the month of August, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will be reaching out to customers across the province to gather feedback to help improve WCB services.

Province Announces $13 Million in Funding for Skills Training Programs at Sask Polytech and Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission

Government of Saskatchewan announced approximately $13 million in new funding.

Pavement Sealing Extending Life of Saskatchewan Roads

This summer, motorists will see significant amounts of road sealing taking place across the province. Road sealing is a cost-effective method that extends the life of roads and highways by sealing cracks formed by temperature changes throughout the year.

Martin Charlton Communications Leads Government Relations Session for SHCA Board

Government is a critical stakeholder in heavy construction.

Slow Down to Keep Saskatchewan Highways Safe

With construction season in full swing, the Government of Saskatchewan is reminding motorists to keep an eye out for construction zones on provincial highways.

New SHCA Affinity Partner: Martin Charlton Communications

The SHCA has partnered with Martin Charlton Communications to help you promote your business and communicate effectively with your stakeholders through social media.

Ending the Mistreatment of Western Canadians: Conservative Equalization Rebate

Western Canadians deserve respect and a secure future – Canada’s Conservatives recently announced that they are committed to implementing the proposed changes to the Fiscal Stabilization Program and ensuring the provinces that have given more than their fair share during some of the most difficult times are compensated.

Saskatchewan Business Community Weighs in on Lifting Provincial COVID-19 Restrictions

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce released the results of its survey on the province’s July target to remove all remaining COVID-19 restrictions.

Industry-lead Safety Training Benefits Saskatchewan Workplaces

Safe and healthy workplaces matter to industry. Saskatchewan is fortunate to have seven safety associations dedicated to preventing workplace injuries in this province by developing and delivering industry-focused training.

The SHCA Hot Seat

Featuring Chris O’Grady, construction manager at Aecon Transportation West

THINK BIG SPOTLIGHT

Industry consultation with SHCA members helped Southeast College develop a program that will benefit all heavy construction stakeholders in the province.

SHCA Events Resume

As Saskatchewan has gradually eased its way toward the end of the pandemic through the steady delivery of vaccinations, I have been eagerly waiting for the time to arrive when our members can gather once again.

Saskatchewan Opens Up Access to Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid antigen tests may now be used by Saskatchewan businesses and individuals to help screen people who do not show COVID-19 symptoms.

Municipalities of Saskatchewan Transitioning to SUMA

Municipalities of Saskatchewan will be transitioning back to the name Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).

President’s Message

Meeting with a group that is open to advice and generous with their insights is an empowering experience that helps to develop one another. A group like that came together recently to create that experience for women in construction. We met as the Women in Construction – TEC Group for its inaugural meeting. This introductory […]

Think BIG Spotlight

Think BIG Q2 2021 is all about Inspiring the Next Generation of Builders. One of the features on this topic focuses on how more than 30,000 kids each year experience STEM opportunities through the University of Regina. Click here to read more.

SGI CANADA Names New Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Voroney has been appointed as the new executive vice president and chief operating officer of SGI CANADA, effective June 1, 2021.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic Launches Online Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate

The Indigenous Leadership Skills Applied Certificate will share valuable Indigenous leadership approaches towards maintaining resiliency and building leadership capacity.

The SHCA Hot Seat

1. Where are you from? Regina 2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and/or who do you credit to getting you where you are today? I got my start in the heavy construction industry working as a yard/shop labourer during the summer break before high school started. I would have […]

Saskatchewan WCB Seeking Customer Feedback

In June, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board will be reaching out to customers across the province to gather feedback to help improve WCB services.

Construction Season Starts Strong

Following a record-setting fall tender schedule, the Ministry of Highways marked May 27 as the unofficial start to the road construction season.

Brandt Announces Plan to Create 1,000+ New Jobs

The new positions will span the Regina-based company’s 100+ location international network, focusing on roles in Canada and the USA.

Springtime in Saskatchewan

Springtime in Saskatchewan is similar to the sounding of the starter’s pistol – it’s time for road builders and our members to get to work. Many contractors will be returning to job sites this month in what is anticipated to be a busy construction season in our province. While many of us experienced change over […]

Budget 2021 Affirms the Value of Infrastructure Investment in Driving Economic Recovery

The April 19 release of the Federal Budget lays some important groundwork for a strong economic recovery and delivers against four of the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) pre-budget asks, including increased support for green and trade-enabling infrastructure investment, workforce capacity building, a commitment to beginning a 25-year infrastructure plan and investment to advance innovation in […]

THINK BIG SPOTLIGHT

Think BIG Q2 2021 is all about Inspiring the Next Generation of Builders. One of the features on this topic focuses on how more than 30,000 kids each year experience STEM opportunities through the University of Regina. Click here to read more.

