Profile - November 2015

November 2015 VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 16

Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Source Media Group. 207, 5809 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, Alberta T2H 0J9 Publication Agreement #41072011

A SSOCIATION NEWS | 2014-2015 CORPOR ATE SPONSORS

Thank you!

Corporate sponsors support CHBA – Calgary Region programs

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content s CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION – CALGARY REGION represents professionals in the housing industry. CHBA – Calgary Region has been in existence for over 60 years and is a network of professionals that manages industry issues to provide value to our members.

100-7326 10 St. N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 8W1 Tel: 403.235.1911; Fax: 403.248.1272 E-mail: info@chbacalgary.com Website: www.chbacalgary.com Donna K. Moore | Chief Executive Officer donna@chbacalgary.com

NOVEMBER 2015 • VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 16

A SSOCIATION INFORMATION 7 Message from the President, CHBA – Calgary Region 9 Message from the CEO, CHBA – Calgary Region 10 Priority items 29 New and cancelled members

David Bears | Director, Programs david@chbacalgary.com

INDUSTRY NEWS 11 A home for every Albertan 23 Six-storey wood frame construction 25 PHBI Course Calendar 30 Green renovations

Kathy McCormick | Profile Editor, Director, Communications kathy@chbacalgary.com

COVER FE ATURE 13 Homexpo 2016

Habiba Gulnaz-Khalid | Accounting Co-ordinator habi@chbacalgary.com

A SSOCIATION NEWS 4 2014-2014 Corporate Sponsors 18 Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament

Val Veldhuyzen | Director, Finance and Administration val@chbacalgary.com Amie Blanchette | Director, Government Affairs amie@chbacalgary.com

Sophie Gowsell | Communications Assistant sophie@chbacalgary.com Jennifer Fong | Event Co-ordinator jennifer@chbacalgary.com Deb Mansfield | Executive Assistant deb@chbacalgary.com Laurina Milne | Show Manager, Homexpo laurina@chbacalgary.com

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Cover photography by Brandon Barré

A SSOCIATION E VENTS 17 Safety barbecues 21 Event Calendar 2015-2016

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FE ATURE 22 Out, up and in!

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ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Jim Zang ART DIRECTOR | Jean Faye Rodriguez GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR | Colleen Leier ACCOUNTING | Norma Robertson ADVERTISING SALES | Andrea Glowatsky andrea.glowatsky@sourcemediagroup.ca © 2015 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Source Media Group agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium.

Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion.

Profile is published quarterly per annum and is distributed to every member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region.

We’d love to hear from you…

Letters to the editor, article suggestions, columns, topics and opinions are all welcome and encouraged! Please nail us a notice, saw us a yarn, measure us a metre of your thoughts. We’ll print the best ones in the next issue.

Contact Kathy McCormick, Director, Communications at 403.730.4255 or kathy@chbacalgary.com

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PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE | A SSOCIATION INFORMATION

By Wendy Jabusch President, Canadian Home Buiders’ Association – Calgary Region

Looking back, looking ahead Lessons of the past prepare us for challenges of the future As we head into the last days of 2015, I remember last year at this time. We were heading for a record in new home starts, led by the multi-family sector and high migration numbers with nearly 40,000 people added to Calgary’s population.

Skilled trade shortages were looming as the fast-paced environment continued.

Our biggest concerns were centred on how to build homes to meet the demand and where to get the land to build them on so everyone would have the choice of what to buy and where to live.

How quickly the world as we knew it shifted — hard and fast, in sync with dropping oil prices. It’s been a rollercoaster ride ever since.

Here we sit a year later with total Calgary CMA housing starts down, as of the end of September, by almost 4,000 units with the single-family category the hardest hit at close to a 40 per cent decline.

That said, 2014 was so strong that the pace of construction wasn’t expected to be sustainable.

The impact of low oil prices has affected employment, income growth and consumer confidence.

In addition to the economic challenges, we have been faced with two elections this year with some surprise outcomes that we are still waiting to see the impact — the energy royalty review and the climate change protocol are two of the biggest.

Add on other uncertainties, from

the low value of the Canadian dollar, and the external influences of negative international news, and it has all weighed in to declining consumer confidence.

We’ve been through this before and our members have responded with prudent, well-thought-out business plans. This industry is resilient. We have adjusted business plans to match the market — and there is still a market; it is just a little more competitive.

People are still moving to our province because they see us as a place to live and work and prosper.

Mortgage rates remain at nearrecord lows and there is some degree of pent-up demand. The resale sector has shifted from a seller’s to a balanced market and continues to deliver good results, particularly at the more affordable

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end of the market. For the most part, house prices have stayed relatively stable.

