Highlight
2020 AGM Held Successfully on October 16th
The MHABC virtual Annual General Meeting was successfully held on October 16th. The +/- two-hour meeting was held to meet compliance Society Act requirements. During the meeting, the annual budget was approved along with the completion of the process to establish the new Board of Directors. During the call, Ronald McDonald House Charity CEO, Richard Pass, joined the call to provide a briefing on the status of the RMH. He extended an invitation for all Members to visit the Vancouver complex. The New Business topics included approval of the MHABC Policy Statements. The AGM concluded with the announcement of the annual awards including the Manufactured Housing Person of the Year and the Innovations Awards.
Links to the AGM Minutes and virtual video recording have been added to the Members Notices Google Drive account within a folder titled “2020 AGM”.
Highlight
2021 Conference Planning Underway
With a spirit of optimism, the Board of Directors is planning for a “normal” conference to be held at Penticton’s Lakeside Resort and Conference Center on April 28-30, 2021. The preliminary program calls for the golf tournament to be held on Wednesday, April 28th, the Business Meeting and President’s Banquet on Thursday, April 29th and the Annual General Meeting on Friday, April 30th.
While the COVID-19 restrictions may ultimately require the in-person components of the Conference be cancelled, an Annual General Meeting will definitely be held on April 30th using video-conference call technology.
A block hotel room reservation has been arranged. Members are asked to “book” the 2021 dates and to keep “fingers crossed” that the Conference can proceed with the opportunity to again meet in person.
Highlight
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the provincial government to ensure the protection of BC residents continue to impact daily lives. The MHABC continues to circulate information from WorkSafeBC providing guidelines for workers and construction practices. MHABC members are encouraged to pay close attention to these documents towards ensuring workers in our industry are protected.
2019/2020 BOARD of DIRECTORS
Meet Our Board
Frank Ambler - President
Countryside Manufactured Homes Ltd.
Mark Ellis - Vice-President
Eagle Homes
Matthew Salmon - Treasurer
Triple M Housing Ltd.
Gord Rattray - Executive Director
MHABC
Jen Barter - Contract Administrator
MHABC
Shawn Donohoe - Director
Shamrock Manufactured Home Services
Walter Fontinha - Director
Moduline Industries Canada Penticton
Ken Jennings - Director
Blackstone Homes
Michael Newton - Director
Lakeridge Homes Inc.
Amanda Hammer - Director
Hammer Ventures Ltd.
Ray Weicker - Director
Ray’s Towing Ltd.
Dean Johnstone - Director
SRI Homes Kelowna
Board Matters
Fall 2020 Board Meeting Schedule
During the Fall, the Board held calls on October 6th and November 17th in keeping with the six-week meeting schedule. The next meeting will be held by call on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021.
Home Shipments Below Plan at End of 3rd Quarter
Home shipments for the 3rd quarter, September through November, totaled 215 homes for an average of 72 homes per month. The 2020-21 fiscal budget was developed on an average of 60 homes per month. The Year-to-Date shipments (March through November) total 516 homes for average of 57 homes per month. The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely had an impact upon MHABC members.
At the same time, the Revenue-Expenses Report to November 30th shows a surplus of $ 25,600 where a minor deficit at fiscal year-end was forecast. This surplus results solely from cancellation of the 2020 Conference.
Director Matthew Salmon assumed the role of Treasurer following confirmation of during the Annual General Meeting. Much thanks go to outgoing Treasurer Dean Johnstone for his major contributions towards maintaining the healthy financial position of the MHABC.
2021-22 Budget Development Underway
Analysis for crafting the 2021-21 budget is currently underway towards review and finalization during the January 2021 Board meeting. From the budget, the preliminary home shipments are determined for implementation on March 1, 2021. These preliminary rates are then in place and subject to ratification at the subsequent Annual General Meeting. Currently, the preliminary budget analysis is forecast to commence with a starting point of an average of 55 homes per month.
Continued Consultation on Secondary Homes Policy Review
The MHABC continues to consult with the Ministry of Agriculture on the government’s finalization of a policy to address the placement of secondary homes on Agriculture Land Use properties. Most recently, MHABC staff participated in a conference call with MoA staff to discuss types and dimensions of homes being considered within the final policy. As a reminder, the Ministry of Agriculture has grandfathered the pre-February 2019 conditions and protocols for approval of these homes until July 31,2021.
During the recent election, the MHABC forwarded a letter to Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson supporting the current government’s approach to the ALR -Secondary homes policy. The letter requested Mr. Wilkinson support the policy work underway to ensure secondary homes remain an affordable housing option.
