Ontario Construction News staff writer
The National Capital Heavy Construction Association (NCHCA) reported a healthy financial summary and significant progress on its key objectives at its Annual General Meeting on April 11.
Brian Lane from Taggart Construction Limited is continuing for a second term as the association’s president.
“The recruitment of workers to the heavy construction industry remains a priority for NCHCA,” he told the AGM gathering. “In 2023, we rolled out a recruitment campaign with resounding success – we received inquiries from over 4,500 individuals who are interested in working in the industry.”
Lane referenced the recruitment website at www.buildforyourfuture.ca. “Interested parties are being directed to hiring contacts at our members,” Lane said.
Treasurer Nick Regalbuto from Ottawa Redline Construction Ltd. reported the association had a surplus of $16,150 in the 2023 fiscal year, significantly greater than the budgeted $5,480.
Overall, the association had net assets of $363,104. Revenue and expenses both increased, largely because of the extra funding/support for the recruitment program and increased event registrations.
“NCHCA relies on revenue form membership dues, sponsorship, and attendance at events,” Regalbuto said. “In 2023, we welcomed 22 new members and have welcomed five new members in the first three months of 2024.
“We have 10 social events planned for 2024 including a new event – a soccer tournament – which will be held on Sept. 6, 2024, at the Maple Leaf- Almrausch Club Inc.”
“NCHCA remains in a good financial position with strong membership revenues and a strong position in cash and assets, giving the association as solid base and the financial ability to act on key strategic initiatives when required in 2024 and beyond,” Regalbuto said.
In his presentation as returning NCHCA president, Brian Lane said his “priority will be advocacy, which aligns with NCHCA’s first objective to advocate strong, clear positions and expectations regarding issues that affect the heavy construction industry.”
Lane said the association recognizes and values its relationships with its stakeholders.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners– municipal governments, private sector owners and consulting engineers – and will build on the success of the 2024 Education Series, which brought together approximately 650 industry professionals at this industry-wide educational and networking event.
“We will continue to work closely with the City of Ottawa through monthly liaison meetings and providing feedback on city initiatives such as the VPM (Vendor Performance Management) system and specification updates.”
R.W. Tomlinson Limited received the association’s 2023 annual safety award, recognizing the “heroic actions of one of its team,” said Earlana Lavergne, chair of the NCHCA’s Health and Safety Committee and health and safety manager at Taggart Construction.
“In November 2023, the team member entered a burning house to rescue a trapped inhabitant. The courage he displayed in this situation speaks volumes of his character.”
Besides Lane and Regalbuto, other 2024 NCHCA executive members are: Past president, Paul Lemire, C.A.C.E. Construction (1991) Ltd.; first vice-president, John DeKroon, K.C.E. Construction Ltd; and second vice-president Dale Downey, Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd.
Directors are: Nick Bray, Louis W. Bray Construction Limited; Brad Gooderham, Green Infrastructure Partners Inc.; Yannick LaMontagne, LDC Precision Concrete Inc.; Chris Lesaux, Canada Waterworks Inc.; Dave McClure, Toromont Cat; Joel McIntyre, R.W. Tomlinson Limited; Drew Paulusse, GEMTEC Consulting Engineers and Scientists Limited; Brenda Rabb, Rabb Construction Ltd.; Sandro Ricci, ASL; Stephen Turner, Ottawa Residential Consultants Inc.; and Bob Watson, Marathon Underground Constructors Corporation.
As well, the board has two non-voting representatives. Edison Donnelly of Novatech Engineers, Planners and Landscape Architects represents the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Ontario and Jeff Mulcock of Taggart Construction Limited represents the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association.
