MGA Review
Consultations surrounding the Municipal Government Act review finalized this month. As a follow-up to those consultations, BILD Alberta provided the following submissions:
The timeline for a decision on these items is somewhat unclear though we could see amendments brought forward as soon as this fall.
Building Code Auto-Adoption
We continue to assess the future of auto-adoption of the National Building Code in Alberta. Further discussions with the BILD Alberta Board of Directors identified a need to establish a new framework for the adoption of code that considers the implications on housing affordability and business competitiveness. There are multiple avenues to postpone implementation of certain aspects of future code, pending a provincial review, that we continue to assess with the Government of Alberta.
BILD Alberta will begin developing a proposed framework that seeks to create a more feasible solution to address greenhouse gas emissions in housing. This will be centered around improving the existing housing stock while providing a more reasoned approached to energy efficiency in new builds.
City Charters and Building Code
Minister Tracy Allard responded to BILD Alberta’s request for clarity on Building Code powers under City Charters (read the letter here). We will continue to work with the Province and local associations in providing more clarity and certainty when it comes to Building Code with the overarching goal of ensuring there is a single Building Code across Alberta.
Red Tape Reduction
While the above items relate to Red Tape Reduction, we also remain active on a number of government-led committees and working groups focused on reducing red tape. The 29 Recommendations submitted in October 2019 remain our priorities and we continue to work on bring as many of these items forward as possible.
