September/October 2015 | Home Builder Magazine Canada by Work4 Projects Ltd.

VOL.28 NO. 5

September 2015

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

Annual Renovation Issue Renovating the Renovator Brand Tools That Communicate Innovations in Tile Substrate Designing for Density Canada’s First Net Zero Energy Sixplex

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contents

CHBA Report 24 25

President’s Message CEO’s Update

Columns 9 Economics 10 Building Science 12 Common Cents Construction 26 Tool Talk

Economic impact research continues to drive key industry messages.

2015 promises to be an eventful year for Quebec’s residential sector.

ECONOMICS

BUILDING SCIENCE: Building Better Basements

COVER Jean-François Voyer at the company head office in Laval, Quebec. Page 14. Photo by Nachmi Artzy

RENOVATING THE RENOVATOR BRAND An interview with CHBA’s first Director, Renovator Services, Gary Sharp.

Departments 6 News 8 Association 28 Product Announcements 29 Renovation 30 Industry News 30 Advertisers Index 30 Calendar

MARKET REPORT: Quebec

The Evolution of Tile Substrate Innovations Fromm 1987 to present day: a look at the technological innovation and competition in electrical heat under tiled floors.

Builders and renovators are very aware of the problems that can result from finishing a basement too soon after construction: Doug Tarry, an innovative builder and owner of Doug Tarry Custom Homes Ltd. in St. Thomas, Ont., offers a solution.

Consider these tax implications first.

Smaller lots can balance liveability with sustainability.

COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION: Buying & Selling Real Estate?

LAND DEVELOPMENT PART II: Designing for Density

TOOL TALK: Talking Tools

NEXT ISSUE

Home BUILDER Magazine is published by Work-4 Projects Ltd. six times a year. Editorial/Advertising: 4819 St. Charles Boulevard, Pierrefonds, Quebec, Canada, H9H 3C7. Tel.: 514-620-2200, E-mail: homebuilder@work4.ca. Entire contents copyright September 2015 by Work-4 Projects Ltd. Reprints only by written permission. Opinions expressed are those of the authors or persons quoted and not necessarily those of the publisher or any other organization. The occasional appearance of photographs depicting safety violation does not represent an endorsement of the practice by the publisher or any other organization. Subscription rates in Canada: $36* a year, $60* for two years, $80* for three years. U.S. and foreign subscriptions payable in U.S. funds only. ISSN No. 0840-4348. Legal deposit — The National Library of Canada and Bibliothèque et Archives Nationales du Québec, 2007. Canada Post Permit #0295647. *Plus applicable taxes. GST/HST registration #R105741383 • Date of mailing: September 2015

Talking with our tools is already here, and more is coming.

BUILDER PROFILE: Construction Voyer, Quebec Canada’s first Net Zero Energy sixplex.

November/December

The News, The Facts The Stories...

Industry Leaders Speak / Technology & Trends A selection of the latest opinions and advice to our readers—direct from top builders, contractors, renovators, designers, manufacturers, retailers, and industry professionals. Integrating technology and communications into home design and decor, plus energy efficient trends, programs and solutions.

28 th

YEAR

To book your premium ad space, call homeBUILDERcanada.com 514-620-2200 or e-mail sales@work4.ca

Home BUILDER September/October 2015

NEWS

CIBC Poll: Canadians Expect to be Debt Free by Age 56 TORONTO — A recent poll by CIBC finds that, on average, Canadians

The poll found that over half of Canadians aged 65-plus say they still

expect to be debt free by the time they are 56 years old, although some

carry some form of debt today, with credit card debt and lines of credit as

Canadians see themselves carrying debt well into their sixties. In addi-

the most common types. This group also said they didn't expect to have

tion, nearly a third (29%) say they have no debt while 13% say they will

their debts paid off until they are 70 years old on average. Canadians 25-34 years of age have ambi-

never be debt free. Highlights of the poll include:

tious plans for debt repayment. This age group

56 is the average age Canadians expect to be debt free

on average expects to be debt free by age 47.

21% say they will be stuck with debt until they are over 65 years old

However, a closer look at those currently carry-

29% say they are completely free of debt today

ing debt suggests this may be an optimistic goal,

13% say they will never be debt free

as more than 68% of Canadians 45 and over still carry debt, including 31% who still carry a mortgage.

RBC Housing Affordability Reports

Of all Canadians with debt, 32% say they have made sacrifices or cut

Compiled since 1985, the RBC Housing Affordability Measure is based

spending to better manage their debt this year and 25% say they have

on the costs of owning a detached bungalow (a reasonable property

made at least one lump sum payment towards their debt on top of regular

benchmark for the housing market in Canada) at market value. Alterna-

payments. This aligns with a CIBC poll conducted last December, which

tive housing types are also presented, including a standard two-storey

found that paying down debt was the top priority for 2015.

home and a standard condominium apartment. The higher the reading, the less affordable is a home to a particular family. For example, a reading of 32% means that homeownership costs, including mortgage payments, utilities and property taxes, would take up 32% of a typical household’s monthly pre-tax income. Find the reports at www.rbc.com/newsroom/ reports/rbc-housing-affordability.html.

CMHC Releases Quarterly HPAA Results OTTAWA — Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released updated results from its House Price Analysis and Assessment (HPAA) framework, which is designed to detect the presence of problematic conditions in Canadian housing markets. The overall assessment of risk detected by the framework is high for Toronto, Winnipeg and Regina. In Toronto, the high overall risk reflects a combination of price acceleration and overvaluation. The high level of risk in Winnipeg reflects risks of overvaluation and overbuilding, while in Regina it reflects price acceleration, overvaluation and overbuilding, particularly of condominium apartments. The risk of problematic market conditions continues to be assessed as moderate for Montreal and Quebec due to the detection of some risk of overvaluation. The full text of the latest HPAA update is available in the August supplement of Housing Now – Canada Edition at www.cmhc.ca/HPAA. The next HPAA report is expected to be released in October.

Source: RBC HOUSING TRENDS AND AFFORDABILITY, August 2015

The Magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vol. 28 No. 5 September/October 2015 Publisher Nachmi Artzy pub@work4.ca

A W O R K - 4 P R O J E C T S LT D . P U B L I C AT I O N

Contributors: Jon Eakes Andre Fautex Rick Harrison Jean-Sebastian Lapointe Bo Mocherniak Peter Norman Gary Sharp Doug Tarry

Production Manager Kelvin Chan production@ homebuildercanada.com Sales Coordinator Polly Ma coordinator@work4.ca Accounting Patricia Fleurent accounting@work4.ca Circulation Manager mail@work4.ca

Editor Judy Penz Sheluk editor@work4.ca Published by Work-4 Projects Ltd. Advertising/Editorial: 4819 St. Charles Blvd. Pierrefonds, Quebec Canada, H9H 3C7 Phone: 514-620-2200 www.homebuildercanada.com Source: CMHC’s House Price Analysis and Assessment (HPAA)

Home BUILDER September/October 2015

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association

Committee Pleased with New CHBA Housing Awards Program After a year of hard work, Miles Kohan, Chair of CHBA’s National Marketing Committee, reports that the group is pleased with CHBA’s new National Awards for Housing Excellence program. What began as a review of the longstanding and very successful CHBA National SAM Awards evolved into a complete reworking of the Association’s national housing awards. The process began with discussion of the need to

Miles Kohan

update the program’s name, which dates from the late 1970s and stood

1/2 page ad

for “Sales and Marketing Awards”— sales awards that ended many years ago—and with today’s program putting great emphasis on new home, renovation and community design. In Kohan’s view, the results certainly justify the effort involved by both the committee and CHBA staff. “The new program better aligns the national awards with the expectations of the consumer,” said Kohan. “This has the dual benefit of being a more useful tool for home buyers, and delivering award recipients greater traction in marketing their homes in the future.” The total number of awards included in the new program for 2016 increases to 33 from the previous 22 National SAM awards. More information is available in the President’s Message on page 24.

WE WORRY ABOUT SECURITY SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON THE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE

Lethbridge College and CHBA - Lethbridge Region College Home Partnership

There is a reason why we take security seriously. Our name is on your door and it protects everyone behind it. Weiser’s SmartKey™ technology enables homeowners to reset their security by re-keying their locks anytime; quickly, easily and securely. SmartKey features our patented BumpGuard™ technology for superior protection against lock bumping and picking, as well as being Grade 1 certified by the BHMA

(L – R): Ken Harvie (CHBA President), Kristen DeMone (GM Signature Homes Ltd.), Murray Dueck (GM Daytona Homes Lethbridge), Paula Burns (President, Lethbridge College), Chris Spearman (Lethbridge Mayor).

to withstand the kinds of attacks typically associated with forced entries.

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Lethbridge Region and Lethbridge College celebrated the start of the third year of The College Home partnership in a ground-breaking ceremony in July. Along with local builders Daytona Homes Lethbridge

You can’t control everything in life, but if you want to control who comes through your door, trust Weiser.

and Signature Homes Ltd., the partners broke ground on the next two houses to be built by CHBA builder members, suppliers, and tradespeople www.weiserlock.com

to benefit the new trades and technologies facility at Lethbridge College. The first phase of the new facility opened for students in late August. Both homes will be unveiled at the CHBA’s Parade of Homes in Lethbridge, which runs Sept. 12 to 27.

