The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) stands with the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) in expressing support for the Government’s objectives to enhance housing and infrastructure development. However, there are significant concerns regarding the practicality of the Government’s policy strategies amid workforce shortages. The omission of Prompt Payment Legislation in the 2024 Budget places BC’s small and medium-sized contractors in a precarious situation, further questioning the feasibility of these policies to address the construction industry’s needs and to stimulate provincial economic growth effectively.
It seems overly optimistic to expect that the construction industry in BC can achieve the ambitious goals set for multi-unit housing projects, which are essential for improving affordability for residents. This skepticism is due to the challenges posed by escalating material costs, burdensome payment delays, and critical workforce shortages. Our preliminary findings from the 2024 Construction Industry Survey highlight the Top 3 priorities for BC construction employers, which underline the industry’s critical concerns:
The acute shortage of skilled construction workers.
The urgent need for the implementation of Prompt Payment Legislation, adjudication processes, and Lien Reform.
The efficiency of permitting and inspection processes, including those managed by municipalities and BC Hydro.
These priorities underscore the necessity for a more robust and industry-sensitive approach in policymaking to ensure the construction sector's resilience and its pivotal role in fostering economic prosperity across the province.
The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) is honoured to be named the recipient of the 2025 Kelowna Chamber Business Excellence Award for Excellence in Non-Profit.
Update for Members: Government Releases Standardized Housing Designs. The government has introduced a new set of standardized designs for small-scale, multi-unit housing. These designs aim to simplify planning and reduce costs for construction projects.
Industry Alert: Procurement fairness clause removed from many Taxpayer-Funded construction projects. BCCA warns the public and contractors of unacceptable levels of risk following the explicit removal of “Contract A” by many public owners.
WorkSafeBC recommending changes to improve crane safety in B.C. New risk-reduction strategy is based on a comprehensive review of crane safety and informed by stakeholder input and feedback.
SICA would like to Thank everyone for making the June 7th Tournament a great success. It was a Perfect Day on the Greens: Thank You to Our Incredible Players and Sponsors! See the Wrap Up here!
Discover how Building Information Modelling (BIM) is revolutionizing sustainability in construction! From energy-efficient designs to waste reduction strategies, BIM technology is driving green goals forward. Read more about BIM's impact on sustainability and how it's shaping the future of construction.
As we wrap up the SICA Contractor Breakfast 2024, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees for making it a remarkable event. We're especially grateful to BCCA for their sponsorship, contributing to its success. Congratulations to Acres for receiving the 2024 Leadership award for the Southern Interior region.
The Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA), alongside the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA), supports government plans for housing and infrastructure but highlights significant concerns due to labor shortages and the lack of Prompt Payment Legislation in the 2024 Budget.
Canada's construction industry, a vital force in our economy, employs an estimated 1.5 million people. However, for years, industry stakeholders have grappled with the persistent issue of payment delays along the contracting chain.
Wow, what a blast the Young Builder's Networking Group kickoff was! The Southern Interior Construction Association threw one heck of a party at the super trendy BNA Brewery Restaurant, and let me tell you, it was epic. Big shoutout to Acera Insurance for sponsoring – you guys know how to support the next wave of construction leaders.
This is the wrap-up for the CCO Workshop 2024. This one-day conference where the goal of facilitating open and transparent conversation between all parties in the construction industry.
We want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the members who attended our recent appreciation evening. Their unwavering commitment and dedication to the construction industry form the bedrock of our success, and it was a true honor to recognize and celebrate each member's invaluable contributions.
The CEO of the Southern Interior Construction Association, accompanied by 100 industry leaders, advocates at Parliament Hill for federal government collaboration to spur economic growth.
Protect yourself and your family. Prevent the flu this year. Get your flu shot with a pharmacist on-site at both our SICA locations. Space is limited; book your appointment now. Please note this link will take you to the Save on Foods Pharmacy site but the Flu Clinic will be hosted in our SICA office locations.
SICA would like to express gratitude and recognition for these organizations that have been dedicated, committed, and engaged members of our association. This list acknowledges the significant contributions, loyalty, and positive impact that long-standing members bring to the construction industry and our community.
This is the wrap up for the CCO Workshop. This one day conference where the goal is to facilitate open and transparent conversation between all parties in the construction industry.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is seeking to establish a pre-qualified list of firms to support its BC Highway Reinstatement Program which the Province has initiated to repair highways compromised by the extreme rainfall events of November 14 and 15,2021
SICA has teamed up with BC Construction Association Employee Benefit Trust (BCCA EBT) to ensure that construction workers are protected from the seasonal flu.
On Thursday, September 23rd, SICA is holding a hybrid in-person/virtual Annual General Meeting. During the AGM SICA will share our latest Annual Report which covers the fiscal period between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.
Through the Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA) Fund and in partnership with the Construction Foundation of BC, SICA is organizing the Kelowna Crane Incident Legacy Education Fund. This fund is a tribute to the individuals who tragically lost their lives from the Brooklyn Site Incident on July 12th, 2021. The funds raised through this fund will go towards supporting future post-secondary education for the children of the victims in this tragedy.
SICA is amplifying the call to show solidarity and honour those who lost their lives on Monday by hanging a safety vest outside your workplace or home. Please consider hanging a safety vest outside your workplace or home. Use the hashtag #hangahighvisoutside when posting this initiative on social media.
The board, staff, and members of SICA are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic crane accident in Kelowna yesterday. Our hearts grieve for the families, friends, and co-workers of those who did not return home from the job-site last night. Our deepest condolences go out to those who have been affected by this catastrophe.
In partnership with the BC Public Health Office, the BCCA and its partners have made available construction fast lanes at select vaccination centers around the province on specified dates between and times through June and July.
I write to you heavy with emotions regarding the recent discovery at the Kamloops residential school. This is a long-awaited confirmation of the cultural annihilation forced upon our indigenous communities. I feel the profound grief and anger of my ancestral lineage being of the Metis Nation, as well as a feeling of deep shame of being Canadian right now.
Today, April 9th, as part of the #lunchboxchallenge for Construction Month 2021 SICA was happy to serve lunch to the workers on the Acres Enterprises Ltd. Barkman site in Merritt!
It’s no exaggeration to say the global economy has been paralyzed by the pandemic. Fortunately for many Canadians, the construction industry was one of the few beacons in an otherwise slow economy greatly inhibited by COVID-19. Of course, the many forms of construction activity couldn’t forge ahead frivolously – social distancing, rigorous cleaning protocols and an abundance of caution were the norm on work sites everywhere, and it’s clear these methods will continue in the months ahead.
The Gold Seal Certification program certifies estimators, foremen, owner’s construction managers, project managers, safety practitioners and superintendents working in, or with, Canada’s non-residential construction industry.
As a Member you are a part of a collective voice, the SICA voice. Together, our voice is changing the construction community and helping your business grow through advocacy, networking events, affinity programs, direct business leads and more. Our voices promotes fairness, transparency and open communication in the construction industry. Join SICA to grow your business today and be a voice for our industry tomorrow.
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