On our own home front, we are faced with new legislation that will change the way we build our homes — the Alberta Building Code, the Municipal Government Act, which will include a city charter, and climate change are just some of the major new legislation.

Still, through it all, we are a very resilient people by nature, and an extremely resourceful and entrepreneurial industry.

The coming year will be a challenge, but I am confident we will overcome the challenges and come out stronger.

For our industry, I believe it is imperative that we have a strong voice to take our message to our leaders and our homebuyers. It has never been more important. As an industry we make a

A SSOCIATION INFORMATION | PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE

significant contribution to our city and the economy. In 2014 an incredible 52,300 onsite and off-site jobs were in place in new home construction, renovation and repair — making our industry one of the largest employers in Calgary and accounting for $3.4 billion in wages that showed up in purchases across the entire local economy.

The record level of new starts in 2014 translated into $8.2 billion in investment value — the largest single wealth-builder for most families.

That is why we are working diligently to see if the amalgamation of our own organization with our local Urban Development Institute makes sense. There is strength in numbers and a united voice for the residential construction industry.

Our own national CHBA has been doing many great things as well to continue to be heard. The affordability.ca website outlines the importance of keeping housing affordable for all, especially the

We are working diligently to see if the amalgamation of our own organization with our local Urban Development Institute makes sense. There is strength in numbers and a united voice for the residential construction industry. first-time buyer. We firmly believe that we must work in collaboration with all levels of government on issues that affect the residential construction industry to make owning a home a reality, not just the dream of Canadians.

Affordability of housing is everyone’s issue. If our province is going to maintain its leadership position, attracting and retaining industries with good paying jobs, we need

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to continue to draw the best and brightest to our city. For those building a career or starting a family, an important factor is finding an affordable home in a great community. For that reason, CHBA will continue to advocate for consumer choice so there is product for all different market segments, in all quadrants of the city.

We have a big job to do — but with your help, we will succeed.

CEO’S MESSAGE | A SSOCIATION INFORMATION

By Donna Moore

CEO, Canadian Home Buiders’ Association – Calgary Region

Getting there Moving from the present to the future…

Quickly taking tally of the accomplishments we have crossed off the strategic work list in the first quarter of our fiscal year “makes me want to shout” as the song goes! No easy feat in the light of our current economic situation.

However, I can attest to the fact that we have a terrific CHBA – Calgary Region professional team and a volunteer leadership group that are in sync — working each and every day to further the goals of your association.

I’m excited that our volunteer pool has increased by over 20 per cent! Thank-you in advance for bringing your voice to the table. We sincerely rely on the expertise of our volunteers as they engage in the conversations at the various meetings.

I’m pleased to report that we’ve had an amazing response from members to participate in our new CHBA – Calgary Region Charitable Committee. They have already formed various sub-committees and I look forward to an announcement of a new Charitable Project! Val Veldhuyzen and I were delighted to attend Horizon Housing’s celebration at the Bob Ward Residence for the awards they recently received from the Calgary Residential Rental Association — namely Building of the Year (26-100 units), Building Operations Manager of the Year – Jamal Afech and Building Manager of the Year – Jess Kennedy. I had not had occasion to tour the residence since our grand opening 12 years ago and I was absolutely thrilled to see firsthand how well this building is cared for and in particular,

the dedication of Jamal and Jess, along with the entire Horizon Team in making the Bob Ward Residence a home and a truly integral part of the community! Congratulations Horizon Housing — this is truly a gift that keeps on giving. I went home so very proud of our industry that afternoon.

All of our committees have been busy already this term with meetings and making plans for another successful year. Here’s a bit of a round-up of our first few months.

We held our successful Safety BBQs, kicked off our Builder Breakfast series, promoted an awesome Infill and Renovation Tour with 10 terrific projects, hosted a luncheon meeting with our UDI – Calgary Partners, updated everyone on our successful Smarter Growth Initiative at our first dinner meeting of the term, and more.

And plans are underway for another successful Homexpo in January. I am so excited to see the wonderful opportunities we are offering our members to get in front of targeted audiences in this slower economic climate. I do hope everyone takes advantage of this show to showcase your company, your people, your products, and your services to the public. Check out the great stories on Homexpo 2016 in this issue.

Our provincial organization hosted its

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annual conference in Jasper. They had a great speaker lineup, well-attended trade show and many networking opportunities for our members across the province.

Congratulations to our members who won awards at the recent CHBA – Alberta Awards of Excellence in Housing: Qualico Group of Companies, the Multi-family Builder of the Year for its Alberta projects; Albi Homes and Ultimate Renovations (two each); Crystal Creek Homes; Ashton Luxury Living; Brad-Mar Homes; Reid Built Homes; Stepper Custom Homes; and Macdonald Development Corporation.

