Profile September 2014 by Source Media Group

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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 Val Veldhuyzen | Director, Finance and Administration val@chbacalgary.com Amie Blanchette | Director, Government Affairs amie@chbacalgary.com David Bears | Director, Programs david@chbacalgary.com Kathy McCormick | Profile Editor, Director, Communications kathy@chbacalgary.com Habiba Gulnaz-Khalid | Accounting Co-ordinator habi@chbacalgary.com Kailey Mitchell | Event Co-ordinator kailey@chbacalgary.com Deanna McArthur | Communications Assistant deanna@chbacalgary.com Deb Mansfield | Executive Assistant deb@chbacalgary.com Wanda Wong | Receptionist info@chbacalgary.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 • VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 12

A SSOCIATION INFORMATION 7 Message from the President, CHBA – Calgary Region 8 Message from the CEO, CHBA – Calgary Region 9 Message from the President, CHBA – Alberta 10 Summer months productive 28 New and cancelled members

A SSOCIATION NEWS 17 CHBF Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament 29 Thank-you corporate sponsors COVER FE ATURE 12 Homexpo 2015 14 Generating revenue A SSOCIATION E VENTS 23 Upcoming CHBA – Calgary Region events INDUSTRY NEWS 21 The BUILT GREEN® advantage 24 Rainwater harvesting 25 Improving the process 26 Top 10 reasons

Published by Source Media Group Corp. 207, 5809 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0J9. Tel 403.532.3101, Toll free 1.888.932.3101 Fax 403.532.3109 email: info@sourcemediagroup.ca web: www.sourcemediagroup.ca Associate Publisher | Jim Zang Art Director | Jean Faye Rodriguez Graphic DesignerS | Rylyn Kvarnberg, Dave Macaulay, Megan Sereda Production Co-ordinator | Colleen Leier Accounting | Norma Robertson Advertising Sales | Janice Skelton-White janice.skelton-white@sourcemediagroup.ca © 2014 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of 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

Need to change your contact name or address? Let us know at info@chbacalgary.com

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President ’s message | association information

By Wayne Copeland President, Canadian Home Buiders’ Association – Calgary Region

Work in progress A new term brings both old and new challenges As I begin the new term as your 67th president, I’d like to take this time to talk a bit about your association. Ever since CHBA – Calgary Region was formed in 1946, it has provided a strong voice for our industry, impacting the way our city grows, supporting the thousands of people who work in residential construction and dealing with the issues of the day in an effort to make our industry stronger. Today, with more than 650 member companies, our work continues and the issues are more complex than ever before. We are valued stakeholders sitting at various tables and providing input and expertise to help build this city. At the helm is our Board of Directors — a broad representation from the many businesses involved in residential construction, from builders to renovators, land developers to suppliers, trades to manufacturers, and all the other businesses that are in some way related to homebuilding. Our 2014-2015 Board is also new, elected in June of this year and

We are valued stakeholders sitting at various tables and providing input and expertise to help build this city.

ready to take on the challenges of leading this dynamic group of businesses that is so important to the future of our city. I am excited and eager to work with our Board, who come with fresh ideas and enthusiasm to lead our members into this era of change. Together, we are working on several areas right now that will impact us in ways we have yet to discover. Two initiatives are very active right now and will continue into the fall. 1. The investigation of the impacts of a possible merger between us and Urban Development Institute – Calgary has been done through consultants MNP (Myers Norris Penny) and a report was presented to the Advisory group. From here, the Advisory group will make recommendations which will go to both our boards, which will then detemine the next course of action. 2. The Industry Engagement Campaign is in full swing with ThinkHQ’s research completed and first drafts of survey results presented to the Founders Advisory Group along with a preliminary draft proposal from EvansHunt on the strategy for the campaign going forward. Work continues on all fronts and we should be

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implementing some of this work in the near future. This is an exciting initiative that I am certain will help elevate the importance of our industry and the good work we all do. We are a vibrant community of businesses who contribute much to this economy and make a difference at every opportunity. In addition to the many challenges we face daily, our board will be making decisions that guide our industry and set the direction of the association to move forward in a professional manner. We will make policy decisions to keep our organization on track and will set goals and objectives. I have already been representing you through media and at the City of Calgary, meeting with key personnel to share our vision. This will continue as we deal with important issues that impact us. I welcome your input and comments and look forward to working with you this year.

