Category: Latest Industry News

A $40-million velodrome for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will be built in the Town of Milton. Town council voted in favour of the project at a meeting Jan. 30. The velodrome will be built within the Milton Education Village at Louis St. Laurent and Tremaine roads. Construction is expected to start this summer with completion by 2014. Ian Troop, chief executive officer of the 2015 Games, thanked the Town of Milton for making the velodrome a reality. “This is the result of sound deliberation and an appreciation for […]

A $40-million velodrome for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will be built in the Town of Milton.

Town council voted in favour of the project at a meeting Jan. 30.

The velodrome will be built within the Milton Education Village at Louis St. Laurent and Tremaine roads.

Construction is expected to start this summer with completion by 2014.

Ian Troop, chief executive officer of the 2015 Games, thanked the Town of Milton for making the velodrome a reality.

“This is the result of sound deliberation and an appreciation for the potential associated with a permanent velodrome,” he said.

The velodrome will house a 250-metre oval cycling track with banked corners and 1,500 permanent seats.

The infield portion of the track will be large enough to hold the equivalent of three regulation-sized basketball courts and could be used for many different activities.

Other potential spaces in the building could include a fitness centre, walking/jogging track and other associated amenities.

Milton was announced as the preferred site for the velodrome by the Games committee in December 2011.

Olympian Curt Harnett said the decision is a great day for cycling and amateur sport in Canada.

“This will result in a world-class facility that will make Milton a cycling hub for the surrounding community, the province and eastern Canada.”

The 2015 Games committee is paying $22 million of the cost of building the velodrome. The local share of $19.8 million will come from:

• Town of Milton: $3.8 million
• Milton Education Village: $2.5 million
• Private sector partners, including pledged donations, sponsorships and fundraising: $13.5 million

The Games are one of the world’s largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41-member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization.

Figures released by the Ministry of Labour show that Ontario’s construction industry modestly improved its incident record in 2011. Both construction industry fatalities and critical injuries declined, according to the data. The industry experienced 22 fatalities and 134 critical injuries for the year, compared to 25 fatalities and 139 critical injuries for 2010. The age profile of construction workers who lost their lives on the job is as follows: ages 20-29 years: five fatalities ages 30-39 years: two fatalities ages 40-49 years: seven fatalities ages 50-59: four fatalities ages 60+: […]

Figures released by the Ministry of Labour show that Ontario’s construction industry modestly improved its incident record in 2011.

Both construction industry fatalities and critical injuries declined, according to the data.

The industry experienced 22 fatalities and 134 critical injuries for the year, compared to 25 fatalities and 139 critical injuries for 2010.

The age profile of construction workers who lost their lives on the job is as follows:

• ages 20-29 years: five fatalities
• ages 30-39 years: two fatalities
• ages 40-49 years: seven fatalities
• ages 50-59: four fatalities
• ages 60+: four fatalities

Ministry officials, in their initial analysis of the year, have noted that a number of industry sectors made significant improvements in reducing their overall injury rates, most notably:

• homebuilding: down 13 per cent
• heavy civil construction: down 11.3 per cent
• siding and outside finishing: down 10.1 per cent

The formwork, demolition, and mechanical and sheet metal sectors were also recognized for their year-over-year improvements.

Looking ahead, Ministry officials intend to focus on the level of safety engagement on construction projects in 2012, as determined through:

• the presence of effective supervision
• the presence of a health and safety representative and/or a functional health and safety committee

In March there will be trade specific blitzes in the formwork, masonry, siding and outside finishing, and built-up roofing sectors of the construction industry.

The Ministry expects between 1,000 and 1,200 field visits will be made during the blitzes.

James Callahan, general president of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), says he’s disappointed the Obama administration rejected TransCanada’s application for a proposed $7-billion, 1,700-mile Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to Texas. “Today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of State to withhold approval of the Keystone XL pipeline is a blow to America’s construction workers,” Callahan said in a statement released by his office Jan. 18. “As the sector hardest hit by the recession and one that still grapples with an unemployment rate of 16 per cent, this project […]

James Callahan, general president of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), says he’s disappointed the Obama administration rejected TransCanada’s application for a proposed $7-billion, 1,700-mile Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to Texas.

“Today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of State to withhold approval of the Keystone XL pipeline is a blow to America’s construction workers,” Callahan said in a statement released by his office Jan. 18.