Congratulations to Broadview Homes for once again winning the Small Employer Builder Member category of the Safety Leadership awards.

And these members — all, I might add, former CHBA – Calgary Region presidents — were all given Industry Leader Awards: Dave Hooge, Wayne Copeland, Allan Klassen, and Charron Ungar.

Winning customer approval were Brookfield Residential with two awards, Albi Homes and Innovations by Jayman, taking home New Homebuyers Customer Choice and Avid Home Quality Awards.

We are very proud of all of the winners.

I want to also thank our Amalgamation Steering Committee Team — Wendy Jabusch, Wayne Copeland and Doug Whitney for the mammoth effort they have been contributing on behalf of CHBA to this important project with UDI – Calgary.

We have a busy term already ramped up — I do hope you take advantage of all that we offer our valued members.

A SSOCIATION INFORMATION | CHBA – C ALGARY REGION

By Amie Blanchette

Director, Government Affairs, CHBA – Calgary Region

Priority items Development Levies, railways and stormwater requirements There’s a lot to share this month as several important issues continue toward resolution while other files are just getting underway. Here are just a few of the high priority items we are working on this fall.

DEVELOPMENT LEVIES As CHBA – Calgary Region members are aware, the Standard Development agreement is currently under review. A new agreement will go to City Council on December 7, 2015 for approval. CHBA – Calgary Region has been involved both at the technical subcommittee level as well as having builder members represented at the larger external advisory group table.

This framework governs the levy structure and amounts to be charged for all development-related services within the city. This year will also see the introduction of a Wastewater Treatment charge to be levied on REDEVELOPMENT projects as well as development in new communities.

Industry reps from UDI – Calgary have spent countless hours reviewing the calculation methodology and the project lists to ensure new development is not unfairly burdened while still paying its fair share of incurred costs.

At the technical sub-committee table there has also been much discussion about the consequences of a large levy hike in our current economy and the impact increasing costs on all fronts are having on affordability.

In response, city staff has committed to bring forward recommendations on system improvements and financing options to

help ease timelines and streamline the land approvals process. There has also been a pledge by the city’s Build Calgary team to better support redevelopment and understand the barriers that need to be removed in order to provide additional choice to the marketplace.

RAILWAY GUIDELINES The City of Calgary is currently reviewing best practices from around the world and close to home to develop a Calgary solution to guide development near railways.

Administration is developing a policy to set long-term direction. The interim approach, to be used when assessing applications next to rail corridors, is as follows: • Require that all residential development within 30 metres of a railway main line property line be supported by a risk assessment. All other new uses (applications) may be asked for a risk assessment at the discretion of the approving authority.

• Not allow sensitive uses within 30 metres of the railway corridor, such as schools, hospitals, child care services, assisted living, and residential care.

• CHBA – Calgary Region has been kept updated by the city team and has been invited to provide input into

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the process and implementation of the policy as this initiative moves forward.

STORMWATER REQUIREMENTS New stormwater requirements have been causing serious challenges for new developments of all sizes across the city. The intent of the new standards was threefold; to reduce the suspended solids entering the system, to lessen the flow rate and to hold more water on site. While these priorities are an important part of maintaining a healthy stormwater system, the result has been significantly increased costs, conflicting design requirements with other departments and in some cases potential decreases in density to comply. CHBA - Calgary Region has begun a series of meetings with senior administration from both Water Resources and Planning to address these concerns and work towards more collaborative solutions.

Watch for more updates in Builder Bulletins and strategic emails as needed.

CHBA – ALBERTA | INDUSTRY NEWS

By Tally Hutchinson

President, Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta

A home for every Albertan The challenge of affordable and social housing There is often confusion between affordable housing and social or subsidized housing. Affordable housing is a direct product of housing market conditions within a specific municipality or region. If there is an adequate supply of homes and land for new development, housing will generally remain affordable for the vast majority of Albertans.

Where there is a limited supply of available homes and land for new development, housing prices will usually rise, making homes unaffordable. This becomes especially true for first-time buyers and seniors on a fixed income. Subsidized or social housing is when either the government or private sector provides assistance through methods such as grants or inclusionary zoning.

Affordable housing continues to be important throughout Alberta and is a focus of our members. We recognize there is a need for social/subsidized housing throughout Alberta and want to play our part in providing solutions.

It is important to assess a number of potential alternatives aimed at providing housing opportunities for Albertans.

THE IMPACT OF INCLUSIONARY ZONING Inclusionary zoning is one of the tools currently being considered by Alberta municipalities and refers to municipal policies that require the private sector to construct and sell a percentage of units within a development at a pre-determined percentage below market price.

