By Mark Buckshon
Publisher, Ottawa Construction News
What a year it’s been, and what a year it will be.
COVID-19 has made for a challenging and at times frustrating year for contractors, suppliers, and design professionals. Yet the industry has persevered and – allowing for some painful adjustments and work stoppages – has done surprisingly well despite the health and economic tensions surrounding us.
There are reasons for optimism. Successful introduction of vaccines should, as 2021 progresses, ease the public health crisis, and there is now near-universal recognition that government spending on infrastructure is a good thing. The construction industry in Ottawa has fared better than many other places — with infrastructure work continuing and new projects moving through the planning process, though of course there have been delays.
Notably, the construction industry adapted effectively this year to stringent public health requirements in part because construction demands higher-than-normal attention to safety. Site cleanliness and sanitation conditions will likely continue to be maintained, even after social distancing are relaxed and the N-95 masks will return to their conventional site safety respiratory purposes without interfering with medical requirements.
You’ll probably read this note as Christmas approaches in the subdued pandemic environment without the traditional seasonal parties and events. However, we can look forward to the New Year with much promise, hope and opportunity.
Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year!
Mark Buckshon is president of the Construction News and Report Group and Ottawa Construction News’ publisher. He can be reached by email at buckshon@cnrgp.com or by phone at (888) 627-8717 ext 224.
