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In This Issue:
ACEC Summit and National Convention!
Early Bird Rate only available until May 27!
Register today for the ACEC Summit and National Convention set to take place June 24-26, 2010 at the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel along the breathtaking coast of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick. In addition to one of strongest business programs to date (click here for details of business program), the 2010 Summit will also offer a uniquely Maritime experience!
Also returning this year is the Young Professionals Business Program. This special program is geared at bringing YPs together from across the country for training and business development. Highlights include a session on “Building a Succesful Firm: Making Money and Winning Jobs”, a technical tour on the future of sustainability at one of Canada’s oldest estates and the much anticipated YP National Forum. For more information, on the Young Professionals Business Program, click here.
Summit Entertainment with distinct east coast flavour
Local Flavour Evening – New Brunswick Style featuring Shannon and Tony Quinn (and of course lobster!)
Join colleagues and companions at Katy’s Cove for a traditional lobster boil to the sounds of authentic east coast music. Playing fiddle and step dancing since a very young age, Shannon Quinn has learned the crafts well and has blossomed into a fine young artist. Accompanied by her comedian/musician father Tony Quinn on guitar, the Quinns will provide for a memorable evening. Shannon has performed on CBC television during a special on Cirque de Soleil in Montreal and again as an Irish Dancer with the Celtic group the Chieftains in Canada. She performs live fiddle shows regularly for conferences and events.
Local Flavour Evening – New Brunswick Style featuring Shannon and Tony Quinn
(and of course lobster!)
The evening will conclude with dancing courtesy of DJ Whatshisface.
Note that you will have your choice of lobster served hot or cold as well as alternatives for less adventuresome palettes!
East coast favourites, the Mellotones to perform at Chairman’s Dinner
The Summit will close with an energetic show from another favourite Martime music group following the Chairman’s dinner. “The Mellotones” will be sure to keep you moving on the dance floor all evening.
East coast favourites, the Mellotones to perform at Chairman’s Dinner
This nine piece ensemble is Halifax’s premier dance band. An amazing ensemble, these musicians appeal to both young and the young at heart. With a four piece horn section, they perform the dance classics the way they were intended. The members of the band are in high demand both as recording and performing artists. They have also shared the stage with celebrities like Dan Akroyd, David Foster and Nathan East. Collectively and consistently, they put on an amazing musical showcase at corporate engagements, weddings, festivals and music clubs across eastern Canada
Reminder – Pre-event PSMJ Bootcamp
The PSMJ Pre-Event Bootcamp will be offered on Wednesday, June 23rd from 9am-5pm. The program will introduce strategic planning as it relates to growing your top line and the markets you should pursue. Discussions will focus on differences between niche and commodity markets and how the differences should impact your expansion into new markets. It will also address the greatest untapped market on earth; selling new services to existing clients. Register early as space is limited!
Registration information, along with a detailed program and accommodation information, is available on the ACEC website at www.acec.ca.
Government of Canada Launches
2nd Round of Funding for P3s
Article by P3 Canada
PPP Canada launched Round 2 of the P3 Canada Fund on May 12, 2010. The deadline for Round 2 project submissions is June 30, 2010. There will be multiple future calls for project submissions over the life of the Fund. Details of the program, including eligibility and the application process, can be found in the P3 Canada Fund Project Submission Guide: Round 2, which is posted on the PPP Canada website at www.p3canada.ca.
As Canada’s existing public infrastructure continues to age and the requirements for replacement and new infrastructure increase, governments must find ways of stretching their infrastructure dollars further. Across Canada, governments have begun to recognize the value of engaging private-sector innovation to improve delivery of public infrastructure by providing greater value, timeliness and accountability for taxpayers, through public-private partnerships (P3s).
The P3 infrastructure delivery model has been successfully implemented in the United Kingdom, Australia and across Europe and is finding increasing favour with governments in Canada as well. Public corporations, agencies and departmental groups have been created in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and most recently federally, to support the effective implementation of P3 procurement.
In 2008, PPP Canada was established to build P3 procurement knowledge and capacity federally, and the Government of Canada committed $1.2 billion to the P3 Canada Fund to promote the adoption of P3s and implementation of best-practices in provincial, territorial, municipal and First Nations infrastructure procurements.
