Mechanical Piping Plumbing Journal 2008

Message from Manitoba JAMIE MCNABB PRESIDENT FRED NICHOLSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR T he year 2007 was very good for construction in Manitoba. The volume of work exceeded expectations and has only been limited by the resources available, particularly manpower. Value of building permits increased for the third year in a row. Projections for 2008 forecast an increase in real GDP of 2.9 %. Construction activity is expected to level off and be steady for the next three years. In spite of a minor catastrophe, which affected our office in November, the Association managed to maintain services at normal levels. No, it wasn’t a fire. It was a flood. A large sprinkler main, serving our offices and the attached warehouse, burst under the floor, flooding the office. Of course, it was only fitting that the problem was mechanical! Manitoba played host to two MCA Canada meetings, over the past year. The Western Regional meeting of MCA Canada’s western directors was held in May at the Elkhorn Resort in Riding Mountain National Park. In addition, the MCA Canada Board of Directors met in Winnipeg in January 2008. Several directors are now of the opinion that Manitoba is a land of perpetual ice and snow. It snowed in Riding Mountain during the May meeting and the wind chill temperature was –40˚C in Winnipeg during the January meetings. It has taken three years of discussions with the City of Winnipeg but it looks as if the City will be introducing a system of mechanical permits and licensing of mechanical contractors by the end of the year. The new system is expected to provide greater clarity concerning when permits for mechanical systems are required and also ensure that the work will be done by qualified companies. Complaints received regarding problems within the apprenticeship system, resulted in discussions between representatives of MCAM, the Manitoba Electrical League and the Winnipeg Construction Association. It was concluded that while the complaints were valid, the appropriate place to voice our concerns and suggestions would be during a review of the apprenticeship and certification system that was to be undertaken by a special review committee, later in the year. Hearings took place in December and included input from MCAM and its sister organizations. A report is expected in the spring. Educational programs and informational meetings continue to be an important part of the services provided by the Association. In February 2007, the 2 day CMCEF gold seal accredited course “On Site Administration” was presented, attracting over 20 participants. Several Dinner meetings were held during the year on topics ranging from energy codes and water conservation to how to become a better golfer. A representative from the recently formed Manitoba Insulation Contractors Association joined the MCAM Board of Directors. Membership on the Board now includes representatives from the five major mechanical sub-trade associations in Manitoba including sprinklers, insulation, refrigeration and air conditioning, sheet metal and testing and balancing. The result has been extremely beneficial in fostering communication, strengthening cooperation and resolving problems. A recent example of successful resolution of a problem is described in the Manitoba update article. The 2007 MCAM golf tournament was a success again, providing financial support to the Canadian Mechanical Contracting Education Foundation and our charity partner, the Manitoba Burn Fund. Pioneer Night, our awards evening, was a first class affair. Awards recognizing retired individuals, who have helped build our industry, were presented. The top graduating apprentices in the mechanical trades receive recognition. Several awards of $1000 each are presented to apprentices in the mechanical and electrical trades to assist in furthering their education. The 2007 AGM was held at the Elkhorn Resort in Clear Lake Manitoba. In addition to the business meeting there were opportunities to relax and network including a golf tournament and dinner dance. This year’s AGM, being held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on May 9th includes a gala dinner dance, open to the wide spectrum of companies and individuals who support our industry. I will be completing my term as President this spring. With all this activity, the year has gone by very quickly. It has been a real honour to represent our Association. I wish to thank the Board of Directors and Association staff for their great support. Respectfully submitted, Jamie McNabb President, MCA Manitoba 15 Mechanical Contractors Associations of Alberta, B.C., Manitoba & Saskatchewan 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Mechanical Piping Plumbing Journal 2008

Mechanical Piping Plumbing Journal 2008 Contents MCA Canada Chairman MCA Alberta MCA British Columbia MCA Manitoba MCA Saskatchewan Alberta British Columbia Saskatchewan Manitoba Demographics & Management Employees Insurance – The Pros & Cons of Subguard® Construction Sector Council Data Richmond Olympic Oval Uses the Ice to Heat Things Up B.C.’s Hydrogen Highway™: The Hydrogen + Fuel Cell Alternative The Manitoba Hydro Tower Project Index to Advertisers

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