
MHCA is following up on commitments by Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) to roll out tenders this construction season, to expend fully the $500 million capital program.
“We understand that there continue to be challenges but have asked and will continue to press for the tendering of work in 2022, to see the full program tendered and awarded or as close to full as possible,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc told a meeting of the Board of Directors September 21.
“We expect that would push the work on some of those projects into 2023, but it is important the tender and award process be fulfilled this year.”
The highways capital program — $467 million budgeted for highways projects and $32 million for water-related infrastructure – was one of the priority topics discussed by Board members, who were told that those discussions have included establishing a regular, post-season debrief meeting between industry and MTI senior officials annually.
“This gives industry and the department an opportunity to discuss what worked well, what continues to need refinement and possible solutions to barriers to fully expending the program each year,” Lorenc noted.
The Board was also walked through the new elements of the MHCA organizational bylaw, the development of which was overseen by the MHCA Nominations Committee chaired by immediate past Chair Jack Meseyton.
New elements speak to board term limits, clarifying the mission statement, formalizing policies on board nominations and appointments. The Board unanimously recommended adoption of the bylaw to go forward to the membership for its consideration at the Annual General Meeting in November.
“This revision does not alter the functioning of the board or the association, but largely puts into formal language practices and policies that have been long-standing,” said Lorenc.
Other priorities discussed by the Board included:
- The provincial government has passed a regulation permitting municipalities to raise fees collected on the production and the transportation of aggregates from pits and quarries. The regulation has been amended to increase maximum fees, based on inflation and reflect annual inflationary increases into the future based on the Consumer Price Index.
- MHCA and industry representatives have continued to discuss and are seeing some progress on Public Works department specification changes for roadbuilding materials and construction, including the aggregates and asphalt concrete.
- MHCA Awards Breakfast, AGM and Chair’s Gala are set for Friday, November 18, at the RBC Convention Centre. Sponsorship letters have been sent out.
- The board of the Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation, composed of the 11 heavy civil construction associations across Canada, has hired a consultant to draw up a strategy for a national campaign for increased investment in Canada’s trade gateways and corridor infrastructure.
- MHCA is one of nine leading Manitoba business organizations hosting a mayoral forum October 5, where the top candidates will be asked about their plans and ideas to Grow Winnipeg’s Economy. Members can register for the breakfast event here. [link expired]
The Board meeting followed a session with Winnipeg mayoral candidate, Coun. Kevin Klein, where he spoke to his priorities and answered questions from the floor. The Board and past Chairs of MHCA previously met with candidates Coun. Scott Gillingham, Glen Murray and Jenny Motkaluk.
For a full report on the Klein meeting, click here.