CECA Strong

Association reflects on successes and challenges going forward.

Collaboration between ELEVATOR WORLD and the Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) goes way back — 50 years in 2024 to be exact. In the early 1970s, EW founder William C. Sturgeon was one of the key drivers of the foundation of CECA after its establishment in 1972, helping the nascent group craft policies and procedures (EW, August 2018) and lay the groundwork for what would become a strong voice and resource for Canadian vertical-transportation (VT) companies as they dealt with government regulations, education, safety and many other challenges. With close to 300 members, the CECA of today continues to tackle challenges and realize successes as it looks forward to formally celebrating its 50th convention at the United convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in September. Its partnership with EW remains strong, with our publication regularly sharing association news and — notably — working with CECA to create and publish a Canadian version of the Elevator Industry Field Employees’ Safety Handbook in 2022. With input from the CECA Board of Directors (BoD), Executive Director Catharine Bothwell (CB) took the time to speak with your author (KW) about the association’s many initiatives regarding code, AHJs, membership and more.

KW: Have there been any recent significant changes to codes throughout the provinces? If so, which ones are most welcomed/problematic for CECA members and why?

CB: We are starting to see provinces across Canada adopt the 2019 edition of the A17.1/B44, which includes major changes for two-way text communication and video requirements, as well as new door-detection requirements. As we start to see more elevators being installed under this code, we will gather feedback from our members on any benefits or problems these changes may introduce. Additionally, the 2022 code will be adopted in the upcoming year, which will see more changes, including hoistway lighting, door-lock monitoring, water detection in the pits and more.

KW: CECA works with Technical Safety BC in British Columbia, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority in Ontario, the Alberta Elevating Devices & Amusement Rides Safety Association and many other AHJs. With which entities does the association work most productively?

CB: CECA works closely with all AHJs in Canada. We invite the AHJs to our regional meetings and enjoy open communication with them. We stress working together for the betterment of the industry.

KW: How would you rate the safety of the Canadian VT industry right now, for both the public and field workers? Which areas are most in need of improvement, and is progress being made in that regard?

CB: The Canadian VT industry has a high level of safety. CECA is also in the process of setting up a safety committee to allow us to better support our members in this area. Unfortunately, in Canada, the private-residence elevator market is mostly unregulated and void of any oversight, which does pose a risk to the public. CECA has stepped in to fill this void and help improve safety in this market by creating the Private Residence Division. This group focuses on ways to improve safety — not only for the people who use these devices but those who install, service and maintain them. CECA has created a unique Private Residence Division website (CECA Registry) that includes information on the standard, the permit process and a homeowner training program.

At CECA meetings, our members work together (with some lively discussion) to solve issues for the common good of the industry.

Another area of concern is lighting in the elevator hoistway.  Most elevator hoistways do not meet basic lighting requirements for workplaces. In Canada, we have experienced elevator technician fatalities that could have been prevented with hoistway lighting. We understand that code committees are looking at adding lighting requirements for future new construction and modernization projects, but the majority of elevators are neither new nor upgraded. 

KW: CECA awarded a contract to Lift AI in summer 2019 to build a Maintenance Control Program (MCP) database for its MCP Library. How is that initiative going?

CB: We are still encouraging suppliers to contribute their information to the MCP Library at info.ceca-mcp.com.

KW: After nearly three years of work and collaboration between EW and CECA, the Canadian version of the Field Employee’s Safety Handbook became available in fall 2022. What has the response been like?

CB: We have enjoyed a very positive response to the Canadian version of the Field Employees’ Safety Handbook. In addition to the benefits the handbook provides our members and AHJs, CECA is pleased to report we continue to donate books to first-year students at the elevating devices schools in Canada (École des Métiers du Sud-Ouest-de-Montréal in Montreal, Quebec; Durham College in Whitby, Ontario; and Mohawk College in Stoney Creek, Ontario). We look forward to working with EW on future editions and, hopefully, a French translation in the future.

KW: CECA hosted the inaugural meeting of its women-in-VT group, Elle-evator, in spring 2023. How is that initiative going? What are the group’s plans and goals for 2024?

CB: The Elle-levator group met in February 2023 (both virtually and in person at Mohawk College). This was our first presentation session and an opportunity for our Elle-levator members to meet and greet virtually. The purpose of the Elle-levator group is to support and encourage women in the VT industry. It is an avenue where women can feel safe expressing their opinions. The group facilitates networking opportunities among women in the industry, promoting better relations. The goal is that the formation of this group will increase participation of women in CECA.

KW: How is the health of CECA membership?

CB: CECA membership continues to strengthen in numbers year over year. Fifteen years ago, we had 116 members. As of today (January 2024), we are sitting at 288 corporate members including 120 contractor and dual members. Our yearly conventions also continue to grow, providing more business and networking opportunities for a larger number of attendees. We are constantly looking at ways to improve CECA and the benefits we provide to our members.

KW: What are CECA’s goals and objectives for 2024?

CB: 2024 brings new opportunities for improvement for the betterment of the industry. We are establishing a CECA safety committee to assist with safety issues when they arise and are looking into other initiatives. We are also upgrading our MCPs to the 2022 code, including any AHJ-specific requirements. We encourage our members to participate in our association and our events and are excited about increased involvement with our new groups: the 19-39 Club and the Elle-levator group. Finally, we look forward to working together with our United partners for a successful 2024 United convention.

KW: What are CECA’s plans and goals for United 2024? What makes United better than/different from a “regular” CECA convention?

CB: CECA’s strength comes from our membership. Our membership is made up of contractors and suppliers in different regions of the country. Each region has different needs and issues. At CECA meetings, our members work together (with some lively discussion) to solve issues for the common good of the industry. 

For Canadians though, it is exciting to attend the large United convention versus a Canadian-only convention. Canada and the U.S. share many of the same suppliers and elevator safety codes.  At the larger convention, Canadians see many new product developments at the tradeshow. We are able to sit in on the education seminars and, most importantly, are able share a cocktail with our American cousins and other friends. We see there are more similarities than differences between our two countries.

CECA is also excited about hosting one of the receptions at United 2024 and looks forward to welcoming everyone to the event as CECA celebrates its 50th convention and the National Association of Elevator Contractor’s 75th birthday. United gives us the opportunity to network with our United partners and their members and learn from each other.