SEPTEMBER 2026 || VOLUME 62 || ISSUE 3
EBMAG.COM
NUCLEAR OPTIONS
The opportunities behind Canada’s nuclear buildout. P.10
INSIDE + Checking in on B.C.’s Step Codes + What’s on the agenda at LiveWire + Tapping into Canada’s retrofit momentum
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from the Editor JACK BURTON
CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2026 || VOLUME 62 || ISSUE 3
Fast times
COVER PHOTO: Ryan Bolton/Bruce Power
E
ver since the words “back to school” first rang in my head like funeral chimes, I’ve made it a point to remember that summer will never quite feel long enough. While the season has always seemed to operate on its own expedited schedule, Canada’s electrical sector has managed to fit an impressive amount of progress into what’s felt like such a short amount of time. This new chapter seems to be defined not only by building big, but also building together: our last edition’s cover story dove into the new National Energy Corridor Agreement and its focus on interprovincial collaboration, with news of this agreement followed weeks later by Prime Minister Carney’s announcement of Canada’s new National Electricity Strategy. Now, as the leaves descend from the trees and the kids head back to their bus stops, there’s already plenty of evidence showing that the starting line of this new era is firmly in the rearview mirror. This momentum continued in June with the announcement of Canada’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy, which detailed plans for a significant nuclear buildout over the coming decades. The opportunities behind this announcement are explored in this edition’s cover story [see Page 10]. Just as I was preparing to send this issue off to press – as tends to be the case – another significant announcement was made that further shows what this collaboration can look like. This past August, Prime Minister Carney, accompanied by the premiers of Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador, along with representatives from each province’s utilities, announced that an initial agreement had been reached between each province and the federal government for significant upgrades to the Churchill Falls Generating Station. While there’s still a provincial election to go through in Quebec, should this agreement stand, this project would represent the largest clean energy investment in North American history at a $70 billion valuation, including $10 billion in federal funding. This massive buildout would support up to 23,000 jobs while contributing $31 billion to Canada’s GDP through the early 2040s. While the opportunity behind this project is evident, even more exciting are the possibilities it represents that are defining this new era of collaboration.
jburton@annexbusinessmedia.com
14
10
10 14 20 24 28 30
24
Nuclear options
The electrical workforce’s role in Canada’s nuclear buildout.
Step by step
Checking in on the impact of B.C.’s Step Codes on electrical work.
Winning the room
How to secure organizational buy-in for new construction software.
Get amped for LiveWire!
What’s in store for Electrical Business Magazine’s firstever LiveWire Conference on October 8.
Retro active
The value of getting involved with Canada’s retrofit efforts.
Music City milestones
Highlights from City Electric Supply’s Connect 2026.
COLUMNS 26 The Estimator
DEPARTMENTS 4 Industry news
Keeping up with changing opportunities
19 Code conundrum
34 Code File
33 Personalities
Safety on ice
33 Calendar
company/electrical-business-network EBMAG.COM
September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
3
INDUSTRY news September 2026 || Volume 62 || Issue 3 Reader Service Print and digital subscription enquiries or changes, please contact Customer Service: Angelita Potal Tel: 416-510-5113 Fax: (416) 510-6875 email: apotal@annexbusinessmedia.com Mail: 111 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 400 Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 Editor Jack Burton jburton@annexbusinessmedia.com
EFC held its 2026 Industry Awards Gala on June 3 in Halifax as part of its annual conference. (Photo: Jack Burton/Electrical Business)
EFC recognizes electrical sector’s wavemakers at 2026 Industry Awards
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) held its 2026 Industry Awards Gala on June 3 as part of its annual conference, taking place in Halifax under the theme of “Wave Makers: Where Disruption Meets Direction.” Awards were presented to outstanding organizations and individuals who have demonstrated leadership in strengthening and advancing Canada’s electrical industry. Categories included the Corporate Engagement Awards (presented in the subcategories of manufacturers’ representative, distributor, and manufacturer), CEMRA Person of the Year, and the Industry Recognition Award. The Corporate Engagement Awards were presented by EFC CEO Carol McGlogan. Nominees in the manufacturers’ representative subcategory included Agence Ricard, Contact Delage, and Desdowd, with Agence Ricard receiving the honours. Graybar Canada was presented the Corporate Engagement Award in the distributor subcategory, with Franklin Empire and the Eddy Group also nominated. ABB was recognized in the manufacturer category, with additional nominees including Ascot Capital Group and Eaton. The CEMRA Person of the Year Award was presented by Jason Thor, principal at TMC Sales, to Richard Urquhart, general manager at CSA Enterprises Ltd. Urquhart began 4
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
with CSA Enterprises in Moncton, N.B. in 1993, before joining its head office team in Halifax two years later. Urquhart was recognized for his contributions to the industry and various committees across his career, including the MEET Show Committee, EFC’s Education Committee, and more. “It’s really an honour to be here tonight in my hometown of Halifax receiving this award, so thank you for that,” Urquhart shared in his acceptance speech. “CEMRA has been really good to me over the years – it really allows you to meet new people, and be on committees with people from all over the country. A lot of those people have been friends for many years, and that’s really been an honour for me.” The Industry Recognition Award was presented to Kevin Mallory by Hubbell Canada’s vice president and general manager, Frank Magisano. Prior to his retirement in April 2025, Mallory served as Hubbell Canada’s vice president and general manager, having spent 33 years of his career with the company. Mallory also served as EFC’s chair in 2013. Upon accepting the award, Mallory received an extended standing ovation from the hundreds in attendance at the Gala. “I am very thankful and humbled by this recognition,” Mallory said. “Thanks to all the good people at Hubbell Canada, some of whom are here tonight – certainly, without their help and the commitment of all employees across the Hubbell organization, I would not be here today.”
Brand Sales Manager Leslie Osborne losborne@annexbusinessmedia.com Media Designer Curtis Martin cmartin@annexbusinessmedia.com Account Coordinator Emily Guimarães eguimaraes@annexbusinessmedia.com Group Publisher Danielle Beavan dbeavan@annexbusinessmedia.com Audience Development Manager Urszula Grzyb ugrzyb@annexbusinessmedia.com 416-510-5180 CEO Scott Jamieson sjamieson@annexbusinessmedia.com Published by Annex Business Media 111 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 400 Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 Tel. 416-442-5600
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS is the #1 Canadian resource for electrical contractors, maintenance and engineering professionals, distributors, manufacturers and their agents and associated stakeholders. PRINTED IN CANADA ISSN 0013-4244 Publication Mail Agreement #40065710 Subscription rates Canada: $40.31 (per year + tax) Canada: $68.42 (2 years + tax) Canada: $9.00 (single issue) USA: $91.76 (CAD per year) Foreign: $110.32 (CAD per year) Annex Privacy Officer Email: privacy@annexbusinessmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374 Occasionally, Electrical Business will mail information on behalf of industry related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our Customer Service department in any of the four ways listed above. The contents of Electrical Business are copyright ©2026 by Annex Business Media and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Annex Business Media disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. We acknowledge the [financial] support of the Government of Canada
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INDUSTRY news
Westburne kicked off a series of events celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary this past July in Brandon, Man. (Photo: Westburne)
Ottawa, Que., and Nfld. announce agreement on Churchill Falls expansion, power distribution
On August 17, Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside the Premier of Quebec Christine Fréchette, Premier of Newfoundland & Labrador Tony Wakeham, and the CEOs of Hydro-Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro, announced a historic agreement to upgrade and expand the Churchill Falls Generating Station in Newfoundland. The expansion also involves the development of the Gull Island hydroelectricity project, along with related transmission infrastructure; making the overall upgrade and expansion one of the largest electricity projects in North America. Under this agreement, $10 billion in federal financing would go toward the Churchill Falls expansion and upgrade, the Gull Island development, a major new Labrador wind project, and the associated transmission lines. Through their construction, these projects would support 23,000 jobs and contribute $31 billion to Canada’s GDP through the early 2040s. Togeth6
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
er, these projects are set to nearly triple the current generating capacity of Churchill Falls; providing a total of 14,000 megawatts of clean renewable power. When complete, the Gull Island project is set to generate up to 2,700 megawatts of power. In addition to upgrades to the 5,428 megawatt Churchill Falls generating station, these investments also include a feasibility study into the construction of a second powerhouse on the site. The $10 billion in federal funding is part of a larger investment valued at nearly $70 billion, with this figure standing as the largest clean energy investment in North American history. The framework agreed upon by the federal government and governments of both Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador is set to hold until March 2027, with a definitive agreement between all parties yet to be signed as of this writing. While the involved parties hope the definitive agreement to be signed before the end of 2026, Quebec’s provincial election, scheduled for October 5, presents the potential for a change of government before this
agreement is official. In addition to the upgrades and construction of electrical infrastructure presented by the agreement, the deal also amends the initial allotments for power generated at Churchill Falls for both Quebec and Newfoundland under the original Churchill Falls deal between the provinces from 1969, along with the 2024 memorandum of understanding (MOU). This announcement serves to advance both the Atlantic Energy Strategy and Canada’s National Electricity Strategy, which aims to double the capacity of the country’s grid by 2050.
