Wednesday, February 10
My Cart9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Getting ready for the Construction Prompt Payment Act
Location: Room 224
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Interior Design
- Cross-Industry
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management; Project Planning, Procurement, Management & Delivery
Building Types: Civil / Infrastructure, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
BC’s Construction Prompt Payment Act (CPPA) will fundamentally change how payments and payment disputes are managed on construction projects. This panel will bring together perspectives from across the industry to discuss what organizations need to understand and do to prepare for the CPPA coming into force. The discussion will cover the new payment timelines, proper invoicing, notices of non-payment, adjudication, and the practical changes that will be required across the construction pyramid. This session is designed as an introductory session for anyone who will be affected by the new legislation.
Speakers
Glenn Ackerley Construction Lawyer, Chair of the Construction Practice Group, WeirFoulds LLP
Glenn is the Chair of the Construction Practice Group at WeirFoulds LLP, specializing in construction law, liens, and litigation. As a trusted project lawyer, he advises clients across the construction industry—owners, developers, contractors, and consultants—on contracts, procurement, risk management, and dispute resolution. An active industry leader, Glenn is the ex-officio lawyer member for the Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC.) He also has served on the National Advisory Council of the Canadian Construction Association, the Toronto Construction Association Board, and Ontario’s Expert Panel on Construction Lien Act reforms. He has also taught construction law at Toronto Metropolitan University and frequently speaks at industry and legal seminars. With extensive experience in mediation and arbitration, Glenn is a go-to expert for navigating legal challenges and ensuring fair, efficient project outcomes.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Construction keynote – Build lower mainland: three elections down, what comes next?
Location: BUILDEX Main Stage (Booth 843)
- Construction & Trades
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
Building Types: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
Partners: Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA)
With municipal, provincial, and federal elections behind us, the focus now shifts from campaign promises to action. This panel will bring together perspectives from all three levels of government and the construction industry to explore what is already underway, what priorities are emerging, and where greater collaboration is needed. From housing and infrastructure to permitting, procurement, workforce development, and project delivery, the conversation will focus on the decisions shaping what gets built across the province. This will be a candid, solutions-focused discussion about bridging the gap between government and industry, creating greater certainty, and working together to build the communities our growing region needs.
- FREE
Presenting Partner
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Construction contracts 101
Location: Room 221
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
Building Types: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use
Construction projects vary widely and each one has its own unique challenges and obstacles to overcome. Capturing the nuance of each project in a contract is tricky business, but it is essential that those working in the construction industry be knowledgeable about the limitations and pitfalls of commonly used contracts. In this session, the speakers will put the "fun" in fundamentals of construction contracts by introducing the foundations, canvassing commonly used forms of contract, highlighting key provisions to which you should pay close attention, and touching on recent contract trends in the industry. In particular, special attention will be paid to the documents prepared by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee including the CCDC 2, CCDC 3, CCDC 5A, CCDC 5B, CCDC 30 and CCDC 32.
Speakers
Chris Eagles Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Chris Eagles is a partner in BLG’s Vancouver office who focuses his practice in the areas of public-private partnerships, procurement, and infrastructure. His expertise includes: drafting, negotiating and reviewing public-private partnerships, design-build, integrated project delivery, construction, consulting, supply and related agreements; and working with project technical (engineering and architectural) teams to review and integrate specifications with the other contract documents.
Bill Woodhead Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Bill Woodhead is a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Calgary, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia. Bill focuses his practice in the areas of procurement and construction law. He acts for public and private owners, contractors, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers, drafting and negotiating procurement documents and the various agreements required to design, procure and construct any asset. Bill often speaks at construction and industry conferences on all aspects of construction and procurement law.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Beyond compliance: applying the 2024 BCBC to achieve better accessible design
Location: Room 222
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
- Interior Design
- Cross-Industry
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
Building Types: Commercial, Institutional, Mixed-Use
Knowing the requirements of Section 3.8 Accessibility of the 2024 British Columbia Building Code is one thing. Understanding why those requirements exist and how design decisions can prevent barriers to create truly usable spaces is another. This interactive technical session moves beyond a checklist approach to accessibility. Through real-world case studies, participants will revisit key Section 3.8 requirements and explore how the Code’s functional and objective statements can inform more intentional design decisions. The presenters will examine common accessibility challenges, practical ways to identify and prevent barriers, and examples where universal design principles can improve usability without compromising project requirements. Designed for architects, interior designers, engineers, code consultants, contractors, and other building professionals, this session will equip participants to approach accessibility as both a regulatory requirement and a design opportunity.
