READY-MIXED CONCRETE Alberta Ready-Mixed Concrete Association takes on challenges in evolving economy, industry Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature The Alberta Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (ARMCA) thrives as a dynamic association in a continually evolving industry, which has been impacted by falling oil prices, labour challenges and regional and international influences. ARMCA executive director Laura Reschke says many Alberta industries have been challenged in finding experienced and qualified personnel. In the ready-mix industry, she says concerted efforts have been made to provide continuous training to improve skills for existing and new workers. Still, external forces play havoc with labour availability. The current oil price decline, for instance, is beginning to echo in the industry as some projects are being slowed or put on hold. Fortunately, the impact on the ready-mix industry has been minimal because of the sustained momentum of construction activity of late. However, “the challenge now is to retain access to the labour assets that the industry has invested development capital in, while minimizing all other variable costs as we ride out this temporary downturn in the economy.” One of the biggest challenges for the year ahead she says will be maintaining a vision that the current economic state is only temporary. “This isn’t a time to hit the 'reset button' but rather to use this opportunity to review the outcomes of the past few years,” she says. She adds that businesses should take advantage of current circumstances to put provisions in place to make 32 – February - March 2015 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report their businesses more sustainable over the long run. Then, as oil prices begin to rebound, she expects the construction industry should see activities resume in a relative progression and magnitude. Other economic influences could include improvements in the U.S. economy, which may impact the Canadian concrete products industry in a positive manner as a result of the recent swing in the exchange rate. Reschke says however that the weaker Canadian dollar will have a negative impact on concrete equipment costs as much of it comes from the U.S. Other external and ongoing pressures include access to water rights for industrial applications. While in the past Reschke says rural plants were able to obtain water from rivers, creeks and streams, under current regulations, this is no longer possible. In some instances she says ready-mix plants have to move because of the proximity to residential areas. “Obtaining licences for wells is not as much of an issue, although they are being more closely monitored. Obtaining water rights comes at a significant cost. Small rural plants are most affected.” The permitting process to open new aggregate pits continues to be a major challenge as well, as sources of quality aggregates are being depleted. Some challenges are more regionalized. The City of Calgary for instance, in an effort to address the shortage of affordable housing, is embracing the concept of wood frame construction for multi-family dwellings up to six- storeys in height. While wood frame may provide more