Ontario Construction News staff writer
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for the construction industry, but reports from municipal authorities in Ottawa and Winnipeg, at least, indicate that city governments are seeking to adapt the building inspection and permitting systems to allow projects to go forward with modified inspection rules.
In Ottawa, “at this time the city is proceeding as planned” for infrastructure projects, Carina Duclos, acting director, Infrastructure Services told Kathryn Sutherland, exécutive director of the National Capital Heavy Construction Association (NCHCA). “The city is not cancelling construction projects. Given the situation nobody can assure there will be no disruptions. Situations of absences related to illness, self-isolation and quarantine could impact them, » she wrote in an email response.
“The city is not cancelling construction projects,” she wrote. “Given the situation nobody can assure there will be no disruptions. Situations of absences related to illness, self-isolation and quarantine could impact them.”
In Winnipeg, municipal officials reached out to the Winnipeg Construction Association to clarify how permitting and inspections will be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:
“We are focused on the public safety aspect during this time period,” the city’s statement said.
- Some work can be done remotely as noted (typically deficiency updates), but we are looking to provide service continuity.
- Staff are expected to show up on the job site and do their regular inspections at the current time with suitable precautions.
- Contractors and residents will contact the Department and appointments scheduled.
- Inspections are still underway.
Nationally, Canadian Construction Association (CCA) president Mary Van Buren provided an update to members, saying “these are unprecedented and challenging times. The impact of COVID-19 is changing at a rapid pace, but one thing that will not change is our commitment to you, your health, and the health of your business and employees.”
“CCA has been in daily contact with the Government of Canada to stay apprised of any policies in support of, or at odds with, the industry’s efforts,” she wrote. “CCA staff have been providing advice and support to our construction association colleagues to share our knowledge. We are also committed to joining any task forces or committees that any local or provincial associations are creating to help deal with the crisis. Please contact Rod Gilbert, vice-president of public affairs, at rgilbert@cca-acc.com with details as we could offer a federal perspective to any working group.
“To help businesses prepare for and manage through a potential COVID-19 escalation in Canada, CCA is referring members to a guide developed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce on pandemic preparedness. It is designed to assist in business planning and continuity efforts.
“You can find a link to the guide as well as links to other helpful tools and resources on our website. We will continue to update this information on our website at www.cca-acc.com/covid-19-resources and we encourage you to also visit www.chamber.ca for additional resources. Links to trusted health information sources can also be found on the page.”