Speakers
Randi MacAlpine Technical Accessibility Consultant, ABE Factors Inc.
Randi MacAlpine is a Technical Accessibility Consultant and certified RHFAC Professional with a Master’s in Architecture and a specialization in neurodiverse design. She sits on the RHFAC Technical Subcommittee and is well versed in comprehensive design criteria intended to help built environment professionals design more accessible, inclusive, and sensory-supportive spaces for the full range of human experience. At ABE Factors, she conducts technical accessibility reviews and assessments across a wide range of building typologies, bringing both regulatory fluency and a human-centred lens to every project.
Brieann Ventura Senior Technical Accessibility Consultant, ABE Factors Inc.
Brieann Ventura, CTech, RHFAC, is a Senior Technical Accessibility Specialist and inter-provincially trained Building Code Consultant with over 10 years of experience interpreting a wide range of accessibility-related codes, standards, and certifications. Her project portfolio includes complex mixed-use developments, civic facilities, transportation hubs, industrial spaces, and more. She contributes her expertise to several national accessibility technical committees, including Accessible Standards Canada’s Accessible Ready Modular Homes and the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) Accessibility Committee. In addition to her committee work, Brieann is active in the community, delivering presentations and training sessions to professionals across the built environment sector. With a focus on creating spaces that are functional, aesthetically thoughtful, and intrinsically inclusive, she brings both technical precision and design innovation to her work.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Single-stair buildings in BC: lessons from the first wave
Location: Room 220
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management; Housing Planning, Development & Supply
Building Types: Residential: Multi-Unit
Recent changes to the BC Building Code have enabled single-stair residential buildings, creating new opportunities for compact, efficient housing. However, early projects reveal an uneven approval landscape, with differing interpretations among municipalities, building officials, and fire departments. This session will draw on the experience of small architecture practices pursuing single-stair projects across BC. The panel will share lessons from early applications, including where projects are advancing and where challenges remain. Attendees will learn the key life-safety and technical requirements distinguishing single-stair buildings from conventional multi-unit construction, illustrated through current projects. Designed for contractors, architects, engineers, developers, and other industry stakeholders, the session will provide practical guidance to help teams navigate approvals and construction as this emerging housing typology moves toward built reality.
Speakers
James Huemoeller Principal Architect, JIM Architecture Ltd.
James Huemoeller is an architect, educator and founder of JIM Architecture, Ltd., a Vancouver-based architecture studio working across housing, public buildings, landscapes and urban design. His experience includes running both architecture and construction firms and contributing to large research and educational projects across North America and internationally. James is currently a faculty member at UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, where he is involved in the Design-Build program, and serves on the Board of the Architectural Institute of British Columbia. He is a founding member and board member of the Field Collective, bringing together small architecture practices to share knowledge, advocate for better design and contribute to the evolution of architectural practice in BC.
Tony Osborn Principal Architect, Tony Osborn Architecture + Design Inc.
Tony Osborn is an architect, educator, and founder of Tony Osborn Architecture + Design (TOAD), a Vancouver-based practice working across housing, adaptive reuse, commercial and community-focused projects throughout British Columbia. He is currently an instructor in BCIT’s Architectural Science program and serves as Co-Chair of the Vancouver Urban Design Panel. Tony is also a founder of the Field Collective, a non-profit organization bringing together small architecture practices to share knowledge, advocate for better design and contribute to conversations shaping the profession in BC. His work is particularly focused on how regulatory change, emerging housing models and thoughtful design can expand the possibilities for small and mid-scale development.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Property manager essentials: capital planning and delivering successful projects
Location: Property Management Learning Lab (Booth 344)
- Property Management & Building Operations
Streams: Building Management & Optimizing Building Performance and Net Asset Value; Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
Tracks: Property Management Solutions
Building Types: Commercial, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
Property managers must balance building performance, risk, resident expectations, and budgets. Building Condition Assessments (BCAs) and Depreciation Reports (DRs) provide information on asset condition, maintenance needs, and future capital expenditures. This session focuses on turning assessment findings into practical maintenance and renewal strategies. Participants will explore the purpose and value of BCAs, DRs, and other assessment tools, including how they support risk management, budgeting, and long-term asset management. The session covers interpreting findings, service-life projections, and identifying when further investigation is needed. Topics also include prioritizing recommendations, developing maintenance and capital plans, funding strategies, and managing projects from scope definition and bid through construction and closeout. Attendees will gain an understanding of the role of BCAs and DRs in planning, learn how to turn assessments into actionable projects, and discover best practices for planning, funding, bidding, and delivery.
