CSC 2019 conference wrap-up: Building collaboration in Regina

by nithya_caleb | July 29, 2019 2:31 pm

by Blair Adams

Photo © BigStockPhoto.com[1]
Photo © BigStockPhoto.com

The spirit of Rider Nation was ever-present as attendees gathered at Delta Hotels Regina for the Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) national conference. Held May 22 to 26 in Regina, Sask., the theme of this year’s conference was “People, Building, Opportunity,” but one could not help but feel “the 13th man” vibe that has become synonymous with the city and their beloved Canadian Football League (CFL) team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

A hallmark of CSC conferences is the outstanding networking opportunities combined with a top-notch speaker program. This year, the Regina Chapter organizing committee did not disappoint, garnering much praise from attendees for a job well done.

The event kicked off with the Welcome Reception (sponsored by Building Systems Design [BSD]), followed the next day by the Welcome Breakfast featuring a presentation by this year’s conference charity, Street Culture Project Inc., a Regina based non-profit organization that actively works to empower vulnerable youth within the community.

The technical discussions were standing-room only as attendees had a choice of three educational streams each day. The sessions included presentations such as “Women in the Industry: A Panel Discussion on Technical Writing, Design & Other Relevant Topics,”  which was moderated by Kim Tompkins, FCSC, CTR, and included panel members Abigail MacEachen, RSW, Alana Sunness-Griffith, FCSI, Melodie Pike, CTR, Kelly Sawatzky, CSP, RSW, and Colleen Barabonoff, RSW. Other topics included “Preventable Curtain Wall Failures,” by Anthony Santocono of Kwaneer; “Fire Resistance and Firestopping,” with Bill McHugh of the Firestop Contractors International Association; and “A New World of Acoustics,” with Bob Lang of Armstrong World Industries.

Throughout the conference, there were experts sharing experience and sage advice on everything from innovations in mass timber construction to insurance myths and concrete specifications, to name a few.

Toting CSC/BSD SpecMarket.com conference bags, attendees were also able to network during ‘speed’ sessions between seminars or in the exhibit hall during the popular Connections Café.

At the Thursday luncheon (sponsored by Mapei), delegates were glued to their seats listening to tornado hunter Greg Johnson share his harrowing experiences and amazing photographs chasing storms across parts of Canada and the United States.

The specified slider does not exist.

Sponsored by Kenilworth Media Inc., the Friday keynote luncheon speaker was entrepreneur Kendal Netmaker, who detailed his journey growing up in poverty in Sweetgrass First Nation, Sask., to the creation of his company, Neechie Gear—a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers youth through sports.[2]
Sponsored by Kenilworth Media Inc., the Friday keynote luncheon speaker was entrepreneur Kendal Netmaker, who detailed his journey growing up in poverty in Sweetgrass First Nation, Sask., to the creation of his company, Neechie Gear—a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers youth through sports.

At the next day’s luncheon, sponsored by Kenilworth Media Inc. (publishers of this magazine), keynote speaker, entrepreneur Kendal Netmaker, detailed his journey growing up in poverty in Sweetgrass First Nation, Sask., to the creation of his company, Neechie Gear—a lifestyle apparel brand that empowers youth through sports. A percentage of all Neechie Gear profits go toward funding underprivileged youth to take part in sports.

Later, at the CGC-sponsored Fun Night, attendees donned their favourite sports team jersey and boarded buses to Mosaic Stadium, home of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, for an old-fashioned tailgate party. Festivities included delicious food, games, comedy, and live music.

A highlight of the conference is always the President’s Reception and Ball (sponsored by Custom Tile Installation System). Delegates, companions, and special guests celebrated this year’s Life Award and President’s Award recipients, and listened to an address by incoming president Greg Hofsted on the value of being a CSC member and the importance of continuing the work the association has done thus far in improving communication and documentation in the AEC community. The formal program was followed by a night
of dancing.

Recognizing excellence

Sponsored by Alumicor, the annual awards luncheon was emceed by the Atlantic Chapter’s Abigail MacEchem, RSW. The event gave CSC a chance to celebrate its best and brightest members and associates.

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: Brian Colgan, FCSC, RSW, of the Atlantic Chapter and Michael Schneider, FCSC, CCCA, of the Edmonton Chapter.

Brian Colgan, FCSC, RSW

CSC president Paul Gerber (right) presents Brian Colgan, FCSC, RSW, with a CSC Life Award.[3]
CSC president Paul Gerber (right) presents Brian Colgan, FCSC, RSW, with a CSC Life Award.

Colgan has been a member of CSC for more than 25 years, having joined in May 1993. He became a Registered Specification Writer (RSW) in 1998.

Colgan has held various positions on CSC’s executive council, including president (2009 to 2010) and vice-president (2005 to 2009). He also served as the director of the Atlantic Chapter in 2002.

