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July 13, 2023

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Optimism Vancouver Port Strike Could be Nearing an End
CTV Vancouver

There is some hope the continuing job action that has frozen imports and exports from Vancouver ports could be near an end as Canada's Labour Minister has stepped into the dispute.

Labour Minister, Seamus O'Regan has instructed a federal mediator to draft the terms of a recommended settlement, which is now being considered by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA).

Since the beginning of the strike, CHBA BC has called for both the ILWU and the BCMEA to continue negotiating a resolution to the dispute so that ILWU members can return to work and goods can move freely from the ports.

The continued shutdown of Canada's busiest and third busiest ports, where as much as $800 million worth of cargo is moved daily, is an untenable situation. Every day the job action remains unresolved, it increases impacts on Canadians, businesses and our economy in B.C. and Canada. A prolonged strike will disrupt supply chains for many industries across Canada, including residential construction, and we are urging a quick resolution to negotiations.

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Immediate Government Action Needed to Offset Latest Interest Rate Hike's Effect on Housing Supply
CHBA

As the Bank of Canada continues to raise interest rates to fight inflation, the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) is calling on the federal government to implement policies to help counter the effects that rising interest rates are having on access to housing and the construction of more housing supply.

Not only are rising interest rates increasing housing costs and contributing to inflation on the costs of owning or renting housing, but their impact on slowing housing supply will have lasting effects on housing prices moving forward. Higher interest rates mean it is less affordable to finance housing, either to own or rent, which in turn means there are — and will be — less housing units of all types built. This is affecting affordability and availability for home buyers and renters alike. And as the supply and demand imbalance continues to get worse, prices will be driven upward, further eroding affordability.

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BC Hydro's Distribution Grid Not Keeping Pace with Development
Business in Vancouver

As the construction sector continues to move ahead with major projects and infrastructure development to meet the needs of B.C.'s growing population the pace is being slowed by the limitations of the power grid.

BC Hydro says power demand is now three years ahead of its existing capacity and new investment and the integration of new technologies into the distribution network are needed to make existing resources go further and serve more customers.

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Feedback on BC Hydro's Distribution Extension Policy
CHBA BC

CHBA BC has heard directly from our members about the growing challenges with the costs, capacity, and process to connect with BC Hydro's system for residential projects. Unfortunately, these challenges can undermine the collective objectives of the residential construction industry and provincial government to deliver more housing.

In May, we participated in a BC Hydro Distribution Extension Policy workshop and have also sent a letter to outline the residential construction industry's concerns regarding the costs related to connecting new projects to BC Hydro's system, emphasizing affordability, economic efficiency, decarbonization and flexibility for builders.

BC Hydro is now seeking input from stakeholders for its next workshop in September on proposed amendments to the distribution extension policy. You can complete the survey whether you attended the May 2023 workshop or not. Please submit your feedback by July 14, 2023.

Complete the Survey


On the Road Again: Reaching Future Performance Targets Using Fundamental Enclosure Concepts
CHBA BC

Our popular one-day training course, Reaching Future Performance Targets Using Fundamental Enclosure Concepts is headed back to the Okanagan this fall.

The session is designed for both new and seasoned Part 9 Residential builders for gaining hands-on experience with high-performance air and water barrier membrane installation and building the fundamental knowledge required to be successful in evaluating and implementing high-performance enclosure design demanded by current and future code requirements.

Fall Dates:

Penticton: October 12 at Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
Cranbrook: October 19 at Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort

CPD: 7 points

Group rates are available. Please visit our website for more details and registration.

Register Now

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Retrofit Solutions Providers, We Need Your Input!
Pembina Institute

The Pembina Institute is calling on B.C.'s builders to complete its survey on the state of the retrofit market and how to grow Canada's deep retrofit market.

The survey seeks to understand the barriers contractors are experiencing and the supports that would help scale your business and accelerate the market transformation needed in this space.

This is an exciting moment for retrofits. They are finally getting the attention they deserve as a key component of meeting net-zero commitments. Your experience in construction, retrofitting, manufacturing and/or supply will provide critical insights into how Canada can grow this important market.

Please feel free to pass this survey link along to any other providers you think might have valuable insight or who are interested in this space.

Complete the Survey


Education Summit 2023: Two Days for New Skills, CPD & Networking
CHBA BC

Coming to downtown Vancouver on September 25 & 26, CHBA BC and the Building Officials' Association of BC are pleased to present this two-day Education Summit for builders and building officials.

The summit will take place at the Sheraton Wall Centre and feature inspiring keynote speakers and a wide range of technical education topics. Earn up to 12 CPD points and learn new skills and network with other leaders in the homebuilding industry.

All the details, including registration details, the draft program and information on reduced room rates are available on the Education Summit 2023 website.

Learn More

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Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia
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Oliver Kirby, Assistant Executive Editor, Multiview
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