NANAIMO – Residential construction industry professionals recently gathered in Nanaimo for the annual Building Industry Construction Outlook Forum hosted by The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Vancouver Island (CHBA-VI) and FortisBC. The Annual Outlook Forum is an opportunity for the industry to discuss the housing trends and forecast for the year ahead.
“This year was the first year we added a day of education and training for home builders prior to our Annual Outlook Forum.” said Kelsey Botting, the CHBA-VI’s Executive Officer.
BC Housing passed legislation in 2015 with new requirements that licensed home builders in BC complete education and training as a condition of renewing their licenses.
“The new requirements serve to raise the bar of professionalism for the industry. Having a day of education seminars helps builders in meeting these requirements and being better builders.” says Botting.
Home builders heard presentations on energy efficient building practices and building codes as well as asbestos awareness and warranty issues. Zachary May of the Building and Safety Standard Branch discussed the impact of the newly proposed Step Codes which aim for Net Zero ready building by 2032.
Jeff Coulombe, Energy Solutions Manager with FortisBC informed attendees of the energy rebates available through FortisBC’s New Home Program as well as the value of working with a Certified Energy Advisor.
The housing industry accounts for over 900,000 jobs across Canada with over 16,800 jobs on Vancouver Island in new construction and renovations. This is a $19B industry in BC of which $2.1B is generated on the Island. With over 3480 new housing starts on Vancouver Island in 2015, residential construction is a key to economic growth in our island communities.
