Building Excellence Spring 2023

BE Your Best

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Sue Wastell

CEO’S MESSAGE

Kevin Lee

MEMBER PROFILE

Sue Wastell, Wastell Homes

BY THE NUMBERS

2023 new-home buyer preferences

Features

RENOVATORS’ CORNER

RenoMark revamp

CHBA NATIONAL AWARDS

FORHOUSINGEXCELLENCE

And the winners are…

ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIPAWARDS

Recognizing the leaders within the CHBA

WINDOW SHOPPING

Window unto the world

INTERIORFINISHING

A look at 2023 interior finishes

INSIDER INFO

What homebuilders need to know about anti-money laundering compliance

DEVELOPERS’ CORNER

Key insights from CHBA’s Municipal Benchmarking Study

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

New & Noteworthy

THE GIVING BACK PAGE

Community Spirit

PHOTO: PROVOKE STUDIOS

EDITOR

Wayne Karl wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jacky Hill

jacky.hill@nexthome.ca

Michael Rosset

SENIOR VP, SALES NEXTHOME

Hope McLarnon

416.708.7987

hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF SALES, ONTARIO, NEXTHOME

Natalie Chin

416.881.4288, natalie.chin@nexthome.ca

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Nina Downs

1.888.532.2579 nina.downs@nexthome.ca

Amanda Bell

416.830.2911, amanda.bell@nexthome.ca

SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – GTA

Sonia Presotto sonia.presotto@nexthome.ca

SPRING 2023

CEO

Kevin Lee

DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Natasha Rombough

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE

Marilyn Watling

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers, Vi Nguyen

HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA

Josh Rosset DISTRIBUTION

distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

accountingteam@nexthome.ca

VP MARKETING – GTA

Leanne Speers

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs

VP PRODUCTION – GTA

Lisa Kelly

PRODUCTION MANAGER – GTA

Yvonne Poon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mike Terentiev

COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER

Emily Fielden

Published 4 times a year by NextHome, on behalf of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Building Excellence, NextHome, and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) are not responsible for any claims or promises in any advertisement, nor for any unsolicited material sent to the magazine. Canadian Publications Mail Agreement # 40065416

Published by nexthome.ca

Advertising Call 1.866.532.2588 for rates and information.

Fax: 1.888.861.5038

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the contents hereof are the property of NextHome, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome and does not have the right to reproduce the ad or photo in any other place or publication without the previous written consent of NextHome. Terms Advertisers, the publisher is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All prices are correct as of press time.

Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to editorial@nexthome.ca.

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS:

Last month, for the first time after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, leaders of the industry gathered for CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada, a week of intensive association business meetings where we discussed today’s issues and challenges, explored new opportunities and celebrated the best in homebuilding and renovation from coast to coast.

The event took place in Banff. While there, we honoured the national presidents who served their fellow members over the last few years who didn’t get a proper send-off previously due to the circumstances. Stefanie Coleman, from Ontario, who brought her passion for building science and forward thinking to the role; John Meinen, also from Ontario and one of the biggest membership champions out there; Larry Clay, from British Columbia, who is an enthusiastic proponent of how being a member gives you a leg up in your brand development and business success; and, most recently, Miles Kohan, hailing from Alberta. Miles led us back to in-person meetings and events, and visited several HBAs across the country while volunteering

LEADING THE INDUSTRY

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM CHBA’S HOME BUILDING WEEK IN CANADA

BY SUE WASTELL , CHBA PRESIDENT

his time on the executive committee. It was fitting that we got to thank him for his dedicated service while we were in his home province, at our national conference that many are saying is the best in memory. Don’t miss the next one in Saint John, NB, May 6 to 10, 2024.

After several years of “pivoting” and “alternative programming,” I feel very fortunate to begin my term as CHBA national president at a time when I can attend your events and hear from you face-to-face about what matters most to you and your businesses. During Home Building Week in Canada, I had the opportunity to participate in association meetings and get the latest on what’s going on across the country and how you’re being affected by the many myriad facets of our industry.

There is no question that residential construction is increasingly complex these days, with all the building code changes coming our way, the zoning reforms needed if we’re to create more “missing middle” housing and more supply overall, the advancements in energy efficiency innovations and requirements, the role that factory-built construction can play in alleviating our labour shortages, what’s in store for home adaptations for aging in place, and much more.

I’ve learned that many of the issues we face across the country are similar – if not identical. However, there are always regional nuances and considerations, which is why our three-level organization, which operates locally, provincially and nationally, is able to work for members so effectively. I’m looking

forward to hearing more about how your part of the country can best be served by our association, and sharing with you what we’re working on at the national level.

In addition to the meetings that took place in Banff, it was a true honour to be part of the celebration of our industry during the main conference. We recognized the outstanding work of dedicated volunteer members – as well as the leadership shown by our local and provincial HBAs and their EOs – with our national Association Leadership Awards. You can read about the winners and their contributions on page 26 of this issue.

We ended the week on a high note, with the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence gala. As per tradition, as incoming president, I was part of the panel of judges this year (though I’ve volunteered my time for this many times before). Like previous years, judging provided an expansive inside look at the incredible work that our members are doing. The entries I saw – from entry-level multi-family units to high-end luxury renovations, to community development, and the marketing talent that enhances our work – were a wonderful representation of the full breadth of our industry. Congratulations to all the companies that got to walk the red carpet and celebrate in style. A full list of winners can be found beginning on page 20.

I wish you all a productive spring, and look forward to visiting with many of you in the year to come.

Read more about CHBA President Sue Wastell in the Member Profile on page 10.

It’s been a busy beginning to 2023. The new year unfortunately started off with unintended and ill-advised action from the federal government on two fronts, which CHBA swiftly reacted to.

Just before Christmas, the federal government skipped a critical stakeholder review process and published the Regulations on the Prohibition of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, which came into force Jan. 1 for a period of two years. While the Act had previously been touted as a means to prevent the purchase of housing units by non-Canadians, the published Act ill-advisedly also prohibited Canadian companies with more than three-per-cent foreign ownership from buying vacant land or farmland for residential development, or from purchasing properties with less than four units on them (inhibiting assembling parcels of land for multi-unit construction).

CHBA immediately engaged with the office of the federal Housing Minister, the office of the Finance Minister, and the leadership at CMHC to seek a resolution. In the process, we learned that this addition to the Regulations was aimed at preventing foreign buyers from changing from buying homes to buying land to build on. But the reality is that the Act has also directly affected many builders/developers with partial foreign ownership, negatively impacting businesses

FEDERAL FUMBLES

CHBA TAKES SWIFT ACTION TO ADDRESS NEW ‘UNINTENDED’ HINDRANCES FOR OUR INDUSTRY

BY KEVIN LEE, CHBA CEO

and their ability to produce much needed new housing supply.

During meetings with government officials, CHBA, along with BILD GTA (given the extensive impact this is having in the GTA), impressed the massive negative impact these Regulations are having upon the industry not only from a housing supply perspective but also on the ability of builders and developers to continue doing business. We gave specific examples provided by members from across the country. In the continual meetings we’ve had with government officials since Dec. 21, we’ve also provided specific wording on how the Regulations should be rewritten to exempt the home building and development industry in Canada from the Act

The meetings with government officials have been productive, with our messages being well received. It is our understanding that the government is planning an accelerated revision of the Regulations through the Treasury Board process. The exact timing cannot be provided at this time, other than to say that the association is aware that there is extensive work going on with government officials on the regulations on the process for revision and of the wording. CHBA will continue to push for full resolution and continue to provide you updates – hopefully this has already happened by the time this article lands on your desk.

The second significant issue affecting many builders is the tax filing implications that come with the Underused Housing Tax Act. While newly built housing units are not subject to the Underused Housing Tax, all private corporations – therefore all builders and developers that are not publicly owned

– are now required to file an Underused Housing Tax return (UT-2900) each year for each completed housing unit that is at least 90-per-cent completed and owned on Dec. 31. The form for this return only came out in February.

