CSC 2018 conference wrap-up: Building collaboration in Edmonton

by nithya_caleb | July 16, 2018 12:00 am

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By Blair Adams

The City of Champions had little to celebrate this spring—its beloved National Hockey League (NHL) team, the Edmonton Oilers, failed to make the playoffs while a record-breaking streak of freezing temperatures kept Edmontonians indoors well into late April. Fast forward a month, the clouds parted, the climate warmed, and spirits lifted just in time to welcome delegates to the Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) annual conference, held May 23 to 27.

The Edmonton Westin was the host hotel for this year’s conference under the theme, “Building
on Collaboration.”

A hallmark of CSC conferences is the networking opportunities combined with a first-rate speaker program. This year, the Edmonton Chapter’s organizing committee raised the bar a little higher, garnering much praise from attendees.

The event kicked off with the Welcome Reception (sponsored by Building Systems Design [BSD]), followed the next day by the Welcome Breakfast (sponsored by Alumicor) featuring keynote speaker Linda Edgecombe, who had the audience not only laughing, but also pondering the question, “Am I happy?” with her presentation, “Holy Crap I’m Busy: Moving from Overwhelm and Distraction to Energized and Resilient.”

The technical discussions were often standing-room only as attendees had a choice of three educational streams each day. The sessions included presentations such as “Emergent Technologies in the Conservation of Historic Places” with NEXT Architecture’s Allan Partridge and “Emerging Solutions, Products, and Methods for Getting to Net Zero” by Christian Ciafrone of Morrison Hershfield. There was also a well-attended two-part workshop put on by Erik Lussier and Cherise Lakeside entitled, “Let’s Fix Construction.”

Throughout the conference, there were experts sharing experience and advice on everything from insulation, project commissioning, office design trends, and acoustics to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) v4.

Toting SpecMarket.com, an alliance between CSC and BSD, conference bags, attendees were also able to network during “speed” sessions between seminars or among the sponsor booths during the packed Connections Café.

At the Thursday luncheon, delegates listened to Robert Black, executive vice-president of the Katz Group, discuss the at-times-controversial process of building the city’s new arena and entertainment complex, Rogers Place, and the development of the surrounding Ice District.

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At the next day’s luncheon (sponsored by TimberStone Distribution), the CSC Edmonton Chapter, along with the Capital Regional Housing Corp. and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), hosted the finalists of the NAIT Student Social Housing Design Competition. Team 6 took first place. Congratulations to Hafsa Salman, Celine Doutre, Katherine Campbell, Katelynn McKenna, Sarah Price, and Colin Schulte.

During the CGC-sponsored Fun Night, attendees got a chance to trace their Polish roots with an evening of entertainment and magic at the famed Polish Hall. Keeping with the theme of collaboration, attendees divided up into teams and put their design skills to the test by competing in a Lego building competition. “Team Pink” took top honours with its “flamingo and babies” entry.

A highlight of the conference is always the President’s Reception (sponsored by BSD) and Ball (sponsored by Custom Tile Installation System). CSC President David Boyle had the privilege of introducing this year’s Life Award and President’s Award recipients to the delegates, companions, and special guests. The President’s Award recipients were Brian Colgan, Peter Emmett, Kazim Kanani, Cathy Schneider, and Nick Franjic.

CSC Life Award

The CSC Life Award is the highest accolade the association bestows on individuals in recognition of their service. This year, two distinguished CSC members were honoured with Life Awards: John Cooke, FCSC, RSW, of the Ottawa Chapter and Peter Semchuk, FCSC, RSW, CCCA, CET, of the Edmonton Chapter.

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John G. Cooke, FCSC, RSW

Cooke has been a member of CSC for nearly 25 years, having joined in November 1993.

As partner and president of John G. Cooke and Associates, he is also the senior structural engineer in the firm. His responsibilities include technical review, specification writing, and client liaison. His particular fields of expertise are heritage and masonry conservation and project management.

When Cooke joined CSC, he immediately realized he could use the organization to improve aspects of the construction industry. In the mid-1990s, he co-authored CSC’s engineering co-ordination document. As an employer, he is a strong supporter of CSC’s educational programs. After becoming a registered specification writer (RSW) himself in 2002, he realized sending his staff members to take—as a minimum—CSC’s Principles of Construction Documentation (PCD) course not only helped things run better in his office, but also meant he was able to provide better and more cost-efficient contract documentation to his clients.