Speakers
Alex Bouchard Project Engineer, RJC Engineers
Alex brings over 20 years of industry experience preparing building condition assessments for more than 1,200 buildings across Canada, including large-scale portfolio programs for municipalities, utilities, and private clients. His expertise spans structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems, giving him the versatility to lead the inspection teams and evaluate a wide range of facility types.
Arman Mirsanaye Project Engineer, RJC Engineers
Arman brings nearly 10 years of experience in the assessment and restoration of residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. He specializes in concrete restoration, waterproofing, plaza and parkade rehabilitation, and capital renewal planning. Arman works closely with strata corporations, property managers, and building owners to develop practical, cost-effective repair strategies and successfully deliver restoration projects from assessment through construction.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
Thursday, February 11
My Cart10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The project risk management conundrum: from procurement to closeout
Location: Rooms 215/216
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
Building Types: Civil / Infrastructure, Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
Contract risk is an inherent aspect of every project, yet the industry often fails to effectively manage risk that can unintentionally lead to budget and schedule conflict. This session will tackle big-picture issues related to identifying, managing, and effectively controlling and owning risk throughout the project lifecycle, from inception to closeout. The learning objectives will emphasize raising awareness of key factors in project risk assessment, including the availability of design and engineering talent, pre-construction timelines, the quality of project documentation for tendering and building, contract types and risk allocation, competition for resources, effective communication with multiple stakeholders, and the importance of adhering to contract terms and conditions. The best practices to minimize claims and disputes will be discussed, and panelists, with a combined experience of over 120 years in identifying, understanding, and managing risk, will share their insights.
Speakers
Jennifer Choi Associate Counsel, Bennett Jones LLP
Jennifer provides strategic and practical advice to clients on a range of environmental, regulatory and Aboriginal law issues, including those relating to major project development, contaminated property and environmental investigations. Drawing on her scientific background and her experience working as Senior Legal Counsel to a large North American development company, Jenn helps clients obtain environmental approvals, resolve regulatory compliance issues, and negotiate agreements with affected stakeholders. She regularly assists clients in the mining, construction, infrastructure and energy industries with complex commercial matters and understands the importance of balancing business pragmatism with legal risk.
Before attending law school, Jenn obtained a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of British Columbia. She enjoys delving into technical evidence and translating scientific and technical issues into persuasive legal argument.
Jerry Crawford Principal Director, KGC Consulting Services Ltd.
Jerry has over 44 years of accumulated experience in the building and civil construction industry working predominantly in Canada on transportation, energy, commercial, industrial, multi-residential, civil, and building infrastructure projects during the procurement, pre-contract, execution, and pos- contract phases. He has international experience working in the USA, Bermuda, and formerly in South Africa and has attended numerous civic court trials for insurance settlements, liens, and claim disputes. Jerry also has extensive experience working on claims and disputes with legal counsel, owners, contractors, subcontractors, and surety companies. Expert report writing and input on issues regarding scope of work disputes, constructability analysis, contract compliance, liens, abandonment, workmanship defects, delays and disruptions are also part of Jerry’s expertise.
Lisa Gibson Principal, Colliers Project Leaders
Lisa Gibson is a Principal with Colliers Project Leaders in Calgary, contributing to regional leadership through operational excellence, business development, and strategic initiatives. With experience across owners, contractors, and owner’s representative consulting, she brings a 360 degree perspective to navigating complexity in the built environment.
Her expertise includes sustainability, lean methodologies, continuous improvement, diversity and inclusion, and mental health in construction and design. She is committed to building a resilient, people centered industry. An active volunteer with SAIT, the Calgary Lean Community of Practice, the Canadian Construction Association and the Calgary Food Bank, Lisa is known for her collaborative leadership and passion for strengthening the design and construction community.