Westburne celebrates 100 years with skilled trades support, crossCanadian events
Westburne is celebrating 100 years of serving Canada’s electrical market with a series of events and investments into local skilled trades schools across Canada. As part of this initiative, the wholesale electrical supply distributor is investing $60,000 across 12 skilled EBMAG.COM
trades scholarships in Alberta, skilled trades, expanding the technical Construction is currently underway Ontario, and Quebec. As part of this expertise our customers need, and and expected to reach completion in initiative, $15,000 will be directed giving back to the communities that 2031. The majority of work will occur toward each participating school made us who we are.” within the existing substation property, across the three provinces. with some activity required along Westburne’s series of cross-country BC Hydro invests $200 neighbouring streets for the installamillion in critical upgrades events celebrating its 100th annivertion of new underground distribution to Burnaby’s Newell sary began in Brandon, Man. this past infrastructure. Substation June, with the most recent of these Built between 1946 and 1955, the engagements hosted in Laval, Que. on BC Hydro is investing $200 million Newell Substation is interconnected August 13. These events will continue toward the expansion and modernizwith the Barnard, New Westminster, in Edmonton and Mississauga this ation of Burnaby’s Newell Substation; and Como Lake substations. The September. adding the capacity to serve 15,000 station supplies a significant portion Westburne’s president, Anshul more customers. of the 60-kilovolt network serving Mathur, also celebrated the anniverThe upgrades look to replace Burnaby and New Westminster, helping sary with a summiting of Mt. Rainier equipment at the nearly 70-year-old to power Simon Fraser University and from August 22 to 24 to raise funds station that is approaching end of life. industrial customers throughout North for Raising the Roof, a Canadian This includes the replacement of its Burnaby. homelessness prevention charity. aging outdoor feeder section with a The project is a key pillar of BC Westburne matched all eligible new feeder building, the installation Hydro’s Powering Growth, Fueling donations up to $15,000. of a new transformer to replace aging Opportunity strategy that focuses “The best way to honour a century of equipment, and upgrades to critical on the conservation of energy and building Canada is to help build what electrical infrastructure throughout optimization of existing infrastructure. comes next,” said Mathur. “That means the site to increase reliability and “The Newell Substation upgrade will investing in the next generation of capacity. ensure that we can meet the 26_009255_Electrical_Business_SEP_CN Mod: August 3, 2026 7:33 AM Print: 08/09/26 page 1 v2.5
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INDUSTRY news
increased demand for power and further electrifying our neighbourhoods and transportation networks,” said Adam Van Steinburg, international representative, The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canada. “We’re proud to be a part of the crucial network of service providers building, maintaining and growing alongside the province.”
Bell reports 78 per cent surge in copper thefts across first half of 2026
Bell has reported 993 incidents of copper theft and vandalism across Canada between January and June 2026, with these incidents representing a 78 per cent increase over the same period in 2025. In accordance with this trend, copper theft-related arrests have also risen within this period by a total of 32 per cent. Ontario and New Brunswick were reported to be the epicentres of this growing issue, with both provinces accounting for 85 per cent of the national increase. Ontario continues to represent the highest volume of incidents with 579 cases (58 per cent of the national total), with much of these incidents concentrated in Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton. New Brunswick has reported 268 incidents, with this volume making the province the fastest-growing region for copper theft. These incidents show a 235 per cent increase when compared with January to June 2025. Quebec has also experienced an 89 per cent increase over this period at 91 incidents, though the province also shows the highest growth in copper theft-related arrests with an increase of 150 per cent. Much of these incidents are concentrated in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Lanaudière and the Laurentian regions, Bell shared. To curb these trends, Bell has increased protective measures such as alarms and on-the-ground surveillance, in addition to close collaboration with governments, law enforcement, telecommunications providers, metal recyclers, and local communities. 8
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
Fergus, Ont. Mayor Shawn Watters presents a certificate to Nexans’ Tim King, recognizing the facility’s 60th anniversary. (Photo: Nexans)
Nexans Canada celebrates 60th anniversary of Fergus, Ont. facility
On August 6, Nexans Canada’s Fergus, Ont. manufacturing facility hosted employees, families, community partners, and local dignitaries to celebrate 60 years of the plant and its role in Canada’s electrical infrastructure. Founded in August 1966, the now-270,000 sq. ft. 670 Gzowski St. location has grown from its initial team of 15 employees to one of the region’s largest employers with over 200 skilled local workers. This growth is set to continue later this year with a new PVC compounder expected to come online, which will allow the plant to produce jacketing material in-house. Across its history, the facility has produced electrical products used in some of Canada’s most iconic infrastructure, including the CN Tower,
Rogers Centre, Confederation Bridge, and Ontario’s first hydroelectric transmission lines. “We have been involved in Canada’s electrification story for over a hundred years. We will continue to invest to meet the needs of Canadians,” said Tim King, Nexans’ managing director of Nexans’ PWR-Grid & Connect North America groups.
Littelfuse partners with Adanac for energy and industrial infrastructure sales in B.C. & Yukon
Littelfuse Inc., a manufacturer of electrical energy transfer solutions, has appointed Adanac Sales as its official Energy & Industrial Infrastructure (EII) manufacturer’s representative in the British Columbia and Yukon markets. Adanac Sales is an electrical equipment manufacturer’s representative based in Port Coquitlam, B.C., with additional offices in Kelowna and EBMAG.COM
Victoria. Through this partnership, Adanac Sales will provide local support and technical expertise to Littelfuse customers in the B.C. and Yukon areas. “[Adanac’s] established relationships, commitment to customer support, and proven success in both distribution and end-user engagement make them an outstanding partner to help ensure customers receive the technical expertise, responsiveness, and support they need to keep their operations running safely and reliably,” said Jarrod Pridham, Canadian regional sales manager for Littelfuse’s EII group. Through its global associate network of approximately 16,000 partners, Littelfuse serves over 100,000 customers across more than 20 countries.
ECAO award winners announced at association’s 2026 AGM The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) presented the Douglas J.B. Wright Award and the association’s Safety Awards as part of its annual general meeting (AGM) on June 4. Ottawa’s Ken Crawford, president of C&M Electric, received the 2026 Douglas J.B. Wright Award, the ECAO’s highest honour. Crawford has been a dedicated advocate for Ontario’s electrical contracting industry for more than two decades. He has been involved with the Ottawa Electrical Contractors Association (OECA) and the Ottawa Construction Association, in addition to serving as ECAO president and 2025 chair. During his tenure as ECAO president, Crawford helped guide the association through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while advancing initiatives such as ECAO’s transition to a full NECA chapter and the launch of ECAO’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program. As the ECAO’s highest honour, the Douglas J.B. Wright Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated EBMAG.COM
Ottawa’s Ken Crawford (Right), president of C&M Electric, received the 2026 Douglas J.B. Wright Award, the ECAO’s highest honour. (Photo: ECAO/LinkedIn) exceptional dedication, leadership, and service to Ontario’s electrical contracting industry. “Ken’s contributions embody these values and have helped strengthen our industry for generations to come,” the association shared on LinkedIn. Symtech Innovations superintendent Adam Eggleton received the 2026 ECAO Safety Leadership Recognition Award; presented to individuals whose demonstrated leadership, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement make a lasting impact on workplace safety. “Adam’s ability to lead by example, foster accountability, and support workers through education and guidance exemplifies the values this award was created to recognize,” the association said. “Through strong leadership, technical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to protecting workers, he has helped foster a culture of safety and excellence that continues to set the standard across our industry.” The ECAO’s R.H. Carroll Safety Awards were presented to four member organizations across a range of company sizes. Since 1999, the R.H.
Carroll Award has recognized member firms who demonstrate a dedication and commitment to safety in the electrical contracting industry. Winners by size category include: • Fewer than 250 employees/workers: Rogol Electric Co Ltd. • Between 20-100 employees/ workers: Kudlak-Baird Electrical Contractors • Between 100-250 employees/ workers: Barton Malow • Over 250 employees/workers: Symtech Innovations Ltd. The ECAO’s Recognition of Safety Achievement Awards, which honour member companies that have demonstrated outstanding safety performance and a strong culture of prevention, were presented to a total of 11 recipients. These companies include Black & McDonald Ltd., Eptcon Ltd., K-Line Maintenance & Construction, Kroon, Kudlak-Baird (1982) Ltd., Mass. Electric Construction Canada Co., Ontario Electrical Construction Company Ltd., Powertel, P.T. Industrial Electric Co., Rogol Electric Company Ltd., and Symtech Innovations Ltd. September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
9
COVER STORY
NUCLEAR OPTIONS The electrical workforce’s role in Canada’s nuclear buildout. BY TREENA HEIN
E
xecution of Canada’s new Nuclear Energy Strategy is underway, offering many planned and potential opportunities across Canada for those in the electrical sector, including electricians, electrical engineers, electrical technicians, and more. These opportunities are driven by the important role that nuclear is set to play as Canada’s electricity demand looks to increase by up to double or triple by 2050, according to an outlook by the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA). As explained by the CNA’s senior public affairs officer Snigdh Baunthiyal, “Canada is entering a significant period of nuclear development that includes the refurbishment of existing reactors, construction of new small modular reactors (SMRs), and planning for future large-scale nuclear generation.”