Home BUILDER September/October 2015

economics

Economic Impact Research Continues to Drive Key Industry Messages

By Peter Norman

It’s election season in Canada, and politicians love

building amenities or partner institutions within their

to talk and hear about economic impact. Read or hear

developments. I’ve measured the economic impact of

anything, for example, about “megaprojects”—public

the inclusion of an art museum and a jazz concert hall

or private—and you probably learn first and foremost

in different high-rise residential projects, both of which

about the number of jobs and income that the project is

were shown to increase the economic and community

expected to generate. Economic impact is a big selling

benefits of the respective developments.

point for megaproject, but it’s also just as important for all sorts of economic activities. Think of the housing industry. An individual new

of Arts” project in Toronto, and found that the innovative

home might not seem like much of a dent on the economy

arts incubator project could generate almost 3,800 net

of Canada, but when taken together the nearly 200,000

new jobs (person years of employment) and $677 million

new housing starts, half a million resale transactions

in economic activity from its first 10 years of operation.

and countless renovation projects each year generates quite a punch. There are all sorts of ways that housing investment

The new home building industry is responsible for supporting some 515,000 jobs in Canada.

In addition, I recently measured the inclusion of the proposed Artscape Launchpad concept in Daniels “City

Renovation Continues to Be a Top Performer in Terms of Job Creation

has a significant impact on the economy. Consider these

Residential renovation is now Canada’s largest struc-

findings from recent Altus Group research undertaken

tures construction investment component. Our work for

for various clients.

CREA found that new home buyers spent about $9,100

New Housing Construction Generates Jobs

dollars in the first three years of ownership on renovations over and above the typical amount spent by home-

Last year some 190,000 net new housing units were

owners, which in 2014 was about $5,000 per household

started, and investment in new housing construction

per year. Taken all together, the nearly $70 billion in

totaled some $45 billion dollars. New housing construc-

residential renovation spending per year in this country

tion has an obvious “direct” impact on the economy:

supports some 800,000 jobs through the three “rounds”

Just look at the workers, concrete mix trucks, stockpiles

of economic impact.

of fabricated wood products, crane operators, and all

There has been a lot of talk lately about the economic

manner of activity going on at construction sites all over

slowdown in Canada, at least through the first half of

this country.

2015, related to a slowdown in the oil and gas sector.

I undertook a comprehensive survey of economic

But the housing sector remains, on balance, very buoy-

impact for the CMHC a few years ago and found that, on

ant, with resales in the first half of the year up about 6.5%

a per housing start basis, close to 2.7 jobs were created

from the same period in 2014, housing starts about on par

when considering the three “rounds” of impact: direct,

with last year, and renovation spending up an estimated

indirect and induced. Based on average construction in

3.1%. So that makes the housing industry—with all its

the past five years, the new home building industry is

spin-off economic benefits—a key driver of economic

responsible for supporting some 515,000 jobs in Canada.

growth in this country.

Moreover, these jobs are across a wide array of sectors:

So if you are part of that industry be proud, and don’t

about half in construction, but the industry also supports

be afraid to remind your politicians about just how impor-

jobs in manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation,

tant your “megaproject” is to the Canadian economy! C

professional services and a wide array of other sectors.

Resale Housing Spending Spin-offs Earlier this year, Altus Group undertook important research for the Canadian Real Estate Association tracking the many ties between resale housing transactions through the MLS system and the broader economy. Some $23.7 billion per year of ancillary spending is generated Peter Norman is a member of the CHBA Economic Research Committee and is Chief Economist at Altus Group (formerly Clayton Research), the leading provider of independent real estate consulting and advisory services.

as a result of purchases and sales of homes through the MLS system annually, and an estimated 171,650 jobs per year are also supported by this activity.

Strategic Community Building Partnerships Sometimes home builders create economic opportunity by the inclusion of innovative and community

Home BUILDER September/October 2015

BUILDING SCIENCE

Building Better Basements Builders and renovators are very aware of the problems that can result from finishing a basement too soon after construction, and in the past often suggested that homeowners wait at least 18 months before doing so, to

By Doug Tarry

now-liquid water then runs down the polyethylene or it is absorbed by the batt insulation.

A Solution

give the walls time to “dry out.” While this advice often

While several solutions to this problem exist, not all

worked, with today’s building codes and the desire of

are Code compliant despite a solid basis in building sci-

our customers to move into a fully completed home, an

ence. Our Code compliant solution is as follows:

18-month wait is not a practical solution.

Start with damp-proofing and a mechanical drainage layer on the exterior of the foundation wall below

The Problem

grade to ensure no water is being held against the

The problem is moisture condensing on the insulated side of the polyethylene to the point where the insulation becomes saturated, water runs out onto the basement floor and mould grows inside the wall. This leads to the secondary problem of having unhappy customers and

wall. Add a membrane between the footing and the wall to prevent water wicking. Use the concrete wall as the air barrier, rather than poly. Add full-height rigid insulation, tight to the concrete

complaints. This situation does not happen

wall on the inside using a material which allows

with all basement walls, and the

water vapour migration (in our case this is ROXUL

conditions that seem to be common

ComfortBoard IS which is both vapour permeable and

where problem occur are: Full-height batt, or bag wrap insulation in a stand-off wall.

water repellent). Construct an insulated, full-height stand-off wall against the ridged insulation layer.

Full-height polyethylene on the

Add a “smart” vapour barrier membrane and elimi-

interior side of the stand-off

nate the polyethylene (we use Smart MemBrain to

wall.

replace 6ml poly). This smart membrane is also an

East, south or west facing walls (walls that are in the sun). Summertime (warmer outside than inside).

air barrier. This prevents the same moisture problem in reverse during the winter time when harder to spot because you don’t see condensation on the poly. It only starts to show up when it leaks onto the floor.

New construction (0-18 months old).

Doug Tarry points to the batt insulation used in the standoff wall. Behind Doug, the rigid insulation installed full height against the concrete wall and behind the studs is visible prior to the batt insulation being installed.

Doug Tarry is an innovative builder and owner of Doug Tarry Custom Homes Ltd. in St. Thomas, Ont., and well known in the industry for his keen interest in all things technical. Doug was awarded CHBA’s prestigious William M. McCance Award for his contributions in the technical area.

Poured concrete walls (not ICF).

The Building Science What do we know? The construction is new, so the concrete and the wood studs have a lot of water in them. Concrete wicks water very well. Below grade, the wall cannot dry to the outside, due to damp-proofing, drainage membrane and soil. The wall also cannot dry to the inside, due to the poly layer. The only area where drying can occur is above grade and to the outside. Water vapour moves from areas of high concentration to low concentration. What is happening? Moisture moves from wet to dry, and heat moves from warm to cold, so outside to inside during the summer when the sun heats the concrete. When moisture is pushed out of the concrete as water vapour and migrates towards a cooler space of the basement interior it is trapped on a cool surface of the poly and condenses. This

10 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

The “smart” membrane has a CCMC Evaluation, making it acceptable for use under the prescribed conditions. The material changes its vapour permeance depending on the conditions. When the vapour pressure is high (summer), the material becomes more permeable, allowing the moisture to dry to the inside and into the basement. When the vapour pressure is low (winter) the material becomes less permeable, preventing moisture from passing through it. The result has been dry basement walls, happy customers and the satisfactory solution of a problem that has become all too common since full-height basement insulation (with poly) was first used. Most importantly, we have not had a basement call back since we started using this system.

Editor’s Note: Thanks to the ongoing work of Doug Tarry, George Brown College and the University of Waterloo on this technical issue, the CHBA has submitted five Code Change Requests to the NRC to make Doug’s and other sound technical options available under the National Building Code. If adopted, these Code changes will provide builders with more robust options for providing fullheight basement insulation with few moisture-related problems.

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COMMON CENTS CONSTRUCTION

Buying and Selling Real Estate? Consider These tax Implications First. When contemplating a purchase or sale of real estate in Canada, taxation is a common concern for both residents and non-residents alike. Whether the profit from the eventual sale of a property will be taxed as a capital gain or as business income can have a significant impact By Bo Mocherniak (above) & Jeanne Cheng

on the decision to buy or sell.

real estate?

Get It Right (the First Time) The CRA is devoting significant audit resources to this area of taxation. Many taxpayers, particularly those

forward issue. But as any real estate investor can attest,

who have bought and sold condominium units and town-

deciphering between the two is often a complex pro-

houses, are being targeted by the CRA—even if they have

cess—and the results can be subject to varying levels

no prior history of buying or selling properties. In many

of risk.

of these situations, the CRA is not only re-characterizing the gains as business income, but it’s even adding hefty penalties to the final tax bill.

