August 12, 2021
Residential building construction prices rose 7.5% in the second quarter, the largest increase since the series began in 2017, accelerating from a 4.9% increase in the first quarter. Non-residential building construction prices (+3.7%) grew at their fastest pace since the second quarter of 2008.
Construction costs continue to rise in the second quarter
Construction costs for single-detached houses and apartment buildings contributed the most to the residential building construction price growth in the second quarter. The price increase for non-residential construction was mostly attributable to office buildings, warehouses and shopping centres.
Higher residential building construction prices in the second quarter were largely due to record high lumber and wood product prices. Prices for lumber and other wood products increased by 27.9% from the first to the second quarter of 2021. This price surge was due to ongoing supply chain constraints, combined with high demand for new houses and renovations in the wake of changing preferences for more space during the pandemic, as well as low interest rates. The supply chain constraints included ongoing operational delays at sawmills, as well as transportation difficulties.
Additional demand from across the border—reflected by higher values of exports of forestry products and building and packaging materials (+8.9%) in May—further added to building material shortages domestically.
Pandemic-related demand puts upward pressure on construction prices
In the second quarter, residential building construction prices rose in every census metropolitan area (CMA) covered by the survey, mainly driven by higher costs to build single-detached houses in Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa.
Higher prices for single-detached houses were partly related to the demand for more living space during the lockdowns for a home office or remote learning, and because of the increased need for lumber in building a single-detached house, relative to a multi-family dwelling.
Non-residential building construction price increases were driven by higher construction costs in Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal.
Demand for warehouse space continued to climb with retail e-commerce sales increasing by 4.8% from February to May. This increased demand, combined with supply shortages, particularly of concrete and structural steel, raised costs for non-residential construction in the second quarter.
Record year-over-year construction price growth led by Calgary, Ottawa and Toronto
Nationally, residential construction building prices increased 18.8% year over year in the second quarter—the largest increase since the data series began in 2017—led by higher construction costs for single-detached houses (+23.9%). Construction costs for residential buildings rose at the fastest pace in Calgary (+31.4%), Ottawa (+28.4%), as well as in Toronto and Edmonton (both up 22.4%) in the second quarter.
Non-residential construction building prices rose 5.7% year over year—the largest increase since the fourth quarter of 2008, led by Ottawa (+10.1%), Montréal (+8.4%) and Toronto (+7.7%).
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Five Tips to Find Time for Field Service Marketing
Time is a precious resource that we all want more of. And if you own a field service business or work for one, you undoubtedly know how hard it is to find time for everything you need to accomplish in a workday, let alone a week, a quarter, or a year.
Like many of us, you do your best to check every item off of the to-do list during working hours while inevitably pushing lower priority items off to another day. And often, marketing your field service business is one of those things that easily falls to the wayside after being pushed back for more urgent matters.
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Changing Scene
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Become a Wiser Approved Installer
Get access to exclusive benefits, product discounts and resources that will help you drive more business, and lower energy bills for your clients.
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The federal governemnt has officially launched a call for proposals (CFP) for the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI). The initiative’s 2022 CFP will help fund new and innovative projects that aim to increase awareness and knowledge of ZEVs and charging and refueling infrastructure thereby increasing public confidence in these vehicles and their economic and environmental benefits.
Natural Resources Canada will provide funding through non-repayable contributions of between 50 and 75 percent of the total eligible project costs, with a maximum funding of up to $300,000 per project. The CFP will close on August 18, 2022.
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ETIM North America announced that OmniCable has joined the product classification standards organization. Headquartered in West Chester, PA, OmniCable has 24 locations throughout North America, and also owns Houston Wire & Cable (HWC). The company partners with many electrical manufacturers and only sells to distributors.
According to John Dean, Director of Marketing & E-Commerce, OmniCable/HWC, “The wire and cable industry is often called commodities, but there are very distinct features and attributes for the different products our manufacturers produce.
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Atkore Inc. announced that it has acquired United Poly Systems, a manufacturer of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pressure pipe and conduit, primarily serving telecom, water infrastructure, renewables, and energy markets.
“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of United Poly Systems, which strengthens Atkore’s product portfolio, expands our manufacturing capacity and further enables us to meet HDPE customers’ needs,” stated John Pregenzer, President of Atkore’s Electrical business. “HDPE pipe and conduit is a growing market that is expected to benefit from U.S. infrastructure legislation, and United Poly Systems is a great addition to Atkore. We welcome these employees and look forward to working together to continue to serve and support our customers.”
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Have you ever been called to fix the work of a 'handyman'?