— should not be saddled with the cost of supporting Albertans who need help affording a place to live. We agree with Mayor Iveson that any programs should be funded through general revenues.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS As a society we recognize it is not equitable or efficient to expect the builder of grocery stores, the owner, or other customers to pay a higher price to provide discounts to a select group of shoppers. The same case can be made for buying a home. Programs should subsidize the person who needs it rather than the house.

Our province faces significant and complex housing challenges, from rising prices preventing young people from owning a home, to designing a sustainable social housing program. Alberta’s residential construction industry is ready to play a leading role in making sure that these challenges are addressed and every Albertan has a home they can afford in a community they enjoy.

Inclusionary zoning introduces subsidized units into new communities at what appears at first to be no additional cost to the broad tax base.

There are a number of negative impacts such as the one unit created through inclusionary zoning benefits one family, the increase in costs of other homes is felt in the development and beyond.

Inclusionary zoning increases overall housing costs which results in less affordable housing for all segments of the population, especially those who are already struggling to afford a home. While it provides options for a few, it makes housing less affordable overall.

The broader market will eventually adjust based on increased prices of housing in new communities and make housing in communities citywide more expensive.

It is noteworthy that Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson was recently quoted Bob Ward residence, built 12 years ago through Calgary Home Builders expressing his view that Foundation, provides homes for 70 special needs people. It was recently honoured with Building of the Year by Calgary Residential one group in society — the Rental Association. Photo courtesy CHBF purchasers of new homes

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| COVER FEATURE

Homexpo 2016 The place to be seen

Photo by Brandon Barré

W

Tommy Smythe

Sarah Richardson

and businesses associated with the home industry — and the boutique setting allows you to talk one-on-one with prospective customers.

Homexpo 2016 is January 15 – 17 at BMO Centre, Stampede Park, the first home show of the year, and the 44th annual home show.

It is the only one that is produced by your Association. It’s your show and your support will make it a success.

There’s no better time to invest in marketing your company so you will be ready when those 20,000 people start to think about upgrading as soon as the economy turns — and we know that it always will in Calgary.

This year we have added some new and exciting elements to our show that we know will bring in the audience. After the huge

This is the right time to get in front of people to showcase your company profile, your expertise and your specialized services.

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Photo by Michael Graydon

ith the economic downturn, it’s more important than ever to get in front of prospective clients — and Homexpo 2016 is the ideal venue.

CHBA – Calgary Region/UDI – Calgary’s latest Smarter Growth Initiative survey shows that while people are reluctant to spend money on big ticket items right now with the prolonged oil price drop and the uncertainty surrounding our economy, it doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking about it.

More than 1,200 people from all walks of life and in all age and economic brackets were asked by ThinkHQ for their opinion — and more than 24 per cent said their intentions were still to buy a home within the next two years. A further 49 per cent said while their buying decision might be on the backburner, it’s only for now; they would likely buy within the next five years.

Additionally, last year alone, renovations in Calgarys accounted for $3.1 billion in investment value, according to Will Dunning Inc. Economic Research.

So, major renovations are still a very important part of our economy and top of homeowners’ minds.

That means this is the right time to get in front of people to showcase your company profile, your expertise and your specialized services.

The annual Homexpo show, produced

by CHBA – Calgary Region, is the perfect venue, where more than 20,000 people come specifically because they are interested in buying or renovating their homes. Homexpo is the only home show that’s specifically for builders, renovators

Photo by Brandon Barré

COVER FEATURE |

success of our major presenter Sarah Richardson last year, we’re bringing her back. This host of HGTV’s popular shows such as Design Inc, Sarah’s House, Sarah 101, Real Potential, and most recently, Sarah’s Rental Cottage, is bringing her design expert television teammate Tommy Smythe. Richardson drew standing-room-only crowds last year and we expect the two to be even more popular with attendees in January.

The duo will not only put on separate shows — Sarah on Friday night and Tommy on Sunday afternoon — but will come together for the Saturday afternoon show, sharing their design secrets and connecting with audiences. We have an exciting new online contest, too, that we know will bring people in: Richardson and Smythe will

“Together with the outstanding team at CHBA – Calgary Region we quickly brought all the elements together and stepped into Homexpo looking like old pros. And the best part was the results.”

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do three, one-on-one, private consultations.

Consumers can enter by sending their requests and reasons why they need help.

Additionally, we have other ways to bring in more consumers, including Interiors with Elegance’s daily giveaways and two grand prize draws worth $5,000 each, one for a kitchen renovation and one for a bathroom reno.

We have also ramped up the value to consumers with seminars, including Condo 101 with Heather Bonnycastle, Q.C. and Laurie Kiedrowski of McLeod Law LLP answering all your questions about this unique, and growing, form of homeownership.

