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Wiwanto, Lya

Feb 17
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Skills Training Attributed to Securing BC’s Future

By Advocacy, Latest, Statements

Victoria, B.C. – MCABC CEO Kim Barbero was in Victoria for today’s Budget 2026. While the province’s deficit was top of mind, as were the protection of investments for core services and cuts in government staffing, the below highlights subjects that have direct relevance to MCABC members in their capacity as owners and leaders in the mechanical contracting industry.

Skills training attributed to securing B.C.’s future

“Construction continues across the province,” says Minister of Finance Brenda Bailey,

When it comes to planning for the future, skilled trades secured strong recognition in the 2026 provincial budget, following health care, education, and public safety.  While the government’s focus on skilled trades wasn’t new “news” for the mechanical contracting industry – the announcement of a $241M injection into skilled trades training pre-empted the budget with its own announcement in November 2025 – its high standing in the budget reinforced their impact throughout BC.

What today’s budget offered the mechanical contracting industry is clarity. It has also introduced considerations important for business owners:

  • $283 million in trades training funding over three years – this includes:
    • the $241 noted announced in November which is anticipated to create up to 5,000 seats
    • $12 million to enhance the employer training grant
    • $30 million to upskill highly qualified professionals by adding specialized streams to existing programs, including engineering, geology, computer science, biology and aerospace
  • Effective April 1, a new temporary Manufacturing and Processing Investment Tax Credit for investing in new buildings, machinery and equipment;
  • A strong commitment to continued infrastructure development in the capital plan, including, but not limited to, funding to support construction on: 17 major hospitals and acute care facilities, 66 K-12 school additions and improvements, and key transit and transportation expansions; a continued focus on housing investments (and a noted $1.4 billion reallocation of the fiscal plan); and an increase in investment in the maintenance, repair and renewal of provincially-owned infrastructure.
  • PST has been expanded for services including, but not limited to: accounting and bookkeeping; architectural; engineering and geoscience; rental property and strata management. Note: The PST on architectural, engineering, and geoscience services will apply to 30 per cent of the purchase price of the services subject to the tax.

Read the government’s announcement here.

See the full budget and highlights here.

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About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Kim Barbero

Chief Executive Officer

kbarbero@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Feb 10
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Recap: MCABC Bonspiel – The Contractors Cup

By Events, Latest

From coordinated team jerseys to collectible pins, the 2026 MCABC Bonspiel was one for the books. With Olympic curling unfolding at the same time, the timing couldn’t have been better, our own version of high-stakes curling played out with pride, personality, and just the right amount of chirping.

Before we get into the highlights, we want to share a big thank you to our sponsor. Events like this don’t happen without strong industry support, and we’re incredibly grateful to Concept Mechanical for investing in this experience, our community, and the spirit of (mostly friendly) competition.

 

 

From the moment teams stepped into the Curling Club, the energy was electric. Collectors’ pins were proudly worn before the first rock was thrown, teams eager and ready to curl the second they arrived. Day one delivered big shots, strong matchups, and a collection of legendary trips, slips and falls that quickly became Bonspiel lore.

 

 

A hearty taco dinner capped off the night, fuelling both recovery and very serious debate around unofficial honours like best bail, most unique form, and most spirited player.

Day two started bright and early with everyone climbing the ladder with determination. A surprise visit from Mac the bulldog lifted the spirits even higher. Mac may not have curled but he absolutely won the popularity vote.

 

As the competition went on, there were a growing number of spectating teams gathered to watch the finals, cheer each other on, and share a few laughs. The on-ice action wrapped with a closest-to-the-button challenge that proved far tougher than it looked. Akhakh Singh (Sheet Disturbers/Noble British Columbia) landed right on the button for the winning shot, with Lane Goertzen (Hy-Line Huckers/Hyline Sales) finishing impressively close at just under two feet.

By weekend’s end, the standings were set:

🥇 Major Rocks (Major Welding) — First Place

 

🥈 The Tragically Skipped (Allan Forrest Sales and PR Mechanical)— Second Place

 

The celebration continued at Brixx with dinner, awards, and the raising of the coveted Contractors Cup — plus some good-natured boos for the reigning champs (as tradition demands).

BEST OF CHALLENGES – BY POPULAR VOTE

Best Bail: Todd Barth (Slippery When Wet/Chapman Mechanical)

 

Deepest Lunge: Tyson Edwards (RMS/Radian Mechanical Systems)

 

Most Spirited: Shane Edwards (Hy-Line Huckers/Hy-line Sales)

 

Most Unique: Dino Minardi (Curl Jam/Robinson Supply)

 

Thanks again to everyone who curled, cheered, sponsored, and made this weekend unforgettable.

