CLR Connector BC INFRASTRUCTURE BENEFITS: BUILDING A BETTER BC
The following article is submitted by BCIB in support of CLR’s efforts to keep members informed on the latest news and updates regarding Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs).
BCIB is building an opportunity here in British Columbia — an opportunity that supports local contractors. BCIB’s role is an important one: to supply a skilled workforce and expand BC’s labour pool. Currently, we have more than 1,000 active workers on CBA sites and, to date, BCIB has filled more than 3,000 positions on 9 projects throughout the province.
Project updates:
BCIT Trades and Technology Centre Complex – In procurement. The project includes the Ecological Restoration of Guichon Creek, demolition of existing buildings NE09 and NE07, Carpentry Pavilion and Marine Fitter and Mass Timber Facility, and Campus Services Centre. Details about these elements can be found in a recent project presentation.
Surrey Langley Skytrain – In procurement. This project consists of three separate contracts: Guideway, Stations and System & Track Work. The RFQ phase is now complete. RFPs for all contracts are being considered. The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is a 16-kilometre extension of the Expo Line from King George Station to Langley City Centre, the first rapid transit expansion south of the Fraser River in more than 30 years.
Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project – In construction. The crane has been installed and the project is well underway. BCIB is accepting applications for all trades at BCIB.ca, although the following are currently in demand on this project: Equipment Operator, Teamster, Construction Craft Worker, Ironworker Generalist, Plumber, Electrician, Carpenter. For more information and job descriptions, visit: https://www.bcib.ca/portfolio-items/cdhr/
Broadway Subway Project – In construction. VCC-Clark station is being connected via concrete beams to form the new Broadway extension. Pedestrians can see the extension of the future above-ground section taking shape from Great Northern Way. For more information, read Broadway Subway Project’s full May update.
Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project – In construction. Gantry cranes are currently being assembled and they will sit on the tower cross beam to install the bridge deck. They are now just shy of 2/3 of the final height for the superstructure. Presently there are no open requests for workers, but we anticipate an uptick in demand for structural ironworkers in the coming weeks.
Projects included as part of Highway 1 – Kamloops to Alberta Four Laning Program:
Chase East and Chase West: In construction. The new intersection of Highway 1 and Shuswap Avenue West is now open to traffic. This will be completed to its full configuration in the spring of 2023.
Kicking Horse – In construction. Work continues on this 4.8-kilometre section of a narrow, winding two-lane road that will be converted to a modern four-lane standard, making a safer, more reliable route for people travelling through the Kicking Horse Canyon.
Quartz Creek Bridge – In construction. This portion of the Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta program involves replacing the two-lane bridge crossing at Quartz Creek, 40 km west of Golden, with a new four-lane bridge, access improvements to forest service roads and widening 4.4 km of two-lane highway to four lanes.
Salmon Arm – In construction. This portion of the Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta program involves widening a 2.2 km section of highway to four lanes from 1st Ave. SW to 10th Ave. SW in Salmon Arm. Other improvements include replacing the Salmon River Bridge, upgrading intersections, construction of a new interchange, constructing new frontage roads and a multi-use pathway.
Ford Road and Tappen Valley Road – Has gone to tender. Part of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 improvements, work on the 4.3-kilometre section of the highway will include widening the two-lane highway to four lanes and replacing the aging Tappen overpass and constructing frontage roads.
Thanks to BCIB’s priority hiring system, 90% of CBA hours have been worked by British Columbians and 71% have been worked by locals; 12% of hours have been worked by women and 14% by Indigenous workers. We’re also finding opportunities for trainees, apprentices, young workers, 2SLGBTQ+ and visible minority workers. By helping more people gain experience, we’re helping to diversify, grow and strengthen the workforce.
BCIB is successfully working with contractors to improve worksite culture, an effort that’s helping retain workers. The Respectful Onsite Initiative (ROI) training programs improve productivity because when workers better understand one another, crews are more cohesive and supportive. Because of its positive impact on workers, construction companies and organizations that are not working under the CBA continue to provide ROI training to their teams.
If you’re a contractor who wants to help us build legacy projects and you have questions about working with the CBA, please contact the CLR or BCIB directly. If you’re not working on a CBA project but would like help sourcing the workforce, we can help. To learn more visit BCIB.ca or email contractor@bcib.ca.
