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INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Quality of Design Documentation - Impacts on Productivity - Efficiency and Procurement Policies & Best Practices
The National Trade Contractors Council of Canada (NTCCC) has partnered with other industry groups to consider the impacts of the quality of design documents. The group commissioned the Ryerson Institute for Infrastructure Innovation to undertake a study. As part of the study, a national survey inviting owners, contractors and consultants/design professionals to contribute their opinions on the issue has been released. The survey is Phase 1 of the study, with more in depth interviews and project data collection representing Phases 2 and 3.
Specifically, the study will explore how productivity and efficiency is impacted by the quality of design documentation. The aim of the study is to provide a list of best practices and suggestions to help improve design documentation and to demonstrate that upfront investment from owners will improve productivity, as well as reduce delays, change orders and cost overruns.
The intended outcome of the study will be to provide tangible data to inform public procurement policies/practices and encourage better investment in design/constructability and design documentation.
Winnipeg Planning, Property & Development Department
Representatives from the City of Winnipeg attended MCAM's recent goverment and industry relations committee meeting and provided an overview of licenced contractor program and
updates from commercial inspections.
Click the button to view the presentation.
   
MCAM IN ACTION
MCAM is congratulating MCAM Student Chapter members Makenna Isfjord and Sean Coey for being recipients of the Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) recently announced the recipients of the 2020 Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series, which saw more than $17,000 awarded to deserving students in the mechanical contracting and mechanical engineering fields.
MEMBERS CONNECTING
Join MCAM's Next Gen Committee hosting its first Virtual Happy Hour, "Thirsty Thursdays."
This will be held on Oct. 29, 4-5 p.m. via Zoom. Click the link below to register! This is sure to be a valuable use of on-screen time networking with industry leaders in a safe yet casual setting.
 On Oct. 21, Jim Bell, CEO of Siloam was presented a cheque for $3,960. These funds were collected from MCAM members who attended the Annual Golf Extravaganza on Aug. 13, 2020.
Pictured here are MCAM president Roger Phaneuf and golf committee Chair Eric Henstridge, who presented the cheque to Jim Bell.
The amount was later bumped up by $1,500 from associate MCAM Member Federated Insurance.
Janet Mcleod, campaign director of Siloam Mission stated, "We were delighted to be a part of the annual MCAM golf tournament and are thrilled that $3960 was raised on August 13. A special thanks to you Wayne, and Federated Insurance for contributing an additional $1500 to bring the total to $5460! Siloam Mission is extremely grateful for the continued support and partnership of MCAM and its members. Thanks to your support, MCAM members are helping people living in poverty and homelessness make positive changes and move forward with their lives."
The full listing of sponsors and information on the golf tournament can be found here.
MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE
Our friendly neighbour Torque Brewing just launched this customization program and it's super popular as they can make these packages in four or six packs!
Great for corporate events or staff giveaways.
MCAM members receive 10% off!
 As more businesses re-open in the fall and cooler temperatures keep people indoors, infectious disease experts warn that Canada will likely see a second wave of COVID-19. This could put additional stress on businesses that were hard hit during the first wave of the pandemic. That’s why it’s critical to prepare now, should new restrictions be put into place.
To help keep businesses agile and protected, we’ve developed the following risk management resource addressing business continuity best practices:
· Preparing your business for a second wave of COVID-19
Contact Wayne Budge, manager, association partnerships for more information.
Federated Insurance
255 Commerce Drive, P.O. Box 5800, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3C9 Cell: 204.295.0432 Office: 204.784.6741 TF: 1.800.665.1934 wayne.budge@federated.ca | www.federated.ca
 Increasing value of MCAM membership is a top priority of MCAM. The board
of directors believes supporting local businesses and offering membership premium discounts and preferred rates is another great reason to be an MCAM member.
