Alex Hobbs

New standardized housing designs promise faster development, but infrastructure challenges loom. The Government of British Columbia’s release of free standardized designs for small-scale, multi-unit housing is a key move to address BC’s housing shortage. These designs, including duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses, are intended to streamline planning, cut costs, and speed up construction. “The availability of these designs for free and online is an exciting opportunity for developers and homeowners alike, but we must not overlook the practical challenges associated with their implementation,” said Jasroop Gosal, Interim Spokesperson and Policy & Research Manager at the Surrey Board of Trade. “Before these homes can be built, we need to ensure that the necessary infrastructure, particularly in terms of electricity and other utilities, is in place. Otherwise, we risk facing additional costs and delays that could undermine the benefits of this initiative.” Developers and homeowners may find themselves needing to invest in additional services, such as electricity upgrades, to make these projects feasible. This could particularly impact those in areas where the existing infrastructure is already strained or inadequate to support increased housing density. The Provincial Government’s effort to reduce red tape and promote faster housing construction is commendable, and the Homes for People action plan is a step in the right direction. However, the success of this initiative will depend on careful consideration of the broader implications, including the need for sufficient infrastructure to support new developments. Read the Provincial Government’s release here: https://ow.ly/yWMS50TfR7W

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TIP 3: Involve designers from the initial planning stages of the home improvement process and review joint blueprints. Merging construction practicalities with design concepts early on ensures smooth project execution. #designandbuild #Torontocontractors #homebuilding

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"Adaptive reuse" is quickly becoming a buzzword when talking about what to do about the vast and empty existing building stock across Canada. Although we're in the midst of a housing crisis, converting old buildings into residences isn't always possible nor does it always make sense. However, buildings can be converted for numerous other uses. Take for example an old electrical warehouse facility mentioned in this article, Le Nordelec, in Pointe St-Charles, Montreal. Our clients asked us to convert 100,000 sq. ft of space on a single plane into a "skateboarding-inspired" office. It turned out to be one of the most successful conversion projects we worked on. Adaptive reuse provides an amazing opportunity to transform our urban landscapes for the better. We need to open our minds to what's possible and engage at all levels of the public and private sectors to make it happen.

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Ontario new home builders are calling for action as #housing starts are expected to wane over the next few years. A new comprehensive report by RESCON warns this will make the supply shortage even worse, the REMI Network reports at https://lnkd.in/gi3ti_32. “With a critical need for new housing, it is imperative that all levels of government take immediate action to boost #construction by lowering the taxes, fees and levies and reducing the red tape and bureaucracy which slows the industry and adds to the cost of housing,” RESCON president Richard Lyall explained in the article. “To spur the market, we need conditions that allow builders to build houses that people can afford. Otherwise, we may be in dire straits as new home construction stalls and unemployment in the industry rises.” #housingsupplycrisis #housingmarket #development #cdnpoli #onpoli #topoli Erin Ruddy Sean Foley Will Dunning

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🔹 "The proposed changes would use height instead of FAR as a development control mechanism, which could potentially speed up approvals." 🔹 "Under a height-based framework, the development potential of a lot is determined by the permitted building height and required setbacks," staff explained. 🔹 "Land use designations and zoning districts would continue to determine permitted uses, except zoning districts would come with height limits under the new proposed framework. Heights would, of course, vary from area to area, such as four storeys or below for sites zoned R1, 20 storeys or lower for sites zoned R6, and 50 storeys or higher for sites zoned R9." 🔹 "For mixed-use sites, which the City anticipates will be delivering the bulk of Burnaby's new commercial space, an "overlay" framework will be used — an R8 (Residential) zone atop a C2 (Commercial) zone, for example — instead of the current practice of rezoning the entire site to one CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) zone. The heights, critically, would not "stack." 🔹 "The proposed approach to enabling mixed-use sites enhances flexibility, allows for various combinations of districts, and minimizes the need for CD Districts," said staff. "Where mixed-use sites are identified, the land use designation or zoning district with the most permissive height allowance would apply, rather than the cumulative heights of each district. Where residential zoning is applied, the residential height allowance would take precedence." 🔹 "This proposed change is coming as part of the City's Zoning Bylaw Rewrite project, a comprehensive update to Burnaby's Zoning Bylaw with the goal of modernizing and simplifying regulations." #burnaby #development #vancouverrealestate

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Addressing Canada's housing crisis will require all of the tools in our toolbox. We have the technology and productive means to rapidly turn out housing units. Affordable housing means units that are economical and quick to build. We used to be able to finish a house in 3 days. Can we do it again? Of course we can. https://lnkd.in/g2Y4EUtN

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At Vanway Properties, we recognize the current housing crisis in BC. Our vision is to create more complete neighbourhoods with more Missing Middle housing. #plan #design #build #builders #housebuilding #residential #bchousingcrisis

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The shortage of skilled labour is a significant concern in housing projects, including non-profit projects that prioritize affordability. To address this, the Housing Trust has done two things: 1) we are building our own construction team and 2) we will use of modular housing to develop housing opportunities for healthcare workers across the province. Modular develop can be faster because development is not paused by the weather, and overall its more eco-friendly. The Housing Trust looks forward to the future of affordable housing, hoping to inspire other developments facing similar capacity challenges. #ConstructionIndustry #AffordableHousing #ModularHousingProgram https://lnkd.in/eEcDeK8Q