ceo’s message | association information

By Donna Moore

CEO, Canadian Home Buiders’ Association – Calgary Region

Making our industry stronger New opportunities on the horizon for CHBA members Welcome to the new term. We have been busy over the summer preparing for a jam-packed year ahead and bringing new opportunities to you, as you will see in many of the articles in this edition of Profile magazine. I encourage everyone to get involved and make the most of your membership. During the summer we asked for volunteers to fill our various committees and I’d like to thank every one of the 189 people who responded. Our volunteers are a very important part of our membership and our association’s success. The expertise they bring, the work they do and the information they share are vital to help us take our message to our members, The City of Calgary, the councillors, and the general public. They are critical to ensure our voice is heard. We have so many committees doing important work — and we really do make a difference. The collective voices around the various tables bring issues to the forefront, make decisions that impact our way of doing business and help us develop key messages. As an example, our safety advisory committee and technical advisory committee are working with The City of Calgary on new safety best practices. Our land use bylaw working group and inner city builders advisory committee have been involved with the city’s redesignation of land (R-CG district) that will allow for more certainty going forward in the

redevelopment process. For more, see our Government Relations report in this issue of Profile. Together with our strong staff representation from our Government Affairs Director Amie Blanchette, we are valued stakeholders making a difference. We continually strive to make our industry stronger and more relevant. Our time is spent doing important research, formulating policies that will provide direction to our members, and sharing relevant information about our industry and the good things we have accomplished through various means — including our extensive social media network, our website, talking with media, presentations to council and other groups, and more. Through our Board of Directors, which is also made up of valued volunteers, we determine a Strategic

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Plan that guides our actions and gives us a ‘collective voice’ that is consistent, professional and leads us into the future. You will find more information about the important role of our Board in our President Wayne Copeland’s column in this issue. Through these avenues we have been able to create important initiatives such as our advocacy work for more choice for more people in more places. And of course, we also provide many areas for our members to grow, to learn, to network, and to build their businesses. We look forward to continuing to work for you and with you in the coming term. Thank-you once again for your support.

We have so many committees doing important work — and we really do make a difference.

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CHBA – alberta | association information

By Stephen Amonson

President, Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Alberta

Issue advocacy CHBA – Alberta supports both builder and buyer interests One of the important ways we serve CHBA – Alberta members is through our issue advocacy and the development of key messages on issues important to our members. These points are put together so that individual members can easily express concerns, challenges and opportunities to decision-makers in a straightforward manner. Below are paragraphs devoted to some of the most pressing items going into the fall. We trust you will find them useful. Municipal Government Act Review No city, big or small, is an island. Tweaking the system or enhancing powers for a small, select group will not result in 21st century legislation. Albertans share common goals, needs and the drive to be world leaders. Consistency throughout the province for individuals and businesses is an asset, and organizing municipalities so that working together can be done efficiently is of utmost importance. City Charters City charter discussions are not simply a matter of negotiation between Edmonton, Calgary and the province. A broad stakeholder group including industry, municipalities and other groups must be consulted if this legislative tool is to be implemented effectively in Alberta. City Charters should not include municipal building code authority (or the ability to improperly circumvent the building code) or inclusionary zoning provisions.

Building Code We support the national code process which is based on thorough research and an equitable stakeholder process that ultimately results in the Alberta Building Code. One code, as defined by the Alberta Building Code, should be the only building code in the province. This does not preclude the opportunity and need for a provincial process to implement interim alternative solutions when challenges need to be addressed. Labour Market Issues The shortages of labour supply in Alberta are systemic and represent a long-term challenge to the economic prosperity of the province and as the nation’s economic engine, the country. If the federal government cannot provide a single approach that works for the whole country, regional solutions should be considered and enacted with regard to items such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and immigration. Building Communities A toolkit of options for financing community infrastructure is needed, including innovative methods such as Community Finance Districts (CFDs). This should be paired with a refocus on core infrastructure,

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including a provincial limit on what can be defined as essential. “Wants” should not be financed through the mortgages of homeowners as a requirement of any and all new developments. CHBA – Alberta members also want to work with the provincial government to ensure that schools come to new communities, and can be delivered in a number of ways including methods that allow for the creation of schools as community hubs. Preserving Choice and Affordability There is only one taxpayer and one consumer. Levels of government, developers or builders ultimately pass costs on — whether to an individual who is purchasing a new home or one who is paying taxes. All changes to provincial law and challenges due to issues such as land supply or control of water licenses must be considered with this reality and the implications for affordability should be top of mind.

