Standata on Tall Wall Guidelines

Alberta Municipal Affairs recently issued a standata whereas the values for the maximum unsupported wall heights referenced in Article 9.23.10.1. of the 2006 Alberta Building Code are permitted to be determined using the values from the Guidelines for the Construction of Residential Tall Walls (Revised January 2009). Please note that the project-specific details for the tall wall construction MUST appear on the drawings submitted for the building permit. Walls that do not meet the criteria outline in the scope of the above-mentioned document will still need to have site-specific engineering on a case-by-case basis. This standata is applicable throughout the province of Alberta and can be downloaded by clicking here.

The Guidelines for the Construction of Residential Tall Walls (Revised January 2009) can be ordered by clicking here.

Power Plant Emission Survey

The Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) is reviewing parts of the 2003 Emission Management Framework for the Alberta Electricity Sector. The Framework guides how air emissions from electricity generation are managed in Alberta. CASA is contacting Albertans who may have an interest in emissions from power plants to let them know about the review and invite them to share their views on this important topic prior to February 28. The discussion guide includes an overview of the Framework, what has occurred since the Framework was approved, and information on the current review. For more information click here.

2008 Barrier-Free Design Guide

The Safety Codes Council and Alberta Municipal Affairs have recently published the 2008 Barrier-Free Design Guide. The Guide was developed by the Barrier Free Council to assist designers, builders and other Code users in meeting and exceeding barrier-free or universal design standards and principles. The purpose of the Guide is to provide an explanation of the intents and objective of each Code article or item, as well as to make recommendations that are viewed as best practices where accessibility and safety are concern to people with disabilities and to seniors. The 136-page Guide is available as a download at the Safety Codes Council and Alberta Municipal Affairs websites. The Guide is also available for purchase at $15.00 per copy, taxes and shipping included, from the Safety Codes Council.

Standata on Gas-Fired Water Heaters

A bulletin has been developed by Alberta Municipal Affairs to inform the gas industry that storage-type water heaters over a specific rating or size must obtain an (A) Number for annual registration from ABSA (the pressure equipment safety authority), which can be downloaded by clicking here.

2009 Electrical Code Survey

Alberta Municipal Affairs, in partnership with the Safety Codes Council is proposing the adoption of the new 2009 Canadian Electrical Code and would like your feedback. The attached document will provide you with all the information required to participate in the Stakeholder survey. Please submit any comments before February 26, 2009. Thank you for your anticipated participation. To access the survey click here and look under "What's New?".

CHBA - Edmonton Awards of Excellence in Housing Finalists

Last week CHBA - Edmonton announced the finalists for the Awards of Excellence in Housing. Winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala March 14. For more information, click here.