b'FROM OUR CHAIRReflections from my TermAs we ring in the New Year, I am inclined to reflect not only the year past, but on my two-year term as Chair of the Winnipeg Construction Association, and to detail some of the highlights along the way.Manitoba continues to enjoy a busy construction climate, despite our early predictions of a widespread industry slowdown. In 2018, total construction volumes ended the year at levels similar to 2017, and according to Statistics Canada, numbers through October of 2019 are up over 15 per cent compared to the same time period in 2018. Check out more industry trends in our first-ever Industry Snapshot on page 57.Its been an exciting couple of years on an advocacy front as we faced three electionsmunicipal, provincial and federal. The elections have allowed WCA to re-prioritize our efforts and promote important issues that will ensure the strength of our industry.Prompt payment legislation has been a prominent nationwide issue over the last two years, as the movement toward federal and provincial legislations gained serious momentum with the Ontario Construction Act and similar legislation in Saskatchewan. We will continue to watch these provinces carefully and work with the Manitoba Prompt Payment Coalition to introduce legislation here.WCA continues to advocate for improvements to planning, zoning and permitting in Manitoba. Over the last two years, weve seen steps made to identify and deliver improvements to these regulatory processes. We remain committed to ensuring the Manitoba government moves forward on many of the recommendations identified so that our members can focus on doing what they do bestdelivering construction projects.During my two-year term, I, along with many others, contributed to a thorough update of the Manitoba Trade Definitions, bringing them back to the forefront and ensuring they are current and applicable. The use of Trade Definitions will improve clarity in the bidding process and reduce disputes. This document is now a regular item on the annual agenda and will be continually tweaked to avoid major edits.The association has grown and evolved over the last few years, moving further into the electronic document sharing age. WCAs newest update is its DNA software platform, a web-based database linked directly to the WCA website which can handle all transactions.In addition, in August 2018, BUILDWORKS became BuildWorks Canada, as 10 local construction associations formed an alliance to create a platform that offers owners a wider audience and also complies with trade agreements. This development is another step in WCAs commitment to providing its members with increased connectivity so that they can fully capitalize on the value of their memberships.WCA was presented with the 2018 CCA Gold Seal Certification Association Award at the 2019 CCA Conference in Bermuda this past spring. The award acknowledges not only the associations dedication to Gold Seal, but recognizes the overall growth and success of WCAs Education Program. WCA continues to offer an exemplary education schedule specifically designed for our members, with a course calendar featuring new and updated sessions every fall.And finally, we recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of our Builders Night Gala, WCAs popular and exquisite formal evening event. We were privileged to have Blue Rodeos Jim Cuddy Band to mark the milestone live on stage.Its been an honour to serve a strong, relevant and healthy association. I look forward to moving into the Past Chair role and continuing to support many of the efforts weve advocated for recently. Thank you to the WCA staff, my fellow board members, members, friends and colleagues in the construction industry for making these a meaningful and memorable two years.Peter Grose, ChairIssue 4WinterEdition 2019/2020 BUILD MANITOBA 7'