2010 NBC Public Review

The public review of the proposed changes to the 2010 National Building Code (NBC) has been underway since September 29th. This review is one of the main steps in the process for developing national code documents which the provinces and territories can adopt as is or with modifications as part of their building, fire and plumbing regulations.

Attached is a table of CHBA-National's draft comments for the current public consultation on proposed changes to the NBC. Only a dozen of the more than 200 changes proposed for Part 9 have been commented on (there is also a comment on a change proposed to Part 6). The attached table does not include comments on the proposed lateral load requirements that will affect high wind and earthquake areas. These are still being developed and will only effect BC and Alberta. CHBA-National is also still working on a proposed change to the Fire Code on safety during construction. Please note that there is a hyperlink to each of the proposed code changes on the attached document.

CHBA-Alberta encourages members to visit the government's consultation website to make comments on the proposed changes. Should you decide to comment on other items (aside from what is in the attached table), CHBA-Alberta would appreciate receiving a copy for possible inclusion in the provincial comments that we will be submitting prior to the November 28th deadline. Please see CHBA-National's table and forward any comments to Michael@chbaalberta.ca.

2008 Apprenticeship & Industry Training Scholarship Announcement

This year marked the first time that the Canadian Home Builders Association - Alberta Scholarship was awarded through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. The recipient of the $1000 scholarship is Michael Gordon, a carpenter apprentice with Gatco Enterprises Inc in Edmonton. Congratulations, Michael!

Through the Access to the Future Fund, the Government of Alberta will match any funds donated for apprentice scholarships on a one to one basis. For every $10,000 donation, a named scholarship can be created in a company or personal name into perpetuity. If you are interested in establishing a scholarship on behalf of your business or an individual, you can contact the Recognition Programs Coordinator at Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for more information. You can do so by email at board.scholarships@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-422-4472.

Standata on Backflow Prevention

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

View CSA Standards Online

"View Access” is a place where you can view Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards referenced in federal, provincial and territorial Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) regulations. At this website, you can see what applies in Alberta or other jurisdictions, view CSA standards referenced in Alberta's OHS Code and link to other helpful resources. For more information, please visit the CSA website.

Nominations for WHS Awards

Work Safe Alberta and the Occupational Health and Safety Council are looking to recognize leaders in workplace health and safety. The Workplace Health and Safety Awards recognize outstanding Alberta organizations and individuals in the areas of Innovation, Leadership and Performance Improvement. Organizations or individuals may apply for any of these awards. Nominations close November 14, 2008. Judging will be conducted by the Occupational Health and Safety Council. Winners will be invited to an awards luncheon in Edmonton in April 2009.

Information on the 2009 Workplace Health and Safety Awards, including the application process, can be found by clicking here or by calling 1-866-415-8690.

Calgary Building Envelope Symposium

CHBA-Alberta is proud to co-host the National Research Council's "Building Science Insight” conference in Calgary on November 19th. This full day symposium is specifically targeted at single-family and multi-family buildings, and will cover topics such as: proper site grading and foundation drainage, moisture loads on foundation walls, properly performing exterior wall systems and building envelopes, sound isolation between rooms and levels, ventilation strategies for indoor air quality and thermal comfort, solar gain window glazing, fire stopping techniques, and a host of other topics. More information and registration details can be obtained by clicking here.