Canadian expertise in water and wastewater technology, metal fabrication and hi-tech modular building systems will be on show at Canada's national pavilion at the Big 5.

The pavilion, being organised by the Canadian Consulate in Dubai, will feature a total of four companies which are specialised in these fields, says the consulate's commercial officer Sanam Shahani.

"The Canadian construction industry is world renowned and has developed a solid reputation for efficiency, innovation and cost leadership," he says. "Canadian research organisations, in both the residential as well as non-residential sectors of the construction industry, have acquired a global reputation particularly in areas such as environment-friendly and energy-efficient construction. Overall, the Canadian construction industry is considered to be fairly efficient by world standards. Canadian construction companies have come to rely on employing modern construction equipment and techniques with a focus on speed and efficiency."

The UAE is Canada's fourth largest trading partner in North Africa/Middle East, and second in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia. In 2001, Canadian merchandise exports totalled $206 million, a 20 per cent increase in the last five years. This does not account for the booming trade in the services sector in which Canada holds significant market share, particularly in construction, oil and gas, and education/training.

Canada's principal merchandise exports to the UAE are machinery and mechanical appliances, agricultural products, building products, and which are also destined for re-export markets.

"The Canadian Consulate will have a national pavilion at this important event for the second consecutive year," says Shahani. "The pavilion will focus this year on solutions for the building industry and water technology. Our exhibits will feature efficient systems for disinfection and treatment of water and wastewater such as domestic household, school, municipal sewage, food processing and landfills which will help to lower municipality operating costs substantially; new and innovative building systems, which are highly durable, virtually maintenance-free, all weather resistant and environmentally friendly. Also featured will be all types of structural and architectural metalworks for the residential and commercial industry.

The participating firms are Trojan Technologies, Waterloo Biofilter Systems, V N Custom Metal and Royal Building Technologies

Trojan Technologies is a world leader in ultraviolet disinfection systems for water and wastewater. Trojan says it has the largest installed base of UV (ultra-violet) disinfection systems operating around the world including in the Gulf. Highly-trained staff and factory representatives in 80 countries offer tailored solutions to municipalities and other end-users for their disinfection requirements.

Waterloo Biofilter Systems manufactures and markets Waterloo biofilter and related products. This technology is an efficient aerobic trickle filter for treating wastewater from domestic households, schools, municipal sewage, food processing and landfill leachate.

Treatment in the Biofilter is independent of soil and drainage conditions and therefore said to be ideal for difficult sites with heavy clay soils, bedrock, high water table, or small lot size. Recirculation of a portion of the Biofilter effluent back to the septic tank can be implemented to reduce nitrogen levels up to 50 per cent, according to the company.

The biofilter is said to be well suited to communal applications including rural subdivisions, resorts and campgrounds. At landfills, the Biofilter degrades leachate organics, ammonium, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and hydrocarbons, and most metals by microbially-mediated oxidation and mineralisation. Onsite disposal of the treated effluent is successful and cost-effective, the company adds.

V N Custom Metal is located in Concord, Ontario, Canada. Its product line includes custom seating/specialty furniture, display/exhibit fixtures, crowd/security control barriers, fence/railings, awning/canopy, infrastructure and architectural metalwork. The company is capable of fabricating with steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and copper. Complementary base materials used include glass, plastics, rubber, wood vinyl, marble and various composites. Its design staff is experienced in detailing existing designs into component format, thus minimising size/distance problems. The company exports to the North American and European markets and is interested in expanding its activities to the Gulf and Middle East.

Royal Building Technologies manufactures a hi-tech building system called the Royal Building System for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and agricultural industries. It manufactures and markets its unique, polymer-based, modular building system and the company says it has received global recognition for its approach in providing innovative solutions to the construction industry. With over 250 components in total, including wall, floor, window and door frames, roof and trim accessories, the system has the versatility to accommodate a wide range of building applications. The wall cavities are then filled with concrete for added structural integrity.