Saskatchewan news Building permits boom to record high at $270 million Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer Construction across Saskatchewan has picked up ac- cording to the latest building permit numbers released by Statistics Canada in early May. In March 2013, build- ing permits in the province totalled $270 million, the highest on record for the month of March. This was a 22.6 per cent rise from March 2012, the third highest percentage increase in the nation. “In spite of less than ideal weather conditions, Saskatchewan’s construction businesses were still able to make progress,” Saskatchewan economy minister Bill Boyd said in a news release. “That says a lot about the quality of the companies and the skilled workers who make up one of our economy’s most important sectors.” Non-residential building permits were up by 32.7 per cent on a year-over year basis, while residential permits were up 14.5 per cent over the same period. On a month-over-month basis, building permits were up by 26.6 per cent between February 2013 and March 2013 on a seasonally adjusted basis. “Saskatchewan’s economy is making gains at a steady pace,” Boyd said. “It’s the growth in residential and non-residential projects that’s making the difference, and that’s creating jobs and impacting overall economic growth.” $95 million hospital for Moose Jaw Construction has started on a new $95 million hospi- tal for Moose Jaw. The project is expected to be com- pleted by December, 2014. Lean methodology is fully integrated into the design, functioning and culture of the facility, the provincial gov- ernment says in a news release. “The design and care model of the new regional hospital will allow health care services to come to patients in single rooms, rather than requiring patients to travel throughout the facility. This will result in more convenient services for patients, op- erational efficiencies and improvements in safety.” In conjunction with the Lean methodology, the hospi- tal planning phase also incorporated demographic pop- ulation modelling and forecasting to ensure the facility will meet the needs of a growing city and surrounding area in the years to come, the news release said. The provincial government is contributing 80 per cent toward the total project cost Local funding covers the remaining 20 per cent. The Moose Jaw Health Founda- tion will work in partnership with the health region, the Ministry of Health, and health care professionals to equip and furnish the new regional hospital. 46 – Spring 2013 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report Devenney Group Architects, Boldt Company, Graham Construction, Stantec Architecture Ltd., Stantec Consult- ing Ltd. along with Black & McDonald are working to- gether, start to finish on the new facility. Saskatchewan Merit contractors recognize award winners The Merit Contractors Association of Saskatchewan recently recognized several members for excellence at its annual awards program. Winners included: Field Employee of the Year: Cody Diggins, Bexson Construction, Lloydminster Project Manager of the Year: Chad Leverick, Alliance Energy, Saskatoon Worksite Innovation Award: Brent Schaan, Peter Crushing & Hauling, Whitewood; Dennis Turcotte, Allan Construction, Saskatoon Community Builder Award: Ronald McDonald House Charity, Saskatoon Outstanding Site Supervisor Award: Sheldon Ponto, Bexson Construction, Lloydminster Outstanding Office Employee Award: Teresa D’Arcy, Alliance Energy, Regina Trade Excellence Award: Rick Bond, Quorex Construc- tion, Saskatoon Leadership and Mentoring Award: Ian Knibbs, Coram Construction, Regina MERIT Employer of the Year: Coram Construction, Regina