The P3 Canada Fund is a merit-based program which helps deliver quality infrastructure, by co-funding public infrastructure projects which are best delivered via a P3 or alternative financing and procurement (AFP). PPP Canada supports up to 25% of eligible direct construction and development costs, including: design, engineering, manufacturing, equipment, surveying, construction, environmental remediation, fees paid to relevant professional consultants and construction finance.
The P3 Canada Fund complements other components of the Building Canada Plan and
Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Each infrastructure project considered by the P3 Canada Fund must contribute to one of: fostering economic growth; supporting a cleaner environment; and/or promoting stronger communities.
PPP Canada works closely with provincial, territorial, municipal, First Nations, federal and private-sector partners to support greater adoption of public-private partnerships in infrastructure procurement.
PPP Canada successfully completed a first call for project submissions last fall. Twenty applications were received from 9 different provincial and territorial governments, as well as Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Six of the applications were for municipal projects. Projects ranged in size from $45 to $500 million in capital costs and represented 8 different infrastructure sectors.
ACEC Sets New Strategic Focus
The ACEC Board of Directors participated in a Strategic Planning Session on April 19th in Halifax, NS, to discuss the association’s strategy and key areas of focus for 2010/2011.
Earlier that month, ACEC circulated a Membership Satisfaction survey to you, our members, to determine if our services are valuable and important. In sum, we learned that ACEC has a significant role to play in terms of raising the image of the industry and advocating for a better business climate, in addition to providing services like industry-approved contracts, compensation surveys and continuing education.
The ACEC Board carefully considered these needs when decisions about the organization’s focus were determined. The resulting vision statement for the association is to be “the leading voice for consulting engineering in Canada.” The new strategies identified to move ACEC towards this vision are as follows:
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POSITION consulting engineers as trusted advisors through strategic partnering, building respect, increasing awareness and developing a more appealing image.
ADVOCATE for a better business and regulatory climate by influencing government, clients and other stakeholders.
BECOME the “go to” organization for industry issues that cross provincial boundaries.
ENHANCE communications with member firms, including a communications audit and making tools more accessible.
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To support these initiatives, ACEC also proposes to re-work the ACEC website and conduct a Board governance audit to ensure that a process of continuous improvement is achieved.
Over the next few months, ACEC staff will be building an operational plan to support the strategies identified above, itemizing goals, deliverables and timelines over for the next three years.
In addition to the recent Membership Satisfaction survey, we welcome member feedback, at any time, on ACEC’s performance, goals or objectives.
It is our mission to make your business more successful.
Contracts Committee Provides Valued Service to ACEC Members
The ACEC Contracts Committee is currently among the most active of ACEC committees. Chaired by Board member, John Collings, P.Eng., this committee develops, reviews and updates a suite of service agreements designed specifically for use in the consulting engineering sector. In a recent member satisfaction survey carried out by ACEC, the development and distribution of standardized agreements was identified as being one the ACEC services most valued by the membership.
ACEC Engineering Agreements
Earlier this year, Document 31 - an agreement between an owner and its prime consultant, was updated and modernized to reflect the current legal and business climate. It is a legally sound and balanced agreement that is applicable to a wide range of projects. ACEC has held a number of information sessions across the country in collaboration with a number of member organizations. This agreement is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the ACEC website.
Document 32 - an agreement between prime consultant and sub-consultant is currently being updated by the Document Review Committee. A draft of ACEC Document 32 prepared is being circulated to the full Contracts Committee. This document, which is expected to be greeted with great interest by ACEC members, will be available later this year.
Also, in response to member requests, the Contracts Committee is considering the risks and advantages of creating “short-form” agreements for ACEC Documents 31 and 32.
Participate in the ACEC Documents Survey
The Document Review Sub-Committee is also considering the potential harmonization of other ACEC documents and has asked ACEC to survey the membership on its usage of other ACEC contract documents (i.e. ACEC 33, 35, 36 and 39) to provide direction to the committee. If you are familiar with ACEC agreements and wish to participate in the survey, please click here
CCDC Documents
The Contracts Committee also supports ACEC’s role in representing the consulting engineering sector on the Canadian Construction Documents Council (CCDC). CCDC produces a number of contracts used extensively in the construction sector.
