By Cheryl Jahn

Northern construction industry upbeat

Jan 5, 2021 | 4:26 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Northern construction contractors are considerably more optimistic than their Southern counterparts that they will see more work this year.

That’s according to the annual survey done by the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association’s annual survey, which shows that 56% of Northern companies are expecting more business this year, while only 35% of their Southern counterparts feel the same.

“So you look at things like Site C, LNG, Coastal GasLink. A lot of people happening in BC, which is fantastic,” says Mike Davis with the ICBA.

However, survey respondents noted that a shortage of skilled trades is the number one challenge, something that is well-known to local homebuilder Allen Creuzot.

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“Labour problems are right huge. Doesn’t matter what sub-trade you talk to. Everybody’s in the same boat, suppliers are having a hard time getting people,” he says. “It’s just really tough finding qualified labour. Any labour.”

The survey showed there is still strong demand for workers in all regions of the province. Every single glazing, insulation, and steel company surveyed noted they needed more glaziers, insulators and steel fabricators respectively. 94% of mobile crane/equipment companies said they needed more skilled operators; 92% of roofing companies are looking for roofers, and 91% of pipefitter employers are on the hunt for more labour.

And 65% of respondents also say they are having to spend more time recruiting while 53% say they are turning down jobs and 51% are having trouble completing jobs on time.