Building Excellence Winter 2022

EDITOR

Wayne Karl wayne.karl@nexthome.ca

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT Michael Rosset

NEXTHOME EDITORS

Wayne Karl, Rise Levy

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 CONSULTANT Amanda Bell 416.830.2911, amanda.bell@nexthome.ca

VP MARKETING – GTA

Leanne Speers

CEO Kevin Lee

DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Rombough

COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICER

Emily Fielden

SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – GTA

Sonia Presotto

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

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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

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Natasha

F all is especially busy for businesses in our industry, so having had our successful fall CHBA National meetings, I want to extend my sincere thanks to those members who are volunteering their time at the local, provincial or national levels of the association. Their hours of dedication on behalf of all of us –whether it’s reviewing code changes, working to get more people into the skilled trades in your hometown, fundraising for a local charity, or helping to set the priorities of your association – is what has kept CHBA thriving for nearly 80 years.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to go coast to coast and in between, speaking at events and meeting members who represent all facets of our industry.

In Williams’ Lake, BC, I attended a ribboncutting for a unique project that was part of CHBA’s Net Zero MURBs initiative. There, I listened to local leaders speak excitedly about what the homes would mean for people in the community, and we discussed the intricacies and building science of net zero homes.

At the BILD Alberta Conference in Jasper, I was pleased to have dialogue with members

COAST-TO-COAST SUCCESSES

TIME TO APPRECIATE THE DEDICATION OF MEMBERS AT ALL LEVELS

BY MILES KOHAN , CHBA PRESIDENT

about the resiliency of our industry and the challenges we will have in meeting the federal government’s target of building 3.5 million homes by 2031 in the face of rising interest rates and labour shortages.

I travelled to Ontario, and it was my pleasure to attend OHBA’s Conference where I got to hear from members about the challenges and opportunities in our largest province, and witness the incredible projects our members continually put forward at their Awards of Distinction. I also met some incredible people from the Brantford HBA and Haldimand-Norfolk HBA when speaking at one of their meetings in October, where we commiserated on the issues and joys of running small HBAs, which are common across the country.

And finally, it was truly special to travel to St. John’s, Nfld. to speak at the BERG awards on such a special night for members there, and again hear first-hand from members on their priority items.

In October, the CHBA National Committees and Councils met in Ottawa. Throughout the year, nearly 300 volunteer members give their time, expertise and regional insights as part of CHBA’s national bodies, rolling up their sleeves and working on issues that affect all of us across the country. They’re joined in the work by representatives from federal and provincial departments and agencies, non-profit organizations, private research firms, warranty programs and others, including CHBA staff who keep everything advancing. Being on a national committee/council usually comes after years of volunteering on related committees at the local and provincial levels, and the insights from our volunteers are invaluable. If

you’re not currently participating in one in your local or provincial HBA, I urge you to see how you can get more involved. Attending meetings and being in the thick of things gets you the most out of your membership. It’s there that you learn so much that will help your business, and where you make valuable business connections and life-long friendships – doing the work that we’re all passionate about.

Coming up next is CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada, taking place in Banff, Alberta from Feb. 12 to 16. Designed for industry leaders, the event combines the national committee and council meetings with a two-and-a-half-day conference. Notable speakers at the conference this year include Justin Kingsley, an award-winning storyteller and creative strategist, legendary broadcast journalist Tom Clark, and workforce trends and business strategist Seth Mattison. In addition to the glitzy awards gala for the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, and celebrating the Association Leadership Awards, attendees can look forward to many networking opportunities, additional information sessions, great meals, and the ever-popular Housing Night in Canada. Though the theme is always a surprise, it’s a guaranteed night of fun. I hope to see you there.

As we head into winter, the impact of interest rates on Canada’s economy generally – and on our industry, specifically – is still top of mind for many. CHBA’s Housing Market Index (HMI) for 2022 Q4 is out in the field now, and the results, which will be released in late January 2023, will show just how drastically interest rates continue to curb the traffic of prospective buyers, sales, and future housing starts. CHBA has been actively engaging with the Bank of Canada and government officials to inform them of how interest rates are affecting the industry, using supporting data from the HMI.

Canadian housing starts fell 11 per cent in October, a dip that the HMI predicted. This, when many builders are still working on clearing their backlog from the boom prior to the rise in interest rates. How much starts continue to fall will depend largely on what happens next with interest rates. If rates stabilize in time and people start buying again, hopefully we won’t see much more of a drop. But if more interest rate hikes happen, and Canadians continue to delay purchasing new homes, we may see a significant decline

RISING RATES

INTEREST RATE HIKES CURBING NEW HOME STARTS

BY KEVIN LEE, CHBA CEO

in housing starts not just in the first quarters but for the entire new year.

The interest rate hikes are also affecting home renovations. Since many homeowners use home equity lines of credit to finance large renovations, the current rates are a deterrent to generating activity.

CHBA’s HMI is a leading indicator about the current and future health of our industry in Canada. You can read more about the latest results in the By the Numbers article in this issue. And if you are a builder or developer and you aren’t participating in the HMI, we’d encourage you to do so by emailing hmi@chba.ca. The more members participate, the stronger the data and the stronger the message to government.

The federal government’s Fall Economic Statement was released in early November. The statement is meant to provide a key indication of the current state of the Canadian economy and the government’s close-range plans on a variety of spending and policy items. In it, they focused on tackling inflation through higher interest rates. On the housing side, the government reiterated commitments from the budget on the proposed Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit, which would give 15 per cent in a non-refundable tax credit on eligible home renovation expenses up to $50,000. They also recommitted to tabling legislation to put in place the proposed new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (a registered plan that would allow first-time buyers to save up to $40,000 on a tax-free basis, with contributions tax-deductible and withdrawals non-taxable) and doubling of the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax

Credit (from the current maximum of $750 to a maximum of $1,500). It also highlighted the government’s high immigration targets for the years ahead, the majority of which are to be comprised of skilled workers to help to address persistent labour shortages, including a focus on the building trades. These are good news items for our industry; we do need interest rate hikes to stop though to get the market moving again.

Each year, CHBA is invited to provide a pre-budget submission for the upcoming federal budget, which is an opportunity to give input on what measures would benefit Canadians who want to buy new or renovate their existing homes, which in turn contributes to a healthy business environment for members from coast to coast. Our latest recommendations focused on four areas: The need for more housing supply to address market-rate affordability; avoiding more demand-side restrictions and countering rising interest rates; addressing the skilled trades shortage and supply chain challenges; and, avoid adding costs through codes and regulations.

CHBA staff are engaged on all four topics continually and throughout the year, from participating in national code development and review to dialoging with policy-makers as your voice on Parliament Hill. If you’re not already signed up for Industry Highlights, our daily media scan on housing issues and developments, with CHBA commentary, I encourage you to do so. It keeps you informed on issues affecting your business, and up-to-date on how CHBA is working for you. To sign up, visit chba.ca/highlights-subscribe.

BY YASMINE GOODWIN & LUKE HALL MY-DESIGNSTUDIO.COM

One of the most immediate disruptions to the multi-residential builder industry that the digital revolution has created is a shift in how homebuyers interact with your brand. If you haven’t mapped out your digital selling strategy, you’re simply going to get left behind. Fortunately, there’s still time for you to transition your business to meet the needs of today’s modern homebuyer by following these steps.

Seeing all of the options available before making selections and approving a finalized design is a non-negotiable demand for today’s homebuyers. The COVID-19 pandemic has made scheduled showroom visits not only less feasible but, in some cases, also less desirable. Instead, customers are showing marked preferences for digital previews using visualizer design tools, allowing them a better look at their structural and decor options and the financial implications of their choices.

Would you buy a new car without previewing your selections online? Probably not. In an industry such as builder decor sales, where the visual appeal and aesthetics of products influence homebuyer purchasing decisions, online previews can be far more appealing and convenient than showroom visits. The homebuyer isn’t limited by geo-

graphic constraints and can spend far more time contemplating their options without the time restrictions of a typical in-person appointment.

