2011 News Index
Niagara’s New Home Builders Embrace Next Generation Technology
A select group of home builders are taking energy efficiency to the next level by building four new ‘Discovery Homes’ in the Niagara Region.
Attention Vancouver Heritage Home and Building Owners
You may be eligible for grants from the Vancouver Heritage Foundation!
Canadian Home Sales Edge Higher in November
According to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity rose slightly in November 2011 from the previous month.
Phenomenal Public Response to Coats for Kids Campaign
The 16th annual Coats for Kids campaign, organized by the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA), resulted in the collection of more than 4,000 winter coats, sweaters, scarves and mitts for needy children, teens and adults. Toys were also donated.
LEED 2009 ND Now Available
Canadian Compliance Paths for the LEED for Neighbourhood Development 2009 rating system now available to the public online.
2011 CHBA National SAM Award Finalists Announced
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2011 CHBA National SAM Awards.
Third Annual BILD Party for Humanity Raises over $25,000
A special tribute video was created in memory of BILD President and CEO Stephen Dupuis, who passed away suddenly on September 23, 2011. Dupuis was the mastermind behind the original Party for Humanity and the Habitat for Humanity partnership.
All Weather Windows Co-founder Joins National Council for Safe, Affordable Housing
As a long-time and active supporter of community initiatives, All Weather Windows has announced that Henry Banman, Senior Executive Vice President & Founding Partner, has accepted an advisory position with Habitat for Humanity Canada’s National Leadership Council.
New Home Buyers Get Expert Advice from New Construction Inspectors
A new supplementary training curriculum for members of The Ontario Association of Home Inspectors advances inspection and reporting methods of newly constructed homes in Ontario
Record Numbers Registered for Home Renovation Seminar
The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association presented its Fall Home Renovation Seminar on November 22 in Vancouver, BC and more than 380 homeowners registered for the event.
CREA Updates Resale Housing Forecast
Stronger than anticipated sales in Ontario pushed up national activity in the third quarter.
Canadian Home Sales Edge Higher in October
The national resale housing activity picked up a little further in October 2011 following the uptick in September.
GVHBA Honours Volunteers and Achievers
The awards honour association members for their exceptional level of volunteer commitment and dedication to enhancing the professionalism of the homebuilding and renovation industries in the Greater Vancouver area.
GTA Realtors Release Resale Market Figures
Resales increase by 17.5 per cent over 2010.
CREA Welcomes Decision of Competition Tribunal
The President of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Gary Morse, welcomed the November 3, 2011 decision of the Competition Tribunal to grant CREA leave to intervene in the proceedings the Commissioner of Competition has brought against the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).
GVHBA Members Elect Board Chair and Directors
Ben Taddei elected Chair for 2011/2012
The NKBA Announces a Call-For-Entries to the 2012 NKBA Design Competition
This prominent annual competition is open to all NKBA members, and honours top designers from across the U.S. and Canada.
Doug Wittal Inducted as President of CHBA BC for 2011/12
At the recent Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC) Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, Doug Wittal of DW Builders was inducted in as the 2011/12 President.
CSA Standards and NETCO Launch Canadian Certification Program
A national, third-party, independent personnel certification program has been launched for Construction Electricians (NOC 7241) installing Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in Canada.
Amazon.ca Announces Launch of Tools & Building Supplies Store
Customers can select from top brands and over 60,000 tool and home improvement -related products
OHBA Announces Awards of Distinction Winners for 2011
Mattamy Homes, captured top honours when it was named 2011 Ontario
Home Builder of the Year by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA).
Doug Tarry Elected President of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association
St. Thomas builder has participated on numerous OHBA committees.
Napoleon’s Factories are Growing
Project to create up to 200 jobs over five years.
BILD Cycling Event Dedicated to the Late Stephen Dupuis
Over 120 members of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) participated in a collective cycling event on Sunday, September 25 in support of Habitat for Humanity Toronto.
WorkSafeBC’s New Apprenticeship Website
WorkSafeBC is launching a new Apprenticeship Portal: a leading edge online tool aimed at getting health and safety resources into the hands of apprentices and those working in the trades, quickly and easily.
Registration Open for National Housing Research Committee’s Live Webcasts
The Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC) is inviting participants to register for the webcasts of the fall 2011 session of the National Housing Research Committee (NHRC).
IHSA offers Safety Groups Information Seminars
IHSA is hosting three seminars in October to explain how Safety Groups work.
Resale Housing Remains Stable
According to statistics released by CREA, national resale housing activity in August 2011 remained stable for the second consecutive month.
