Canadian concrete repair projects awarded

International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) has presented its 2013 awards to concrete repair projects in Canada, United States, Mexico, and Poland. Among this year’s winners was the repair done at EPCOR’s Gold Bar Water Treatment Plant in Edmonton, Alberta. This project team—EPCOR, Read Jones Christopherson (RJC) and general contractor, Sure-Form Construction Ltd.—received the International Award for Excellence in Sustainability of Concrete Repairs.

Avoid Welding Mistakes: Pro Tips for Sure-Flex PVC ™

Precision and attention to detail are key to high-quality PVC welds. Follow these expert tips from Carlisle SynTec Systems for flawless installations.

Ontario concrete projects honoured

This month’s Ontario Concrete Awards, presented in part by the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario (RMCAO), honoured projects featuring the prominent material.

 “The annual Ontario Concrete Awards competition focuses on the achievements of owners, designers, contractors, and suppliers who have made concrete their construction material of choice,” RMCAO’s marketing and communications director Tom Bellis told Construction Canada Online. “Support for this year’s Ontario Concrete Awards was great, with a sold out banquet."

Vancouver architect recognized by UBC

The second annual Margolese National Design for Living Prize has been presented to West Coast architect, Bing Thom. Presented by the University of British Columbia’s (UBC’s) School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), the award honours a Canadian who significantly contributes to the living environment’s development or improvement. The winner receives a $50,000 prize and an invitation to lecture on their work.

Housing starts level out in November

Canada’s November housing starts were down slightly from the previous month, stabilizing the six-month increase, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Last month’s housing starts were trending at 194,014, down slightly from the 195,274 reported in October. The slightly increased trend since July, levelled out in November—remaining on par with the existing home sale trends across the country.

Polypropylene pipe added to Ontario specification

Polypropylene pipe for gravity flow sewer water applications was included in the new edition of the Ontario Provincial Standard Specification (OPSS) and Ontario Provincial Standard Drawing (OPSD) by the province’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO). The MTO announcement includes dual- and triple-wall polypropylene (PP) pipe, in addition to the approved use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe in diameters of 100 to 1500 mm (3.9 to 59 in.).