“As the sector hardest hit by the recession and one that still grapples with an unemployment rate of 16 per cent, this project could have been a lifeline to thousands of unemployed operating engineers.”

Although “deeply disappointed” at the decision, Callahan said the IUOE would keep working to bring future energy projects to fruition.

“We will continue to work with our partners in labour and the industry to bring vital energy projects online and to create the kind of high-paying, skilled jobs that are so vital to our economy, our members and their families.”

The IUOE represents more than 400,000 members in 123 locals across the U.S. and Canada, including Local 793.

Operating engineers work as crane and heavy equipment operators, mechanics, surveyors in the construction industry, stationary engineers in building and industrial maintenance, nurses and other health care professions, and public works departments.

The Obama administration announced it was denying a presidential permit for the proposed pipeline because it does not serve the national interest.

The U.S. Department of State had recommended the project not proceed.

In a statement, President Barack Obama said he concurred with the recommendation because it was determined the Department would not have the time necessary to assess whether the project, in its current state, is in fact in the national interest.

TransCanada intends to re-apply for a permit. However, any decision on the fate of the pipeline is expected to be pushed well beyond November’s presidential election in the U.S.

Upon completion, the proposed pipeline would be capable of transporting 830,000 barrels per day of crude oil.

Construction work has started on a village in Toronto’s West Don Lands area that will be used to house athletes for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. The project is expected to create and support 5,200 jobs, including employment of approximately 700 workers on the construction site. The value of the project is $514 million. Dundee Kilmer Developments was awarded the contract for the work. The community has been designed by a team of internationally renowned architects and will be constructed by EllisDon. The village will provide a home away […]

Construction work has started on a village in Toronto’s West Don Lands area that will be used to house athletes for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.

The project is expected to create and support 5,200 jobs, including employment of approximately 700 workers on the construction site.

The value of the project is $514 million. Dundee Kilmer Developments was awarded the contract for the work.

The community has been designed by a team of internationally renowned architects and will be constructed by EllisDon.

The village will provide a home away from home for more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the Games. It will include 787 units that will be converted to permanent residences and 253 units that will be converted to affordable rental housing following the Games.

The village will also feature administrative and ancillary facilities, an 82,000-square-foot YMCA, and a residence that will provide housing for up to 500 students following the Games.

The project will be completed within three years.

Charles Sousa, the provincial minister responsible for the Games, said he’s excited to see the shovel go in the ground for the village.

“The athletes’ village will provide an exceptional experience for athletes and bring long-lasting economic and social benefits to the community.”

The Pan/Parapan American Games are one of the world’s largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41-member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization.

Three companies have been short-listed to bid on building projects for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. The companies are PCL Constructors Canada Incorporated, EllisDon Corporation and Bondfield Construction Company Limited. The companies have been invited to respond to a request for proposals that will be issued in February. The projects include: Construction of a new Olympic-sized swimming pool and field house facility in Markham to host the water polo and badminton competitions for the Games. The 10-lane, 52-by-25-metre pool will feature a moveable floor and two one-metre movable bulkheads […]

Three companies have been short-listed to bid on building projects for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.

The companies are PCL Constructors Canada Incorporated, EllisDon Corporation and Bondfield Construction Company Limited.

The companies have been invited to respond to a request for proposals that will be issued in February.

The projects include:

• Construction of a new Olympic-sized swimming pool and field house facility in Markham to host the water polo and badminton competitions for the Games. The 10-lane, 52-by-25-metre pool will feature a moveable floor and two one-metre movable bulkheads and will have a seating capacity of 2,000. The field house will have a seating capacity of 2,000 and will house fitness facilities and approximately 34,000 square feet of flexible gym space for training and competition.
• Renovation and improvement of the existing Etobicoke Olympium facility, which will be the training site for swimming, water polo, diving and synchronized swimming during the Games. Upgrades to the facility will involve renovating the existing pool to meet international requirements, and improving the mechanical and electrical systems.
• Construction of a new, two-field Pan American Field Hockey Centre on University of Toronto lands. The facility will be Ontario’s first dedicated international field hockey venue.

Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli said the investments will provide Ontarians with access to modern, safe and efficient infrastructure.

“This project is part of our government’s long-term infrastructure plan Building Together, which demonstrates the McGuinty government’s commitment to stimulate the economy, create jobs and build strong communities.”

The Games are one of the world’s largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41 member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization.

The Pan Am Games will take place July 10 to 26 and the Parapan American Games August 7 to 14.