Stephen E. Dupuis, C.E.O. and President, BILD
TORONTO — It is with great sadness that BILD announces the sudden passing of Stephen E. Dupuis, C.E.O. and President, on September 23, 2011. Stephen is survived by his wife Linda and two children Kendall and Carson. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Congratulations to All OHBA Awards of Distinction Finalists!
Winners of the Awards of Distinction will be announced on September 22nd at the EXECAIRE Hangar near Pearson Airport.
CHBA CI Announces Keystone Finalists
The Canadian Home Builders Association Central Interior has announced the finalists of the Seventh Annual Keystone Awards.
10 Actions to Improve Housing Affordability in Ontario
Home Ownership Alternatives has prepared 10 action items it recommends to Ontario’s political parties to create greater access to affordable ownership housing for Ontario’s middle class.
Napoleon Donates Furnace Products & Services
More homes will be warmed this winter thanks to a donation of 50 furnaces by Napoleon Heating & Cooling to Habitat for Humanity Canada.
BILD Commits $100,000 to George Brown College Construction Students
Starting this year, the scholarships will be granted to students who enroll in one of the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technology programs.
Duck Brand Products to Donate to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Portion of October sales from select Duck brand products to help fund research. Specially marked items will be packaged in pink and will feature the BCRF logo to indicate its association with the program.
CHBA Applauds New Federal Energy Efficiency Investment
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) applauds the September 7, 2011 announcement by the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), that the federal government will be investing $78 million in a range of new and expanded energy efficiency initiatives over the next two years.
Ontario’s Largest Construction Procurement Alliance Established
Strategic Partnership will deliver the industry’s largest database connecting construction buyers and bidders.
CREA Updates Resale Housing Forecast
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has revised its forecast for home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Systems.
Canadian Home Sales Stable in July
According to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity was stable on a month-to-month basis in July following an uptick in June.
Toronto Crazy for Condos
Urbanation Inc., the leading source of information and analysis on the Toronto condominium market since 1981, released its Q2-2011 market overview. The most noteworthy record was for quarterly new condo sales: 9,455 units sold in Q2, topping the previous record high of 6,997 set in Q2-2007 by 35 per cent.
JELD-WEN Donates $42,000 Towards Slave Lake Relief Efforts
JELD-WEN Windows and Doors has donated $42,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to aid in relief efforts in the northern Alberta community of Slave Lake. The area was hit by wind-driven wildfires this past May, causing upwards of $700 million in damage.
CREA Stats Show Home Sales Climbing
According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), home sales activity over MLS Systems of Canadian real estate Boards climbed in June 2011 compared to May.
Provincial Trends & Economic Indicators
RBC provides statistics on Canadian provincial current trends and economic indicators in this downloadable PDF RBC trends.
BILD Hosts 7th Annual Charity BBQ for Habitat for Humanity Toronto
The Charity BBQ is one of BILD’s best-attended events, with 500 people gathering at the Association’s front lawn in support of Habitat for Humanity Toronto.
CMHC Housing Research e-Newsletter
CMHC has released the first issue of a new Housing Research e-Newsletter, which provides information from both the technical and socio-economic research streams.
Renewal of Retrofit Program Welcome News for Homeowners, CHBA says
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) applauded Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver on the announced details of a renewed ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program.
Outstanding Care Awards Projects Celebrate 20th Anniversary
Awards finalists announced by the Canadian Home Builders’ Associations of Vancouver Island.
GTA Condo Market Surfing the Heat Wave
The high-rise condo market in the Greater Toronto Area is mirroring the heat wave that is currently gripping the City with sales of new-build condos rising 62 per cent in June compared with June 2010.
Net-Zero Energy Houses on the Rise in Edmonton
Net-zero and net-zero ready building technology used in three innovative homes.
A Summary of NRC-IRC Research for 2010
Prepared for the CHBA, the Canadian Institute for Research in Construction report summarizes NRC-IRC research, code-development and technical activities relevant to builders.
17th Skills Canada National Competition Concludes
National Competition brought together over 500 competitors, 3,000 delegates and over 150 industry sponsors and partners.
CHBA Economic Impacts of the Housing Industry - 2011 Update
The 2011 estimates of the economic impacts of the residential construction industry for your area are now available.
CMHC’s Housing Market Outlook – Second Quarter 2011 Now Online
Canada’s housing market remains stable; overall, 452,100 sales are expected in
2011, followed by 461,300 in 2012.
Disciplined Budget Good News For Home Buyers, CHBA Says
“Today’s budget provides a responsible transition from stimulus spending towards creating the conditions that will renew private sector demand and job creation.” CHBA President Vince Laberege of Edmonton.
