2009 Canadian Electrical Codes Changes Explained

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has provided a downloadable copy of the "2009 Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) - Memorandum of Revisions” document free until December 31, 2008. This information is accessible using a temporary login which CSA will send you once the attached form is completed, signed and emailed/faxed to the contact person listed on the form. A full set of guidelines and directions are provided on the form. Please note the "CEC - Memorandum of Revisions” is an important document developed through CSA's consensus based volunteer committee process and is therefore governed by CSA copyright rules. You can use all content within the document to incorporate into your training materials (copy and paste is acceptable) however, please do not forward, distribute or reproduce the document for any other purpose.

Building Technology Webpage

Addressing building technology and safety issues affecting the residential construction industry with a strategic and proactive focus is important to making the industry better for CHBA - Alberta members. CHBA - Alberta's has created a building technology webpage where members can view recent building and safety issues.

HIRF Update

CHBA - Alberta has recently learned that the High Intensity Residential Fires (HIRF) changes to the 2006 Alberta Building Code has not gone forward to Cabinet for approval in November 2008 as previously anticipated, and therefore will not be coming into effect in January 2009. Our understanding is that the changes will go to Cabinet for approval in late January 2009 and most likely come into effect in April or May 2009. CHBA - Alberta will continue to keep members posted with updated information as it becomes available.

Radon Gas Update

Health Canada has postponed promotion of a multi-media consumer awareness campaign until January 2009 regarding the dangers of radon gas in homes. CHBA - Alberta members are asked to refer to the attached informational document from CHBA - National and also to CHBA - Alberta's article on radon gas in the July 23 edition of To The Point and direct consumers to the following websites for more information; Radon: A Guide for Canadian Homeowners or Fixing Houses with High Radon.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

From cabinets to carpet, dressers to doors, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells quality, new and used furniture, appliances and building materials to the public at greatly reduced prices. 100% of ReStore proceeds go directly to the construction of affordable homes for families in need. The ReStore also helps Habitat for Humanity decrease its environmental footprint because for every dollar spent at the ReStore, 1 pound of garbage is kept out of our landfills. In Calgary, the store earned almost 1.3 million dollars in revenues in 2007 which translates to approximately 650 tons of waste kept out of municipal landfills. With locations all over Alberta, residential construction industry members are encouraged to donate construction materials, reusable goods or professional services by contacting Scott Evans at restore@habitatcalgary.ca.

Standata on Clothes Washers & Pressure Zones

A Standata has recently been released to inform the plumbing industry of the minimum requirements associated with the installation of clothes washers in a plumbing system. For more information, please download the following document.

Best Wishes for Jill DeVries-Curtis

CHBA - Alberta wishes its Director of Marketing Jill DeVries-Curtis and her husband Steve Curtis of WestView Builders all the best as Jill takes the coming year off to have their first child. Jill and Steve are expecting a boy January 7, 2009.

We have been tracking the baby's progress for the last 8 months and have been sharing with Jill the joy and excitement of bringing a new life into the world. We will miss her here in the office but look forward to an occasional visit from mom and baby.

Good luck to Jill, Steve and baby boy. We wish you every happiness as a family.

CHBA - Alberta is Getting into the Spirit

The CHBA - Alberta Board of Directors and staff wish you all the very best of the holiday season. May you and your family have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the holiday together and may 2009 bring you peace, health, and prosperity.

This year in lieu of sending Christmas cards, CHBA - Alberta will make a donation to the Christmas Bureau on behalf of our members and staff.

Our office will be closed between Christmas and New Years and will re-open January 2.