Again, CHBA engaged with government immediately, explaining how this will encumber builders and developers with unnecessary red tape and accounting expenses to file tax returns for a tax that does not even need to be paid, since most corporations are exempt from paying the tax. CHBA has asked that the federal government immediately implement an exemption for the newly constructed housing units of which builders and developers still possess title, so that builders and developers will not have to file a tax return. The government is being slow to respond, and it is unlikely that an exemption will be possible in time for this year’s filing deadline. CHBA will continue to pursue that exemption, and in the meantime, it appears CHBA has been successful in securing some changes to the filing requirements that will at least significantly lessen the burden for members.

Given the federal government’s stated priority to increase housing supply, it is extremely disappointing that it has recently placed unnecessary restrictions and/or administrative and financial burdens on Canadian companies that should be spending their efforts on getting more homes built. CHBA is keeping on top of both issues and advocating exhaustively for members – hopefully the changes have already occurred as you read this, and we have had more success for you and your business accordingly.

DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR INCREASED DECOR SALES

SET YOURSELF APART FROM THE COMPETITION

BY YASMINE GOODWIN & LUKE HALL MY-DESIGNSTUDIO.COM

Decor sales and the multi-residential construction industry are entering an exciting new era with more advanced digital and virtual solutions to enhance the sale of your homes. The new technology that has emerged is invaluable to the builder and can now be applied to your decor sales to create an exciting experience for your future homebuyers. Here are three ways digital technology can set you apart from the competition.

IMPROVED CLIENT EXPERIENCE

Virtual technology holds measurable benefits for your clients. With the rise of visualization programs, purchasers will take an immersive approach in the colour selections process from wherever is most convenient for them. By removing the time constraints and pressures of an in-person meeting, buyers will have the freedom to explore different combinations of finishes online and share their personal vision, or “lookbook” with friends and family, before their appointment with a design consultant to finalize their selections. Providing as much knowledge about the products offered ahead of time and keeping them invested in the process from the start, the more likely they will be to pull the proverbial trigger, finalizing their selections on time.

BUYER ANALYSIS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

One of the most noticeable benefits digital design solutions will have on your process is the improved analytics. Being able to debrief and review detailed demographic data and data analysis reports, both during and after a project is complete, provides a wealth of information. We often reference the 80/20 rule to generalize that 80 per cent of buyers

choose 20 per cent of the selections available. And with that knowledge comes the task of identifying from that 20 per cent what product categories held the highest profit. This exercise is an excellent learning experience to help you plan future programs based on these insights. After breaking down the product categories that resulted in the greatest profitability comes the more granular analysis of breaking down the selections that were chosen and, equally important, the ones that did not move. This is useful to get you to think outside of your typical processes and see more clearly where investments are being spent. If you approach your digital program from a retail perspective, you can apply the same principles of how a boutique storefront is staged. Start to think about where products are positioned within your program and how slight modifica-

tions will allow you to yield more profitable results for your future projects.

BOOST IN REVENUE

The combination of offering builders with insightful analytics using digital software, and streamlining the client experience, will provide a successful Decor Sales Program, offering you the additional profit to your bottom-line while increasing confidence with your homebuyer.

With the incredible opportunities that this new technology presents, there’s no better time to start integrating it into your everyday process. Improving the homebuilding process and experience for all parties involved, is well worth the time and effort, and you’ll notice the impact immediately. If you’re looking for a way to distinguish your brand in the industry, virtual technology is the perfect solution.

SUE WASTELL

MEET CHBA’S NEW PRESIDENT

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

Sue Wastell is the new president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. Based in London, Ont., she is co-president of Wastell Homes. After serving for years on the board of the London Home Builders’ Association, on the board of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, and on the national board, Wastell and her fellow executive committee members were sworn into office during CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada in Banff last month.

GROWING A COMPANY

Wastell Homes is an award-winning, family-run company that mainly builds townhomes, as well as four- and six-storey multi-family homes in and around London. As co-president, Sue is responsible for overseeing every facet of the home building process, from sales and design to advertising and land acquisition.

Like many in the industry, though, Sue started learning the ropes while sweeping floors and washing windows in new construc-

FAST FACTS

Company Name: Wastell Homes

Head Office: London, Ont.

Number of Full-Time Employees: 16

Approx. Gross Revenue: $40 M

Projects per year: 100 units

Sue Wastell

tion homes when she was a teenager. When she was 14, her family’s house was built by Wastell Homes. The company was started by Garry and Elaine Wastell in 1979, and at the time they only built a few single-family homes a year – Sue’s family home being one of them. Garry and Elaine’s son Doug, who was the same age as Sue, helped out in the family business and was working on a job site that summer when he and Sue met. They’ve been together ever since, growing up and growing a company together.

Over the years, the Wastells expanded their business into small land development projects. Sue and Doug continued working for Doug’s family in their teenage years, and after high school Sue attended the University of Toronto. She already had her sights on a future with the company and the direction it might take. “I took a degree in urban and economic development, knowing that we’d probably be getting even more involved in the business after university,” she recalls.

And they did. After graduating from university, Sue started working full time at Wastell Homes, doing their in-house sales in model homes. Shortly thereafter, she got her real estate license. As Doug’s parents began transitioning into retirement, Sue spent more time at the company’s head office, shifting out of sales and into the land acquisition and development side of the business.

Seven years ago, Sue and Doug purchased the company from the senior Wastells. They now run it together, a feat that Sue says some people find fascinating. “People question how we can work together, live together and be together all day and still make everything work. The truth is, we have a great relationship working together. We don’t always agree, but we do always manage to come to an agreement and move on.”

Together, she and Doug have raised three children and have taken Wastell Homes from specializing in custom single-family homes to midrise multi-family developments. The company’s business is now 75-per-cent residential development and new home construction, and 25-per-cent commercial. Sue describes the evolution as one of Wastell Homes’ strengths: “Our company is able to adjust and shift our business for what the market is calling for. When we develop our own lands, we’re thinking ahead to what people will want and will be able to afford three years from now.”

That forward thinking is why Sue and her husband have made the change from building custom homes on 60-ft. lots to multi-family homes. It’s not that people don’t want the space, it’s that due to the cost of land, those types of homes are no longer affordable to the masses. And while being prepared for the future is required, Sue credits the ability to take risk as one of the biggest influences on success. “It’s a big risk making changes to how your business is run, rather than continuing to do the same thing you’ve always done,” she says. “Taking that leap where you’re literally putting everything you own on the line financially to make the changes you think will help make your business grow.”

Sue’s passion for the industry follows her everywhere she goes. Even when she travels with her family, she’s always paying attention to local architecture and community design, whether it’s in Thailand or Tuscany. Her enthusiasm for the industry goes beyond construction – it makes giving back to her community and association integral to her life’s work.

GIVING BACK

Wastell Homes finds time to contribute to its community in a big way, and Sue takes a leading role in many of those initiatives. The company is very involved in the London Health Sciences Foundation, and has been building their local hospital’s dream lottery homes for the last 15 years in addition to providing a monetary donation.

New construction at Wastell Homes’ Kokomo Beach Club community in Port Stanley, Ont.

Sue Wastell and her family in Banff, Alta.

It’s a big effort, but one that Sue says they’re very happy to make.

More recently, the company has begun working with local homeless groups to provide homes for those in core housing need. “Working with these different organizations has really opened our eyes to the needs of our community, and also to how these organizations run and what they require to run.”

Sue recognizes the importance of raising the next generation to have an appreciation for the skilled trades, and she has long been a champion of encouraging more women to find a career in residential construction. She joined the Careers in Construction committee at the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA), and went into high schools to give presentations for careers in construction to youth. Wastell Homes provides a scholarship through Fanshawe College in London that goes to a second-year female student. The dropout rate after the first year is disproportionately high among women, and the scholarship is meant to encourage continuation within the program. She regularly speaks to students at the college, and is also a director on an initiative to build a skilled trades centre in London. The initiative, which is led by the London District Construction Authority, working with Fanshawe College, is still in the development phase.

GETTING INVOLVED

The senior Wastells were very involved in the LHBA, and passed down that love to Sue and Doug. “As teenagers, Doug and I would work at all the local home builders’ events,” Sue remembers. “His parents were very involved in the social events of the HBA, and so we’d volunteer with them in various capacities. For example, I worked the coat-check at the Christmas party every year while Doug bartended.”