As an industry, we can respond to this by changing our sales methodology and customer service approach. Not only does the shift to digital solutions benefit the homebuyer, but it also has powerful sales potential for developers. Disruptive technologies can lead to positive changes and innovation, and a smart business owner will shift their modalities to embrace the new wave of customer desires and demands.

This means embracing a customer service model that caters to an entirely custom set of demands. Modern homebuyers fully expect that their homes reflect all their desires, but they might not know exactly what those desires look like until they can see what all their selections look like put together. Using AI and digital solutions to include the homebuyer in the design process not only gives them the chance to experiment with their ideas, but also helps to ensure they’ll be satisfied with the final design.

Staying ahead of the curve with program education can give your company an edge over your competitors. Builders and developers can set themselves up for success by investing in a

high-end suite of digital tools. Many companies offering builder decor sales software also offer partnership programs to educate your team, easing the process of adoption and improving seller outcomes from the start.

Management teams who establish clear changes and communicate the path for their business’s transformation are more than three times as likely to successfully transition their business into the digital era. By investing in digital solutions now, you’ll be able to successfully prepare your decor management team for the increasing wave of tech-savvy homebuyers.

Always consider the big picture and engineer your digital strategy by weaving technology use into existing business processes with a clearly defined purpose. Keeping that purpose at the forefront of your strategy is a major step toward success.

Remaining at the forefront of your industry requires constant adaptation. By leaning into digital technological tools, now is our chance to embrace the changing landscape and shift our business models for the better. By partnering with companies offering high-tech solutions the transition doesn’t need to be overly complicated, and you’ll be better prepared to keep up (or even stay ahead) with your competition.

VALLEYBURN PROPERTIES

A BOUTIQUE RENOVATION BUSINESS

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

History is important to Grant McDonald, who was the seventh generation to be raised on his family’s farm, called Valleyburn Jerseys, in southwestern Ontario. That legacy was an inspiration to McDonald, and an obvious choice when he named his renovation company.

Based in St. Thomas, Ont., the company is still relatively new, but has already claimed two Ontario Home Builders’ Association Awards of Distinction and the prestigious Renovation Excellence Award in the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. Founded in 2016,

McDonald, its president, is selective about the projects that his boutique business takes on, doing just one to two full home rebuilds per year. “I’ve always been of the mindset of quality versus quantity,” McDonald explains, who prides himself on bringing a lot of passion and thought into each project.

McDonald doesn’t have a family history in construction, but like many in the industry, he was always interested in being hands-on and using tools, frequently helping his handy father with projects. Combined with his mother’s frequent presence of HGTV on in the

FAST FACTS

Company Name: Valleyburn Properties

Head Offices: St. Thomas, Ont

Number of Full-Time Employees: 1 Projects per year: 1-2

Grant McDonald

Timberframe Revival home

background of his childhood home, he developed a love for design. When it came time to consider a career, McDonald was interested in pursuing the trades, but a well-meaning shop teacher who saw conventional “potential” in the young student convinced him to get a degree instead.

It’s a story we hear all too often in our society, and unfortunately that well-meaning advice is contributing to a lack of skilled trades professionals – and sometimes, unnecessary student loans. But one of the wonderful things about residential construction is the many career paths that lead to it. For McDonald, his decision to get an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University has no doubt contributed to the early success of his company. At a time when his peers were dreaming of conquering the corporate world on Bay Street in Toronto, he still felt that a desk job wasn’t for him, and the desire to build and craft something stuck with him.

Shortly after university, McDonald ventured into property investment. The first project he took on was converting a property into a duplex and renting it out. It was his introduction into the investment world, but also how he found his direction.

“I really enjoyed watching the day-to-day progress of a drastic transformation – taking a decrepit old building and turning it into a livable space,” McDonald says. “From there, I focused on acquiring more properties while also focusing on the design elements: Custom

kitchens and all the exciting details that you typically don’t put into rental properties.”

ON RUNNING A SMALL COMPANY

Valleyburn Properties is truly a small company, and McDonald wears all the hats. He is appreciative of the loyal subtrades who have

Coming CHBA Events

JANUARY 2023

Finalists announced for the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence Online

FEBRUARY 12 TO 16, 2023

CHBA Home Building Week in Canada Banff, Alta.

been with him since the day he started the company, crediting them as part of the team effort to bring projects through to completion.

McDonald is a young entrepreneur, and admits that he’s still trying to figure out the work/life balance. When it comes to business, he says, “it’s a constant and tough to really be able to turn it off – not just the phone, but to turn off the brain and be able to sit back and enjoy the weekend, because there’s always something on the go.”

The pandemic made things more strenuous, as it did for many in the industry. Supply chain issues and delays, among other things, added an extra level of stress. But McDonald is finding a groove, and focusing on quality over quantity. He lists social media as one of the things his company has adjusted:

MAY 8 TO 10, 2023

CHBA Day on the Hill Ottawa

Grant McDonald’s grandparents, John and Ann Wise, in 1959.

BUILDER profile

They’ve dialed down the frequency but maintained consistency. The big change has been in the number of projects Valleyburn takes on each year. Fewer projects have allowed McDonald to prioritize his work-life balance.

AN AWARD-WINNING PROJECT

Valleyburn Properties’ Timberframe Revival won the award for Best Home Renovation –$200,000 to $400,000, and Best Single Room Renovation, in the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. The home was built by pioneers 180 years ago using the ancient art of timber framing. McDonald’s goal was to peel back the slap-dash repairs and renovations done over the years to expose and highlight its historical timber.

It was a fascinating process that unveiled how homes used to be built before modern technology, McDonald says. “They didn’t have power tools or electricity. It was horse and buggies and sheer strength – all hand chiselled and hand crafted. It is fantastic that 180 years later, the structure is so strong and square based on the construction techniques they used to use.”

The project was a heritage home, so Valleyburn Properties needed to work with the local historical society, municipal mayor and a descendant of the original home. The home was located in a small historic village, and McDonald respected the process. “I think it was very important to work with these decision makers to gain their insight, and I hope they have a little bit of pride of ownership, too, when they drive by the home,” he says.

One unique element of the home is its two front doors, which initially give it the impression of being a duplex/semi-detached home. In actuality, the original person who built the home had a small tailor shop on the left side of

McDonald has been volunteering with Habitat for Humanity since 2017, taking part in builds throughout London and St. Thomas.

the house, and raised his family in the right side of the house – which was a cost-effective option for storefront businesses at the time. The request to keep the two front doors keeps its story alive.

As is typical with older homes, the Valleyburn team had its challenges during the renovation. McDonald called it a learning experience from start to finish. “We had beams that ran left, right and centre, all in the cavities where you’d typically be able to run mechanicals,” he says. “We had to get super creative.

Each day there was something new to overcome and brainstorm.”

Changes included moving the location of the kitchen partway through the project. When they started peeling back the multiple layers of ceiling, McDonald realized that the original framing had grandiose vaulted ceilings in the rear of the home. They reconfigured the layout of the home to capitalize on the discovery.

The end result is a project that finds a great balance between modernizing the space and honouring the original craftsmanship.

FUTURE PLANS

Up next for Valleyburn Properties is another historic home: A cobblestone farmhouse built in 1872. The walls are 20 in. thick stone, and the exterior is made up of small, hand-selected pebbles that were plucked over the course of about two years from nearby rivers.

McDonald says it’s one of the few remaining homes in North America that are built like that. The construction method stems from a stone mason in New York State, who built a cluster of homes like it in that region. The mason, who would have been about 80 years old at the time, rode his horse and buggy into Canada, settled down, and built a home with the same methods.

It appears that Valleyburn Properties’ unique niche is yielding plenty of opportunities.