On behalf of the executive board and officers of Local 793, I would like to wish all union members and their families the very best over the holiday season. It was certainly a productive year for the local. Our membership grew to more than 12,000 – double the number from 15 years earlier. Our finances remained healthy with members’ equity at nearly $49 million as of June 30, 2011 – a 14.6-per-cent increase from the prior year. Our pension plan continued to grow, despite volatile stock markets, topping $1.5 billion […]

On behalf of the executive board and officers of Local 793, I would like to wish all union members and their families the very best over the holiday season.

It was certainly a productive year for the local.

Our membership grew to more than 12,000 – double the number from 15 years earlier.

Our finances remained healthy with members’ equity at nearly $49 million as of June 30, 2011 – a 14.6-per-cent increase from the prior year.

Our pension plan continued to grow, despite volatile stock markets, topping $1.5 billion in market value as of June 30, 2011.

And our training facilities remained at capacity with the number of apprentices training to become heavy equipment, concrete pump, mobile and tower crane operators at its highest level ever.

We continued to bring new companies into the fold. Between January and August alone, we filed nine certification applications and signed voluntary recognition agreements with 46 companies.

We extended consent for unreduced early retirement pensions and kicked off a pension calculator called Destinations on our website.

The year began in grand style for Local 793 when TV personality Rick Mercer paid a visit to our training facilities and filmed a segment for his show. The episode was aired many times on CBC and is still being shown on Air Canada flights.

In the summer, we had a booth at the CHIN picnic in Toronto and in the fall operators across the province took part in Labour Day parades in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Kingston, Windsor, Sudbury and Sarnia.

In the run-up to the provincial election, we again participated in the Working Families Campaign, which was a success.

Recently, we handed out Jack Redshaw Scholarships to six aspiring young students. Two daughters of Local 793 members also received bursaries from the Canadian Conference of the IUOE.

Meanwhile, Michael Quinn, retired area supervisor for Northeastern Ontario, was named co-winner of the Roy A. Phinnemore Award presented by the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association.

In September, our union was deeply saddened when late president Gary O’Neill passed away. This precipitated a number of changes to our executive and Joe Redshaw took over as president. In November, staff at Local 793’s head office took up the Movember challenge in memory of Gary and surpassed their goal, raising nearly $5,300 for prostate cancer awareness research.

As for 2012, I am hopeful that the work situation will remain favourable for operating engineers.

The $1.4-billion Windsor-Essex Parkway is under way, subway projects have been started in Toronto, and new mental health care facilities are being started in London and St. Thomas. Work also continues on the Lower Mattagami hydroelectric generating project northeast of Kapuskasing.

While 2011 was a success, the executive and officers of Local 793 fully realize there is still more work to be done.

Again, please accept my best wishes for a happy holiday season.

Fraternally Yours,

Mike Gallagher
Business Manager
IUOE Local 793

Local 793 members are being reminded to make sure their defence assessments are up to date. The annual assessment is $30. Payments for 2012 are due by the end of 2011. Members can make payments in several ways. For example: Members can pay business representatives. Members can make payments in person at head office or any district office. Members can mail payments to head office at 2245 Speers Road, Oakville, Ont., L6L 6X8. When mailing a payment, please ensure it is marked as a defence assessment payment. The fund provides […]

Local 793 members are being reminded to make sure their defence assessments are up to date.

The annual assessment is $30.

Payments for 2012 are due by the end of 2011.

Members can make payments in several ways. For example:

• Members can pay business representatives.
• Members can make payments in person at head office or any district office.
• Members can mail payments to head office at 2245 Speers Road, Oakville, Ont., L6L 6X8.

When mailing a payment, please ensure it is marked as a defence assessment payment.

The fund provides money for the “defence of actions commenced in labour disputes against the local, its officers or members,” according to the bylaws.

The fund is administered by a committee comprised of the business manager, president, recording-corresponding secretary, one other officer selected by the executive board, and five other members who represent different regions of the province as determined by the executive board.

Money in the fund is used to help defray costs incurred by the union as a result of a labour dispute, including strikes or lockouts, and any legal and other fees and expenses incurred in the defence of interests of Local 793.

The account of the defence fund is audited annually by a chartered accountant.