Their commitment to the HBA became even stronger as they took over Wastell Homes. Doug became president of LHBA first, and then Sue got increasingly involved in the association. She says one of her career highlights was being presented with the President’s Award at LHBA, which is given to a volunteer member for going above and beyond. Eventually, she herself served as her local president, first in 2018-19,

and then again last year. She served on the board of directors of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association for a number of years, and has been the chair of the Urban Council at the national level, as well as serving on the CHBA executive committee to the board since 2019.

It’s the relationships – both personal and professional – that keep her actively involved in the association. “Being members has allowed us to grow a great group of friends and colleagues that we can have real conversations with. When issues or questions come up, I don’t hesitate to call other members – I know they’ll give me an honest answer because we’re all trying to help each other grow.”

Volunteering with the association has also benefitted her company. “Getting involved with the city of London’s issues has been informative. Not only have I been able to help the association and other members, but that knowledge carries through to my company, and the relationships you develop when you volunteer your time also extend to your own business,” Sue says.

Being involved provincially and locally with the association provides a new perspective. “Seeing builder groups and members from across Canada has allowed for growth within our own business – we learn from others how to work through problems, and are introduced to new concepts and ways of doing things. I always

question how builders who don’t participate, whether it’s attending learning sessions or participating in events, I question how they even get by in their businesses. And honestly, I think a lot of them don’t. The people who are active, you see them all the time; their business has longevity. But whoever’s not around that table, they tend to come and go in the industry.”

PRESIDENTIAL PRIORITIES

Sue credits her parents and Doug’s parents with instilling an strong work ethic in her. It’s a trait that’s necessary for anyone volunteering their time as CHBA national president, since the role involves a fair amount of travel, in addition to regular meetings. Her three children, husband and mother and sister all attended the National Conference in Banff to support her in her new role and encourage her in the year to come.

Sue has already visited some Alberta HBAs while she was in the province last month, and she’s got more ahead of her. As president, she’ll share with members what’s happening at the national level of the association. She’ll also hear from members about their challenges and bring that back to the table. But it’s not all work, and Sue’s passion for housing has her excited for the next year. “I’m looking forward to learning from other people, seeing other communities and what they’re building and how they’re building it.”

“

Being members has allowed us to grow a great group of friends and colleagues that we can have real conversations with. ”

– Sue Wastell

Kokomo Beach Club, Wastell Homes’ development in Port Stanley, Ont.

BY THE numbers

2023’S NEW HOME BUYER PREFERENCES

SURVEY INDICATES WHAT BUYERS WANT – AND WHAT THEY’RE WILLING TO PAY

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

If you haven’t yet explored the insights coming out of this year’s CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey, this article will give you a sample of what you can find in the final report. Each year, CHBA conducts Canada’s largest nationwide market research study for new-home buyer preferences. The study is powered by Avid Ratings Canada, a proud member of CHBA and part of CHBA’s Alliance Network. The study just completed its eight year, and more than 20,000 recent new-home buyers across six provinces were surveyed on more than 50 in-depth areas of home design, building features, buying preferences and demographics.

Every year, people are eager to see what made the list of Top 10 features. This year, storage remains a key priority for Canadians, with closet and garage space taking four of the top spots. Energy efficiency features continue to feature strongly as well, also accounting for four of the 10. Large windows dropped out of the top 10 this year into eleventh spot. Not far behind was hardwood or wood-look floors in the kitchen, and Wi-Fi thermostats. Kitchens are the heart of the home, and kitchen features always trend high in this survey. This year’s respondents put kitchen islands and open-concept kitchens in the Top 10.

Decision-making in a post-pandemic world

With all of the closures and physical distancing requirements during the pandemic, buyers had no choice but to rely on the Internet and digital resources to find a builder and make their purchasing decisions. Many builders improved their online presence and virtual experience for clients out of necessity. But now that we’re out of the pandemic, how are buyers finding a builder or new communities to live in? The CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey gives us some insight.

The top preferred resource for finding a builder is still by visiting model homes and sales centres. It’s also how most people began their search for a new home, well ahead of Internet searches. The second most preferred method is taking a drive through the community. That said, it’s no surprise internet and

builder websites are also very important resources for finding a home, even if they’re not the most popular way to start the search with most people. After all, most people feel like they have to know what they’re looking for to begin an search. Interestingly, using real estate agents had one of the largest gains in score this year, increasing by 2.1 points. But it was virtual tours of model homes that saw an even bigger jump – perhaps an indicator of shifting preferences due to the pandemic, or just a sign of the times changing.

When it comes to making a final purchase decision, pricing information remains the top-rated preferred resource for homebuyers, as it has every year of the study. Floorplan drawings are the second highest rated preferred resource, followed closely by model homes.

TOP 10 MOST DESIRED FEATURES

• Walk-in closets (primary suite)

• Kitchen island

• Energy-efficient appliances

• Overall energy-efficient home

• High efficientcy windows

• Walk-in closets (interior of home)

• 2-car garage

• HRV/ERV air exchange system

• Linen closets

• Kitchen: open concept

Future buyers and what they’ll want

What will buyers want next year? What about in five years? This survey asks recent buyers what they’d want if they were to be in the market again. Coming from recent buyers who just went through the process, their preferences are valuable information.

The average homeowner moves five times in their lives, and nearly 40 per cent of respondents believe they’ll be making their next home purchase within five years, with more than 60 per cent intending on buying a new construction home at that time.

Smaller homes are in favour, with 63.2 per cent expecting their next home to be under 2,400 sq. ft., with the most anticipated size being 1,800 to 2,100 sq. ft. Boomers and Pre-Boomers want even smaller, with more than 30 per cent preferring a home between 1,201 and 1,500 sq. ft. That said, they want a lot of bedrooms in those smaller homes; a four-bedroom home is most in demand, followed by three bedrooms. And when it

comes to bathrooms, one-and-a-half baths doesn’t cut it anymore, with less than two per cent of respondents saying they’d be satisfied. Most are looking for at least 2.5 baths.

One of the more interesting question the survey asks is what recent new-home buyers would be willing to accept to make their next home more affordable. This question forces respondents to prioritize what’s most important to them. The most popular answer was a smaller home, followed closely by being located farther from work or amenities. Very few people were willing to compromise on construction material quality or the energy efficiency of the home.

A newer question in the survey asks about legal secondary suites. Interestingly, more than half of respondents said they’d want one, for either their children or aging family members, or for rental. Almost 15 per cent are interested in using a secondary suite as a long-term rental.

Prioritizing spending

Who doesn’t want an extra $10,000? We asked recent buyers to pick one place to put that extra money, and almost a quarter of respondents selected they’d upgrade interior finishes and options. About 16 per cent said they’d invest in energy-efficiency features for the home, which is up from last year but consistent with the year before. And though settling for a smaller home was the top thing people would give up to make their home more affordable, if they had they money, buying a larger home is the third most appealing upgrade.

What buyers would spend an extra $10,000 on if they could

Interior

Larger home

Larger lot

Aging in place/accessible

Additional finished areas

Exterior finishes & options

Improved indoor air quality

Location closer work/amenities

Free member access

Find out more on what homebuyers really want, and what they’re willing to trade to get it, by downloading your copy of the study. Full survey results are free for CHBA members (value of $495) at chba.ca/buyersurvey.

RENOVATORS’ corner

RENOMARK REVAMP

NEW RENOMARK VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND A NEW LOOK FOR THE RENOMARK WEBSITE

BY LEAH NORD, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, CHBA

RenoMark™ identifies professional renovators and contractors who have agreed to abide by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct. The RenoMark logo makes it easy for homeowners to identify participating professionals who have agreed to provide a superior level of service. The program was established in 2001 by the local association in Toronto (BILD), and is now delivered in partnership with CHBA national and local and provincial homebuilders’ associations across Canada.

Currently, there are more than 1,200 CHBA members participating in the RenoMark program. To continue growing the brand and, in doing so, provide CHBA renovator members with a marketing advantage with the public, the program’s administration is evolving, and its website now offers a more user-friendly experience.