For more images from this winning project, visit the image gallery at chba.ca/ housingawards.

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BY THE numbers

BUILDER CONFIDENCE PLUMMETS

RISING INTEREST RATES LEADING TO FEWER HOUSING STARTS

BY NATASHA ROMBOUGH, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CHBA

“ CHBA’s Housing Market Index (HMI) provides a leading indicator of the current and future health of the residential construction industry in Canada. Insight coming from the HMI informs the government, media and consumers about trends and issues in the residential construction industry, and is another tool to further CHBA’s government advocacy. ”

After a strong start to the year, multiple rate hikes to curb infl ation have resulted in fewer people buying new homes, leading to a sharp drop in builder confi dence in both the singleand multi-family markets. Because

the HMI shows a strong correlation to the housing starts numbers that we will see in six months, we can expect a severe dip in starts next year, especially if the rate hikes continue. CHBA is engaging with the federal govern-

ment and the Bank of Canada accordingly, as this is not only an economic issue for the sector and therefore the entire economy, but it also runs counter to the government-stated need to double Canada’s housing starts.

Sales have been slowing for both single- and multi-family markets, with much of the country expecting future conditions to be worse than they are now, and traffic to be lower. Ontario has been especially hard hit, with more than half of builders rating current conditions as poor in the single-family market. The Atlantic Region had the most positive numbers for current conditions.

Price volatility, supply chain issues and

labour shortages have caused

Coming out of a very strong 2021, at the beginning of 2022 80 per cent of builders thought their company would have as many starts this year as it did in 2021. But after multiple interest rate hikes, by Q3 only 45 per cent of builders were still thinking that. Higher interest rates have been slowing home sales, and construction cost volatility continues to be a factor. Since starting seven quarters ago, CHBA’s HMI data has accurately shown a corresponding trend in housing starts six months into the future. If the current interest rate environment doesn’t change – or worsens – and the trend stays true, we will see a substantial drop in housing starts in the coming quarters.

TO BE A LEADER, YOU MUST BE DIFFERENT

BY RICCARDO PLATI, EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, DORR CAPITAL

that two things are needed to maintain and grow the business, because “if you’re not growing, you’re shrinking.” Plati explains the first is that you have to have analytical capacity. “Our whole team is institutionally trained, with a deep understanding of real estate finance, so there is no problem there. The second part of the job is keeping your finger on the pulse for who and what money is available in the marketplace at any time. Many lenders can be in and out of the market, so you have to know where the money supply is, at what cost, and how to get access to it.” He is in constant (sometimes daily) contact with Dorr’s partners and manages those relationships to provide stellar service. Today’s business environment is difficult, but Plati and his team aim to make it as easy as possible.

Deep understanding and strong industry relationships helped Plati identify one of the company’s largest clients, who, combined, have connected for more than $250 million of borrowed and paid back capital, with an additional $260 million in new loans.

Whether you’re talking about rising rates, inflation, or economic headwinds coming, managing expectations is starting to become a big part of the job. Having someone like Plati with the team at Dorr Capital, a team that understands real estate, understands risk, and knows how to box that risk, is extremely helpful in today’s environment. The success Dorr Capital is having is a result of the above-and-beyond service provided every day.

“One last thing,” Plati says “for large developers, we have something to offer you too. RealAlt Investments is a mortgage fund trust that is returning 11.25 per cent*. Since you know and live and breathe this sector, why don’t you invest in our fund and in an industry you understand.”

Riccardo Plati can be reached at rplati@dorrcapital.com

MODULAR solutions

Modular solutions

BY KATHLEEN MAYNARD, SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUILDING INNOVATION, CHBA

Canada faces critical, simultaneous challenges – housing supply and affordability, and the effects of climate change. Innovation and action to increase productivity, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cut costs and enhance resiliency are essential to meeting these challenges. Research, demonstration

and practice to date shows that modular construction is part of the solution.

FOCUS ON PRODUCTIVITY

With 22 per cent of the labour force set to retire, Canada will need 128,000 new workers in residential construction over the next

decade. With every sector of the economy short on workers, all sectors will be competing for the same insufficient pool of people. Despite all efforts to attract and train the future workforce, and even though Canada is increasing immigration and targeting construction workers (which is good), Canada

also needs to double housing starts, meaning that there will almost certainly still be a labour shortage. We’ll need to build more houses with fewer people. Innovation to improve productivity on-site, and especially to increase capacity and adoption of factory-built systems, will be important to meeting our housing supply and affordability needs. A 2019 McKinsey report, Modular Construction: From Projects to Products, found that modular construction can speed construction by up to

50 per cent, and lower costs by 20 per cent. While increased automation offers further productivity improvements both in the factory and on-site, there will be a need for new skills in design, manufacturing operations and digital technologies.

ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Increased innovation and capacity in factory-built systems will also help meet the challenge of climate change. CHBA’s Modular Construction Council members were among the pioneers of energy-efficient construction, and they continue to lead the way with net zero. While energy-efficiency has long been the surrogate for GHG emissions reduction –and continues to be a critical measure, especially in relation to the existing housing stock – environmental knowledge and building practices are evolving beyond operational emissions to embodied carbon, in both materials and processes. A University of Alberta comparison of modular and on-site construction, documented in the North Ridge CO2 Analysis Report, found that modular construction processes resulted in a 43-per-

cent reduction in GHG emissions versus building solely on-site. Modular construction processes also result in significantly lower rates of materials waste, which not only reduces embodied carbon rates in materials, but also reduces materials (and associated logistics) costs. The McKinsey report found that the savings in materials waste in building factories alone could lead to a 10-per-cent reduction in costs.

Beyond climate change mitigation, the homebuilding industry continues to innovate, and builders are incorporating modular solutions to build homes that also address adaptation and resilience to accommodate changes in climate and withstand and recover from extreme climate-related events.

In relation to extreme climate risks – overheating, flooding, rain/hail resistance, tornado resistance and wildfire resilience – for the most part, finished homes can offer the same level of protection whether factory or site-built. However, factory-built homes generally offer higher wind resistance against lateral loads and uplift forces because they are built to resist higher winds for transportation.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANTAGE

Factory-built homes generally offer higher wind resistance against lateral loads and uplift forces.

Today, modular technology can build any form of home, such as this modular by Royal Homes, with all the benefits of factory-built systems.

This means that in locations where such high levels of resistance are not required, factory-constructed homes would most likely fare better at the site during a tornado event than code-compliant homes built on-site.

When it comes to resilience during construction, however, modular construction offers distinct advantages. In relation to overheating, while a home is being constructed, the site-built process can offer passive protection like shading or active protection with A/C equipment, based on the construction stage. In the factory, people and materials are usually in a conditioned environment and protected from direct sunlight.

If a flood occurs during construction on-site, there may be damage to a partially built home. In the factory, the home will not suffer any damage (assuming of course that the factory is not affected by the same flood).

During rain and hailstorms, tornadoes and wildfire events, it is quite possible that a home or building under construction could be exposed to forces or elements that a half-completed roof, structure or cladding cannot

withstand. During these extreme events, it is difficult to protect site-built projects that are under construction. In the case of a wildfire, it may not even be a wildfire on the project site, but a wildfire 25 km away, for example, that could stop the construction activity for insurance purposes.

In all these cases, the factory-based construction process has a clear advantage. Construction of the superstructure can take place during a climate event – assemblies will not be destroyed by being exposed to the elements or extreme forces, materials will not

be compromised by fire or water, and structural connections will not be loosened by wind. In addition, community recovery is faster when rebuilding can take place offsite in a location that was spared from the extreme event.

For all these reasons, CHBA’s Modular Construction Council continues to advance the field of factory-built construction in Canada. For information on modular construction, check out the CHBA Modular Construction Council’s “Working with Modular” webinar series at chba.ca/modular.