Projects abound
The CNA provided an overview of the high volume of current and recent construction activities in Canada’s nuclear buildout, including Ontario Power Generation’s recent refurbishment of all four units of its Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Southern Ontario. Completed in March 2026, this renewal was part of the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP), which is now moving forward with a major SMR initiative [see Pg. 13]. Bruce Power, also in Southern Ontario, is continuing its ‘Life-Extension Program’ and ‘Major Component Replacement Program’ for reactor Units 3 through 8. Unit 3 returned to service in June 2026, seven months ahead of schedule, while work continues on Unit 4 as preparations advance for subsequent units. Bruce Power is also leading the federal Impact Assessment and pre-development work for its Bruce C Project, with the proposed generation capacity to be built at the existing Bruce Nuclear Generating site in Kincardine, Ont., on land leased 10
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
EBMAG.COM
Canada is entering a period of significant nuclear development, said Snigdh Baunthiyal of the Canadian Nuclear Association.
to Bruce Power by OPG. OPG is also advancing a potential new large reactor venture through the proposed Wesleyville project in Port Hope, Ont., as well as the refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station Units 5 through 8. “The [latter] project is currently in its ‘Project Definition Phase,’ with the execution phase expected to begin in January 2027 following the shutdown of the units and receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals,” shared Baunthiyal. Baunthiyal also shared that additional new nuclear development is being assessed across the country; highlighting that preparation for these projects is also underway in some of Canada’s Western and Maritime provinces. “Saskatchewan is conducting planning and licensing work for potential SMR deployment and expects to make a final investment decision in 2029,” said Baunthiyal. “Alberta is developing a provincial nuclear roadmap, and New Brunswick is exploring the possibility of additional nuclear capacity at Point Lepreau.” The CNA recently completed a workforce readiness study to help ensure the availability of adequate labour resources for completion of these projects. Across the data received, Baunthiyal noted that electrical sector skills will be needed throughout project life cycles, including design and engineering, construction, installation, testing and commissioning, operations, maintenance, and refurbishment. While the CNA can only provide national estimates of average annual direct workforce demand across planned and signalled projects, its study estimates an average annual demand of about 2,600 power engineers and power systems operators, 1,100 industrial electricians, 500 electrical and electronics engineers and 450 electronic service technicians. “The study highlights significant opportunities to expand Canada’s skilled workforce, particularly in high-demand occupations such as industrial electricians, where an estimated annual demand for approximately 566 additional workers is projected between 2025 and 2050,” Baunthiyal said. The increased labour demand from Canada’s nuclear initiatives will also necessitate expansions to skills training programs, especially regarding access and enrollment for Indigenous populations and other underrepresented groups, Baunthiyal shared. “Meeting this demand will require expanded EBMAG.COM
September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
11
Photo: Ryan Bolton/Bruce Power
Powering up nuclear skills
COVER STORY
apprenticeship and post-secondary training capacity, earlier outreach to students, improved mobility between projects and provinces, and pathways for workers to transfer from adjacent sectors,” she said. “Greater participation by Indigenous Peoples, women, young people and other underrepresented groups will also be important.”
Alberta’s reactorreadiness
This past June, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) announced a partnership with the Alberta government to conduct an assessment examining the readiness of the province’s nuclear workforce, due to be released in 2027. For Derek Hughes, EHRC’s 12
director of research and policy, the investigation is focused on comparing the expected electrical workforce requirements for nuclear projects in Alberta with the potential pathways to develop and supply that workforce. This research will look to identify operationally-critical occupations, assess the sufficiency of existing training capacity, and explore opportunities and strategies to attract talent from other sectors in Alberta and beyond, said Hughes, who anticipates EHRC’s findings to focus on three groups of workers. “The first group includes workers whose occupations are not unique to nuclear power, such as powerline technicians and other skilled trades that already support Alberta’s electricity system,”
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
Units at Bruce Power’s Site B are part of an ongoing, multi-year Life-Extension Program and Major Component Replacement project to provide clean electricity for Ontarians.
he said. “These workers may be well-positioned to support future nuclear buildouts, but they are also in demand across other industries. A key question is how a growing nuclear sector could compete for this talent.” The second group includes workers that would require specific training to work in nuclear facilities, such as industrial electricians. These workers therefore would likely benefit from specialized, nuclear-specific micro-credentials to ply their trade in Alberta’s emerging nuclear sector. The third group includes occupations and roles that are unique to the nuclear space, says Hughes, such as nuclear generation operators. “These professionals require EBMAG.COM
highly-specialized training, offered through relatively few programs in Canada,” Hughes noted, adding that “as interest in nuclear development grows across multiple provinces, these occupations may experience demand well in excess of supply.”
Photos: Bruce Power
What’s next for the West
When asked about Western Canada’s nuclear future, Hughes says that like the rest of the country, these provinces must make important energy decisions to increase electricity capacity, with large- and small-scale nuclear projects likely part of the mix. However, Hughes believes that Western Canada has fewer options when it comes to the workforce required to build, operate and maintain these energy facilities. “The workforce challenge is that skilled workers take years to develop: workers require years of training before they can effectively and safely work in the electricity sector, particularly in nuclear facilities,” he said, adding that “the programs that prepare them require years more to be ready to welcome them.” Finding the balance between the considerable time investEBMAG.COM
The CNA’s recent nuclear workforce readiness study showed electrical skills such as construction, installation, testing, operations, and maintenance will be in demand as Canada’s nuclear buildout gains momentum.
ment needed for proper nuclear training and the imminent demand to build out these projects in Western Canada is one of the primary considerations of this research, said Hughes, with the team hoping to provide answers on how to build up this labour pool through its report. “One of the key questions is whether existing training capacity elsewhere in Canada can meet future demand, or whether additional capacity should be developed closer to emerging projects in Western Canada,” he said. “Our hope is that our research will help inform these critical decisions.”
Hughes’ view of the national picture is similar; believing that Canada’s ambitious plan to double its electricity capacity by 2050 poses “significant questions” about whether the country can develop the breadth and depth of talent required to achieve this. While energy projects can move quickly once investment decisions are made, “developing the people needed to build, operate and maintain them requires years of preparation,” said Hughes. “We also need to remain vigilant in tracking our progress towards these aims, and make adjustments as needed.”
Nuclear firsts
In June, the Ontario and federal governments made a historic announcement as part of the Darlington New Nuclear Project, groundbreaking on two fronts: first of all, it involves First Nations (Williams Treaties FN are full equity partners), and secondly, it’s the first grid-scale Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project among the G7 countries. With construction underway on the first SMR, the project will see four SMRs in total built at the existing Darlington site, generating 1,200 MW – enough to power 1.2 million homes. The project will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs during construction. The press release also states that “to date, more than 100 Canadian companies are already part of the growing SMR supply chain,” and that construction, operation, and maintenance of the four units are expected to “sustain approximately 3,800 highly-skilled, good-paying jobs annually for the next 65 years.”
September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
13
Building electrification
STEP BY STEP
Carbon Wise consulted on this home in Sechelt, B.C. to preemptively meet the requirements for Step 5 of the province’s Energy Step Code.
Checking in on the impact of B.C.’s Step Codes on electrical work. BY JACK BURTON
C
anada’s built environment finds itself in the midst of change, with new realities – from net-zero requirements to technological solutions – emerging to shift the processes and considerations of those who construct and maintain the country’s building stock. While these shifts can be felt nationwide, a look to British Columbia shows a regulatory environment where these significant changes are setting precedents for the rest of the country in both 14
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
legislation and practice, thanks in large part to B.C.’s Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes. The BC Step Code is a progressive regulatory system that looks to gradually move the province’s built environment toward its net-zero goals through the rollout of five consecutive steps, with each step introducing new measurement requirements for building performance in terms of power usage, heat retention, and more. The province first introduced its Energy Step Code strategy as a volun-
tary initiative to be opted into at the municipal level in 2017, with many municipalities around the Vancouver area adopting it. Upon reaching Step 3 in 2023, which also saw the introduction of the Zero Carbon Step Code sister framework, these changes became mandatory province-wide, with the province now over three years into these required changes. Step 4 of the legislation is set to be introduced in 2027, which will bring the province into the home stretch EBMAG.COM
towards its endgame of achieving a net-zero ready standard for all new builds by 2032; the goal of the fifth and final step. Over their rollout, these changes have necessitated a shift in how electrical systems are designed, calculated, and installed; brought on by factors such as more complex electrical loads and a significant increase in all-electric HVAC systems. B.C. is currently approaching the tail end of the mandatory period for Step 3, which introduced a required 20 per cent increase in operating efficiency when compared with the standard 2018 building codes, achieved through compliance with new requirements surrounding airtightness, thermal energy demand intensity, and mechanical energy use intensity. The philosophy behind the compliance requirements of these changes focuses on a shift away from the previously prescriptive nature of the code, and toward an approach centered
on the performance of the buildings themselves across a variety of areas, said Elisabeth Baudinaud, principal at Carbon Wise, a B.C.-based energy and carbon advisor consultancy. “A performance-based system like the Step Code sets targets with specific metrics for the building envelope, mechanical systems efficiency, and airtightness, and gives more flexibility to designers and builders in how they achieve those targets,” she said. “The Energy Step Code asked us to reduce our energy consumption, but that doesn’t mean that it’s all electric. The Zero Carbon Step Code from 2023 looks at the greenhouse gas emissions associated with fuel types and systems, so not only do you need to reduce energy consumption, but you also now need to ensure you don’t exceed certain greenhouse gas emissions for your building.” With this added complexity comes an increase in the scope of the personnel and processes involved, with
energy advisors and evaluations of the building’s energy modelling and performance now integral to the verification process. Baudinaud also highlighted that the introduction of the Zero Carbon Step Code alongside these measures has had a significant impact on the role of building electrification in achieving the province’s net-zero goals, with this move away from greenhouse gas sources increasing the efforts – and opportunities – of British Columbia’s electrical contractors in the province’s present and future of building electrification. “A lot of the Energy Step Code is focused around building a better envelope, and having a heat pump, but with the Zero Carbon Step Code, it’s also now about what your mechanical systems are, and the amount of energy or fuel sources they are using,” she said. “A lot of that electrification comes from the Zero Carbon Step Code, and we’re seeing more and more of it.”
