CHBA-Edmonton Region

Busy 2022 ahead for Edmonton housing industry, CHBA ER says

by PEPPER RODRIGUEZ

2021 started with uncertainty but certainly looks like it will end in a bang, as strong demand for homes – particularly single-family homes, paced the new home industry to new heights.

Most housing industry experts did not know what to expect in 2021 with the threat of the pandemic still looming large, but the year unfolded with a lot of positives in Edmonton. The city is enjoying balanced market conditions instead of the seller’s market conditions prevailing in much of the country.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Edmonton Region (CHBA – ER) has been monitoring the situation closely on behalf of its members, and though the past year had been largely encouraging for the industry, there remains challenges in 2022.

“There are several challenges ahead for the residential construction industry in 2022,” says Laura Bruno, Chief Executive Officer of CHBA – ER.

“Supply chain issues have been a challenge over the past year and is likely to continue into 2022. CHBAER has worked closely with our members to keep them informed of the ongoing supply chain issues and we will continue to keep them updated. While this is something that is ultimately out of our control, finding alternative product types and innovative solutions has and will continue to be at the forefront of builders’ minds as we keep projects moving forward.”

It isn’t just supply chain issues that have delayed growth in the industry he past year though, she says.

“While we saw significant growth in the industry, we were challenged throughout prime construction season by delayed development and building permits which can jeopardize affordability. These delays along with increased and new permit fees and levies, and red tape all have a cumulative negative impact on housing affordability,” Bruno says.

CHBA-ER advocates on behalf members to help create a more supportive regulatory environment that reduces red tape and increases efficiencies.

“We work to foster positive relationships with municipal administrations and elected officials to ensure we are at the table influencing policy and regulatory changes that impact housing. CHBA-ER remains committed to collaborating with administration and elected officials from the surrounding municipalities to develop creative solutions to reduce red tape, permit fees and timelines, and excessive regulation,” she adds.

As for new design trends, the association sees a greater effort in maximizing energy efficiency in homes in 2022. “Energy efficiency is top of mind for all industries including residential construction. The National Building Code is consistently working towards greater energy efficiency in new homes and the residential construction industry is constantly finding innovative ways to improve energy efficiency,” Bruno says.

“It’s important to note that a typical newly built home today is 47 percent more energy efficient than a home built in 1985. We are eager to continue finding accessible and affordable ways to make new homes more energy efficient while maintaining housing affordability.”

They do see a busy year ahead and their members’ agility in meeting homebuyer needs have been instrumental in their success not just this year but in the years ahead.

“We anticipate a busy year ahead and will constantly advocate for housing affordability and choice which are two driving factors in the purchase of a new home. The ability to bring on innovative products in a variety of housing types allows our industry the ability to help meet home buyers’ housing needs at all stages of life.”