November 20, 2009

November 20, 2009

Mayor And Cabinet Announce Winnipeg's 2010 Capital Budget

Mayor Sam Katz's cabinet tabled their 2010 capital budget on Monday, with $430.6 million committed to infrastructure spending.

Comprised of previously-announced projects, including the $195-million Disraeli Freeway rehabilitation project and $65-million Chief Peguis Trail extension, other notables include $51.3 million for the extension of Kenaston Boulevard through Waverley West and $20.4 million for bike and pedestrian trails, which were jointly announced by all three levels of government this fall.

The budget also includes $8 million in new funding for Assiniboine Park, with $2.8 million going towards new facilities (family centre near the duck pond) and $5 million to be spent on repairs to existing infrastructure.

The capital budget will be debated at city hall before it faces council's approval on Dec. 15.

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Province Lukewarm To HST Legislation

Despite announcements this summer that will see B.C. and Ontario adopt harmonized sales tax (HST) systems effective July 1, 2010, Manitoba's provincial NDP government has so far been hesitant to follow suit.

Manitoba's business community has endorsed the HST, noting the change would create administrative efficiencies and drastically lower business costs.

The construction industry would stand to benefit from the change in the form of input tax credits on costs such as materials, capital equipment, excavators, and other overhead costs. For example, the B.C. government estimates that its construction industry will see the removal of about $880 million in sales tax once the HST is implemented.

But Manitoba's Minister of Finance, Rosann Wowchuk, told the Winnipeg Free Press Tuesday that the province will not implement the HST in next year's budget, suggesting a harmonized tax would put consumers on the hook for an additional $400 million in costs because it applies to products and services on which only one tax is currently charged.

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Still Spots Available Aboard CCA Conference Cruise

Looking for a way to break free from the winter doldrums this March? Well, the Canadian Construction Association may have a remedy for that winter chill that's soon to ail you. The CCA's 92nd-Annual Conference will sail the seas of the Caribbean aboard the Mariner of Regent Seven Seas from March 16-21, 2010. Rooms aboard the ship are still available, but act now to ensure your spot.

Click here for more details.

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WCA Education

ARE YOU READY? DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE PAPERWORK?

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Hilton Suites, Winnipeg Airport

Description: WCA & Public Works Government Services Canada (PWGSC) are pleased to bring…….Information on the federal government procurement process and the required security clearance process. PWGSC is the federal government’s main buyer of goods, services and construction. The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) will show suppliers how to navigate the government purchasing system, gain access to government contracts and learn more about the bidding process.

Cost: $50.00 + GST (WCA Members)

Register NOW!

MINIMIZE YOUR RISK BY USING CCA STANDARD SUBCONTRACTS*

Friday, December 4, 2009 (note the date change) - 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: WCA - 290 Burnell St.

Description: Sub-contractors and general contractors alike often struggle with the creation and use of sub contract documents. Everyone in the industry can benefit by ensuring that subcontracts minimize the risk to both parties through using industry standard subcontract documents. Learn the advantage of using standardized subcontracts, and common mistakes to watch for. Polish your skills and complete one actual standard subcontract in class.

*Seminar sold out

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Mandatory T2 Electronic Filing Coming Soon

Did you know... For tax years ending after 2009, it will be mandatory for corporations with gross revenues exceeding $1 million to file their T2 corporation returns via the Internet. It is important to note that penalties will be applied to tax years ending after 2010 if you do not file your T2 corporation return using the Internet. Corporations with gross revenues of less than $1 million are strongly encouraged to submit their corporation returns electronically, even if it is not mandatory. Corporations filing over the Internet can benefit from fewer delays, elimination of traditional delivery expenses, reduction of printing costs, and immediate confirmation of filing. Read more.

Construction Employment Up Slightly In October

Following two months of moderate growth, employment decreased by 43,000 in October, all in part time. This drop pushed the unemployment rate up 0.2 percentage points to 8.6%. Construction employment, however, edged up in October, building on gains observed over the previous two months. Despite these recent increases, employment in this industry has fallen 5.8% (-73,000) since October 2008. Read more.

Building Permit Activity - September

The value of building permits increased 1.6% to $5.1 billion in September. In the non-residential sector, the value of permits fell 9.1% to $1.9 billion in September. The decline largely reflects drops in the institutional and commercial components in British Columbia. Read more.

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WCA Buyers' Guide and Online Membership Directory

With winter all but arrived, membership renewal is fast approaching once again. In the past year, we have had several inquiries as to why a member company is not listed on the WCA website under the “Membership Directory” or in the 2009 WCA Directory & Buyers’ Guide.

If you are a new member, please complete and return the Buyers’ Guide form that was given to you upon joining to ensure your company’s Buyers’ Guide category choices are listed in our database, on the website and in the current Buyers’ Guide.

Long-time WCA member companies not listed in the online “Membership Directory” can contact WCA to add their company to the listing.

The WCA Membership Directory and Buyers’ Guide is produced annually and each member company receives one copy at no charge.

It is imperative that you notify the WCA offices of any changes within your company, including contacts, emails, addresses, etc. so that we can keep our database and directories up-to-date. Please check your company’s current listing and let us know of any changes. Thank you.

WCA website address: www.winnipegconstruction.ca

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ProEst Takeoff 2009

Perform tasks 50 per cent faster and save thousands on printing costs with Digital Takeoff Technology. This is an innovative software solution that revolutionizes the way construction companies perform takeoffs. Instead of using paper plans and manual methods or a digitizer, ProEst Takeoff allows estimators to perform takeoffs using on-screen digital plans and a mouse. The ability to view two plan sets at one time makes it easy to toggle between job specifications and the actual takeoff. And grid patterns, with best fit rotation, ensure quick material calculations.

Find out more about ProEst Takeoff 2009 HERE.

Download Free Trial: Can ProEst Takeoff save your company time, space and money? Download your free trial to find out: http://proest.com/wca

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