CHBA – C algary Region | association information

By Amie Blanchette

Director, Government Affairs, CHBA – Calgary Region

Summer months productive Progress made on several key industry concerns To keep you up to date on some of our Government Relations activities during the summer, the major updates are listed below. For much more detail, please access the Government Relations Report icon on our main website page often as new items are posted frequently. Residential Construction Site Safety Best Practices Member volunteers from CHBA – Calgary Region’s safety and technical advisory committees met with representatives from The City of Calgary to discuss construction site safety standards, including excavation, shoring, fencing, signage, required street permits, and overall site management. A small working group of builders (from both new suburban communities and infill areas), trade partners and representatives from the city will work on developing a ‘Residential Construction Site Safety Best Practices’ guide.

A small working group of builders, trade partners and representatives from the city will work on developing a ‘Residential Construction Site Safety Best Practices’ guide.

Land Supply Update In May, CHBA – Calgary Region and UDI – Calgary sent a letter to the city requesting a more in-depth reporting of the land supply situation in new suburban communities. Traditionally the numbers have only been updated annually through the work of the Geodemographics group and the resulting Suburban Residential Growth Report. While this report has always been well researched and helpful in giving a broad overview on the situation, due to the nature of the methodology and inputs used, it was difficult to represent what would be considered current numbers at the time of publication. During the last few months, we have been working towards a new monthly reporting process for suburban residential lot supply. This would enable interested parties to access real-time data on available lot inventory by community along with a better understanding of what is currently in the approval process and expected to be added to the overall supply. Work is progressing and updates will be provided as this becomes finalized. We would like to thank our city

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partners for their support of this project and their shared desire to make this critical information more widely available on a timelier basis.

Update on New R-CG District On July 17 the Calgary Planning Commission (CPC) recommended that council adopt the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) amendments to replace the R-CH District with the R-CG District. CHBA – Calgary Region sent a letter of support for the new district and attended the CPC meeting to hear the discussion first hand. CPC supported the use and decided to put forward several additional recommendations for council to consider. The first is to allow secondary suites and backyard suites to locate on the same parcel. Two associated motions were also recommended to council. The first would direct the city to initiate redesignation to R-CG for a pilot project in an appropriate location in conjunction with a project to adopt new or amended policy for the developed area. Watch for more details on this as it unfolds. CHBA is supporting this direction.

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cover feature

2015 It’s your opportunity to shine in the best of company We are extremely excited to announce that we will have two of the most popular TV personalities ever on hand to bring people in to our new, in-housedesigned Homexpo show January 16 to 18, 2015 at BMO Centre, Stampede Park. Scott McGillivray, host of the popular show, Income Property, has agreed once again to come back for our consumer trade show to talk about his exciting new projects and experiences. He captured full houses last year with standing-room-only crowds who came to listen to the popular presenter — and we expect the same enthusiasm this year. An authority on secondary suites, he has been working closely with The City of Calgary as a consultant on the benefits of legalizing them. “There tends to be a stigma against secondary suites, but I feel that by doing the show (Income Property) we have had a positive impact on the impression some people have of the whole situation,” says Sarah McGillivray. “We have Richardson been able to bring to life some of the solutions to common problems.” McGillivray’s expertise in this area is sure to draw crowds who will be looking to renovate and update their own homes, possibly with secondary suites in mind. What better place to showcase your own company than with those who are coming profile

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to find out about how to renovate and update their own homes? But it doesn’t stop there. We are also so pleased to announce that McGillivray will be joined by none other than Sarah Richardson. You’ve been to her house and her cottage — now you can meet her in person and get some advice on decorating your home (or even your new secondary suite) for today. People will recognize her from shows such as Room Service, Design Inc, and Sarah 101; Sarah’s House and Sarah’s Cottage have been two of the most popular HGTV shows ever and her audience is huge. And she just keeps on bringing us new and innovative things that she is doing. Richardson’s most recent series, Sarah Sees Potential, will debut on HGTV USA this fall. The most exciting part of Richardson’s Homexpo visit is her new, long-awaited book, Sarah Style. Hot off the press, it will be here just in time for our show — and she will present Saturday and Sunday of our show AND will spend time afterwards with

The most exciting part of Richardson’s Homexpo visit is her new, long-awaited book. Sarah Style. Hot off the press, it will be here just in time for our show — and Richardson will sign those books after her Homexpo shows.

