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CanaData Expects 95.5 Million Square Feet of Non-residential Building Starts in 2007
CanaData has slightly lowered its 2007 square footage forecast for total Canada non-residential buildings in response to actual results through October. Total non-residential building starts are now expected to be 95.5 million square feet in 2007, versus the previous forecast of 99.0 made in September. However, total ICI (industrial, commercial and institutional) starts in 2007 will still be a big step up from their level in 2006 at 78.4 million square feet. CanaData’s 2008 forecast is for 88.0 million square feet.
Canadian and U.S. Economic Overviews, 2008 to 2010
Both the U.S. and Canadian economies have been growing strongly since the first quarter of 2002. That was when corporate profits started to pick up and they have been rising ever since. Therefore, 2007 is the sixth year of healthy activity in the economies of both countries.However, both countries now face more serious challenges than at any time since the dot.com collapse in 2001.
Canadian Regional Economic and Construction Overviews — January 2008
In western Canada and in the country as a whole, Alberta still shines. It is the leader among all the provinces in almost every economic category. However, all the other provinces in the west are also benefiting from the resource sector boom. In eastern Canada, Ontario’s financial sector and large population base carry their own economic momentum and Québec has come roaring back this year, better late than never in this cycle. The Atlantic region is counting on energy projects longer term.
Checklists Identify Potential Envelope Design Improvements
Building code changes, evolving materials and technologies are just some of the items required on a building checklist.
China Overtakes Japan to Become Canada’s Second-Largest Customer
Over the past four years, from 2002 to 2006, Canada’s exports to China have doubled. In September, Canada’s exports to China exceeded those to Japan, making China this country’s second-largest customer after the United States. The key driver has been the dramatic growth in China’s appetite for commodities. Regionally, while all provinces have shared in the diversification of trade to non-U.S. customers, Ontario has benefited the most through exports of nickel, gold, uranium and aircraft.
Coast to Coast: November 2007
Alberta’s wind farms and institutional projects create quite a buzz, as do similar projects in Ontario. British Columbia is busy creating an entire community from scratch, while New Brunswick is planning a casino.
Coast to Coast: October 2007 Report on Canadian Construction Projects
October’s report covers projects from Québec to British Columbia, with a focus on engineering and multi-unit residential projects.
Coating Considerations
What is a coating? According to Means Illustrated Construction Dictionary, it is “a covering layer of any type of material, such as paint, plaster, stain, or surface sealant.” When we think of coatings, it is important to think of function as well as style. Function can vary from waterproofing CIP concrete foundations and coating high-traffic public walkways, to anti-bacterial epoxy marine paints and preservatives on piers and boats.
Components of Passive Solar Heating Designs
All passive solar designs have same major components: windows to admit the solar radiation, mass to store the heat, and a superior level of insulation in walls, roof, and foundation.
Compost Company Promotes Green Environment
Chesterfield Farms is working to recycle yard trimmings and wood waste into growing media for planting, green roof applications and bio-retention purposes.
