This month's feature member is WM Dyck & Sons!

WM Dyck & Sons is family owned and operated, Their roots began with beekeeping and chick hatching, but they have grown from humble beginnings to a thriving one-stop shop for building materials.

They are brand new associated members to the MHBA. They decided to join in June 2023 to build awareness of their family owned and operated company within the home builder community so potential new partners can discover how they can support their growth plans. They also joined to stay up to date with industry trends and news, to better serve their partners.

Read the full interview to learn more about the company, click here.

This profile was posted on MHBA's website and social media feeds! If you are interested in your company being featured on our Monthly Member Profile, please contact Amanda at aserediuk@homebuilders.mb.ca.

Topic: "Hazard Assessments"

There are hazards present on every construction site. The identification, communication, and control of hazards on a construction site are critical, and form the foundation of safety and health on the site. Your Construction Safety Association of Manitoba has developed a virtual toolbox talk on performing a hazard assessment.

Learn more in CSAM's virtual toolbox talk HERE

Inspections go a long way toward preventing work-related injuries and illness. They might be demanded and conducted by regulatory authorities in response to complaints or serious incidents — or they can be a key component of an organization’s workplace safety and health program. 

Learn more HERE

In advance of receiving your 2023-2024 MHBA membership renewal invoice in the coming weeks, please be advised that we are currently updating the online membership portal on the MHBA website. Further information regarding the MHBA’s new and improved online membership portal will be provided to you via email in September & October. 

As a result of the timing of the upgrades, you will be unable to log into your membership portal via our website and make any changes or updates at this time.

We ask that you please contact Miriagh Johnson directly at mjohnson@homebuilders.mb.ca with any information changes (example – address, phone number, main contact, etc.) until our new portal has been launched in early October. 

This will also impact the option for online payment of your membership renewal dues. If you would like to pay via Credit Card, please call the office at 204-925-2560 to make payment. Membership renewal invoices will be sent out the first week of August, but they will be dated for September 1, 2023.

Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause, and we thank you for your patience during this process.

When: September 12, 2023

Time: 7:30am - 9:30am

Where: Holiday Inn Express, 1740 Ellice Avenue

Cost: $40 +GST

Premier Heather Stefanson (PC), Opposition Leader Wab Kinew (NDP) and Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont will meet moderators Richard Cloutier (CJOB) and Mary Agnes Welch (Probe Research) in a rapid Q&A forum, to discuss their priorities and how each will set out to ensure Manitoba’s economy grows.

Click HERE for details and registration.

The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant is now taking in summer applications for the first time. The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant provides eligible employers with up to 75% of training costs for third-party training, including CSAM Safety Training, up to $10,000 per employee and $100,000 per training project. 

You can find information on the grant, as well as the application form, here. Summer intake began on August 21.

The Manitoba government has released its Opportunities for Economic Growth Action Plan, a new long-term economic action plan for Manitoba with targeted initiatives to meet the province’s vision for sustained growth, increased trade, a skilled workforce with good paying jobs, and continued progress toward economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities. The plan will evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions and priorities. An interactive website has been developed so Manitobans can learn more about each of the actions and monitor the plan’s progress.

To view the Opportunities for Economic Growth Action Plan, click here.

To view the Work in Manitoba job portal connecting job seekers to employers, click here.

To view Manitoba’s Labour Market Outlook for 2022-26, visit click here.

For more information on Manitoba’s economic advantages and opportunities, click here.

The Manitoba government is implementing legislative and regulatory changes to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of building permitting processes in Manitoba. Changes include establishing an independent technical adjudicative process for building permitting disputes and performance standards for building permitting processes. These changes will come into force on March 1, 2024 and are aimed at supporting the consistent application of building codes across the province and ensuring that permitting decisions are made within predictable and reasonable time frames. The Manitoba government is moving forward to proclaim sections of the Building and Electrical Permitting Improvement Act, the Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation, and the Performance Standards Regulation. 

The Performance Standards Regulation, under the Buildings Act, specifies the time periods that permitting authorities have to respond to applicants, make decisions on applications, and conduct inspections.

The Permit Dispute Resolution Regulation, under the new Permit Dispute Resolution Act, establishes the appeal process for disputes related to building permitting decisions. Permit applicants will now have a formalized appeal mechanism for cases where they believe a permitting authority is wrong in withholding a permit or issuing an order on code matters.

To view the Province’s press release click here.