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With the province sitting at the rough midpoint of the Step Code’s rollout, this transition hasn’t been without a learning curve. Baudinaud cited an initial lack of consistency in reporting requirements across jurisdictions as a headache from the Step Code’s early days, though this process has since been largely standardized. Still remaining, however, is a disparity across municipalities in the different levels of Step Code they are operating at, with the voluntary nature of the initial requirements meaning that more built-out areas in the province are already going above and beyond the baseline requirements. This issue is especially pronounced for projects or contractors operating across different jurisdictions, Baudinaud shared. “We’ll have projects that go from Burnaby to Vancouver to North Vancouver, and all of those municipalities have different levels of requirements,” she said. “While the paperwork is the same, the levels [of Step Code] are different, so we’re always checking the latest requirements, which may change from one project to another. If all municipalities were the same, our lives would be so much easier, but it’s unfortunately not the case and never will be.”
Early risers
Perhaps the biggest lesson that Baudinaud has learned across these changes is the importance of getting involved as early as possible in the design and build process to set a precedent of open collaboration and communication with other parties involved. The new considerations introduced by these changes benefit from increased coordination, she said, often at early stages. “The number one lesson learned from this rollout is the importance of an integrated design process,” she said. “Just having some consulting time for your electrician and mechanical 16
contractors in the preconstruction contract is so important.” Instances of energy advisors and subcontractors reaching across the aisle to communicate about a project can historically be rare, but Baudinaud sees it as key in ensuring that the built project reflects the energy modelling that went into it. “It’s rare that we actually get to talk to each other – on projects, we are rarely having conversations because the builder is being the middleman, but making sure everything matches is very important,” she said. “If we can have those conversations and know what a load calculation looks like, we can ensure that what we’ve incorporated in our model is reflected in the load for the load calculation.” This increased impact of earlier involvement, along with the importance of communication and collaboration, extends to the electrical subcontractor side as well, shared Murray Fairley, president of Coquitlam, B.C.-
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
Murray Fairley of Fairley Electric recommends planning ahead for solar or storage options to avoid the potential consequences of retroactive installations.
based electrical contracting firm Fairley Electric. “I think the biggest change for us is when we need to be involved in the project: we now need to be involved much earlier than we used to, primarily to complete the load calculations,” he said. “That means getting the mechanical specs for heat pumps, appliances, and other major electrical loads early on, so we can determine the correct service size needed for the home. We can then get that off to the utility company early enough for them to complete the service design and limit potential delays on the project.” Much of this early involvement is defined by collaboration, Fairley shared, especially due to the thinner energy load margins that must be navigated due to the increased electrification solutions adopted by these new buildings. “We’ve had to work collaboratively with the builders, energy consultants, mechanical contractors, and the utility to get all that information ahead of time and get EBMAG.COM
Photo: Carbon Wise
Building electrification
the design process started, as we need to know exactly what the specs are, because we are bumping up to those service capacities so quickly now with all of this electrification,” he said. “Even a slight change in a spec for a heat pump could put us over the previously determined service size for the project.”
PhotoS: Carbon Wise
Signed, sealed, delivered
Coordination amongst stakeholders becomes even more important given the balancing act between electrification efforts and load requirements, but Fairley also highlights that the stricter building envelope needs introduced by this legislation also require an increased level of caution and sensitivity between builders from different subtrades. “Before, you would show up at a house, throw a box on the wall, drill a hole, and it didn’t really matter,” said Fairley. “It has totally changed in the last five years.” With proper air barriers integral to the design of much of these buildings under the Step Code changes, a single misplaced wall penetration has significant compliance consequences for the energy output of the building. “The air barrier might be the biggest change,” he said. “With the new blower door test standards, we can’t just show up and start drilling holes anymore. We have to coordinate with builders before the project even starts and plan out how they want us to do our penetrations, and map them out ahead of time. If possible, we can install conduits underground and avoid some of the wall penetrations altogether.” For electrical contractors, equally important to an open dialogue with utilities, energy consultants, and other groups throughout this process is ensuring that same coordination is consistent across your own internal team, with Fairley having implemented training and a communication-forward EBMAG.COM
“I think we have built technical skills here that will be extremely useful for the rest of Canada,” said Carbon Wise’s Elisabeth Baudinaud. “We’ve got the hardest part done of figuring things out, and now it’s just about implementing it across Canada.”
New blower door test standards have necessitated increased coordination across all builders and subtrades to avoid unnecessary penetrations that would put the building envelope – and overall energy stability of the building – at risk. September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
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Building electrification
approach across his own workers in the field, especially for maintaining any airtightness requirements. “The other thing is just communication within our own team, in terms of how things need to be done on each specific site and the importance of maintaining the air barrier,” he said. “When we send someone new to a site - whether a new hire or someone who hasn’t worked on that project before we will have a site orientation to make sure they know how penetrations are supposed to be handled on that job.” While early involvement is crucial, Fairley also recommends that parties adopt a long-term approach that accommodates the future integration of any energy systems into the building down the line, especially with Step 5 on the horizon. As the province approaches net-zero readiness in 2032, it’s expected that energy systems such as solar integration or battery storage will become more common at the building level – however, retroactive installations of these systems, especially when their addition has not been accounted for, risks throwing the building’s energy compliance out of balance. “Having the forethought to get conduits or wiring up to an attic space, onto a roof, or to the outside walls to allow these systems to be installed in the future is important. Unless you have pre-planned for it, trying to add solar or battery storage after the home is completed often means cutting through finished walls and the building envelope. It destroys the air barrier pretty quickly when you start poking holes everywhere.”
“Just having that slow, step-by-step approach has been huge for builders, electricians – everyone” - Murray Fairley, Fairley Electric
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Among the new processes, methods, and considerations that have emerged across the trial and error of each Step Change is an overall preparedness among B.C.’s building professionals to tackle net zero head-on, Fairley believes. “Just having that slow, step-by-step approach has been huge for the builders, electricians - everyone,” Fairley said. “To see there’s a clear path to follow has been a better way to learn and adapt as the requirements change.” The fine-tuning allowed by the specific rollout method of the Step Code has not only helped prepare building professionals across B.C., but also set a scalable example for implementation across Canada, Baudinaud believes; pointing to the foundational role that the province’s tiered system recently played in the federal development of the new National Building Codes. “I think we have built technical skills here that will be extremely useful for the rest of Canada. We’ve been the testing ground for all of those things,” she said. “I think we’ve got the hardest part done of figuring things out, and now it’s just about implementing it across Canada.”
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
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EBMAG.COM 2026-03-04 2:53 PM
CODE conundrum GABRIEL BONE Technical training developer with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority
TACKLE THE CODE CONUNDRUM IF YOU DARE! Welcome to the newest round of questions that test your knowledge of the CE Code-Part I. Answers will appear in the November 2026 edition of Electrical Business Magazine, and online at EBMag.com under Features.
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What is the maximum voltage permitted to be applied to an impedance surface heater serving a pipe and equipment located in an ordinary location when supplied by an isolation transformer? a) 110 V c) 132 V b) 115 V d) 260 V
QUESTION 3
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2024-11-07 9:55 AM
SOFTWARE
WINNING THE ROOM How to secure organizational buy-in for new construction software.
R
olling out new construction software in a team environment is never just a technical exercise. It is complex, full of interpersonal challenges, technical hurdles, and competing priorities. Over the years, I’ve been involved in software deployments at organizations ranging from one of Canada’s largest mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors to smaller subtrade divisions where the entire estimating department fit around one table. I’ve learned that when you’re working with a team of people, everybody is going to have their own opinion, and that’s exactly why so many construction technology rollouts stall long before the software itself gets a fair chance to prove its value.
