CHBA Fall Meetings – Highlights

OTTAWA — There is plenty going on in the federal government agenda with significant impact on our industry. Highlights of the meeting included:

Drywall Tariffs: Due to the efforts of all three levels of CHBA and others, the government has ordered the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to accelerate its process and report on the negative impacts of the tariffs beyond the drywall manufacturing industry, as well as possible remedies, by January 4th.

Mortgage Rule Changes: Following the latest changes, CHBA worked with Finance Department officials on a number of rule adjustments which provided important clarifications for Canadians who have already entered into purchase and sale agreements. CHBA continues to express concern over its impact on first-time homebuyers.

Climate Change: Two housing measures are likely to be included in the government’s forthcoming climate change plan. First is the introduction of a tiered system for energy performance in building codes that would set a goal leading to Net Zero Ready in code by 2030—CHBA advocates implementing any tier until it can be shown it will not reduce affordability. Second are incentives for energy efficient retrofits of existing homes, supported by CHBA to address the underground economy.

Urban Council
“Inclusionary Zoning” is here to stay, but governments need to accept the reality that there is no such thing as “free” affordable housing. Members discussed a number of more comprehensive and proactive approaches the industry should consider when working with governments and non-profit organizations to find workable solutions for all.

Canadian Renovators’ Council
CHBA and BILD have reached agreement in principle on a new arrangement to take RenoMark “to the next level” as a comprehensive national program. Finalizing of the legal documents is expected shortly.

Net Zero Energy Housing Council
A new ‘Net Zero Home’ logo and visual identity for CHBA’s program was unveiled, fusing a number of elements that position the Net Zero ‘brand’ effectively. Net Zero Home labeling is scheduled to launch on January 1, 2017.

Technical Research Committee
Members expressed concern to HRAI and its member-manufacturers regarding their plan to stop the use of gas furnaces for construction heat prior to occupancy. Members emphasized that they would prefer to work with HRAI to identify a more acceptable solution based on a clear understanding of current problems.

Professional Development Committee
Qualified employers are eligible for up to $10,000 towards the cost of hiring recent graduates gain valuable work experience on energy efficiency projects under the Green Jobs Youth Internship Co-Op Program. This pilot project runs until March 31, 2017.

National Marketing Committee
After the successful launch of the re-branded and improved ‘National Awards for Housing Excellence’ program last year, there are exciting new developments in store to make things bigger and better. Changes for 2017 include expanded New Home Awards, a new Net Zero Housing Award and nearly twice as many Home Renovation Award categories, all to provide more opportunities for members to show off the very best that our industry has to offer.