Highlight
2022 Conference Program Development Well Along
In the Summer 2021 Newsletter, Members were reminded that the 2022 Conference will be held in Penticton on May 2nd through May 4th and notified that development of the Conference Program was well underway.
This work continued over the past quarter with the consultation of many potential presenters. While the final Program will not be solidified until later in the Spring, discussions have been held with Dr. Mohamed Al Hussein of the University of Alberta, Mayor Jan Polderman of the Village of Lytton as well as other key presenters. The 2022 Conference agenda will be an intended departure from our policy update driven Conference as in past events. To further align with our association’s strategic goals in supporting current government initiatives, this year’s event will showcase presentations addressing the manufactured housing industry’s role in addressing climate change, energy efficiency, carbon reduction and provincial supportive efforts after a year of fire, flood and pandemic.
In order to ensure that MHABC Members also have an opportunity to stay informed on the many policies associated with government relations, a fall Technical Day is being contemplated. The one-day session would focus on building standards, transportation, home registration via the Manufactured Home Registry and other critical topics such as placement of secondary homes and our relationships with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries as well as Agriculture Land Commission. More information will be provided through 2022 as the session becomes fully organized.
2022 looks to be another year of change and dealing with major issues. Members are urged to participate in the Conference and planned Technical Day session as well as providing on-going input to the Board of Directors on their priorities.
Finally, Members are urged to book the dates and plan on making hotel reservations. See you in Penticton this coming Spring (fingers crossed!).
Highlight
BC Flooding Continuing to Provide Challenges for Factory-Built Housing Transport
The flooding that occurred in late November has caused major damage to many communities in southern BC as well as transportation corridors. During the majority of December, a single highway (Hwy # 3 – Hope Princeton) was the only option for travel between BC’s coast and interior. The outcome resulted in major challenge for the factory-built housing industry in moving homes from interior manufacturing plants to lower mainland and Vancouver Island locations. More information on this topic is covered in the Board Matters section. The MHABC has taken a very proactive approach in providing information and recommendations to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Commercial Vehicle and Safety Standards Branch. These activities have been conducted in cooperation with the BC Trucking Association in which the MHABC is a member. These activities have allowed permits to be approved for some levels of wide-loads to be moved in this corridor.
At the time of writing, the provincial government has announced the opening of Hwy #5 Coquihalla to commercial transport on December 20th. This was very good news for our industry and the MHABC expressed sincere thanks to MTI, CVSE and road construction contractors which have taken the actions to approve permits and expedite the repairs to the impacted transportation routes. On December 23rd, the government also expanded the permissible over width to 5 meters and it is anticipated that as more experience is gained on travel over Hwy #5, that additional width allowances will be granted.
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.
2020/2021 BOARD of DIRECTORS
Meet Our Board
Matthew Salmon - President
Triple M Housing Ltd.
Mark Ellis - Vice-President
Eagle Homes
Gord Rattray - Executive Director
MHABC
Jen Barter - Contract Administrator
MHABC
Amanda Hammer - Treasurer
Hammer Ventures Ltd.
Chris Andersen - Director
Iconic Island Homes
Shawn Donohoe - Director
Shamrock Manufactured Home Services
Ashlee Garratt - Director
Moduline Penticton
Dean Johnstone - Director
SRI Homes Kelowna
Michael Newton - Director
Lakeridge Homes Inc.
Todd Plotnikoff - Director
Northpoint Commercial Finance
Michael Unger - Director
Blackstone Homes
Ray Weicker - Director
Ray’s Towing Ltd.
Special thanks to our Key Partner Fortis.
Please visit Fortisinc.com for information on Delivering a Clean Energy Future.
Board Matters
Fall 2021 Board Meeting Schedule
During the Fall, the Board held an in-person meeting on October 4th and 5th in Kelowna and a video-conference call on November 23rd. The next meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 by video-conference call.
Home Shipments Exceed Plan For 3rd Quarter Ending November 30th
Home shipments at the end of the 3rd quarter, ending November 30th, exceeded plan shipments. The 2021-22 budget is based upon an average of 55 home shipments per month. The actual shipments for the quarter amounted to 226 homes bringing the total homes for the fiscal year to 641 homes or an average of 70.2 homes per month.
