Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario (BCRAO) represents industry's interests Advocacy, training and information for building maintenance contractors and professionals Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature The Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario (BCRAO) traces its roots to 1985, when the Con- crete Restoration Association of Ontario (CRAO) organized to represent contractors and suppliers. By 1996, the or- ganization was renamed as engineers joined and its scope expanded. Today, BCRAO represents 100 organizations employing about 4,000 workers. From its beginnings as a source of information, training and technical seminars, BCRAO has grown to take on an instrumental role lobbying government on behalf of mem- bers. From the 90s issues of rent control to Bill 124 to the current Ministry of Labour task force into working at heights, the association has been an active participant. “The 2009 accident that killed four workers Christmas Eve was a pivotal moment and set the stage for a task force that we are proud to be part of and that will be crit- ical to the industry moving forward,” said BCRAO presi- dent Philip Sarvinis. Besides its important role lobbying the government about issues affecting its members, Sarvinis says the as- sociation also supports members through seminars fo- cused on soft-touch issues including business operations and worker attraction and retention. “Our industry has definitely been impacted by a demo- graphic of aging artists. As these experienced craftsman retire it is crucial not only that companies attract young people willing to learn, but also that they find ways to keep them by keeping them engaged and appreciated.” Sarvinis says the association is working closely with Humber College to develop a post-graduate certificate program for restoration work which he hopes will be in place by 2016. He says there also is a critical need for individuals skilled in heritage work. “Only about five percent of our members do this specialized work. It is labour and time in- tensive and it takes time to build the expertise required.” Continued on page 49 The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Winter 2015 – 47