Many real estate investors assume that their profits

Similarly, the CRA is on the lookout for builders who

from the sale of real estate will be taxed as a capital gain—

are claiming principal residence exemptions on homes

which is perceived as the lesser of the two evils. This is

they build for themselves then sell. Historically, such

because capital gains taxed in Canada are given prefer-

sales have not been reported since the capital gain on the

ential tax treatment, with only 50 percent of the gain on

sale is considered to qualify for the principal residence

sale subject to taxation. If the capital gain is incurred by

capital gains exemption. The CRA is starting to chal-

a corporation, the other 50 percent of the gain is added

lenge this—particularly in situations where builders have

to a corporation’s capital dividend account, which can be

claimed the principal residence exemption on multiple

paid out tax-free to its shareholders.

properties. If the CRA is successful, the gain on the sale

On the other hand, if the profit on sale is taxed as

will be fully taxable as income.

business income, 100 percent of the gain is subject to

For this reason, it’s important to analyze the tax

tax, which typically results in a much higher tax liability,

implications and associated risks before purchasing or

reducing the ultimate return on investment. In addition,

selling real estate in Canada. If, however, you find you are

if the real estate was sold by a corporation, the after-tax

already at the stage where the CRA is auditing you—or,

funds would likely be extracted by way of a taxable divi-

even worse, has already reassessed you—give your tax

dend, adding another layer of tax.

advisor a call. Not only can they help you get through the

The CRA Definition Although most investors would prefer to have the gain on sale taxed as a capital gain, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may assess it differently. The CRA uses a number of different factors to determine whether a gain is on account of income or capital. The factor the CRA typically considers first involves the primary intent of the investor upon the purchase of the property. Was the investor hoping to generate a

Co-author Jeanne Cheng, CPA, CA, provides tax services to a wide variety of clients including real estate developers and builders, professionals, technology companies, foreign investors and private investment funds. Jeanne’s expertise includes the taxation of partnerships and trusts, succession and estate planning and tax considerations for real estate operations. She can be reached at jeanne.cheng@ ca.gt.com

Are there other persons who share an interest in the

On the surface, this seems like a relatively straight-

Capital Gains vs. Business Income

With over 30 years experience with audits, acquisitions, divestitures and valuations, Bo Mocherniak, CA, CBV, provides services to both public and private companies in Canada and the United States. Bo is National Sector Leader for the Real Estate and Construction Group of Grant Thornton Canada, a member of the Grant Thornton International Real Estate Sector Group and past Chair of Grant Thornton LLP. He can be reached at bo.mocherniak@ca.gt.com.

What factors motivated the sale of the real estate?

steady income by renting out the property on a long-term basis? Or was the taxpayer’s primary intent to purchase the property and resell it at a profit? Other important questions that the CRA might ask include: Is the investor in the business of buying and selling real estate at a profit? Was borrowed money used to finance the purchase and, if so, what were the terms of financing? What was the length of time that the real estate was held?

12 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

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builder profile

Canada’s First Net Zero Energy Sixplex By André Fauteux

Like father, like sons. In 1982, René Voyer built

ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative (ecoEII), with

Quebec’s first-ever R-2000 home. It’s thus only fitting

in-kind contributions.

that his sons Pascal and Jean-François are building Canada’s first Net Zero Energy (NZE) sixplex. When Construction Voyer, one of Que-

National NZE Demo

builders and suppliers sharing the balance with The project’s main sponsor, insulation manufacturer Owens Corning Canada (OCC), selected five leading builders to showcase 26 NZE homes across the country. The four others decided to build detached single-family homes in Halifax (Provident Developments), Ottawa

bec’s best-known builders, decided it was time

Construction Voyer has built some 7,000

(Minto Communities), Guelph (Reid’s Heritage

to offer homes fitted with grid-tied solar pho-

houses since 1973, no small feat in Quebec

Homes opened it September 11) and Calgary

tovoltaic (PV) panels producing more energy

where small builders are the norm, and the firm

(Mattamy Homes). Minto is also building four

annually than the homeowners will consume,

has won many awards of excellence in the pro-

NZE town houses.

it sent a strong signal in a province where

cess. Now owned by the two brothers, it was

OCC is supplying all of the houses as well

three out of four houses are heated with cheap

the only Quebec-based builder selected for

as its national partners: Canadian Solar (PV

and relatively green electricity from renewable

the national Net Zero Energy demonstration

modules), JELD-WEN (triple-glazed, Low-E

sources (essentially hydroelectric and a bit of

project. The three-year, $4.2 million project

and argon filled windows), Mitsubishi Elec-

wind power).

was launched in 2013 with $1.96 million fund-

tric (Zuba-Central heat pump) and Rheem

ing from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan)

(with its new Prestige hybrid heat pump hot

After building more than 500 houses certified Novoclimat (Quebec’s R-2000-inspired program), the Voyers have taken their leadership role to new heights. “Energy-efficient homes are part of our company’s DNA,” said construction engineer Jean-François Voyer, the firm’s Director of Development. “Our goal is to test the market to see if we can sell houses that are net-zero ready with off-the-shelf, cutting-edge technologies and prewiring to simplify future PV installation.”

14 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

water heater). As does the Zuba-Central, the

Most people just want comfort and a good investment, but that also means housing that’s energy efficient and healthy.

Rheem system produces up to three times more energy than it uses (an electric element meets peak demand) but, better yet, it actually provides free cooling while heating water. This is because it uses the indoor air’s heat generated by the heat pump, but its cooling effect won’t be a major penalty in winter: The water tank will not only store internal heat gains (given off by appliances, people and pets) but

also passive-solar energy which oth-

to train subtrades to tape or caulk

erwise could sometimes overheat the

the interior vapour barrier they often

super-insulated building.

puncture like Swiss cheese. “With

While green homes account for

this system, we always perform the

only 1.5% of consumer demand in

blower-door test before installing

Quebec (Écohabitation survey, 2014),

the fiberglass and vapour barrier,”

Construction Voyer is targeting the

said Ciarlo. “A vapour barrier paint

growing number of buyers seeking

can even be applied on the drywall.

sustainable homes. “Most people

Otherwise, the poly is left unsealed

just want comfort and a good invest-

to allow quick drying of the wall cav-

ment, but that also means housing

ity inward when it’s hot outside, as

that’s energy efficient and healthy,”

heat always drives moisture towards

said Jean-François Voyer. “It’s written

cooler spaces.”

in the stars that the Régie du bâti-

A $70 Annual Heating Bill

ment (Quebec’s building authority) will soon require ongoing energy effi-

By connecting two triplexes and

The most important goal is to build affordable homes that are easily and cost-effectively reproducible.

using the CodeBord System and high perfor-

batteries. PV production is marginal in Quebec,

cathedral ceilings. The wall cavities are filled

fact, lighting and appliances will represent 60%

as grid-tied systems cost about 21 cents per

with high density FIBERGLAS EcoTouch PINK

of energy consumption, the proportion heat-

kilowatt-hour compared to Hydro-Quebec’s

R-24 insulation. To counter thermal bridging

ing typically uses in a Code-built house. “The

low rates —5.6 ¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the

and air leaks, the framing’s exterior is wrapped

lighting and appliances will certainly be of the

first 30 kWh consumed daily and 8.6 ¢/kWh

with 3 inches (R-15) of extruded polystyrene

highest efficiency,” said Voyer. “But these have

for the balance. Since the utility has a huge

(XPS) using the CodeBord Air Barrier System.

not been fully specified yet as the home buyers

surplus of renewable power, it only credits self-

“It is comprised of our Foamular Codebord

will have options to choose from.”

generated power that customers store on its

XPS board with JointSealR compressible seal-

Construction Voyer’s biggest challenges so

grid, instead of buying it at an attractive price

ing gaskets on the perimeter of the envelope,

far arose working with local stakeholders. “It

as some utilities do.)

ciency training to keep a contractor’s license.” In addition, more affluent buyers are considering solar power: they want to reduce the environmental impact of centrally produced and distributed power, as well as a reliable and clean backup during outages. (The NZE homes will all be grid tied but nothing but limited space will prevent owners from adding

mance glazing, Construction Voyer shrank the building’s heating budget to peanuts: At about 850 kWh (or about $70) annually, it should only account for 10% of electricity use, according to a simulation performed with NRCan’s HOT2000 software based on standard operating conditions and occupancy assumptions. In

windows and doors, and all joints are sealed

was very difficult getting the design approved,”

“Our goal is to optimize concepts such as

with our JointSealR tape to create an airtight

said Voyer. “City of Laval officials had never

energy efficiency in order to develop a com-

and watertight seal,” explained OCC’s Techni-

seen PV panels on the roof of many houses

petitive advantage,” added Voyer. “The most

cal Services Director, Sal Ciarlo.

and were not comfortable with having some

important goal is to build affordable homes

Ciarlo trained Voyer’s crews on a few of its

installed on the north (street) side, so they will

that are easily and cost-effectively reproduc-

regular houses and he said they quickly mas-

all be on the southern roof and wall, as well as

ible. And it is clear that the market is increas-

tered the technique and loved its advantages.

a side wall. It also took many phone calls to find

ingly going to multiple-unit housing.”

The main one is being able to easily achieve

the right consultant and have all our questions

an R-2000-level airtightness (1.5 air change

answered on how to request permission to

per hour or less at 50 Pascals) without having

connect the PV array to Hydro-Quebec’s grid.”