NEW RENOMARK VERIFICATION SYSTEM

Homeowners across the country look for the RenoMark logo to find reputable, reliable and honest contractors. They put their trust in RenoMark because every company in the program agrees to follow the RenoMark Code of Conduct, which is designed to elevate the professionalism of the renovation industry.

CHBA is pleased to be launching the RenoMark online verification system. This online tool will centralize the program’s administration and allow all RenoMark members to comply with the Code of Conduct by providing formal attestations and

documentation. This evolution of the program will reduce the administrative burden for local and provincial association staff and further enhance the RenoMark brand and reputation.

Working with the Canadian Renovators’ Council, CHBA designed the process to be as straightforward and quick as possible, noting the documentation RenoMark members will need at the outset. If, as a member, you have your documents in order beforehand, it should take you 20 minutes or less to complete the process. The information submitted will be audited by the RenoMark team at the CHBA national office. If information is missing, members will be contacted. It’s that easy. The system is currently being piloted in select test markets over the first half of 2023, and will then be rolled out across the country. It is being rolled out location by location, and you will receive notice as your area is brought in. By the end of the year, all new and existing RenoMark members will have been required to provide documentation to complete their account, and will then be required to ensure it is updated annually.

RENOMARK WEBSITE

The RenoMark website, renomark.ca, received a fresh new look this year to be more attractive to homeowners, while maintaining its core function of providing valuable information and directing homeowners to hire RenoMark members.

Now full of colour, it also includes design inspiration galleries with projects by

RenoMark members organized by category. CHBA went out to RenoMark members asking for client testimonials, which are now featured on the site and will be updated on a rotating basis. The website kept its valuable blog function, which is regularly updated with information for homeowners. Traffic is driven to the website via the RenoMark social media channels, where articles, projects, and general information is shared regularly.

There are opportunities for RenoMark renovators to directly get involved and highlight their work and expertise, either on the website or on social media, which features members. If members specialize in a certain type of renovation, for example, CHBA can feature you and your company in an article that gives advice to homeowners considering that type of renovation, which gives members content to share with their audience and helps your company’s website’s search engine optimization. Members can also share testimonials, or be featured on social media in one of CHBA’s weekly RenoMark member spotlights, which shares your company logo and recent project images and links back to your website. If you’d like to see your company featured on the RenoMark website or social media, please contact communications@chba.ca.

We are excited about these new enhancements to the RenoMark program and the value they’ll bring to CHBA members who participate in it. RenoMark members should stay tuned for when the RenoMark online verification system launches with their HBA, and in the meantime, explore the new website.

Education That Fits You

With online classes starting throughout the year, we make it simple to fit learning into your schedule. Select individual courses best suited to your interests, or register for those courses that make up a certificate or designation requirement. You can work toward a program at your own pace – you register (and pay) on a course-bycourse basis.

TRAINING THAT DELIVERS CONCRETE RESULTS

Continuing Education at George Brown College

Discover our courses and programs in construction, estimating, quantity surveying and Ontario’s Building Code. Taught by industry professionals using the latest tools and standards, our courses provide you with the skills to succeed. Develop your knowledge with our series of Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) accredited courses. Expand your career potential by completing a program and achieving a credential from George Brown College. Learn from home with our online courses.

Programs

Building Officials Fundamentals Program

Construction Estimating Program

Construction Project Management Program

Construction Superintendent Program

Electrical Estimating Program

Mechanical Estimating Program

We also offer Canadian Construction Association (CCA) Gold Seal credit courses that you can apply towards your Gold Seal Certified (GSC) designation.

coned.georgebrown.ca/construction

Register now!

For more information, contact us at cetechnology@georgebrown.ca

Winners And the are...

INTRODUCING THE WINNERS OF THE 2023 CHBA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE

It’s been a long time coming – three years, in fact – since members have been able to gather for CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada... held recently in breathtaking Banff, Alta.

Thank you, pandemic.

It also feels like forever since CHBA has conferred its National Awards for Housing Excellence – in person. But there they were, the very best of the best, in attendance at the awards gala, to relish in and appreciate all the excellence in Canadian homebuilding, from coast to coast.

In addition to the 48 trophies given out for renovations, new homes, community development and residen-

tial marketing, three “best overall” awards were presented: The Marketing Excellence Award, the Renovation Excellence Award, and the Design Excellence Award. These large trophies go to the companies with the highest standings overall. And this year, for the first time ever, there was a three-way tie for the coveted Design Excellence Award.

In the following pages, we present some of the winners who went home with multiple awards. For a complete list, as well as an image gallery of all finalists and information on next year’s competition, visit chba.ca/ housingawards.

BEST ATTACHED LOWRISE HOME UNDER 1,500 SQUARE FEET “The Streams Benjamin”

BEST SHORT VIDEO “Get Excited About Nothing – Proposal,” with ZGM Modern Marketing

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF THIS YEAR’S WINNERS, VISIT CHBA.CA/HOUSINGAWARDS

Marketing Awards

BEST SIGNAGE

Activa, Waterloo, Ont.: “Net Zero Model Home”

BEST BROCHURE/KIT

DeSantis Homes, Grimsby, Ont. “Century Condos,” with KNYMH Inc., McOuat Partnership, and Tomas Pearce Interior Design Consulting Inc.

BEST PRINT AD

Hayer Builders Group, Surrey, BC: “Hayer Town Centre”

BEST VIRTUAL TOUR EXPERIENCE

Tridel, Toronto: “Queen Church,” with Kirkor Architects, The Brand Factory and Pureblink

BEST SALES OFFICE

Poetry Living, Vaughan, Ont.: “CityPointe Heights,” with Figure3, Flora Di Menna Design and Impact North Inc.

BEST INTERIOR DECORATING (MODEL/SHOW HOME)

Haven Builders, Saskatoon: “Chateau Paris”

BEST BRANDING AND IDENTITY

Ulmus Development, Vancouver: “Ōku”

Renovation Awards

BEST KITCHEN RENOVATION

– UNDER $70,000

Enzo Design Build Inc., West Vancouver: “Station Hill”

BEST KITCHEN RENOVATION

– $70,000 TO $100,000

Turn Key Homes & Renovations, Calgary: “Lk Sundance Kitchen Revamp”

BEST BATHROOM RENOVATION

Gemstone Corporation Inc., Ottawa: “Opposites {Elegantly} Attract”

BEST EXTERIOR RENOVATION

Van Manna Homes Inc., Calgary: “Brick & Batten Appeal”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION

– UNDER $200,000

Ashton Luxury Living Inc., Calgary: “The Little Yellow Bungalow”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION

– $200,000 TO $300,000

Lower Coast Building Group, North Vancouver: “View Royale,” with Flatwater Floor and Tile

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION

– $300,001 TO $500,000

Pionova Inc., Thornhill, Ont.: “Wiarton Residence”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION

– $500,001 TO $800,000

Shakespeare Homes & Renovations Inc., North Vancouver: “Party In The Back”

BEST WHOLE HOME RENOVATION

– OVER $800,000

Maric Homes, Winnipeg: “Mid-Century Rejuvenation”

New Home Awards

BEST MID- TO HIGHRISE BUILDING (COMPLETED)

Solterra Development Corp., Delta, BC: “Bordeaux”

BEST ENTRY-LEVEL HOME

Ian Paine Construction and Design, Kelowna, BC: “Cityside Garden Studio”

BEST ATTACHED LOWRISE HOME

– OVER 1,800 SQUARE FEET

Carrington Communities, Edmonton: “Magnolia - Edge at Larch Park”

BEST DETACHED PRODUCTION HOME

– OVER 2,800 SQUARE FEET

Crystal Creek Homes, Calgary: “The Somerton”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME

– 2,501 TO 3,000 SQUARE FEET

Haynes Homes Ltd., Edmonton: “Black.Russian”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME

– 3,001 TO 4,000 SQUARE FEET

Adisa Homes, Vancouver: “Yield House”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME

– 4,001 TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET

Frame Custom Homes, Kelowna, BC: “Modern Family Villa”

BEST DETACHED CUSTOM HOME – OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET

Trademark Homes, Oshawa, Ont.: “The View on Balsam”

Net Zero Home Awards

BEST PRODUCTION NET ZERO HOME

Terra View Custom Homes Ltd., Guelph, Ont.: “The Avonlea Elevation C,” with EnerQuality, Building Knowledge of Canada Inc. and Bluewater Energy Inc.