All this is wrapped around an incredible $250,000 marketing campaign that includes radio, TV, newspapers, billboards, and more.

It’s a great way to get exposure for your business in this slower economy.

Here’s what Jason Chupik, president of Canyon Plumbing and Heating, said about their first venture into home shows in many years — and they have, once again, generously agreed to sponsor our main presenters’ stage: “We’ll be honest. Before our friends at CHBA – Calgary Region gave us a call with a very interesting offer prior to last year’s event — we had not even considered a trade show in quite some time. The thought of our first foray into the home show after such a long absence was a bit daunting… but only briefly. Together with the outstanding team at CHBA – Calgary Region we quickly brought all the elements together and stepped into Homexpo looking like old pros. And the best part was the results. We were astounded with both the number of our vendors who joined with us to feature some of our most exciting products and services and the continuous flow of attendees with real interest. There was a buzz in our booth from start to finish.

“How could we not be excited for Homexpo 2016? This year we are meeting the challenge to bring even more innovation to the floor and new products are just the beginning.

We are hoping to engage attendees in a conversation about the future of home

| COVER FEATURE

HOMEXPO FAST FACTS

construction and renovation plumbing.

We have been listening carefully over the past year and we have heard homeowners’ concerns. Our theme for this year’s Homexpo will be answering many of those concerns with unexpected solutions. We are thrilled to once again put our heads together with CHBA – Calgary Region and make this the best Homexpo yet!”

Please consider a booth at the 2016 Homexpo event. Contact Laurina Milne at 403-437-0826 or Laurina@chbacalgary. com and check for more details at www. homexpo.ca.

Final note: This Homexpo show is the major contributor to the success of your Association every year, allowing us to do all the valuable things we do for your membership. Please support our ongoing efforts.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region renovations and home innovations consumer show.

On January 15 – 17 at the BMO Centre in Stampede Park, Homexpo is an opportunity for you to showcase your company, the newest products, services and trends for 2016 in a boutique setting where you can talk one-on-one with interested prospects.

PRESENTERS: This year’s guest presentations are popular design experts and television personalities Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe, who have worked together hosting such HGTV shows as Design Inc, Sarah’s House, Sarah 101, Real Potential, and the most recent series, Sarah’s Rental Cottage.

SHOW SCHEDULE Friday, January 15 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 16 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 17 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

On the Canyon Plumbing and Heating Stage the presentations will be as follows: Sarah Richardson will be presenting on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 7 p.m.

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Sarah Richardson along with Tommy Smythe on Saturday, January 16 at 1 p.m.

Tommy Smythe on Sunday, January 17 at 1 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Contests and educational seminars such as Condo Living 101, and Renovation 101.

COVERAGE: $250,000 marketing campaign includes TV, radio, newspapers, billboards, social media, and more, giving your company high exposure.

INFORMATION: Contact Laurina Milne at 403-437-0826 or Laurina@ chbacalgary.com and check for more details at www.homexpo.ca.

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| A SSOCIATION EVENTS

Safety barbecues Weatherman shines on annual event Our Safety Barbecues are an annual event, but with Calgary’s crazy and unpredictable weather, we fooled the weatherman this year and had the event in August instead of the fall. And guess what? The weather was beautiful, the event was a great success and everyone not only had a great time networking with colleagues, but learning more about safety in the workplace as well.

This year’s edition headed out to Evanston and Legacy in Calgary and Ravenswood in Airdrie.

Thank-you to our many sponsors, including our signature sponsor ATCO Gas, for supporting this great initiative that is one of our main mandates: to promote and foster greater safety for all of our members on worksites.

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A SSOCIATION NEWS | C ALGARY HOME BUILDERS FOUNDATION

Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament $90,000 raised for Calgary Home Builders Foundation Always a favourite event for our members, this year’s Calgary Home Builders Foundation Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament was again a tremendous success.

We raised an incredible $90,000 for our Foundation, which is now a charitable committee of CHBA – Calgary Region. We are truly appreciative of the wonderful spirit of giving of our members and we thank you for your continued support.

Led by our main sponsor, the Calgary Herald, we would also like to thank the many sponsors who helped us succeed.

Congratulations to our winners: Carol Oxtoby, Heritage Pointe Properties, won low net; Glenn Davies, Dannburg Floor Coverings, won low gross.

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|  A SSOCIATION NEWS

A special thank you to all our golf sponsors!