"Was supposedly done by a"certified ' electrician....told the homeowner that he got a $266 permit....no record at TSBC. Can you count the deficiencies?"
"There is a second panel change in the triplex also.......even more deficiencies. Think the guy was a glorified handyman. Ones not obvious: 240 BB heat hooked up 120....drier on 2p20....range on 2p50....water heater fed with 2c14 Bx on 2p15."
Go HERE to join the discussion
The Canadian Electrical Code for safer electrical installations
For over 90 years, the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (CSA C22.1:21), has helped ensure the safety of electrical installations and protection of electrical workers. Its 2021 edition brought 200+ additions and updates that address energy storage systems, climate change adaptation, hazardous locations, and other important topics. To help users better understand and apply the Code, CSA Group developed additional resources and training.
Learn more about available Code packages and resources
The RenuWell Project partners are excited to announce the groundbreaking of two pilot sites located near Taber, Alberta. These pilot sites are the first of their kind to repurpose inactive oil and gas infrastructure as a foundation for renewable energy development and job creation.
When operating, the solar projects will generate 2,030 MWh annually – enough electricity to power 280 average Alberta households or irrigate 11,700 acres of farmland for an average year. This is roughly equivalent to $200,000 in electricity sales per year with 1,100 tCO2e savings in GHG emissions. Over a 25-year lifespan, the projects will generate 50,750 MWh, with GHG emission savings of 28,420 tCO2e.
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By Elle Bremmer
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with David O’Reilly, Vice President Home & Distribution and Secure Power Divisions with Schneider Electric Canada for a discussion regarding the Wiser EnergyTM smart home solution, the Wiser Approved training program, and his thoughts on several different subjects, including sustainability and future technologies currently in the works at Schneider Electric. David has been with the company for five and a half years in his role.
We recently published a study (version en français ICI) from Schneider Electric showing a strong interest from Canadians in smart home technology.
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SimplySnap: It Just Works.
Smart technology is only smart if it works, and SimplySnap? It just works.
Scalable, field-proven, DLC NLC 5.0 qualified, and easy-to-install wireless network
lighting controls are in-stock. Explore energy code compliant SimplySnap
technology here.
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Product News
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Offering a wide range of high-quality industrial plugs and sockets complying with IEC 60309-1 and ...
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Ericson announces upgraded versions of their extremely capable line of Industrial String Lights and SL, LED Stringlights. These new and updated products have several key features important when safe, code compliant lighting for industrial workspace is necessary.
Infinitely capable, these ruggedly built products have several industry leading & exclusive features including:
Industrial String Lights:
- A United States Navy Specification since before WWII, they’re time and application tested...
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Intermatic Incorporated announced its new P40000 Series Load Centers, a set of next-generation panels for pool-only applications, as well as its new PE24GVA 24-Volt Valve Actuator, an easy-to-install valve actuator that allows for tool-free cam adjustments. Both solutions remove obstacles for pool service professionals while delivering lasting performance.
“Intermatic load centers and valve actuators have been the preferred choice of pool professionals for more than 30 years,” says Brian Lamberty, product marketing manager at Intermatic. “The PE24GVA and P40000 Series build on that tradition, helping pool professionals streamline service calls while setting the standard for quality and performance.”
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Klein Tools introduces new Stand-up Zipper Bags, in a 2-Pack with 7-Inch and 14-Inch sizes, both designed to handle tough jobsite conditions and stand up so tools and small parts can be easily accessed when working.
Stand-up Zipper Bags, 7-Inch and 14-Inch, 2-Pack (Cat. No. 55559)
- Perfect for storing pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, drill bits and other small tools and parts
- 4 1/2’’ tall zipper bags come in two sizes:
- 14’’ (36.6 cm) dark gray
- 7’’ (17.8 cm) royal blue
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates 350 employees are killed annually in electrocution accidents, which roughly equals one fatality per day. In the face of these dangers, OSHA officials and industry safety consultants alike recommend eliminating potential hazards on work sites, rather than simply relying on contractors or employees to follow safety guidelines.
To help safeguard employees from electrocution, Emerson has launched its Appleton™ Powertite™ Lock Collar, a device that fastens over plug and connector connections and is secured with a padlock, preventing unauthorized personal from disconnecting the cable connection once in place.
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Peers & Profiles
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As of February 2021, Martin Stephenson is the new President and CEO of Signify Canada.
...
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Among the recipients of the 2021 Clean50 Awards announced last month is Carolina Gallo, Vice ...
Sarah Silverstein is a principal with Liteline along side her two brothers Mark and Daniel. ...
Copper $US Dollar price per pound
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