Community Development Awards

BEST NEW COMMUNITY AWARD

City of Edmonton, Edmonton: “Blatchford”

BEST GROWING COMMUNITY AWARD

Brookfield Residential, Edmonton: “Chappelle Gardens”

Winners ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP AWARDS

RECOGNIZING THE LEADERS WITHIN CHBA

Every year, volunteer members, HBAs and their staff work tirelessly to build a strong community, strengthen the industry and give back to cities, towns and neighbourhoods across Canada. The CHBA Association Leadership Awards honour the leaders within our organization – both individuals and our local and provincial homebuilders’ associations. This year’s honours were awarded in person during CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada in Banff. Congratulations to the very deserving recipients.

Left to right, Kerriann Coady, CHBA – Vancouver Island; Mike CollinsWilliams, West End HBA; Rose Choy from CHBA – Central Interior; and Tom Cochren, West End HBA

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD –CHBA – VANCOUVER ISLAND

The Community Service Award was given to CHBA – Vancouver Island, a local association in BC that has made regularly giving back to their community a priority. In 2022, members and staff volunteered and participated in an annual Seafood Extravaganza that raised nearly $130,000 for 10 local charities. They also participated in a “Big Wheel Charity Classic” that raised more than $73,000 for their community hospice society and children’s foundation. During their golf tournament, they added a charity hole for mental health, raising $1,300 to support the Canadian Mental Health Association. And as per the tradition of the board president choosing an additional charity to support throughout their term, CHBA – Vancouver Island donated $500 to the Pacific Salmon Foundation. CHBA – Vancouver Island’s largest accomplishment last year was the construction of a 3,000-sq.-ft. Dream Home Lottery Home in support of a standalone hospice facility to relieve pressure off the palliative care unit at their local hospital. Their association served as project manager and handled the marketing of the Dream Home. Local university students participated in the construction processes, and project partners delivered education sessions to students in tandem. The project was built by a local member and featured many other members during the process. The Dream Home garnered plenty of media attention and raised one million dollars for the hospice society.

MEMBER OF THE YEAR – TOM COCHREN

The prestigious Member of the Year award is a long-term achievement award for efforts over many years. This year it was presented to Tom Cochren of West End HBA (in Ontario) for his countless hours volunteering over four decades. He was President of both his local and provincial homebuilders’ associations before serving as CHBA President in 1989, and

he has never stopped bringing the industry’s voice to the table. An R-2000 builder and a driving force on CHBA’s R-2000 Builders’ Committee, he was also a CMHC Healthy Housing Award winner. He was an export pioneer through training and joint ventures and a member of CMHC’s International Training Team. Associate Director representing Home Builders on the Canadian Wood Council, he was also recognized as a “Skilled Trades Partner” for outstanding contribution to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum.

“ Cochren’s deep understanding of our industry has been an invaluable asset to our association, to members across the country, and to keeping Canadians among the best-housed people in the world. ”

Tom Cochren, West End HBA, Ontario

CHBA-Vancouver Island’s dream home lottery home

CHBA – Central Interior was featured more than 500 times across print and radio in 2022.

Choy is always willing to share her knowledge and support with other Executive Officers across the country, and the partnerships she has built and the effort she has demonstrated over her last 15 years of service with her HBA have galvanized the industry in a positive and productive way.

Over the past two decades, Cochren has devoted countless volunteer hours to bring the builder’s perspective to construction codes – as Chair of the Standing Committee on Housing and Small Buildings, as a member of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) and its Executive Committee, and now as a member of the Transition Advisory Committee for the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes. He has been instrumental in informing the new direction of the national code development system. Cochren’s deep understanding of our industry has been an invaluable asset to our association, to members across the country, and to keeping Canadians among the best-housed people in the world.

cations. This year’s recipient was Rose Choy from CHBA – Central Interior in British Columbia. Choy took a very active role advocating for members last year, from hosting standing Development Cost Charges meetings with her city and her board, to presenting solutions to the “missing middle” to municipal government official, to going to bat for members on development challenges.

During the 2022 municipal election, she spearheaded the investment of a robust $30,000 marketing campaign that not only encouraged residents to vote for a progressive council, but also educated constituents on the importance of local housing issues. To ensure candidates also understood the issues, she personally met with all five mayoral and 23 councilor candidates.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE YEAR – ROSE CHOY

This Executive Officer of the Year goes to the staff leader of a local or provincial association who has demonstrated exceptional leadership of their association, and the ability to work effectively with volunteer leaders to create a strong and positive voice for the housing industry, including administration, financial and human resource management, policy development and advocacy, membership development, media relations and communi-

Under her leadership, CHBA – Central Interior boasts a 98-per-cent membership retention rate and a new member growth rate of 20 per cent. Thanks to sound financial management, they were able to donate more than $72,000 towards the success of future tradespeople though several initiatives, and offer free education courses for members. Choy spearheads a wealth of services and value for members, including monthly dinner meetings, support hiring international workers and navigating building permits, and a newsletter with an open and click-through rate of 86 per cent, to name just a few. Through her relationship building and marketing skills,

HBA OF THE YEAR – WEST END HBA

The HBA of the Year Award recognizes overall excellence by an HBA in delivering a strong and positive voice for the homebuilding industry, and in supporting the business success of members and their ability to provide affordability, quality and choice in housing for consumers. Under the leadership of their Executive Officer Mike Collins-Williams, the West End HBA significantly strengthened membership recruitment and retention in 2022, designed a new partnership program, launched a new website, established a Renovator’s Council and a Decor Management Committee, and created two new awards for members. With a focus on advocacy, they made major steps towards addressing their local housing crisis through modifications to Hamilton’s Official Plan, including expanding the urban boundary, increasing heigh and density permissions, and eliminating exclusionary zoning. This HBA wrote more than 45 technical submissions to their municipal and provincial governments, attended more than 100 government relations meetings, supported advocacy efforts through special projects, and its efforts were augmented by regular media features on various platforms, including TV interviews, podcasts and political shows on major television networks. West End HBA was a very deserving recipient of this year’s HBA of the Year award.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of this year’s Association Leadership Awards.

Rose Choy, CHBA – Central Interior, British Columbia

Mike Collins-Williams, West End HBA

Check out the website for more information and upcoming course dates in your area:

CHBA ADAPTIV HOME RENOVATION COURSE

Approximately 90% of Canadians have said they want to live in their homes as long as possible, and by 2036, more than half of all Canadian households will be headed by people 55 years or older. And today, almost 16% of the population are living with some form of disability. The aging in place market is a rapidly growing opportunity for the renovation industry, and renovating for livability will always be in demand. CHBA’s Adaptiv Home Renovation Course is the first step in becoming part of a network of professionals who offer services to homeowners who want to live in their home safely and comfortably – now and for as long as possible.

This course:

•Is for renovators, designers, and other related professionals

•Teaches how to improve design through safety, security, ease of use, comfort, accessibility, and occupant health

•Includes a building knowledge component

•Is delivered virtually or in-person (see website for details)

•Offers discounted enrollment for CHBA members

ADAPTIV HOME RENOVATION MANUAL

CHBA’s Adaptiv Home Renovation Manual is a comprehensive book on all aspects of living-at-home renovation, and is included in the Adaptiv Home Renovation Course fee. Written as a companion text to the Renovators’ Manual and the Builders’ Manual, it can be purchased separately or in a bundle.

Window

worldUNTO THE

BY WAYNE KARL

THESE DAYS, IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT LOOKING GOOD, OR LOOKING OUT. IT’S ALSO ABOUT FUNCTION AND ENERGY-EFFICIENCY

If, as the saying goes, the kitchen is the heart of the home, what does that make the windows? Be it allowing natural light, boosting curb appeal, acting as an essential Green feature or simply affording stunning views, a property’s windows are every bit as essential.

And in 2023, following the challenges of the pandemic, supply chain issues, technological trends and growing consumer demands, windows are even more front and centre when it comes to new home design and function.

