of the association’s relationships
with Alberta Transportation and the
Consulting Engineers of Alberta.
“All relationships need time and
effort. The partnering relationship
the Roadbuilders association shares
with Alberta Transportation and the
Consulting Engineers of Alberta is no
different. We have a framework that
works, but it needs some mending.”
Referring to the delays in the
claim-resolution process that have
served to sour relations—and which
Arnill hopes to avoid in future—he
said, “I think it’s important that we
push to have disputes resolved at the
field level; that’s true partnering. I
think we’ve gotten to a point where
people are afraid to make decisions. If
the issue can’t be resolved in the field,
move it up the ladder so a decision
can be made in a timely manner by
Alberta Transportation.”
Noting that the three groups
work hand in hand, Arnill is keen to
improve the response and resolution
time in the claim process.
A second potential area of focus
that Arnill sees for the coming year
relates to the 2019 Alberta election.
If the election results in a change of
government, “the ARHCA board will
need to be nimble,” he said. “We may
need to realign our strategic goals to
ensure we are at the forefront of provincial
party platforms.”
He emphasizes that the association
may need to make quick decisions
during the campaign and after
the election.
Talking with Alberta
Transportation about the growing
trend in other jurisdictions to award
contracts based on best value, rather
than lowest bid is Arnill’s third
focus. “We are seeing more of this
across the border in Saskatchewan. It
could be time ARHCA pushes Alberta
Transportation to take a harder look
at this, and not just on complicated
bridge projects.”
Finally, Arnill sees the association
continuing to promote the industry
to young people and job seekers.
Participation in hiring fairs at colleges
and sponsoring of students will help
the association, and the industry, in
the ongoing pursuit of new workers.
“We have an industry that’s
green and grey. We need more young
people coming through the pipeline
to help develop the next generation
of contractors.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity
to provide a different outlook,”
he said. “I mean I’m basically the first
millennial chairman.” He’s quick to
add that that shouldn’t scare anyone.
Breaking out of the
day-to-day bubble
“Being from Ontario originally, it
was very important for me to grow
my roots in Alberta,” said Arnill.
When he joined ARHCA, it was to
contribute to that process. Later,
as he became increasingly involved
in the association’s committees and
then the board, he did so for a couple
of reasons.
“We all work in our day-to-day
bubbles. It’s nice to break away from
that and sit at a board table with so
many talented industry professionals.”
The camaraderie and interaction
with peers was reason number
one. Reason number two partly flows
from that: The interactions and sharing
of ideas, along with the work
involved in committee and board
participation, “allowed me to grow
and develop in ways I would never
have imagined.” Arnill is passionate
on this point. Learning more about
the industry and about others’ issues,
and being in a surrounding with
people with similar interests and concerns
has been a huge benefit to him.
The value of ARHCA membership
“ARHCA is constantly advocating for
its members,” said Arnill. “Whether it
be for funding, specification changes
or getting extended-hour permits,
the team is always looking out for the
interests of its members.”
Further, “I can tell you that a
united voice at the table is louder
than individual letterheads.” Arnill
emphasizes that the association’s
approximately 1,000 member companies
have some real power when
they speak with a single voice.
That voice is strengthened as companies
join the association and
employees step up to contribute to
the group’s efforts.
Connecting members is another
important role of the association,
according to Arnill. Golf tournaments,
workshops and conferences
all provide for rewarding experiences,
he says, as opportunities for both
learning and networking.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t
matter if you’re a dirt, paving, water
and sewer or preservation contractor,
ARHCA helps unite us all in the
careers we have chosen.” n
I N C O M I N G C H A I R
“I can tell you that a united voice at the table
is louder than individual letterheads.”
– Andrew Arnill
In 2012, the company founded
Western Asphalt Products, expanding
operations to Bruderheim, Alta.
and Brandon, Man. to include the
manufacturing of asphalt emulsions.
20 ALBERTA HEAVY 2018