The Construction Record™ Podcast
Canada's top, award-winning podcast about the construction industry produced by the nation's leading construction industry publications the Daily Commercial News and the Journal of Commerce. We explore the issues, trends and gamechangers in the industry both domestic and international.
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 372: 2024 Halloween Special
10/31/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 372: 2024 Halloween Special
On a special Halloween episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey is joined by ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace and contributing writer Peter Kenter to discuss both ghost towns and participate in our annual horror film geek-out. Peter has been crafting an article about ghost towns in both Canada and the U.S. and explains how abandoned places frozen in time can feel just as haunted as supernatural locales. Vince and Peter also discuss the phenomenon of “ghost cities” in China where entire neighbourhoods are built and unfilled and the eerie atmosphere of architectural styles frozen in time. Warren, Peter and Vince also speak to both the latest horror films they’ve been watching and some classic horror they think deserves another viewing. You can listen to our recent interview with VRCA president Jeannine Martin about the 2024 Awards of Excellence gala . Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 371: The VRCA 2024 Awards of Excellence
10/25/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 371: The VRCA 2024 Awards of Excellence
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey and daily news editor Lindsey Cole look at not only the 2024 Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) Awards of Excellence but also the leading stories in construction across Canada. Lindsey spoke about the Ontario Building Trades convention covered by staff writer Don Wall, with a focus on the NextStar plant currently being built in Ontario, as well as coverage of RESCON’s housing summit. Warren also talked about his recent story covering industry reaction to the recent B.C. election which as of publication still doesn’t have a clear winner. We also have a feature interview with VRCA president Jeannine Martin, who talked about the changes to this year’s awards, including VRCA director of advocacy and engagement Craig Larkins co-hosting the event with Juno winning Vancouver comedian Ivan Decker. She also explained the Awards role in celebrating the Lower Mainland’s construction industry and some of its biggest and most innovative projects. You can listen to our recent interview with Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP) executive director Vicki Waldron and Community Savings Credit Union vice-president of strategic partnerships Raj Khunkhun . Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 370: CIRP and Community Savings partner on Recovery Protection Program
10/18/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 370: CIRP and Community Savings partner on Recovery Protection Program
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP) executive director Vicki Waldron and Community Savings Credit Union vice-president of strategic partnerships Raj Khunkhun about their partnership in deploying the Recovery Protection Program (RPP), which addresses the financial needs of those suffering mental health or substance use pressures and are going through CIRP’s rehabilitation process. Waldron said the impetus for the partnership was that a big barrier to people staying in treatment was their finances, which often were affected negatively by their mental health or substance use struggle and that the RPP allows them to focus on their recovery. Khunkhun said Community Savings waives banking fees and postpones loans for three months, and noted there are regulatory restrictions on going further than that time period. He added they modeled their part of the initiative on a previous policy used to help workers on strike or in a lockout situation. You can listen to our recent interview with Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) CEO Caroline Gumble . Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 369: CIOB CEO Caroline Gumble
10/11/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 369: CIOB CEO Caroline Gumble
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) CEO Caroline Gumble about skilled trades recruitment and DEI initiatives in both the UK and North America. Gumble explained the CIOB has existed for 190 years and stands for science, ethics and practice of the built environment. She detailed some of the ays the UK has encouraged diversity in hiring through the use of “blind CVs” where no personal information in included in a resume to discourage unconscious bais. She also explained that while there are slight differences in terms of the makeup of the workforce in North America and the UK, both face the same demographic challenges of a looming wave of retirements with not enough workers ready to replace them. You can listen to our recent interviews from the ICBA Construction Innovation Summit . Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 368: 2024 ICBA Construction Innovation Summit
10/04/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 368: 2024 ICBA Construction Innovation Summit
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the Independent Business and Contractors Association’s (ICBA) 2024 Construction Innovation Summit. The first interview is with BuildForce Canada executive director Bill Ferreira, who addressed attendees at a session called The State of the Construction Workforce - Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities, laying out the current and future labour trends affecting the industry. Dusty Robotics CEO and co-founder Tessa Lau explained the cutting edge of automation in construction with a session titled “The State of Robotics in Construction - Today’s Reality and Tomorrow’s Possibilities” which looked at some of the technology on the horizon for one of the oldest industries in the world. You can listen to our most recent podcast interview with urbanist, author and Creative Class Group founder Richard Florida . Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 367: Richard Florida on Toronto’s waterfront
