2010 Olympics Committee Addresses Labor Outlook North of the Border

Jan. 1, 2006
In recent months, Canadian publications have reported a severe shortage of skilled workers in British Columbia, including electrical workers. Some fear the shortage may slow down construction for the 2010 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place in Vancouver. At the very least, it may drive up wages and, in turn, construction costs. But Steve Matheson, senior vice-president of venue development for

In recent months, Canadian publications have reported a severe shortage of skilled workers in British Columbia, including electrical workers. Some fear the shortage may slow down construction for the 2010 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place in Vancouver. At the very least, it may drive up wages and, in turn, construction costs. But Steve Matheson, senior vice-president of venue development for the Vancouver Olympic Committee, downplays the affect of the shortage on Olympic construction. He says the city has $70 billion to $80 billion (Canadian dollars) in construction planned over the next five years, so the $800 million planned for Olympic-related construction is “a small part of the overall worker shortage picture.”

He says his strategy for ensuring that construction continues according to schedule is to simply convince his contractors to reserve space and give Olympic construction a higher priority over other options. However, others have reported that the Olympic committee may also use incentives like tickets to medal events to lure skilled workers. Construction is scheduled to begin in a few months and competition venues are scheduled for completion by 2008. Contractors interested in bidding on Olympic projects in Vancouver are encouraged to visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.