By Chase
Summer is now half over and this year is flying by faster then in the past. I am truly busy trying to keep track of the construction projects across Ontario, focusing on commercial, provincial and federally-funded projects at a pace I have not seen in my almost seven years working with the Construction News and Report Group.
The size and scope of projects range from the $1 million to nearing the $100 million mark, highlighted by the upcoming Pan Am Games, municipal projects and the growth of colleges and universities. New retail malls are taking shape as well as many school board projects from renovation to new construction. Are we finally past the economic slowdown of 2009 and 2010?
Association participation represents a good sign of the economic recovery. Positive indicators include increased membership, members returning after being absent the past few years, increased attendance at events and more interest in networking opportunities sponsorships.
In the past, association memberships has been one of the first cuts made in companies’ marketing budgets. A good sign that the budgets are being re-established is the growth of new and returning memberships.
More spending is usually tied to higher revenues. Of course, I could be mistaken and maybe we are just keeping our heads above water, but the confidence we are past the drowning point should help carry over to consumers. More money from consumers, driving the housing market recovery, will spill over to more taxes for government projects and more demand for goods and services means more stores. New stores drive new construction, and the recovery continues.
Are you seeing recovery in your city? Are you starting to reach the level of work prior to 2009 and 2010? Most important what do you think is needed to keep the drive alive? I look forward to your feedback and reporting on this over the next few months.
Chase is the director of marketing and client relations for the Construction News and Report Group as well as the associate publisher for the GTA Construction Report, Ontario Construction Report and the Canadian Design and Construction Report. He is chair of the Niagara Construction Association’s young leaders’ committee, and serves as a director on the NCA’s board.
You can reach him at (905) -228-1151, by emailing chase@cnrgp.com or visiting www.gtaconstructionreport.com