COVER FEATURE

the audience to sign copies of her books. We expect this to be a hugely popular draw for consumers and, again, it is the perfect audience to display your company, your products and your services in our venue. Having two of Canada’s most celebrated personalities slated to present each day of Homexpo will ensure the turnstiles continue to spin. McGillivray will appear Friday evening and Saturday morning, with Richardson taking the reins Saturday afternoon and late Sunday morning. This is the first year we have decided after more than a quarter of a century to bring our Homexpo, the largest revenue source for CHBA – Calgary Region to be able to bring value to our members, back in-house. We have been working hard to make it even more relevant and exciting for the general public — which means, in turn, that it will be more valuable for you. It remains the first home show of the year, featuring renovators, and exhibitors from all businesses involved in some way in home innovation — perfect timing for those who have updating and fixing their homes on their New Year’s resolution list. We expect more than 12,000 people will attend — qualified people with serious intentions. And this year for the first time, our home show coincides with another consumer show that attracts a similar number of couples who have ‘building a nest’ on their minds. The Wedding Fair is on Sunday, January 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in adjoining halls. Couples just planning their

“There tends to be a stigma against secondary suites, but I feel that by doing the show (Income Property) we have had a positive impact on the impression some people have of the whole situation.” future will be more than anxious to set up their new homes by visiting Homexpo at the same time. It’s an opportunity for our exhibitors to absolutely be in the right place at the right time with the right audience. We have made some changes as well to attract that desired audience. We are increasing our advertising to reach more consumers and are making it easier to purchase tickets to the event through Safeway stores. And of course, our extensive social media network will be in full swing, promoting the show and offering tidbits of information to get the consumers excited. Book your space today — we are filling up quickly and we want to ensure our CHBA – Calgary Region members get first crack at prime space for this show, which will be in the newest part of the BMO Centre for the first time. Simply call Laurina Milne, show manager at 403-235-1911 or direct at 403-437-0826. Or email at laurina@chbacalgary.com. Check the website www.homexpo.ca for more information, find us on facebook and follow us on twitter (@homexpoyyc). – Contributed by: Kathy McCormick, Director of Communications

Scott McGillivray

Homexpo Quick Facts What

Time

Special Guests

Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region annual renovations and home innovations show

Friday, January 16: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, January 17: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, January 18: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Scott McGillivray Presentation times: Friday evening and Saturday daytime

Where

cost

Hall D and E BMO Centre, Stampede Park

Adults: $12 Seniors/Students: $10 Children 12 and under: Admitted FREE

Sarah Richardson Presentation times: Saturday daytime and Sunday morning

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Anticipated Attendance 12,000+ people

January 16-18, 2015

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Generating revenue Income Property star brings expertise to Calgary secondary suite discussion Scott McGillivray, host of HGTV’s popular series Income Property and standing-room-only presenter at last year’s Homexpo, is back January 16-18, 2015, and he’s ready to help homeowners get more value out of their property. And that includes educating Calgary on the benefits of legalizing secondary suites, a topic that is near and dear to McGillivray and has been making headlines in Calgary this year as our city council grapples with trying to bring safe, affordable housing to more people. In fact, McGillivray has been working closely as a consultant with The City of Calgary on the issue. Council voted in 2011 to allow secondary suites in any new suburban communities, but a motion to test the legalization of secondary suites in other targeted parts of the city has been delayed until fall. “The city is doing their due diligence on what the best approach is to legalizing secondary suites,” says McGillivray. “I am included in these conversations to offer my expert advice on the situation, to give ideas and share experiences that I have had in other municipalities experiencing growing pains.” And McGillivray is not short on

experience: to date he has worked in over 25 cities and on over 250 properties. Legalizing secondary suites is an idea that CHBA - Calgary Region supports. Part of our advocacy work is to create more choice for more people in more places and by removing costly barriers and eliminating illegal suites, affordability and safety will be addressed. In Calgary, vacancy rates of 1.4 per cent and average rent of $1,274 are onerous and as many as 60,000 estimated secondary suites, now in place, represent affordable rentals. “People deserve a safe and decent place to live and we have to regulate for people’s safety and council must come to terms with this,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said of the issue in a June 10 CBC interview for the story “Secondary suite approval process ‘not ethical’, Naheed Nenshi says.” “I’ve got news for you,” says McGillivray. “Thirty-three per cent of the population rents, whether they are renting legally or not. You cannot force people to be able to