ACEC has been successful in ensuring these documents are fair and balance the interests of all the stakeholders that develop and use these documents. In recent weeks, ACEC has endorsed that following documents:
- CCDC 4 Unit Price Contract
- CCDC 21 A Guide to Construction Insurance
- CCDC 5A Construction Management Contract - For Services
- CCDC 5B Construction Management Contract - For Services and Construction
- CCDC 17 Stipulated Price Contract Between Owner and Trade Contractor for Construction Management Projects
Looking ahead, consultation drafts of the following documents have recently been circulated to the CCDC sub-committee for review and comment:
- CCDC 14 Design-Build Stipulated Price Contract
- CCDC 15 Services Contract Between Design-Builder and Consultant
For more information on ACEC contracts, please contact John Gamble, P.Eng., President at jgamble@acec.ca or by calling 1-800-565-0569.
ACEC-Canada Attends ACEC US Conference Washington, DC
Susie Grynol, ACEC’s Vice-President Policy and Public Affairs,
attends advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill.
On April 25-28, 2010, representatives of ACEC-Canada were guests of ACEC US at its Spring Conference and Legislative Summit in Washington, DC. The event afforded ACEC the opportunity to exchange ideas with its American counterparts, and network with key association executives.
The Canadian delegation was led by ACEC Chairman of the Board, Andy Robinson, P.Eng., who was accompanied by President, John Gamble, P.Eng., and Vice-President Policy and Public Affairs, Susie Grynol. Also attending from the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) was Chairman of the Board, Gregs Thomopolus and Managing Director, Enrico Vink.
A primary component of the ACEC US Summit is the Capitol Hill lobbying efforts orchestrated by the ACEC US National office, and its state organizations. Over 500 meetings with Senators and Congressmen took place over a two day period, involving members of ACEC US State organizations and member firms. Susie Grynol, who is responsible for the Canadian program “Hill Day” for ACEC, participated in the Capitol Hill visits and behind the scenes operation.
John Gamble participated in a series of meetings with the CEOs and Executive Directors of state associations (NAECE) which included discussions on the business of American engineering, association management and national vs. state relations.
Andy Robinson was impressed with the quality and relevance of the business program. As a participant on the CEO Roundtables, he observed that the business climate of the Canadian consulting engineering sector is currently stronger than in the US, though many issues surrounding procurement and risk transfer are quite similar.
ACEC was also invited by FIDIC representatives to an international dinner event with its counterparts from South Korea and China.
On all accounts the meetings were worthwhile and contributed to the positive U.S. – Canada relationship ACEC enjoys with its neighbours.
Canadian Named Chair of FIDIC Business Practice Committee
Former ACEC director Rick Prentice of Stantec has been named the new chair of the FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) Business Practice Committee. Mr. Prentice has been on the FIDI C Business Practice Committee for several years and has previously served on ACEC’s International Committee.
Other ACEC members continue to contribute to FIDIC and the work accomplished by means of their committees. Up until recently, Dr. John Boyd held the role of FIDIC President and continues to be involved in issues pertaining to the organization. Other ACEC members contributing to FIDIC committee work are Andrew Steeves of ADI Group Inc., who sits on the Qualifications-Based Selection Task Force, and ACEC President John Gamble, who is part of the Centenary Planning Committee for the 2013 FIDIC conference in Barcelona, Spain.
FIDIC 2010
New Delhi, India
Managing Innovation - The Way Forward
Vigyan Bhawan Conference Centre, New Delhi
September 19 - 22, 2010
The annual conference of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) is one of the industry’s most important events. This year’s conference, co-hosted by FIDIC and Consulting Engineers Association of India will bring together international speakers, clients, industry, government organizations, consultants and engineers to discuss consulting services worldwide.
This year’s conference will explore the many facets of innovation in business practice that arise in providing the quality services needed to meet the urgent and growing demands through a variety of plenary sessions and workshops.
Special opportunity for Canadian participants at the FIDIC conference!
ACEC is arranging a special information session on international business opportunities in cooperation with the Canadian High Commission to India, the Trade Commissioner Service and Export Development Corporation. Also, to allow prospective participants to prepare and to arrange their own business opportunities, a tool kit of information on developing business in India is currently being developed exclusively for ACEC members.
