Members react to Board update and new Policies and Procedures

The Co-Chairs provided an update from the October 3rd meeting of the Board (Canadian Board of Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC))

• On reporting that provinces and territories are working on an overall approach to harmonization on accessibility and that standards development is faster than codes, Advisory Council members pointed out that standards are developed in non-public meetings, without cost-benefit and often with a much narrower stakeholder mix compared to codes.
• On reporting that new benefits of ex-officio membership would come for 'Association Stakeholders' in the new system, it was pointed out that these benefits already existed for 'key stakeholders' such as CHBA in the previous code system. 
• Concerns were raised with the pace of development and the number of committees expected.

The Secretary of the Board reported that 'Association Stakeholders' were still part of the consensus building process but not in making decisions and that they were not allowed on Working Groups anymore.

• Advisory Council members pointed out that - according to draft procedures - committees would not make decisions anymore, but reach consensus, which makes it sound as if Association Stakeholders are not part of the consensus process.
• Members also pointed out that associations often provide data and critical information, without which working groups could not make suitable recommendations.

Extreme wind and permafrost

Upon requests by the Board, the Advisory Council discussed how codes could address extreme wind and permafrost. The Board was looking for information on better implementation and impact on code development.  Advisory Council Members pointed out that:

• Risk of tornadoes is not known for specific locations. And that data on tornadoes may still change often which would cause constant change to codes such as for lateral loads, which is problematic for both industry and enforcement.
• Using standards, for example CSA S520 (on resistance of low-rise building to high-winds) is estimated to add between $10,000 to $25,000 to the cost of a home