09/27/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 367: Richard Florida on Toronto’s waterfront
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with urbanist, author and Creative Class Group founder Richard Florida about a new report he’s written about the need to revamp Toronto’s waterfront. compares Toronto’s development on its waterfront with other world-class cities such as Dubai, New York and London and points to how while residential and office development has gone forward, the area needs to draw in not only Torontonians but increase tourism to the city. He added focusing on the tech sector, creating sports infrastructure and said Bily Bishop Airport which resides on the waterfront is key to expansion and bringing in international business and tourists. You can listen to our most recent podcast with interviews with ICBA president Chris Gardner and BC Building Trades executive director Brynn Bourke about the B.C. election . Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 366: B.C. Election Part Two with Chris Gardner and Brynn Bourke
09/20/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 366: B.C. Election Part Two with Chris Gardner and Brynn Bourke
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews with Independent Contractors and Business Association (ICBA BC) president Chris Gardner and BC Building Trades executive director Brynn Bourke about who they’re endorsing and what they want to see for their sectors after the election on Oct. 19. Gardner said the ICBA is supporting the BC Conservatives and its leader John Rustad and pointed to the current NDP government’s use of community benefit agreements (CBA) as one of the main reasons. Bourke said the BC Building Trades are allied with the BC NDP and current B.C. premier David Eby and also voiced the organization’s support for CBAs and other NDP labour policies. You can listen to our most recent podcast on the history of the hardhat and Part One of our BC Election podcast series . Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 365: Hard Hat History with Vince Versace
09/18/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 365: Hard Hat History with Vince Versace
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace about the long history of the humble hard hat. Invented by American Edward W. Bullard in 1918 the hardhat is both the first and one of the most vital pieces of safety equipment on site and an iconic, instantly recognizable symbol of the construction industry. From its origins as an overlapping layer of canvas and glue to its current iteration, hardhats haved saved lives and prevented injuries for countless workers over the past century. You can listen to our recent podcast featuring an interview with Calgary Construction Association president Bill Black about the troubled Green Line project and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 364: Bill Black on the Calgary Green Line
09/13/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 364: Bill Black on the Calgary Green Line
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Calgary Construction Association president Bill Black speaks with digital media editor Warren Frey about the many delays and governmental clashes affecting the City of Calgary’s Green Line light-rail transit project. Alberta premier Danielle Smith recently said she wants the project to proceed as originally envisioned and expressed concerns the current project is not cost-effective. Black does not want to take sides on the design of the project or see it devolve into a political battle as he expressed during several media interviews but expressed concerns the conflict might sideline the local construction industry. He pointed to smaller member firms using the Green Line as an “anchor project” for their work being adversely affected by funding battles at the government level and that the uncertainty surrounding the project undermines confidence within the local industry when working on big projects. You can listen to our recent podcast featuring ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace discussing how the tragedy of 9/11 changed the construction industry and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 363: How 9/11 changed construction
09/11/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 363: How 9/11 changed construction
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 about how the subsequent study of the tragedy led to new designs and building practices. Vince explained how new forms of egress were adopted in tall buildings in order to facilitate evacuations, how construction moved away from the “core pillar” design of the Twin Towers and improved resiliency not only against a hostile attack but other stressors. Another change was adoption across the world of more uniform building codes and improvement of those codes to ensure such an event doesn’t happen again. As climate change continues to stress-test cities and buildings across the world, Vince speculated similar sharing might occur to improve resiliency of built forms. You can listen to our recent podcast with Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) president Jeannine Martin and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about the upcoming B.C. election and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 362: Construction goes to the Movies
09/06/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 362: Construction goes to the Movies
