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Good morning! 🎮 All those hours spent playing video games might not be a waste afterall. Crews are using remote controlled drones to help string transmission lines at the Site C Dam project in B.C., one of the province’s largest projects ever.

⏰ Today’s read: 5 minutes

MARKETS

*Stock data as of last market close; currency, oil and crypto data as of 11:15 PM ET August 26th, 2024.

Economy: The Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s latest Housing Marketing Index reports a continuing decline in builder sentiment, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of negativity, with national scores falling even further from Q1. Single-family builder confidence dropped to 29.9%, a five-point decrease from Q1 and a ten-point drop year-over-year, while multi-family builder sentiment also declined, reaching 32.5%.

THE BIG STORY

Off track: Labour disputes endanger industry

Canada has a labour problem. And no, it’s not just our shortage of trades workers. Regular labour disputes are frequently threatening to send the economy into a tailspin.

The latest: When a labour dispute threatened to cripple Canada’s entire rail network last week, the federal government intervened to send the dispute to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, which issued an order to go back to work. It’s a ruling the unions plan to challenge in court.

Ongoing theme: A 2023 strike of port workers in B.C. reduced Canada’s gross domestic product by between $730 million and $980 million, and affected merchandise shipments having a total value of $10 billion. There could be more trouble on the horizon. Air Canada pilots have voted to approve a strike mandate, putting them in a position to walk off the job as early as Sept. 17.

Why it matters: A strong economy means more construction. Economist Jock Finlayson  explained that If the economy stalls, falters and is rendered less efficient as a result of labour disputes, construction companies and their workers will suffer. 

A growing issue: Since 2021, over 1.4 million unionized workers have participated in more than 1,100 strikes and lockouts, leading to 10 or more person-days not worked. In 2023 alone, 745 work stoppages resulted in over 6.5 million lost person-days. Why so many? Experts say workers have been emboldened to take action due to the rising cost of living and years of high inflation.

On the line: Some have suggested the federal government should consider alternatives to the current negotiation framework affecting railways, ports and seaways, ones that would give more weight to the public good. Others believe we should even consider at least a partial nationalization of our rail system.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PROCORE

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NEED TO KNOW

The week's headlines

📐The SkyTower, part of Pinnacle Developments' Pinnacle One Yonge project in Toronto, is set to become Canada's tallest building, reaching 105 storeys and over 345 meters in height. Currently under construction on the Toronto Star lands at Yonge Street's foot, this Hariri Pontarini-designed condo tower will soon rival the height of the CN Tower's main skypod, transforming Toronto's skyline. 

🚧 A new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that 67% of Ontario small businesses have faced disruptions from local construction projects over the past five years, with 23% experiencing major impacts resulting in average revenue losses of 25% and additional expenses around $10,000. Common issues include traffic congestion, dust, noise, access difficulties, and logistical disruptions.

🏗️ Edmonton Councillor Tim Cartmell criticized the city's project management, citing a decade of poorly managed capital projects that have consistently failed to finish on time and within budget. He called for a halt on new project spending until ongoing work is completed, highlighting issues like the delayed Valley Line West LRT construction. Cartmell proposed creating a permanent infrastructure committee with external experts to advise the city. 

🧑‍💻 EllisDon and Impulse Partners have announced eight finalists for their second annual ConTech Accelerator. This year saw over 160 ConTech startups apply for the accelerator, with startups applying from around the world. TheConTech Accelerator Program, led by EllisDon’s Digital & Data Engineering team, is a first in Canada and is unique to the industry. Finalists are toured on a selected EllisDon project, spend time with EllisDon’s teams for networking and industry knowledge, and build relationships with EllisDon’s ConTech Ecosystem partners.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

New Vic, who this?

The New Vic at McGill University, designed by Diamond Schmitt/LemayMichaud, has won two GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Awards: Gold in the Concept & Unbuilt Category and Silver in the Building Conversion & Adaptive Reuse Category. The project transforms Montréal’s historic Royal Victoria Hospital into McGill’s new home for Sustainability Systems and Public Policy, blending heritage revitalization with innovative research and environmental design.

PROJECT UPDATES

Removal underway for huge crane blocking Vancouver street

Woodfibre LNG construction advances for 2027 startup

Construction underway in Fish Creek Provincial Park to widen central pathway

Calgary promises to help fund rail construction 

Metrolinx to acquire houses for Ontario Line construction

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

VIDEO: ⏳ Timelapse shows early Scotia Place construction

WIN: 🎟 $2K giveaway…Win Construction Leaders Forum tickets

READ: 🏠 Home builders plead for relief as costs soar

READ: 🚨 Skeleton uncovered at Kitchener site

VIDEO: 🚔 Winnipeg builders note rise in site theft

READ: 🏗️ Antakya being rebuilt to withstand any disaster

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Here’s to a great rest of the week!

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