 MCAM is excited to announce the launch of an all-new MCAM website going live in a few very short weeks. While the current website is still live, the updated website will provide additional value-add features for members, increased accessibility for the board of directors and improved messaging highlighting the work of the association. Following an active competition, the MCAM membership committee was pleased to award the development contract to Winnipeg digital creative agency Unite Interactive.
INDUSTRY INNOVATION & ASSISTANCE
Effective Oct.13, 2020, the City of Winnipeg has launched digital development permit services. Applications received on or after this date will be reviewed and issued electronically.
To submit a digital development permit application:
1. Review the digital submission requirements,
2. Email your PDF application and supporting documentation to ppd-permit@winnipeg.ca, 3. If requested, submit additional information via Permits Online, 4. Once approved, you will receive your permit via email along with a link to a ZIP file to download your approved supporting documentation. Note: This additional service is for development permits that are applied for independently of building permits. If your development permit is being processed as part of your building permit application, there is no change to service levels as these applications are already reviewed and issued electronically.
Click the button below for access to the links.
MCAM, Manitoba Building Trades and CLRAM have collaborated with OHS Global, leading infection control experts in the industrial environment, to create a safety guide for the Manitoba construction industry. The guide offers contractors tools to ensure a safe work environment during the pandemic. Providing leadership, safety and confidence in the Manitoba construction industry for all Manitobans was the goal of this collaborative project. The press release and document were issued with additional endorsement from the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba, Manitoba Association of Sheet Metal and Air Handling Contractors, Manitoba Insulation Contractors Association, Roofing Contractors Association of Manitoba, Testing and Air Balancing Association and the Manitoba Masonry Contractors Association.
Construction Industry Leaders Announce Enhanced Safety Guidelines Amidst Continuing Uncertainty WINNIPEG – Manitoba's industrialized construction industry (ICI) and mechanical industry employers have partnered with Manitoba's largest skilled trades and construction labour supplier to enhance previously announced COVID-19 guidelines. The collaborating group of Construction Labour Relations Association of Manitoba (CLRAM), the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba (MCAM), and Manitoba Building Trades (MBT) have partnered with OHS Global Risk Solutions Ltd., leading infection control experts in the industrial environment. The collaborating partners are encouraging all segments of the construction industry to adopt the guideline as the new standard. “We are collectively taking measures to protect our front-line construction workers by developing safety guidelines that ensure contractors continue to operate safely while allowing business continuity,” said Peter Wightman, director, CLRAM. “We encourage the whole of Manitoba’s construction industry to join us in adopting these guidelines as a new standard to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
This is an enhancement of MBT and CLRAM’s previous guidelines released March 31. The document outlines industry specific and public health guidelines, including administration of workplace hygiene, the provision of PPE equipment and pre and post worksite cleaning procedures. Worksites that do not provide these amenities or do not follow applicable guidelines could be deemed unsafe and workers may exercise their right to refuse work in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act. “The safety of our workers is paramount during this difficult time,” said Sudhir Sandhu, chief executive officer for MBT. “Workers and their families should feel confident that employers are taking measures to protect them.”
“Providing leadership, safety and confidence in the Manitoba construction industry for all Manitobans was the goal of this collaborative project,” added Ramona Coey, executive director of MCAM.
A full copy of “Manitoba Construction Industry SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Safety Guidance Document” is available here
INDUSTRY IN FOCUS
Oct. 1, 2020 —The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCA Canada) and the
Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) are supportive of today’s announcement that $10 billion will be invested over the next three years by the Canada Infrastructure Bank to support Canada’s economic recovery, including $2 billion for retrofits of buildings to make them more energy efficient
Project Management for Contractors (two times/week for 10 Weeks) Starting Nov. 5, 2020
The Construction Education Council (CEC) proudly presents the exclusive Gold Seal and Blue Seal Accredited Project Management Program. This highly acclaimed program is offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo. The program usually takes place over a 10-day period and is split into two five-day sessions but this year, for the first time, we are offering the course online two days a week for 10 weeks throughout November, December, January, and February. This will mark the 40th session offered with nearly 900 industry managers graduating from the program.