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ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
The tools change, but the human dynamics don’t. Whether you’re implementing new estimating software, project management tools, or an AI-enabled platform, securing adoption comes down to how well you engage your people.
Decision-by-committee vs. “burn the ships”
There are a couple of different ways to drive a construction software decision, and the right one depends on the size of your organization and your timeline. If you’re a larger electrical contractor working on a long-duration project, you can create a committee to review the available software choices. This is very common in bigger organizations, and it has real merit: stakeholders across divisions get heard, and the eventual decision carries broad
legitimacy. In my personal experience, though, large enterprise committees are very slow. Every stakeholder needs to be heard and understood, and that takes time. I was personally involved in a software rollout for one of Canada’s largest mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors, which involved changing out the estimating platform across the company. A committee of about five people was assembled, and we spent many, many months working through the rollout and everything associated with it. It involved a lot of travel to different divisions, getting everyone’s buy-in, and what really amounted to an internal sales process. The committee approach worked – EBMAG.COM
Photo: Drazen Zigic / Getty Images
BY MELVIN NEWMAN
but nobody should mistake it for fast. At smaller contractors, the decision-making can be far simpler. Depending on your size, it could be as straightforward as the owner telling people what the new tool will be. If you’re the division manager and the primary stakeholder, it can be as simple as telling the team what must be done. I call this the “burn the ships” approach, where there’s no going back to the old way. The challenge with this approach is that you will end up with strong feelings on the team. Some people will be all for it; some will be against it. And the ones who are against the change will genuinely struggle when the old processes disappear overnight.
Detractors: your strongest champion
One of the single most valuable lessons I can offer any electrical contractor deploying new construction technology: find the person who is most against the change and prioritize winning them over first. If you can find the person who is most against it on the team, and win them over as fast as possible, they can become your strongest advocate, and the rest of the team will tend to follow. When people see the person who was most vocally against a new tool becoming its biggest champion, resistance across the rest of the organization melts away. It is hard to do, but it is absolutely the best strategy for any internal sales and deployment effort. So how do you achieve this? It starts with genuine, one-on-one stakeholder engagement. When you identify a strong detractor that you want to become the champion of your new strategic vision, the essential thing is to sit down with them individually to fully understand their current process: find out how they use the existing tools, and how those tools answer the problem you’re now trying to solve with new software. What matters is spending quality time with that person and coming to truly understand the inner workings of their existing workflow. Then, together, work out a transition strategy: how does EBMAG.COM
their current process work in the new platform? If their process can’t work in the new platform, it may be worth reconsidering that platform altogether. If the person you’re trying to win over has been highly successful for your company and has produced consistently strong results, any new process needs to keep them moving in the same direction with the same means and methods. The core piece is making sure they are heard, and that their existing process is compatible with the rollout strategy. Once that foundation is in place, you can bolt on the new features and optimizations the software provides. Building ownership across this process isn’t achieved through training sessions or memos, but rather a respected team member seeing their own expertise reflected in a new way of working.
Construction tech adoption in action
Let me share how this played out in practice for me. While managing a team of seven estimators at a larger general contractor, we had to transition from a pen-andpaper estimating process over to a completely digital estimating platform. I had selected the platform based on the limited options in the marketplace that could handle industrial-scale mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. On the team, we had one gentleman who was an absolutely excellent estimator, but dead set against any sort of change. I chose to start with him as our initial conversion champion. In this case, I did take a “burn the ships” approach, because we had to make the change very quickly after some significant errors on very large estimates. I walked in and replaced his workspace with a completely digital setup – large-format screens, the works – and said that on the next project, no paper would be used at all. There were a lot of challenges. But I made a personal commitment to spend the entire bid with him, essentially sitting side by side, to ensure the bid could be closed and every issue would be addressed immediately. The bid process was about four
weeks, and at the end of it, he called a meeting of all the estimators himself and announced that this would be the process going forward, as he had experienced firsthand how it had resolved a number of pain points that were plaguing existing bids. The most resistant estimator on the team became the one who sold the change to everyone else. In this case, the software proved its value and sold itself.
Strategy-first rollouts
The other piece of any successful construction tech deployment is having an actual strategy. A lot of people get sucked into “shiny object syndrome,” where a new piece of software comes along and they believe suddenly it’s going to solve everything. We are seeing this constantly today with AI-enabled products, where prospective users see “AI” and assume it’s going to triple their throughput, without any means of measuring results or any deployment plan. Modern AI makes this especially challenging, because there’s so much noise around new products constantly launching. Too many contractors now see AI as a buzzword, rather than an actual tool that requires implementation. Any construction software needs a deployment strategy within your organization; one that defines how you’re going to deploy it and what its use cases are. Ensure the team fully understands the strategy, and ideally give them time to review it and comment on it. While there may come a point where you have to say, “this is the strategy, this is the way,” there is enormous benefit in gaining consensus by engaging the entire team in the process. For electrical contractors, the lesson is simple: construction technology doesn’t fail because the software is bad. It fails because the people were an afterthought. By putting stakeholder engagement first, winning over your toughest critics, and pairing every rollout with a real strategy, you’ll find that adoption will take care of itself. Melvin Newman is the CEO and co-founder of PataBid. With nearly two decades of experience in construction estimating, Newman has provided his expertise in AI, ML, and systems development to the construction industry through Patabid since the platform’s launch in 2018. September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
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LIVEWIRE PREVIEW
GET AMPED FOR LIVEWIRE! Check out what’s in store for Electrical Business Magazine’s first-ever LiveWire Conference on October 8. BY JACK BURTON
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his fall, we’re teaming up with the Ontario Electrical League for the debut of LiveWire, an in-person event that looks to gather electrical contractors from across the province for a day of making connections and, more importantly, learning about some of the changing tides faced by the sector – not only how to navigate them, but also how to benefit from them. The event takes place on October 8 at Mississauga’s Sandman Signature Hotel, and I couldn’t be more excited to be launching this kind of opportunity – especially at such a ripe time of change for the sector. Whether that change is coming from technological advancements and their impact on electrical work, emerging opportunities from shifting project focuses, or even new realities that business owners must contend with, electrical contractors find themselves at a moment of opportunity – and part of our goal with this year’s programming is to help you make sure none of that opportunity goes to waste. Check out the day’s agenda below,
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ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
and visit LiveWireCanada.com for information on how to register!
The State of Ontario’s Electrical Sector panel: What’s new and what’s next
Ontario’s electrical landscape – and construction sector at large – is in the midst of a number of industry shifts, including new technologies, government initiatives, project opportunities, and workforce trends. Our State of Ontario’s Electrical Sector panel gathers experts to share their specialized knowledge on different sides of the industry, from legislative shifts to workforce opportunities, and how the changes they see are shaping the present and future of the province’s electrical sector.
Speakers
Michelle Branigan CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) As CEO of EHRC, Michelle leads Canada’s only organization dedicated to workforce development in
the electricity sector. Under her leadership, EHRC has become the trusted convener of industry, government, labour and academia – delivering actionable research, strategic programs and collaborative initiatives that address workforce challenges and shape the sector’s future. Todd Storms Partner, Soloway Wright LLP Todd practices primarily in the areas of construction law and commercial litigation. For construction he frequently advises owners, general contractors, subcontractors, governments, suppliers and builders in contract review, procurement, tender issues, and other construction matters, as well as construction litigation, construction liens, arbitration, mediation, and adjudication. EBMAG.COM
Project management software for electrical contractors: A user’s perspective
As the offerings and capabilities of construction software continue to expand, contractors find themselves navigating an unprecedented number of options in deciding a software solution that’s the right fit for their organization. In this panel, hear from real contractors about their own experience through the world of project management software, including how to select, troubleshoot, and get the most out of several different specific platforms.
Speakers
Jason Herd CEO and founder, Tradetraks Jason Herd is a second-generation electrical contractor, entrepreneur, and industry leader based in Hamilton, Ontario. Over the past two decades, Jason helped grow his family’s electrical contracting business from $3.5 million to over $20 million in annual revenue. Using lessons learned across that journey, Jason founded Tradetraks, a fully integrated business management platform built by trades professionals, for trades professionals. Garrison Oosterhof Oosterhof Electrical Services Garrison is a licensed electrician (309A) from Kingston, Ontario, with seven years of experience in the trade. He recently took ownership of his family company, Oosterhof Electrical Services, which was founded by Gary Oosterhof in 1991. His company specializes in residential and commercial new installations and renovations, with a team that consists of apprentices, electricians, an estimator, administrators, and a bookkeeper.
Getting real with AI: A hype-free, all-action AI workshop for electricians and contractors
While the transformational potential of artificial intelligence has been a hot topic for several years, the specifics EBMAG.COM
behind fully realizing this potential – especially in specialized applications such as construction and electrical work – can often be overlooked. This workshop aims to provide electrical contractors with actionable advice and best practices for getting the most out of AI tools, along with how they can be safely and efficiently integrated into everyday workflows.