Tom Hawkins Director, Secretariat
Mr. Hawkins is a quantity surveyor and chartered construction manager. Mr. Hawkins specializes in providing independent quantum and damages expert witness, dispute resolution, and strategic advice services to the international construction and engineering industry to resolve issues on complex projects. He has more than 17 years of industry experience working across a variety of sectors on projects in Canada, UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
He regularly provides clients with procurement and contract advice and strategic opinion for the avoidance, mitigation, and resolution of disputes. Clients continually trust Mr. Hawkins with their live project matters and dispute situations. Mr. Hawkins is recognised by Lexology as one of the leading Construction Expert Future Leaders likely to be a pre-eminent name of the next generation. Mr. Hawkins works with law firms, government bodies, developers, contractors, and organizations from the full spectrum of the supply chain.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
The financial metrics of depreciation reports
Location: Property Management Learning Lab (Booth 344)
- Property Management & Building Operations
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
Tracks: Property Management Solutions
Building Types: Commercial, Industrial, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
This presentation examines the financial metrics of depreciation reports. It begins with the Benchmark Analysis as the foundation for reliable financial modelling and explains how it supports consistent reserve fund calculations. A series of 9 financial metrics are included, Fully Funded model, Reserve Adequacy (% Funded), Deficiency/Contribution Quotient, Adequate Contribution Model, Contribution % of Operating Budget, CRF % of Operating Budget, CRF % of Insurable Value, Average Strata Lot/Sq Ft, and Reserve Deficiency Quotient. These metrics are compared to demonstrate the strengths and limitations of different funding methodologies and to identify indicators of financial risk. The final section reviews how strata loans interact with reserve funds and the financial risks that arise during the loan term.
Speakers
Jeremy Bramwell President, Strata Reserve Planning
Jeremy Bramwell, AACI, P. App. (former CRP), has completed Depreciation Reports throughout the province of British Columbia since 2011. Jeremy was a former Board Member of the Real Estate Institute of Canada’s (REIC) Vancouver Chapter and the Chair of the CRP Task Force in BC. Mr. Bramwell has authored articles on Depreciation Reports for CHOA, REIC, REIBC, and VISOA, lectured at CHMC, and written Depreciation Report valuation theory for UBC. He was a member of the BC Housing Policy Branch subcommittee on Depreciation Report legislation. The 2nd edition of his book Depreciation Reports in British Columbia is for sale on Amazon. His goal is to make reports that are understandable to maximize the usefulness of your Depreciation Report. He is one of the most respected experts on Depreciation Reports in BC.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Developing code evaluation criteria for innovative product approvals
Location: Room 217
- Construction & Trades
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management; Technology, Innovation & Smart Buildings
Building Types: Commercial, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit, Residential: Single-Unit
At a time when innovation can help us build faster and more affordably, learn how the International Code Council’s Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) develops building code evaluation criteria based on the National Building Code of Canada to facilitate the approval of innovative building products across Canada. Participants will explore the criteria development process, including public comment period and Canadian evaluation committee approval. Furthermore, attendees will discover how ICC-ES is expanding Canada’s capacity for innovation in construction, the robust process at building officials across Canada trust, and examples of how this process has been applied to a variety of products.
Speakers
David Beauchamp Manager, ES Canada, International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES)
David has over two decades of experience in Canada’s construction sector. He has dedicated his career to advancing building product quality, regulatory compliance, and industry innovation. His experience spans, product testing, certification, code evaluations, and the development of services that help manufacturers demonstrate performance and achieve market acceptance. Bridging technical expertise with strategic insight, David works with stakeholders across the construction ecosystem to address emerging challenges, support innovation, and enhance confidence in the built environment. David is passionate about fostering solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and long-term reliance. Beyond his professional work, he enjoys roadtrips, audiobooks, and lifelong learning through the study of philosophy, psychology, and history.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Case study: the hidden path from baseline code to Passive House
Location: Room 221
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Property Management & Building Operations
- Engineering
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management; Sustainability, Decarbonization & High-Performance Buildings
Building Types: Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Mixed-Use, Residential: Multi-Unit
How far is a code-compliant building from Passive House and which design decisions make the biggest difference? Through real-world case studies, this session compares baseline and Passive House-aligned designs to reveal the changes that deliver the greatest performance gains. Using the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) and whole-building energy modelling, the speakers will examine how improvements to the building enclosure, airtightness, thermal bridge mitigation, glazing, and mechanical systems influence energy use, occupant comfort, constructability, certification, and cost. Rather than presenting Passive House as a fixed target, this session uncovers the step-by-step design decisions, trade-offs, and lessons learned across multiple climates and building types. Attendees will leave with practical benchmarks and a clear roadmap for prioritizing strategies that move projects from code compliance toward Passive House performance.