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afford a home: either they are going to do it in a regulated, controlled environment, or they are going to do it illegally.” One of the first steps in educating homeowners on secondary suites is breaking down the stigma that often accompanies the topic, says McGillivray. Something he feels he has had a positive impact on through his popular show, Income Property, filming its 10th season. “The biggest scare for people is that they are going to have someone — one of their neighbours — having a secondary suite, and doing a bad job of it. The irony is, if suites are regulated, the space would have to be legal and up to standards, and that would increase the likelihood of a good tenant.” And the legalization of suites could open the housing market up, including making it easier for a first-time homebuyer to purchase. “A suite provides a source of income for the new homebuyer, and the construction of a proper suite increases the value of the home by at least what you have put into it, whereas an illegal income suite provides little, to no value for the property at all.” We are anticipating a big crowd at Homexpo — people who want to learn more about Income Property and how to maximize the value of their homes. See more detail in the accompanying articles on Homexpo. – Contributed by: Deanna McArthur, Communications Assistant, CHBA – Calgary Region

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c algary home builders foundation | Industry Events

CHBF Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament Rain or shine, members help raise money for charity The rain didn’t scare anyone away from the popular CHBF Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament in August. The sold-out tournament saw 256 players brave the cool, wet weather in support of the 13th project undertaken by the Calgary Home Builders Foundation: the replacement of one dormitory at Camp Horizon, a year-round camp for children and adults with visible and non-visible disabilities. Each year the Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament also takes time to recognize the leaders of our industry, the current and past presidents of both CHBF and CHBA – Calgary Region. A special thank you to all of our members who helped make the tournament, which raised $145,000, a success. The 50 sponsors, the many volunteers, and the donation of various prizes — which ranged from a hot air balloon ride, to Calgary Flames tickets, and golf equipment —

helped us get closer to the CHBF fundraising goal of $1,000,000. Congratulations to Jay Westman, Low Gross winner and Dave Gladney, Low Net winner in the Presidential Flight, the Shane Homes Ltd. team, Jim Smith, Dan Price, Shane Wenzel, and Dave Rickett, winners of the Hawk Course (play your own ball), and the Masuch Albert LLP team, Ted Crawford, Mike Steiner, Tony Suberlak, and Tim Crawford, winners of the Raven Course (scramble). And thank-you to the energetic and informative Lisa Longball, current holder of the Canadian Women’s Long Drive record of 350 yards two feet, two inches, who ran a very informative and fun clinic, then emceed the banquet.

L–R: Bob Dubask (PP), Don Davies (PP), Bill McFarlane (PP), and Glen Davies

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L–R: Onufry Shinkewski, Alan Norris, Jay Westman (PP), and Glynn Hendry

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Industry News | c algary home builders foundation

Lisa Longball Vlooswyk, showing members how it’s done at her informative clinic

Deep Shergill (PP) taking a putt as Jason Habib looks on at the CHBF Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament

Morrison Homes Team — L–R: Dave Gladney (PP), Carole Saguez, Al Morrison and Cory Hirsekorn

Special thanks to: Committee

Volunteers

Warren Banks, Breckenridge Builders Ltd. Don Davies, FirstService Residential Jim Kerr, Aya Kitchens of Calgary Carol Lewis, Calgary Herald, Division of Postmedia Network Inc. Jim Smith, Shane Homes Ltd. Daryl Stayura, Breckenridge Builders Ltd. Sandy Van Someren, All Weather Windows Ltd. Morley Woloschuk, Contempa Carpet Co. Ltd. Robert Zimola, BURNCO Rock Products Ltd.

Beverly Chalk – Bank of Montreal Norm Corner – Central Door & Access Systems Ann Donald – BFL Canada Insurance Services Inc. Charlene Francis – Homes by Avi (Calgary) LP Tawnya Millard – The Alberta New Home Warranty Program Laurina Milne – CHBA – Calgary Region Laura Parsons – Bank of Montreal

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In the last edition of Profile magazine, we incorrectly identified Daryl Stayura’s employer. He is with Breckenridge Builders Ltd. We apologize for any misunderstanding this created.

c algary home builders foundation | Industry Events

CHBA – Calgary Region and CHBF past presidents pose for a photo at the CHBF Presidents’ Charity Golf Tournament

L–R: Doug Whitney (PP) Donna Moore, CEO, and Don Wilson (PP)

L–R: Brent Ling (PP), Ron Clarke (PP), Wayne Copeland (P) and Gary Mummery (PP)

And the winners are… A

D A. Jay Westman (PP), Jayman Group of Companies, Low Gross winner in the Presidential Flight B. Dave Gladney (PP), Morrison Homes, Low Net winner in the Presidential Flight C. L–R Shane Homes Ltd. team Jim Smith (PP), Dan Price, Dave Rickett and Shane Wenzel, winners of the Hawk Course D. The Masuch Albert LLP team, winners of the Raven Course ** (PP) — Past President of CHBA – Calgary Region or Calgary Home Builders Foundation