On this special episode of The Construction Record Podcast, as children and teens across North America make their way back to school for another year, digital media editor Warren Frey and ConstructConnect director of news media Vince Versace discuss construction as seen in the movies. Films and television can inspire future career choices for young people, and certainly The LEGO Movie, which celebrates becoming a master builder in a world of bricks is no exception. Vince and Warren also cover more adult fare such as Locke, a film starring Tom Hardy about real construction challenges as he drives across the UK. Other construction films include Bridge on the River Kwai, Darkman and other, as well as many documentary series such as Extreme Engineering, Megastructures and Cities of the Underworld and Design Canada, a film about how Canadian design from the 1960s influenced both graphic presentation and architecture. You can listen to our recent podcast with Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) president Jeannine Martin and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about the upcoming B.C. election and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 361: The B.C. election with Jeannine Martin and Chris Atchison
08/30/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 361: The B.C. election with Jeannine Martin and Chris Atchison
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey interviews Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) president Jeannine Martin and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about the upcoming B.C. election. The B.C. election race was upended on Aug. 28 when BC United leader dropped out and the party withdrew from the race, leaving David Eby’s NDP and John Rustad’s BC Conservatives going head to head. Rustad also spoke that same day at the VRCA offices in Vancouver as part of the association’s “Constructive Conversations” series, which previous featured both Eby and Falcon. Both association leaders took stock of the changed electoral landscape and focused on what’s needed for the B.C. construction industry regardless of who takes government on Oct. 19. Prompt payment legislation was top of min for both Atchison and Martin, as was addressing the ongoing labour shortage both by retaining the workers now in the province and gaining new workers through migration from other provinces and abroad. Martin also discussed the idea of a “minister of construction,” a concept both associations advocate for as a way to streamline regulatory hurdles and focus on an industry that contributes significantly to the province’s GDP, and both leaders tackled how all three leaders addressed an ongoing affordability crisis. You can listen to our recent podcast with Wesgroup CEO Beau Jarvis about housing supply and regulations and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 360: Wesgroup CEO Beau Jarvis on housing and regulations
08/23/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 360: Wesgroup CEO Beau Jarvis on housing and regulations
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks to Wesgroup president and CEO Beau Jarvis about dealing with the housing crisis from a developer perspective. Wesgroup recently released a video titled “Housing Crisis 101: Why Homes Don't Just Happen” (embedded below) which illustrates through animation how changing government regulations and an uncertain building environment are adding risk for developers. Jarvis also noted that with 95 per cent of Canadian housing stock coming from the private sector, in his view it makes sense to work within the current paradigm to try to expand affordable housing stock throughout Canada. He also noted the current regulatory climate is leading Canadian developers to focus on U.S. housing opportunities rather than building at home. You can listen to our recent podcast with economist Jack Mintz about Canada’s ageing infrastructure and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 359: Economist Jack Mintz on Canada’s infrastructure
08/16/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 359: Economist Jack Mintz on Canada’s infrastructure
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with economist and President’s Fellow at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy Jack Mintz about Canada’s reinvigorating and expanding ageing infrastructure. Mintz said privatization is one possible route to increasing infrastructure across Canada, and pointed to the telecommunications industry as an example of infrastructure that works reliably and upgrades at a regular cadence. Pension funds investing in infrastructure is another possibility, along with public-private partnerships (P3). Housing affordability is another factor and Mintz said a big issue is that installing new infrastructure can lead to a rise in housing prices. Green infrastructure can also be more expensive initially with benefits that aren’t immediately apparent leading to sticker-shock. He advocated for honesty from government in letting consumers and investors know what the costs are of green infrastructure up front. You can listen to our recent podcast with BCIT Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy director Mathew Smith and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 358: Cobots and construction with BCIT’s Mathew Smith
08/09/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 358: Cobots and construction with BCIT’s Mathew Smith
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with BCIT Centre for Welding Technologies and Metallurgy director Mathew Smith about “cobots,” robots designed to work collaboratively with students and workers in industrial environments. Smith said cobots differ from traditional industrial robots in size, function and cost and because of the use of sensors can maneuver around human operators, making them much more flexible in a learning environment. Cobots do not replace human skills, he added, as they follow preprogrammed instructions, and BCIT students are taught manual dexterity skills that remain fundamental to the welding trade. Cobots enhance work, Smith said, and alleviate tradespeople and students of rote tasks to focus on more complex work. You can listen to our recent podcast with ConstructConnect chief economist Michael Guckes and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 357: ConstructConnect chief economist Michael Guckes
08/02/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 357: ConstructConnect chief economist Michael Guckes