Grandeur Housing’s net zero home achieved a blower-door test result of 0.52 ACH.

RADON FOR RENOVATORS

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HOUSE-AS-A-SYSTEM

BY FRANK LOHMANN, DIRECTOR, BUILDING SCIENCE, CHBA

Canadian renovators are experts in applying the “house-as-a-system” concept, and CHBA’s newly published Renovators’ Manual embraces this concept and integrates it into all aspects of home renovations. Understanding the house-as-a-system is increasingly critical for renovators, since the national codes will require minimum levels of energy efficiency for existing buildings in 2025. And in the short term, many homeowners, who want to make the best use of their renovation budgets, are voluntarily looking to incorporate an energy retrofit into their major renovations.

The danger of radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. What makes dealing with radon so difficult is that we can’t see, taste or smell radon. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces, such as homes, it can accumulate to high levels through cracks and unintentional openings in basement floors and walls. Health Canada estimates that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

The importance of the house-as-a-system, especially in how energy-efficiency upgrades may affect the indoor radon concentration in a home, cannot be overstated. The “stack effect” or “chimney effect” can suck radon right out of the soil into the home, which can be considerably worse in older homes with large, unsealed cracks in slabs and foundation walls and wall-floor joints and pipe and wiring penetrations.

The easiest way for the homeowner and the renovator to find out whether the home

has a radon problem is testing. Because radon levels vary by day, by weather and from house to house, Health Canada recommends a long-term (three-month) test during the fall-winter months when windows are closed. The best time to test homes for radon is the heating season, but radon tests may also be useful at the beginning of a renovation project – regardless of the season.

Homeowners can buy long-term test kits online at takeactiononradon.ca which they can then send to a lab for analysis, or they can buy a certified radon detector/monitor device to see for themselves. The Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program (C-NRPP) maintains a list of certified testing devices here: c-nrpp. ca/approved-radon-measurement-devices. The same website also offers contact information for Certified Radon Measurement Professionals.

Health Canada recommends taking remedial action when a long-term test indicates that the annual average concentration in the home would be above 200 becquerels per cubic metre (Bq/m3). C-NRPP also offers a listing of certified measurement and mitigation professionals at c-nrpp.ca/ find-a-professional who can collaborate with renovators to determine the radon levels and, if necessary, design and install a mitigation system.

Addressing radon in renovations

While a well-sealed air barrier and a balanced and maintained ventilation system can help minimize the entry of radon, even the best building science cannot control radon in areas in Canada where radon concentrations in the soil are very high. Essentially, the relationship between pressure differential, airtightness and indoor radon level means that any renovation work influencing exhausts, airtightness, mechanical ventilation and natural air leakage can increase the risk of radon in a home, for example, when upgrading and air sealing windows or installing a new kitchen range hood with a large exhaust capacity.

The good news is that the solutions recommended by Health Canada are generally straightforward: A subfloor depressurization system that connects the space underneath the basement floor with a pipe to the roof or sidewall (passive stack) and – where the passive flow through the pipe is not sufficient to reduce the radon concentration – an inline fan would be installed on the pipe (active stack) to depressurize the sub-slab space continuously to reverse the flow of radon and exhaust it to the outside. In some homes, even active mitigation can be challenging; in these cases, it is likely best that renovators engage certified professionals to conduct radon work, whether testing or remediation.

NEW TRUCKS and vans

Getting

WELCOME BACK TO THE NEW WORLD OF PICKUP TRUCK AND VAN SHOPPING

BY HERB ELLIS

Y

ou’ve heard the terms computer chips and semi-conductors. And you’ve heard that there are shortages. But now that you’re out shopping for vehicles, the significance is going to hit home.

Even the mighty Toyota Motor Corp. has had to stop production from time to time at its plant in Japan because of the shortages.

Many automaker websites display a warning that what’s on display online may not be in stock at your dealer. You may have to order it and wait for who knows how long. The vehicle might not even have the features you ordered because the chips aren’t there to run them. They might be available later on.

Keeping this in mind, let’s go shopping.

The panel van market

WIEDERSEHEN METRIS

Mercedes-Benz will stop production of its midsize Metris van following the 2023 model year. Sales are low.

FORD DISCONNECTS THE TRANSIT CONNECT

Like the Metris, Ford’s small van, the Transit Connect, will be gone after model year 2023. Like the Metris, its sales are low.

RAM PROMASTER CITY GONE, TOO

Like its cousins, the ProMaster City is gone after the 2022 model year – as contractors look to larger vans.

THE BIG GUYS

When it comes to the Sprinter Cargo Van, Mercedes gives you 10 choices from the 2500 to the 4500. Wheelbases are 144 in. and 170 in. All engines are diesel-powered, four-cylinder engines.

There are major changes to the 2023 Sprinter's powertrain range because there's a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is no longer available.

The less powerful variant has 168 hp (125-kw) and 295 pound-ft. torque. The

high-output version makes 208 hp and 332 pound-ft. torque.

Height starts at 233.5 in. Cargo length from the driver seat is 132.9 in. Cargo bed width is 53.1 in. Cargo bed height is 67.7 in. Cargo space is 319 cubic ft.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. Maximum payload is 3,953 lbs.

Rear-wheel drive is standard. But if your workplace has rough terrain, all-wheel drive is available on every Sprinter van model.

Upfitting is available.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

THE SAVANA(GMC)/ EXPRESS(CHEV)TWINS (2023)

Both come in 2500 and 3500 sizes. There’s a standard V6 that generates 276 hp.

Both the 2500 and 3500 offer 283.6 cu. ft. of cargo space. But if you need to haul a heavy cargo, go with the 3500. You can load up to 10,000 lbs. in it.

The standard, passenger-side door swings out in a 60/40 split.

The Savana and Express come as empty boxes on four wheels, though both offer some shelving and other storage solutions as accessories.

There’s an available sliding side door. Not enough? Upfitting is available.

FORD TRANSIT

The Transit for 2023 offers three lengths and roof heights and an available power sliding door. Beside the standard V6, which puts out 275 hp and 262 pound-ft. of torque, there’s an Ecoboost V6 that puts out 400 hp and 500 pound-ft. of torque.

All-wheel drive is available to help you navigate those rugged work sites.

Cargo volume is 357 cu. ft. on the high roof. Payload max is 3,680 lbs.

Upfitting is available.

RAM PROMASTER

There are two Promaster vans, the 1500 and the 2500. Both have V6 280-hp engines. Ram boasts that the two Promasters have a best-in-class turning ratio. Also available is a roll-up rear door instead of the standard, rear swing-out doors. Both have rear step bumpers.

A self-parking feature is available.

The ProMaster 1500 has a maximum payload of 4,000 lbs. The ProMaster 2500 has a

maximum payload of 4,230 lbs. The 1500 has a maximum towing capacity of 6,910 lbs, while the 2500 lags at 6,800 lbs.

Both have a standard 21-in. (533 mm) load-floor height. The low roof is 118 in. high. You can order a high roof in each model. The high roof is 136 in.

The high roof can tow up to 6,700 lbs, and has a payload of 3,763.

Upfitting is available.

If you’re new to the Chev/GMC pickup world, the Chevrolet Colorado, and its counterpart, the GMC Canyon, are a series of compact and mid-sized pickups.

Body styles are similar. There’s a two-door regular cab, a two-door extended cab and a four-door crew cab.

CHEV SILVERADO/GMC SIERRA

The Silverado/Sierra come in a Regular Cab model with eight-ft. bed, Double Cab with six-ft. six-in. bed and Crew Cab with six-ft. six-in. or five-ft. eight-in. bed.

There is a variety of engines, from a turbo-charged 2.7L four-cylinder churning out 310 hp and 348 pound-ft. of torque to a 6.2L V8 with 420 hp and 460 pound-ft. of torque. A turbodiesel is available. The gasoline engines come with fuel-efficient Active or Dynamic Fuel Management.