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Built green | industry news

By Jennifer Christen

Executive Director Built Green Canada

The Built Green advantage ®

Some builders have a head start on the new building code changes

As the industry faces incoming building code changes, for the first time energy has been directly addressed — and that means escalating costs to build a home. At the same time, builders will move to a more even playing field with the increased regulations, including green building requirements. That gives builders engaged in an energy-efficient program a leading edge: a competitive advantage. The BUILT GREEN® program, for example, goes far beyond energy efficiency. BUILT GREEN® programs complement the new energy requirement; specifically, the new section of the code (9.36), which deals with energy efficiency. Homebuilders will now have a choice as to how they achieve the requirement — either with a prescriptive path or a performance standard, utilizing the federal EnerGuide program. For builders participating in the BUILT GREEN® program, using the performance path, they know how to take those same dollars that would be used on the prescriptive path and get a better result for the home buyer. The energy efficiency in the BUILT GREEN® program is what requires some investment; many of the rest of the program’s measures are cost neutral or even save money. As a result, a builder can spend the same money, be code compliant, and participate in the program. Founded in 2003, and brought to Canada in Calgary as a hybrid of several other energy-efficient programs, the organization is now headquartered in Edmonton, but has

expanded to B.C., Ontario, and recently, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The national, industry-driven organization is committed to working with builders interested in responsible sustainability practices in the residential building sector. The organization offers programs for single family and high density projects, with a renovations program in pilot and a communities program under development. Builders have enrolled and completed over 20,500 BUILT GREEN® homes. If multi-family units are included, the total is over 23,500. Together, the organization and its members are leading the way in sustainability performance for residential home construction.

Built Green® programs offer builders the means to transition into, and implement green technology with ease.

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BUILT GREEN® programs offer builders the means to transition into, and implement green technology with ease. Checklists include pre-approved samples, and supporting guides make navigating the program straight forward. The pay-off of gaining a competitive edge, staying ahead of government-imposed regulation, and demonstrating leadership benefits individuals and highlights the industry’s vision through this progressive builder-led initiative. For the consumer, purchasing a BUILT GREEN® home offers a healthier, more durable home with a lower environmental impact, lower costs, and the ability to choose which green features they want. • Homeowners enjoy costs savings in monthly operating costs with water, electricity, and gas bills. A home built in the BUILT GREEN® program should save a minimum of approximately 10 per cent in annual utility bills compared to a codebuilt home. Cumulatively, the savings can be substantial. Better efficiency means long-term savings. • Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Genworth Financial mortgage insurance rebates are available for BUILT GREEN® homes. • BUILT GREEN®-certified homes offer the benefit of longer-term durability through the efficient use of building materials and processes. • Consumers who purchase a BUILT GREEN®-certified home should benefit from an increase in market and resale value.

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Events C ALENDAR

Upcoming CHBA – Calgary Region events Everything from Sales Rally to Santa Claus

This October BE BOLD! Join us at our first Dinner Meeting of the new term as we welcome Keynote Speaker Jeff Shore, on October 15. Shore is a highly sought-after sales expert, author, speaker and executive coach. For more than three decades, he has guided executives and sales teams in large and small companies across the globe to deliver BOLD sales results. Shore will delve deeper into his successful strategies the following morning as he encourages sales professionals to get out of their comfort zones, boost their performances and win the sale at our Sales Rally. Shore will lead sales professionals through a comprehensive selling skills seminar focusing on the buying process, overcoming sales adversity and more. The October 16th Sales Rally is presented in two segments: The intensive threehour morning session is geared toward all sales personnel and a two-hour afternoon session is specifically targeted to sales leaders. A variety of registration options and incentives are available on the association website (www.chbacalgary.com).

SAM Awards Submissions for the 2014 CHBA – Calgary Region SAM Awards are now being accepted online (www.samawards.com). The deadline to enter for the Advertising & Marketing, Developer, Renovator, Partner and Sales Achievement Awards is Friday,

November 7 at 4 p.m. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be declared 2014’s best-ofthe-best in the Calgary Region.

Holiday Party We are excited to invite you to join us at our popular Annual Holiday Event on November 26 — a new date this year to give you a chance to network with colleagues before the big season celebrations kick in full time. It is a great opportunity to socialize with fellow members, enjoy some delicious food, nog, glog and other wintery comforts and celebrate the season with us.

Children’s Christmas Party The very popular Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 21st at Heritage Pointe Golf Club. This magical event geared towards families with young children features Christmas goodies, crafts, face painting, balloon artistry, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus to meet each child and hand out free gifts.

