Lobbying on Your Behalf
For the past two weeks, CHBA - Alberta has been actively responding to the Minister's Council on Municipal Sustainability Report submitted to Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAH). Although there are several points in the report that might have a positive impact on members, the report recommends major changes in taxation powers for Alberta's towns and cities, which would allow land transfer taxation and increased authority to expand the scope of levies on new development. CHBA - Alberta has devised a strategy to oppose the recommendations in the report that would increase fees and levies which impact the cost of housing. Director of Government Relations Kathy Watson has met with the department's Deputy Minister Shelley Ewart-Johnson, which will lead to further discussions. President Ralph Hutchinson has
sent a letter to Minister Danyluk, voicing opposition to new taxes and fees that impact housing costs and requested a meeting. Please contact CHBA - Alberta's Director of Government Relations Kathy Watson with questions at 1-800-661-3348 or via
email.
ecoEnergy
EnerVision attended the ecoEnergy for Renewable Heat Program Workshop last week in Calgary where Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) provided details on the upcoming funding available for solar hot water projects in the residential sector.
In general, there appears to be approximately one million dollars available per province to support projects that ideally would place 200 or more solar hot water systems on residential roofs. Its clear that this would not be 100% support of projects, but a portion likely in the ~$500+ per system range. NRCan will begin receiving proposals soon after April 1st on a first come first serve basis. For more information click here.
Selling the Benefits
The CHBA - Alberta 2007 business plan identifies communicating successes to our membership as a priority and we want to make sure that happens with the One Voice - One Industry initiative. President Hutchinson has underscored the importance of letting the membership know about the "wins” the association is achieving and to that end an email was sent out late last week to let members know of some early success being recorded with Alberta Land Titles. CHBA - Alberta Executive Officer Grant Ainsley says "It's important to not only get the job done for our members, but to let them know that we're getting it done. We have good news to tell and we plan to do it.”
Built Green™ Meets the Minister
Built Green™ met with the Minister of Environment, Rob Renner recently. The meeting went well and Minister Renner is encouraged by the Built Green™ program. The Minister particularly liked that the program involves industry in creating efficiency solutions and is willing to give an honorary endorsement of Built Green™. He encouraged Built Green™ to attend meetings Alberta Environment is holding across the Province to encourage all Albertans to get involved in climate change strategies. Built Green™ may even get an opportunity to present at this meeting. Learn more about Built Green™ and EnerVision.
The Century Mark - Easy as ABC
For the first time since Alberta Builder Connect was launched over two years ago, the number of career opportunities advertised on the site has hit the 100 mark. The milestone came just a few weeks after the site was made free to CHBA - Alberta members as a part of the One Voice - One Industry initiative. CHBA - Alberta Director of Marketing Jill DeVries-Curtis credits the decision of the association's Board of Directors to turn the site into a free service for members. She said "We obviously have struck a chord with our members who are using the site in record numbers. ABC will give them an edge on non-member companies, because they don't have access to the site.” Over 5,800 job seekers are now registered with the site and as soon as career opportunities they are interested in are posted, they are emailed to them automatically.
Awards of Excellence in Housing
Watch for the announcement for the call for entries for the Awards of Excellence in Housing in upcoming To The Point e-newsletter.
