'A perfect storm': Vancouver Island construction industry warns of significant delays and cost overruns
The success of Vancouver Island's construction industry might also be its post-pandemic downfall.
"I think we have what could be considered a perfect storm," said CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association, Rory Kulmala.
As the demand for large-scale developments boom, especially on southern Vancouver Island, the industry says major supply concerns and labour shortages will have an impact.
"That is going to reflect in itself much longer schedules and higher costs," Kulmala told CTV Vancouver Island on Tuesday.
The construction association says building permits for commercial, multi-residential and single-family homes have climbed year-over-year for the past half decade.
This year the association expects a 30 per cent increase in permits from 2020, which would represent a record year.
Multi-residential, or condo and apartment building permits, are the hottest sector.
Victoria city staff tell CTV News that the pace of major development applications in 2021 is the highest they have ever seen.
As demand booms, an already stressed sector will no doubt bend under the immense pressure.
This week, the Greater Victoria School District announced its Victoria High School redevelopment is far behind schedule.
"The school will open in September of 2023 instead of September of 2022," said Jim Soles, manager of Major Capital Projects for SD61.
Market forces have hit the large-scale seismic upgrade hard, pushing it a year behind its projected completion date.
"Trades cannot guarantee tight schedules because of a shortage of workers and the supply chain is causing problems," said Soles.
What does this all mean for the average Vancouver Islander?
Vancouver Island's Construction Association says work will not stop, but getting things done will likely take longer and hit your wallet harder.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.