Since joining CSC, he has held various positions in the Ottawa Chapter executive. He joined as vice-president in 2002 and served as president from 2006 to 2007. He continues to be active on the executive today.

In addition to being inducted into the CSC College of Fellows in 2008, Cooke has received numerous awards, including:

• three Chapter Awards of Merit;
• the TSC Program Director’s Award (for his engineering co-ordination document);
• the F. Ross Browne Award for his article on heritage restoration, published in Construction Canada;
• a Quality Documents Competition Honourable Mention; and
• a Conference Program Director’s Award.

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Peter Semchuk, FCSC, RSW, CCCA

Semchuk joined CSC in 1989 and was elected to the Edmonton Chapter executive in 1993, where he went on to serve as officer specification writer, vice-chair, chapter chair, and chapter director. In 2001, he was elected to the CSC Executive Council as 4^th vice-president.

He acted as CSC conference co-chair for the successful joint CSC/CSI conference in Banff in 2002. Semchuk also served on the Technical Studies Committee and was president in 2004/2005.

In addition to receiving his Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) designation in 1999, earning his RSW designation, and being inducted into the College of Fellows in 2006, he has received a Chapter Award of Merit, the Eureka Club Award, a National Award of Merit, and an Education Certification Committee Program Director Award (2008, 2009, and 2015). Semchuk played an active role in the development of a number of joint CSC/CSI initiatives, including the MasterFormat expansion task team and the Overall Construction Classification System (OCCS) table development. He continues to provide direction and support for numerous CSC activities and initiatives. He was a driving influence on the development and updating of CSC’s Manual of Practice, served as chair of the CCCA Subcommittee for several years, and recently took on the role of chair of the RSW Subcommittee. He continues to be active as an instructor at the chapter level and for CSC workshops.

Following the award presentations, President David Boyle, CTR, introduced incoming President Paul Gerber, who touched on what lies ahead for the association and the design-build community. The formal program was followed by a night of dancing.

 

CHAPTERS: ACCOLADES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND COLLECTIVES

[5] The President’s Chapter Award encourages and recognizes active, forward-looking chapters in categories ranging from membership growth and education programs to financial contributions and meeting attendance. This year’s qualifiers were Atlantic, Calgary, Edmonton, Grand Valley, Montréal, Québec, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver Island. When it came time to decide the best of the best and hand over the Lloyd Boddy Chapter of the Year Award, Winnipeg was the winner, excelling in areas such as professional development opportunities, spirit, and participation in local industry and CSC committees. The chapters themselves also present Chapter Awards of Merit to their own outstanding members. This year’s winners include: Atlantic—Scott Cunning, CCCA, and Peter Emmett, FCSC, CCCA; Grand Valley—Douglas Pinnell and Joanna Wcislo; Montréal—Sophie Brochu, Philip Caron, and Dave Barriault; Regina—Marlene Hooper ; Saskatoon—Wade Klassen and Tyler Grabowski, CTR; Toronto—Michelle Wood, Ashley McKay, CSP, Nellie Vila-Legere, and Sandro Ubaldino, FCSC, RSW; Vancouver—Courtney Skene-Hamilton, Glenn Chatten, and Mikhala Way; Vancouver Island—Sheldon Croden; Winnipeg—Coram Lalonde, CCCA, Jason Moses, and Sarah Panasiuk; Calgary—Corinne Golding, FCSC, RSW, Larry Shoesmith, CTR, and Tim Simpson; and Edmonton—Jeff Halashewski, RSW, and Shaune Smith, CCCA.

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Recognizing excellence

Sponsored again this year by Rockfon, the annual awards luncheon was emceed by Cam Newton, CTR. The event gave CSC a chance to celebrate its best and brightest members and associates.

F. Ross Browne Award

The F. Ross Browne Award recognizes editorial excellence in Construction Canada, highlighting the author or co-authors of an article in the magazine. This year, the publication’s editorial advisory board chose a July 2017 piece from a shortlist of top contenders. Frequent Construction Canada contributor Brian Burton was the recipient for his article, “Parliamentary Privileges.”

Program Director Awards

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Program Director Awards were given out in several categories.