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with ConstructConnect chief economist Michael Guckes as he details his plans for his new role. Michael and Warren discussed what’s in store for the economy as summer turns to fall including the possibility of a rate cut from the Federal Reserve as well as the shifting political landscape as the United States heads to a presidential election in November. Michael also went into detail on his career and how it’s meshed with both construction and economics since the beginning and gave a preview of how he’ll present his economic insights in new ways going forward. Note: This episode was recorded before U.S. president Joe Biden announced he would stand down from re-election. You can listen to our recent podcast with Yellowknife Consulting Services president Terry Dussault about emerging trends and safety risks on worksites and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 356: Site safety trends with Terry Dussault
07/26/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 356: Site safety trends with Terry Dussault
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Yellowknife Consulting Services president Terry Dussault about emerging trends and safety risks on worksites. Dussault highlighted rising risks such as struck-by incidents and the need for better respiration masks to deal with threats such as potential silica inhalation. He also said more awareness is needed about biological risks, such as harmful plant life on a site which can result in workers developing allergies or reactions to the environment. He also said supervisors should be equipped with essential steps for prevention and dealing with accidents when they occur such as understanding the incident, identifying causal factors, digging deeper into root causes, devising effective solutions, and verifying outcomes. You can listen to our recent podcast with Substance Group chief accessibility officer Mark DeMontis and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 355: Building accessibility with Mark DeMontis
07/19/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 355: Building accessibility with Mark DeMontis
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Substance Group chief accessibility officer Mark DeMontis about how accessible buildings in B.C could be a new and lucrative market for developers. DeMontis said while there has been some resistance to BC Building Code changes that increase accessibility in new buildings, he thinks those attitudes focus on the short term rather than viewing those with disabilities as an untapped new market for residential units. He also said there is a common misconception that disabled people are also receiving assistance when not only are many disabilities invisible but the majority of disabled people have significant purchasing power, and said as the general population ages accessibility becomes mor and more important. You can listen to our recent podcast with TAS CEO Mazyar Mortazavi and Creative Fire managing director Jordan Baptiste about the TAS Reconciliation Plan and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 354: The TAS Reconciliation Plan
07/12/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 354: The TAS Reconciliation Plan
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both TAS CEO Mazyar Mortazavi and Creative Fire managing director Jordan Baptiste about the TAS Reconciliation Plan, a document intended to guide company actions as they engage with Indigenous communities to further development. Mortazavi described as an impact platform which uses real estate to drive positive change operating as developers, asset manages and through private equity. He said the firm released its plan is an evolution of their impact framework and work off od its interactions with Indigenous communities to create a “framework of accountability.” Baptiste said Creative Fire is a community owned advisory and consultancy and he said any significant development going forward will involve Indigenous communities, and that TAS’s value system aligns with a desire to be “keepers of the land” which made developing the plan together a natural fit. You can listen to our recent podcast about the twin forces of immigration and addressing the labour shortage and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 353: immigration and the labour shortage
07/05/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 353: immigration and the labour shortage
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both BC Building Trades executive director Brynn Bourke and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about Canada’s immigration system and how it intersects with an ongoing labour shortage in the construction industry. Bourke addressed what she said is an “addiction” to temporary foreign workers in the construction industry and advocated for changing the immigration system to both reflect modern labour needs and provide an easier path to permanent residency for skilled tradespeople looking to work in Canada. Atchison said he also supports not only trying to make skilled tradespeople into new Canadian citizens as a priority but also praised British Columbia’s provincial nominee program, which prioritizes getting skilled workers into the right roles in the province. He also said BCCA is collaborating with the Canadian Construction Association to pool resources and learning as immigration is in the end the domain of the federal government. You can listen to our recent interview with Alastair Hayfield about the state of construction in the UK in 2024 and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 352: The state of UK Construction in 2024 with Alastair Hayfield
06/28/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 352: The state of UK Construction in 2024 with Alastair Hayfield
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Alastair Hayfield from Interact Analysis to discuss the state of construction in the UK in 2024 with an emphasis on heavy equipment. Hayfield was last on the podcast in , and since then the economic situation has not improved, he said. With an impending election on July 4 the industry is in a holding pattern and waiting to see which party takes Parliament before committing to large economic projects. On ongoing labour shortage is also affecting construction in the UK, with heavy equipment operators tough to come by and housing, much as in North America, experiencing something of a downturn along with investment in factories as well as some delayed infrastructure projects. You can listen to our recent interview with architect Adrian Price about his work on The Well in Toronto and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 351: Designing The Well’s retail space with architect Adrian Price
