December 2022

And that’s a wrap! The year may have kicked off in a state of continued uncertainty but once pandemic restrictions lifted fully MCABC members were in full swing. This was the year that we had the chance to step up as the NEW MCABC, to be that hub for member learning and connection and the leader for everything mechanical contracting. Now for 2023…

Education and member events are topping next year’s agenda, starting with our Coffee Talk with the City of Vancouver on January 19 when MCABC members will have an opportunity to discuss the City’s proposed CBA’s (defined differently from the provincial reference) for project staffing and procurement procedures and The Power of Negotiation course Jan. 24 and 25 for MCABC’s Next Gen (those 40ish and under).

Now is the time to mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE for MCABC’s Signature events:

MAR 2: Texas Hold'em Vegas Evening
JUN: 2nd Annual Business Conference, Whistler
AUG 10: Golf Classic, Northview Golf & Country Club
AUG 27: Family Fiesta & Summer BBQ
SEP 21: Annual Pool Social & Tournament
NOV 29: Christmas Cocktail Lounge, the Loft at Earls Yaletown

As we wrap up this year and plan for the next, the MCABC Team sends its holiday wishes to our members, Association partners and industry stakeholders. It has been an absolute pleasure representing and collaborating with you as we lead the change for Mechanical Contractors in BC. In the spirit of the season, the MCABC team took to the mountain last week to have some fun in the snow. Here’s a glimpse into our afternoon adventure.

Kim Barbero
CEO

PH: 604-205-5058
Email: kbarbero@mcabc.org

See the Festivities from MCABC's Christmas Event!

Over one hundred and forty members and guests had a memorable evening at The Loft at Earls Yaletown. Sign in to Facebook and view the photo album.

View Photo Album

MCABC Invites Nominations for Board of Director Positions

Are you an MCABC Mechanical Contractor interested in leading the change for the mechanical contracting industry in BC? If so, the MCABC Board of Directors would like to hear from you.

The positions are two-year terms and must be filled by Contractor and Affiliate members. We are looking for individuals who are keen to collaborate with a motivated and dynamic Board of Directors that is committed to progressing the industry in support of MCABC’s five-year plan. There couldn’t be a more exciting time to be a part of the only dedicated voice for the mechanical contracting industry in BC!

If you are interested in putting your name forward or learning more about being a Board Director, please reach out to the 2023 Nominations Committee:

Trevor Hildebrand, Nominations Committee Chair and MCABC Chair: trevor@phasemechanical.com
Steve Robinson, MCABC Board Director: steve@pittmeadows.net
Joe Buccella, MCABC Board Director: joeb@lisimechanical.com

Meet the newest MCABC member!

We are excited to welcome Sierra Distributors Ltd. to the Association. Sierra began as a supplier of Cast Iron MJ Pipe and has grown into an independent rough-in wholesaler to mechanical contractors. Located in Langley, Sierra Distributors was founded in 1990. Be sure to say hello to them at the next MCABC education session or social event.

Membership Renewals Due January 1st

Make sure your membership benefits and savings are not interrupted. Be sure to renew on time. Primary contacts from each member company were sent a renewal email in November and earlier this month. If you are the Primary contact and cannot locate the email, or you would like someone else to also receive it, please let us know at info@mcabc.org.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of MCABC – together we are Leading the Change for Mechanical Contractors in BC.

Technical Safety BC Fee changes

On January 1, 2023 Technical Safety BC (TSBC) is raising their fees by 3% across all technologies. Learn about their fee schedules here. If you have any questions, contact TSBC via https://www.technicalsafetybc.ca/contact/contact-us.

Now is the Time to Assess the Strength of Your Company’s Employee Benefits Plan

As the leading advocate for the mechanical contracting industry in BC, MCABC offers a competitive and comprehensive extended health benefits plan to its members and their employees.

Fortify Wellness is designed with the construction industry in mind, focusing on meeting the needs of workers, both on the job site and in the office, while keeping costs reasonable and predictable.

Learn about Fortify Wellness

Regulation Related to Technical Safety BC and SkilledTradesBC

The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and SkilledTradesBC introduced new regulations that may impact their gas and electrical safety partners. Certificates issued by Technical Safety BC (TSBC) will remain valid. While individuals can continue to work within their current scope, they may have to meet additional requirements with SkilledTradesBC within the next year. A one-year transition period provides time for individuals to follow the new regulations.

TSBC is working closely with SkilledTradesBC to determine the full extent of the effects for those who are certified, and will provide information as it becomes available. Contact SkilledTradesBC for inquiries about the new requirements.

The Industry Training Authority
is now SkilledTradesBC!

Skilled Trades Certification in BC is standardizing the training that apprentices receive for the following four mechanical trades:

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Gasfitter A and B
Steamfitter / Pipefitter
Sheet Metal Worker

Make Sure Your Drivers Are Safe This Winter

Source: Road Safety at Work

Winter is here. That means large trucks need to carry tire chains or other suitable traction devices on most provincial routes in BC. Employers operating commercial vehicles need to make sure drivers know when and how to safely and properly install chains or other devices. Our guide explains the law, safe work practices, and how to drive safely with chains. The tips are designed for commercial drivers but help anyone who gets behind the wheel.

Download Guide

Are Estimates Taking Too Long? Try the WebLEM Labour Estimating Tool

Increase your profitability with a systematic approach to labor estimating, streamlined to meet the needs of today’s contracts. The MCAA WebLEM can save you time by giving your estimators immediate 24/7 access to a systematic approach to labor estimating that’s proven successful for hundreds of mechanical contractors in generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual construction. Quickly search, retrieve and download data to Excel. MCAC members (which automatically includes MCABC Contractor and Affiliate members) save thousands of dollars on the price. Purchase via the MCAC website.

Funding Available for Hiring and Registering First-Year Apprentices

Risky Clauses

Wouldn’t it be great if before signing a contract, you could read a lawyer’s analysis that points out which clauses are risky, including suggested revisions that would minimize your risk? And if all this was free? You can with MCABC’s Risky Clauses Program. Log in to the website, click on ‘Member Hub’ and from the dropdown menu select ‘Risky Clauses Program’.

Tech Demo Series: The Smartflow Panel (Jan 18)

On October 2021, ZEBx had a session that featured a near-zero emissions, multi-family, Metro Vancouver Housing project on Welcher Avenue in Port Coquitlam with an innovative mechanical system. The building has a hot water loop connected to a heat pump and an energy transfer panel in each unit. Both the domestic hot water and space heating is generated on-demand through the energy transfer panel, eliminating the need and cost for two dedicated mechanical systems.

The Tech Demo workshop on January 18 features MCABC member Olympic International, presenting on this first-of-its-kind-in-Canada system. Learn more about the session and register here.