Speaker
Melvin Newman CEO, Patabid Melvin co-founded Patabid in 2018, including the Patabid Quantify AI estimating software. Drawing on his background as an estimator, construction technology guru, and experience as a full stack developer, Melvin is passionate about making technology accessible to all through sharing his expertise in AI, ML, systems development, and their intersection with the construction industry.
Lighting the path: Expert insights from industry veterans
Veteran electrical contractors take the stage to answer your questions and share some of the lessons they’ve learned across their decades of industry experience. From advice on how to navigate any issues your organization might be facing, where they think the sector might be headed, to any thoughts they might have about some of the things learned across today’s sessions, LiveWire closes out with an opportunity for the various groups, generations, and regions from Ontario’s electrical sector to learn, connect, and share their knowledge.
Speakers
Cameron Hann President, Jestek Electric Ltd. Cameron Hann has decades of experience in Ontario’s electrical industry, having been a licensed 309A electrician since 1988 and a Master Electrician for over 25 years. He has owned and operated Jestek Electric in Ottawa for more than 25 years and recently completed his
succession plan, passing ownership of the business to his son, Jesse. Cameron has also dedicated significant time to industry leadership, serving chair positions with the Electrical Contractor Registration Agency and the Ontario Electrical League’s Contractor Committee. Paul Manzoli Master Electrician, Manelect Electrical Services Paul Manzoli is a second-generation master electrician with over 30 years of handson experience in the electrical industry, including more than 25 years operating as an electrical contractor. Katie Pope Co-owner, Motion Services Katie is the co-owner and co-founder of Motion Services in Fergus, Ontario. Founded in 2011 alongside her husband Ryan, Motion Services began out of their home before growing into its own standalone shop. As the founder of Mindful Skills, Katie is also an advocate for mental health in the skilled trades and construction sector. She currently serves on the Ontario Electrical League’s board of directors, Contractor Committee, and Waterloo Region Chapter. Mathiew Scratch Co-owner and director, TwoWiredGuys Mathiew Scratch has been in the electrical trade since 2004, and has built his electrical experience across subsectors including mining, manufacturing, automation, commercial, residential, and renewable energy. Mat is passionate about giving back to the electrical sector; having served in roles with the Master Examining Committee, Contractor Advisory Council, and OEL’s Contractor Committee, in addition to regularly spreading awareness of renewable energy through his work with TwoWiredGuys in North Bay, Ontario. September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
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The Estimator JOHN M. WIESEL
Keeping up with changing opportunities
T
he world that our industry must keep up with is changing at an increasingly rapid pace, from electrical’s role in energy advancements to the new demands – and opportunities – from the digital
market. For the energy sector, keeping up with opportunities means keeping up with resources and rebate programs that are always changing, updating, and moving. It’s important to know where the information for your area is most accessible, and to keep up with the options that will be available in the future. Many may base a large portion of their business on these programs, which means that trying to be competitive on this side of the industry without knowing what is available and coming up is like trying to win a race with an outdated motor. No matter how amazing your estimating strategy and tools are, if the products you’re pricing are significantly more than what the competition is presenting, you’ll have a hard time convincing clients that their best option is you. Most of these rebate programs are managed provincially, but set up and funded federally. You may be able to apply directly for a project and client, or you may have to take the time to educate them on the application and process. Either way, be familiar with these options so your client can understand where the cost will come in after any rebate, promotions, and opportunities that are currently available. This need for agility in our industry also extends to the tools and technologies that are becoming available at breakneck speeds. It’s important to identify which ones are going to help us accomplish what we want them to, and which ones are just noise. Finding the right tools, from AI to software, can help shave time off many mundane tasks and allow you to automate, research and source the work you want, and identify the programs that are available to make sure you are bringing the best value to your clients.
Keeping the pace
One of the biggest challenges when adopting technology is the double-edged sword of moving too abruptly or too slow. On one side, I’ve seen and experienced a complete acceptance and buy-in of every and any new software or tool, and on the other side, I’ve also seen obtuse resistance to anything outside of how we’ve been doing things since the existence of time. Blindly adopting every new option that becomes available creates a situation where only a few adopt what is available – usually never to its full intent or capacity. Increasingly,
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ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
I find that some of the new tools coming out can take more time and money to use than some of the simpler options and traditional methods. Having tried and true systems, methods, and tools in place is the framework of any successful company. Clinging to redundant ways and expiring tools or methods, however, will be what slowly erodes your success and bottom line. Make sure you aren’t just buying new technology for the sake of it: be intentional, plan for training, and give people time to learn it. Most importantly, verify whether it is actually saving the time and money it was supposed to save. If you’re established and running a well-oiled machine, doing yearly check-ins and monitoring any newly-released options will help keep you in the loop. You can decide when it’s time to update and refresh things to keep you and the team running effectively and efficiently. Look past cheaper and faster. Always remember the point of technology, tools, and methods is to improve lives and advance opportunities. If it isn’t accomplishing the latter, chances are, it probably isn’t accomplishing the former, either. While digital tools like AI and software can be seen as a shortcut, they aren’t answers to human experience and knowledge, but rather tools that are best used in the hands of an experienced professional. They are the assistants, not the master. In the right hands and with the proper intentions, you’ll be able to accelerate through sourcing the current grant options and opportunities in your area, taking-off, pricing and estimating the work, and executing projects to your client’s satisfaction. We might not know exactly how things are going to shake out all the time, but that just means having a knowledge base and experience is still relevant, maybe even more than ever. Putting in the time to understand the job and what technology or opportunities are missing will be an asset not just for your company, but in the industry at large. Whether it’s AI or energy rebate programs, there is a great opportunity right now to become fluent in many of the changes reshaping how we work. With this opportunity, however, comes an increased need to understand our goal and what we are doing. In fact, in a world where ‘knowing enough to be dangerous’ is becoming normalized, it might be more important than ever. John M. Wiesel ME is the Principal at Suderman Estimating Systems and has spent over 25 years in the construction industry from an apprentice to red seal Journeyman, Project manager and Estimator. Suderman Estimating Systems courses are gold seal certified by the Canadian Construction association.
EBMAG.COM
CONFERENCE
OCT 8, 2026
Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel
Register at livewirecanada.com
Presented by
AGENDA
1
The State of Ontario’s Electrical Sector panel:
2
Project management software for electrical contractors:
3
Getting real with AI:
4
Lighting the path:
What’s new and what’s next A user’s perspective
A no-hype, all-action AI workshop for electricians and contractors Expert insights from industry veterans
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RETROFITS
RETRO ACTIVE The value of getting involved with Canada’s retrofit efforts. BY KEVIN LOCKHART
Deep energy retrofit of a building in Edmonton.
Near-term pipeline, long-term staying power
In the near term, existing building retrofits offer contractors a practical way to diversify revenue streams and insulate their business from the peaks and troughs associated with new construction activity. As more building owners recognize the clear operational benefits and cost savings associated with retrofits, electrical contractors can 28
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
expect to be called on for a range of retrofit work spanning LED lighting replacements, lighting controls, variable-speed drives, building automation upgrades, service capacity assessments, EV charging infrastructure, and electrical work tied to heat pump installations. In the context of electrification, these projects are often easier for owners to justify due to their role in helping businesses reduce utility costs, improve reliability, or address ongoing deferred maintenance. The long-term opportunities are even larger. Interest in building electrification, supported by policy developments such as Prime Minister Carney’s Powering Canada Strong national electricity strategy, is moving buildings away from fossil fuel use and toward electricity for heating, cooling, transportation, and some industrial processes.
This shift requires updates and upgrades to electrical infrastructure both inside and adjacent to buildings. Where a building may once have needed modest electrical capacity for lights, plug loads, and fans, greater capacity is needed to meet demands from electrification technologies such as heat pumps, smart controls, thermal storage, battery systems, solar photovoltaic equipment, EV chargers and demand-response technologies. Contractors that understand how these systems operate and interact will be well-positioned to replicate this type of work across building types and portfolios. Retrofits also provide electrical contractors with an opportunity to establish long-term relationships that can serve as a more stable revenue base. For example, contractors already working on an upgrade to the building’s EBMAG.COM
Photo: Pembina Institute
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cross Canada, building owners are under pressure to do more with less. Faced with rising energy costs, aging assets, and ongoing regulatory pressures, building owners increasingly see building retrofits as a solution to these challenges, making retrofits one of the most durable business opportunities across the built environment for electrical contractors. While electrical contractors have long been called on to update lighting systems, upgrade electrical panels, install modern controls and support equipment change-outs, the pace and scale of this work is accelerating as momentum towards the electrification of buildings grows. Canada’s existing building stock is vast, and most of the offices, schools, hospitals, warehouses and multi-unit residential buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built. In the coming decades, these existing buildings must be retrofitted, with many of the required upgrades dependent on the electrical expertise contractors bring.
lighting system can create opportunities to carry out a panel assessment which, in turn, can lead to opportunities for controls work, installation of EV charging infrastructure, maintenance, and future electrification planning. Contractors, particularly those serving commercial, institutional, and multi-unit residential clients, can also create new opportunities to serve as a trusted implementation partner, helping owners navigate code changes, carbon reporting requirements, or equipment end-of-life decisions. The most common entry point for electrical contractors continues to be LED lighting retrofits, occupancy sensors, exterior lighting upgrades, and networked lighting controls. Building on these standard offerings, contractors can offer upgrades including power distribution and controls, heat pump conversions that require new circuits, panels, transformers, disconnects, or backup power systems and EV charging projects. These high-value projects require load calculations, utility coordination, conduit runs, metering, networking and energy management systems that help owners avoid peak-demand charges. Contractors looking to expand their services further can shift focus to the growing market for electrification. Beginning by mapping retrofit services already performed, contractors can identify opportunities to expand into energy-efficiency and demand-management projects. This can help reposition them as invaluable partners in building owners’ efforts to improve energy performance, reduce emissions and increase lifecycle value. The class of contractors who are able to collaborate with engineers, energy managers, facility teams and mechanical partners are particularly well-placed, as they are able to competently identify practical project constraints and opportunities.
