MAYOR’S PERSPECTIVE
A Glass
Half-Full
Stay safe! That is certainly a phrase that has been very common
in construction circles for many years. However, as we all
know, it has taken on a very new meaning in the rest of soci-ety
worldwide. The onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic
has gripped every industry and sector and every human being, the
world over. Too many citizens are anxiously yearning for 2020 to
end, albeit the end of the virus is not yet in sight.
While I had to start this story by recognizing the obvious rather
negative phenomenon, as I am a “glass half-full” individual, I want
to highlight also some more positive sides to life and business in
COVID-19 times. First and foremost as someone who has a very
broad vantage point of many sectors, let me say how incredibly
uplifted I am to witness the resiliency of the human spirit. The
spectacular display of innovation by businesses, organizations,
individuals … and yes, even governments, to find new ways of
doing things and new ways to protect each other is remarkable.
Many, especially in the business sector, have almost had to reinvent
themselves; often taking on new lines of business and new ways
of service delivery just to survive. I’m mindful that has not always
been available to everyone and sadly there have been, and may con-tinue
to be, business closures and job losses. Our hearts go out to
those in that predicament.
Various sectors, which struggle to overcome the need to gather
larger crowds of people are harder hit. On the flip side, some indus-tries
have had major upticks in their business or service demands.
It’s my understanding that many aspects of the construction indus-try
are experiencing high demand as people are staying home and
deciding to renovate or make other additions or improvements to
their dwellings. Many industries including construction are experi-encing
material shortages as supply chains and capacity factors are
challenged. Seldom is there a calamity that effects the entire world
at the same time. Therefore, supply and demand issues we are facing
here in our own market, would be felt in most parts of the world.
As I write this, Brandon’s building permit numbers for
September would reveal that the city is up in residential permits,
especially in number of residential units – up 85 per cent. However,
coming off some very large 2019 permits for commercial, industrial
and educational/institutional projects, that portion of the business
is down dramatically albeit many of those jobs are still underway
through 2020. All of you would have better crystal balls to predict
While I had to start this
story by recognizing the
obvious rather negative
phenomenon, as I am a
“glass half-full” individual,
I want to highlight also
some more positive sides
to life and business in
COVID-19 times.
what 2021 will look like, but I would anticipate it will be somewhat
unpredictable as we continue to figure out COVID-19. It would be
reasonable to anticipate solid continued performance for construc-tion
and materials related to residential projects as people continue
to focus on their homes, yards and cottages. For those in heavy con-struction,
while governments will have major deficits to overcome,
there is also a lot of emphasis on economic stimulus to recover our
economy. Therefore, let’s be hopeful there is robust investment in
infrastructure moving forward.
I would like to end off by thanking and congratulating the
Construction Association of Rural Manitoba for continuing to
advocate for its members and the industry. I’ll conclude in the same
fashion as I started. Stay safe everyone … both with respect to the
occupational considerations that have always been a hallmark of
your industry, but also for our newer collective consideration in
keeping yourselves, family and friends and communities safe and
healthy from this worldwide pandemic.
Sincerely,
Mayor Rick Chrest
Rick Chrest, Mayor of Brandon
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF BRANDON
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