A Message from your President, Brian Lane
For forty-five years, the National Capital Heavy Construction Association has represented the interests of the heavy construction industry in the national capital region. Our industry is a significant economic driver performing well over $1 billion in infrastructure work annually. We play a vital role in the construction and maintenance of the infrastructure that is so critically important to maintaining the well-being of our community.
I am honored to act as the 45th President of the Association and build upon the foundation laid by our Past Presidents and Board Members. I am very fortunate to have the support of outgoing President, Paul Lemire, our committed Board of Directors and Executive Director, Kathryn Sutherland.
This year is an important one as we roll out new programs and initiatives to support our members so that they, in turn, will be successful.
I invite you to view NCHCA’s 3-year Business Plan which identifies NCHCA’s objectives and the outcomes that we hope to achieve, and our Communications Strategy which identifies our stakeholders, communications objectives and key messages. Both documents are posted on our website.
As stated in our Strategic Plan, our Mission is to act as a resource to our members and promote the heavy construction industry in the construction and maintenance of sustainable infrastructure.
During my presidency, my priority will be advocacy which aligns with NCHCA’s first objective to advocate strong, clear positions and expectations to regarding issues that affect the heavy construction industry. I invite you to take a moment to review NCHCA’s Advocacy Report posted on NCHCA’s website to be informed of our recent advocacy efforts.
Our advocacy efforts in 2023 will build on the work of previous years including:
- Advocating for fair, transparent and timely locate services with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery
- Offering webinars and bulletins on excess soil management in accordance with the new legislation
- Advocating on with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding new Design Criteria for Sanitary Sewers, Storm Sewers and Forcemains
- Providing industry’s perspective and suggestions for improvements to the City of Ottawa programs such as the VPM system
- Participating in City of Ottawa specification reviews
- Advocating for increased investment in road building, and sewer and watermain construction projects with the City of Ottawa
- Continuing with “construction community cares” initiatives such as the construction equipment parade in in support of CHEO and Roger Neilson House which will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023
We anticipate holding many networking events over the balance of 2023, including a slo-pitch tournament, Manhole and Pothole Open golf tournaments, BBQ Shine & Show, and the Fall Gala.
Improving the recruitment and retention of workers in the heavy construction industry remains a priority for us. In 2020, NCHCA undertook a multi-year recruitment project with funding from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to address industry labour shortages in the Ottawa area. We thank all of our members who participated in this initiative. In 2023, we rolled out a recruitment campaign with resounding success – we have received inquiries from over 4,000 individuals who are interested in working in the industry. We have submitted a follow-up request for funding to continue the campaign.
We recognize and value our relationships with our 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 2023 Education Series, which brought together over 660 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 locate system improvements, the VPM system, and specification updates.
I look forward to my term as president and to providing our members with information and resources so that they, in turn, can be successful.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time.
Brian Lane, P.Eng., MBA
NCHCA President
blane@taggartconstruction.com