Conferences

In recognition of their work in hosting the informative and fun event in Edmonton, co-chairs Peter Semchuk, FCSC, RSW, CCCA, CET, and Kevin Osborne received Program Director Awards, as did the other members of the 2018 Edmonton Conference Committee:

• • David Lawrence, FCSC, CTR;
  • Richard Lucid, CTR;
  • Shaune Smith, CCCA;
  • Mike Lafontaine;
  • Jeff Halashewski, RSW;
  • Mike Ewaskiw, RSW;
  • Donna DeVloo;
  • Cam Munro, CTR;
  • David Watson, FCSC, CSP;
  • Aaron Kjeld;
  • Michael J. Schneider, FCSC, CCCA;
  • Darlene Helfrich, CTR; and
  • Russell Bridgeman.

 

EDUCATION FUND/BURSARY

The Edmonton Chapter, with the help of Keith Robinson, FCSC, FCSI, RSW, and various sponsors, created the Stephanie Wertz Education Fund (SWEF) Bursary in the memory of Stephanie Wertz, who was passionate about specifications and a great friend to CSC. This cash award is presented to a deserving student in the architectural technology program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and is being expanded to include the construction technology and interior design programs. The bursary, in the amount of $1500 per year, is awarded to a student who shows exemplary academic achievement and demonstrated financial need, and who has submitted an essay indicating his or her commitment to construction communication and documentation. Over the past several years, in lieu of speaker gifts, CSC conference host chapters have chosen a charity or cause to support. This year, the Edmonton Chapter chose the SWEF as the organization to receive funds

 

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Education Certification

In order to make it more interactive and informative, CSC embarked on a project to update the online version of the Principles of Construction Documentation course. The following members were recognized for their efforts:

• Douglas J. Ault, CCCA;
• Corinne Golding, FCSC, RSW; and
• Herb T. Guhl, FCSC, RSW.

Marketing

For their continued efforts in reviewing, developing, and implementing the CSC marketing plan, Program Director Awards were presented to:

• Harry P. Forbes, FCSC;
• Mike Garlinski, FCSC;
• George V. Heath, FCSC; and
• Kazim Kanani, CCCA, CSP.

In addition, Laura Herbert and Brittany Mazzocchi, CSP, were recognized for their work in getting the CSC message out via Twitter.

National Award of Merit

This award is presented to members in recognition of their contributions to the well-being of CSC. Board members can nominate or endorse the nomination of a member to whom they believe an award should be made beyond that of a Chapter Award of Merit for exceptional effort, zeal, effectiveness, and time expended for the benefit of CSC as a whole. This year, Guy Houle of the Québec Chapter and Kazim Kanani, CSP, CCCA, of the Toronto Chapter were the recipients of the National Award of Merit.

Houle was a driving force behind the revitalization and stunning member growth of the Québec Chapter, while Kanani worked to bring the PCD course into the college system. Kanani also took the lead in bolstering CSC’s social media efforts, website development, and more. Active on many committees, he has joined the Executive Council as 4^th vice-president.

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Fellowship

This year, the ranks of the College of Fellows rose by one with the induction of Peter Hiebert, CTR. Chancellor Claude Giguère, FCSC, dean Peter Semchuk, FCSC, RSW, CCCA, CET, registrar John Lape, FCSC, FCSI, CCS, and treasurer Mike Garlinski, FCSC, were joined by many other Fellows at the induction ceremony.

Peter Hiebert, CTR

Hiebert has been a member of CSC since 1995 and recognized early on not only what the association could do for him, but also how he could give back. The number of awards he has received and the number of committees on which he has served are evidence of his contributions to CSC at the chapter and executive levels. Completing the CSC Administrative Manual updates and bylaw revisions were just a couple of the accomplishments Hiebert cites during his time on the Executive Council.

Go Riders!

Next year, the CSC national conference moves to Saskatchewan. Tim Walsh, CCCA, is chair of an energetic conference committee team, and plans for the 2019 conference—which will take place at the Delta Regina Hotel—are taking shape.