As vice-president, he prepared the much-referenced how-to guide, “So You’re the Chapter Chair Now.” He was also instrumental in establishing the online version of the Technical Representative (TR) program.

After completing his term on the executive council, Colgan returned to the board as registrar for three terms.

Colgan has represented CSC on the Uniform Drawing System (UDS) Task Team of Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for a number of years. He was a member of the TSC and Tek-Aid committees and Construction Canada’s Editorial Advisory Board. Colgan also started the Acronyms and Abbreviations Guide for Board members.

Colgan played an instrumental role on the Education Maintenance Task Team (EMTT) for several years. He continues to act as a mentor and sounding board to many members on the executive council as well as at the chapter level.

He has worked for over 40 years at what is now known as Architecuture49 in Halifax, N.S., after earning his diploma in architectural drafting from Dr. Burnridge Vocational School in 1970.

As a seasoned project manager and senior specification writer, Colgan is responsible for the preparation and implementation of contract documentation, working with municipal, provincial, and federal governments in procuring development agreements, and assuring officials local codes, zoning requirements, and national code standards are adhered to in all documents.

Recipient of numerous CSC awards, Colgan was inducted into the CSC College of Fellows in 2011.

Michael Schneider, FCSC, CCCA

CSC president Paul Gerber (left) presents Michael Schneider, FCSC, CCCA, with a CSC Life Award.[4]
CSC president Paul Gerber (left) presents Michael Schneider, FCSC, CCCA, with a CSC Life Award.

Schneider has been a program manager with the City of Edmonton since January 1981. In this capacity, he is responsible for the execution of the city’s capital projects with a primary focus on recreational facilities for the last 10 years. Schneider’s roles and responsibilities include liaising with various client and user groups to facilitate the ongoing implementation of projects.

Schneider joined CSC in March 1988, and has been actively involved with CSC at both the chapter and national levels, as well as on the international stage representing the association in a number of capacities and liaising with CSI and the International Framework Dictionaries (IFD).

Schneider has held various positions at the chapter level including director. He played a key role in rebuilding the Edmonton Chapter membership and was also instrumental in developing programs recognized by the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) for continuing education credits (CEU).

Schneider was elected to the executive council in 2002 and has held the positions of vice-president, president, and immediate past president/registrar (concluding in 2009).

As chair of the Education Certification Committee (ECC), Schneider helped revamp the Principles of Construction Documentation (PCD) course as well as develop its online version. He played a key role in the development of the Certified Specifications Practitioner (CSP) designation. This effort resulted in the 2011 launch of CSP application procedures and submission form documentation. Since then, Schneider has acted as chair of the CSP subcommittee.

He has received numerous awards from CSC both at the chapter and national levels, including the President’s Award in 2005.

 

CHAPTERS: ACCOLADES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND COLLECTIVES
CSC executive director Nick Franjic, CAE, congratulates Trevor Devnich, Calgary Chapter chair, on receiving the Lloyd Boddy Chapter of the Year Award.[5]
CSC executive director Nick Franjic, CAE, congratulates Trevor Devnich, Calgary Chapter chair, on receiving the Lloyd Boddy Chapter of the Year Award.

The President’s Chapter Awards of Merit encourage and recognize 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, Regina, 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, the Calgary Chapter 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 Awards of Merit to their own outstanding members. This year’s winners include:

  • Atlantic— John-Nevan McCullough and Richard Kassner;
  • Ottawa— Brian Hepworth, CCCA, and Jeff Halashewski, RSW;
  • Grand Valley—Danielle Mahn;
  • London—Kees Govers and Allan Taylor;
  • Montréal—Danielle Couture, Daniel Morin, and Thierry Segard;
  • Regina—Dylan Elliot;
  • Saskatoon—Kelly Bodlt, CSP, and Misty Alexandre;
  • Toronto—Isabelle Champagne, CTR, Bob Hartogsveld, CTR, CCCA, and Stacey Bogdanow, CTR;
  • Vancouver—Randy Smith, CTR, and Josh Dewey CTR;
  • Vancouver Island—Todd Gerrard, CTR;
  • Winnipeg—Michael Sagriff, Jean Gallagher, and Ryan Epp;
  • Calgary—Jonathon Greenland, CTR, Peter Hiebert, FCSC, CTR, and Sylvie Dzikewich, CTR, and;
  • Edmonton— Dylan Leclair and Kyla Keller.

F. Ross Browne Award

Kenilworth Media Inc. sales director Joseph Galea (podium) and editorial director Blair Adams congratulate Steve Titus, P.Eng, on receiving the F. Ross Browne Award for editorial excellence in Construction Canada magazine.[6]
Kenilworth Media Inc. sales director Joseph Galea (podium) and editorial director Blair Adams congratulate Steve Titus, P.Eng, on receiving the F. Ross Browne Award for editorial excellence in Construction Canada magazine.