More than ever, homebuyers are spending more time at home, and they want their homes to be bright, clean and comfortable spaces – and windows are a key contributor.

Indeed, according to CHBA’s 2023 Canadian Home Buyer Preference Survey, high-efficiency windows ranked as among the most desired features (number five) in a home.

More than 57 per cent of respondents indicated that an overall energy efficient home was a “must-have” for them. And, of course, high-efficiency windows are a huge part of that, with more than 60 per cent of respondents saying they were a “must-have,” and another 26 per cent saying they “really want” them.

“Eco-conscious consumers continue to request sustainable and recyclable options,” says Shane Powell, marketing director, Canada, for JELD-WEN Of Canada Ltd. in Woodbridge, Ont. “Our products focus on

energy efficiency, with options like Energy Star ‘most efficient’ certification, triple-pane windows, and patio doors with higher energy efficiency and sound reduction.”

To that end, and to educate and help customers choose the most energy-efficient windows and doors, JELD-WEN has even created a buying guide on its website (inspiration.jeldwen.ca).

Energy

These days, especially with rising utilities costs, homeowners’ desire for clean and healthy living and other concerns, energy-efficiency is paramount when it comes to windows.

Energy-Star-certified windows are tested and verified to meet strict specifications for energy performance. The pinnacle is triple-paned units – which are said to be up to 50-per-cent more energy-efficient than double-pane units (though also more expensive). Advanced Low-E coatings (low emissivity) and Argon gas fill balance for heat retention and UV protection are also among the key common features.

Another consideration, Powell says, is increasingly stringent guidelines for manufacturers, since Energy Star is changing its max U-Factor (a window insulation rating) target to 1.05 or ER 40 by 2025, in order for a manufacturer to be registered with Natural Resources Canada as Energy Star-certified.

WINDOW SHOPPING

GrandView multi-slide patio door system, Westeck Windows & Doors

While better-performing windows obviously benefit homeowners, it’s a challenge for manufacturers to meet such new standards, since, as Kyle Cartwright, technical manager of Westeck Windows & Doors, Chilliwack, BC, says, consumers still expect reasonably-priced products while pursuing a lower carbon footprint.

Among other initiatives, Westeck has been utilizing non-metallic fibreglass reinforcing in nearly all its products, to enhance the thermal performance by limiting thermal bridging by removing highly conductive mullion and frame reinforcing.

Latest trends

Powell at JELD-WEN also sees a trend toward black and nature-inspired colours that help homes blend into their natural surroundings, while select homeowners choose bold colours for trim and accent features, to make a statement.

And, of course, bigger glass areas are always desired to let in more light through larger windows, window walls, direct sets and transoms, bi-fold patio doors and bigger panels. Even arched windows and doors are becoming more common, to add differentiation and boost curb appeal.

Future

Let’s take a look at some of the leading-edge offerings from some of the major manufacturers.

Marvin Canada Signature

Marvin’s Ultimate product line features stunning design, craftsman-quality manufacturing, and a wide range of shapes, styles, sizes and possibilities. Ultimate windows can be incorporated in a variety of projects, including classic, contemporary, transitional, historic and artisan, thanks to broad customization options and versatility across architectural styles. Similarly, the Marvin Modern collection offers minimalist hardware, narrow sightlines and careful attention to every detail, to allow homeowners to fully appreciate the modern design aesthetic. marvincanada.com

draftLOCK Series

Energy efficiency and home comfort are the name of the game at Canadian Choice, punctuated by the company’s draftLOCK series. The draftLOCK Plus Slim Contour Series is the company’s triple-glazed window solution, with the same slimmer frames and mullions as its draftLOCK Slim Contoured Series, though with reinforced and superior weight bearing features for greater durability and long-term performance.

Canadian Choice says it’s a top Energy Star performer with an industry record R-value. windowscanada.com

me of the ompany’s our Series is with the OCK

Window City Heritage Maximum

Window City’s Heritage, Classic and Heritage Maximum vinyl window collections offer a variety of operational styles, colours, shapes, decorative glass, hardware, interior and exterior grilles and accessory options. The Heritage Collection marries traditional designs and modern technology, bringing timeless beauty and added value without sacrificing quality. The Classic Collection, meanwhile, features European profiles that offer a unique design flexibility to enhance any architectural style, while also standing the test of time. And the Heritage Maximum Collection offers a distinct contoured slim-line profile, to enhance vistas throughout a home. windowcity.com

Eye-catching, energy-efficient, secure and easy to care for, JELD-WEN’s DF Collection of windows and doors intends to cater to people who want beauty and function in a single package. DF vinyl windows are the future of innovation and energy efficiency, the company says. Not only do they provide top insulation, weather resistance and long-lasting operability, they come in a variety of sleek styles and eye-catching design options. Aluminum-clad vinyl windows are equipped with an extruded aluminum exterior that affords a crisp finish and increased style and strength.

jeld-wen.ca

Inspired by a west coast contemporary design and influenced by building science, Westeck’s newest line of windows provides an innovative solution for today’s energy-efficient homes. The Westeck Westcoast Contemporary line of windows allow for bigger and better views, cleaner lines, cleaner glass, easier operation and industry-leading safety. The 2300 series is a high-performance PVC framed slider and fixed window system, designed for colour, easy operation and strong thermal performance – to the point of outperforming many PVC casement and tilt turn window systems, the company says. westeckwindows.com

INTERIOR finishing

2023 INTERIOR

SOFT SCANDINAVIAN BLOND WOOD THAT’S REALLY VINYL, LIGHTS IN MILLIONS OF COLOURS THAT PLAY MUSIC, CERAMICS THAT MIMIC STONE, NOIR-ISH CEILING FANS THAT YOU CAN CONTROL WITH A REMOTE –THERE’S A BIT OF THE PAST AND A LOT OF THE FUTURE IN WHAT’S OUT THERE AT THE MOMENT. HERE’S A COLLECTION OF INTERIOR FINISHING MATERIALS AND FIXTURES FOR RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW.

BY BLAIR EVELEIGH

Graham & Brown wallpaper

Spring means flowers, right? A new luxury wallpaper collection gives the sense of wildflowers and blooms growing all around. Created by the textile designer Clarissa Hulse, they come in wallpaper and mural formats, with evocative botanical names such as Tania’s Garden, Serendipity Greenhouse and Enchanted Vale. grahambrown.com

Daltile Miramo tiles

These glazed ceramic mosaic tiles are designed to bring Moroccan tilework to mind, with six cool, soft colours – called Sand, Aqua, Horizon, Oyster, Reef and Pearl – that have a beachy vibe. They’re available in three different shapes and are not just pretty to look at: They come with imbedded Microban Defend, which the company claims eliminates 99 per cent of surface bacteria. daltile.com

Consentino Pietra Kode

Looking for timeless style? Consentino has introduced a new line of its Dekton brand that recalls classical Italian stones: The Pietra Kode collection includes versions based on Vicenza stone, Travertine marble and Ceppo di Gre, noted for its use in many iconic Milan buildings. cosentino.com

Bauco Plus II access panels

What’s behind the wall stays hidden behind the wall with these “virtually invisible” access panels (there’s still a 1.6 mm reveal if you look close enough). The panel sits flush to the wall or ceiling and pops open with a mechanical touch-latch – add a keyed lock for extra security. Once it’s installed, further the illusion with wallpaper or paint to blend the panel into the surrounding surface. accesspanelsolutions.com

Nanoleaf Shapes triangles

Lights with a light touch: These modular smart lighting panels install on any flat surface with included mounting tape and can be arranged in any configuration you can imagine – diamond shape, curving line, animal figure, go wild. They’re Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can sync them to music, and can be controlled by voice, app or touch. And they display millions of colours. We’re thinking kids’ rooms (but adults will enjoy them, too). nanoleaf.me

Progress Lighting Bastrop Collection transitional ceiling fan

Add a retro touch with this 26-in. three-blade fan that combines grey weathered wooden fan blades with a brushed nickel cage frame construction. It’s rated for damp locations, so it could even work in a covered outdoor patio, for instance. And while this fan looks like a fixture in a film noir detective movie, it comes with a three-speed remote control. Fancy that. hubbell.com

