The “Ontario Tire-Derived Building Products Continuing Education Course,” presented by Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS), provides information through live webcasts and lectures regarding the possibilities of incorporating recycled tire material into projects. Non-residential projects such as schools and hospitals can include products made from recycled rubber materials in their designs.

Arcom has released a new SpecWare software program, Altarix, providing specifiers with new features for creating project manuals. A useful feature available in this program is the ability to reuse specification sections of existing project documents to create new, unique sections. Tracking reports and a table of contents are automatically generated, and all sections are consistently formatted. The program will also sync updates with a user’s current library.

An online resource focused on the sustainability on concrete and information related to changes made in its environmental impacts has been released by the industry. Created by Canadian Concrete Joint Sustainability Initiative (CCJSI) members, rediscoverconcrete.ca’s goal is to engage industry professionals as well as the public in learning more about the commonly used material. The resources available include information on concrete’s sustainability, a manufacturing process overview, and current news and industry updates.

A Canadian version of the popular “Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification Course” offered by University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) is now accessible. Terrazzo, Tile, and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) have previously released courses, “Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone” and “Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile” to Canadian installers and stone-setters. The new release will focus on installation methods for thin-set applications such as ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass tiles.

vThe Canadian division of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association has revamped its website and included three instructional videos on how to properly install insulation. Tips and information on fibreglass, rock, and slag wool insulation installations are included from pre-installation to inspections. NAIMA Canada’s redesign has also included additional building code and standard information, Canadian incentive and rebate programs, and other relevant industry information.

Hays Canada, specializing in recruitment services, has launched the Hays Canada Salary Centre for employees and employers. According to Hays’ survey data collected from 3500 respondents, Canadian construction and property companies have plans to increase their staff numbers over the next year. As a result, the salary centre provides information related to compensation and benefits in 10 various industry sectors.

A redesigned website and newly developed networking resource for its Canadian and U.S. members was launched by National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The redeveloped www.nfrc.org is more easily navigable, and www.nfrccommunity.org provides a one-stop networking location for the organization’s members. Functions include accessible documents and bulletins, member account management, private and public networking sections, and committee development resources. The two sites were designed to interact with each other, allowing users to quickly find required information.

This year’s Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) National Conference and Expo, held at the Vancouver Convention Centre from June 4 to 6, is focused on “Building Lasting Change.” To accomplish this, there are more than 30 education sessions being offered in five comprehensive streams, as well as a Master Speaker Series.

Partners at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG), Bruce Reynolds and Sharon Vogel have authored a practical guide explaining the intricacies of construction law insurance. Published by Carswell, A Guide to Canadian Construction Insurance Law,reviews risk management, insurance needs, and products relevant to the construction industry. Insurance policies are also explained in terms of structure, types, and insurable versus uninsurable risks.

A resource is now available to assist residential wood-frame projects to meet the seismic bracing B.C. Building Code (BCBC). The Illustrated Guide for Seismic Design of Houses—Lateral Bracing Requirements—Part 9 BC Building Code 2012, outlines the perimetres laid out to improve seismic safety in West Coast wood structures. The resource was developed by the provincial government’s building and safety standards branch, Homeowner Protection Office (HPO), and FPInnovations.