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Click Here to View the Full Photo Gallery

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🏅 SAVE THE DATE — 2027 MCABC Bonspiel: Contractor’s Cup February 19th – 21st, 2027

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Already plotting your comeback? You don’t have to wait until next year…

⛳ OK TEE-OFF GOLF TOURNAMENT — COMING THIS MAY



Spots are limited and they will sell out. If you want in, now’s the time — once they’re gone, they’re gone. Secure your spot, rally your team, and keep the rivalry alive.

Register Now

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About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

 

Feb 02
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The Unintended Consequences of Increased Plumbing Permit Fees in Burnaby

By Advocacy, Latest

Burnaby, B.C. – Today, MCABC welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mayor Mike Hurley and City of Burnaby staff to highlight the critical role the mechanical contracting industry plays in Burnaby and across British Columbia. The discussion focused primarily on the significant impact of 2026 plumbing permit fee increases on projects that were previously tendered.

Effective January 1, 2026, the City of Burnaby implemented increases to plumbing permit fees intended to align with those of other municipalities. However, for mechanical contractors, these changes have created unintended consequences. Projects priced and tendered under previous fee structures are now exposed to substantial, unanticipated cost increases that were not—and could not have been—accounted for at the time of bid.

During the meeting, Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO; Trevor Hildebrand, MCABC Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer and President, Phase Mechanical; and Stuart Morrison, MCABC member and Principal, Northland Mechanical Contracting, illustrated the magnitude of the issue, citing one project that experienced an 80% increase in permit costs between December 2025 and early January. Such sudden and significant increases place an extraordinary burden on Contractors.

Stuart Morrison, Principal, Northland Mechanical Contracting; Kim Barbero, MCABC CEO; City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley; and Trevor Hildebrand, MCABC Past Chair/Secretary Treasurer and President, Phase Mechanical

 

The Mayor and City staff were receptive to MCABC’s input and expressed appreciation for the practical example provided. MCABC and the City of Burnaby have committed to ongoing collaboration, particularly around improving communication and ensuring that future policy changes consider downstream impacts on industry stakeholders.

This engagement with the City of Burnaby is another example of MCABC’s integrated government relations strategy in action—advocating on behalf of the mechanical contracting industry at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels to support fair, predictable, and transparent regulatory frameworks.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

 

Jan 30
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Recap: SD42 Skilled Trades Showcase

By Education, Latest, Skilled Trades

Maple Ridge, B.C. –  Last Thursday, MCABC participated in the SD42 Skilled Trades Showcase at Thomas Haney Secondary School. We joined students, parents, educators, and industry partners for an evening focused on career exploration and real-world insight into the skilled trades.

Hosted by Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows School District (SD42), the annual showcase is designed to give students and families direct access to industry voices and hands-on experiences. With interactive displays, breakout conversations, and opportunities to ask practical questions, the event helps demystify the trades and highlight the range of pathways available after graduation.

This year’s event saw record participation with an estimated 900 attendees. According to event organizer Brad Dingler, Coordinator of District Partnerships, feedback from students and parents reflected a consistent theme: they had not realized how many doors a career in the trades could open and valued the opportunity to speak directly with industry representatives.

This feedback speaks directly to MCABC’s Skilled Trades pillar, which in part focuses on promoting the mechanical trades as exciting, fulfilling, and financially rewarding career paths. By increasing awareness of the diverse and evolving roles within the mechanical industry — across the industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential sectors — MCABC aims to ensure today’s students can see themselves in the workforce that will deliver B.C.’s future infrastructure.

Check out our videos recapping the event and highlighting the trades we represent below:

Modern Mechanical Construction

At the MCABC booth, students were introduced to virtual design and prefabrication by MCABC and NextGen Board member Le Hien Huynh of Division 15 Mechanical.

Using real project examples, Le Hien showed how Building Information Modelling, or BIM, is used to design and test mechanical systems before construction begins – helping teams spot and resolve problems before they arise on site. The demonstration gave students and parents a clear look at how modern mechanical work goes far beyond a plunger and a wrench.

 

Industry Conversations and Hands-On Learning

MCABC member Adam Portman, a Red Seal plumber and site superintendent with Davidson Bros., participated in a breakout session with students and parents interested in plumbing and pipefitting. Adam shared insights into getting started in the trade, what the day-to-day looks like, and his own experience progressing into a site superintendent role.

Back at the MCABC booth, Adam led a hands-on demonstration of a ProPEX expansion tool, kindly provided by MCABC member Vaughan Ventures. Students were tasked with creating a mini-system using tubing, tees, and plugs, giving them a practical sense of how modern plumbing systems are assembled and how secure connections are achieved.

 

Investing in our Industry’s Future

By supporting events like this one, MCABC aims to encourage greater awareness and interest in the mechanical trades, and help more young people see these careers as exciting, rewarding, and essential to British Columbia’s future.

