CDBI bulletin: Consultant certificate controversy: Are progress certificates binding?

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It is a common misconception that once a consultant has certified work completed by a contractor, the owner is bound to that certification and will be required to pay the amount certified in a timely manner regardless of the circumstances. While the older case law predominantly supports this position, and while the general premise still holds some merit, a deeper examination suggests that there are several instances in which an owner may be entitled to dispute its obligation to pay. Read more.

This NYC high-rise building cleans the air like trees do

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SoHo remains a super-trendy neighborhood in New York City, but a new high-rise in the neighborhood just might make the area smell a little sweeter. 570 Broome, designed by Turkish architect Tahir Demircioglu’s hot boutique architecture firm Builtd, is using a unique combination of two emerging technologies to constantly clean the air around the building — an attractive and welcome feature for a building that is located adjacent to the Holland Tunnel. Read more.

New from CDBI: Document 115: Unique aspects of design-build for owners

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One of the objectives of the CDBI is to recommend ‘best practices’ policies and procedures to support design-build utilization. It is therefore a priority for the Institute to develop a practice manual that provides guidance and recommendations on the successful delivery of design-build. Read more.

New government of Canada fund to help reduce climate change impacts and better protect Canadians against natural disasters

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Investing in disaster mitigation and adaptation infrastructure projects to strengthen communities against the effects of climate change is critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Canadians, promoting economic growth, and strengthening the middle class. Read more.

Three questions to ask when planning construction business succession

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In the story of a business, succession can be the most challenging chapter. Owners are often so consumed with growing their companies that they put off succession planning—but they do so to their own detriment. With a large number of baby boomers set to retire over the coming years, owners who are not prepared for succession will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to transitioning their business. Read more.

Webinar: Supporting Women in Trades

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Across Canada, there is a renewed focus on how to engage women in skilled trades careers. At this webinar CAF-FCA will share data and insights about the current state of affairs among women in traditionally male-dominated trades. Learn how trades workplaces are faring when it comes to female inclusion and what resources can support efforts to engage women in skilled trades careers. Register now.

Release of the Building Construction Price Index program

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On May 23rd, Statistics Canada is launching an expanded building construction price index program.

A new price index for transit building construction will be added to the five existing non- residential building indexes, which include an office building, a warehouse, a shopping centre, a factory and a school. All of these indexes will be based on updated building models that reflect newer construction technologies and materials.

Coverage of building construction activity will also be expanded with the launch of new residential building construction price indexes. These will include an updated high-rise apartment building index, replacing the Apartment Building Construction Price Index, as well as new indexes for a single-detached house, a townhome and a low-rise apartment building.

Geographical coverage will expand from 7 to 11 census metropolitan areas for all non- residential and residential building construction price indexes, providing a more comprehensive picture of building construction activity across Canadian provinces.

The trade group level price indexes (e.g., mechanical, electrical, architectural and structural) for building construction will no longer be published on CANSIM, but will be available on request and at no charge.

More information will be available as of May 23 at http://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&Id=470345. You may also contact Statistics Canada by phone at 1-800-263-1136, or by email at STATCAN.infostats- infostats.STATCAN@canada.ca.

Enhanced Welder Apprentice Training Initiative

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On June 5, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency will be hosting an information session on the Enhance Welder Apprentice Training (EWAT) in our 3rd boardroom on 1256 Barrington Street in Halifax. Register now.

CANS Building Futures for Youth Program Success Story: Noah Deveau

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As a teenager in high school, it’s not uncommon to be confused about which future career path to follow. Noah Deveau was one of those students who was unsure what his next move was – until he heard about the Construction Association of Nova Scotia’s (CANS) Building Futures for Youth (BFY) program. Read more.

 

Elon Musk outlines plan to get into the brick-making business

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A company spokesman confirmed the plans, saying the bricks will come from the “excavated muck,” and that “there will be an insane amount of bricks.” Musk has also suggested he has plans to sell them, and the company said future Boring Co. offices will be constructed from the company’s own bricks. Read more