Making the case
Capital planning continues to be one of the biggest barriers to retrofit work. Owners often know upgrades are needed, but delay decisions due to tight budgets and uncertain paybacks. This highlights another new role for electrical contractors: knowledgeable contractors EBMAG.COM
can help projects pencil out and gain management approval by pointing clients to government and utility incentives, financing, and technical resources. At the federal level, Natural Resources Canada’s Retrofit Hub provides a centralized source of funding, financing, rebates, tax incentives and technical resources for commercial, institutional and multi-unit residential retrofits. It directs building owners and project teams to programs that support planning and implementation. In Ontario, the Independent Electricity System Operator’s Save on Energy programs support business and industrial energy-efficiency upgrades. With incentives for eligible equipment upgrades, the Retrofit Program can help businesses identify operational improvements and upgrade to energy efficient equipment that reduces electricity consumption and peak demand. Other provinces and municipalities offer their own pathways. For example, CleanBC programs in British Columbia, or offerings from Efficiency Manitoba, Efficiency Nova Scotia, as well as municipal retrofit loans and property-assessed financing models. While the eligibility and supports each program offers varies, electrical contractors can leverage their knowledge about these programs to drive the sales conversation. Contractors who understand available supports and can help clients navigate application processes and eligibility requirements add significant value for building owners. The scope of retrofits can also go beyond the addition of new loads; also helping to enhance overall energy efficiency and demand management. Electrical contractors play a critical role in sizing equipment that can help smooth peak demands and, ultimately, make electrification more affordable. Smart panels, metering, automated controls, demand-response-ready equipment, EV load management, storage-ready designs and high-quality commissioning all influence how a building uses electricity. Electrical contractors can add value for the building owner by assessing electrical capacity, planning for equipment replacement cycles, and aligning major capital projects with
incentives and grid constraints.
Built to scale
Building on existing relationships, electrical contractors can identify the retrofit potential of their client base. Buildings with aging lighting, high operating hours, inefficient heating systems, outdated controls, limited metering, and growing capacity demands are an opportunity to highlight how these challenging conditions may impact business operations or provide access to new revenue generating opportunities. Additionally, given that these retrofit projects often go beyond the capacity of electrical contractors, electrification projects are an opportunity to build a network of trusted project partners including mechanical engineers, energy auditors, controls specialists, envelope consultants and financing partners. A trusted contractor network is invaluable in developing compelling retrofit project teams that offer a range of services and manage risk inherent in comprehensive retrofits. Together, this broadly skilled project team is well-suited to delivering scalable and repeatable retrofit offerings across multiple sites – an especially valuable service for property managers, retailers, municipalities, school boards and housing providers. Electrical contractors are already deeply involved in building upgrades and broader retrofits through the installation, connection, troubleshooting and maintenance of electrical systems in existing buildings, while also working closely with many of the measures that building owners need most. That proximity is a business advantage. Being ready today means building on projects such as lighting, controls, and service upgrades to prepare clients and projects for deeper electrification projects over the next decade. Electrical contractors can help clients lower costs today and avoid expensive surprises tomorrow, while also aligning with the country’s larger retrofit efforts for a steady, profitable line of work rooted in skills they already have. Kevin Lockhart is the director of the Pembina Institute’s buildings program and is based in Toronto. September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
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Out and about
MUSIC CITY MILESTONES
Highlights from City Electric Supply’s Connect 2026. BY JACK BURTON
Booths, barns, and bikes
This collection of milestones was placed centre-stage as part of Connect’s 2026 Counter Day on June 13. While already a much-anticipated opportunity for members of the CES team from across the continent to connect with manufacturers and suppliers, the 70-plus vendor booths were joined by an exhibit comprised of memorabilia and tributes to the 30
CES Connect’s 2026 Counter Day featured over 70 vendor booths, along with memorabilia and tributes to the company’s 75-year history.
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
company’s 75-year history. Some of these items included a City Electric Supply Hall of Fame, supplies from the company’s initial Canadian locations, vintage photos and flyers from decades past, and most notably, a recreation of the spare horse stable in Coventry, England where CES founder Tom Mackie began the company – including a replica of the wooden door he laid flat to use as a makeshift work table. As the company’s social impact division, CES Cares oversees various charitable events and initiatives to benefit the communities of the company’s many branches. This year, CES Cares hosted
a live bike-building competition between all of CES’s North American branches in attendance, building 400 children’s bikes for donation to the YMCA of Middle Nashville and the Nashville Police Activities League. The competition was followed, fittingly, with an evening trip next door to the aforementioned Grand Ole Opry. Hamilton, Ont. branch manager Jennifer Campbell noted that among the highlights of this bi-annual event – including valuable opportunities for CES team members and partners to meet, collaborate, and especially in the case of this year, celebrate – what she values most is the reminder that Connect provides of the care EBMAG.COM
Photos: Jack Burton/Electrical Business
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his year marks the 100th anniversary of Nashville’s storied Grand Ole Opry, the legendary venue that has hosted some of music’s defining artists, from Elvis Presley to Taylor Swift. This past June, just steps away from the Opry, City Electric Supply’s bi-annual Connect event showed that the Opry’s centennial was far from the only marquee milestone worth celebrating in town. The sixth Connect event saw over 2,000 vendors, partners, leadership, and team members from across City Electric Supply’s North American branch network gather at Music City’s Gaylord Opryland Resort from June 11 to 14 to celebrate the company’s people, achievements, and several notable anniversaries. These include the 75th anniversary of the company’s founding in the UK, a decade of its CES Cares social impact division, and for the Canadian cohort that found themselves adjusting to the Nashville heat, 35 years since the company entered Canada.
and appreciation that the company has for its employees. “CES Connect is a special experience. This event brings together the vendor partners, upper management, and coworkers from all across North America. You always leave the event with great memories, deeper bonds, and a renewed excitement to get back to work,” said Campbell.
Canada’s changing currents
CES‘s social impact division hosted a live bike-building competition across its North American branches, with 400 children’s bikes built for donation to local charities.
“I love the business: I love everyone in it, and I never want to stop growing and advancing the business,” said CES’s Canada vice president of operations, Sean Whittaker. EBMAG.COM
Even as CES enters its 35th year in Canada, its north-of-the-border teams had plenty to celebrate beyond the milestone birthday. This includes CES’s recent expansion into New Brunswick through its new Fredericton branch, along with launching its first Canadian distribution hub in Toronto just under two years ago. CES’s Canada vice president of operations, Sean Whittaker, has been with the company for 22 years, having contributed to the company’s Canadian growth at both the branch and national level during his tenure. It’s a path Whittaker says he wouldn’t change a thing about: though he had spent several years in the larger wholesaling world, he credits CES’s dedication to providing growth and internal advancement opportunities to its employees as central to both his own and the organization’s success. “They’ve trusted me every step of the way,” he said. “They’ve seen that I cared, I was willing to go the extra mile, and what that enabled me to do is find people that have a similar mindset and involve them in the business and build teams around them.” Over his tenure with the company, Whittaker has worked in the UK, Vancouver, and Calgary, where he helped transform two of CES’s lowest-performing branches into the top two in Canada. These successes helped build him toward the role of
September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
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Out and about
CES’s Counter Day featured tributes to the company’s past, from memorabilia dating to its early days in Canada to the barn in England where the company was founded.
Canadian VP of operations, where he currently oversees CES’s 85 Canadian branches, having helped open 32 of them. Whittaker has built much of his industry experience through helping both CES and its customers adapt to the numerous shifts and changes he’s witnessed across the industry
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throughout his career, with one of the most recent of these emerging trends being the growing influence of digitization on the electrical wholesaling process. “Gone are the days where most of the customers are sending in Excel spreadsheets to get a price list,” he said. Whittaker described the current landscape as “a lot more refined now than it used to be, with a lot more tech-savviness coming into the industry right now. Five years ago, it wasn’t as heavy as it is now, with the pickup really occurring in the last two years.” The increased scope introduced by these digital solutions has unlocked a wider range of choice throughout the buying process; expanding the options available to further suit the needs of the purchaser, said Whittaker. “It’s about giving the customer as many options as possible to get their answers in the way that is convenient to them,” he said. “Our job is to make sure we’re accessible, however they want us to be.” As inevitable as change may be, Whittaker believes that CES’s model of autonomously operated, regionally focused branches makes the company uniquely equipped to handle the impacts of larger industry shifts. “The perfect thing about the way we are set up is all of our locations are autonomous: they have their own purchasing decisions and their own sales decisions, so they can adapt for what they need in their town, market, or province,” Whittaker said.