This work is part of our ongoing mission to develop a diverse, skilled, and innovative mechanical contracting industry – one that can continue to drive B.C.’s economy and respond to its growing infrastructure demand.

MCABC thanks School District 42, event organizer Brad Dingler, participating industry partners, our members who generously offered their time and expertise, and the student volunteers who helped make the event possible. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that connect students, families, and industry in meaningful ways.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Jan 28
Love0

MCABC Takes Part in Student Chapter Summit in Ottawa

By Education, Latest

Ottawa, O.N. – MCABC recently participated in the MCAC Student Chapter Summit in Ottawa, where Leesa Butler, our Director of Member Experience, joined students, educators, and industry leaders from across Canada for a weekend focused on collaboration, technical learning, and the evolving role of the mechanical industry in construction.

Hosted by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, the MCAC Student Chapter Summit brings together post-secondary students involved in local MCA student chapters. These chapters connect engineering students with the mechanical contracting industry through networking, mentorship, site visits, guest lectures, and hands-on learning opportunities. The goal is to introduce students to the wealth of opportunities available in the mechanical industry and help build a skilled, informed, and engaged future workforce.

Modern Mechanical Systems in Complex Public Infrastructure

A highlight of the weekend was a guided tour of Ottawa’s new central library, currently under construction.

The visit offered insight into how modern mechanical systems are being integrated into a complex public facility and the level of coordination required across disciplines to deliver efficient, long-term building performance.

MCABC was pleased to see member Modern Niagara delivering the mechanical scope on the project, alongside PCL, Diamond Schmitt Architects, and KWC Architects — a strong example of early collaboration between engineers, contractors, and designers.

Also part of the Summit was a tour of the ongoing Centre Block project at Parliament Hill, where students were introduced to the engineering challenges involved in upgrading a historic, landmark building for future generations.

The Future of Mechanical Construction

The summit also included a presentation by Kelly Levesque, Vice President of Operations at S&R Mechanical, who spoke about the evolving opportunities for engineers within mechanical contracting. As projects become more complex, this integrated approach supports better building outcomes — including right-sized systems, improved energy performance, greater productivity, and more time- and cost-efficient delivery. For students and early-career engineers, the message was clear: mechanical contracting offers a dynamic, collaborative career path with a direct role in shaping the next generation of high-performing, sustainable buildings.

 

Engineering Mini-Competition

The weekend concluded with an engineering mini-competition. Judged by a panel of industry professionals, the competition required the students to work in teams to develop and present solutions to the engineering challenges highlighted during the Centre Block tour. The exercise emphasized collaboration, clear communication, and the ability to respond effectively to client needs, reflecting the realities of today’s construction environment.

By connecting students with real projects and industry professionals, the summit reinforced the importance of attracting and supporting the next generation of engineers and mechanical industry professionals. MCABC remains committed to initiatives that strengthen these pathways and support the future of mechanical contracting.

 

About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Nov 20
Love0

Recap: Christmas Cocktail Lounge

By Events, Latest

MCABC’s Christmas Cocktail Lounge brought the perfect blend of warmth, energy, and festive spirit to close out the year in style.

Members, non-members, contractors, suppliers, partners, and friends joined us at The Loft at Earls Yaletown on November 20 for an evening of amazing cocktails, tasty bites, and cheerful holiday mingling. The top-floor venue created an inviting backdrop for relaxed conversations, new acquaintances, and plenty of laughs.

From reconnecting with familiar faces to meeting new ones, the room buzzed with end-of-year energy. Industry peers swapped stories, compared project experiences, and even chatted strategy for the upcoming Contractors Cup Bonspiel in February.

Congratulations to our door prize winners, Nicco Marconato from Modern Niagara and Catalina Aguire from Davidson Bros. , who each took home festive holiday prize packs!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our silent auction in support of the Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC). Together, we raised an outstanding $5,489 — and we are grateful to all the organizations who generously donated items to help make this possible.

We also appreciate the support of our event sponsors: Dynamix Building Automation as our Industry Sponsor; Victaulic and Noble BC as our Networking Sponsors — who also brought the evening’s signature cocktails, the Victaulic Spritz and the Noblerita — and Milwaukee Tool and J&S Sales as our door prize sponsors.

We’re grateful to all who joined us to celebrate another year of growth, connection, and industry collaboration. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season — we can’t wait to see you in 2026!

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Click Here to View the Full Photo Gallery

Click Here to View the Photobooth Gallery

 

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It’s Time to Hit the Ice!

Did someone say Bonspiel? That’s right, the most competitive curling competition in the mechanical contracting industry is back for 2026. With registration now live, it’s time to start assembling your dream team!

 

 

 

 

 

📅 Fri, Feb 6 – Sun, Feb 8
📍 Vernon, B.C.

