Involvement in HIRF Code Changes

Since becoming involved almost two years ago, CHBA - Alberta has been diligent in our lobbying efforts to have industry’s concerns addressed by the Alberta Government in regards to the new code changes, and has spent many hundreds of hours on behalf of our CHBA members and the residential construction industry in Alberta. For more information on this initiative click here.

HIRF in Plain Language

In an effort to simplify the technical wording of the new HIRF regulation and replacement pages, CHBA-Alberta has created a summary document as an interpretation of the most crucial changes, using plain language. It is important to note that this summary document does not include every single detailed item and scenario in the regulation. It only covers the basic elements in the changes for single-family (and duplex) residences built 1.2 metres from the side property line, that are located in areas which are within and outside of the 10 minute fire-fighting response time. To download a copy of CHBA - Alberta’s summary document, please click here.

Standata on New Alberta Code Changes

Alberta Municipal Affairs has created replacement pages for the 2006 Alberta Building Code (ABC) and the 2006 Alberta Fire Code (AFC), which are offered to all code users as a result of changes recommended by the High Intensity Residential Fires Working Group (HIRF). Click here to download a copy of the ABC. To download a copy of the AFC click here.

BUILD Registration Begins Today!

BUILD 2009 registration commences today! BUILD (Being a United Industry in Leadership and Development) is CHBA - Alberta's annual conference. The event will be held once again at the prestigious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge September 17 - 20. BUILD brings members together at a provincial level to network, to attend educational workshops and to have some fun. To register or for more information click here.

Built Green Program Hits a Milestone

Built Green™ is an industry driven voluntary program that is the recognized standard for "green" residential construction practices. It benefits the home builder, the home buyer, the community and the environment, and is an opportunity for everyone to choose a "green" future. The program recently hit a milestone as it surpassed the 10,000th home to be enrolled. Congratulations to all involved in helping to accomplish this great achievement. For more information on the program, click here.

Changes for Air Conditioners

Residential air conditioners are currently being reviewed for amendment by Natural Resources Canada, with the proposed new regulations requiring dealers to comply with more stringent minimum energy performance standards. For more information on this, click here.

New Alberta Rep to National Committee

CHBA-Alberta is very pleased to congratulate Blair Foisy (President of Trademark Renovations in Calgary) as the new Alberta representative to the Canadian Renovator’s Council. Foisy has been involved in the residential renovation industry for well over 20 years and his company has won numerous awards including the 2007 CHBA - Calgary Regions SAM Awards for Best Kitchen Renovation and the 2008 CHBA - Alberta Award of Excellence for the Best Renovation in the province. A long-time committee member of CHBA-Calgary Region’s Renovation Council and strong advocate of the RenoMark program, Foisy takes over from former Alberta representative Bob Schulz of The Renovation Corporation in Edmonton.

Appointment to NETAC

Jean Greer McCarthy has joined the National Education and Training Advisory Council as Alberta’s Representative. Jean is the President of CHBA -Lethbridge and a member of the CHBA - Alberta Board of Directors. As a builder Jean has the personal knowledge and background to bring very relevant and intelligent perspective to the Council. An active volunteer for many years, Jean will be a real asset on NETAC as she is to her local and provincial associations. Thanks Jean!

Standata on Pressure Treated Wood

A national certification program has been implemented by the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB) to deal with the treatment, inspection and application of a certification mark for pressure treated wood products to Canadian Standards. Pressure treated wood products will now be marked with a tag showing the preservative used, the type of use, the product group and the plant certification number. Safety Codes Officers doing site inspections can now look for these tags or marks to determine whether the pressure treated wood comes from certified producers and is being applied for the right use. For additional information click here.