The Laval Project The Voyers broke ground June 22 in the

In both cases, an important lesson was

Duvernay East neighbourhood of Laval, a few

learned, concluded Voyer: “We probably

minutes north of Montreal. Part of their 150-

should have engaged them really early...”

unit Val-des-Ruisseaux development, their

All in all, Jean-François Voyer is optimis-

NZE condos are slated for delivery by next

tic but realistic. His is a patient, baby-steps

March. The price of the 767 to 1,340 square-

approach: “If in the end people ask us, ‘How

foot units is not yet established.

much does a NZE home cost?’ I think that will

Besides 148 roof- and wall-mounted PV

mean we succeeded.”

panels expected to produce 48,800 kWh annually, their main feature is hidden: a high-

A daily view of the Voyer worksite can be

performance building envelope, with airtight

viewed

R-39 walls as well as R-48 and R-60 flat and

buildability/ocnetzero/workzonecam

here:

workzonecam.com/projects/

Home BUILDER September/October 2015

Market report

2015 Promises to Be an Eventful Year for Quebec’s Residential Sector Housing starts data confirms that, since 2013, residential construction in Quebec has entered a new era. Housing starts dipped from 47,367 in 2012 to 37,758 in 2013 (a 20% decline), and rose only slightly to By Georges Lambert, Economist, Economic and Public Affairs, APCHQ

Residential Construction in an Adjustment Phase

38,810 (less than 3%) in 2014. Housing starts in 2015 are not expected to reach 36,000 units, a 7% decline. credits, introduced in October 2013 and April

CEFQ made two proposals that could have a

2014 respectively, households could claim a

major impact on the housing sector, to which

The reasons for this are manifold. Changes

refundable tax credit of 20% on eligible work

the APCHQ has clearly stated its opposition.

to mortgage insurance brought in by the Cana-

conducted by a qualified contractor. The cred-

The CEFQ suggested the gradual abolition of

da Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

its, one aim of which was to stimulate the econ-

the tax refund granted to purchasers of new

in 2012—especially a shorter mortgage amorti-

omy, helped the renovation segment grow: it

homes and of the refund granted to owners of

zation (from 30 to 25 years)—have made things

doubled in 2014. When the tax relief measures

new residential rental properties. The CEFQ

more difficult for first-time home buyers. The

were announced, the APCHQ had predicted an

also proposes a review of non-taxation of the

North American economic slowdown, felt in

annual growth rate of 10% in 2014 and 2015,

capital gain on principal residences so as to

Quebec as well, hesitant job creation and fis-

contrasting with a 5% long-term growth. The

better frame its application.

cal tightening are not expected to foster robust

results of a survey conducted by the APCHQ in

recovery in new home construction. As for the

2014 revealed that nearly 30% of contractors

Home Building in Decline

saw their renovation sales increase by

Quebec faces an unavoidable demo-

anywhere from 5% and 20% as a result of

graphic trend: housing starts are in decline.

the LogiRénov tax credit.

Between 2006 and 2011, more than 43,000

Tax Reform on the Horizon?

housing were started. That has dropped to 40,000 per year for the years 2011 to 2016,

In June 2014, the Quebec government

and about 33,000 housing per year, on aver-

announced the creation of the Quebec

age, are expected to be started between 2016

Taxation Review Committee (known

and 2021.

by its French abbreviation CEFQ), tasked with recommending measures to enhance the efficiency, fairness and competitiveness of the province’s taxation system while ensuring funding for public services. The APCHQ had made interest-rate declines observed since January

four proposals to the CEFQ:

2015, they have so far primarily benefitted the

1. Index the price limits for calculation of Que-

resale market.

Renovation: A Vigorous Industry Segment Economic activity in the Quebec residential sector, which includes new construction, residential renovation, repairs and maintenance, and other expenses, amounted to $26 billion in

bec Sales Tax (TVQ) reimbursements for new homes; 2. Harmonize

the

TVQ

reimbursement

amounts and rates for rental properties with the rates applicable to owner-occupied housing; 3. Institute a permanent tax credit for residential renovation; and

2014. Residential renovation accounted for the

4. Limit the power of municipalities to estab-

biggest share at $12 billion (46% of the total),

lish and collect user fees of all kinds, espe-

while the value of new home construction

cially for funding of public facilities and

stood at $7.7 billion (30% of the total).

services.

Under the ÉcoRénov and LogiRénov tax

16 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

In its final report, issued in March 2015, the

APCHQ Advocacy The APCHQ, mindful of the contributions of the residential sector for job creation in Quebec as well as to individual and collective wealth, intends to remain vigilant. A housing policy with clear objectives would create the right conditions for the residential sector to operate efficiently to meet the needs of households and deliver quality housing units. To sum up, many challenges for the residential sector in Quebec remain.

About APCHQ Founded in 1961, the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ) is a private non-profit organization representing more than 17,000 companies grouped within 15 regional associations. In addition to offering its members a variety of products and services (such as training, technical and legal advice, licensing, and data management software), the APCHQ has been, since 1997, the largest manager of workplace safety prevention mutuals in the provincial construction industry. As the bargaining agent of the residential sector, it represents 14,500 employers.

GOODNIGHT, SAM For 37 years, CHBA’s National SAM Awards have recognized excellence in new homes, renovations and communities, and celebrated exceptional marketing achievements by our members and their teams. It’s been a great run – but it’s time for change. So “Goodnight SAM” and “Hello” to CHBA’s National Awards for Housing Excellence. There’s a lot more than just a new name! CHBA’s prestigious national housing awards have been updated, expanded and made easier for members to enter. This great awards program is now even better. • • • •

The name says it all – CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence means more recognition for finalists and winners. We’ve added 12 new awards categories to more accurately reflect today’s marketplace. Award criteria highlight design excellence and are better aligned with the HBA awards programs, and the new online entry process is simpler and easier to complete. The new national awards program is better aligned with other HBA award programs across the country, making it easier for members to compete at multiple levels.

The Call for Entries for the 2016 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence will be issued in late September. In the meantime check www.chba.ca/awards for details on new awards categories, criteria and entry requirements.

Renovator Services

Renovating the Renovator Brand An interview with CHBA’s first Director, Renovator Services, Gary Sharp

efforts in government relations over the past couple of years, our advocacy with government has already resulted in some recent wins specifically for renovators. In particular, the announcement in the last budget of the Home Accessibility Tax Credit, and the recent agreement with the federal government to support CHBA’s renewed Get it in Writing! campaign.

by Judy Penz Sheluk

This campaign will educate consumers about the risks associated with using “cash only” operators and help differentiate CHBA renova-

Recently, CHBA created a new position, that of Director, Renovator Services. The first individual to hold that position is Gary Sharp, an original

tors as professionals. In addition, the RenoMark program does a great job at distinguishing CHBA members

member of the CHBA Renovators’ Council and the son of a small town

as professionals, and CHBA is working with

general contractor. We managed to sit down with Gary and find out more

brand for identifying Association renovators

about this very important role, as well as CHBA’s vision for renovating the renovator brand, within the Association, and across the country.

BILD to strengthen RenoMark as the common across the country. I am also engaging with the local and provincial HBAs to provide them with assistance, including delivering Get It In Writing! workshops to their members, and to

Home BUILDER: Why has CHBA created your

CHBA renovators as the professionals they are,

see where I can help them build their renovator

new position?

and to communicate this brand to consumers.

membership.

Gary Sharp: The residential construction

The second was to support renovator members

industry is responsible for over $120 billion in

with the technical and business training they

HB: Do we need more Renovator members in

economic activity in Canada and $65 billion of

are looking for. And the third was to combat

CHBA?

that is now in renovation—renovation makes

the underground economy.

GS: Absolutely, given that renovation activity

a huge contribution to our industry. Having

now accounts for more than 50% of the total

a Director at the national office dedicated to

HB: Each one of those action items is a major

residential construction activity. While the

supporting renovators reflects CHBA’s com-

undertaking. How is CHBA going to do this?

renovators who are already CHBA members

mitment to renovators.

GS: Luckily, we have a lot of people working

represent the “cream of the crop” profession-

together to achieve these goals. For example,

ally, there are certainly many more who should

thanks to CHBA’s increased and extensive

be members. We see a real opportunity to grow

HB: In the big picture, what is your job? GS: CHBA’s Strategic Directions 2014 set out guiding principles for the Association. One aspect of this plan was to build the Association’s renovator membership base, ensuring that CHBA delivers services that renovators value. My efforts reflect this goal to help our Renovator members succeed and prosper. HB: What does that mean to the renovator in the field? GS: In 2014, our CHBA Canadian Renovators’ Council formed a Working Group to ask our renovator members what specifically they wanted us to do that would most help them. What we heard back was focused in two areas: help them increase their business success, and, help them increase their professionalism. The Working Group recommended that CHBA achieve these two goals by focusing on three areas. The first was to more effectively “brand”

18 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

Peter Briand, past chair of the Canadian Renovators’ Council (L) with Gary Sharp (R).

the Association’s renovator membership by

the recognition, the role within the Associa-

those decisions. CHBA is bringing results to

delivering greater and greater value to renova-

tion, and the support that they are seeking and

members that help their businesses succeed

tors. There are solid, experienced professional

deserve. We are building a strong brand for

every day, and with more and more member

renovators in every town across this country;

professional renovators. We are creating a

benefits coming online all the time, there has

they should all be members, because the Asso-

strong community and network of the best

never been a better time to join CHBA as a

ciation has a lot to offer them. Our Association exists because we can make a difference when we work together—the more members we have, the more each one benefits. That holds true for renovators just as much as it does for home builders, developers or any other members. CHBA’s advocacy efforts give a direct voice to our members, and those efforts are producing results. I encourage renovators to join their local HBA and take an active role.

renovator member.