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 (EAB) chose a September 2018 piece from a shortlist of top contenders. Frequent Construction Canada contributor Steve Titus, P.Eng., was the recipient for his article, “Making Music in an Old Warehouse.”

Program Director Awards

Program Director Awards were given out in several categories.

Publications Award

For their years of service on the Editorial Advisory Board (EAB) of CSC’s flagship publication, Construction Canada, the recipients of Publications Program Director Awards were Brian Colgan, FCSC, RSW, Mitch Brooks, FCSC, and Phil Evans, FCSC.

Technical Studies

CSC president Paul Gerber (left) congratulates Greg Hofsted as he assumes the CSC presidency for 2019/2020.[7]
CSC president Paul Gerber (left) congratulates Greg Hofsted as he assumes the CSC presidency for 2019/2020.

Claude Giguère, FCSC, received the Technical Studies Committee Program Director Award for his continued work as the CSC representative to the Institute for BIM Canada, now called buildingSmart Canada. For their work on the review of CCDC documents, Kelly Sawatzky, CSP, RSW, and David Graham also received awards.

Conferences

In recognition of their work in hosting the informative and fun event in Regina, members of the 2019 Regina Conference Committee (in attendance) received Program Director Awards:

Education Certification

CSC College of Fellows Chancellor Mike Garlinski, FCSC, (left) welcomes David Boyle, CTR, into the College.[8]
CSC College of Fellows Chancellor Mike Garlinski, FCSC, (left) welcomes David Boyle, CTR, into the College.

Jess Watson received an award for his work in implementing the CSC Principles of Construction Documentation (PCD) course into the curriculum at Red River College in Winnipeg.

Peter Semchuk, FCSC, RSW, CCCA, received an award for his continued support of the CSC Education and Certification Programs, and for his efforts and work on the RSW sub-committee.

Other award recipients included Douglas Ault, CCCA, and Glenn Chatten.

Marketing

George Heath, FCSC, received a Program Director Award for his work in the development of the Chapter Marketing Liaison Guide.

 Membership/Chapter Development and Communications

The Montréal Chapter’s Isabelle Buisson was recognized for her efforts in helping the association process new and renewing members from Québec, while Corinn Golding, FCSC, RSW, of the Calgary Chapter and Michael Sagriff of the Winnipeg Chapter received awards for work on their local Chapter Specifier.

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, Terrance Bergen, CCCA, of the Vancouver Island Chapter, and Yvon Lachance, CCCA, of the Montréal Chapter, were the recipients of the National Award of Merit.

Bergen was recognized for his efforts in creating the Vancouver Island Chapter and for continuing to ensure its well-being during his time on the Board of Directors.

Lachance was recognized for his work on the translation of CSC courses and for spearheading the creation, and chairing, the CSC Translation Committee.

Fellowship

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

David Boyle, CTR

Boyle, a technical sales representative with W. R. Meadows of Canada, has been a member since early 2000. He was one of the individuals responsible for the revitalization of the Grand Valley Chapter. Boyle was also integral to the success of the CSC Conference in Kitchener. During his movement through the CSC executive council, Boyle worked diligently to ensure all decisions were for the betterment of the association. Boyle has now taken on the role of chair for CSC Conference 2023. Boyle possesses an attitude that is next to none. He cares and works to get things done, but also wants to have fun.

Montréal bound

Next year, the CSC National Conference moves to Montréal. Yvon Lachance and Pierre-Luc Baril are co-chairs of an energetic Conference Committee, and plans for the 2020 event—which is scheduled to take place at the Bonaventure Hotel on May 20,2020, are well underway.

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 216 new (and renewing) members in 2018. Of those, 44 were sponsored by 31 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. This year, Jesse Watson of the Winnipeg Chapter garnered Honourable Mention status by sponsoring five new members.

However, it was Kaz Kanani, CSP, CCCA, of the Toronto Chapter who took home the award by sponsoring eight new members in 2018.