Lumicharge desk lamp

Where did you put that charge cord? No need to search high and low, because the Lumicharge III desk lamp has a charging pad built right into its base. The LED light is dimmable and adjustable for a warmer or cooler colour temperature. It will connect to a smart hub and there’s even a digital clock display.

thelumicharge.com

Provenza MaxCore vinyl plank

Vinyl flooring can imitate wood, too. MaxCore vinyl is “100-per-cent waterproof,” Provenza says, and comes in a dizzying array of wood-look styles, from blond Diamond Sky to dusky Night Owl (also available in non-wood designs, imitating marbles). Comes with attached foam underlayment, which cuts down on installation time and provides some sound insulation. provenzafloors.com

Anderson Tuftex Pet Perfect carpeting

The Pet Perfect line of carpeting has a focus on durability, with stain protection and “pet hair resistance” (and cheeky names such as Wizard of Paws, Purrsuasion and Fetch). New designs include the cut-pile Kaleidoscope line, which comes in 19 different colour variations; Lyric, with a cut-stone block effect; Chit Chat, with undulating waves throughout; and Kit, with a repeating fractal fern pattern. Rex will love them. andersontuftex.com

Emser boxwood tiles

Emser’s new floor tiles look like wood – right down to the meticulous grain patterning – but have the convenience of glazed ceramic tile. They come in three cool Nordic-style colours: Pale Celtis, darker Malus and smoky Wando. The seven-by-22-in. panels can even be used for shower walls or floors. Did somebody say “sauna”? emser.com

New Ravenna Pinnacle tile collection

Going for a “wow” factor? Check out these new hand-cut and waterjet stone and glass mosaics, culled from entries to a competition to celebrate New Ravenna’s 30th anniversary. The four designs showcase images of canna lilies, jellyfish, interwoven geometric circles reminiscent of Celtic or Gordian knots, and an abstract mosaic based on meditative practice – definitely a conversation starter. newravenna.com

Italgraniti Origins tiles

This line of quartzite tiles has a trompe-l’oeil stone look. Italgraniti uses what it calls RealUp technology, to give the ceramic surface a “synergy of graphics and relief effects, for an unprecedented richness of countless hyper-realistic details.” The 3D-effect realism is enhanced by the six available natural shades and slabs as big as 120 cm by 280 cm, suitable for indoor or outdoor applications.

italgranitigroup.com

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE

WHAT HOMEBUILDERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE

Canada’s housing industry is vulnerable to money laundering. The housing market is attractive to criminals and potential money launderers, for many reasons, including:

• Money launderers can enjoy the property, as a residence and/or to conduct criminal activities;

• A large sum can be laundered in a single transaction;

• Additional sums can be laundered during renovations; and

• Perception of real estate as a safe investment. Many professionals in the housing industry, including home builders and developers, are unaware that they must comply with Canada’s money laundering/terrorist financing laws and regulations. Even when aware, compliance is often a challenge. Noncompliance leaves CHBA members potentially open to substantial fines and/or criminal charges.

WHAT IS FINTRAC?

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) is Canada’s financial intelligence unit. Its mandate is to detect, prevent and deter money laundering and terrorist financing activities. Its enabling legislation – the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) – is aimed at meeting Canada’s international obligations to fight cross-border crime and terrorism, and to help Canadian law enforcement

respond to organized crime. It achieves this by placing obligations for customer identification and record keeping on businesses susceptible to money laundering.

Records of financial transactions reported to FINTRAC are used to provide intelligence to law enforcement. This intelligence is only as good as the information provided to it from those business required comply with the Act. As a result, FINTRAC can audit the compliance programs of those businesses to ensure there are effectively designed and operating to help FINTRAC meet its obligations.

DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED TO TAKE ACTION?

The questions below will help you determine if you are required to comply with the PCMLTFA. If you are, you must take steps to comply with FINTRAC guidelines and avoid attracting administrative monetary penalties.

QUESTION 1: ARE YOU A REPORTING ENTITY?

FINTRAC defines a real estate developer as anyone who, in any calendar year since 2007, has sold to the public:

• Five or more new houses or condominium units,

• One or more new commercial or industrial buildings,

• One or more new multi-unit residential buildings each of which contains five or more residential units, or

• Two or more new multi-unit residential buildings that together contains five or more residential units.

If the answer is “yes” to any of the above questions, you are considered a real estate developer. Real estate developers are considered Reporting Entities by FINTRAC and they are obligated to comply with the PCMLTFA, including the requirement to build and implement a compliance program.

Reporting entities also include real estate brokers and sales representatives. The PCMLTFA considers individuals or entities as real estate brokers or sales representatives when they act as agents for the purchase or sale of a real estate property (new and resale), and are provincially registered and licensed to do so. This includes the buying or selling of land, houses and commercial buildings.

BY COREY ANNE BLOOM, CA•IFA, CFF, CFE, ACFE REGENT EMERITUS EASTERN CANADA LEADER, FORENSICS AND LITIGATION SUPPORT, MNP

Corey Anne Bloom

QUESTION 2: DO YOU HAVE AN EXEMPTION?

You may not be required to comply with the PCMLTFA if you answer yes to any of the questions below:

• Do you engage exclusively in property management activities such as leases and rental management transactions?

• Are you a real estate agent acting exclusively on behalf of a broker or developer?

• Do you sell properties through a real estate brokerage, which will in turn sell the units to the end buyer?

If any of these exemptions apply to you, it is recommended that you contact an AML specialist to help you make a definitive determination on your regulatory compliance obligations.

YOU’VE DETERMINED YOU DO NEED TO TAKE ACTION. HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS

If you are a reporting entity, you are obligated by the PCMLTFA and FINTRAC guidelines to build and implement a compliance program. An Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program comprises five pillars that must be incorporated for compliance. These five pillars are:

1. Compliance officer: Have you appointed a compliance officer? This individual will be responsible for implementing the compliance program and will be the first point of contact for FINTRAC.

2. Policies and procedures: Do you have written AML policies and procedures? This document must outline what requirements need to be met and how your program will meet them. At a minimum, the policies and procedures must be up-to-date and address: The compliance regime, reporting suspicious transactions, terrorist property, and large cash transactions, record keeping, ascertaining identities, use of personal information, business relationships and third-party determination.

3. Risk assessment: Have you performed a risk assessment of your business? This will include an assessment of the AML risks specific to your business, along with measures that will be taken to mitigate such risks. A risk-based approach will assess your business-level and relationship-level risk exposure from the perspective of four factors including products, services, delivery channels, geography, client and relation-

The five pillars of an AML program

Real estate entities subject to the AML regulartions are required to do the following:

Appoint an AML compliance officer

#2

Develop AML compliance programs

– Policies & procedures

Identify their clients & keep certain records

Independent test of the effectiveness of their AML compliance program every 2 years Monitor and report certain transactions to FINTRAC

#1 #3

– Risk based assessment

– Training manuals

ships, and other relevant factors.

4. Training: Are you providing ongoing Training to your staff? This will entail the development of a training program for all staff and agents, including those involved in real estate deals, which must be implemented and tailored to your business.

5. Effectiveness review: Have you performed an effectiveness review of your program in the last two years? At least a biennial testing program must be implemented to test the AML program and ensure it is effective and current. This assessment can be conducted by either internal or external auditors and FINTRAC expects rapid remediation of identified gaps or deficiencies.

OTHER REGULATORY OBLIGATIONS

In addition to ensuring you have an AML program in place, your company has other obligations, some of which are outlined below in brief. We’ve supplied more details for you at chba.ca/fintrac.

Know your customer (KYC): As someone who sells homes, you are required to verify the identity of persons and entities for certain transactions and activities, using one of the prescribed methods by FINTRAC. You are also required to enter a business relationship when certain criteria are met and conduct ongoing monitoring. Other KYC obligations include beneficial ownership and politically exposed persons determination and third-party determination.

#4 #5

Reporting obligations: You are required to file certain reports to FINTRAC, including Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR), Terrorist Property Reports, Large Cash Transaction Reports (LCTR), and Large Virtual Currency Transaction Reports.

