CHBA’s latest submission to the Department of Finance Pre-Budget Consultation (full document available on our website) includes several recommendations to support our renovator members:

1. GST Rebate for ADUs and Secondary Suites: Expanding the GST rebate, which already includes substantial renovations, to include renovations that create additional housing units, such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and secondary suites. This would incentivize renovations and increase housing supply.
2. Support for Net Zero & Adaptiv Home Renovations: Applying the GST rebate to Net Zero, Net Zero Ready, and Adaptiv Home renovations to align with climate change goals, improve accessibility, and restore housing affordability. 
3. First-Time Home Buyer Renovation Tax Credit: Implementing a tax credit to alleviate cost constraints for first-time buyers purchasing older homes in need of upgrades. This would also help curb the underground economy by incentivizing the use of reputable renovators.
4. Addressing Labour Shortages: Expanding support and training for careers in the residential construction industry beyond unions and Red Seal trades.
5. EnerGuide Labelling and Renovation Incentives: Investing in the EnerGuide system, requiring Energuide labelling at resale, and providing incentives for home renovations that improve energy efficiency. 
6. And many more recommendations that apply to renovations and renovators as part of the residential construction industry at large.

The CHBA Community platform is a new online space to connect and collaborate with fellow members. This is your opportunity to share insights, ask questions, learn from your peers, and network with like-minded professionals across the country. Getting started is easy:

1. Log in here using your CHBA Account login and password.
• You can use the password reset button if you can’t remember your password. If you have not previously activated your website account and you attempt to log in, the password reset button will not work. If the password reset button doesn't work for you, please visit https://hub.chba.ca/MIC/Create and enter the information we have for you on file: your first name ( {{CFirstName}} ), last name ( {{CLastName}} ), and your email address (the one this email was sent) to activate your account. If you're having difficulties completing the account creation, email us.

1. Read & Agree to the Terms of Use.

3. Explore: Add a profile picture, join a discussion, or pose a new question to your fellow members.

The 2026 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence will open for entries in October. The competition recognizes the best in renovations in 12 categories: Best Kitchen Renovation (x3), Best Bathroom Renovation, Best Basement Renovation, Best Exterior Renovation, Best Single Room Renovation, and Best Whole Home Renovation (x5). CHBA is thrilled to announce a new award category for 2026: the Adaptiv Home Award. This new category recognizes outstanding residential projects that prioritize accessibility, adaptability, and aging-in-place designs.  This award is open exclusively to builder & renovator members who are Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialists. All members will be notified when the entry period opens. If you have someone on your staff you’d like added to our contact list, please email us their name and email address.