Active Fuel Management improves fuel economy by deactivating half of the engine’s cylinders under light driving conditions. Dynamic Fuel Management works in a similar manner but improves on the AFM system with up to 17 different cylinder activation patterns, providing optimized efficiency and power delivery.

GMC Savana

Chev Silverado

Chev Express

A turbodiesel is available.

Maximum payload is 2,250 lbs, while the Sierra 1500 and its Silverado twin have a towing capacity of 13,200 lbs with a ball hitch and the 3.0L 1-6 LZ0 engine.

To help make loading and unloading easier, there’s an available six-function Multi-Flex tailgate. Also available is the CarbonPro carbon fibre composite box, which is lightweight and damage-resistant. A power-up/down tailgate is also available. It supplies a smooth lowering of the tailgate, and the option to power the tailgate closed – SUV style.

Four-wheel drive is also available to help you take on those rugged construction sites.

GM/GMC’S LIGHT DUTY DUO

Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon are the General’s entries in the light duty truck market. They offer a powertrain for just about everyone: A base four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic transmission; a speedy 308-hp 3.6-litre V6 with an eight-speed automatic; and a 2.8-litre diesel four-cylinder that churns out an impressive 369 pound-ft. of torque.

To get maximum towing power of 7,000 lbs., you’ll need the V6. To get 700 lbs more, turn to the diesel.

The twins come in extended-cab and crew-cab body styles. Crew cabs offer two bed

lengths – short (five ft.) and long (6.2 ft.). The extended cab comes only with a long bed.

The 2023 edition offers a new built-in tailgate storage system which offers a secure, water-tight, and convenient storage solution. With the tailgate lowered, the system has a lockable lid that opens to supply access to a compartment that is 45 in long and four in. wide. Comes with a drain.

RAM 1500

Chrysler’s entry into the large-size arena comes with three powertrain options: A 260-hp diesel, turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, a 305-hp 3.6-litre V6, and a 395-hp 5.7-litre V8. All use an eightspeed automatic transmission.

The Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lbs and carry a payload of up to 2,320 lbs.

There’s a new, Multifunction Tailgate option with 60/40 clamshell doors to take on the General’s MultiPro tailgate.

The Ram tailgate splits horizontally into hinged 60/40 sections. It can swing out, clamshell style, when the tailgate is raised. Each door can be opened individually up to 88 degrees.

Ford Super Duty

Ram 1500

GMC Canyon

Colorado/Canyon tailgate storage

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, NISSAN, TOYOTA AND HONDA

Nissan’s entry is the midsize Frontier. Comes in three sizes – King Cab, Crew Cab Long Bed and Crew Cab. The King tows up to 6,490 lbs, while the others tow 6,240 and 6,260, respectively. The King can carry up to 1,430 lbs while the others, 1,140 lbs and 1,230 lbs, respectively.

Bed dimensions in length are up to 73.2 in. for the King and Crew Cab Long Bed, and up to 58.8 in. for the Crew Cab.

Widths are 44.8 in. for all.

There’s a 120V power outlet available. It’s bed-mounted so you can load up after dark and see what you’re doing. LED under-rail bed lighting is also available.

The tailgate lowers normally in a single piece, has the same damped action as the regular Ram's tailgate. It can be operated by remote and can hold a 2,000-pound load when lowered. All done even with a trailer is attached.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING

DIFFERENT

– THE FORD F-150 POWERBOOST

Want to go easy on the environment, but you suffer from range anxiety? Then the Ford 150 PowerBoost, alias F150 Hybrid, is for you.

The Blue Oval claims that the new 400-hp hybrid powertrain – which consists of a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, a 35-kw electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission will offer more than 1,100 km of driving range per tank and can also power an onboard generator for keeping the power flowing at job sites or during power outages.

Comes with a choice of rear and four-wheel drive.

The battery self-charges with regenerative braking and engine power.

The hybrid is rated at 430 system horsepower and 570 pound-ft. of torque. Combine that battery with the F150’s large 30.6-gallon fuel tank and this gives this full-size pickup an estimated driving range in excess of 1,100 km.

The Hybrid can tow up to 12,700 lbs in the four-by-two and the 12,400 in four-by-four. But tow the max and watch the battery range go down.

Standard is the Dampened Assist tailgate that lets you open and close the liftgate with one hand for safety and convenience.

The available spray-on bedliner has a durable, non-skid surface that also prevents rusting. There are three bed channels that let you slide the four, heavy-duty cleats into position. They help you tie things down and are standard.

ON THE MENU FOR TOYOTA ARE THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA

The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-sizer with a 159 hp, four-cylinder engine and a six-speed trannie. It tows 6,500 lbs and offers 180 pound-ft. torque. A V6 engine is available and its 278-hp V6 churns out 265 pound-ft. of torque.

The V6 can pull 6,800 lbs. Payload maximum is 1,685 lbs.

Comes in a four-by-four Double Cab, four-by-four Access Cab and four-by-four Access Cab 6a.

The maximum payload capacity on the Access Cab on the SR and SR5 is 1,685 lbs with a four-by-two configuration. Those same trims deliver 1,445 lbs with four-wheel drive.

The Tundra is powered with a V6 engine with either 348 or 379 hp. The hybrid churns out 437 hp with 583-lb torque. But no four-by-four is available.

The Tundra comes as either an extended- or crew-cab, and offers a 5.5-, 6.5- or 8.1-ft. bed depending on cab size and trim. Max towing is 12,000 lbs. The max payload is 1,940 lbs.

Tundra comes in two body styles with three

different cargo-bed lengths. The Extended Cab aka Double Cab is available with either a 6.5- or 8.1-ft. bed. The Crew Cab aka Crew Maxis offered with either a 5.5- or 6.5-ft. bed.

THE RIDGELINE

The mid-size Ridgeline comes in only one size – a four-door crew cab with a five-foot bed. Comes with a 280 hp, 3.5 litre V6 and ninespeed tranny. But AWD is standard. Good for those rugged worksites.

Tows 5,000 lbs and has a 1,600 lbs payload.

Comes with a five-ft.-four-in. by five-ft. UV-stabilized, scratch-resistant truck-bed, eight 350-lb tie-down cleats, and a lockable In-Bed Trunk. Trunk volume is 34 cu. ft.

The Tundra’s locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk, which is located below the bed’s floor and accessed from above a 7.3-cu.-ft. capacity. There's 50 in. between its bed's wheel wells, so the Ridgeline can fit a sheet of four-by-eight-ft. building material flat on the bed floor.

AFTERCARE

The General, Ram, Ford, Mercedes, Nissan, all offer a fleet ownership package that features special pricing, knowledgeable advisors and preferential servicing to cut down time.

Ford and Nissan require three business vehicles to quality. The General, Ram and Mercedes insist on at least five.

Toyota and Honda say they offer fleet service, but details are vague. So, speak to a dealer.

Happy motoring!

Honda Ridgeline HPD

Toyota Tacoma 4x4

Honda Ridgeline

Smart breakers help prepare for a

Harnessing Eaton’s best-in-class circuit protection, this smart breaker can be integrated with existing smart home systems.

Eaton smart breakers create new possibilities

Harnessing Eaton’s best-inclass circuit protection, our smart breakers are an industry first -combining protective features you’d expect with the intelligence needed to make smarter energy decisions.

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Scan to view the complete line of smart breakers

EatonCanada.ca/Smartbreaker

EatonCanada.ca/smartbreakers

smarter tomorrow

TOP tools

BUILD A BETTER

tool kit

HERE ARE THE LATEST TOOLS YOU’LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION

BY ALLAN BRITNELL

It’s our fifth annual roundup of the latest tools on the market to help you get the job done faster, smarter and more efficiently. On your next run to the building supply centre, add the ones that catch your eye to your order. Or, better yet, add them to your holiday wish list.