Record-keeping obligations: You are also required to maintain large cash transaction records, large virtual currency transaction records, and records of all reports filed to FINTRAC, including Suspicious Transaction Reports, Terrorist Property Reports, Large Cash Transaction Reports, and Large Virtual Currency Transaction Reports. Other record-keeping obligations include receipt of funds records, information records, and the identification of unrepresented party records.

SEEK ASSISTANCE TO ENSURE YOU ARE COMPLIANT

Creating and maintaining a compliance program does not have to be daunting. Third-party AML professionals can help ensure your organization meets all regulatory requirements, starting with evaluating your need for a compliance program and preparing or assessing your compliance program. They also will evaluate your training regime, help you seamlessly integrate your program, and keep your program relevant, up-to-date, and efficient by conducting independent compliance effectiveness reviews.

CHBA members can find more details on this topic at chba.ca/fintrac.

DEVELOPMENT BENCHMARKS

KEY INSIGHTS FROM CHBA’S MUNICIPAL BENCHMARKING PROJECT

BY NICOLE STORESHAW, DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, CHBA

This January, CHBA released its second National Benchmarking Study. The 2022 study examines how local development processes, approvals and charges affect housing affordability and housing supply in major housing markets across Canada.

Altus Group Economic Consulting was retained by CHBA to undertake the study to examine several factors that contribute to housing affordability issues in major markets across Canada. Rankings for each studied municipality are available in the full report found on CHBA’s website.

The study compares approaches that 21 Canadian municipalities have in three key areas that affect the development of new home construction: 1) municipal planning approval processes; 2) municipal charges imposed on new development; and 3) municipal approval timelines. In so doing, it highlights key features that help or hinder the process of bringing new housing to approval and ultimate construction, as well as the cost implications for homebuyers of municipal processes, policies and taxes.

“This report is intended to support the important conversation with all levels of government, but particularly with municipal governments, on the efficient delivery of much needed new housing supply, including the impact that inefficiencies and taxes have on housing affordability, which is already a major challenge across the country,” says CHBA CEO Kevin Lee. “We’ve undertaken this work to showcase where municipal governments have the policies and systems in place to support supply and affordability, and to provide a path forward for improvements where things aren’t working as well.”

KEY FINDINGS

The cities of Edmonton, Charlottetown, Calgary and London ranked highest overall in this year’s list, with strong numbers in at least two of the three categories studied. All 10 Greater Toronto and Hamilton and Metro Vancouver municipalities are ranked in the bottom 10. The study also shows significant variations in the approval timelines of municipalities, ranging from three months (Charlottetown) to 32 months (Toronto). Compared to CHBA’s 2020 Municipal Benchmarking Study, municipalities in Ontario saw their timelines worsen, while non-Ontario municipalities saw average timelines improve.

The cost of development charges is a major contributor to the sale price of a home, and the study found the average cost of government charges levied by municipal governments on lowrise new housing development averages almost $62,000 per unit. Toronto is at the high end of that, with government charges amounting to more than $189,000 per unit. The average cost of government charges levied by municipal governments on highrise new housing development averages more than $41,000 per unit. Vancouver is at the high end, with government charges amounting to more than $125,000.

WHAT WE LEARNED

The Municipal Benchmarking Study was very useful in identifying factors that municipalities are doing well and areas in which they need improvement. The Home Builder Associations (HBAs) in the cities that were studied also find the study useful in their municipal advocacy efforts. The data in the report often reiterates

the challenges builders and developers are encountering when it comes to approvals timelines and planning processes. It has been found that when a municipality does not rank as high as it would like, efforts are made to improve the standings for the next study. Alternatively, when a city does well in the study, it is incentive to work together with the local HBA to ensure it doesn’t slip in the rankings.

EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICES

The 2022 study found that many municipalities have adopted tools and processes that were identified as helping to make the application process easier and more transparent for applicants. Some of these best practices include: Adoption of electronic planning and permitting systems; pairing zoning reforms with “off-the-shelf” pre-approved designs; enhancing transparency to the public on municipal decision-making; reforming provincial planning policies; making municipal decision-making more accountable by creating service standards; and enhancing the availability of planning data at various levels.

The Municipal Benchmarking Study is intended to support the important conversation with all orders of government on a major challenge to housing affordability and the efficient delivery of much needed new housing supply. CHBA has undertaken this work to showcase where municipal governments have the policies and systems in place to support supply and affordability, and to provide a path forward for improvements where things aren’t working as well. The next CHBA Municipal Benchmarking Study is slated for 2024.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF PATIO DOOR SYSTEMS

Westeck’s GrandView multi-slide patio door system offers the ultimate experience for clients to create and enjoy unique indoor/outdoor living spaces, while providing year-round comfort with high thermal performance. To find out more, visit the company’s website.

WESTECK westeckwindows.com

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Companies working in the building sector strive to be leading edge. The programs offered by the School of Continuing Education at George Brown College provide students with the skills to succeed in this increasingly complex industry. Taught by professionals using the latest tools and standards, courses are available online, evenings and weekends.

GEORGE BROWN coned.georgebrown.ca/construction

VISIBLY DIFFERENT

VISIBLYDIFFERENT

Introducing the next generation of PINK Fiberglas – Owens Corning PINK Next Gen Fiberglas insulation, made for a new generation. For people who insist on safe, proven materials, demand clean, precise results and work to create comfortable indoor environments, while respecting the natural environment we all share. It’s not just the next generation of PINK insulation.

OWENS CORNING owenscorning.ca

SPRAY-LOCK PREMIUM ECO-ADHESIVES

The world’s most eco-friendly adhesives are now available in Canada through Jona Panel Sales Inc. Watch the demo video on jonapanels.com/products, or contact info@jonapanels.com for more information.

JONA PANELS

jonapanels.com

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) members have been building, developing, and renovating Canadian homes for generations. We are sharing the extraordinary contributions CHBA members make in their communities every day through our ongoing #CdnBuilt for Generations campaign. Here are a few recent stories. To read more stories follow our hashtag or visit blog.chba.ca/category/giving-back.

London HBA raises more than $265,000 in food and cash donations for Business Cares Food Drive

North Ridge Development Corp. serves turkey dinner at local community school

Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association member North Ridge Development Corp. spread the holiday cheer by volunteering their time for children in the Saskatoon area this past holiday season. The company participated in Care and Share Saskatoon’s Holiday Lunch Program at a local community school, which saw North Ridge employees distribute a hot turkey dinner to students. Care and Share Saskatoon, a multi-dimensional charitable organization that meets countless needs of Saskatoon’s community schoolchildren, launched its Holiday Lunch Program in 1997. Since then, with the help of sponsors, volunteers, major hotels and local restaurants, the program now serves more than 5,000 turkey dinners annually to students across 20 schools in the Saskatoon region.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas HBA hosts charity auction for Habitat for Humanity

During its 2022 charity auction, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders’ Association (PKHBA) raised more than $19,000 for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region. This was PKHBA’s first charity action in the last three years because of the pandemic – and the most successful yet, with almost 40 sponsors and 100 auction items donated from businesses in the region. Auction proceeds will help Habitat in its mission to build and rehabilitate decent and affordable single- and multi-family homes in the region. PKHBA will host its next charity auction in support of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and Kawartha Region on Dec. 7.

In an impressive showing, London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) took fundraising to new heights by raising $267,828 in food and cash donations for the London Food Bank’s Business Cares Food Drive. Several members of LHBA, as well as association staff, donated and volunteered their time during the holiday season to help fundraise for the great cause. The 23rd Annual Business Cares Food Drive collectively raised more than $1.4 million in food and cash donations, equating to 550,650 pounds of food for those in need. The food drive also supports the London Food Bank’s ability to offer more than 30 programs and social agencies in the London area, including meal and school breakfast programs, youth drop-in programs and more.

WE SEE AND SELL YOUR VISION

Customized sales and marketing services for builders

We are a specialized pre-construction brokerage with a custom project approach. We know that one sales model does not fit all builders or projects. Instead, we listen to our clients to learn their individual needs, which ensures each project they launch sets a new benchmark for success.

Our services extend beyond what you see on the sales floor to include floorplan design, APS review, marketing, and achieving maximum revenue for our clients. Simply put, we see and sell your vision.