Speakers
Parvin Asadi Project Engineer, RJC Engineers
Parvin Asadi, P.Eng., is a Project Engineer at RJC Engineers specialising in energy modelling, building performance analysis, and low-carbon design for new construction and retrofit projects. Her work connects mechanical systems and building enclosure design to improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort, operational performance, and resilience across residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. She brings strong experience with early-stage energy studies, decarbonisation pathways, and standards including Passive House and EnerPHit.
Parvin holds a master’s degree in High Performance Buildings from the University of British Columbia and is passionate about turning complex modelling results into clear, practical decisions for owners and design teams. Through data-driven analysis and collaboration, she helps bridge the gap between design intent and measured performance outcomes. She also mentors junior engineers and contributes to best practices in sustainable building design.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Utilities and gentle density: resolving municipal policy conflicts
Location: Room 217
- Architecture
- Construction & Trades
- Homebuilding & Renovation
Streams: Economics, Legal, Regulatory & Risk Management
Tracks: Housing Solutions
Building Types: Residential: Multi-Unit
Provincial legislation requires municipalities to permit small-scale multi-unit housing on single-family lots, but local electrical servicing policies were never designed for this level of intensification. Builders pursuing duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes are encountering costly barriers rooted in underground conversion requirements, oversized service connections, and inconsistent utility policies that vary dramatically between municipalities. This session examines the friction between provincial housing mandates and municipal electrical servicing frameworks, and explores how builders, local governments, and utility providers can work toward practical resolution. Attendees will learn how to identify and anticipate common electrical servicing barriers, understand cost-sharing options, and advocate for proportional, right-sized policy at the local level. This session is designed for builders, planners, municipal staff, and housing policy professionals.
Speakers
Chris Higgins Senior Building Planner, City of Vancouver
Over the past 20 years, Chris has lead or worked on an exciting range of construction, program development, and policy projects. He found his calling in green building while constructing commercial green buildings with what was once Canada’s favorite outdoor retailer cooperative. Chris worked with Canada’s national green building council to develop a program called LEED Canada for Homes, which focused on improving thousands of new and renovated homes. For a decade, Chris worked with the City of Vancouver on better building code and policy to require or encourage deep green buildings, Passive House, CHBA Net Zero, and similar. In 2024, Chris shifted to making electrification easier and with a lower average cost. He works part time at BC Hydro offices and part time at the City of Vancouver offices with a goal to lower average cost, improve time predictability, and improve customer satisfaction to enable load growth.
Draydan Power Manager of Energy & Environment, City of Penticton
Draydan Power is the Manager of Energy and Environment for the City of Penticton, responsible for the municipally owned electric utility, climate action, and solid waste groups. Draydan works with the municipal government to continue modernizing the electric utility and demonstrate how small scale systems can play a crucial role in our energy future while balancing growth with sustainability. Prior to working at the City of Penticton, Draydan worked for FortisBC for 10 years, primarily in engineering roles. He was fortunate enough to work in Generation, Transmission, Distribution, System Planning, Substations, AMI deployment, System Control, and more. Before transitioning to the City, Draydan was the Manager of EV Infrastructure and Investment, studying the impact of EV charging in BC, deploying public charging infrastructure, and helping manage provincial rebate programs to accelerate EV adoption.
Dan Winer Co-Executive Lead, Industry Activation, Small Housing
Dan is a skilled leader, fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. At Small Housing, Dan identifies and convenes interest holders nationwide to promote gentle density housing (GDH), leveraging his extensive experience in building partnerships for equitable housing solutions. Dan has acted as Project Director for initiatives advancing practical housing delivery and industry capacity. He oversees the InfillBuild program, which involves the design and delivery of applied training for more than 200 small-scale builders across the province. Dan oversees the Natural Resources Canada-funded project, which has involved the development of Small Housing’s education portal and creation of a Best Practices Guide to support high-performance GDH. He oversees the Building to Electrification project, which involves the development of implementation-focused industry guidance that addresses real-world utility, coordination, and delivery challenges in GDH projects.
- Early
- $65
- Regular
- $85