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MEMBERS OLD AND NEW

When an industry group grows, it means people see value in its goals (and benefits), and want to be part of it. There were 237 new (or rejoining) members in 2017, of which 72 were sponsored by 44 current members.  Russell W. Cornell Award for Membership Recruitment To qualify for the Russell W. Cornell Award, a member must sponsor at least three new members during the membership year. Guy Houle of the Québec Chapter was this year’s award recipient, edging out three-time winner Kazim Kanani, CCCA, CSP, of the Toronto Chapter. Houle sponsored 13 new members in 2017.  His strong efforts in recruiting new members also helped to grow and revitalize the CSC/DCC Québec Chapter. As important as these fresh faces are, having long-term members is also critical, as it ensures continuity and serves as an example of passion and service over the decades. Fortunately, CSC has no shortage of veteran volunteers, with several in attendance to receive their Longevity Awards. 55 Years J.M. Minialoff H.D. Theis 50 Years Jean F. D’Haese, RSW Ian Bartlett, FCSC, RSW Erwin W. Baumann, RSW Joe J. Karpala 45 Years David H. Brookes, RSW 40 Years Gerry Wilson, FCSC, RSW Kenneth A. Halldorson, FCSC, RSW Jon A. Gravell 35 Years Philip J. Evans, FCSC Madine Godin 30 Years Glenn D. Reinders Jean-Guy Levaque René Rufiange Vern Gudmundson Wynn McDonald Wes Anderson Manfred W. Grote Ron J. Van Berkel, CTR Michael J. Schneider, FCSC, CCCA Steve Clayman Paul Andre Babin 25 Years Ken Rowson, FCSC Wesley T. Moore Allan Morris James Dykes Paul Cartier Marc Comtois Jules Leduc Brian Colgan, FCSC, RSW 20 Years Donna DeVloo John Mainer Domenic Biase K. Zielonka Marvin Megley Brent Belanger, CTR Mike Boldt Thomas J. A. Piskor, CTR James Kwan, CTR Gary E. Bearham Dean Karachi Don Delaney Michael E. Thornber Russell Snow, CTR, CSP Imtyaz Kanji, CCCA Billy Lai Greg Mylks, CTR, CCCA John Blair Frank Zrim Derrill Ayotte Nancy McPherson, CTR Darren Wingerak Kevin L. Chouinard Grant Stuempfle, CTR Ruth Shannon, CTR Sylvain Valcourt Don C.K. Poon, CCCA 15 Years Georges Carazzato Nick H. Aroutzidis Bradford W. Cove Dave Laurie, CTR Janis Dubreuil Tony Martinelli, CCCA Raymond B. Nelson, CCCA Rachel Blanchette Kelly Clarke, CTR Cam Munro, CTR Scott Waechter David Johnston Heather Ziober, CCCA Robert St. Louis, CCCA Larry Shoesmith, CTR Tyler R. Pochynuk Cathy Garrido John Hendriks, CCCA Karen Griffith Fraser Powell, CTR Bob Matich, CTR Brian Abbey Gerald Atkin Douglas J. Ault, CCCA Jason Armstrong Jack Gustafson, CCCA Brenda Dejaegher Ron R. Beatson, CCCA Jay Creighton, CCCA Mark Liberty Peter Kubas Mario Rovina Gene Dejneka J.D. Eckmire Wyatt Eckert Bill Maretzki Jameson Vong Agnes Vermes Joanne Walker, CTR Jacques Hebert Guy Desjardins David Shields John Trainor, CTR Shandra Vedress, CSP Yves Roy, CTR Michael Kresin 10 Years Veronica L. Mendoza, RSW Patrick L’Ecuyer Trevor Stupack Adam Strachan, RSW Yves St-Cyr John Garbin Allan Taylor Brent Cherwinski, CTR Bernie Duquette Kristin Hetterly Ken Kosziwka Pete Stevens, CCCA Stephen Attfield Daniel William Horner Gary Goldberg Rodway Jung Brent Mehyden, CCCA Lou Lima, CCCA Garret Hamm Leslie Maksymowicz Frank Schippers, CTR Hector Valenzuela Kris Norman John Greco Dale A. Wilson, CCCA Roy Anderson Jamie Mantle Dave Vella Bretan Baumgardt, CCCA Marko Durbic Paul Ledaire Rob Mutch Rui Cabral Derek Januszewski Alexander Walker Colin McIntosh Sofia Racanelli, CTR Pierre Hebert Thierry Ségard Paul Schmidtke, RSW Daniel Fournier Jeremy Friesen Mark Owen Lee Phillips Monica Guzman Cameron Forbes Ashley McKay, CSP Jean-Pierre Baril Walter Stewart Jean Gelinas

 

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/building-collaboration-in-edmonton/

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