The City of Winnipeg’s new specifications for base and sub-base materials in road construction were the focus of discussion at this week’s meeting of the MHCA Board of Directors. The new specifications are in use at two construction sites this summer – on Fermor Avenue and Roblin Boulevard.
The board heard that the new specs have required a fair amount of engagement with the City as it moves on its changes in the gradations and the number of sieves required. The City has said the goal of the new specs is to improve drainage, to lengthen the life of the new road.
The two project locations were selected as trials, prior to refinement and rollout of new specifications in the 2020 construction season. The board was told that contact would be made with Public Works in order to ensure that industry’s feedback is considered.
The specs discussion was among a number of industry files on the table at the board meeting June 26.
The Board of Directors also had a vigorous exchange regarding the suspended provincial Quarry Rehabilitation Program – the program has been halted since an internal review was launched last year. Contractors who completed rehab work on spent quarries since spring 2018 are awaiting payment for work approved, completed and received the sign off from the provincial Mines Branch.
In total, some $800,000 is owed to contractors.
As well, the MHCA is pressing for updates to the program standards and levy rates. The Quarry Rehab Program is funded by a per-tonne fee collected when aggregate is extracted from quarries. Its intent is to ensure spent pits are returned to a more natural and usable state for the community that hosts them.
Meanwhile, Don Hurst, MHCA’s Director of WORKSAFELY™, education and training, told the board more than 50 students have completed the introduction to heavy equipment operation course, which uses simulators. Many of the students have found work in the industry or within their own communities.
Other items discussed included:
- WCB is developing a new funding model for industry-based safety programs, offering options to the program. The proposal would allow IBSPs to continue charging their company clients through the current model or to choose to charge companies a new 5% fee (topped up with subsidy from WCB). If IBSPs remain in the current funding model, they would have the option of switching to the 5% option at a later date.
- The Spring Mixer May 29 at the Assiniboia Downs was well attended, with $2,000 raised in the silent auction. Funds raised go to the MHCA’s ‘Heavy Santa’ event at David Livingstone School
- The MHCA Golf Classic, scheduled for August 14, is fully registered, but teams and individuals who want to play are encouraged to jump on the waiting list in case of cancellations; individuals still hoping to golf should contact Events Manager Christine Miller (christine@mhca.mb.ca).