Energy Auditors Applaud $400 Million ecoENERGY Extension
Coalition calls for four-year commitment to sustain industry.
Rising Home Prices Eroding Housing Affordability in Canada: RBC Economics
The RBC housing affordability measure captures the proportion of pre-tax household income needed to service the costs of owning a specified category of home. During the first quarter of 2011, measures at the national level inched higher for all three major housing types tracked by RBC; increases represent deterioration in affordability.
The Remington Group BILDs Hope for York Region Youth
The Remington Group, a member of BILD, has pledged to be a Peak Supporter, for Markham Stouffville Hospital’s (MSH) The Climb to Conquer, in support of child and adolescent mental health.
Beauti-Tone Paint & Home Furniture Announce The Beauti-Makeover with Simon Chang Sweepstakes
The ultimate contest for Canadian women who dream in the most fashionable colours: Contest runs from May 24 through July 1, 2011.
Online Presentations Now Available for New 2010 Canadian Codes
The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes has introduced FREE online presentations on the 2010 National Model Construction Codes.
GTA New Condo Market Sizzles in April
No amount of rain could slow down the high-rise housing market in the GTA in April as buyers snapped up 3,249 suites, resulting in the best April ever for new condo sales.
Canadian Home Sales Edge Down in April
National resale housing activity softened in April when compared to March 2011, according to the most recent stats released by CREA.
Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards
Finalists Vie for $75,000 in award incentives in this first-ever awards program to honour innovation in home energy savings/ efficiency products, services and solutions.
BILT GREEN Releases Annual Report
Throughout 2010 Built Green Canada has addressed two key organizational requirements: governance; and operations.
CREA Revises Forecast
National sales activity is now expected to reach 441,100 units in 2011, a decline of 1.3 per cent from 2010.
New Date and More Routes for CIPH/HRAI Ride for Habitat
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada have announced that the second annual “Ride for Habitat” will take place on Saturday, August 20th.
Almost Half of Construction & Property Companies Looking to Hire in 2011
Forty-nine per cent of construction and property (C&P) companies will add to their head count in Canada this year, according to a recent survey conducted by Hays Specialist Recruitment.
Building Industry Crowns GTA’s best at 2011 BILD Awards
It was a momentous evening for the building and development industry on April 29, 2011 as 34 of the GTA’s premier homebuilders ascended to the stage at the BILD Awards in front of their colleagues.
Vancouver Skews National Resale Average
According to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the majority of local housing markets across Canada are well balanced, but not all.
SaskTel to Invest Multi-Millions in Broadband and FTTP
Upgrades and expansion of broadband network will be good news for residents.
Celebration of the Life of David Horton
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) will celebrate the life and service of David Horton on Wednesday, June 22.
Sustainability and Air Quality Matter to Canadians…in Varying Degrees
The LePage Report shows that British Columbians are most likely to choose sustainable and green building products, followed by Ontario and Quebec, while Alberta lags behind.
National Resale Housing Activity Holds Steady in March
According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity held steady in March 2011 compared to February.
Ply Gem Canada Donates Energy Efficient Windows to Habitat for Humanity Calgary
CHBA member Ply Gem Canada has embarked on an exciting project to help Habitat for Humanity Calgary build two new energy efficient five-family multiplexes in Cochrane, Alta.
Ontario Provincial Budget Stays the Course
Infrastructure remains a priority despite end to stimulus.
Ontario Provincial Budget Highlights
Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan delivered the provincial budget on March 29, 2011. Here is a recap of the highlights, courtesy of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.
CMHC Leader Reappointed
Diane Finley, the federal minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has announced the reappointment of Karen Kinsley as president and CEO of CMHC for a two-year term.
GTA New Condo Sales Set Record in February
GREATER TORONTO – There were 2,202 new condominium suites sold in the Greater Toronto Area in February, marking the first time ever that sales have exceeded the 2,000 unit threshold in that particular month, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) revealed today.
End of Government Stimulus Won’t Derail Non-Residential Construction Recovery
According to The Conference Board of Canada’s Winter 2011 forecast for the industry, increased spending on commercial and industrial space this year will help non-residential construction revenues return nearly to pre-recession levels.
Average February for Canadian Home Sales
According to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association
(CREA), national resale housing activity in February 2011 ran close to the five-year average for the month, continuing a theme that has characterized the past four months.
Altus 2011 Construction Cost Guide
In today’s market, developers and lenders are requiring a more detailed independent analysis of achievable revenues, absorption rates, hard and soft construction costs, and potential profit associated with new construction.
Affordable Housing Developments Case Studies Now Available
Home Ownership Alternatives has released three case studies which demonstrate how surplus government land can be transformed into successful mixed communities.