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Creating Sustainable Futures: The Green Business Guide by Greener Buildings Association of Canada This video delves into the importance of sustainable business practices and offers a comprehensive guide to help businesses go green. From reducing carbon footprint to implementing eco-friendly strategies, we cover it all. Join us in creating a more sustainable future for our planet! Remember to like and share this video to inspire others to make a positive impact. #SustainableBusiness #GoGreen #EnvironmentalResponsibility

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At Archon Architects Incorporated, Firm Principal and Ontario Association of Architects President Settimo Vilardi leverages the firms real-time and historical data in Tracktive to inform every decision going forward. As Settimo says, “If you don’t know where you've been, how do you know where you're going?” For Archon, having a single source of truth for time, tasks, and subcontracts has streamlined project tracking and billing, making the road ahead clear to see. Catch the video below to see how Tracktive is helping Sett and Archon Architects. 📽️ #CustomerSuccess #ProjectManagement #Tracktive #Architecture #ArchitecturalFirm #FirmManagement

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ATTENTION Designers, architects, home builders, renovators and product suppliers The aging in place market is one of the largest growing categories for our industry! Are you interested in servicing this sector? 🏡 If so, you need to consider training. The Canadian Home Builders online course might be what you're looking for! CHBA ADAPTIV HOME RENOVATION COURSE CHBA’s Adaptiv Home Renovation Course is aimed at renovators, designers, and other professionals who want to learn more about the aging in place market and the growing business opportunities across the country. The emphasis of this course is on improving design with safety, security, ease of use, comfort, accessibility, and occupant health, and will include a building knowledge component.The Adaptiv Home Renovation Course is the first step in becoming part of a network of professionals who offer services to homeowners who want to live in their home safely and comfortably for as long as possible regardless of age, ability, size, or circumstance. When done correctly with the homeowners in mind, home modifications can significantly improve quality of life. For more information or to register go to: https://lnkd.in/gYEzFJ5V Canadian Home Builders'​ Association National Sarah Caron Gary Sharp Todd Brickhouse Karen Brown #aginginplace #livinginplace #inclusivedesign #universaldesign #homebuilders #designers #renovators #realtors

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Building projects and redevelopment can be costly, which is why the Municipality of Chatham-Kent is here to help. The Chatham-Kent Building & Planning Fee Rebate Program can provide assistance for the development, redevelopment, adaptive reuse or rehabilitation of properties via a reduction in applicable planning and building permit fees. Reduced planning and building permit fees may, in concert with other program support, help encourage development efforts by reducing initial regulatory costs. Depending on the type of project and eligibility, fee reductions up to $20,000 may be approved. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gCeqZNq

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Recently, a few mayors in BC have decided to go ahead with the BC Standardized Housing Design Catalogue, using modular construction. And yes, you heard that right—modular construction could be a game-changer in the middle of this housing crunch. It's making home delivery faster than ever! Want to know more? Tune into our podcast!

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Toronto’s housing affordability crisis is driven by a lack of supply. We need to build more homes of all types to accommodate our region's growing population, which is expected to double by 2050. Modular construction allows housing projects to be built in factories and assembled on site, resulting in faster and cheaper construction that can be easily tailored for the needs of the end user. To get ahead of this crisis we’re going to need smart, innovative approaches like more modular construction to do it. Yesterday’s adoption of PH11.21 (Taking Action to Accelerate Modular and Rapid Build Construction in Toronto) at Toronto City Council is a smart and practical step in the right direction. https://lnkd.in/gV3mf7Hq

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🚪 It’s time for Canadian municipalities to open the doors wide to new homes! A Federal Catalogue of pre-approved construction drawings sounds like a step in the right direction—but it raises critical questions: ❓ What if the new homes don’t align with local zoning bylaws? ❓ What if the lot sizes don’t match the catalogue designs? ❓ Who will review site servicing, stormwater management, and fire flow if the designs are already code-compliant? ❓ What if the property isn’t flat, and basement windows end up underground on one side? ❓ How do we address parking ratios if they differ from what the municipality requires? The real question is: What needs to change so developers build lots of new homes—homes that are both environmentally and fiscally sustainable for municipalities? 🎥 Watch more on this topic: It’s time for Canadian municipalities to open the doors to new homes (https://lnkd.in/ejuyt2vJ) 🏡 BuildingIN is the answer. We're ready to work with municipalities and developers to solve these challenges and ensure growth is smart, sustainable, and scalable.

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Unlicensed Builder Defects: The Top Three: #2: Sump Systems There is a predictable pattern of defects I find when inspecting the “infill mansions” here in the GTA. These are homes built by unlicensed builders using the “builder-owner” loophole in the HCRA requirements. There is no Tarion warranty available to the buyer with these homes.   Most infill builds have sump systems installed either because of difference in height of infrastructure or to meet municipal requirements for storm water management. Sump systems are not covered well in the building code. A lot of common sense is assumed in designing and installing sump systems, and a lot less common sense is applied in the installation. The building code does require sump lids to be sealed for air barrier and to be child resistant.   The common infill build sump system defects include:   Lid not meeting air barrier requirement. Lid not meeting child resistant requirement. Perforated infeed pipes instead of solid Perforated basin instead of solid Pump float switch height incorrect. Discharge piping at risk of freezing. Discharge of water to inappropriate location.

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