Marketing Program Update
The MHABC’s Marketing Committee last met on November 13th to provide guidance to FRESH INC. During the conference call, the Committee was updated on key marketing statistics associated with MHABC.com visitations and results of the on-going social-media campaign. Also, an update on future webinars and scheduling was provided. Members are encouraged to participate directly or have employees participate in these webinars on marketing strategies. A greater diversity of topics was planned for the future.
Transportation Update
During the most recent Board call, new Transportation Director, Amanda Hammer, was welcomed. The Board now has two separate Directors representing MHABC Transporters with Director Ray Weicker continuing on the Board following the recent Annual General Meeting.
With regards to internal policy work, the MHABC remains an advocate for additional 5- meter-wide routes and, most recently, agreed to conduct a pilot run along Highway 3A from the Kaleden weight scale to Keremeos. Further, the MHABC recently submitted a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure requesting relocation of no-post rails along Highway 3 near Osoyoos. Following recent pavement works, the no-post rails were incorrectly placed resulting in a narrowing of the road surface causing challenges in moving wide loads. In the same letter, the MHABC requested dialogue on the general placement of no-post rails along many sections of BC highways causing problems with wide loads.
At the same time, the MHABC is advocating for greater flexibility on travel-time windows where final relocation of homes cannot be achieved safely within the permitted window.
Related to transport planning, the MHABC is looking into training programs to assist Members in ensuring adequate attention is being given to ensuring loads can be safely moved to the final destination off of major routes.
MHABC Group Health Benefits
Please keep the MHABC’s Group Health Benefits Program in mind. Information is available by contacting the office.
By-laws Project Updating Underway
In 2009, the MHABC conducted a major review of by-laws associated with manufactured and modular housing in the majority of local government jurisdictions in BC. During the November Board meeting, the decision was made to proceed with an update of the very good work done in 2009. This project involves a significant time commitment and is not expected to be completed until well into 2021.
Proud Supporters of the Ronald McDonald House Charity
The MHABC is a contributor to the Ronald McDonald House Charity – BC and the Yukon. Contributions are made quarterly based upon the number of homes shipped during the prior quarter. Ronald McDonald House serves the children (and families) of BC and the Yukon requiring treatment at Childrens Hospital.
Whats New?
Manufactured Housing Person of the Year Award – Lloyd Dehart
Moduline Penticton General Manager, Lloyd Dehart, was the recipient of the 2020 Manufactured Housing Person of the Year Award. The award was presented recently to Lloyd by MHABC President Frank Ambler and Director Ray Weicker. As in keeping with everything COVID-19, social distancing was maintained, and the standard handshake was avoided.
James Ellis, Sales Manager & Krystal Hamilton, Assistant Manager – Eagle Homes Cranbrook
Eagle Homes Cranbrook Winner of
Z240MH 2020 Innovations Award
The modular residential construction industry is continuing to push the bar to sustainable building practices and energy efficient end products higher and higher. Filled with continuous technological and product advancements, today’s modular homes seamlessly combine modern design with innovative and sought-after features that only add to their enhanced overall quality and longevity.
To highlight those within our industry who continue to adopt emerging technologies and revolutionary products, the Manufactured Housing Association of British Columbia created the Innovation Awards. Recipients of these annual awards must demonstrate that they have incorporated strategic design to blend a home within its surroundings and placed emphasis on the use of innovative products to benefit the sustainability and slow aging of the home while complementing the lifestyle of those who will reside within. Our 2020 MHABC CSA Z240MH award winner was Eagle Homes Cranbrook’s “West Coast Meets Rocky Mountains” home submission – congratulations!
BC Cabinet Announced
Premier John Horgan recently announced the new Cabinet following award of a majority government in the recent election. Those Cabinet ministers with oversight over our industry include the Honourable David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, the Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. A meeting with Mr. Eby will be requested in due course.
BC Housing Webinars
Information has been provided to the Membership announcing upcoming BC Housing webinars including:
- Earthquake Performance and Resilience, scheduled for January 12, 2021.
- Prevention of Basement Flooding scheduled for January 26, 2021
Registration information is included in the information circulars forwarded to Members.
My Space and Place Website
In the Summer 2020 Newsletter, information was provided on the Manufactured Home Park Owners Alliance of BC initiative: My Space and Place website. The MHABC is supporting the initiative, both on a profiling and financial basis. Further information will be provided to the Members with a request to provide access to the website on individual company websites.
Report
Statistics
Shipments and Certification Type Year to Date Report ending November 30, 2020 – 3rd Quarter
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
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