Spring Economic Update Reflects CHBA Advocacy on Codes

CHBA, working closely with our provincial home builders’ associations, has been very active in advocating on the lack of consideration for housing affordability in codes and many other challenges the National Building Code is creating for the industry and future homeowners (see “CHBA calls for Code Reform…” below). Against this backdrop, CHBA was pleased to see that Tuesday’s federal Spring Economic Update (the Update) included direction reflective of CHBA’s recommendations. While it does not yet include a full pause on code adoptions or new code development, it does include key direction to the National Research Council and the Standards Council of Canada. The Update commits $41.9M to “reduce regulatory friction, improve affordability, provide clearer and more predictable pathways for factory‑built housing, and shorten project timelines, and shorten project timelines.” This will include “strengthening analysis of proposed building code and standards changes to better assess the cumulative cost impact on housing affordability” – a major issue CHBA has been emphasizing with governments. These commitments are a positive step, and CHBA will continue pushing for further action to address the impacts of code on housing affordability and supply. CHBA is also pleased to see its recommendations for supporting factory-built construction being reflected in the Update, which commits to eliminating redundant factory and site inspections. CHBA will closely monitor when it comes to the proposed “performance-based approval pathway for modular and panelized systems.” CHBA is very pleased about the Update recognizing the need for action on “improving the consistency of how National Building Code requirements are interpreted.” This marks the first time that local interpretation differences are noted as a barrier. CHBA has several recommendations to address this, including a proposed national code interpretation centre. For more information, please contact Frank Lohmann.

Future‑Focused, Builder‑Driven: TRC at Home Building Week      

CHBA Calls for Code Reform as Codes Canada Launches First 2030 Code Public Review        

Builder-Tested Resilience Checklists Now Available 

The Resilient Homes Task Force (RHTF) – a collaboration between the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – has published a new set of practical resilience checklists for residential construction. Developed over the past two years, the checklists were refined through builder‑led field trials with CHBA members to ensure they are constructible, clearly prioritized, and aligned with real on‑site practices. CHBA member feedback also highlighted supply chain challenges for resilience-related products. The published checklists provide a clear, tiered approach (Good, Better, Best) to voluntarily improving resilience to hazards such as flooding, hail, high wind, and wildfire. CHBA and ICLR will continue this work over the next five years, focusing on increasing recognition of the checklists, educating consumers, encouraging product manufacturer to offer resilient products and the associated training for builders and renovators. The RHTF will also create opportunities for insurance-led field trials to test incentives linked to the checklists. For more information, please contact Bilal El-Zaylaa.

Managing Radon Risk: New Code Requirements and Practical Guidance  

Last year, CHBA published a Radon Tech Essential explaining the basic concepts builders and renovators need to know when it comes to radon ingress into homes. We have now added a Radon Backgrounder that builds on that foundation, with more detail on upcoming 2025 National Building Code (NBC) requirements, what is changing from past codes, and feedback from radon mitigation contractors on how to avoid commonly encountered issues. It also includes information for mitigation strategies currently not included in the 2025 NBC. The backgrounder links to key standards, research findings, and technical resources to support implementation. The CHBA Member Knowledge Centre also provides a link to download a PDF of the Radon Backgrounder. Please provide and feedback on these documents and/or let us know what other resources you would like to help you in your business by contacting Jack Mantyla.