CONSTRUCTION
Ontario to review
Construction Lien Act
The government of Ontario is conducting an independent review of its Construction Lien Act. The decision is in response to concerns raised by general contractors, owners and others about the proposed Bill 69 Prompt Payment Act, which has already passed its second reading.
The unions and trade industries who support Bill 69 say that the habitual late payment of subcontractors invites abuse and puts an unfair burden on the trades.
HVAC
Highrise and lowrise ventilation standards to be same
ASHRAE is proposing to consolidate its residential air-quality standards, regardless of building height. Common areas in any residential building would fall under the current standard for higher buildings, standard 62.1. All dwelling units, meanwhile, would fall under the current low-rise residential ventilation standard 62.2.
MATERIALS
Cement giants merge
Switzerland’s cement manufacturer Holcim announced in April that it is buying Lafarge of France. The merger will create the world’s largest construction materials company.