Renovation activity now accounts for more that 50% of the total residential construction activity.

You can be part of setting the agenda for what

HB: And what about you? What is your renovation experience? GS: I grew up in small town Ontario and my father was a general contractor doing both new homes and renovations. I’ve worked in residential construction my whole career. I have renovated houses where we couldn’t find a straight line anywhere. I have seen buildings where my renovation tool of choice should

the CHBA “asks” of the government. But if you

renovators from coast to coast, and provid-

have been a D9 CAT. And sometimes I’ve got-

are not a member, you have no say.

ing them with effective tools and informa-

ten the opportunity to work on a house or a

tion to help them succeed. And uniquely, only

church that should be preserved forever. And I

HB: I have heard renovators say that CHBA is

CHBA offers renovator members a direct voice

know that most of the housing stock that will

focused on builder needs. What do you say to

into governments at the local, provincial and

exist in 50 years is already built—and waiting

them?

national levels. CHBA members don’t have

to be renovated. There is a huge opportunity

GS: I encourage those folks to have another

to wait and deal with whatever governments

for our professional renovators, and CHBA is

look. CHBA is working hard to give renovators

decide—they have a strong voice in informing

going to help them grab it.

Floor HEATING

n o i t u l o e t v a E r t e s h b T u S le ons i T f i o t a v o n In

commercial and industrial heated floors. It was now possible to bypass the tedious tying of tubing to rebar, plus the heat source was located directly under the tiles rather than buried in the concrete slab giving far faster response times.

Circa 2004: FlexTherm Green Cable & Snap-in Gauges FlexTherm, a Quebec firm and a major player in the electrical heating cable industry, took a giant breakthrough step in creating a floor heating cable that gave off practically no

rs floo e l i er t ut und t abo a y r e h o ld. t l ng s is fie rica i t t h t c a e in el n in fasc sing titio a u e t g p n om ok a followi nd c h lo s r a e o f r n Af use atio nov exc n y i l is m ica olog n h tec KES N EA O J BY

electromagnetic radiation. They call it Green Cable. That was a time when no one admitted that the medical problem of electromagnetic hypersensitivity existed and most of their own products innocently blasted out large quantities of EMF radiation, just like everyone else. How do you market something that condemns most of your own products and that most doctors say is nonsense? They persisted, and today all of their products that are installed in close proximity to human activity use that non-radiating Green Cable. Just think back to the advertising photos of children playing on Schluter-DITRA

Heated tile floors have been a wonderful luxury for years but, for much of the country, where electricity is expensive, we tend to only look at this option if we have hydronic heat available. Pre-sized electrical mats have always presented many design

that warm tile floor that every electrical floor heating company published in those days. FlexThermâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sales success of the Green Cable follows closely the evolution in the medical field where electro-hypersensitivity is becoming a recognized medical problem

limitations. Because of innovations, site-shaped electrical layouts are making electrical heat a growing option, including small installations in regions where electricity is expensive.

Circa 1987: Schluter-DITRA

Circa 1998: Schluter-Bekotec

Schluter Systems, the absolute leader

Most of Europe provides radiant heat with

in tile support systems, brought the Schluter-

hydronic tubes, as does most of Canada. So

DITRA membrane into Canada from Germany.

Schluter North America decided to import

This is the now-famous recessed square grid

BEKOTEC, its studded polystyrene screed

that adheres to the floor and adheres to the

panels for easy layout of heating tubbing and

tiles but allows for movement between the

stress removal, still covering the assembly with

in Europe, where several hospitals in Canada

twoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;called an uncoupling membrane. No

the DITRA. This was a breakthrough for large

have whole sections devoted to this environ-

more cracked tiles and the possibility of using

mental medical condition and where both the

one less layer of plywood in most installations

population and the courts are beginning to

because of the structural rigidity it gives to

force the Canadian medical establishments to

the floor. With a little more work on the edges

take a second look at this problem. FlexTherm

of the membrane, the whole system is even

is proving to be a good surfer, catching the

waterproof. This innovation sounded the end

wave right at the crest.

of the floating concrete slab that was tradition-

Schluter DITRA and FlexTherm were often

ally used for under-tile support of high-end

used together, although they fought over which

entranceways and bathrooms.

one should go on top. The most important part

20 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

of that debate was to not put holes in Schluter’s

cables short enough to heat as small a space as

waterproof membrane. But with the two, you

10 square feet, something that hydronic heat-

could combine electrical heat and uncoupling

ing just cannot do efficiently.

together in one assembly.

Circa 2009: FlexTherm FlexSnap— Installing with a Broomstick FlexTherm got more active in its wire attachment systems, bringing out its very unique FlexSnap. This is an open plastic grid, made of 1’x1’ interlocking squares. It is screwed

Circa 2014: FlexTherm Green Cable XL

down to the floor on the 1x1 corners and then

Recognizing that its core business was

the cable is incredibly quickly “snapped” into

making the Green Cables, FlexTherm brought

place with a rolling insert head on the end of a

out FlexTherm XL, a Green Cable specifically

broomstick. The grid pattern ended up giving

sized to fit into Schluter’s increasingly popular DITRA HEAT membrane. Often in this industry we see the emergence

Circa 2015: Schluter Expands Cable Lengths

of copycat products competing on price with lower quality. This was a rare opportunity to

After taking a close look at the Canadian

follow the competitive evolution of two top-

market uptake for in-floor electrical heating

notch companies who have intertwined qual-

and seeing FlexTherm sales of small 30’ cables

ity innovations over time, moving heated tile

for use in Schluter membranes, Schluter has

floors step-by-step closer and closer to instal-

just announced enlarging the variety of cable

lation and performance perfection. Find them

lengths available for its system,Veneer_Layout bringing in 1 at FlexTherm.com and Schluter.com. 1_3pg CanadaHomeBldr_Stone 6/3/15 11:16 AM Page 1

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enough rigidity to the floor to eliminate that extra plywood layer in most circumstances, just like the Schluter DITRA membrane. It does not provide uncoupling or waterproofing, but

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it does make custom layouts of electrically heated floors even easier to install.

Circa 2014: Schluter-DITRA HEAT Schluter got into the electrical heating business with its own special DITRA HEAT mem-

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Home BUILDER September/October 2015

LAND DEVELOPMENT

By Rick Harrison

Designing for Density

Part II

Smaller lots can balance liveability with sustainability The challenges in Canadian home building are much different than in the United

there is less street length, there would also be

States, where zoning and safety codes restrict densities to somewhat moderate

less density. However, by increasing the length

levels; development in Canada is far more intense. In the May/June issue of Home

of setback using a different pattern than the

BUILDER, we provided an example of low-density development that relied on a different pattern: separating the path of the street and the front setback line without

street, it is possible to maintain density of a conventional grid.

decreasing any existing minimums.

The above rendering (lot lines deleted) shows an increase of space in both front and rear yards compared to a tight grid layout. Note how much space is formed by the undulating streetscape, allowing sidewalks to meander away from traffic while allowing plenty of space for street trees to grow. Additionally, sidewalks are pulled away from intersections to create a safer pedestrian crossing. While there are public parks and destination areas to walk to, all residents live in a park-like setting that creates “motion” (a varying streetscape as one walks or drives through the neighbourhood) and invites a stroll. These open spaces, But what about high(er) density develop-

On a larger scale it is important to design

ment? The fact is that, as lot sizes decrease,

the main pedestrian systems first, instead of

the street and right-of-way remain the same.

an afterthought network of walks that simply

As such, the ratio of lot area to street area

follow streets.

serving the lot actually becomes worse—not

The above picture depicts the main trails

better—when density increases. Using the

(gold) with the same priority as the arterial

same “setback pattern” planning techniques,

street (yellow) bisecting the land. The main

the potential benefits can become even greater

collector street (shown by the greatest height)

in high-density areas.

minimizes distance while maintaining flow of

created by pulling the home farther back, are called “coves.”

The City of Edmonton has directed and is

traffic. Where the main trails cross the inter-

experiencing increased density in suburban

nal collector mixing pedestrians and vehicles,

residential developments and is learning how

we inserted “diffusers,” which maintain flow,

to balance it with both liveability and sustain-

alert drivers, and allow pedestrians to cross

Another interesting benefit of the “coved”

ability. For this example we are using a study

at one-way streets. In this case the diffusers

design method is the angular relationship

commissioned by Brookfield Residential (a

also create neighbourhood entrance identities.

between home and street. Instead of looking

leading North American land developer/home

The remainder of the street and alley systems

down a straight street where home façades

builder) for land holdings in the Edmonton

is designed to minimize street and alley infra-

are muted, the home façade is more prevalent

region.

structure (length). One would assume that if

along a cove. To provide a feel for just how

22 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

large this additional space is, the pedestrians

ing small public parks with rear yard excessive

are to the correct scale.

spaces as shown.