Milwaukee M18 packout

six-bay rapid charger

48-59-1809

DeWalt Atomic compact 20-volt 23-gauge pin nailer

DCN623

DeWalt continues to expand its Atomic Compact series of tools designed for working in tight spaces and awkward positions with this 20-volt, 23-guage pin nailer. Cordless means you can ditch the compressor and hose. But the 20-volt Max battery and brushless motor still give you the power to drive up to 2,000 pin nails from 5/8-in. to 1.5-in. into a variety of woods, including solid oak. dewalt.ca

You can never have too many fully charged batteries. This six-bay rapid charger refuels two Milwaukee M18 batteries at a time, then sequentially moves on to the next two sets plugged into it, fully charging six batteries in three hours. It also includes a USB port for charging your phone or tablet. The 15-in.-wide, 12-in.-high charger weighs in at just under eight pounds so, even with six batteries connected it’s easy to transport around the jobsite with you, or lock in in place on any of the company’s Packout storage systems. milwaukeetool.ca

Irwin 25-ft. Straight-Line tape measure

IWHT39393S

After your brain, a tape measure is probably the tool you use most on the job. Which is why tool manufacturers are constantly trying to get their latest version in your hands. Irwin’s 25-ft. StraightLine offering features up to 17 ft. extension, an 80-ft. drop rating, a finger brake on the base, an extra-large hook, and oversized numbering on both sides of the tape. Also available in 16- and 35-ft. models. irwintools.ca

Festool mobile phone charger

PHC 18

Cellphones are increasingly becoming one of the most important tools on the job. Think about that panicky feeling you get when you notice your battery is running low… With wireless chargers, such the Festool PHC 18, you don’t have to root around for the right cable to charge your phone. Simply attach it to any of Festool’s 18-volt batteries and lay your phone on top for wireless inductive charging. If you do have cables handy, the adapter also has USB A and C ports so you can charge three devices simultaneously. festoolcanada.com

Milwaukee Redlithium neck light

2117-21

Now that we’re in the depths of winter, we start our days heading out in the dark and wrap them up after dusk. So, jobsite lighting becomes an essential tool to keep you going. Over the past few years, Milwaukee Tool has introduced a number of bright ideas, from USB rechargeable flashlights to their M18 Rocket Tower that’s an area light and charger in one.

This hands-free option is an ergonomic, sweat-resistant band that wraps around your neck. The two adjustable lights provide 400 lumens output with more than eight hours of run time. milwaukeetool.ca

Bessey telescopic support rods

STE98, STE118, STE145

You can usually use an extra set of hands on the job. But when none are available, these one-handed telescoping support rods can keep you productive while you’re on your own. With an ergonomic handle, PVC pads on both ends for a non-marring grip, pump mechanism, and quick release button, each can support loads from 140 to 350 lbs. when fully extended, and 770 lbs. when retracted. They’re available in three different sizes: 58 to 98 in., 67 to 118 in., and 82 to 145 in. besseytools.com

Lenox fast snap knife

LXHT10597

Odds are you’ve got a knife in your pocket or attached to your belt right now. You might want to swap it out for this innovative, ergonomic snap knife by Lenox. Use the carbide-edged blade until it gets nicked or dull, and then use the built-in snapping mechanism to expose a fresh edge. Best of all, an integrated magnet captures the old bit of blade, so you don’t have to hunt around on the ground for it. lenoxtools.com

DeWalt Powerstack 20-Volt

Max 5-amp hour batteries

DCBP520

As we increasingly ditch the cords and hoses for cordless tools, battery life becomes the lifeblood of any jobsite. DeWalt’s latest innovation is the Powerstack 20-Volt Max battery. This award-winning system utilizes something known as pouch cell technology that’s been used in batteries for electric cars. According to DeWalt, the Powerstack batteries produce 50 per cent more power and have twice the lifespan of previous models. Each pack weights 1.5 lbs. and has a built-in LED fuel gauge.

dewalt.ca

Festool CTC Midi I cordless dust extractors

577069/577506

These tools suck. Really well. The 36-volt turbine provides 109 CFM of suction and 76 in. of static water lift, providing the power of a corded wet/dry vac with the flexibility of a cordless tool.

The compact tool weighs 22.5 pounds (without batteries) and has three different power settings. It’s available in HEPA-basic (577069) and HEPA-plus (577506). And there’s a remote control at the end of the 3.5-m-long hose to save you some steps. festoolcanada.com

DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 compact tool bag

DWST08025

Some days you need a truck and trailer’s worth of tools. Others, a portable bag will do. For the latter, grab this 11-in.-wide and 15-in.-high backpack-style case with a 40-lb load capacity. Made of dirt-repellant ballistic nylon and featuring a waterproof base, it has more than 25 storage pockets, an external tape measure holder and a slot for your water bottle.

Carry it by the handle, straps or lock it into any of DeWalt’s ToughSystem 2.0 storage units. dewalt.ca

SPOTLIGHTING THE ALL-SEASON SHINGLE

Season after season, homes’ roofs are subject to unpredictable weather conditions, including high winds, storm debris, winter cold and summer heat. With these challenges in mind, Owens Corning offers TruDefinition Duration FLEX (in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan only), a shingle designed to help withstand nature’s elements and protect homes in every season.

Equipping the roof to perform in all seasons

Gradual weather transitions from season to season are remarkably rare and many regions are subject to temperature swings, unpredictable winds, and abrupt changes in weather conditions. Unpredictable weather means a home’s roof must be equipped to perform in each season and protect against various elements.

Spring:

The spring season can change quickly and vary from snowstorms to early season heat waves. Thunderstorms cause most severe spring weather and are often accompanied by extreme rains, hail and wind that can threaten the roof. To help a home’s roof weather storms and wind-driven debris, Duration FLEX features the highest impact rating possible, UL 2218 Class 4.

Summer:

Excessive heat and thunderstorms can be summer weather hazards. Temperature swings can lead to expansion and contraction. The

rubber-like flexibility of Duration FLEX helps the shingle withstand temperature changes, while supporting granule adhesion to protect shingles against ultraviolet light.

Fall:

Wind can be a fall weather hazard. Duration FLEX has SureNail Technology, that in testing, showcased its grip with 42 per cent stronger nail-pull resistance than standard shingles, supporting confidence in intense storms and windy conditions. Designed to deliver up to 209 km/h (130 mph) wind resistance, Duration FLEX is the only SBS shingle that features the outstanding hold of SureNail Technology, which offers a reinforced nailing zone on the face of the shingle. The SureNail triple-layer of reinforcement provides increased protection against “nail pull” from wind and features an up to 200 per cent wider bond between the shingle layers in the nailing zone over standard shingles.

Winter:

Bitter cold, freezing rain, and heavy snow can also threaten a home’s roof. Cold temperatures also challenge installation procedures and can allow shingles to become brittle and break more easily. Duration FLEX shingles are 10 per cent stronger than traditional shingles in tear tests. A flexible design makes them less stiff and helps avoid cracking in cold weather, supporting the installation process.

Beyond performance – curb appeal

Representing nearly 40 per cent of a home’s exterior, the roof provides an opportunity in all seasons to boost curb appeal. TruDefinition Duration FLEX shingles are available in four classic colours: Brownwood, Driftwood, Estate Gray and Onyx Black. A range of vivid shingle colors allow homeowners to boost their home’s curb appeal and express their personal style while defending against nature’s elements season after season.

SKILLED trades

FINDING SKILLED TRADES IN THE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

SELECT SKILLED TRADES RESOURCES

CHBA’s “Imagine your Future in the Residential Construction Industry” chba.ca/imagineyourfuture Apprentice Search apprenticesearch.com

BuildForce’s recruitment and retention buildforce.ca/en/recruitmentretention

BY LEAH NORD, SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS, CHBA

Labour shortages are causing major delays throughout the residential construction sector. On average, the cost of labour/trades has gone up 28 per cent since the pandemic, according to CHBA’s most recent (Q3 2022) Housing Market Index. And future projections do not provide any reassurance – in fact, it’s quite the opposite. According to BuildForce Canada, approximately 22 per cent of the labour force is set to retire in the coming decade, equating to approximately 128,000 workers.

