This message was sent to [email protected]
To advertise in this publication please click here
|
|
|
|
Premier's statement on softwood lumber rates
BC Gov News
Premier John Horgan has released the following statement in response to the United States Department of Commerce’s (US DOC) first administrative review of softwood lumber duties on Canadian exports to the U.S.: “Today, we received welcome news in our work to protect British Columbia jobs and communities that rely on export of lumber to the U.S. We have always known that the duties imposed by the United States were unfair and unwarranted, and the release today of the final results of the US DOC’s first administrative review of duties on softwood lumber significantly reduced the rates Canadian companies must pay to export to the U.S."
|
|
BC NDP Government to Name Cabinet
CHBA BC
This past Tuesday 87 MLAs were sworn-in for the 42nd Parliament, 57 of which will form the NDP majority government. From these 57 MLAs, a yet to be determined number will make-up Premier Horgan's cabinet, which is to be announced today, at 2 PM. CHBA BC will be sending out a direct email to all members noting those MLAs holding particular ministry positions of note to the residential construction industry, such as Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Finance. Our email tomorrow will also showcase our current and future communications and engagements with both MLAs and cabinet members.
|
|
Final deadline for BC Hydro compliance: November 30
BC Hydro
If your underground service ducts are not exposed on the exterior wall, please check BC Hydro’s Information Bulletin 2020-016 Revision 1 to see if you are in compliance.
If the service duct is installed within the foundation and building wall, 50 mm of concrete encasement around the duct shall be visible at the time of connection. The service request will be rejected if BC Hydro service installers cannot verify compliance with BC Hydro requirements.
|
|
Safe Work Practice: COVID-19
BCCSA
On November 19, 2020 the Provincial Health Officer ordered that masks are mandatory in all indoor public settings and in workplaces in shared work areas and areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Masks are not required if workers are separated by a barrier (e.g. plexiglass) or if there is only one worker in the space (e.g. somebody in a private office).
WorkSafeBC has posted information on the appropriate selection and use of masks in workplaces here.
Examples of places where masks may be required include:
- Hallways
- Elevators
- Washrooms
- Break rooms
- Meeting rooms
- Enclosed indoor spaces (floors, ceilings, walls) with no physical barriers between workers
Masks should be used alongside other protective measures such as health screening, physical distancing, hygiene, and cleaning.
Temporary Province-Wide Restrictions The Provincial Health Officer also extended the time-limited restrictions on social gatherings and indoor physical activities.
These restrictions now apply to the entire province and will remain in place until at least December 7, 2020. The provincial government is also advising that travel be limited to essential travel only.
You can find the full memo here.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
- 1st or 2nd mortgages
- Fully open terms
- Quick turn around on draws
|
|
US Housing Starts & Softwood Lumber Prices: October and November 2020
Cision via Madison's Luber Report
New home building in the US surged up by +5% to an annual rate of 1.530 million in October 2020 after soaring by +6.3% to an upwardly revised rate of 1.459 million in September. As in previous months, the increase was driven by single-family starts, which rose by +6.4% to 1.18 million. Compared to the same month a year ago, US housing starts in October 2020 were up by +14%, while building permits were up by +3%.
For the week ending November 13, 2020 the price of benchmark softwood lumber commodity item Western S-P-F KD 2x4 #2&Btr reversed recent drops, to climb +$10, or +2%, to US$590 mfbm, said Madison's Lumber Reporter. This week's price is -$370, or -39%, less than it was one month ago. Compared to one year ago, this price is up +$194, or +49%.
You can read the full article here.
|
|
Increased Rebates for the New Home Program
FortisBC
Starting August 17, 2020, FortisBC will be implementing a variety of temporary changes to their New Home Program in an effort to support builders and homeowners that are looking to find new ways to lower operating costs while building high-performance homes.
Please note that these program changes are only available until December 31, 2021.
Rebate Increases
Option A – Whole Home
- Step 2 - $1,000 increased to $3,000
- Step 3 - $2,000 increased to $4,000
- Step 4 - $4,000 increased to $6,000
- Step 5 - $8,000 increased to $10,000
Option B – Water Heater
- ENERGY STAR® 0.67 EF Storage Tank - $200 increased to $500
- Heat Pump Water Heater - $1,000 increased to $2,000
Additional Rebates
- EnerChoice® Natural Gas Fireplace - $300 increased to $500
Design Offer
FortisBC’s Design Offer is a new incentive offered to builders who are pursuing Step 3, 4 or 5 to offset the costs of engaging consultants. Builders can choose to participate in one, two or all three elements of the offer and receive up to $7,000 to reimburse the cost of the consultants hired to complete the work. For more information on all of these new changes to the New Home program, please visit http://www.fortisbc.com/newhome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking to earn 12 CPD points online? Check out our BC Energy Step Code For Builders and Energy Advisors. Designed for Builders and/or Energy Advisors who are already familiar with the BC Building Code, this 5-hour course includes interactive lessons, instructional videos, and reference materials that explain BC Energy Step Code requirements and outline best practices in achieving targets.
Each module of study can be completed at any time, for up to 1 year from the purchase date, and the successful completion of the final exam will earn you 12 continuing professional development points from the BC Housing Licensing & Consumer Services department.
You can enroll in the course here. |
FREE City of Vancouver's VanMap is Being Replaced (Virtual Info Session)
BC Common Ground Alliance
Have you had a chance to try out the City of Vancouver’s new VanMap? This version has better performance (faster) and works on mobile phones.
If you have used Legacy VanMap in the past, drop in at one of these virtual sessions to learn how to use the new VanMap. This is your chance to explore and learn about the City’s geospatial data and maps.
- Monday, November 23, 2020: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Tuesday, December 8, 2020: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Monday, January 18, 2021: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
At each session, you’ll learn about the following:
- Using Property Viewer to view key property information such as zoning, legal description and assessed value
- Using Infrastructure Viewer to view utility assets like sewer mains, street lighting, and district energy infrastructure
- Reviewing popular features including Street View and Pictometry
- Accessing links added to the different viewers
- Changing base maps and adding data
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
To register for the complimentary sessions, please click here: https://shapeyourcity.ca/vanmap
|
|
|
|
|
|
7701 Las Colinas Ridge, Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063
|
