Lumber theft has not been a problem in the North Okanagan. (Photo 217239420 © Ed8563 | Dreamstime.com)

By Kevin Rothwell

Prices increasing for construction and insurance

Lumber theft a problem in some areas but not North Okanagan

May 19, 2021 | 4:00 PM

Several police agencies across Canada have issued warnings about building materials theft, but local contractors are keeping things locked up.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) issued a media release following several thefts, including the removal of plywood worth an estimated $10,000.

Fortunately, local construction companies have been diligent about keeping supplies locked up and construction properties secure.

“Obviously, with the increased price of lumber, I would advise that it could potentially become a valuable target for thieves, but nothing has been brought to our attention that would indicate this is an issue here in the North Okanagan,” Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP Media Relations Officer, Constable Chris Terleski told Vernon Matters.

The price of lumber has hit new highs driven by low supply and high demand as North Americans poured money into renovations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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New homes of all types are also in high demand, putting further upward pressure on prices of both structural and panel lumber. Local home supply stores have started placing purchase limits on certain lumber products.

Dimensional lumber price report (photo credit: Natural Resources Canada)

“Of course, we do occasionally receive reports of thefts from construction sites and encourage builders, contractors, and tradespersons to secure these sites, their equipment, and supplies the best they can to prevent these thefts,” Terleski added.

The VPD media release recommended some of the following steps to

Plan ahead, and don’t have more building materials on your site than you will need for that work day.
Time material deliveries. Don’t place an order for a Friday afternoon if there is no work happening on the weekend.
Consider securing extra materials on an upper floor of the building under construction, or place a heavy object like the forks of a forklift on top so thieves can’t easily access them.

The price of lumber is having a ripple effect on the prices of new homes, and insuring existing structures.

One local insurer told Vernon Matters that double digit percentage increases in insurance premiums are directly related to a ‘builders grade construction cost’ of $275 per square foot.

by Kevin Rothwell

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