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Builder Breakfasts Held on the last Thursday of the month, Builder Breakfasts offer members information on important industry topics. Be sure to watch our website for information on the upcoming topics for these sessions.

Economic Dinner Meeting Join us on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 for the always sold-out Economic Dinner Meeting where experts from the industry will share their forecasts for 2015. Check the calendar for more opportunities throughout the year. *Subject to change. Check website for updates.

CMHC | Industry News

By Anand Mishra

Senior Research Advisor, CMHC, Prairies & Territories

Rainwater harvesting Centuries-old practice can reduce your monthly bill

For centuries, people have collected rainwater for drinking, washing and irrigation purposes. With the advent of municipal water treatment, rainwater collection became less popular in urbanized centres, though water storage cisterns can still be found in old farmhouses across Canada. But recently, rainwater harvesting has experienced an increase in popularity in countries around the globe as a result of droughts, water shortages and the rising costs of drinking water and stormwater infrastructure. Rainwater harvesting systems use rainwater collected from the roof and should not be confused with systems that recycle treated wastewater or greywater (water from baths, showers and laundry). Also, keep in mind that rainwater that has touched the ground is generally not collected, as it can be contaminated with leaked automobile fluids, road salt, pet droppings, pesticides, fertilizers, and dirt. Some codes now permit the use of nonpotable (not safe to drink) water for toilet flushing and subsurface irrigation, while others permit the use of rainwater for laundry washing. Codes and bylaws will set out requirements for appropriate pipe material, sizing, supports, protection, and marking, as well as the need for backflow prevention to ensure that non-potable water cannot mix with potable (drinkable) water from the municipality or your well. Before installing a rainwater harvesting system, it is important to check with your municipality first to ensure the design

and installation of your system will be in compliance with local regulations. The first step will be to determine the quantity of water you will need for your intended purposes, the size of your roof catchment area and the amount of rainfall your area typically receives in a year. Based on this information, a rainwater harvesting system designer can work with you to determine how much rain you can realistically collect, how big of a cistern you will need and what you can use this water for. Cisterns have come a long way from the simple rain barrel. They come in different sizes (50 – 200,000 L), shapes (rectangular, square, cylindrical, bag) and materials (concrete, fiberglass, plastic, steel, wood) and can be installed above or below ground. Cisterns and related components should be insulated or emptied to avoid freezing in the winter months. While there are currently very few regulations for rainwater quality, a rainwater harvesting system can include some level of treatment to stop the system from clogging up and to help ensure good water quality. Gutter filters, screens and systems that divert the “first flush” of rainwater are used to reduce the amount

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of leaf litter, insects, pollens, dust and other pollutants that can collect on roofs and get into the rainwater system. Screens are also used on access openings on the cistern to keep out insects, rodents, etc. Stored rainwater can also be treated with cartridge or membrane filters and then disinfected with chlorine or ultraviolet light prior to use. Check with your local health agency to determine what treatment (if any) is required in your jurisdiction. To learn more about rainwater harvesting systems, visit CMHC’s website (www.cmhc.ca) to view the Guidelines for Residential Rainwater Harvesting Systems Handbook or call 1-800-668-2642 to request a copy of the publication.

Cit y of C algary | Industry News

By Vanessa Gash

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

Improving the process

City working to simplify single and semi-detached home inspections Industry customers can now make a single call to 311 or online request using VISTA to book all required inspections, during each phase of construction, for their new single and semi-detached home project. Where the construction project involves a Development Permit and a Building Permit, a Development Inspector and Safety Codes Officer will visit the property on the same day to complete their inspection. This change means that customers are now able to obtain all their inspection results the same day as their scheduled appointment. These improvements are part of our eServices portfolio, which aims to make it faster and easier for customers to do business with The City.

Highlights • One request to book all inspections during each phase of construction for new single and semi-detached homes

• Coordinated inspections provide the customer the results of all their inspections on the same day.

More improvements on the way The next phase of their project will connect inspections with eServices’ Residential ePermit online permitting tool. This will enable customers in the future to apply for permits, book inspections, and view the results of their inspections all online. In addition, the occupancy approval process is being consolidated to provide customers a single City of Calgary ‘permission to occupy’ notification, when a home is approved for occupancy. Visit www.calgary.ca/epermit

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Industry News | PHBI

By Joe Connelly

PHBI Executive Director

Top 10 reasons To “Learn More” at PHBI.ca

The Professional Home Builders Institute (PHBI) is the premier provider of quality education for the residential construction industry. For over 25 years, we have been the go-to organization to upgrade your skills in the areas of business, construction and sales and marketing. Here are the top 10 reasons to enroll in a PHBI course:

Top Quality Facilitators Our facilitators are subject-matter experts who not only teach the courses, they develop them as well. Every year, each of the facilitators at PHBI is reviewed and evaluated. There is no tenure here; they are with PHBI because they are the best in the industry, the best in Alberta.

