ARMCA speaks for 93 per cent of Alberta's concrete producers Ready-Mixed industry co-operates to enhance labour resources and demonstrate environmental sustainability Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Representing more than 93 per cent of the concrete producers in the province, the Alberta Ready-Mixed Con- crete Association (ARMCA) continues to support a strong Alberta economy. Executive director Laura Reschke says she expects in- dustry volumes to grow upwards of 15 per cent in the coming years through development of major business centres, government in- frastructure, the province’s north- ern distribution hub, a demand for housing and warehouse space, as well as community projects. All of this is based on a high level of confidence in the Alberta economy. “We’re optimistic the overall market will remain strong through private projects and community development,” she says. One such project is the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Mu- seum near Grande Prairie. Now under construction, the 40,000 sq. ft., $34.6 million project is attracting a lot of attention. Reschke says the province has also seen an increase in energy efficient ICF (insulated concrete forms) homes in residential construction. "With heat savings of be- tween 40 and 50 percent with ICF homes, we are opti- mistic that this will become more of a trend.” Alberta currently has 117 producer member concrete plants and Reschke says more than half remain family- owned, a good indicator of the market’s strength. While projects continue to be developed and compa- nies remain strong the industry is adjusting to current challenges and those it will face with anticipated growth. “Sources of quality aggregates are being depleted, es- pecially in the northern region,” she says. “The permit- ting process to open a new pit takes years so as we struggle through that, we add transport challenges to get ma- terials from other parts of the province.” The industry also contends with a shortage of ready- mix truck drivers and skilled labour. “Workers are flood- ing into Alberta from other parts of the country but many are unskilled,” she said. “There are so many choices once they get here it can be hard to get people involved and then for us, the seasonal aspect can be a deterrent.” ARMCA has responded to the challenge by offering training and certification in programs such as Concrete Technology, Dispatch Training, Field Testing Certification, Driver Certification, Pump Operator Safety Training and Certification and Plant Certification. “Our training is su- perior in comparison to that offered in many other indus- tries,” Reschke says. She says the association is working to provide infor- mation about concrete's environmental advantages in an era where climate change is a major concern. “We be- lieve it is best to leave product selection to engineers and architects designing projects but we also know the importance of raising awareness to help people under- stand the value, the durability, the sustainability of con- crete.” _______________________________ Continued on page 31 The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Spring 2014 – 29