GVHBA Announces Finalists for Best Home Renovations
The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association (GVHBA) has announced the finalists for its second annual renOVATION Awards.
Plumbing & HVAC Industry Rides to Build Homes
The second annual motorcycle “Ride for Habitat” will take place on Sunday, August 21st.
Majority of Canadians Confident about Buying a Home
Results of 18th Annual RBC Homeownership Study reveal that three-quarters of Canadians believe that they or their family are well-positioned to weather a housing drop.
Canadian Builders can expect Lower Profits for Third Consecutive Year
According to The Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Industrial Outlook: Canada’s Residential Construction Industry - Winter 2011, Canadian builders can expect a third consecutive year of lower profits in 2011 as spending on new homes declines.
Home Builders Honour Leadership & Accomplishment
BANFF, Alta., February 27, 2011 — The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) honoured leadership and accomplishment among its membership with the presentation of awards at the 68th CHBA National Conference.
BC New Home Builders Excel at CHBA National SAM Awards
BANFF, Alta. — British Columbia new home builders and renovators are taking home more than half of the industry’s National SAM Awards, including the coveted Grand SAM Award.
Leaders Sought to Build New Organization for Ontario’s Skilled Workers
The Ontario College of Trades is seeking more than 500 leaders to begin the process of self-regulating Ontario’s trades. The applications deadline has been extended to March 31, 2011.
The NKBA Uncovers 11 Kitchen & Bath Trends for 2011
From dark finishes, to trashy designs and a place for wine, these K & B trends are projected to take hold in 2011.
CREA Boosts Annual Resale Housing Forecast
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has revised its 2011 forecast for MLS home sales activity.
EnerQuality 2010 Awards of Excellence Honours Leaders in Green Home Building
Commitment to sustainable, energy efficient building celebrated in Collingwood.
Recognition of ENERGY STAR on the Rise as 10th Anniversary Arrives!
NRCan will be celebrating ENERGY STAR’s 10th year in Canada as of May 2011. Canada now supports 50 product categories, and has been responsible for developing the specifications for heat recovery ventilators (HRV).
Call for Nominations for the 2011 ENERGY STAR Market Transformation Awards
All ENERGY STAR Participants are invited to submit nominations for the 2011 ENERGY STAR Market Transformation Awards. A complete electronic submission must be received no later than March 14, 2011.
World Plumbing Day 2011
It looks likely that the second World Plumbing Day on Friday, March 11, 2011 will see even more industry activity than on the first Day in 2010.
Independent Panel to Report on HST Referendum Options
A newly appointed independent panel will report to British Columbians on a fact-based analysis of the implications of keeping the HST or returning to the PST and GST sales tax system.
Calgary Schools Looking for CHBA-Calgary Member Partnerships
Several schools around Calgary are hoping one of our member companies will be interested in partnering up to educate students interested in pursuing a career within the residential construction industry.
ESNH Next Generation: Committee Meetings Open to Observers
NRCan has held the first meeting for the Next-generation ENERGY STAR for New Homes Advisory Committee.
And the Survey Says…
Home Renovation Spending to Increase in B.C.
There are nearly two million private dwellings in B.C. and, sooner or later, the homeowners will decide it’s time to undertake some home improvements – from minor repairs to major makeovers.
Resale Housing Market Solid in December
National resale housing activity in December 2010 was slightly above average for the month of December 2010, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
Nominations Now Open for 7th Annual Green Toronto Awards
Who is your ‘eco-hero?’ The deadline for nominations is Monday, February 7 (midnight), 2011. Nominations may be submitted online.
Housing Market Outlook - Canada: Fourth Quarter 2010 Now Available
The Housing Market Outlook - Canada provides timely information on housing trends and forecasts.
February 1st is the deadline for Vancouver Heritage Foundation Grants
The application deadline for all four granting programs is February 1st of each calendar year, so read up quick! In 2011, two knew granting programs have been added to the well known True Colours and Restore It! Programs.
Economic Impacts of the Housing Industry - 2010 Update Now Available
CHBA statistics on the economic impact of the housing industry in Canada are now available.
Resale Housing Activity Continues Return to Normal Levels
According to statistics released mid December 2010 by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national resale housing activity continues its return to normal levels.
CMHC Research Highlight: Government-imposed Charges on New Housing in Canada
A CMHC Research Highlight focuses on Government-imposed Charges on New Housing in Canada (2009).
RBC Provincial Outlook: Provinces Will Share Growth in 2011
The Royal Bank of Canada has released its December 2010 monthly provincial economic update charts and tables indicates that 2011 growth will be broadly shared across provinces
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