“The simple thing I do when we open branches is I find the people first […] They know the industry and what they need to do to succeed,” - Sean Whittaker, CES’s Canada vice president of operations. Powered by people
This level of independence also requires a significant level of trust, Whittaker shared, which makes the people behind the branch all the more important. From his involvement in dozens of branch openings, Whittaker’s launch philosophy has grown to be ‘people-first’ in the most literal sense. “The simple thing I do when we open branches is I find the people first – local people to that market. They know the industry and what they need to do to succeed,” he said. “Fredericton’s a prime example: we have a team of four that have been in the local market for over 20 years. Now that we found the people, I can give them that freedom – I can say to them, go and find the building, run the business.” While construction is still wrapping on the building, this people-first approach is paying off, with the Fredericton team already finding success in the local market. Given the value that Whittaker sees in the potential of people in driving business wins, it’s no surprise that he credits the members of the industry and his organization with the success and joy he’s found in his career so far. “I love the business: I love everyone in it, and I never want to stop growing and advancing the business,” he said.
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
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Personalities
CALENDAR
Electricity Canada’s board of directors has appointed Josée M. Guibord, LLB ICD.D as its new president and CEO, with her appointment effective as of September 8, 2026. In her new role, Guibord will collaborate with Electricity Canada’s members to implement strategies to meet growing electricity demand, support electrification, and deliver reliable and affordable clean electricity to Canadians. Guibord brings over 25 years of experience in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors to the role, including more than a decade of senior leadership experience in the energy sector. This includes serving as an executive advisor at Dunsky Energy+ Climate, president and CEO at Evolugen by Brookfield Renewable, general counsel and senior vice president of North America for Brookfield Renewable, and associate general counsel at Vale Canada Limited. In addition to her leadership experience, Guibord is a member of the Ontario Bar, holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Ottawa, and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Director Education Program (ICD.D). Guibord also received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for her contributions to Canada and community service efforts.
BILD Alberta Conference Building Industry & Land Development Assoc. (Alberta) September 10-13, Jasper, Alta. bildalberta.ca/conference
Schneider Electric Canada has made two appointments to its leadership team, with Shaun MacGarvie promoted to the role of vice president of national sales and Sophie EBMAG.COM
Chadefaud promoted to vice president of marketing. As VP of national sales, MacGarvie will bring together Schneider Electric’s contractor, end user, and channel sales teams across Canada into a unified national sales organization. This new structure is intended to enhance coordination across Schneider’s customer-facing teams to more efficiently serve its customers and partners, the company said. Chadefaud’s new role as VP of marketing will involve an expanded mandate spanning marketing, partner engagement, sales enablement, and e-commerce. The company shared that this expansion is intended to strengthen the connection between customer insight, digital engagement, commercial execution, and online growth. EB Horsman & Son has appointed Alfredo Balaguera as manager of its Alberta distribution centre. Balaguera most recently served as receiving supervisor for EB Horsman & Son’s British Columbia distribution centre, having also served as material handler for its Surrey branch and on the B.C. distribution centre’s administration team. In his new role, Balaguera will oversee day-to-day warehouse operations and lead service delivery to EB Horsman & Son’s branches, vendor partners, and customers across Alberta.
IAEI Fall Convention and Tradeshow Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry September 15-17, Lloydminster, Alta. iaei.org ESA Ontario Electrical Safety Awards & Annual Meeting Electrical Safety Authority September 16, Toronto esasafe.com Canadian Airports National Electrical Workshop (CANEW) Canadian Airports Electrical Assoc. September 20-25, Fredericton canew.ca Energy Storage Canada Conference Energy Storage Canada September 22-23, Toronto energystoragecanada.org NECA Convention & Tradeshow National Electrical Contractors Association October 4-7, Las Vegas neca2026.smallworldlabs.com LiveWire Conference Electrical Business Magazine October 8, Mississauga livewirecanada.com Graybar Canada 2026 Industrial Summit October 14, Calgary graybarcanada.com Electricity Transformation Canada Canadian Renewable Energy Assoc. October 19-21, Toronto electricity-transformation.ca Global Data Centre & Cloud Expo Canada October 20-21, Toronto gdcc-expo.com Kitchen + Bath Canada November 11-12, Toronto kbcexpo.com The Buildings Show 2026 December 2-4, Toronto informaconnect.com/the-buildings-show
Got an event to share? Email the editor at jburton@annexbusinessmedia.com. Check out Electrical Business Magazine’s online industry calendar at ebmag. com/events for direct links to these events (and others).
September 2026 · ELECTRICAL BUSINESS
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Code file DAVID PILON & DANIEL HALVERSON
Safety on ice
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he CE Code addresses rinks based on the possibility of condensation around fixtures and wiring unless there is positive ventilation, in which case they are normal locations. What the CE Code leaves out is any reference to the possibility of a rink being a Hazardous Location. Back in the day, the room that held the ice machine was generally built out of cinderblocks and/or concrete, and usually featured a door to the outside, along with a vent or louver. But why was this seemingly normal piece of equipment in this room? Was it based on optimal positioning during the design phase? Most of us never really thought twice about it – we went ahead and wired it according to the plans. There was no reason to think otherwise. So, why are skating rinks becoming a hazard in otherwise normal locations? What is the B52 Standard and why does it matter to us? What is a Class T Mechanical Room, and how does this affect the wiring methods? Well, it appears that ‘back in the day,’ the refrigeration industry used R-717 ammonia as a refrigerant for ice plants in hockey and skating rinks. Under the Boiler Code, these were classified as a Hazardous Location Class 1 Zone 2, based on the flammability of the refrigerant in use. The B52-95 Standard would exempt the hazardous location wiring American Polywater
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Arlington Industries
if it was built to a Class T machinery room in accordance with rule 6.3. So, this explains the concrete and cinderblocks, the outside door access, and the louver. As an electrician, I would not generally ask questions about an installation unless it was unusual or if there was something about it that stood out to me, and I think that is a common method or reaction to an installation. The next thing of note in the B52-13 and -23 Standard is that it goes on to draw out other refrigerants by groups. 6.3 (j) stated that when refrigerants of Group A2, A3, B2 other than ammonia, and B3 are used the machinery rooms shall conform to Class 1 Zone 2 and currently 6.3 (k) still requires this area to be classified but now as a Zone 2 location. The Class T moniker is being replaced with the term ‘Machinery rooms for flammable refrigerants classified 2L, 2, and 3’. This requirement is in the Boiler Code (B52 Standard), and so the determination is made by the boiler branch on what the classification will be. Sometime in the early 2000s, there was a push away from the use of ammonia in the compressors, and toward a less flammable and less hazardous product. The Boiler Code still required a machinery room, however, it was not a class T machinery room. In recent installations, our inspectors Mersen Canada Toronto Inc
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2
Northern Cables Inc.
1
BAND-N-GO Inc.
31
OEL - Ontario Electrical League
5
Champion Fiberglass
35
Uline Canada Corporation
7
Electrical Business
27
Zip Cable Tray Systems Inc
36
Fluke Corporation
22, 23
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ELECTRICAL BUSINESS · September 2026
have noted that most new rinks are being designed with a Class T machinery room again, as they have found the other refrigerant that was being used was less efficient and the ice was softer. To accommodate this, they are reverting to ammonia or other products that fall under these groups. In new installations, it is easy to see that the upgrades are occurring. Exterior access, louvers, detection systems, alarms, and self-closing doors are installed, and no escape of air is permitted around ducts or pipes entering or leaving the area. While this is just a ‘Coles Notes’ summary, it raises questions around wiring methods, the hazardous classification of the area, and whether the machinery room is defined as Class T. While this is being dealt with in new facilities that are being designed and built, the real concern is what is happening in the older facilities that were exempt due to the non-flammable refrigerant chosen for that installation. The re-introduction of ammonia into these systems creates a cause for concern, as the rooms will either need to be made to conform to a Class T machinery room, or the wiring will need to be changed to Zone 2 wiring. While it is important to know which B52 Standard is being enforced, sometimes there are advantages to the latest standard, such as clarity of definitions and updated assignment of classifications. The next time you are going to your local rink for an inspection or to perform some upgrades, pay attention to whether the boiler branch has been there and if anything has changed. Be safe, and let’s protect our family and friends while they are “recreating” on ice! David Pilon RSE, CCEI, CAE is a manager of electrical inspections at the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan. Daniel Halverson has worked as an inspector in Saskatchewan since 2013 and has been involved in the electrical trade across multiple provinces since 2002.
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