06/21/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 351: Designing The Well’s retail space with architect Adrian Price
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with Adrian Price, an architect and principal with London-based BDP Architects, about the design of the retail segment of The Well, a mixed-use “micro-city” of residences offices and retail in downtown Toronto. One of the standout features of The Well is an extensive glass canopy that brings European-style shopping to Canada while still protecting shoppers and residents from the elements in an aesthetically striking configuration. Price also explained how the colonnade feature of the Well’s retail space uses terracotta to blend seamlessly into the surrounding neighbourhood and how an open-air concept adapts to Canada’s sometimes severe weather. You can listen to our recent podcast with ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 350: ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick
06/14/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ - Episode 350: ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick
On this special 350th episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick reflects on his career, the construction industry and the broader economy as he prepares for retirement at the end of June. Alex spoke about the many changes in the economy over the previous decades from the gradual greening of every aspect of construction and the economy to the rise of technology and entertainment as a driver for large-scale building. He also spoke of unpredictable events such as the dot.com crash of the late 90s, the financial crisis of 2008 and the emergence of COVID-19, a “white swan” event unlike anything the globe had seen economically in more than a century. Our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 348: AEC Cares in D.C. with ConstructConnect’s Jen Johnson
05/31/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 348: AEC Cares in D.C. with ConstructConnect’s Jen Johnson
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with AEC Cares president and ConstructConnect chief product officer Jen Johnson about ProjectDC, an initiative in the District of Columbia to renovate the Residential Empowerment Adolescent Community Home (REACH) located in D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Once a year construction industry professionals come together for AEC Cares Day of Service, with last year’s project in San Francisco was the Lark-Inn, a facility run by Larkin Street Youth Services, in a “blitz build” to remodel the living and social spaces for 18 to 24-year-old young adults transitioning from homelessness. This year’s build in D.C. involved a space with very little room for staging and challenges in terms of navigating many volunteers around the many areas they need to work on and renovate throughout the course of the day. Jen detailed all the planning that goes into the day’s work and the year of preparation before hand that makes it possible. She also spoke about this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture and Design and ConstructConnect’s plans during the event including a session led by senior economist Michael Guckes on the state of the economy. You can listen to our recent podcast with interviews from the recent Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s annual conference in Vancouver and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 347: interviews from the RAIC conference
05/24/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 347: interviews from the RAIC conference
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the recent Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s annual conference in Vancouver. The first interview features architects Graham McGarva, Richard Evans and intern architect Tatiana Vovchenko about their session about False Creek South, one of the first showcases of urban planning in Vancouver which is now looking to revamp by building in concert with the existing community rather than replacing it. The second interview is with Williams Lake First Nation chief Willie Sellars and M2 Architecture Inc.’s Michael McNaught, who discuss the Osprey Lake project, a multi-purpose structure in the City of Williams Like that acts as a gathering space, a restaurant and features several lofts meant to act not only as accommodation for visiting professionals but as a long-term recruiting tool to bring more people to the region. You can listen to our recent podcast about the Kansas City design scene and work on the CPKC Stadium and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 346: Kansas City design and CPKC Stadium
05/17/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 346: Kansas City design and CPKC Stadium
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast, digital media editor Warren Frey talks to designers and architects in Kansas City about the design culture of the city and region and the challenges and successes of building CPKC Stadium, the first ever women’s soccer stadium in North America and the home of the Kansas City Current. First, Warren interviews DLR Group principal and interior design leader Gretchen Holy and KC Global Design managing director Ashley McDonald about the vibrant and deep design culture of Kansas City, a modern city with deep roots in the U.S. Midwest as a commercial hub and link to both the west and east coasts of the country, as well as a hub for top U.S. design firms. The second interview is with Generator Studio’s senior project designer Jill Monaghan and director of interior design Christina Franklin, the driving force behind design for the KC Current women’s soccer team’s CPKC Stadium. The stadium was purpose built for the team and is the first of its kind, which meant a more welcoming environment and adaptability to other possible uses for the structure, as well as consciously building a smaller stadium to better harness fan enthusiasm. You can listen to highlights from the recent ConstructConnect, AIA and AGC of A economic webcast and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 345: The “What is Normal Anymore” economic webcast
