Highlight
2022 MHABC’s BC Modular Housing SUMMIT Registration Open
As announced on many occasions, the MHABC’s 2022 Conference and AGM is scheduled to be held on May 2nd through 4th at Penticton’s Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre. As 2022 represents the 50th year since the MHABC was established, this is a pivotal year with the Board wanting to step-up the profile and content of the Conference which is now entitled the BC Modular Housing SUMMIT.
The Conference Program includes keynote speakers such as Dr. Mohamed Al Hussein of the University of Alberta, Ben Nishi of FORTISBC and Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman to name only a few. A major focus of the Conference will include presentations and discussions on energy efficiency and affordable homes and means to further reduce Green House Gas emissions.
For 2022, the MHABC has extended an invitation to many government officials who are invited to attend the May 3rd presentations to learn more about our industry. Attendance to these individuals is done on a complementary basis with multiple partners and sponsors helping to alleviate the costs through financial support.
This year’s summit is intended to address the major issues that the current BC Government has set a priority to address regarding home affordability, energy efficiency and climate change. The MHABC will definitely accept the challenge to adopt and adapt innovative approaches with the 2022 SUMMIT setting the stage for more work on these important matters.
For those Members who have not pre-registered and then formally registered (and paid) to allow our Conference organizer to plan accordingly, to please REGISTER as soon as possible.
This looks to be a great event and our Association looks forward to once again meeting in person and being able to shake hands with old friends. See you in Penticton very soon.
Learn More2021/2022 BOARD of DIRECTORS
Meet Our Board
Matthew Salmon - President
Triple M Housing Ltd.
Mark Ellis - Vice-President
Eagle Homes
Amanda Hammer - Treasurer
Hammer Ventures
Chris Andersen - Director
Iconic Island Dwellings
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 Financial
Michael Unger - Director
Blackstone Homes
Raymond 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
Winter 2021-22 Board Meeting Schedule
During the winter, the Board held video-conference calls on January 11th and February 22nd.
The next Board meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 29th by video-conference call.
Home shipments exceed plan for 4th quarter ending February 28th
Home shipments at the end of the 4th quarter, ending February 28,2022 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 220 homes bringing the total homes for the fiscal year coming in at 861 homes or an average of 71.8 homes per month.
The impacts upon finances have been very positive with a surplus of $ 22,400 at the end of the quarter as compared against a fiscal year plan deficit of $ (6,960).
2022-23 Home Shipment Fees Announced
Announcements of the home shipments fees for fiscal year 2022-23 were announced to Members in late January following completion of the 2022-23 fiscal year budget. These rates come into effect on March 1,2022 and mirror the rates of the previous fiscal year.
Transportation Update
Transportation Directors Ray Weicker and Amanda Hammer held an in-person meeting with CVSE officials on February 11th in Victoria followed by a video-conference on February 17th. Acting Manager Commercial Transport Courtenay Lowther and her staff attended the 11th meeting. COVID-19 continued to be a significant factor with some CVSE staff having to participate via Zoom. Of note, CVSE Senior Engineer Chris Rabbitt has left the branch with fellow senior engineer Nam Nguyen assuming many responsibilities overseen by Chris.
Key topics for the meeting included discussions on additional 5-meter-wide routes, permit travel time flexibility as well matters pertaining to kingpin to last axle dimensions. The length of today’s homes often results in non-compliance with current maximum lengths. The on-going dimensions review within CVSE is intended to address this latter issue however pandemic challenges have caused major delays in completing this initiative. The follow-up video-conference call on the 19th was intended to brief Nam on some of the key issues of importance to the MHABC formerly being dealt with by Mr. Rabbitt.
In addition, the MHABC has been participating on BC Trucking Association led BC Ferries Task Force. Over the last year, the Task Force has met with senior BC Ferries officials to discuss challenges in moving commercial loads on the BC Ferries system. A number of key issues have been dealt with by BC Ferries introducing some strategies to address cost pressures and reservations challenges. The Task Force is intended to wind down the on-going conference calls in the near future.
Nominations Committee Process Completed
Directors Chris Andersen and Todd Plotnikoff with the assistance of Vice-President Mark Ellis have completed the 2022 Nominations Committee process. A series of conference calls resulted in consultations with current Directors regarding assuming additional terms as well as recruiting new potential Directors. Members will be receiving the completed report following the March 2022 Board meeting.
The Nominations Committee process is intended to complete the slate of Directors for review during the May 4th Annual General Meeting. Members have received on-going requests for Board nominations.
Completion of the Nominations Committee report does not preclude Members from bringing forward additional nominations during the AGM.
Marketing Program Update
The MHABC’s Marketing Committee continues to hold on-going calls with FRESH INC officials to review MHABC.com statistics and the social media campaigns. In addition, the Marketing Committee oversees the strategy for webinar creation as well as other matters.
The success of MHABC.com continues to be confirmed with the strong visitation statistics provided by the FRESH INC analysis. On webinar development, the MHABC collaborated with the Modular Housing Assn Prairie Provinces on a webinar during 2021 with the final product being considered a success. Further joint MHABC-MHAPP webinars are planned.
For the 2022-23 budget, the Board has approved an approximate $3,000 increase in the funds for marketing activities carried out by FRESH INC on behalf of the MHABC.
