Calgary Construction Boom: ICBA Members Staying Busy

Calgary's construction sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge, and ICBA Alberta members are right in the thick of it.

"The vast majority of our members are busy," says Mike Martens, President of ICBA Alberta. "Last year, the construction industry as a whole saw gains of over 8,900 workers year-over-year."

According to Business in Calgary, the boom is being driven by Calgary's explosive population growth—more than 250,000 people added in just five years.

Despite the momentum, Martens identifies a key challenge: "The biggest pressing issue is the lack of experienced trades workers, project managers, estimators, etc. The residential sector calls it 'the missing middle,' referring to skilled trades."

ICBA members have adapted by diversifying. "While greenfield industrial projects were at a relatively low level, many industrial contractors maintained their level of work through diversification by expanding their services into maintenance or even the commercial or institutional spaces," Martens notes.

Looking ahead, there's positive news on infrastructure with the long-delayed QE2 improvements finally moving forward and Greenline construction reaching full speed.

Read the full story: "The boom and surge" in Business in Calgary.