Western Canadian Construction Facing Perfect Storm Brewing in Building Material Costs

The perfect COVID-19 storm is brewing, driving up the price of mainstay construction materials by up to 300 per cent with no real end in sight. The pandemic is being blamed for much of the supply chain and delivery problems while demand is being driven by home-bound individuals spending vacation dollars on home construction over-heating […]

SHCA 2021 Equipment Rental Rates Guides and Membership Roster Arriving this Month

SHCA members will receive their 2021 Equipment Rental Rates Guides and Membership Roster this month. Watch for your copy/copies to arrive soon. Non-members interested in purchasing a physical copy or digital access can contact the SHCA office for pricing and more information.

The SHCA Hot Seat

1. Where are you from? Moose Jaw, Sask. 2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and who do you credit for getting you where you are today? After university, I was hired as the utilities engineer and promoted a year later to city engineer for the City of Prince Albert. […]

The WCB’s Employer Resource Centre

Representatives at the WCB’s new Employer Resource Centre are your point of contact to answer questions and connect you with the right person at the WCB.

Women in Lead Company Roles

TEC – THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Companies who have joined a TEC group over the past 5 years grew 2.2 times faster that average small and medium sized businesses. Imagine having your very own peer advisory board. The SHCA wants to create a confidential group of strong women from the construction industry to hoin us 6-8 […]

A Wonderful Life and Outstanding Career: Remembering Carlyle Murray

We are deeply saddened to share the news that our long-time colleague and friend, Carlyle Murray, P.Eng., PMP, passed away on May 8, 2021 after battling cancer, a heart attack and a stroke. News like this is difficult to process, and we are in touch with Carlyle’s family to offer our support. Carlyle’s impact within […]

A Busy Season Ahead

While COVID-19 continues to decimate our lives – both personally and professionally – there is some good news to share

Bevy of Rural Projects “a Total Anomaly”

If you’re a local road construction contractor, there’s plenty of good news headed your way.

THINK BIG SPOTLIGHT – Think BIG Quarter 1

Read the latest issue of Think BIG magazine. Think BIG magazine – Quarter 1, 2021

The SHCA Hot Seat

1. Where are you from? Saskatchewan! (Unity, Meadow Lake and Saskatoon) 2. Who do you credit to getting you where you are today? My dad 3. What is your career history? Ministry of Highways, Consulting, and Contractor 4. What’s the best peice of business or career advice you have been given? Be kind. Listen. Everyone’s […]

Canadian Construction Association Calls for Greater Investment in Sustainable Infrastructure to Build Canada’s Clean Economy

The CCA has released a research paper, Strength, resilience, sustainability: Canada’s construction sector recommendations on adapting to climate change.

Doing Business with the Ministry Rollout

The Ministry of Highways is pleased to announce the official launch of its new Doing Business with the Ministry website. The current site has reached its end of life and we are now transitioning to the new site, which is located on Publications Saskatchewan. The ministry chose to move to Publications Saskatchewan to be consistent […]

Western Road Builders Unite on Trade Corridor and Gateway Investment

Four western roadbuilder and heavy construction associations agreed to champion the federal trade infrastructure investment program

Social Media Presence

Even at the best of times, social media platforms can be a minefield. But that shouldn’t deter you from sharing your content with the online community. Social media can be challenging to navigate, yet it’s also the most efficient means of travel for your blogs, newsletters and videos. Social media is where you’ll find clients […]

Canada’s Construction Industry Rebounds Post-pandemic, with More Growth to Come

BuildForce Canada’s national report forecasts construction employment to rise by 64,900 workers over the next decade.

Budget Day Coming Up

No one is itching to return to 2020.  But if there was a positive to pull from last year, it was a record $437.4 million in fall tenders from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways. That’s the largest dollar amount allocated to highway work in Saskatchewan history. So, this message should serve as a reminder to […]

Virtually Unstoppable: CCA Annual Conference

From March 23 to 25, CCA will bring industry members together to share best practices, network, stay current on industry trends.

New SHCA Affinity Partner: Shamii

A new partner to the SHCA affinity program is Shamii, a pickup–drop off full service for your vehicles. By using Shamii, SHCA members can avoid lineups, wait times, arranging pickups, drop offs or awkward courtesy car rides with strangers. Shamii chauffeurs pick up your vehicle from wherever you are, detail your car with the package […]

Changes to the WCB’s Employer Initial Report of Injury (E1) Form

To continuously improve its customer service, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has made changes to the online E1 form. The new features of the online E1 form include: A document upload feature: Employers will be able to attach documentation with the E1 form submission. This could include pictures related to the worker’s injury, incident reports […]

The SHCA Hot Seat

Featuring Jeff Hagerty, PCL Construction Management Inc.

