Recovery and Red Tape Reduction
Through collaboration with local associations and the Government of Alberta, construction sites and project approvals have remained in place through the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this advocacy varies from member to member but it has reduced interest payments, cancelled contracts and preserved a significant number of jobs. While we continue to ensure sites stay open, advocacy efforts have largely shifted to the economic recovery of the province and our industry.
 
BILD Alberta staff remain actively engaged with multiple ministries in advocating for policy changes and stimulus that fuel the recovery of our industry and in turn, Alberta’s economy.

Economic Recovery:
Earlier this month BILD Alberta sent Premier Jason Kenney a letter highlighting proposals to expedite our economy recovery. This builds on the letter we submitted to government in March with the following serving as key initiatives:
  • Strategic government investments in infrastructure facilitates private sector projects (i.e. arterial roads, storm sewers, water infrastructure). Projects should be shovel worthy, not just shovel ready.
  • Identify measures to repeal or modify the mortgage stress test in Alberta.
  • Creation of a renovation tax credit for all types of renovation.
  • Continue the promising work being undertaken on Red Tape Reduction with a focus on City Charters, Offsite Levies, Building Codes, Environmental Approvals and Inclusionary Housing.

Red Tape Reduction:
This government’s work on red tape reduction remains of highest priority for BILD Alberta and we currently sit on two separate panels / working groups. We are making it clear that bold changes are required immediately to preserve jobs and protect new / future investment into one of Alberta’s largest industries. To-date, legislative changes addressing red tape have not begun to address the substantial regulatory burden facing this industry. While important prior to the pandemic, it is vital as we look towards recovery.
 
BILD Alberta’s 29 recommendations remain front and centre for this government and we are optimistic the government will undertake requested changes. To view this submission, click here .
 
Other Items:
Prompt Payment – BILD Alberta has formally requested that any policy related to Prompt Payment be delayed until more comprehensive consultation can occur. As an association we support the timely payment of our trade and supplier members but details provided to-date have been minimal. Whatever system is put in place it cannot add even more administrative burden to businesses.
 
New Home Warranty Review – A review of the New Home Warranty Program is presently underway through the Province’s Residential Protection Program. BILD Alberta is reviewing preliminary recommendations and will respond based on the feedback from committees and governance councils. 

Thanks,
Patrick Shaver
Board Chair, BILD Alberta
Scott Fash
Executive Director, BILD Alberta
Tall Wall Guideline Update
Changes under the 2020 National Building Code (Alberta Edition) made BILD Alberta's Tall Wall Guidelines non-compliant with current code. BILD Alberta’s Provincial Residential Technical Committee attempted to have the Tall Wall Guidelines updated but engineering firms were unwilling to certify a new document.
 
BILD Alberta is engaging Municipal Affairs in an attempt to find a solution however there is no clear solution at present time. More information on this change and potential solutions can be found here . We will keep members informed should a cost-effective solution become available.
Housing Data
The following table provides a snapshot of Alberta’s starts, inventory and sales. More information of the individual centres is available in the local reports . Information on local housing starts, housing inventory, new home sales, and new home prices can be found on

Funding for Oil & Gas Wellsite Cleanup
Find out who will benefit from the $1.7B federal funding to clean up oil & gas wellsites during Trace Associates webinar on June 11. Presenters will discuss what we know, what we don’t, and how it could affect developers & landowners. This 30 minute webinar is free for members.

Each wellsite can be funded up to $30,000 per activity. Funding requests will be submitted by environmental
consultants and oilfield service companies on behalf of a wellsite owner, with the primary objective to progress sites towards a Reclamation Certificate or regulatory closure. Affected landowners can apply with the oil and gas companies to access this funding. Trace Associates is working with developers, landowners, and oil and gas companies to leverage this funding opportunity.
BILD Alberta Awards - Now CLOSED
Thank you to all those who entered this year's awards program. We were excited to receive 230 entries in home building, renovation and community development. Our judges will have a tough task ahead of them. Finalists will be announced later this summer.

We are looking to add judges to this years roster. If you are interested in reviewing these amazing submissions and helping choose this year's finalists and winners contact us .
Expressions of Interest - Capital Maintenance
The Government of Alberta has put forward a Request for Expressions of Interest for Private Financing to Support Capital Maintenance and Renewal Program of Public Properties. For those interested, more information can be found here .
RCSM Survey
The Professional Home Builders Institute (PHBI) is seeking BILD Alberta members assistance to complete a survey to gauge industry awareness and support of the Residential Construction Site Manager (RCSM) Occupational Designation and its training program. The RCSM Competency Profile and provincial exam is scheduled to go under review in 2020 and your feedback is important in the development of program. The results will be used to provide further resource and direction to the RCSM Occupational Committee and PHBI.
Local Webinars
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