The last note on this article series is that these designs create plat geometry that is

The assumption is that increasing front

In this study, the homes expand in width on

far more complex than the past. Fortunately,

yard space sacrifices side and rear yard space.

either the front or rear of the home as the lot

because of the advances in both office and

However, both side and rear yards have an

width expands above normal.

field technology, the increase in design time

average gain in space over a grid design. Keep

Will this type of planning method match

and stakeout time is not significant. Some

in mind that none of the existing minimums

grid density in all instances of higher density

costs increase. Driveway volume, utility con-

are reduced with these new design methods,

development? No. There must be some form of

nections, and fencing is greater. However, the

only increased!

waste to reduce or eliminate in site configura-

major expenses—the streets, walks and utility

tion, home to lot ratio, topographic difficulty,

mains plummet in volume; earthwork should

etc. Because the vast majority of development

also be significantly less.

has some form of waste, it can be measured

As Brookfield Residential continues to

with new technology, and then a more efficient

explore development options for this future

design created.

development, there are smaller Canadian developments using these methods that have been built, or are currently in the submittal stages.

The rear of alley lots varies in width. In this

Rick Harrison, author of Prefurbia, is known

study a tandem garage was used to maintain

for his innovations in methods and technologies

two-car storage instead of placing the garage

for the design and construction of sustainable

closer to the home on the inside of the curves

land. Harrison’s career spans 47 years in plan-

to show an option. Also note the inclusion of

ning, civil engineering, surveying, development,

three-car garages in yards that have larger

and 38 years in software development. Find him

areas. We also studied the possibility of creat-

at www.rhsdplanning.com.

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Home BUILDER September/October 2015

CHBA President’s Message

How We Came to Say, “Goodnight, SAM” I’m always amazed at the dynamic way our threelevel national Association, directed by volunteer leaders, works and gets things done. The re-launching of CHBA’s

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

NATIONAL

National SAM awards as the new National Awards for Housing Excellence is a great study in this process.

AWARDS for

This exciting new program, which was announced in the last couple of weeks, results from Association volunJane Morgan President, CHBA

HOUSING

teers working closely with CHBA staff over the last year. The process started with a clear view of what mattered

EXCELLENCE

to members—being a SAM finalist or winner is really exciting, and great for business. Being recognized by your peers as being “the best” is a very special experience. As a past SAM Awards judge, I know that each year at

I’ll be encouraging local winners and finalists to be part of CHBA’s National Awards for Housing Excellence in 2016.

the CHBA National Conference, where the awards cere-

The various HBA housing award programs examined

mony takes place, I see members clutching their national

from across the country involved anywhere from 11 to

award trophies like children on Christmas morning,

60 award categories.

wearing a smile a mile wide.

At the end of the day staff recommended, and the

For members who have not been part of CHBA’s previ-

Committee supported, expansion from the previous 24

ous National SAM Awards, some brief history will help

awards to 33 for 2016. The number of new home awards

“set the table” for this story.

was increased to better reflect the range of product being

Back in 1978, our Association (which was then called

built today. Additional awards for multi-family housing

the Housing and Urban Development Association of

were added. And new marketing award categories were

Canada or HUDAC) established its first “Sales and Mar-

also created.

keting” awards to recognize industry leaders in those areas of the business.

Additionally, based on a review of other HBA programs, the national awards criteria were updated, and

Over the intervening decades, a lot has changed, and

the information required to support entries was stream-

the “SAMs” evolved to reflect these changes. The sales

lined to make the actual submission process simpler

awards component was discontinued, and the market-

and faster.

ing awards strengthened, and, most importantly, new

Finally, CHBA staff are moving the entire awards sub-

home, renovation and community development awards

mission process online, including uploading of project

became a dominant part of the program.

photographs and documents.

What didn’t change was the “SAM” name. Which led

I’m very excited about this new, expanded and user-

to exchanges like this: “Wow, our company won a SAM

friendlier national housing awards program. Volunteers

award!” followed by, “That’s great, I think, but who is Sam?”

and staff worked hard to make it happen.

I’m more than half serious about that.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be travelling to visit

CHBA’s National Marketing Committee (NMC) took on

many HBAs as the fall conference season begins, and in

the task of developing recommendations for updating the

many HBAs, awards events take place. I’m looking for-

National SAMs and increasing the value of our national

ward to connecting with members across the country,

housing awards program to members.

learning about their business successes and challenges,

This began with the need for a more accurate and

and sharing their excitement around housing awards.

CHBA EXECUTIVE Committee

descriptive name for our awards, hence National Awards

And I’ll be encouraging local winners and finalists to

President: Jane Morgan, St. John’s, NL Past President: Bard Golightly, Edmonton, AB First Vice-President: Bob Finnigan, Toronto, ON Second Vice-Presidents: Eric DenOuden, Belleville, ON Nathan Stone, Langley, BC Treasurer: Blake Hudema, Burnaby, BC Presidential Appointees: Carolina Oxtoby, Calgary, AB Stefanie Coleman-Dias, St. Thomas, ON Chief Executive Officer: Kevin Lee, Ottawa, ON

for Housing Excellence, which is exactly what they are.

be part of CHBA’s National Awards for Housing Excel-

This will make more sense to consumers and to local

lence in 2016.

CHBA Contact: David Foster National Office, Ottawa, ON

programs, and then analyzed this information to come

media, who often report on winners in their community. The NMC also suggested that CHBA’s awards be better aligned with similar awards in place at the local and provincial levels, both in terms of the awards categories themselves, and the entry requirements and criteria. This would make it easier for members who entered local or provincial awards programs to also submit their projects for national recognition. CHBA staff surveyed HBAs to learn more about their up with the best overall alignment—not an easy task.

24 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

CHBA CEO’s Update

A Lot Happening in Ottawa This Fall It’s been a busy summer at CHBA’s national office, leading into what promises to be a very eventful fall.

The Federal Election

Kevin Lee CEO, CHBA

(@CHBANational), Facebook and www.affordability.ca. Even in the first weeks of the campaign, I was very

As this year’s federal election campaign kicked off,

pleased to see many of CHBA’s key asks emerging in

CHBA staff ensured the Association was well prepared.

party platforms. Just two days into the campaign, the

The campaign offers a unique opportunity to get housing

Prime Minister announced that, if re-elected, he would

issues into the public arena, as the major parties begin

re-establish a permanent Home Renovation Tax Credit.

laying out their positions and policies, and vie for voter

This is something that CHBA has long recommended

support.

to all national parties to help address affordability and

As a non-partisan organization, once the election

combat the underground economy.

was called, CHBA sent all national party candidates back-

The Prime Minister also announced that if re-elected,

ground information on our industry, and our perspectives

his party would boost the maximum amount that first-

on key housing issues, particularly affordability. We rein-

time home buyers can withdraw from their RRSPs to

forced this by including our Economic Impact data for the

purchase a home from $25,000 to $35,000 starting 2017-

area their riding is located in, so every candidate is well

18, another CHBA ask and evidence of our strategic part-

aware of the very significant role our industry plays in the

nership work with the Canadian Real Estate Association.

economic life of their community.

CHBA has long recommended that all national parties help address affordability and combat the underground economy.

In tandem, CHBA is also pushing our social media campaign focused on affordability forward via Twitter

CHBA is encouraging all parties to bring forward

Much of what happens during a federal election takes

proposals of this nature that address the affordability

place at the riding level, as candidates make their case for

challenges impacting those younger people and families

voter support, and local issues of national significance

who hope to become homeowners in the future, as well

help shape voter choices.

as Canadians who own homes today.

Reflecting this, CHBA is providing an impressive tool-

CHBA’s Fall meetings will take place from October 27

kit to assist local HBA leadership in reaching out to

to 29 in Ottawa, immediately after the election. At these

candidates in their ridings, and participate in candidate

meetings, CHBA’s Board of Directors will receive a full

meetings and debates.

assessment of the election outcome and how your Asso-

The toolkit includes something new for CHBA: an

ciation can best move forward in working with the new

election video “how-to” guide for members and local

government. CHBA’s government relations team will be

and provincial HBAs, produced in-house by CHBA. The

ready to build on the relationships we already have on

video features our colleagues from our government

Parliament Hill, and establish constructive connections

relations firm, the Earnscliffe Strategy Group, whom I

with new MPs.

invited into our studio to discuss the political landscape surrounding this election, to give a “step-by-step” of how

International Builders’ Show

to effectively build relationships with candidates, and to

If you’re planning to attend next year’s International

review how CHBA’s key housing asks should be tabled

Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, your CHBA member-

with candidates.

ship will, once again, save you money. When registering,

CHBA is also producing selective media releases as

simply check the box indicating that your company is a

party platform announcements are made, and talking

CHBA member, and you will receive the same discounted

with media about our industry and our issues.

rate provided to NAHB members in the U.S. CHBA will be at the IBS and after a very successful reception last year, we will again host the CHBA Canadian Reception on January 20th at the Canonita in the Venetian Hotel. All CHBA members who register for the IBS and take advantage of the CHBA members’ discount will receive an invitation to this great event. This is just another benefit from CHBA’s continuing and growing collaboration with NAHB. You can get more information and register for the IBS at www.builders show.com. See you there!

CHBA’s Federal Election Campaign Video: CEO Kevin Lee and Earnscliffe Strategy Group’s Yaroslav Baran and Velma McColl discuss pointers for members for engaging during the election campaign.