The impacts upon finances have been positive with a surplus of $ 17,400 at the end of the quarter as compared against an fiscal year plan deficit of $ (6,960).
Transportation Update
As referenced in the Highlights and Priorities Section, the impacts of major flooding in BC have been significant on the transport of factory-built homes. With the loss of the Coquihalla Hwy #5 and the closure of Hwy #1 through the Fraser Canyon, the only remaining option was transportation of homes over Hwy #3. The provincial government was forced to impose “essential travel” along this route with a focus on allowing standard width trucks and trailers along the route with a questionable status on factory-built homes. In response, the MHABC submitted a proposal to the government with a focus on accommodating factory-built homes during dedicated times and piloting strategies.
To the credit of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Commercial Vehicle and Safety Enforcement Branch, permits were approved for homes to a maximum overall width of 4.4 meters.
At the time of writing, the provincial government has announced the opening of the Coquihalla on December 20th to commercial vehicles only. While size and weight restrictions have been imposed, MTI appears willing to be adaptive to increase in widths as experience with the preliminary repairs on Hwy #5 is gained.
Secondary Homes Policy Update
An important impending date is December 31,2021 when new regulations concerning the placement of secondary homes on ALR properties come into effect. MHABC members have received on-going updates regarding MHABC activities concerning home size limitations and building permit application deadlines. Members are urged to review the recent correspondence received from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries pertaining to these matters.
Village of Lytton Engagement
The catastrophic fire that substantially destroyed the Village of Lytton resulted in the loss of approximately 50 homes in the Village with another 25 homes lost on Lytton First Nation lands. Towards providing assistance to the Village, MHABC representatives have met with Mayor Jan Polderman and Councilor Ian Hay. The goal in meeting with these senior officials is solely to provide information on factory-built homes should this become an option in providing replacement homes. The MHABC is anticipating to continue providing more information as both jurisdictions develop a mitigation strategy.
BC Building Code Consultation Working Group To Be Established
The provincial Building and Safety Standards Branch is in the process of holding consultations on the update of the BC Building Code due for implementation in late 2022. Towards providing input on potential Code changes, the MHABC is establishing a working group to coordinate MHABC submissions. It is anticipated that Member design personnel will be asked to serve on the working group. Other Members that may interested in serving on the working group are asked to inform MHABC staff.
Technical Day Organization
As referenced in the Highlights and Priority Section, the MHABC plans on organizing a Technical Day Session sometime in the early fall of 2022. This session is intended to have the participation of many of the government officials the MHABC works with. A series of one-hour sessions are envisaged including roundtable sessions to allow open dialogue on many of the major policy issues impacting our industry.
Members are encouraged to provide input on the priorities they wish to have included within this fall session.
Nominations Committee Process Underway
The MHABC’s Board Nominations Committee process to identify the 2022-23 Board of Directors in underway. Directors Chris Andersen and Todd Plotnikoff are co-chairing the Committee. Regular calls will be held towards developing the strategy to consult with current Directors about willingness to continue on the Board and to speak with potential new Directors. A final Nominations Committee Report will be finalized early in Spring 2022 for review during the May 4th Annual General Meeting.
Members interested in participating on the incoming Board or future Boards are asked to contact Chris at chris@iconicid.ca or Todd at tplotnikoff@northpointcf.com.
Marketing Program Update
The MHABC’s Marketing Committee includes a portion of current Directors from the five membership categories. The Committee generally meets in advance of regular Board meetings. Meeting topics include the Member information program involving creation of webinars and podcasts, performance of MHABC.com and budgetary matters. At the present time, the Committee is working on a series of Step Code information webinars to explain the status of the government energy efficiency strategy as well providing input into the 2022-23 MHABC budget.
Innovations Awards
Members have received on-going information on the MHABC’s Innovations Awards with requests to submit applications in the three principal certifications: Z240MH, A277 and Z241. The Innovations Award program has now been in place for over three years and is gaining momentum. Members are urged to review the circulars that have been provided and to submit applications towards ensuring the momentum continues.