The province has announced that it will cost $128.6 million to build a new three-kilometre spur line to Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport. AirLINX Transit Partners Inc., a consortium of Aecon Construction and Dufferin Construction, have reached commercial and financial close on the project, paving the way for construction to begin this spring on the spur line and a new passenger station at the airport. The announcement was made jointly by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx. The project is expected to create and support more than 1,200 jobs. The spur […]

The province has announced that it will cost $128.6 million to build a new three-kilometre spur line to Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport.

AirLINX Transit Partners Inc., a consortium of Aecon Construction and Dufferin Construction, have reached commercial and financial close on the project, paving the way for construction to begin this spring on the spur line and a new passenger station at the airport.

The announcement was made jointly by Infrastructure Ontario and Metrolinx.

The project is expected to create and support more than 1,200 jobs.

The spur line will branch off the Weston Subdivision (GO Georgetown corridor) and connect to a new passenger station at Terminal 1 at Pearson. It will be part of an Air Rail Link (ARL), which is being built by Metrolinx to provide express service every 15 minutes between Union Station and the airport.

Construction of the spur line is expected to be completed by summer 2014.

When completed, travel time between Union Station and Pearson will be approximately 25 minutes.

Premier Dalton McGuinty said the ARL is good for jobs and the economy and visitors who use the airport.

“Its design, construction and operation will be environmentally responsible, ease congestion and make the Greater Toronto Area even more attractive for businesses and investment.”

Metrolinx president and CEO Bruce McCuaig said the ARL is a signature project for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area.

“Completing the contract arrangements is a milestone which demonstrates our commitment to provide the Air Rail Link in time for the Pan/Parapan Am Games.”

Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli said the entire ARL project will create 10,000 jobs in design and construction and take 1.2 million car trips off roads in its first year of operation alone.

“We’re going to construct this link in a way that’s responsible, that offers excellent value to taxpayers and that dramatically reduces the number of cars that travel between Toronto Pearson International Airport and downtown Toronto.”

The University of Windsor has decided to build a two-storey, 40,800-square-foot Innovation Centre and a seven-level parking garage with 1,055 spaces at its campus along Wyandotte Street. Construction on the $25.8-million project is set to begin in early 2012. The work will be completed during the summer of 2013. Newton Parking Structures Ltd. of Guelph has been selected to build the structures. The project consists of two separate buildings that are connected by a second-storey pedestrian bridge from the Innovation Centre to the parking structure. The Innovation Centre will feature […]

The University of Windsor has decided to build a two-storey, 40,800-square-foot Innovation Centre and a seven-level parking garage with 1,055 spaces at its campus along Wyandotte Street.

Construction on the $25.8-million project is set to begin in early 2012. The work will be completed during the summer of 2013.

Newton Parking Structures Ltd. of Guelph has been selected to build the structures.

The project consists of two separate buildings that are connected by a second-storey pedestrian bridge from the Innovation Centre to the parking structure.

The Innovation Centre will feature a 22,600-square-foot first floor and a 16,800-square-foot second floor.

The parking garage will be 295,000 square feet. Pre-cast decking will be assembled on site to speed up construction.

One of the features of the parking structure will be the use of wide-open space.

University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Alan Wildeman said the project will strengthen the presence of the school and add much-needed parking space.

“It will also enable us to consolidate much of the parking on campus onto a significantly reduced footprint, and create opportunities to add more green space and provide land for future capital development.”

Founded in 1963, the university has close to 16,000 full- and part-time students.

An entry by Local 793 was recently named the best float at Toronto’s 2011 annual Labour Day parade by the Central Ontario Building Trades. The organization made the announcement Dec. 8. An entourage of Local 793 members and family members participated in the Sept. 5 parade. The Local 793 contingent was led by business manager Mike Gallagher. Children rode atop the Local 793 float while union members and their families walked alongside. Union members wearing black coats and baseball hats emblazoned with Local 793 logos marched from University Avenue north […]

An entry by Local 793 was recently named the best float at Toronto’s 2011 annual Labour Day parade by the Central Ontario Building Trades.

The organization made the announcement Dec. 8.

An entourage of Local 793 members and family members participated in the Sept. 5 parade.

The Local 793 contingent was led by business manager Mike Gallagher.

Children rode atop the Local 793 float while union members and their families walked alongside.

Union members wearing black coats and baseball hats emblazoned with Local 793 logos marched from University Avenue north of Queen Street to the CNE grounds.

More than 25,000 unionized workers participated in the Toronto parade. It is held annually to celebrate gains made by the labour movement and to demand further improvements.