Infrastructure Bank Just One Tool to Ensure the Right Investment

The concept of a Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is one tool that if designed and structured properly could help build on the federal government’s plan to spend $125-billion over the next 10 years on infrastructure, a new report suggests. Read more

Provincial Budget 2016-2017 – Looking For Your Input

As Budget 2016-2017 approaches, the province wants to be able to invest in the things that matter most–quality health care, classrooms and ensuring our young people stay here. At the same time, we also must ensure we are positioned to address the challenges that threaten the sustainability of our services and the quality of life we enjoy. The public is encouraged to share your opinions and thoughts by sending in a submission via Facebook, email, Twitter, and mail (P.O. Box 187, Halifax, NS  B3J 2N3) or by calling 1-844-358-7514.  Please pass this message on to your network — colleagues, friends, family members, and neighbours.

For more information on the budget process and how you can participate, click here. The deadline for input is February 26.


Building Permits, December 2015

In December 2015, Nova Scotia building permits were up 5.7 per cent compared to the previous month at $76.8 million with increases in both residential (+1.2%) and non-residential permits (+16.1%). Compared to December 2014 permits were down 11.7 per cent with a decline in residential permits (-19.3%) offsetting an increase a 8.8 per cent increase in non-residential permits. Read more


The Dotted Line: How to navigate ‘the 3 Cs’ of construction bonding

Experts say that payment and performance bonds aren’t exclusively for public projects anymore, and contractors’ character, capacity and capital play a crucial role in securing the necessary bonding. Read more

The Cube residential tower features stacked units that maximize outdoor space

This residential tower in Beirut is made up of 14 stacked volumes that function as individual villas and maximize outdoor space. Orange Architects designed the tower as a collection of slightly shifted floors, each housing one or two units with 360-degree panoramic views of different areas of Beirut. Named “The Cube,” the project aims to become an iconic building in the city’s panorama. Read more

Net-zero energy buildings: Is construction ‘at the tipping point’ of a new green building era?

“The built world produces about 40% of the waste that goes into landfills, so if we in the construction industry can’t change it, then who will?” said DPR Construction’s Mike Humphrey. Read more

A new superpower? Construction companies near ‘X-ray vision’ with 3-D laser scanning technology

Laser scanning — you might have seen the term pop up on your surveyor’s business card or referenced in the feature notes of your latest Building Information Modeling (BIM) software releases. It sounds intriguing, but it’s really only for the big guys, right? According to industry experts, that isn’t the case. Read more

You’re Invited – ABSDA Building Supply Expo Contractor Afternoon

The ABSDA Building Supply Expo is the largest show of it’s kind in Atlantic Canada and for the very first time, contractors are being invited to attend the expo. This is your opportunity to see all the new products that are hitting the market and network with your industry peers.

Location: Moncton Coliseum
Date: March 3
Time: 12:00pm to 4:30pm

Download the flyer

WGBC study: Green buildings may bolster customer experience, profits for retailers

The World Green Building Council report also provides retailers with a framework to determine how sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives affect their bottom lines. Read more


Infrastructure Money to Flow Once Budget Is Passed

Money for infrastructure projects meant to stimulate the economy, which will likely focus on repairs and maintenance in the first phase of funding, will start flowing soon — but not before the budget is passed, the infrastructure minister said Thursday. Read more