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BC Government Announces 'Road Map' for Adding 250,000 Homes
Vancouver Sun
In the fall legislative session, the Province introduced a suite of housing legislation to deliver more homes for people in every part of B.C. Then last week, the BC government released a "road map" to delivering 250,000 more homes in the next ten years.
The announcement highlighted new regulations and policy manuals intended to support local governments to work with homebuilders to accelerate the construction process. This includes enabling more small-scale and multi-unit housing and transit-oriented developments. The full announcement is available here.
The road map outlines the timelines over the next two years for local governments to complete their interim Housing Needs Reports and update their Official Community Plans and Zoning bylaws.
The Vancouver Sun covered the announcement in this article with analysis from city planning experts.
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Going Up: Proposed Changes to B.C. Building Code Permit 18-Storey Mass Timber Structures
Journal of Commerce
The British Columbia Ministry of Housing has announced proposed changes to the building code, aiming to expand the use of mass timber in construction.
These modifications are expected to permit the construction of taller buildings, including residential and office buildings, up to 18 storeys, surpassing the current limit of 12 storeys.
The changes would also facilitate the use of mass timber in various building types such as schools, shopping centres, and housing.
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Longer Mortgage Amortizations: Are They Here to Stay?
Canadian Mortgage Professionals
It's been one of the trends of the year in Canada's mortgage market: borrowers facing steep interest rate hikes deciding to ease some of the immediate shock by stretching out their amortization and keeping payments at a manageable level. The federal government has appeared to accept that reality in its proposals for a Canadian Mortgage Charter, unveiled in finance minister Chrystia Freeland's recent fall fiscal update.
That charter said Canadians could expect the continued allowance of temporarily extended amortization periods for squeezed borrowers, with fees and costs associated with relief measures to be waived. CHBA has recommended the introduction of 30-year amortizations for insured mortgages for new construction which would help well-qualified first-time homebuyers and address growing inequities in mortgage access and deliver financial benefits to younger Canadians.
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Apprenticeship Registration Surpasses Pre-COVID-19 Levels, Marks Highest Since 2014
Canadian Contractor
The number of new apprenticeship registrations in 2022 surpassed pre-COVID-19-pandemic registration levels and marks the highest number of new registrations since 2014.
In 2022, 81,141 Canadians registered in an apprenticeship program, an increase of 11.6% from 2021. Certifications, by contrast, remained below pre-pandemic levels, having declined by 0.8% to 46,777 in 2022 from the previous year.
Two trades directly related to residential construction were highlighted in this article from Canadian Contractor. In 2022 registrations for carpenters were up 28.2% and electricians were up 20.4% from the previous year.
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Promoted by WorkSafeBC
As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed to operate in British Columbia, and anyone performing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory safety training and obtain certificates. Certification training for workers is now open. Information on the requirements for licensing is available on our website. Learn More
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Call for Presentations Now Open for 2024 National Apprenticeship Conference
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is inviting members of the apprenticeship community to provide their valuable insights on supporting tradespeople along their skilled trades journey at its annual conference in June 2024 in Calgary.
Employers, apprentices, trainers, administrators and others can apply to showcase research and proven initiatives that encourage apprentice progression along their skilled trades career journey and illustrate the benefits or completion for the learner, industry and the Canadian economy. The deadline for submissions is 2:00 p.m. PST, Wednesday, January 10th, 2024.
More than 500 delegates are expected to participate over three days from June 2-4, 2024 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.
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Promoted by Centra Windows, Inc
Working on a new residential development? Centra Windows offers superior products and intelligent solutions, with their local code experts bringing efficiency to the table in more ways than one.
Centra Windows supplies products for everything from single-family homes to high-rises. They've saved clients millions and boosted energy efficiency, all without compromising on quality. They're more than just a supplier – they're a partner.
Make your project a success with Centra Windows. Reach out today. Read More
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Office Closure and Happy Holidays!
CHBA BC
As 2023 draws to a close, we want to wish all the best to our CHBA BC members and all residential construction industry stakeholders across B.C.
The CHBA BC offices will be closed for the holiday season from December 19 - January 2.
Have a joyous holiday season and a happy new year! We’ll be looking forward to connecting with you again in 2024.
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Weekly Update
Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia
400-6400 Roberts Street | Burnaby, B.C., V5G 4C9
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