Implementation guide

The Canadian Construction Documents Committee (CCDC) replaced the CCA 5 Construction Management Agreement with CCDC 5A and CCDC 5B in November 2010. Whereas the former CCA 5 did not clearly distinguish between the Construction Manager’s (CM) consulting services and construction services, the new CCDC 5A and CCDC 5B documents define two distinct service types.

The key differences between CCDC 5A and CCDC 5B relate to the roles of the CM and the owner, as well as the nature of the services the CM provides.

CCDC 5A

A CCDC 5A Construction Management Contract is used in the Canadian construction industry for projects managed by a CM. It is typically used when an owner wants to work closely with a construction manager to complete a project. The CCDC 5A contract reflects recommended industry practices and can have important consequences. It is a standard contract between the owner and construction manager for services performed by trade contractors.

The CM acts as an agent of the owner, providing advisory services and overseeing trade contractors hired directly by the owner. The CM's risk is limited to the quality of their services. The owner pays the CM a fee plus the direct and indirect costs of the project. The CCDC 5A format is known as the "owner at risk" format.

A CCDC 5A Construction Management Contract is used in the Canadian construction industry for projects managed by a CM. It is typically selected when an owner wants a collaborative relationship with a CM throughout the project. CCDC 5A reflects recommended industry practices and establishes a standard agreement between the owner and the CM for managing services performed by trade contractors.

Under this contract, the CM acts as the owner’s agent, providing advisory services and overseeing trade contractors who are hired directly by the owner. The CM’s risk is limited to the quality and performance of their services. The owner pays the CM a fee in addition to the project’s direct and indirect costs. This contract format is commonly referred to as the owner‑at‑risk model.

CCDC 5B

The CCDC 5B Construction Management Contract for Services and Construction became available in late 2010 after a number of years of development by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee and replaces the older Canadian Construction Association Document, CCA 5, 1988.

The main difference between the CCDC 5A and CCDC 5B contracts is that CCDC 5A is used for construction management services only, while CCDC 5B is used for both construction management services and the performance of the required work during the construction phase. CCDC 5A is a more traditional CM Agreement, while CCDC 5B is a CM at risk agreement.

The CM provides construction management services and performs the work with their own personnel and subcontractors. The CM also provides advisory services during preconstruction and post-construction services. The CCDC 5B format is known as the "construction manager at risk" format.

The CCDC 5B contract includes two options for the CM's fees, which can be executed at the time of signing or later during the project. These options are the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and the Guaranteed Maximum Price plus % cost savings.

Upgrade Sage 50 Canada

  1. Ensure that both Sage 50 Canada and AccountingLink are closed.

  2. Upgrade Sage 50 Canada, noting the year and patch release.

  3. Reboot the computer.

  4. Open Sage 50 Canada.

  5. Upgrade the company file/database when prompted.

  6. Record the full path and file name of the Sage 50 data file.

    This information is required for AccountingLink to establish a connection.

  7. Close Sage 50 Canada.

Uninstall the previous version of AccountingLink for Sage 50 Canada

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Download the new version of AccountingLink for Sage 50 Canada

  1. Download the AccountingLink for one of the following versions:

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Update the Sage 50 Canada connection in the AccountingLink

  1. Open the AccountingLink for Sage 50 Canada.
  2. Enter the login information for Sage Construction Management, including the company ID, user name, and password.
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  3. Select a connection from the dropdown.
  4. Click Connect.
  5. Select Sync Preferences.
  6. Update the Sage 50 Canada file/database information.
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  1. Ensure all users are logged out of Sage 50 Canada.

  2. Launch Sage 50 Canada in single‑user mode and log in as the system administrator.

  3. Go to File > Remote Data Access > Stop Sharing.

  4. When prompted, log in again as the system administrator and select Open data in single‑user mode.

  5. Log out of Sage 50 Canada.

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  8. Go to File > Remote Data Access > Share Company.

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  10. Select Share, then follow the on‑screen prompts to re‑share your company using Remote Data Access (RDA).

  11. Select File > Switch to Multi‑User Mode.

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Posted February 05, 2026 © 2026 The Sage Group plc or its affiliates ("Sage") or its licensors. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Use of non-Sage trademarks is not an endorsement of any person or product.