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EVENTS C ALENDAR 2015-2016

Luncheons

Builder Breakfasts

(Carriage House Inn)

(Glenmore Inn)

September 24, 2015 October 29, 2015 November 26, 2015 January 28, 2016 February 25, 2016

September 29, 2015

Luncheon CHBA – CR/UDI – Calgary

November 18, 2015

*Held at the Coast Plaza Hotel*

February 10, 2016 Proposed Luncheon

March 31, 2016 April 28, 2016 May 26, 2016 June 23, 2016

February 18, 2016

Mentorship Luncheon

Dinner Meetings (Coast Plaza Hotel)

October 7, 2015 January 13, 2016 March 9, 2016 May 11, 2016 *June 8, 2016 AGM*

Conferences

2015 - 2016 EVENTS

September 17-20, 2015 CHBA – AB Conference

May 4-6, 2016

CHBA National Conference

Special Events

Miscellaneous

December 20, 2015

October 3, 2015

January 15-17, 2016

October 22, 2015

Apri 16, 2016

December 9, 2015

Children’s Christmas Party

Renovation and Infill Tour

Homexpo

Young Guns – Octoberfest

SAM Awards Gala

June 2-4, 2016

Fairmont Golf Classic

Christmas Reception

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

**Please check the website at www.chbacalgary.com/regional-events before events.**

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FEATURE | SM ARTER GROW TH

Out, up and in!

Raising a Smart City through redevelopment Nobody needs to tell our membership that the definition of “home” is shifting in the Calgary Region. No longer just a typical single-family house, home can be a condo, a townhome, a duplex, or something built in a laneway.

With our continued population growth and changing demographics, the shape of our city is evolving.

The Smarter Growth Initiative has released a new book called “Raising a Smart City — Why Calgary Will Grow ‘In’ in Order to Grow Up.” It looks at why redevelopment is necessary, who’s driving it and how it happens. The many challenges of redevelopment are explored, and some fascinating insights about how Calgarians feel about it are revealed.

In a recent ThinkHQ survey commissioned

by Smarter Growth Initiative, 39 per cent of respondents under the age of 35 said they could see themselves living in an inner city

condo in the next few years. For Calgary, where single-family homes on generous lots are the norm, that’s a surprising number.

And, while 48 per cent of those surveyed felt that redevelopment benefits the entire community, 52 per cent oppose an increase in housing density in their neighbourhood.

How will we reconcile these differing views? Where will new residents fit?

What will happen to our established neighbourhoods?

The City of Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan is a road map of policies and goals that will shape our urban form.

It calls for 50 per cent of our cumulative population growth to be accommodated in developed areas over the next 60 years. Achieving this target requires a transformation in our thinking. It’s all part of coming-of-age for a city as young as ours, and part of every older city’s constant evolution.

Cities are in a state of perpetual planning, adapting to new demands.

You, our developers and builders, are leading the evolution of our city, creating diverse housing as a response to the changing face of Calgary. Despite the inherent difficulties in redevelopment, through consultation and innovation, it’s

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happening all around us. Slowly, residents of established areas witnessing redevelopment are recognizing the benefits. In the inner city, where community renewal has already happened, 63 per cent support significant increase in housing diversity in their neighbourhood.

Redevelopment is here. All Calgarians will begin to understand that growing out, up AND in is the responsible way to address population growth and changing demographics. Education is the key to changing “Not in my back yard” to “Yes, in my back yard.”

You can read the full book, “Raising a Smart City,” at smartergrowth.ca. You can also order copies to be delivered to your business for distribution to your networks and showhomes. Encourage your staff and clients to share what they discover on smartergrowth.ca about the opportunities and challenges of urban planning and development.

This month, also watch for the latest Smarter Growth Initiative video, “A Conversation About Housing Availability.”

The three-minute animated short takes a high level look at factors that can create housing shortages and high prices, and how today’s economy affects housing availability in the future.

Upcoming projects by the Smarter Growth Initiative include a fourth book, “Who Pays for What,” exploring the cost of urban growth, and a new video about NIMBYism aimed at helping more Calgarians embrace YIMBYism (“Yes, in my back yard!”).

Learn more at smartergrowth.ca.

CIT Y OF C ALGARY | INDUSTRY NEWS

By Vanessa Gash

Safety Codes Officer – Residential Building Regulations Division Development and Building Approvals, City of Calgary

Six-storey wood frame construction Changes to Alberta Building Code that you need to know Calgary is growing at a considerable pace and the need for housing, particularly affordable housing, is understood by the building industry and new residents alike.

With this in mind The City began accepting applications for six-storey wood frame buildings in November 2014.

