Safety media event in Lethbridge, Alta., promoting ARHCA’s
Don’t RIP Through Construction Zones program
As in other areas across Canada, the onset of the
COVID-19 pandemic had a major dampening effect
on construction in Alberta. Many projects were delayed
or forced to incur extra costs, leaving contractors
to bear much of the financial burden. The road-building
industry in Alberta was no exception.
That’s when the organization that represents the province’s
roadbuilders went to bat for its members and proved
its worth during tough times.
This past spring, the Province of Alberta accepted a proposal
from the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction
Association (ARHCA) that a Fairness Advisory Panel be
established that would enable contractors to work directly
with the government in resolving COVID-19-related disruptions
on transportation projects in the province.
“Specifically, the goal is to seek relief for unforeseen disruptions
in both time and additional costs, directly related
to health protocols imposed by governments to deal with the
pandemic,” said Ron Glen, CEO of ARHCA.
“This is a major achievement. Contractors can now enjoy
less anxiety in bidding projects knowing that there is recognition
by government that these unprecedented times require
new thinking.”
The Alberta government has appointed six members to
the Fairness Advisory Panel: two ARHCA representatives,
two Consulting Engineers of Alberta representatives and two
provincial representatives.
Glen says if there was one silver lining to the pandemic,
it’s that it has helped lift Alberta’s road construction industry
out of the doldrums; and ARHCA also played a large role
in that.
Glen says that prior to the pandemic, there had been cuts
and a lot of uncertainty surrounding highway projects in the
province, reflecting the general state of Alberta’s economy.
When COVID-19 hit, he says, ARHCA pushed its advocacy
for roadbuilding and heavy construction hard, highlighting
to the Alberta government the critical role the industry can
play in the economy as a catalyst.
This certainly was a factor in the government’s decision
to announce $410 million in stimulus spending for Alberta’s
road network on April 9.
Glen said when that happened, “Our construction forecast
did a bit of a 180. That allowed our members to keep working,
and it has really helped the economy with the number of jobs
it has created and continues to create,” adding that the initial
stimulus spending announcement has been followed by
numerous others from the province.
“The ARHCA really appreciates the government recognizing
the importance that the roadbuilding industry has,”
said Glen.
ASSOCIATION PROFILE
Making a Difference
The Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association
has been standing up for members for more than 60 years
By Mark Halsall
ALBERTA ROADBUILDERS AND HEAVY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION
PILING CANADA 33