05/10/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 345: The “What is Normal Anymore” economic webcast
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey compiles highlights from the recent Construction Economy Outlook Spring 2024 titled “What is Normal Anymore?” and held online on May 9. The webinar, presented by ConstructConnect, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) featured ConstructConnect chief economist Alex Carrick and senior economist Michael Guckes, AGC chief economist Ken Simonson, AIA chief economist Kermit Baker and ConstructConnect vice-president of content acquisition Morgan Stinson and vice-president of product marketing Paul Hart. Baker looked at recent trends in construction activity as well as the outlook for this year and into 2025 and Simonson examined construction employment as well as material and labour costs and how much the industry is spending. Stinson gave an overview of bidding trends seen in ConstructConnect’s data and Guckes took a look at the summer starts forecast for construction, as well as project stresses and the continued influence interest rates on the economy. Finally, Carrick did a deep dive on how demographic changes are shaping the economies of both Canada and the United States, as well as how upcoming election in both countries could affect the construction industry and overall economy and looked at rising costs. You can listen to our recent interviews from the Vancouver Island Construction Association annual conference and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 344: Interviews from VICA’s annual conference
05/03/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Episode 344: Interviews from VICA’s annual conference
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the Vancouver Island Construction Association’s (VICA) annual conference held recently in Victoria, B.C. The first interview is with partner Susan Mowbray who gave attendees a look at the current economic situation on Vancouver Island and explained where opportunities for innovation would allow the construction industry to adapt to changing demographics and an increasingly shrinking labour pool. She added artificial intelligence (AI) is an opportunity for employers to both streamline what they do but also compete more effectively. Our second interview is with Immigration, refugee and citizenship lawyer Sarah Goodman who spoke at the VICA conference about some of the pathways to hire skilled workers from overseas. She outlined not only well-known programs for temporary foreign work and pathways to permanent residency but also highlighted ways in which foreign workers with enough skilled trades experience in their home countries could obtain a Red Seal certification. You can listen to our recent interviews with industry reaction to the recent federal budget and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast™ – Special: Federal Budget Reactions
04/26/2024
The Construction Record Podcast™ – Special: Federal Budget Reactions
On this special episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey speaks with both Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) president Richard Lyall and British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) president Chris Atchison about the recent federal budget and its effects on construction and housing. Lyall said the housing measures introduced in the 2024 federal budget will not address the regulatory hurdles homebuilders still encounter and that meaningful consultation with the construction industry and others doing the work was not pursued by the federal government in a meaningful way. He added the budget did not reflect the current economic realities at hand in the residential construction space and said plans to turn unused government buildings into residential housing is a good sign but will take years to implement. Atchison also expressed disappointment with the budget, noting a lack of infrastructure announcements which he stressed were crucial to develop at the same time as housing initiatives. He also agreed with other construction stakeholders that the budget seemed more a political statement than a realistic response to the ongoing housing crisis. You can listen to our recent interviews from the COFI 2024 conference in Vancouver and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 343: Interviews from COFI 2024
04/19/2024
The Construction Record Podcast – Episode 343: Interviews from COFI 2024
On this episode of The Construction Record Podcast™, digital media editor Warren Frey has two interviews from the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) 2024 annual conference in Vancouver. The first interview is with Don Iveson, the former mayor of Edmonton and current executive advisor on climate investing and community resilience for Co-Operators Insurance. Iveson is also the co-chair for the Task Force for Housing and Climate and he spoke to the important ways both the current affordable housing crisis and the present and future climate change emergency are linked together and can be mitigated in an integrated fashion. The second interview is with Abacus Data CEO David Coletto. In his address to COFI 21024 delegates he revealed public perception of the forestry industry has changed in a positive manner because of a continuing wildfire crisis. Most of those polled in B.C. understood the industry’s role in mitigating wildfires when they occur and changing practices to manage forestry resources in a way that addresses ongoing risks, a big change from the public’s views of the industry in previous decades. You can listen to our recent interview with Stantec’s Jag Singh and our episodes are available at the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce websites, on and at , and podcast section. Thanks for listening. DCN-JOC News Services
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