Home BUILDER September/October 2015

TOOLTalk

Talking Tools Talking with our tools is already here, and more is coming.

Phase 3: Tool Control In January, the cornerstone of this integration will come online with the introduction of TOOL CONTROL settings for new Drilling and Driving M18 FUEL products. We all use drilling and driving tools. The ONE-KEY app will allow users to use pre-determined set-ups for specific fasteners and materials, or completely customize their own profile with torque and speed settings for the application at hand. With a touch of the button on the tool, users will be able to easily go back and forth between these saved profiles so that each application is done with the most accurate and productive settings. No more memorized settings to adjust on the tool, just open your smart phone and send the pre-set to the tool. At the same time the cloud has documented the settings you have used, possibly for quality control.

DeWalt is the first out the gate with inte-

and running through January, Milwaukee is

gration of our site tools with wireless com-

launching its “One-Key” program. One-Key to

munication. Two DeWalt 20vMax XR Lithium

controlling your tools.

been built and sold. Just download the update.

Ion batteries are now equipped with BlueTooth transmitters/receivers that pare the batteries to your smart phone.

Phase 1: Inventory Management In September, Milwaukee will launch a cloud-based INVENTORY MANAGEMENT sys-

What does the battery communicate to your phone? Its state of charge, temperature and Bluetooth signal strength.

This is finally one tool feature that can be added to and improved even after the tool has

tem that you can use, via your smart phone or computer, to control information about all your tools. That’s not new, but it is only setting the stage.

Of course, more tools are in the works to join Milwaukee’s One-Key system next year. www. milwaukeetool.ca.

They Said It Couldn’t Be Done: Carbide Tips On Recip Blades Freud has long been known for their woodworking router and shaper bits, as well as their

What can you do to the battery remotely? Shut it down so it doesn’t discharge over-

Phase 2: Tool Reporting

shop saw blades, all amongst the best in the

In October, the company will bring out its

world. This has always been due in a large part

first “One-Key” empowered tool—Hydro Line

to the fact that they manufacture their own

Crimpers—an important tool for one of its key

carbide. What you may not know is that Bosch,

customer bases: electricians. The M18 FORCE

the largest power tool manufacturer in the

Of course! The smart phone app will auto-

LOGIC 6t Utility Crimpers TOOL REPORTING

world, found that their blades couldn’t really

matically alert you when it is moving out of

feature will automatically integrate into the

compete with the Freud quality, so they bought

range, automatically shut the battery down if

One-Key cloud management system as it is

the company. With that merger, Freud quit

it goes out of range if you choose that option,

wirelessly in contact with your cell phone,

making power tools and Bosch started leaning

alert you that the charge is low, or alert you that

which is in contact with the cloud. Now the suc-

on the Freud brand for all their blades—each

it has completed charging and is ready for use.

cess and timing of electrical terminations can

concentrating on what they did best.

night, also making it useless to a thief.

Does it have a smart phone app?

be tracked in real time, by someone back at the DeWalt’s integration of Bluetooth into its

office coordinating a complicated operation, or

batteries is giving you a real-time handle on

by another lineman waiting for completion of

the condition and security of all your Bluetooth

a task down the line. The tool will constantly

enabled batteries. www.dewalt.com

update its usage, making service interval alerts automatic and accurate.

Milwaukee is taking a differ-

In the construction sector, Freud had introduced the Diablo brand to distinguish site

ent tact on wireless communi-

tough blades from their fine-tuned woodshop

cation with our tools. They are

and furniture making blades. So with the focus

putting the communications

given to them by Bosch, they have made the

module into tools themselves.

leap of putting carbide teeth onto metal cutting

In a three-phase program

recip blades. Aside from all the questions of

launch starting in September

the composition of the carbide and the shape

26 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

large enough teeth to take out the wood rapidly as well; no more bi-metal compromise. When I got my camera in real close, I could see that what I always took for metal “dust” coming off a regular fine tooth metal cutting blade actually had a bit of a look of very small shavings plus lots of little dust specs. When I took the same picture of what came off of the Demo Demon, it was clear that their speed of cut was coming from removal of large shavings, as if it was ripLarge teeth from Diablo recip blade (L) shave through both metal and wood.

ping wood. It is definitely “slicing” through the metal, not “grinding” it away.

of the teeth, the action of a reciprocal saw has

the life of the blade. Also, the carbide tips are

the pressure on the tooth going in the wrong

attached to the blade with a bonding process

direction half the time—essentially trying to

that provides extreme impact resistance.

kick the carbide off the blade. Take a very close

Now, a broad spectrum of metals including

look at the Diablo recip blades and you will

high strength alloys, cast iron, black iron and

see that the tooth is actually socketed into the

stainless steel can be sliced through quickly

blade, not just soldered onto it.

and easily. The carbide-tipped blade delivers a

The Steel Demon has a number of features

cutting life that is 20 times longer than standard

that contribute to performance. For example,

bi-metal blades in extreme thick metal cutting

the 1” oversized blade body provides straighter

applications between 3/16” and ½”.

cuts with less vibration. The blades are cov-

Their Demo Demon carbide-tipped blades

ered in a Perma-SHIELD non-stick coating that

have finally given us a demolition nail and

reduces friction and heat, thereby extending

screw cutting reciprocal saw blade that has

JUST ANOTHER CASE OF WINDOW ENVY.

www.freudtools.com.

L TOOK TA L L TOOK TA L

Montreal-based TV broadcaster, author, home renovation and tool expert Jon Eakes provides a tool feature in each edition of Home BUILDER. www.JonEakes.com

allweatherwindows.com/builder

Scan the QR code to find out why we stand out from the crowd, and don’t be surprised if your home or job site attracts more attention.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

Home BUILDER September/October 2015

00 000983.10.08.15

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THIS NOTICE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE BRITISH COLUMBIA SUPREME COURT, THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE FOR ONTARIO AND THE SUPERIOR COURT OF QUEBEC (the “COURTS”)

Quik Drive® Systems for Decking and Subfloor

Purchasers of Polyurethane Foam Products* purchased, sold or delivered in Canada between January 1, 1999 and January 10, 2012, are part of a class action *Polyurethane Foam Products means flexible polyurethane foam, products which contain flexible polyurethane foam and carpet underlay made from flexible polyurethane foam, except in the Domfoam/ Valle Foam and Woodbridge settlements and settlements with certain individuals where it means all kinds of polyurethane foam and all products which contain any kind of polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam is used in furniture, bedding, automotive interiors, flooring including carpet underlay, and in many other contexts.

The Actions There are class action lawsuits certified/authorized across Canada alleging that the makers of Polyurethane Foam Products fixed the price of those products in Canada. The defendants deny those allegations. The Courts have already approved a settlement with defendants Domfoam/Valle Foam and certain individuals for $1.226 million plus additional money which may be received from Domfoam/Valle Foam’s insolvency and an assignment. There are new settlements with Polyurethane foam manufacturers, the defendants Carpenter, Vitafoam, FFP/ Flexible Foam, Future Foam, Hickory Springs, Leggett & Platt, Mohawk Industries, Woodbridge and certain individuals for $29,282,497 in total. These new settlements must be approved by the Courts to be effective. The defendants’ full names are available on the websites set out below. The Courts have certified/authorized the class actions against Polyurethane foam manufacturers Carpenter, Vitafoam, FFP/Flexible Foam, Future Foam, Hickory Springs, Leggett & Platt, Mohawk Industries, Woodbridge and certain individuals for settlement purposes only. The deadline for opting out of the class actions has already passed. The BC and Quebec Courts have also certified/authorized the BC and Quebec class actions against defendant FXI and certain individuals. There is no settlement with these defendants and so the actions will be continuing against them. Who is affected? Individuals and entities in Canada and related parties who bought Polyurethane Foam Products purchased, sold or delivered in Canada between January 1, 1999 and January 10, 2012, except for defendants and their related parties, are class members and are affected by the settlements and the certification/authorization against FXI. These new settlements provide benefits to class members in return for a release of the settling defendants and others from claims regarding Polyurethane Foam Products purchased, sold or delivered in Canada. What happens next? The Courts will now be asked to approve these new settlements and the lawyers’ fees. If these new settlements are not approved by the Courts, the class actions will continue against the settling defendants. If the Courts approve these new settlements, class members will be bound by them. The hearing in Vancouver, BC was on September 21, 2015, The hearing in Montreal, Québec will be on October 26, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.; and The hearing in London, Ontario will be on October 29, 2015 at 10 a.m. The lawyers will ask the Courts for approval of a fee of 25% of all settlement funds achieved plus taxes and case expenses. The amount that is approved by the Courts as fair and reasonable will be deducted from the settlement funds. How will the money be distributed to Settlement Class Members?

