DC17 in the Community
From job sites to local communities, DC17 members show up. We’re proud to give back, support local initiatives, and play a role in building stronger communities across our region.
Making a Difference
One Member, One Project,
One Community at a Time
DC17 Organizing Bootcamp
DC 17 was excited to host it’s inaugural Organizing Bootcamp at our L177 in January. We had attendees from across the prairie provinces coming together to help build our future.
Kids Kottage Partnership
Local 177 partnered with Kids Kottage, a children’s crisis support center, to help create brighter, more welcoming spaces for kids in need. Our team repainted the intake room and children’s bedrooms, added uplifting murals, and also refreshed their sensory room.
Interval House Partnership
Local 739 partnered with Interval House, a shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence, to complete a full paint refresh of their playroom. The project helped create a brighter, more welcoming space for children and families during a difficult time, showcasing the power of community care and solidarity.
Tsuu'tina First Nation / TEPF Partnership
DC17 was proud to partner with Tsuu’tina Nation and The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) for a Painting and Decorating Initiative in Calgary. The program gave students valuable hands-on painting experience while introducing them to career opportunities in the trade.
Led with enthusiasm by Union member and instructor Mick Leftley, the initiative highlighted the importance of education and partnership in opening pathways to the painting and decorating industry.
Women Building Futures Volunteer Outreach
Our partnership with Women Building Futures brought energy, teamwork, and purpose into action. DC17 instructors and apprentices worked side by side with students to refresh the WBF facility, while also giving students their first hands-on look at the painting and decorating trade.
More than just a paint project, this outreach was about mentorship, learning, and showing how skilled trades can open doors to new opportunities.
Shauntelle Hollett Leads Women-in-Trades Panel at BTA Conference
At the Building Trades of Alberta Conference, DC17 BM/ST Shauntelle Hollett led a panel tackling the ongoing challenges faced by women in the trades. From jobsite culture and mentorship gaps to limited pathways into leadership, the discussion highlighted the barriers that still exist—while also recognizing the strides already being made.
Alberta Level 1 Apprentices Shine
Our Alberta Level 1 Painting & Decorating apprentices did a fantastic job during their time with us! Their hard work, enthusiasm, and growing skills truly stood out. We can’t wait to see how these talented individuals continue to build their careers and make their mark in the trade. The future is looking bright!
Sparking Interest at Saskatchewan Steel Days
We had an amazing time showcasing our craft at Saskatchewan Steel Days, alongside some of our incredible signatory contractors! Visitors got hands-on with our Sim Spray, trying their skills and experiencing what it’s like to work in the finishing trades.
Events like this are a wonderful way to inspire future painters, decorators, and tradespeople, while highlighting the strong partnerships that make our industry thrive. We’re proud to keep spreading the word about the rewarding careers our trade has to offer!
Regina Members Show Up Big
It can be a challenge to bring members together in areas without a dedicated Hall, but our Regina members never miss a beat!
Our latest Member Appreciation Pizza Night brought out 40+ members and families, filling the room with great conversation, laughter, and Union pride.
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We’re so grateful for the strong community being built in Regina and can’t wait for many more get-togethers ahead!
Supporting the Next Generation: Congratulations, Matthew!
We’re proud to share TEPF’s announcement celebrating Matthew, who completed the Trades Careers – High School (Finishing Trades) program in Winter 2025 and is now beginning his Period 1 Painter Decorator Apprenticeship.
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Matthew is the first-ever recipient of the new IUPAT DC17 Apprenticeship Scholarship (valued at $1,249), created to support outstanding TEPF graduates entering training at the Prairie Finishing Trades Institute. We are honoured to help remove barriers and open doors for future tradespeople.
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Strengthening Our Service: DC17 Completes Second Round of Servicing Training
DC17 leadership and our Servicing team have successfully completed their second round of intensive three-day training, focused on strengthening the ways we support our membership.
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This training is part of our ongoing commitment to building strong, informed, and effective representatives who can better advocate for members on the job, in the community, and across our industries. By investing in continuous learning and skill development, we ensure that our team is equipped to provide the highest standard of service to the membership we proudly represent.
DC17 on the Move: Edmonton Hall Relocating to a New Home
Big things are happening at DC17 - our Edmonton Hall is officially on the move! We’re excited to open the doors to our new space and celebrate this milestone with members at our upcoming Christmas Party.
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This new building represents more than just a fresh location. It creates room for a significant expansion of our training department, allowing us to offer more programs, more hands-on opportunities, and more pathways for members to grow in their trades.
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We look forward to welcoming you into this new chapter and sharing the space that will support and strengthen our membership for years to come.
Local 177 Showcases Finishing Trades at Calgary TEPF Career Fair
Instructor Mick Leftley and Representatives Jason Stewart and Ahmed Sati attended the TEPF Career Fair in Calgary to introduce junior high and high school students to the opportunities within our finishing trades. The interactive SimSpray was, as always, a major attraction - drawing nearly 500 attendees to our booth and sparking conversations about future careers in the industry.
A Prairie-Wide Comeback for DC17 Christmas Parties
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DC17 proudly brought back our Christmas Parties in a big way for 2025 and beyond, with all Halls open and welcoming members for a celebratory return to tradition. Nearly 30% of our membership joined in across the Prairies. The celebrations were held in conjunction with the launch of our Annual General Meeting, which saw even greater participation both in person and online.
In Saskatoon, members and their families were treated to a special visitor who helped make the event unforgettable for our youngest attendees.