With the adoption of the 2014 Alberta Building Code (ABC) slated for spring 2015 the changes were expedited to promote the new construction form. This move was a proactive measure to keep up with changes happening in other jurisdictions across the country; Ontario and British Columbia had already adopted the 2010 National Model Code changes, which included this type of construction. A variance request was required for applications prior to the May 2015 adoption of the 2014 ABC; applicants no longer need to apply for a variance since the information is included in the body of the 2014 ABC. Key changes for six-storey wood frame construction in the 2014 ABC: • Article Div B 3.2.2.50 – outlines the requirements for Group C residential buildings of combustible construction, up to six storeys with a sprinkler system. The previous maximum was four storeys for combustible construction.

• Article Div B 3.2.2.57 – outlines the requirements for Group D office and personal services buildings of combustible construction, up to six storeys with a sprinkler system. The previous maximum was four storeys for combustible construction.

• Allowance for hybrid buildings – this allows lower levels of a building which contains Group C and D occupancies above to be built of non-combustible for parking garages (Group F3), retail (Group E) and restaurants (A2). This allows much more flexibility and cost saving potential for builders.

• Superimposed Major Occupancies – the location of multiple occupancies in buildings has changed in the 2014 ABC. Restaurants (A2) are no longer permitted above the second storey in either Group C or D buildings. Storage garages are permitted below the third storey in a Group D building and below the fourth storey in a Group C building.

• Non-combustible cladding – requirements have increased and a maximum of 10 per cent combustible construction on six storey is permitted, with the remainder being noncombustible.

• Maximum height increased to 18 metres from first storey top of floor, to top of floor of the sixth storey.

• A roof built less than 25 metres, above the first floor, must be made up of combustible construction with a one-hour fire rating.

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• A roof 25 metres or more, above the first floor, must be made up of non-combustible construction.

• Fire fighting access – 25 per cent of the perimeter of the building must be within 15 metres of a street.

In addition to the changes incorporated in the 2014 Alberta Building Code, public and fire safety is always top priority at The City of Calgary. One of the major concerns with this type of construction material is fire during construction; enhanced fire safety plans are required to be submitted with all applications for six-storey wood frame buildings. These plans are required along with a Public Protection Site Safety Plan (PPSSP), to ensure that the public and adjacent properties are protected from construction-related activities.

Additional information on wood frame construction is available at calgary.ca. If you have site specific questions contact the Planning Services Call Centre at 403-2685311 Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

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PHBI | INDUSTRY NEWS

By Joe Connelly

PHBI Executive Director

Courses and classes PHBI offers learning opportunities COURSES

Building Codes

FALL 2015

Professional Selling 1 Construction Fundamentals New Home Marketing Plans, Specifications & Drawings Land Development Human Resources Management Sales Management

DATES

COST

Sept 30 & Oct 1, 2

$749 + GST

Sept 23, 2015

Oct 6/7 & 20/21

$699 + GST

Sept 29, 2015

Oct 15/16 & 29/30

$749 + GST

Oct 8, 2015

Nov 3/4 & 17/18

$699 + GST

Oct 27, 2015

Nov 5 & 6

$649 + GST

Oct 29, 2015

Nov 25, 26 & 27

$649 + GST

Nov 18, 2015

Dec 3 & 4

$699 + GST

Nov 26, 2015

Dec 7, 8 & 9

$649 + GST

Nov 30, 2015

WINTER 2015 & SPRING 2016

COURSES

Professional Selling 2 Project Management & Supervision Communication & Negotiation Problem Solving in Home Building

DATES

COST

Jan 12/13 & 26/27

$699 + GST

Jan 5, 2016

Jan 14 & 15

$839 + GST

Jan 7, 2016

Jan 19/20 & Feb 2/3

$1,500 + GST

Jan 12, 2016

REGISTER BY

Feb 17, 18 & 19

$799 + GST

Feb 10, 2016

Feb 23/24 & Mar 8/9

$699 + GST

Feb 16, 2016

Mar 10, 11

$629 + GST

Mar 3, 2016

Condominium Fundamentals

Apr 12/13 & 26/27

$699 + GST

Apr 5, 2016

Estimating

Apr 14/15 & 28/29

$729 + GST

Apr 7, 2016

May 12/13 & 26/27

$699 + GST

May 5, 2016

May 31/Jun 1 & 14/15

$899 + GST

May 24, 2016

Construction Basics for Sales 1 Construction Technology 1

Finance & Accounting Customer Service Professional COURSES

Construction Basics for Sales 2

DATES

COST

E-Class course | available 24/7

$1,000 + GST

E-Class course | available 24/7

$1,000 + GST

Construction Performance Guidelines

Online course | available 24/7

$139 + GST

Construction Technology 2

Online course | available 24/7

$139 + GST

Home Building on Alberta Soils

Online course | available 24/7 at www.albertasoils.com

Please check www.albertasoils.com

E-Class course | available 24/7

$699 + GST

E-Class course | available 24/7

$1,000 + GST

E-Class course | available 24/7

$649 + GST

E-Class course | available 24/7

$699 + GST

Online course | available 24/7

$1,500 + GST*

E-Class (distance learning)

Construction Fundamentals E-Class (distance learning)

ONLINE

REGISTER BY

Human Resource Management

E-Class (distance learning)

Introduction to Master Home Renovator Program E-Class (distance learning)

Law Fundamentals

E-Class (distance learning)

Sales Management

E-Class (distance learning)

RCSM Level 1

*Contact PHBI for more details. Please visit www.phbi.ca for the most up-to-date sourse scheduling.

