WOOD CONSTRUCTION barriers that could impact commercial market sales and then will set a course based on the research. While the national and Ontario associations take stock and evaluate their future direction, other work is coming to fruition. A new BCSI (Building Component Safety Information) document now of- fers a distinct Canadian perspective. “A Canadian publication, with our codes and measures was long overdue,” said Phillips. In Ontario, the association has also begun awarding scholarships to students attending com- munity college in engineering and architectural pro- grams. Phillips says this is both a means of giving back and a way to encourage students, through di- rect support, into these disciplines. Special skills required and the work's seasonal nature can make recruiting from school a challenge unless trade school curricula changes. To cope with labour shortages, particularly that of experi- enced truss builders, most companies find they have to hire unskilled labour and then train them in the skills they require. Phillips says the industry is also making progress setting a new standard quality control program which will ensure minimum standards. “Eventually there should be a third-party audit of a quality control program.” While he says mandated programs have often been met with some resistance, in general every- one understands that quality controls level the play- ing field, ensure a better quality product and support the overall industry. Previously, different provinces set their own quality control standards, but a more uniform ap- proach is coming into place. Cvach considers that health and safety could be- come the association’s next project. “Alberta has its own health and safety program with auditors. B.C. is learning from Alberta and Saskatchewan and Manitoba are also coming on board.” Meanwhile, Phillips says the Ontario association has never been stronger. “We have a record num- ber of 37 truss members this year.” While a decline in the U.S. residential market im- pacted the industry, he says the Ontario residential market stayed strong and companies were able to survive. “We had a late start to the season with a harsh winter last year but work is still going on and companies are working later into the year than nor- mal.” Phillips suggests there is potential that the U.S. market is picking up again and he says this is adding to optimism and an overall feeling that the industry has weathered the latest storm and has emerged stronger than before. “There are still challenges ahead but we’re in a good place and upbeat about the future,” he said. Boise Cascade adapts its wood products to regional market and builder requirements CaDCR special feature Operating in the U.S. and Canada, as well as internationally, Boise Cascade has developed a building materials distribution network with a proven track record of providing quality wood products to its customers, including secondary manufactur- ers, retail lumber dealers and home improvement centres. Boise Cascade is a leading manufacturer of engineered wood products including laminated veneer lumber, I-joists and laminated beams. It also manufactures plywood, particle- board, and high-quality ponderosa pine lumber. The company operates the two largest laminated veneer lumber and I-joist manufacturing plants in the world and, through a network of 60 Boise Cascade distributors through- out North America delivers regional product mixes, with on- time delivery and after-sales service. Pedro Da Silva, national marketing manager for Canada, says Boise is committed to the industry. “We view ourselves as a service provider rather than simply a product provider. This means offering solutions and becoming a strategic part- ner with our clients.” These include new tools for dealers' software efficiencies. “These solutions are constantly evolving. Our B.C. Connect software is one such solution set to be rolled out in the new year.” Da Silva says Boise is a national player, yet able to tailor its products and services to each regional market's needs. Local markets are distinct and each builder builds differently, he said, so the company combines a regional focus with atten- tion to detail. Boise sources all of its raw materials from certified sustain- able forests. The company also enforces strict environmental and procurement policies and standards. For more information, visit http://www.bc.com. The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Winter 2015 – 37