Register Now

 

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About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

 

Nov 20
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Christmas Cocktail Lounge ’25

By Photo Galleries
Nov 15
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MCABC Statement on the Province’s Trades Training Investment

By Advocacy, Latest, Statements

MCABC welcomes B.C.’s $241-million commitment to expand trades-training capacity and support the province’s growing mechanical workforce

 

Vancouver, B.C. – The Mechanical Contractors Association of British Columbia (MCABC) welcomes today’s announcement by the Province of British Columbia regarding a $241-million investment to expand trades training. Increasing access to training seats and strengthening certification pathways will help more British Columbians build stable, well-paid, family-supporting careers and support the workforce needed to meet B.C.’s housing targets and deliver major infrastructure projects across the province.

Mechanical contractors face some of the most significant workforce pressures in construction, including in plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration and fire protection, as well as the full range of specialized mechanical trades—work essential to every new home, hospital, school, industrial facility and clean-energy project in B.C. Together, mechanical trades represent roughly 24 per cent of B.C.’s total construction output, employing more than 28,000 British Columbians directly and supporting another 25,000 indirect jobs.

Long wait times for training programs and regional shortages in skilled trades have been consistent barriers for employers and for people seeking to start or advance their mechanical trades careers. With more than three-quarters of B.C.’s mechanical contractors employing fewer than 10 people, these workforce pressures are often more acute for small companies that rely on timely access to skilled workers and on training pathways that help existing employees upgrade their skills. Across the wider construction sector, employers will need to recruit more than 60,000 workers by 2035 to replace retiring workers and keep pace with growth—reinforcing the importance of expanding training capacity today.

Today’s investment is an important step toward addressing these challenges by improving access and strengthening the training system across the province. Mechanical trades account for more than one-quarter of all apprenticeship registrations and certifications in B.C., reinforcing the need for expanded training capacity as demand continues to grow.

As government expands the trades-training system, MCABC encourages continued collaboration to ensure programs reflect the realities of today’s mechanical job sites—including the shift toward heat pumps, advanced control systems, modern HVAC technologies and the decarbonization requirements shaping both new construction and retrofit work. Ensuring people entering the trades, those growing their skills in the sector and the employers who rely on them all have the supports needed to succeed will be critical.

MCABC looks forward to working with government and other partners across the skilled trades sector to support expanded training and help grow the diverse, highly skilled mechanical workforce needed for the decade ahead.

 

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About

The Mechanical Contractors Association of B.C. (MCABC) is the dedicated representative of the mechanical contracting industry in British Columbia – the industry with the largest share of skilled trades workers in the construction sector. As the connection to industry excellence for our diverse membership, we deliver education and professional development programs that enable high standards of practice and business success. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, we influence policy and regulatory development at all levels of government, advancing the interests of our industry and improving its ability to meet B.C.’s growing infrastructure demand.

 

Media Contact

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058

Nov 05
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Innovation in Action: MCABC Co-Hosts Heat Pump Demo

By Education, Events, Latest

Burnaby, B.C. — Last week, MCABC, in collaboration with the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC), hosted an interactive training session dedicated to advancing knowledge and collaboration within B.C.’s mechanical industry.

The event brought together mechanical contractors, tradespeople, engineers, suppliers, distributors, and association representatives for an afternoon full of hands-on learning focused on high-efficiency heat pump systems and best practices in design and installation.

The session began with welcome remarks from Alexandre Hebert, Manager of the ZEB Learning Centre at BCIT; Roberto Pecora, Director of Building Decarbonization at ZEIC; and Kim Barbero, CEO of MCABC. In her opening, Kim emphasized the technological advancements taking place across the mechanical industry and underscored the importance of modernized training and collaboration between mechanical contractors and engineers. She also highlighted MCABC’s role in supporting members through education, advocacy, and leadership as the industry evolves.

Attendees then participated in a live demonstration of the Hisense Hi-Comfort system, which showcased features such as advanced heat recovery, high energy efficiency, and strong performance in cold climates. The demonstration was followed by a technical section on installation best practices, covering common challenges and optimization strategies to ensure system reliability and efficiency.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A with discussions ranging from system integration and retrofitting to performance in different temperature conditions—reflecting a strong interest in continued learning and information sharing across disciplines.

The event underscored how collaboration between industry and education partners is essential to driving innovation, strengthening technical expertise, and supporting the transition to high-efficiency mechanical systems in British Columbia.

About MCABC

The Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC) is the connection to industry excellence. We deliver education and professional development programs and services that enable high standards of professional practice and business success for mechanical contractors and their sub-trades. Through advocacy and strong industry partnerships, MCABC influences policy discussion and development in a sector that comprises the largest percentage of the construction industry’s skilled trades workforce. We also represent suppliers and affiliates associated with the mechanical trades and maintain strong alliances with industry manufacturers. 

Media Contact 

Conor Brendan Dunne
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement 

cdunne@mcabc.org
(604) 205-5058