A self-regulatory council formed in Dec. 2008, the Canada BIM Council says it will be a strong advocate for building information modeling advocacy and provide resources and standards for the country's construction and design industry. The council will be funded wholly by membership revenues.

According to documents, the Council will support business, professionals, educators, purchasers of construction and related services in navigating and applying best practices when deploying BIM.

Heading the management team are BIM architects Allan Partridge and Paul Loreto, Tom Strong of EllisDon, Albert Celli of Halsall Associates, Mark Casaletto of Reed Construction Data and Derek Smith of the London & District Construction Association.

Smith is the council’s interim administrator, and he has sent a letter to nearly 60 associations across Canada seeking their endorsement and support as founding industry partners.

Until May 31, the membership fee for founding industry partners is $630 for the remainder of 2009 and all of 2010. Associations, educational institutions and government agencies qualify for this special rate.

According to Smith, the council will provide a “content-rich” website, suite of member services and framework for model certification standards by fall 2009.

Once the council is self-sufficient financially, an executive director and supporting staff are expected to be hired.

The council’s web site address iswww.canbim.com. E-mail inquiries can be sent toadmin@canbim.com.