Innovations Awards
Deadline for submission of Innovations Award nominations has been extended into early March. The innovations awards are divided into 3 categories: Z240MH, A277 and Z241 Park Model.
The Innovations Awards program was established three years ago as a pilot project. This program is intended to allow Members to showcase innovations whether internal, external or in set-up. Submission of awards is intended to be a simple process with inclusion of pictures and a general overview of the home.
Uptake on the pilot project has been slow but remains a high priority to allow individual Members as well as the MHABC to publicize the benefits of factory-built homes. All Members are asked to give strong consideration to submitting Innovation Awards nominations to ensure this pilot project becomes a long-term success.
Nominations for Manufactured Housing Person of the Year Award
Members have recently received an e-mail seeking nominations for the Manufactured Housing Person of the Year Award.
The individuals up for nomination are those considered to be providing superior customer service and do not necessarily need to have worked in the industry for decades.
Please take the time to give some thought about those persons that have been impressive within our industry and submit a Nomination form.
Updated Strategic Plan Completed
The MHABC operates on a 5-year strategic plan which is intended to direct how the MHABC is to serve Member interests. The current plan, 2017-2022 concludes this year with an updated 2022-2027 plan draft completed. A copy of the draft plan will be circulated to Members in the near future with a goal of reviewing the draft plan during the Annual General Meeting.
Please take the time to review the plan and come prepared to provide comments during the AGM discussion on this topic.
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
As advised in the Fall 2021 Newsletter, the MHOPABC is scheduled to hold an in-person Conference at the Marriott Inner Harbour Inn 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.
Further, the MHABC has been requested to make a presentation on future innovations with the factory-built housing industry and will do this jointly with a MHABC member who also holds membership with the MHPOABC.
Building Officials Association of BC Holding Spring Conference
After two years of cancellation of the Building Officials Assn of BC conferences, the BOABC is scheduled to hold in-person over the period May 14 to May 18th in Victoria. In keeping with tradition, the MHABC will be attending the conference in having a booth during the tradeshow and then providing a presentation as part of the workshop process incorporated within the conference program.
While the MHABC will be attending, this does preclude Members from having their own presence at the conference. More information can be received by accessing Boabc.org.
BC Budget 2022 a Small Step in the Right Direction for Residential Construction Industry - CHBA BC
On Tuesday, February 22, the B.C. government released the 2022-2023 Budget which builds upon the Province’s previous investments in B.C.’s economic, environmental and social strengths.
The plans outlined within this year’s budget are intended to build a stronger economy that is “putting people first” by growing an inclusive and sustainable economy that is responsive to the risks of climate change.
“Housing is essential to achieving this government’s goals for an inclusive and sustainable economy. Budget 2022-2023 recognizes the importance of the residential construction industry, which has upheld the province’s economy during these challenging times.” says CHBA BC CEO, Neil Moody.
Continued, enhanced, and new funding towards important initiatives like the HousingHub, CleanBC, and training for skilled trades are steps in the right direction. CHBA BC continues to advocate for collective action from the Province to streamline the development approval review process to ensure new homes can be built to meet the growing demand for housing choices in the province.
While CHBA BC is pleased to see a continued investment in CleanBC, we are disappointed to see the overall 2022-23 budget lower than what was proposed under Budget 2021. This budget includes $11 million in funding which will be used, in part, to fund incentives such as the Better Homes New Construction Program, but it is significantly less than what was allocated in the previous year. This program was temporarily closed due to an overabundance of registrations - a critical sign that industry and consumers are responding to this program beyond original estimates. CHBA BC requested that it should continue to be funded and significantly expanded.
We are also encouraged to see the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) exemption for heat pumps and the Temporary Clean Buildings Tax Credit to encourage multi-unit residential and commercial buildings to improve and meet energy efficiency targets.
Increasing housing supply across the province and streamlining its delivery remains a priority for CHBA BC, its eight locally affiliated associations and 2,200 residential construction members. CHBA BC will maintain its focus on creating housing choices across the province and will continue to work with the provincial government to implement the recommendations of the Development Approval Process Review (DAPR) report.
Review the Budget 2022 DocumentBC Trucking Assn Updates
The 2022 Provincial Budget was released on February 22, with a government focus on building a stronger BC and making life better for people by investing in our economy, environment and social strengths. Of significance is that government in the budget confirmed its fight against climate change by investing an additional $1 billion for its CleanBC plan, which includes additional funding for BCTA’s Heavy-Duty Vehicle Efficiency (HDVE) Program and inclusion of hydrogen combustion vehicles, with honourable mention of BCTA member Hydr.
Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project — River Road, Weigh Scale, & Nordel Interchange Traffic Notifications
The Highway 91/17 Upgrade Project is underway and is designed to improve travel safety, reliability and efficiency on Highway 91, Highway 17 and the Highway 91 Connector in Delta, BC.
Read the Full ArticleFlood-damaged Section of Highway 11 Now Reopened
Temporary repairs to the northbound lanes of Highway 11 between Hazelwood Avenue and Clayburn Road are now complete and on March 2, the highway reopened to four lanes.
Read the Full ArticleReport
Statistics
Shipments and Certification Type Year to Date Report ending February 28, 2022
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Industry News
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March 8, 2024
The Impact of New Provincial Zoning in British Columbia on Modular Housing
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Notice To Those Affected by the British Columbia and Yukon Wildfires
August 30, 2023