28 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

Class Counsel are in the process of finalizing a proposed distribution protocol and will ask the Courts to approve that distribution protocol at a later stage. The money will be distributed to the purchasers of flexible polyurethane foam, products which contain flexible polyurethane foam and carpet underlay made from flexible polyurethane foam. No money will be paid for purchases of molded or technical flexible polyurethane foam and products which contain molded or technical flexible polyurethane foam. When available, details about the distribution protocol will be posted at www.foamclassaction.ca and www.recourscollectif.info/fr/dossiers/mousse. A new notice will also be published. Settlement class members should retain all proof of purchase of flexible polyurethane foam, products which contain flexible polyurethane foam and carpet underlay made from flexible polyurethane foam between January 1, 1999 and January 10, 2012 and monitor the websites above for updated information on the settlement approvals and the future claims process. If you would like direct notice of steps relating to the distribution protocol, contact class counsel at the email addresses below. Can I exclude myself from the Class Actions?

Simpson Strong-Tie® Quik Drive® auto-feed screw driving systems are easy to use, durable and designed for a wide variety of fastening applications, including fastening decking and subfloor to wood or steel. The systems feature quick-loading screw strips, precise countersink adjustment and a patented auto-advance mechanism. Convenient curved screw strips hold the screws up and away from the work surface, making moving and positioning the tool easier. For decking applications, a decking nose clip consistently spaces the screw on the deck board and centres it on the joist for easy installation. For more information, visit: www.strongtie.com/quikdrive

New GlenwoodTM Shingles – Authentic Beauty

No. The right to opt out of the class actions was provided when the actions were certified/authorized by the Courts in relation to the Domfoam/Valle Foam settlement approval. The deadline has already passed. What if I don’t like the new settlements or the lawyers’ fee request? You can object. If you think the new settlements or the lawyers’ request for fees and expenses are unfair, you can write to the Courts. If you wish to do so, you need to send your objection to the lawyers at the address below by September 5, 2015. Objections and inquiries should not be sent directly to the Courts. The lawyers will organize and provide all the material to the Courts for you. You may also attend a hearing and ask to speak to the Court. Please contact the lawyers at the information below if you want to attend one of these hearings. GET MORE INFORMATION BY: Visiting www.foamclassaction.ca or http://www.recourscollectif.info/fr/dossiers/mousse/ or contacting the lawyers below: BC residents: Branch MacMaster LLP at lbrasil@branmac.com, and Camp Fiorante Mathews Mogerman at polyfoam@cfmlawyers.ca Quebec residents: Belleau Lapointe at membres@recourscollectif.info All others: Sutts Strosberg LLP at polyclassaction@strosbergco.com Settlement Class Members should monitor the websites for updated information and future claims process.

GlenwoodTM Shingles feature a triple-layer design that will give your roof the ultradimensional, highly desirable look of authentic hand-cut wood shakes. In fact, no other triplelayer asphalt shingle matches the thickness of GlenwoodTM Shingles! So now you can distinguish your property the way it was always meant to be—with a top-performing, ultra-thick shingle that delivers all the natural beauty of real wood shakes. For more information visit: www.gaf.com

renovation

The HGTV Influence At a time when growth in the overall economy has been lackluster,

Growth in renovation sector

the renovation sector has been more than pulling its weight. After slug-

outpacing the overall economy.

gish growth in 2012, Canada-wide residential renovation spending

Renovations account for 1 in

picked up nicely in 2013 and 2014, and has entered into what is expected

5 dollars borrowed with home

to be a multi-year period of outperforming the overall economy.

equity lines of credit.

Figures from the Altus Group show

Necessary repair work accounts

that Canadian households spent $68 bil-

for about 1 in 4 dollars spent on

lion updating and repairing homes in

renovation work; alterations/

2014, an increase of $20 billion from

improvements 3 out of 4.

2013. Peter Norman, Altus’ chief econo-

Almost two-thirds of renova-

mist, and a columnist for Home BUILD-

tion spending is in Ontario and

ER, says that the “HGTV effect” plays a

Quebec.

part but some of the work is just a sign of getting older. Altus’ survey of renovation spending predicts increases this year and next as lower interest rates prompt borrowing and homeowners opt to use savings on home loan repayments to improve their homes. The forecast is that home renovation will outpace the overall economy. Highlights of the survey include: Residential renovation sector in Canada larger than new homeSources: Altus Group Housing Report, May 2015 (based on Altus Group and Statistics Canada data)

building.

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MORE THAN A ROCK

IndustryNews

NAR Poll: Millennials Prefer Walkable Communities

CAC Finds Quebec’s 12-Storey Lumber Building Decision “Questionable”

WASHINGTON — Millennials prefer walking over driving by a sub-

OTTAWA — The Quebec government has announced that the prov-

stantially wider margin than any other generation, according to a new

ince will allow lumber to be used to construct buildings of up to 12

poll conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the

storeys.

Transportation Research and Education Center at Portland State Uni-

The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) is not convinced the decision is in the public interest. The organization called the bypassing of

versity. The 2015 National Community and Transportation Preference Survey

the usual building code development process “questionable,” adding

found that millennials, those aged 18–34, prefer walking as a mode of

it compromises public safety in

transportation by 12 percentage points over driving. Millennials are also

favour of the wood lobby.

shown to prefer living in attached housing, living within walking distance

“We have long held that gov-

of shops and restaurants, and having a short commute, and they are the

ernments should not get involved

most likely age group to make use of public transportation.

in the choice of building materi-

The poll also found that millennials show a stronger preference than

als and systems and should leave

other generations for expanding public transportation and providing

this to the experts,” said Michael

transportation alternatives to driving, such as biking and walking, while

McSweeney, CAC president and

also increasing the availability of trains and buses. Millennials likewise

CEO. “Like the rest of Canada,

favour developing communities where people do not need to drive long

Quebec has little experience in

distances to work or shop.

the construction of six-storey

wood buildings—how can we venture into the construction of even taller wood buildings?” The cement lobby noted FPInnovations, a private research centre dedicated to supporting the Canadian forest industry, originally published the guide put forward by Quebec’s provincial government. The previous regulation topped out wooden buildings at six storeys.

CALENDAR Do you have an event you want posted on our new Online Calendar? E-mail your listing to editor@work4.ca

September 28 - 29

Connected + Conference and Exhibition Toronto, ON www.connectedplusshow.com

October 1

2015 Green Building Festival Toronto, ON www.universe.com

October 21

Buildex Express Informa Canada VANCOUVER, BC www.buildexexpress.com

November 3-5

win-door North America Toronto, ON www.fenestrationcanada.ca

Adv er ti sers i n Thi s I s s u e Advertiser

Page

Phone

Web site

Alberta New Home Warranty Program . . 19 . . . 800-352-8240 . . . www.anhwp.com All Weather Windows Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 . . . 800-638-5709 . . . www.allweatherwindows.com CHBA - National Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 . . . 613-230-3060 . . . www.chba.ca CHBA - Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 . . . 613-230-3060 . . . www.chba.ca E.I. duPont Canada Company . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . 800-387-2122 . . . www.construction.tyvek.ca

OBC Gets a Date in Court OTTAWA — An Ontario court has ruled against Allstate Insurance Company of Canada over a disputed claim arising from a fire at an Ottawa home, reports the Canadian Underwriter.

GAF Materials Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . 28 . . . 973-872-4300 . . . www.gaf.com Malco Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 . . . 800-328-3530 . . . www.malcotools.com NAPOLEON Fireplaces & Grills . . . . . . . . 7 . . . 800-461-5581 . . . www.napoleonproducts.com Owens Corning Canada LP . . . . . . . . . . . 32 . . . 800-438-7465 . . . www.owenscorning.ca

Mohamed Choukair claimed the cost to replace his home, after a

Plastic Components, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . 800-327-7077 . . . www.plasticomponents.com

fire in January 2014, was $450,700. Allstate, his insurer, only paid him

Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre . . . . . . 11 . . . 604-879-6847 . . . www.robinsonlightingandbath.com

$369,000, contending that the difference between the two amounts

Roxul Insulation Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 . . . 905-864-8364 . . . www.Roxul.com

“relates to the increased cost of the rebuild associated with upgrades

Royal Building PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . 614-754-3463 . . . www.royalbuildingproducts.com

required” under Ontario’s Building Code, court records indicate.

Royal Building SOLUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . 614-754-3463 . . . www.RoualBuildingProducts.com

In a decision released Wednesday, August 19, Mr. Justice Michael J.

Simpson Strong-Tie Canada . . . . . . . . 3, 28 . . . 800-999-5099 . . . www.strongtie.com

Quigley, of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, stated Allstate “must

Trilogy Class Actions Services . . . . . . . . 28 . . . 416-644-3088 . . . www.nationalclassactions.ca

pay for repairs and/or increased costs associated with Building Code

Weiser Lock / Spectrum Brands . . . . . . . . 8 . . . 800-340-7608 . . . www.pricepfister.com

upgrades.”

30 Home BUILDER September/October 2015

YOUR CHBA

Canadian Home Builders’ Association

While you’re at work, we’re at work for you. When governments understand our industry, and its importance to Canada’s economy and communities, they make better decisions. That’s what CHBA’s advocacy work is all about – ensuring governments make informed decisions when it comes to housing. In your community, in your province and in Ottawa. Talking to governments is our most important job. It’s what we do every working day. From taxes to regulations. From jobs to skilled trades training. From infrastructure to affordability. We connect the dots so governments see how our industry impacts every Canadian, and why residential construction is such a critical part of our economy. When governments make informed decisions, it means a better business environment for you.

Working together. Working for you. Getting results.

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