Melfort STARS Heliport Project

Redhead Equipment is pleased to announce that it was named the Mission Lead Pilot Donor of the Melfort Heliport Fundraising Campaign with a contribution of $100,000. “Since acquiring the dealership in Melfort, we have strived to support our customer’s needs and to give back to Melfort and its surrounding communities. The health and safety of […]

Don’t be Boring. Be Human.

Most of us have a personal life with hobbies and interests when we’re away from the office. It’s important to give your clients and customers a peek into what makes you tick. Why is People magazine consistently one of the most well-read magazines on the planet? That’s easy. People love to read about other people.

Staying the Course

While some of our members continue to stay busy with projects during the winter months, the majority are well settled into their off-season routines. Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, this year’s brief winter getaway to a warmer climate was put on hold. As we glance at the calendar, we see we’re nearly […]

Virtually Unstoppable: CCA Annual Conference

The CCA is hosting their annual conference virtually for 2021. The virtual event will feature flexible scheduling with a mix of live stream and pre-recorded/on demand programming.

Premier Moe Announces $3 Million Boost To Urban Highways Partnerships

The Government of Saskatchewan is making an additional $3 million in capital funding available to improve conditions on highways in Saskatchewan’s smaller cities.  The additional funding will boost capital dollars in the Urban Highway Connector Program (UHCP) to $10 million over two years. “We committed to making the investments necessary to ensure a strong economic […]

Few Jobs Going Unfilled

Saskatchewan had the lowest job vacancy rate in the country in November. Quebec had the highest. This is one of a basket of measures we use to assess the condition of the labour market in the country. When employers post job openings, there are a couple of factors that will determine how quickly the vacancy […]

The SHCA Hot Seat

1. Where are you from? I am from Langham, Sask., born and partially raised here. I now have a wonderful family (wife and two kids) firmly rooted in this community that we are happy to call home. 2. How did you get your start in the heavy construction industry and/or what do you credit to […]

Last Chance to Secure Advertising in the SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster!

This week is your last chance to secure your company’s advertising space in the 2021 SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster. Click here to view the media kit and contact us today to ensure you don’t miss out on this annual advertising opportunity for your business.

Government of Saskatchewan Completes Year Two of $100 Million Intersection Safety Strategy

Government has completed $40M in highway safety improvements since 2019 to improve safety at intersections and highways in Saskatchewan.

Lehigh Cement Develops a Sustainable Blended PLC for the Canadian Prairies

EcoCem®PLUS is an innovative blended Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) available in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Clifton Associates Selected as Lead Engineering Team for First Stage of Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Expansion Project

Regina-based Clifton Associates Ltd. selected to begin engineering work for the Westside Irrigation Project.

THINK BIG SPOTLIGHT – Think BIG Quarter 1

Read the latest issue of Think BIG magazine. Think BIG magazine – Quarter 1, 2021

Gearing Up for a Busy 2021!

With the start of a new year often comes a feeling of optimism. We are starting fresh and putting 2020 in our rear-view mirror

Canadian Construction Association calls on members to stay vigilant amid rising COVID-19 cases

The health, safety and wellbeing of workers and communities has always been the top priority of the more than 20,000 member firms of CCA.

Major Updates Coming in 2021 to SHCA’s Website!

Keep a close eye on www.saskheavy.ca in 2021 – big changes are on the way! SHCA is working hard to update its current website to an all-new format, which will include new sections and benefits for SHCA members. The new website will feature a Road Builder Hall of Fame, honouring long-time SHCA members and the […]

Update Your Information for the 2021 SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster

SHCA members, the time is now to ensure your 2021 dues are paid and that your information is correct and up to date for the membership listings in the 2021 SHCA Equipment Rental Rates Guide & Membership Roster. If your company had a membership listing in the 2020 version, you can check your listing information […]

The SHCA Hot Seat

1. Where are you from? Born, raised and never left Regina! 2. How many years have you been in the industry? I’ve been president of SHCA for more than a decade and have loved every minute of it. 3. What’s the best piece of business or career advice you’ve ever received? You can do anything […]

COVID-19 Resources for Municipalities

Municipalities of Saskatchewan has created a COVID-19 Update to help keep municipalities informed of provincial updates and new resources. On the website’s landing page, viewers can click on a particular focus area in order to access all available resources under that topic, including for employers. Click here to view the resource page from Municipalities of […]

A Word of Advice: Bad Writing Makes You Look Like Spam

One of the quickest ways to differentiate legitimate business communication from spam is the quality of the writing. Improper grammar, misspellings and incomplete sentences in an email are signals to hit the delete button, with the assumption the message is a potential cyber security threat. Bad writing that appears on a website or in a […]