The Organization

What is The Roundtable?

The British Columbia Construction Roundtable is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide an independent forum for decision-makers of all sectors of the B.C. construction industry to share information, examine issues and collaborate on new or more effective strategies for the healthy growth of the industry. It is independent of all other construction groups.

In its ninth year the Roundtable continues to be a source of up-to-date information on construction projects. The Board of Directors works to bring the most current topics to the table. In 2003 19 speakers were featured at our breakfast seminars, annual general meeting. summer social and end of year reception.

John Eastman with the RAV Project, started the year off with a presentation on the plans for the 20 km transit route to link Richmond and the Airport to Vancouver. Peter Busby, the expert on green architecture gave an extremely informative presentation on how much building technology has changed to become more sustainable in only 8 short years and explained what the LEED standard is. Joe Redmond reported on developments at University Town on the UBC campus. Steve Davis brought us up to date on BC's IPP Power Industry: New Rules, New Players, New Projects. Geoff Freer and Fred Cummings talked about the plans for improving the road network in The Fraser River Corridor.

At our annual general meeting, Larry Beasley, Director of Current Planning for the City of Vancouver, spoke about two significant land use planning exercises – Southeast False Creek and East Fraser Lands. This year’s summer social in July took us back to the top of Grouse Mountain for an excellent presentation by architect Alan Hart on Vancouver’s and Seattle’s developing rail systems.

In the fall, after his trip to Prague to celebrate Vancouver’s win of the 2010 Olympics, David Podmore gave us an overview of the proposed Olympic facilities construction. Mark Griggs followed this in October with a talk about the Delta Port expansion at Roberts Bank and how this will affect the construction industry. And at our final breakfast seminar in November we learned about the Abbotsford Hospital P3 project.

A half day seminar titled Rebuilding the Region brought together a number of speakers who gave an overview of major future design and construction projects, examined the relationship between major projects and engines of economic growth in BC, identified relevant government policies, funding sources and project timing and provided detailed information on several new opportunities. Speakers included Helmut Pastrick, Ardath Paxton Mann, Larry Blaine, Frances Caruth, John Dyble and Russ Anthony.

And at our reception in December for members and guests, internationally renowned architect Bing Thom gave a presentation on what he sees for Vancouver’s future and how the development of our city compares with other cities around the world.

Who needs The Roundtable?

The entire industry does. Most issues that confront us demand multi-faceted solutions. New management concepts, new procurement approaches, new technologies, new markets, new projects are facts of life for the new construction industry.

You need to stay abreast of the changes. The Roundtable keeps you informed. It provides a forum to network with the movers and shakers in BC construction. Last year was our most successful year yet with more members and more people attending events.

Who can be a member?

Membership in the Roundtable is open to men and women working in all sectors of the construction industry. We want to be sure that everyone who should be a member becomes a member. Beginning in 2001 members attend breakfast seminars at no charge or send a colleague in their place.