Membership Longevity Awards

10 years
Mike Lafontaine, CTR
Jeff de Waal
Joanna Tiffin
Michel (Mike) Lanthier
Alan Cohen
Robert Hartogsveld, CTR, CCCA
Anna Sulima
Andrew Sefton
Doug Hilderman
David Amgar
Sylvie Dzikewich, CTR
Zana Gordon
Patrick Fagan
Marc Deschamps
Kris Evoy
Neil Ingram
David Purdy, CCCA
Amber Moar
Dennis Hodkinson, CCCA
Darin Schindel, CCCA
Bradley Morris, CSP
Sean Rolfe, CTR
Dennis McLain
Nicolas de Moncuit
Victor Chau, CCCA
Susan Gosney
Stephen D. Houston
Mike Korol
Jeff M. Gelmych, CCCA
Brenda Thompson
Darren Wigley, CCCA
Daniel Passera

15 years
Erik Tolles
Vince Smith
Gates Bilodeau
Martin Tessier
Darlene Helfrich, CTR
Danielle Couture
Adrian S. Todeila, CCCA
Alain Lemieux
John Zilli
Colleen Barabonoff, RSW
Richard Beaulieu
Terrence Bergen, CCCA
Jean Peters
Mydy Chan
Chris Eichhorn
Kerry Nikolai
Greg Woitas
Brad Smith
James R. Simpson
Les Yard, CTR
Andre Fortin
Serge Lepine
Jim Klikach, CCCA
Maurice A. Tremblay
Neil Henrikson
Sydney A.P. Henriques, CCCA
Carlee Brattan
Stephen Teal
Aris Dalakis, CCCA
William D. Preston
Joe McDermid, CTR
Dave Gaunt
Skip Helfrich
Louis Leduc
Don Wilkinson
Reid McCauley
Peter S. Emmett, FCSC, CCCA
Christian E. Knudsen
Hans Hakkarainen
François Fugère
Ed Djonlich
Blair Bennett, CTR
Shelly Slobodzian
Reg Spurrill
Tom Bird
Karen Fourchalk
Jacques Beaulieu
Robb A.A. Heit
Peter Padley
Jim Witty
Guillermo Cordero, CTR, CSP
Mary Van De Gevel
John Sharpe
Greer Grady
Scott Cunning, CCCA
Nathan Thompson, CTR
John S. Robis
Dinu Filip
Kees Govers
Terry Smith
Cyrus Kabeer, CSP
Ryan McEwen
Paul Skerry
John P. Kocjan
Lisa Dalton, CTR
Greg Ceton

20 Years
Claude Giguère, FDCC, FCSC
Steven P. Bourdeau, CCCA, CSP
Monica Baillie
William Ross McIntyre, CCCA
Deon H.J. Wilner, CCCA
Thomas Egli
Mila Legge, RSW
Gary R. Smith, CCCA
Alain Jette
Dale M. Millar
Robert J. Menchetti
Carl Selden
Brian Baird, CTR
James Hargreaves
Garry R. McFarlane, CTR
Stephen W. Burdy, CCCA
Pierre Provost
Vrej-Armen Artinian
Brent Fraser, RSW
Tim G. Walsh, CCCA
Rock Jerome, CCCA
Ned Santarossa
Jamie Murphy, CCCA
D. Gord Joorisity
Ellen Kral
Robert Venasse, CTR
John Pogacar
Betty-Jo Tell, RSW, CCCA

25 Years
Malcolm B. Eyre
Steven Faulkner
Ragaa N. Tadros
John G. Cooke, FCSC, RSW
Rick Kalenchuk, CCCA
Rick Morgan
Vladimir Sobot
Bruce W. Hudson, CTR
Brent Riley
Spyros Aplidgiotis
Robert J. Rymell
Charles Sopher
B. Alan Scott
Kimberly J. Tompkins, FCSC, CTR
Arthur E. Buse

30 Years
Mike Grace
Paula Webber
Lewis Acre
J. Morcone
Keith Robinson, FCSC, RSW
John A. Harder
Ken Smith
Leo Cammalleri
Bob W. Spenst, FCSC, CTR, CCCA
Don Shortreed, FCSC, RSW
Gerry D. Ens
Michael Paquette
Peter L. Semchuk, FCSC, RSW, CCCA
Thomas Dunbar, FCSC, RSW
Walter Gough

35 Years
Harvey Rebalkin

40 Years
Norman Bresser
Christopher Borgal
Allan Broder
Don B. Marks
Boyd R. Bruhm
Anwerali H. Chagani, RSW
Bruce Wallbridge
John Weber
Robert N. Mercer, FCSC
Del Hammerlindl, CTR
Walter G. Strachan, FCSC, RSW

45 Years
Craig Bell, FCSC
David R. McGuigan, FCSC
Jim Tobros, FCSC

50 Years
Peter Zahradnik, RSW
Roy H. Ball, FCSC, RSW
Gary A. Hartman, RSW
Willem de Lint, FCSC
John M. Jensen, FCSC

 

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bigstock-Saskatchewan-Legislative-Build-6569724.jpg
  2. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CSC0071.jpg
  3. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CSC0277.jpg
  4. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CSC0284.jpg
  5. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CSC0210.jpg
  6. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CSC0203.jpg
  7. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CSC0302.jpg
  8. [Image]: https://www.constructioncanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_0254.jpg

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