Please click here for more information on the FIDIC 2010 New Delhi Conference.
India’s Infrastructure Plans:
Dreams or Reality?
By Peter G. Hall, Vice-President
and Chief Economist Export Development Canada
Explosive growth became the norm for India in the global economy’s boom years, and few pundits disagree that long run growth potential is better here than anywhere else. India’s prowess was tested in the global recession, but the subcontinent has rebounded handily. Its sights are now trained on longer term growth in an ambitious new 5-year plan. Will India achieve its high-growth objectives?
Worries escalated as India’s growth slowed substantially in late 2008, but they were short-lived. By the third quarter of 2009, growth was back to the 8% level. Growth slowed again in the dying months of 2009, but details show that strong underlying growth was hampered by temporary contractions in agricultural production and government spending. Why the resilience? India has below-average export exposure, and monetary policy was very responsive to the downturn. But the key reason is likely India’s pre-recession stimulus plan: its heavy ongoing investment in public infrastructure.
Policymakers in India are keenly aware that poor infrastructure is a key growth inhibitor, and as a result, attention has been paid to infrastructure spending in most of the more recent 5-year plans. The current plan earmarked US $500 billion for various projects, from telecommunications to energy and transportation systems. India has been increasingly looking for private sector participation, with the targeted private component moving from 25% in the 10th plan to 36% in the current plan.
Not content with these substantial sums, the government has again upped the ante for infrastructure spending. In a preview of the 12th 5-year plan (2012-17), senior government officials have endorsed a whopping US $1 trillion in infrastructure monies. If successfully dispensed, the program could go a long way to alleviating some of the most significant encumbrances to long term growth.
Will plans turn into projects? Only time will tell. For all its past heady growth, India has huge fiscal constraints. Public debt as a share of GDP hit 82% in 2009, and the near-term prognosis is not good. The consolidated deficit soared to 11% of GDP, weighing heavily on an already-stretched system. To compensate, a target of 50% private sector participation was set in the 2012-17 plan – risky, given that the private portion of the current plan has been revised down significantly.
Aware of the risks, the government is mulling over possible participation of pension plans, insurance plans and the possibility of private bond floats to support infrastructure plans. Even if successful, there are questions about overall domestic funding capacity, which has led to the inclusion of FDI – even though it weakened considerably in 2009 – as a key source of additional capital.
Canada has a growing presence in India. In the good years, exports rose 30% annually, bringing two-way trade to $4.5 billion in 2008. Direct investment in India surged at the same time, rising 13% annually to $801 million in 2008. This, plus a proven global infrastructure record, suggests strongly that Canada is well placed to participate in India’s ambitious medium-term infrastructure plans.
The bottom line? Infrastructure is critical to India sustaining its robust growth potential. But even with the size of the population, India does not have the capacity to build solely with domestic players. This is fertile ground for Canadian participation, and huge rewards face those who rise to the challenge.
Invitation for Development of Tourism Projects in Gujarat
Article by Export Development Canada
Export Development Canada is circulating an invitation for Development of Tourism Projects in Gujarat, India
GTPDCL (Gujarat Tourism Project Development Company Ltd), jointly promoted by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited and IL&FS invites applications from developers (Applicants) of National/International repute to develop (i) Mega International Convention Centre at Vadodara and (ii) Tourism Development at Kutch Mandvi, through Private Sector Participation.
In this regard, a request for qualification was released in Economic Times dated April 26, 2010. The copy of the advertisement along with detailed EOI and RFQ documents for above mentioned projects are attached herewith for your kind perusal.
Development Projects Advertisement
Mega International Convetion Centre & Hotel at Vadodara
Invitation for Tourism Development at Kutch Mandvi, Gujarat (RFQ)
The Last date for submission of Application in the prescribed format is May 26, 2010.