Get reimbursed for 2/3rd of your training costs through the Canada-Alberta Job Grant. Visit www.phbi.ca for details.

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| ASSOCIATION INFORMATION NEW MEMBERS n JULY Floform Countertops Supplier/Manufacturer/Trade Rep: Tony Savinkoff Highwood Trusses Ltd. Supplier/Manufacturer/Trade Rep: Darrell Curtis Trivana Homes Inc. Renovator - RenoMark™ Rep: Scott Dejong n AUGUST Defined Contracting Ltd. Builder Rep: Curtis Abisio Dirtbank Inc. Service/Professional Rep: Warren Alsip Summit Fleet Service/Professional Dominic Jonutis Zen Living Ltd. Supplier/Manufacturer/Trade Rep: Say Lung n SEPTEMBER Grip Contracting Ltd. Supplier/Manufacturer/Trade Rep: Tory Cook Quantum Place Development Ltd. Builder Rep: Peter Schryvers

CANCELLED MEMBERS n AUGUST Action Cabinets Blazer Mechanical Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Carshacks Inc. City Wide Services Conasys Consumer Assurance Systems Inc. Creative Innovations & Designs Inc. Farnum Construction Management & Consulting Primo Management Inc. Soligo West n SEPTEMBER Audio Concepts Conklin Developments Ltd. KJC Construction Ltd. Liv Inspired Homes Luxe Development Corp New Concept Management Inc. Radiant Custom Homes Rocky View Capital Sable Developments Signature Staircase Wm. Schmidt Material Contractors Ltd. PROFILE

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INDUSTRY NEWS | CMHC

By Fatima Barros

Regional Vice-President, Prairie and Territories Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Green renovations How to “green” your bathroom renovation Bathroom renovations are one of the most popular home improvement projects in Canada. Creating your dream bathroom can add greatly to both the value of your house, as well as your family’s enjoyment of your home. But bathroom renovations also offer a number of opportunities to include several features that can dramatically improve the energyand water-efficiency of your house, while making your home healthier and more comfortable.

If you’re thinking about renovating your bathroom, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers the following tips on how to make sure your renovation is as efficient, green and affordable as possible: • Install low-flow faucets, showerheads and fixtures, as well as ultra-low flush toilets that consume six litres of water or less per flush. Bathrooms account for about 75 per cent of the water used in the average Canadian home. Water-efficient fixtures can significantly reduce the amount of water your family sends down the drain on a daily basis.

• To conserve resources and minimize your environmental footprint, select certified forest flooring and cabinetry, recycled countertops and tiles, and locally-sourced products and materials. Plus, choose materials, products and finishes that are low-emission, low-polluting, easy to clean and maintain, and which will remain in good condition for years to come.

• Plan for future renovations by making

sure your bathroom will be able to adapt to changes in your needs as you or your family members get older. For example, make sure the controls and fixtures are within easy reach, install grab bars beside the toilet and bathtub, use a non-slip surface in the bathtub or shower, and install a shower head on a vertical slide bar so it can be set at a variety of different heights.

• To cut down on your monthly utility bills, choose low-energy lighting and exhaust fans, install more energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® windows, insulate the hot and cold water pipes, and improve the insulation in the walls and ceiling wherever feasible.

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• Prevent the growth of mold by using moisture-resistant materials and finishes, such as ceramic tile, natural stone or laminates. Also, make sure your bathroom has adequate ventilation to ensure that condensation, moisture and odours will be vented directly to the outside.

• If you will be replacing any cabinets, fixtures or materials, plan in advance for how you can reuse, recycle or safely dispose of the old fixtures.

• To keep costs to a minimum, avoid potentially expensive rework by identifying and addressing any concerns that might arise before you begin construction. Use quality, durable and long-lasting materials. And select a timeless, efficient design that will extend both the life of your bathroom and the time until your next renovation.

For more information about CMHC’s online Renovator’s Green Guide or for the answers to any other questions about buying, owning or renovating a home, visit our website at www.cmhc.ca or call CMHC at 1-800668-2642. For over 65 years, CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency, and a source of objective, reliable housing information.

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