Film Lens
This documentary examines Canada's construction industry, focusing on the challenges and successes of building homes year-round. It shows a project in Ottawa where foundations were laid in winter, demonstrating that construction can continue despite harsh weather conditions. The film features the completion of 44 housing units in Moore Town, which were made affordable through a long-term loan from Central Mortgage and Housing, allowing families with specific income levels to secure homes.
Additionally, the film addresses the impact of the coal industry decline in Alberta, particularly in Nordeg, where a once-thriving community has dwindled to a ghost town. It follows the efforts of J.S. Ferguson and the Minor's Rehabilitation Committee to assist displaced miners in finding new employment opportunities in other sectors, such as uranium mining and road construction, as the coal market shifts towards cheaper fuels.
Why Watch
- •See how Ottawa builds homes in winter despite snow and ice.
- •Meet Mayor Charlotte Whitton as she inspects modern housing.
- •Find out how Alberta helps miners transition to new jobs.
Did You Know
•In winter, about one quarter of construction tradesmen are unemployed by February.
•Moore Town's three-bedroom homes rent for only $58 a month.
•Nordeg's population has decreased from 1,200 to only a handful of pensioners.
Perfect For
Construction industry professionalsHousing policy advocatesWorkers in the energy sector