Learning Options While we try to schedule our courses at a time that works for everyone, we realize

that everyone has different schedules. For that reason we offer blended learning and eLearning opportunities. And if your company is interested in custom courses, we can do that, too. Many home builders like the option of PHBI coming to their offices and putting on the courses right there on the premises.

Practical Applications PHBI courses are practical as well as theoretical. Our courses are designed to be of immediate value and will be utilized as soon as you are back on the job.

CHBA National Benchmarks PHBI is the only Alberta organization that provides courses that meet or exceed the national educational benchmarks as established by CHBA.

Specific PHBI provides education for the residential construction industry and only the residential construction industry. This means that the lectures, workbooks and examples are all specific to your industry.

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Backed by solid market research Every year, PHBI (through our partnership with CustomerInsight™) surveys over 40,000 homebuyers to gain direct feedback on their new home purchase. This invaluable information is then analyzed and included in future courses.

Service With a new website and a new learning management system — you’ll find it easy to find the course you need to excel. Plus our friendly staff (Guidance Counsellors) is always available to answer any questions and to guide you toward your goal of higher education.

Value When it comes to residential construction, no one gives you more value for your education dollar. You will learn more, learn faster and be back on the job sooner.

No Prerequisites The majority of PHBI courses are all stand-alone with no prerequisite required (saving you even more time and money).

Focused PHBI is YOUR educational institute. It was created by builders, for builders. We welcome your feedback and your participation.

PHBI | Industry News

Upcoming PHBI Courses Course Estimating

Date

Oct. 3 – 4 | 24 – 25 2014

Sept. 26, 2014

Learn effective techniques for accurately estimating the costs of residential construction including labour, materials and general expenses. Construction Fundamentals

Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 | Nov. 14 – 15

Oct. 28, 2014

Broaden your understanding of the processes, materials, systems and methods used in constructing residential homes with this introductory course. Learn how concrete, framing, joists/subfloors, roofing and drywall all come together in the construction of structurally sound homes. Condominium Fundamentals

Nov. 4 – 5 | 18 – 19

Oct. 28, 2014

Deepen your understanding of the Condominium Property Act of Alberta as it relates to the sale of new construction condominiums. Law Fundamentals

Dec. 5 – 6

Nov. 28, 2014

Explore the legal and regulatory environment of residential construction, and gain understandings essential to a home building business.

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association Information | Ne w and c ancelled members NEW MEMBERS n june 2014 Envision Custom Renovations Inc. Renovator Rep: Alan Hrehirchuk KJC Construction Ltd. Renovator Rep: Kenneth Johnston Mikiki Developments Builder Rep: Michael Thompson

Radon Controls Inc. Service/Professional Rep: Pat Lagore Timbercraft Renovations Inc. Renovator Rep: Paul Firkus Westcreek Homes Ltd. Builder Rep: Bryan Grosul

CA N CE L L E D M E M B E R S

n June 2014

New West Equipment Services Ltd. Supplier/Manufacturer/Trade Rep: Keith Beggs

Blue Rock Builders Ltd.

Prime Developments Renovator Rep: Murray Primeau

Home Completions Inc. Jamieson’s Innovations Inc. Shift Elevators and Lifts

n July 2014

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corpor ate sponsorsâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; association Information

Thank-you corporate sponsors Thank you sponsors!

Our sincere thank-you goes out to Brookfield Residential, Grant Thornton LLP, Shane Homes Ltd., Prophit Management Ltd., Homes by Avi (Calgary) LP, and Jertyne Interior Services Ltd. for their corporate sponsorship during the 2013-2014 term. They allowed us to continue to provide the many services, events, information, and advocacy for our members. We are proud to announce Brookfield Residential, Grant Thornton LLP, Jertyne Interior Services Ltd., Prophit Management, Shane Homes Ltd., and Sterling Homes as our new corporate sponsors for the 2014-2015 term. Without their support we could not continue to do the work that we do on your behalf. Welcome Corporate sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor contact Laurina Milne at Laurina@chbacalgary.com or direct at 403.437.0826.

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