Construction Leaders Seek to Raise Industry Profile Amid Challenges
Construction Leaders Aim to Boost Industry Amid Challenges

At a time when British Columbia’s construction sector is facing mounting uncertainty, the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is turning to one of its greatest strengths: the depth of experience around its boardroom table.

Entering the second year of its 2025 to 2028 strategic plan, the association is being guided by a newly appointed board made up of industry leaders from across the construction ecosystem. Representing general contractors, trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and professional services, the board reflects the full scope of an industry responsible for building and maintaining the region’s communities.

Board Leadership and Structure

VRCA’s 2026/2027 Board of Directors includes:

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Board Officers:

  • Scott Adkins, Chair, PCL Construction Westcoast Inc.
  • Mike Wallis, Vice Chair, Flynn Canada Ltd.
  • Craig Enns, Secretary Treasurer, EllisDon Corporation
  • Regina Marklund, Past Chair, Turner Construction Company

General Contractors Division:

  • Ronan Deane, GC Division Chair, NAC Constructors Ltd.
  • Jonathan Boyce, GC Division Vice Chair, Ledcor Construction Limited

Trade Contractors Division:

  • Jerrylynn McCann, TC Division Chair, Raicor Contracting Ltd.
  • Ellisha Mott, TC Division Vice Chair, Mott Electric
  • Hugo Huynh, Flynn Canada Ltd.

Manufacturers and Suppliers Division:

  • Tyler VanderHoek, MS Division Chair, GB Group Recycling Ltd.
  • Danielle Savioz, MS Division Vice Chair, Victaulic

Professional Services Division:

  • Sam Brezden, PS Division Chair, Swain Solutions
  • Carter Hawke, PS Division Vice Chair, MNP LLP
  • Nikki Keith, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc.

Addressing Industry Challenges

“This is a moment where experience matters,” says VRCA president Jeannine Martin. “The challenges facing our industry are complex, and having a board that represents a cross-section of the industry gives us the perspective we need to respond.”

VRCA Board Chair and Operations Manager at PCL Construction, Scott Adkins, says that depth and diversity of experience is exactly what the industry needs right now. “Our strategic board is made up of the leaders who are dealing with construction pressures every day,” Adkins says. “Whether it’s rising costs, labour availability or project uncertainty, the group’s perspective and experience is instrumental in setting the priorities and focus of the organization.”

Rising construction costs, driven by global instability, fuel prices and ongoing supply chain pressures, continue to impact project viability. At the same time, the political landscape, as well as shifts in government spending and the reprioritization of major projects, have introduced new uncertainty into the pipeline. Layered on top is a persistent labour shortage, as retirements outpace the number of new workers entering the industry. Together, these factors are reshaping how, when and even if projects move forward.

“Uncertainty has always been a part of the construction process,” Adkins says. “The difference now is the speed at which things are changing. Having strong leadership and clear alignment across the industry is vital to the future.”

Economic Impact and Strategic Plan

Construction remains a cornerstone of B.C.’s economy, contributing nearly $29 billion annually to GDP and employing more than 260,000 workers across the province. In the Lower Mainland alone, the value of active construction projects sits in the tens of billions. But industry leaders say that without coordinated action, that momentum could slow.

That’s where the VRCA’s strategic plan comes into focus. Built around three pillars: Unite, Evolve and Amplify, the plan is designed to strengthen the industry’s collective voice, modernize how it operates and elevate its role in shaping policy and public perception.

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With municipal elections on the horizon and ongoing conversations at the provincial and federal levels, the association is focused on advocating for more predictable costs, streamlined permitting processes and a stronger workforce pipeline. Board and VRCA members are actively participating in those discussions, bringing frontline experience into policy conversations that directly impact project delivery.