The Ottawa Construction Association (OCA) announced on March 30 that its Board of Directors has elected Paul Mayer, vice-president of Sapacon Drywall Limited, as the association’s next chair.

Mayer joined Sapacon Drywall in 1986, performing a number of roles with the company, including in the trade itself, as a project supervisor and as an estimator. He became an equal partner in the business in 2001, and under his leadership, has led the company to work on some of Ottawa’s most iconic buildings.

Mainly working in the Ottawa and surrounding area, Sapacon has worked on many ICI and residential projects including hospitals, schools, retirement homes and museums, as well as the heritage plaster restoration of parliamentary structures.

“We are involved in many aspects of a project,” he says. “Prior to construction, we are quite often involved in the design of various site assemblies. Once the concrete has been placed, our forces step into action with our qualified staff, and leave the project once the move-in date is accomplished. Working with various trades throughout the project is an art. Cooperation is what we strive for and the end accomplishment of the scheduled completion date is our goal.”

As an active board member and past president of the Walls and Ceilings Contractors Association, Mayer has significant knowledge of the construction industry and a clear understanding of the need for qualified trade contractors to assist in the build of all projects.

He joined the OCA board of directors in 2013.

“The shortage of qualified labour is still a hurdle that we all face,” he says. “Encouraging the youth and individuals looking to make a career in construction will be my focus as Chair. We need to educate and mentor those who show an interest in our industry. Being involved in OCA’s ConstrucTour has shown me that there is definite youth interest in the many facets of our industry. These interests need to be nurtured into exciting and satisfying careers in construction.”

Joining Mayer on the OCA’s board of directors for 2023 are:

• First vice-chair: Hubie Splinter, vice-president, Graebeck Construction
• Second vice-chair: Ken Crawford, president, C&M Electric
• Treasurer: Dan Leduc, partner, Soloway Wright
• Secretary: Greg Clark, Valley Utilities
• Past chair: Tim Vizena, vice-president, R. W. Tomlinson

The directorship of the association’s five membership sections also includes:

• Jason Adams of Duron Services
• Vincent Lamont of Lamont Flooring
• Jeff Tremblay of T & M Electric
• Cathy Godin of SK Sheet Metal
• Humberto Ferrar of Marathon Underground Contractors
• Graziela Girardi of Tomlinson Infrastructure
• Bob Bent of Stittsville Home Hardware
• John Graf of JL Richards & Associates
• Bruce Thomas of RECL Construction
• Steven Schmalz of PCL Constructors