The Civic Centre is now home to the Build the North Conference.
The conference, which opened Wednesday, April 9 and wraps up Thursday, April 10, brings together about 200 construction delegates from across the North and the province to discuss the future of the industry, network, and build relationships.
“Our theme this year is ‘What’s in your toolkit?’” said Nicole Bryant, CEO of the Northern Regional Construction Association. “We wanted to provide a 360-degree look at different supports for the industry, whether you’re on the tools, in the office or project management, an owner, or a consultant. We wanted to have something for everybody. So, this year, we have speakers talking about RFPs and contracts, procurement, and public projects.”
Bryant told The Citizen that she is confident attendees will walk away with something valuable.
“Whether it’s firming up their ideas about the upcoming election, looking at bringing AI into their business, or implementing a stress management program in their business or life, there are all these different things to take away,” said Bryant. “Then we’ve got this great trade show with a variety of stakeholders and programs, including BCCA, the BC Construction Association, with workforce development initiatives to help build a stronger workforce. So, I think there’s something for everyone to walk away with.”
Mayor Simon Yu was one of the speakers during the opening remarks. As a former engineer, he spoke about the importance of the construction industry in the North in the coming years.
“This conference is important,” said Yu. “Every year, we gather to share success stories and discuss what’s coming. The good news is, from Prince George, our housing numbers are strong. In the past year, we’ve built 530 homes, which is 170 more than in 2023. Our target for the next five years is to build another 1,800 homes. I do believe we will meet that target, if not exceed it. As we all know, construction is a cornerstone of our economy here in Prince George and in Canada."
Today’s conference events include a presentation on the common pitfalls of RFPs by Katy Fairly, an industry practices consultant, an opening keynote by Tim Codwell, president and CEO of Énska Advisors, and will conclude with a gala dinner.
The conference is also hosting a trades how with booths showcasing advancements in the field, networking opportunities, and even a Bobcat driving simulator.
One of the booths is Tailgate Toolkit, a program aimed at increasing access to harm-reduction services for those working in the construction industry.
Emille Wells, the Northern Harm Reduction Project co-ordinator, spoke to The Citizen about the importance of Tailgate Toolkit.
“This program is designed to address the over-representation of construction and trades workers in the death toll from the toxic drug crisis,” said Wells. “We offer education and resources to try and address that over-representation. We do toolbox talks, tailored to individual companies. We come on-site and talk to workers about mental health, addiction, substance use, and pain management, and try to connect people to resources and get them talking to each other about it.”
Wells noted that of the more than 15,000 toxic drug poisonings in BC, 52 per cent of those employed worked in trades, transport, and forestry.
“There are a few factors,” said Wells. “But at the end of the day, it’s hard work. Some people self-manage pain or self-medicate if they’re injured on the job or working long hours. It’s a tough industry. I think that’s a big part of it. Also, the ‘work hard, play hard’ culture is prevalent, and the drug supply right now is very toxic. The unregulated supply is in a bad state, which is why people end up getting harmed.”
The conference continues Thursday with further discussions, a speech by Chris Aitchson, president of the British Columbia Construction Association, and a closing keynote from Ross Pambrun, CEO of The Memphis Group.
For more information, the conference schedule and tickets, visit the Build the North website
