Media Release
For immediate release
May 26, 2008
Home Builders' Association Responds to HIRF Report
Edmonton, AB - The Canadian Home Builders' Association - Alberta (CHBA - Alberta) has reviewed the Government of Alberta's response to the recommendations from the High Intensity Residential Fires (HIRF) Working Group.
"We commend Minister Danyluk and his team for analyzing the HIRF report carefully and allowing the residential construction industry and other stakeholders to be involved in the consultation process,” said CHBA - Alberta spokesperson President Vince Laberge. "Our industry now wants to make sure that any proposed changes to the Alberta Building Code are addressed in the proper process with solid technical research while enhancing safety without unnecessarily compromising housing affordability.”
CHBA - Alberta stands behind the National Building Code process in which changes to the code are studied in a comprehensive way and backed by thorough technological research and practical input from industry. Builders, trades, renovators and suppliers become concerned when the National Building Code process isn't followed or when shortcuts are taken. CHBA - Alberta members work with building codes every day and know that industry needs to be involved when code changes are being considered to ensure that they are practical. Although it's too early to determine how much, the proposed changes are expected to increase costs to new home buyers. It's important to find out whether they will actually improve the safety of new homes without causing other problems.
CHBA - Alberta is pleased to have had an impact on the government response to the HIRF report and looks forward to working with the government to ensure the recommendations are practical and technically sound.
Laberge said, ”It makes sense for industry to have input on government decisions regarding building code changes, making work sites safer and educating Albertans about fire safety. CHBA - Alberta is the voice of the residential construction industry in the province and we will continue to work to make the industry better.”
CHBA - Alberta is the voice of the residential construction industry in the province and represents over 1,450 members. In 2006, Alberta's residential construction industry was responsible for $13 billion in business and employed well over 120,000 Albertans directly and indirectly. CHBA - Alberta has two main goals; to promote housing quality, affordability and choice and to build vibrant, prosperous Alberta communities.
For more information:
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Vince Laberge
President
(780) 699-6866
vince@wendylynnhomes.com |
Kathy Watson
Acting Executive Officer
800-661-3348
Kathy@chbaalberta.ca |
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Link: Government of Alberta's News Release
