September 27, 2012

Construction economic forecasts in store at CanaData today

TORONTO

With such an uncertain air to the world’s economy, construction industry leaders will hear experts’ outlooks on mega projects, Canadian commercial construction, global commodity prices and demographic changes at the 27th annual CanaData Industry Forecasts Conference.

Last year’s conference pointed to a Canada that was in a strong position due to its resources and well-balanced approach to public spending and debt. The speakers said Canada will find itself in reasonable economic shape through 2013.

Vice-president and chief economist of Export Development Canada (EDC) Peter Hall will kick off this year’s conference with economic outlooks of the world, the United States and Canada.

Hall has over 20 years of experience in domestic and international economic analysis and forecasting and advises senior management at EDC.

Stuart Barron, Cushman & Wakefield Ltd., Canadian markets national research and real estate finance director.

Will provide a cross-country look at the upcoming commercial construction in Canada.

As a specialist in the office markets, Barron provides expertise in the area of market analytics, changing market conditions and the potential implications on real estate decisions.

Dina Ignjatovic, the economist for autos, commodities and other industries at TD Bank Financial Group, will speak about global commodity prices and demand and supply trends.

The conference will hear about the national and regional perspectives on demographic changes from Ryan Berlin, a research leader in the housing market and economic analysis at Urban Futures.

He is an authority on change and how to effectively manage the changes in the economy and demographic landscape to best advantage.

Peter Norman, the chief economist and general manager of Altus Group Economic Consulting will present residential starts forecasts.

His presentation will also include prospects for condominium and renovation work. During last year’s conference, Norman advised that Canada was on a long-term downward trend in housing investment.

Mark Casaletto, vice-president and general manager of Reed Construction Data will deliver the megaproject outlook for key market segments. Last year, Casaletto predicted that Canadian mega-projects, driven by foreign demand for mining products, fossil fuels and hydroelectricity, could create a decade-long boom in domestic construction.

As always, CanaData chief economist Alex Carrick will cap off the day with a construction forecasts overview.

Each fall, Carrick oversees CanaData’s Annual Construction Forecast publication and updates the information throughout the year in the CanaData Forecaster monthly newsletter.

Use #canadata2012 to follow along and contribute to the conversation on Twitter and via the CanaData LinkedIn Group throughout the day. Check back on the newswire on this website for live blogs from the event.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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