We could go on, but you get the picture; no one is more aware of the skilled labour

shortages than Canada’s homebuilders, developers and renovators.

Add to this scenario the federal government’s recently updated and much needed immigration targets. Last year, Canada welcomed more than 405,000 newcomers –the most we’ve ever in a single year – and the federal government has set new target levels of 465,000 permanent residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.

The net result of that part of the equation is that many of those immigrants are targeted for construction, and that’s good, but it will also exacerbate housing shortage, and add to the

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s Supporting Women in the Trades switcanada.caf-fca.org/ Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service canada.ca/en/employment-socialdevelopment/programs/apprenticeservice-program.html

Government of Canada’s “Follow your passion. Find your skilled trade” canada.ca/en/employment-socialdevelopment/campaigns/skilledtrades.html

JobReady enerquality.ca/ohba-job-ready SkillPlan skillplan.ca

dire need to build more, quickly. The federal government has stated that Canada will need to build at least 3.5 million new homes by 2031. In Ontario, which has the largest population and the highest price pressures, the Province has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes over the next 10 years. And the new premier of BC has promised swift action on fixing the housing crisis the province faces. Hopefully, more provinces follow suit.

It’s encouraging that in October, the federal immigration minister, MP Sean Fraser, acknowledged that Canada will need to do more to disperse immigration across the country to reduce housing pressures, as well as bring in more people who can and will build homes.

In addition to bringing in more skilled tradespeople through immigration, other solutions are in the works. The residential construction industry is innovating to increase productivity and output greater construction volumes with fewer workers, notably through modular construction methods. But in the short-term, these labour shortages are causing construction backlogs, creating delays and postponing the supply of new units. In other words, the situation is exacerbating what’s already a housing supply shortage in many areas of the country, and in turn further impacting housing affordability.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) has recommended a comprehensive suite of all actions to address the challenge, and is pleased to be seeing success with government action. Recommendations range from promoting careers in skilled trades more, to supporting training, providing financial supports to companies and individuals with respect to skilled workers (such as the new Canadian Apprenticeship Service). CHBA has also advocated for and is pleased to see action on improving the immigration system for skilled workers to respond better and more quickly to labour shortages in residential construction through permanent immigration solutions. Part and parcel of this is the need to enhance the selection of immigrants with skilled trades credentials or construction experience, to ensure that the residential

construction sector will receive its proportionate share of newcomers, and the government has expressly stated it will, as part of its actions for increasing skilled labour allocations for immigration.

Provinces are also acting. For example, in its fall economic statement, Ontario committed an additional $40 million for the Skills Development Fund. This fund has supported the Ontario Home Builders’ Association’s Job Ready program, that matches supportive employers with job seekers, expanding entry-level skills training and on-the-job learning. The program provides entry-level workers with exposure to the residential construction and renovation industries, creating a pipeline of workers with basic safety and skills training, on-the-job learning, and employment support to build a fulfilling career in our industry.

And it’s not only governments which are stepping up to the plate. BILD Alberta recently launched its Scholarships for Construction Careers as an investment by the industry to tackle labour challenges that preserve housing affordability in the province. Initiated by Jay Westman, chair and CEO of Jayman BUILT, this industry-led scholarship campaign aims to address Alberta’s ongoing skilled labour shortages in residential construction.

Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) is fresh off the heels of an informative event aimed at getting more youth, especially women, into residential construction. Its virtual Residential Construction Career Expo featured live panel discussions where six young women in the trades spoke frankly about salaries, and debunked myths around dirty jobs and undesirable work environments.

Focusing on women is an important angle being taken by many local and provincial HBA

actions, since to keep pace with retirements and demand, a significant portion of new workers will need to come from groups traditionally underrepresented in the current construction labour force, including women, Indigenous people and new Canadians.

CHBA and like-minded organizations such as the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) are actively communicating to inform employers to take advantage of the federal government’s Apprenticeship Service program, which facilitates small- and medium-sized business to hire Level 1 apprentices by offering $5,000 grants. Employers may receive $10,000 if they hire a Level 1 apprentice from an underrepresented group.

In October, the federal government’s Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion announced more than $53 million to the Native Women’s Association of Canada for the Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and Gender-Diverse Apprenticeships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) project. The project will provide financial incentives and a suite of online training and resources to SMEs across Canada, to help them participate in the apprenticeship system and create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for at least 4,000 apprentices.

Finding skilled trades in residential construction is a challenge across the country. Overcoming the challenge will require a combination of government supports and increased targeted immigration, the industry’s continued innovation to improve productivity with fewer workers, and much-needed encouragement of young Canadians to see a career in the skilled trades as lucrative and personally rewarding.

“

CHBA has advocated for and is pleased to see action on improving the immigration system for skilled workers to respond better and more quickly to labour shortages in residential construction through permanent immigration solutions. ”

CANADA DIGITAL ADOPTION PROGRAM

HOW BUILDERS, RENOVATORS AND OTHERS CAN LEVERAGE THE CANADA DIGITAL ADOPTION PROGRAM

BY SOUMYA GHOSH, DIRECTOR AT MNP DIGITAL

From the outside, it’s easy to think homebuilding, construction and renovation companies have little need to use digital technologies in their everyday operations. But if you own or manage a business in this industry, you know differently – digital transformation can increase revenue and create efficiencies at all levels.

Digital transformation impacts every industry in Canada; customers, clients and even employees expect you to leverage

technology to create smoother and simpler experiences for all.

That’s why the Canadian government has created a funding program – the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) – to stimulate more digital investment across the country.

HOW CDAP CAN HELP BUSINESSES IN THE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

CDAP allows companies that may not have otherwise invested in technology to assess

their needs and plan their digital transformation journey, at essentially no cost. For example, one of the programs under CDAP – the Boost Your Business Technology Grant – covers up to 90 per cent of the cost to retain a digital advisor to help kick-start your digital transformation.

After the assessment phase, if you decide to embrace the digital transformation plan you created, you can receive an interest-free loan of up to $100,000 to purchase software and hardware, train employees and make your plan a reality.

Soumya Ghosh

CDAP presents a unique opportunity for homebuilders to expand and grow sustainably. It lowers the financial burdens and risks associated with digital transformation without lowering the potential rewards.

WHY INVEST IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Homebuilders and renovators are being hit hard by various economic challenges such as rising costs and supply constraints. While a digital silver bullet solution may not exist, technology can help alleviate many of your pain points.

Digital tools can support your business all along the value chain. Whether you’re procuring materials or paying employees after a project is done, technology can lead to higher revenue and increased efficiency. Consider the following examples:

BACK OFFICE

Digital customer relationship management (CRM) tools are becoming smarter and more capable. Smarter CRM software can lead to higher profitability and sales volumes as you use it to optimize your communication and follow-up with clients.

: Digital technologies can automate routine tasks in payroll and enable your staff to focus on more specialized tasks.

: Whether you realize it or not, your business is likely collecting a myriad of data that can improve the decision-making process. Proper data analytics software can help you see how effective your marketing efforts are, how economic trends impact your business, and much more.

: Your business can leverage digital tools that help you create bid packages and standardize the process on a single platform. They can also help reduce friction and boost revenue as you search for the strongest bids and convert them into contracts.

ON THE JOB SITE

: Want to reduce the time and energy wasted as employees move

around the job site, looking for a certain tool or moving materials from place to place? How about all your material that gets thrown away? Digital technologies can help you track movement on the job site, and spot inefficient processes and practices, leading to reduced costs and better margins.

your industry, but not all companies invest in it the same way. Digital technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) could help train employees without exposing them to real dangers. Sensors that track noise levels, airborne particles or temperature could reduce safety risks as well.