Nominations for Manufactured Housing Person of the Year Award
The annual Manufactured Housing Person of the Year award is granted to a deserving person exhibiting superior customer service. The Manufactured Housing Person of the Year has evolved from the former Pioneer Award when only long-serving Members were eligible.
The 2022 Manufactured Housing Person Year of the Award will be determined in advance of the 2022 Conference. Members wishing to nominate candidates are asked to submit nominations to MHABC staff including a paragraph on why the individual is deserving of the Award.
MHABC Group Health Benefits
Please keep the MHABC’s Group Health Benefits Program in mind. Information is available by contacting the office.
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 Home Park Owners Alliance of BC 2022 Conference
The MHOPABC is scheduled to hold an in-person Conference at the Marriott Inner Harbour Inn in Victoria on May 13th and 14th. As the MHABC is an associate member of the MHPOABC, it is anticipated MHABC Members would be welcomed at the event to network with the manufactured home park owners however with COVID-19 restrictions and possible limitation on event size, please contact Executive Director Al Kemp at al.kemp.ai@shaw.ca for more information.
Canadian Home Builders Association Federal Government Advocacy
CHBA CEO Kevin Lee has been in discussion with Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing, on implementing housing affordability commitments from the election platform.
One of biggest items for the Minister will be the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a $4 billion fund aimed at growing the housing supply of middle-class homes by 100,000 additional units over and above normal activity by 2025. This fund was a cornerstone of the Liberal platform and responded well to CHBA recommendations. Minister Hussen will also be supported by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on expanding Canada’s housing supply. CHBA has already met with Minister Hussen, and with officials from the Department of Finance and CMHC to input into the design and implementation of the HAF.
Other key items the CHBA has been advocating for with government officials have included:
- Increasing the housing supply in Canada’s largest cities through measures such as increased densification, reductions in construction approval timelines, and the rapid development of vacant or underused lands.
- Support first-time home buyers by introducing legislation to double the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit;
- Working with financial institutions to create a tax-free First Home Savings Account;
- A much needed new option in First-Time Homebuyer Incentive Program, in line with CHBA recommendations to replace the shared-equity mortgage portion with a repayable loan, repayable only at the time of sale.
- Supporting the conversion of empty office and retail space in the federal portfolio and in commercial buildings into market-based housing; work with municipalities to support a fast-track permitting system for conversions.
- Expand the eligibility requirements of the deep home retrofit loan program to include more climate resilience measures, while also ensuring the program remains accessible to both individual homeowners and multi-unit residential buildings.
Additional information from CHBA BC
The eligibility for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) has been expanded for people affected by flooding and landslides between November 14 and December 2, 2021. It now includes British Columbians in the northwest, southwest, central, and southeast areas of the province and on Vancouver Island.
The assistance is available to homeowners, residential tenants, business owners, farm owners, and charitable organizations that were unable to obtain insurance to cover disaster-related losses. Financial assistance is provided for each accepted claim at 80% of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000. Claims may be made in more than one category, for example, a homeowner and a farm owner can apply, and a homeowner or residential tenant must show that the home is their principal residence.
Individuals, small businesses, farms and charitable organizations can access the DFA application online and applications will be accepted until March 3, 2022.
Learn more about the application process here.
BC Trucking Association Continues To Be A Major Resource For The MHABC
Throughout 2021, the BC Trucking Association has been a major asset for the MHABC whether dealing with COVID-19 policies or working to allow transportation companies to move loads across the province. More recently, the BCTA has been instrumental in working with the provincial government in providing guidance on major transportation matters. The BCTA has also worked closely with the MHABC as our association promoted ideas to continue to allow transport of some types of wide loads over Hwy #3 and more recently providing guidance to the Ministry of Transportation of Infrastructure on the use of Hwy#5 for commercial vehicles. The MHABC provides our thanks to BCTA Dave Earle and Vice-President Cory Paterson for their diligent efforts throughout the year.
Members are also reminded the BCTA’s newsletters are posted in the MHABC’s Members Only Section and they should utilize this major resource to stay abreast of provincial and national transportation issues.
Report
Statistics
Shipments and Certification Type Year to Date Report Ending November 30, 2021
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