Non-Residential
Key regions where new job opportunities are antici-
pated: NB: Pipeline, marine terminal and hydro dam refurbish-
ment projects increase employment demands;
ON: Major transit infrastructure projects and nuclear re-
furbishment projects add to employment opportunities
across the forecast period;
MB: Major hydro development and transmission projects
sustain employment requirements; and
BC: Pipeline, LNG, transportation and mining projects
drive job growth.

Residential Housing activity is expected to moderate in the two
largest residential markets – British Columbia and Ontario.

Over the short term, residential employment requirements
strengthen in Alberta and Manitoba and continue to track
downward in Quebec as well as Atlantic Canada over the
long term. Residential construction employment is ex-
pected to decline by seven per cent, only partially offset
by steady but moderate increases in renovation activity.

“Not attracting and training enough young workers is a
6 – Spring 2017 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report
huge risk for the construction industry,” added Sparks.

“With thousands of new workers needed to replace re-
tirees, industry can’t afford to take its foot off the gas.”
In its report, BuildForce says that “attracting and training
young workers during a period of slower growth presents
distinct industry challenges.”
“Recruitment may be more difficult in provinces that
have experienced significant declines in jobs, which may
result in an increased risk of losing workers to other indus-
tries or provinces in search of more secure employment
opportunities.” “Failure to sustain recruiting efforts, however, poses sig-
nificant future risks,” BuildForce reports. “Declines in train-
ing new workers during past downturns has resulted in
renewed market challenges when investment and labour
demands cycle back up, even under conditions of more
moderate growth. The lag between recruiting, training and
developing skilled journeypersons can create a perpetual,
cyclical mismatch between workforce requirements and
available supply. Industry must continue to track changing
conditions, including expansion, expected retirements and
new entrants, to remain a step ahead and maintain a long-
term sustainable skilled workforce.”