While you will always need top-level talent to produce quality work, consider the potential of technologies, such as 3D printing and drones to automate certain tasks on the job site.

GETTING STARTED

The opportunities for digital transformation in the homebuilding and construction industry are immense. Businesses are encouraged to apply soon, as only a fixed amount of funding will be available through CDAP nationwide. CHBA and MNP jointly hosted a webinar for CHBA members on Nov. 3 that goes into detail on how your company can use CDAP, including timelines for qualifying, how long you’d have to use the funding, and what types of digital transformations your advisor might suggest. To watch the recorded webinar, which includes dozens of questions from attendees being answered live, CHBA members can visit chba.ca/webinars.

To learn more about the CDAP program, visit mnpdigital.ca/cdap or contact CDAPsupport@mnp.ca

SETTING PRECEDENT

MAJOR WIN FOR CHBA DEVELOPERS IN LAND EXPROPRIATION CASE

BY NICOLE STORESHAW, DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, CHBA

Acquiring land is a huge investment, and developers shouldn’t need to worry about expropriation by municipalities as a risk. Expropriation does happen, though. And when it does, it should be finalized fairly and swiftly.

But a case in Halifax in which things did not go smoothly recently made it all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC), and CHBA was an intervenor. The precedent-setting outcome was a major win for CHBA developer members across Canada.

DEVELOPMENT REFUSED THROUGH INTENTIONAL MUNICIPAL INACTION

Annapolis Group Inc. (Annapolis) has owned 965 acres of land within the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) since 1956. In 2006, the HRM adopted its Regional Municipal Planning Strategy, which zoned the lands for future serviced development.

From that point, the land was used by residents as parkland, complete with HRM trail signage and some financial support provided to private groups that encourage and facilitate hiking and other recreational use on the land.

The 2006 zoning allowed Annapolis to apply for serviced development of its land through a secondary planning process, which it did in 2007. But HRM deferred the application, and Annapolis and HRM entered into facilitation in an attempt to resolve matters, which dragged on for years. Annapolis’s 2007 application was ultimately refused by HRM in 2016.

Had the HRM designated the land as parkland, this would have constituted expropriation and HRM would have been obligated, by statute, to compensate Annapolis

within one year. By leaving the land designated for future development, but not allowing development to occur, HRM avoided this cost. It was a case of de facto land expropriation.

GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPREME COURT OF CANADA

In 2017, Annapolis commenced court action. HRM requested dismissal of the case, which was initially rejected by a Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice, but later was reversed by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal in 2021, which dismissed the case.

The case then made its way to the SCC, which is when CHBA became involved as an intervenor and provided key testimony in the court’s deliberations. CHBA was represented by Shane Rayman, a leading expropriation lawyer and partner at Rayman Harris LLP.

“Although CHBA does not typically get involved with court cases of individual industry members, the precedent-setting nature of this case at the Supreme Court, and the dramatic benefit a positive outcome could have for all members, made it important to engage,” says CHBA CEO Kevin Lee.

CHBA emphasized that the narrow interpretation of the test for expropriation that has been applied in recent years has weakened protections for landowners, causing uncertainty, and, in turn, increasing the costs of housing. CHBA’s proposed solution was to clarify that the term “beneficial interest” to governments should be interpreted in an

expansive manner so that it can include benefits and advantages acquired by the public rather than being restricted to requiring an actual acquisition by the government.

In the end, the SCC ruled in favour of Annapolis in its decision – an excellent outcome for CHBA’s membership.

The SCC clarified that the first part of the de facto expropriation test requires only that the government body acquire an advantage from the property, but not that they actually acquire the property (or some portion of it) – as CHBA had posited.

This precedent-setting judgement has now strengthened that case for all CHBA’s developers in the future. And it clears the way for Annapolis to take its dispute with HRM to court.

Sue Wastell, CHBA first vice-president and president of Wastell Homes in London, Ont., has been following the case and CHBA’s involvement in it as chair of CHBA’s Urban Council, where CHBA discussed the matter. “This ruling by the Supreme Court is very welcome, as it provides more jurisprudence in this area of law for developers, and will help to avoid municipalities using de facto land expropriation without due compensation,” she says.

While there obviously remain many issues with de facto expropriation by governments, this decision is an important step in the right direction for the development community, CHBA members, and Canadians hoping to see more housing supply and housing they can afford in the future.

PROGRESSIVE & INNOVATIVE GREEN PRODUCTS

For more innovative and environmental building products, the Signature Line of Taylor Adhesives’ Ironwood Glue Assist sausage tubes are now available in Canada. Contact Jona Panel Sales Inc. to find a distributor near you.

JONA PANELS jonapanels.com | info@jonapanels.com

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 their website.

WESTECK westeckwindows.com

COMPLETE HOME SURGE PROTECTION

Eaton offers a comprehensive family of surge products for use at service entrances. These products can help protect sensitive electronics against the damaging effects of surges. Due to the evolution of electronics and microprocessors in the home, there is a continuous challenge to provide quality (clean) power for electronic loads such as appliances, computers/home office and entertainment systems. Surges caused by lightning, utility grid switching and other sources travel on current carrying conductors throughout the home, which can affect and destroy sensitive electronic loads.

EATON INDUSTRIES eatoncanada.ca

VISIBLY DIFFERENT

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

A Special Thank You To

CHBA’S 2022 ALLIANCE NETWORK!

CHBA’s Alliance Network brings together leading companies and organizations that share a commitment to keeping the residential construction industry strong, growing and prosperous. Discover

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.

Copper Falls Custom Homes builds house in support of Northern BC Healthcare

BILD Alberta launches $15-M Scholarships Fund for Construction Careers

As labour shortages create challenges for residential construction, BILD Alberta and its members have launched Scholarships for Construction Careers, which aims to raise $15 million to help Alberta’s two polytechnic schools issue close to 3,000 scholarships to homebuilding apprenticeship and pre-employment students, prioritizing demographics that are underrepresented in the industry. The fund currently holds more than $7 million, which includes a $2 million donation from BILD Alberta member Jayman BUILT and other investments from Homes by Avi and Anthem Properties. “This is an Alberta initiative with an Alberta solution,” says Jay Westman, chair and CEO of Jayman BUILT. “I have chosen to lead this investment campaign to make a notable impact in overcoming the financial concerns of students, while also bolstering our industry’s much-needed construction capacity across Alberta.”

BK Cornerstone constructs home for displaced Ukrainian families

BK Cornerstone, a builder member of Windsor-Essex Home Builders’ Association, is taking part in The Kyiv Project – a new initiative that aims to support Ukrainian refugees seeking shelter in the Windsor-Essex area. BK Cornerstone is donating its services a as general contractor, plus labour, to build a new home for a displaced Ukrainian family in their community. On top of the build, The Kyiv Project is also raising funds to provide housing, food, childcare, transportation, medical care and other necessities to Ukrainian refugee families. “The network we are working with is getting two families per week to this area who need a place to stay,” the company says. “We are delighted to be part of the solution for that.”

CHBA Northern BC member Copper Falls Custom Homes, along with 45 dedicated trades and suppliers, have broken ground on a home in Prince George, BC that will be sold to benefit the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. The Foundation provides meaningful opportunities to contribute to improving healthcare within the service area of the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC). “We live and raise our children in Prince George and want the best healthcare services available,” Jeff Stewart and Brent Scheck, co-owners of Copper Falls Custom Homes, said in a joint statement. For the past four years, the company has been giving back to healthcare in its community through the Copper Project. The initiative has raised more than $310,000 to provide medical equipment to the UNHBC.

HOME BUILDING WEEK IN CANADA

WILL YOU BE THERE?

Connect with your peers from across the country. Find out what’s driving the residential construction industry at the premier national home building event of the year!