🪠 Talent Thursdays: Clogged

Together with

Good morning!  ⚾ Vancouver is taking a swing at landing an MLB team. But can its infrastructure round all the bases? From 1984 to 1994, BC Place hosted MLB exhibition games. But after a $500-million makeover in 2011 by PCL, experts say the 54,000-seat stadium isn’t up to the task. That being said, the hot dogs would just hit different.

📈 BY THE NUMBERS

The Urban Development Institute (UDI) announced that the Metro Vancouver Board approved amendments to roll back 2026 Development Cost Charge (DCC) rates to 2025 levels, reduce the 2027 rate increase, and slow the transition to a 1% assist factor over the following two years. UDI officials stated that the decision brings Metro Vancouver policy more in line with steps already being taken by municipalities across the region to lower cost impacts on development.

TOGETHER WITH 720 MODULAR

Who's calling the plays in modular construction?

Architects, engineers, the factory, transportation, the crane, the GC — all of these players are specialists, and they’re all essential to success.

But in complex modular construction, the right players alone don't win the game. Someone has to call the plays, keep the team aligned, and carry the liability from the first concept conversation through to occupancy. 

That's the 720 Modular model — and we got to dive deep on the playbook.

👷‍♀️ PEOPLE MOVES

Peter Jonkman has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer at Keller Construction Ltd., effective April 10, 2026. Tim Coghlan, who previously held the CEO role, has transitioned to Chairman.

Catherine Royer has joined EBC Inc. as Project Director, bringing her expertise to support the company's ambitious project initiatives.

Meredith Adler has joined BC Hydro as the Senior Government Relations and Policy Specialist.

Kevin Riederer, Principal at RJC Engineers, has been appointed President of the Structural Engineers Association of British Columbia (SEABC).

Richard Ratac has joined Bird Infrastructure as Senior Estimator. With 25 years of industry experience, he brings deep expertise in delivering strong results on complex projects.

David Bhamjee has been appointed Vice President, Strategy at Build Canada Homes. He brings deep experience in economic development, sustainable finance, and organizational strategy.

Matt Hill has joined PCL Construction's Ottawa District as Business Development Manager. He brings nearly 30 years of industry experience and over 20 years in project delivery and business development within the Ottawa market.

EVENTS

A private charter, a mystery spot, and yes… beer is involved

SiteSummit 2026 kicks off a night early — and you'll want to be there for it.

On Monday, June 22nd, we're taking over a mystery spot on the Toronto Islands. Private charter. 100 guests. Drinks, good eats, a DJ, and the kind of unscripted conversation that doesn't happen at a conference table.

It's recess before school even starts — and it's exclusively available to a limited number of SiteSummit ticket holders. 

100 spots are on offer. Grab yours.

🗞 HEADLINES

💧 Clogged up: The $3.2 billion upgrade of Winnipeg's North End Sewage Treatment Plant faces new risks from the war in Iran. A city report warns that the conflict could spike costs and delay the biosolids phase set for late 2026. 

🇨🇦 Majority rules: Following a series of floor crossings,  Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will use the Liberal Party’s majority to push through legislation he says opposition parties have blocked in recent years, adding that one of his first priorities will be a bill designed to turbocharge home construction.

👷🏻 Procurement debate: A new private member’s bill introduced in the B.C. legislature last month aims to reverse B.C.’s Community Benefits Agreement policy. If passed, the Conservative bill would prohibit public sector entities from requiring union or non-union affiliation as a condition for bidding on government construction projects.

🏠 Drywall dreams: CGC Inc. President Steve Youngblut, who rose through the company over 25 years starting as the lowest paid employee, is currently leading a $500 million strategic expansion to address Canada’s critical housing supply gap.

🧠 INSIGHTS AND LEADERSHIP

Resources for professional development

• Why culture and community boost your business

• Great leaders say ‘I don’t know’ 

• Want to be CEO? Be an engineer first

• How this modular exec crushes the ski slopes and spreadsheets

• Ergonomic overhaul: How to properly set up your desk

💬 QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Canada’s current AI conversation feels misplaced: Productivity gains that will actually move the needle will come from the ordinary businesses that make up the bulk of the economy: manufacturers, distributors, construction companies, professional service providers, and retailers – many of which have never hired a data scientist or built an AI capability in-house." - Tony Frost and Christian Dippel, associate professors of business economics and public policy at Western University’s Ivey Business School.

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Here’s to a great rest of the week!

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