Bird Construction, a cornerstone of Canada’s construction sector for over a century, was founded in Saskatchewan in 1920. As a leading general contractor, Bird specializes in various sectors such as energy, mining, institutional, retail, residential, and civil construction, maintaining a coast-to-coast presence. Notable recent projects include the Whitby Rail Maintenance Facility and the Avenir Centre.
With offices spread across Canada, Bird Construction has established itself as a reliable provider of construction services, offering pre-construction support and playing a pivotal role in numerous public-private partnership projects. Their diverse client base spans across industries like commercial, institutional, multi-tenant residential, industrial, mining, water and wastewater, energy, and civil sectors.
Today, Bird Construction Incorporated is a publicly traded company, with employees forming a significant shareholder group, reinforcing their commitment to client satisfaction at all levels. With a workforce of over 1,500 people and 2021 revenue of $2.22 billion, Bird continues to have a lasting impact on Canada’s construction landscape.
Overview of the Canadian Construction Industry: Overcoming Challenges for Sustainable Growth
The Canadian construction industry is a key driver of economic development, continuing to thrive despite challenges. It plays an essential role in job creation and contributes significantly to Canada’s GDP.
Recent Developments and Growth
The sector has demonstrated resilience, with a strong performance despite ongoing challenges like workforce shortages. Positive trends in 2022 indicate significant growth, with projections for continued progress.
Employment and Regional Dynamics
Construction remains one of the largest employment sectors in Canada, offering diverse job opportunities across provinces. Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Alberta are seeing notable job growth, with varying dynamics in each region.
Labor Shortages and Talent Acquisition
Despite robust employment figures, the industry faces labor shortages, largely due to an aging workforce. Attracting new talent remains essential for maintaining project timelines and meeting increasing demand.
Compensation and Specialized Roles
Salaries in the construction sector vary by region, with specialized roles such as boilermakers earning significantly more. Regions like Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and British Columbia offer higher average salaries.
Diverse Sectors and Adaptive Growth
The Canadian construction sector spans across residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure construction, each adapting to its unique growth patterns. The infrastructure sector remains vital for the well-being of communities, including railways, roads, bridges, and pipelines.
Future Investments and Resilience
The industry is poised for continued growth with significant investments. Ontario has committed $84.7 billion to its transportation network, while Canada is also seeing investments like a $720 million renewable diesel facility.
Despite challenges like labor shortages, rising material costs, and the impacts of climate change, the Canadian construction sector remains resilient, contributing significantly to national prosperity and offering substantial career opportunities.
Key Statistics:
- Over 1.5 million people are employed in Canada’s construction industry.
- Building construction investments reached $20.6 billion in February 2023.
- Projected 4.4% growth in 2022, with revenues reaching $184.4 billion.
- Expected CAGR of 4% from 2022 to 2026, pushing revenues beyond $215 billion by 2026.
- 95,000 job openings in 2022, with 49.5% of construction companies facing recruitment challenges.
Salaries and Compensation:
- Average salary in the sector: $45,817 annually.
- Specialized roles, such as boilermakers, can earn $101,009 annually.