About Projects
Project 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) for Mega International Convention Centre & Hotel at Vadodara:
Proposed Project spreads over an area of 8 ha having components viz: (i) Convention Center (Plenary hall of 2000); (ii) Star Category Hotel (200 Rooms); (iii) Office/retail space and (iv) Leisure & Recreation Zone
Project 2: Request for Qualification (RFQ) for Tourism Development at Kutch Mandvi:
Proposed Project spreads over 7 ha along Kutch Mandvi beach, having components viz: (i) Star Hotel/ Resort (150 Rooms); (ii) Amusement Park and (iii) Arts & Craft Centre
Application may be submitted depending on the technical & financial capabilities of the applicant, for any one or both the projects listed above. Based on the applications received, GTPDCL shall shortlist applicants for the next stage. Proposals shall be invited from shortlisted applicants to select the developer(s) for the aforementioned projects. The selected developer(s) shall be required to undertake Planning, detailed Engineering & Designing, Financing, Construction, Marketing and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of proposed projects
For further details about the projects, kindly refer detailed EOI/RFQ documents for respective projects
CEO, Gujarat Tourism Project Development Company
(A Special Purpose Company of Government of Gujarat and IL&FS)
C/o IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd
301, Dev Arc, Near Fun Republic,
S.G. Highway, Ahmedabad-380015
Phone: (O) 079-40206200
(F)079-40206299
Visit us at:
http://www.ilfsindia.com
http://www.iidcindia.co.in
http://www.gujarattourism.com
Contact persons
(1) Krishna Kumar (+91-9898026912 / 079-40206263)
krishna.vadakkepat@ilfsindia.com
(2) Neeraj Singh (+91-9974092309 / 079-40206216) neeraj.singh@ilfsindia.com
Industry News
Genivar fund buys two Alberta firms
Hatch again among Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies
MIG Engineering Ltd. Wins Business of the Year Award
Coming Events
ACEC Events
June 23, 2010
ACEC/PSMJ Summit Pre-Event Bootcamp
Business Development and Strategy
St. Andrews by-the-Sea, NB
For more information, please visit www.acec.ca.
June 24-26, 2010
ACEC Summit
St. Andrews by-the-Sea, NB
For more information, please visit www.acec.ca.
Other Events
May 27-28, 2010
Water Symposium
Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences
Ottawa, ON
Register today by clicking here.
June 8-10, 2010
Canadian Green Building Council Conference
Vancouver, BC
For more information, click here.
June 17, 2010
Canadian Water Summit
Toronto, ON
For more information, click here.
June 18, 2010
Capital Planning: Optimizing Your Facility Performance
Toronto, ON
For more information, click here.
June 22-25, 2010
Air & Waste Management Association Annual Conference
Calgary, AB
For more information, click here.
September 19-22, 2010
FIDIC 2010 New Dehli Conference
Vigyan Bhawan, New Dehli
For more information, click here.
ENCON’s 41st Annual Loss Control Seminars:
October 19, 2010
ENCON Annual Loss Control Seminar
Halifax, NS
Casino Nova Scotia,
Room: Schooner Room – 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Should you have any questions or you wish to register, please contact Kathy Olson at 1-800-267-6684 or by email kathy.r.olson@encon.ca.
November 3, 2010
ENCON Annual Loss Control Seminar
Edmonton, AB
The Westin Edmonton, 10135 100th Street
Room: Manitoba/Saskatchewan – 9:00 to noon
Should you have any questions or you wish to register, please contact Kathy Olson at 1-800-267-6684 or by email kathy.r.olson@encon.ca.
November 4, 2010
ENCON Annual Loss Control Seminar
Calgary, AB
The Metropolitan Conference Centre, 333 – 4th Avenue SW
Room: Ballroom – 9:00 a.m. to noon
Should you have any questions or you wish to register, please contact Kathy Olson at 1-800-267-6684 or by email kathy.r.olson@encon.ca.
November 30, 2010
ENCON Annual Loss Control Seminar
Victoria, BC
The Fairmont Empress Hotel, 721 Government Street
Room: Crystal Ballroom & Palm Court – 9:00 a.m. to noon
Should you have any questions or you wish to register, please contact Kathy Olson at 1-800-267-6684 or by email kathy.r.olson@encon.ca.
December 1, 2010
ENCON Annual Loss Control Seminar
Vancouver, BC
The Westin Bayshore, 1601 Bayshore Drive
Room: Grand Ballroom – 9:00 a.m. to noon
Should you have any questions or you wish to register, please contact Kathy Olson at 1-800-267-6684 or by email kathy.r.olson@encon.ca.
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