COURSE OUTLINE
This Gold Seal accredited course is designed to:
• Improve the planning and controlling of your projects, thereby improving your company’s bottom line
• Take a business view of projects and take ownership of a project from bid to final payment • Increase your own project “lessons learned” by learning from experiences of other participants • Be able and willing to contribute improvements to your company’s project management process • Be better prepared to take the Gold Seal examination, if you choose • Enjoy your projects! COURSE TOPICS
• Over the 10-week period, sessions will be held on:
• Project Administration
• Scheduling • Managing Individual Differences • Safety: A Management Perspective • Change Orders • Construction Law • Job Cost Controls • Meetings and Communication • Dispute Avoidance and Claims • Labour Relations: Due Diligence • Project Completion INSTRUCTORS
Part of what is unique in this Project Management offering is that over the 10-week period you will be introduced to eight different instructors who are all experts in their field of knowledge. You will learn from the best!
In order to receive the course certificate, students MUST attend nine of 10 weeks. A final assignment must also be completed during class time.
TESTIMONIAL
“The Project Management Course offered by CEC and the University of Waterloo was very professional in its approach with very well qualified and experienced professionals. I have been associated with the contracting business for more than 20 years. This course is a recommended must for those interested in having a “professional standard” approach to Project Management. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend.” – Robert Thain, Black and McDonald, Winnipeg, MB
EVENT DATES:
Part 1: Nov. 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 & 27, and Dec. 3 & 4, 2020
Part 2: Jan. 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29, and Feb. 4 & 5, 2021
Registration cutoff: Oct. 22, 2020
Each day the session will run from 12:30-4:00 p.m. EST
COST
Course Fee (taxes included): $3,357*
Note: Construction Education Council Contributing Members will receive a 10% rebate on their registration fees.
The fee includes a complete and comprehensive manual
CANCELLATION POLICY
Thirty (30) calendar days prior to start of course–100% refund
Fifteen (15) calendar days prior to start of course–50% refund Seven (7) calendar days prior to course commencement–No refund Substitutions can be made up to the day before the course starts REGISTRATION is limited to 24 students. For more information please contact:
TANIA JOHNSTON tania@mcac.ca or Nancy Thomas-Brennan nancy@mcac.ca
Dear Wise Wayne,
We have had discussions with our clients on how to make their facilities healthier and one of the frequent topics is filtration and what should they be doing to improve it. Questions regarding MERV ratings for filters have definitely entered the conversations and we were wondering if you could explain some of the important facts about MERV ratings and what the differences are.
Sincerely,
Long Time Follower
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Dear Long-Time Follower;
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is used to evaluate the efficiency of an air filter based on how effective it is at catching particles of varying sizes. Basically, the higher the MERV rating, the higher the air filtration capabilities of a particular filter. The typical filter in a commercial building has a MERV rating of between 3 and 8. Many experts are advocating to install filters with a MERV 13 rating or better as the efficiency increases for filtering smaller particulate matter from approximately 20% to > 90% and these filters could also help contain bacteria and virus carriers. The considerations that need to be taken when increasing the MERV rating of building filtration is the equipment design as there could be an issue with airflow because of increased restrictions, frequent filter changes, cost for filters which are more than double as well as availability as MERV 13 filters currently have a 6 to 8 week or longer delivery because of demand. Another option would be adding Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization to the air handling equipment. NPBI produces positive and negative ions which attract particulate matter and create larger particles that can then be filtered. Studies have shown that a MERV 8 filter with NPBI is as effective for filtering particulate as a MERV 13 filter. It can also neutralize odours and help to contain, mould, bacteria and viruses. I hope this information is useful in your quest to improve the health of your customers' buildings. Remember to always confirm information with your manufacturers and suppliers of filters and indoor air quality equipment.
Sincerely,
Wise Wayne
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