Recently, a serious incident occurred during operations involving gas-powered equipment used in a basement during construction. As a reminder, Carbon Monoxide can build up inside of the worksite quickly. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is near impossible to detect without a proper gas detector.

Learn more about carbon monoxide safety HERE

The OurWinnipeg 2045 team would like to share that Council’s Strategic Priorities Action Plan (SPAP) was approved by Council on May 30, 2023 and can be viewed in its published format here. This direction will flow into the multi-year budget process underway internally.

Delegations who presented at the committee meetings or made a submission contributed to a stronger recommendation from Council to align SPAP with existing City master and strategic plans. Council’s Recommendation 4 states:

“That the Public Service work with Council and report back in September 2023 with a framework to measure and report on the Strategic Priorities Action Plan (SPAP) progress, including key performance indicators and how the Strategic Priorities Action Plan (SPAP) aligns with adopted Council policies and strategies (including for example, but not limited to, the Winnipeg Recreation & Parks Strategies, Community Energy Investment Roadmap (CEIR), the CSO Master Plan, Winnipeg Transit Master Plan, Newcomer Welcome and Inclusion Policy, etc.).”

If you have any questions, please email OurWinnipeg@winnipeg.ca

On a jobsite, there are lots of moving parts, including essential contractors, subcontractors, and tradespeople. And every project comes with its own set risks — whether theft, fire, injury, cyberattack, or natural disaster. That’s why you need to be aware of your role and responsibilities, so you’re not left unprotected should something go wrong.

To help you avoid potential losses and keep your projects running smoothly, Federated Insurance has developed a risk management resource on the top risks your contracting business may face.

Learn more HERE

Manitoba Hydro’s first ever Integrated Resource Plan is now available on our website.

This plan is the result of over two years of work, including multiple rounds of engagement to build our understanding of Manitobans’ energy plans and perspectives. Thank you for your contribution to this work.

'The feedback we received helped us to complete extensive modelling and analysis on a range of possible futures. Here’s some of what we learned:

• The energy transition is already underway, driven by Canada’s move to net-zero goals and a low or no-carbon energy economy.
• Electricity demand in our province could double in the next 20 years and new sources of generation could be needed within the next 10 years.
• Investments to meet this additional electricity demand will put upward pressure on rates.
• Managing this energy transition will be critical to ensuring we can continue to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy for our customers.
• Using energy efficiency to make the most of the energy we already have will be key to a successful energy transition.
• Strategic use of natural gas will play a role in getting to net zero.
• Wind generation is a cost-effective potential energy choice.

Visit Integrated Resource Plan to find out more about what we learned, the near-term actions we’re planning to take, and the key indicators, or signposts, we will monitor to understand how we can best prepare to meet the future energy needs of our customers.

Applied Building Science Workshop

Date: September 6 & 7, 2023 (in-person), September 21, 2023 (virtual workshop)

Location: Denver, Colorado at the Construction Instruction Experience Center

Cost: $2,500 (before member discount)

MHBA members will receive a $700 discount by using the code MHBA-ABS2023

Together with the team at Construction Instruction, PHBI is excited to bring you a hands-on workshop, helping you build better, longer-lasting and healthier homes.

With two full days of classroom instruction, plus online and virtual training (totaling 21 hours of expert education!), you'll learn about the elements of high-performance homes, understand the importance of air, heat and moisture flow, performance testing and so much more. Better yet, you'll be able to apply this knowledge into your every day, making better decisions, responding to homeowner expectations and identifying key process changes.

Included in the training package:

• 21-hour training program.
• Lunch for the two-day training.
• Dinner and drink for the two-day training. (Networking Opportunities)
• Everything is within walking distance, so no taxi is required, the hotel offers free shuttle airport-hotel and hotel-airport.

Not included in the training package:

• The hotel is $159 USD, and it includes breakfast there is an option of a King bed or two queen beds, so the room can be shared. View hotel HERE
• Plane tickets

For registration please email admissions@phbi.ca or call 1-888-325-9999.

Learn more HERE.

Leadership and Management Development Course

Date: November 8-15, 2023 (11:00am - 2:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,199/person (before member discount)

MHBA members will receive a $50 discount by using the code MHBA-LEADER2023.

In collaboration with the McGill Executive Institute, the Professional Home Builders Institute is thrilled to make available to the new home builder industry this Leadership and Management Development Workshop. This course will be conducted virtually, providing an immersive online experience that will enrich your learning outcome. Participants will enhance their leadership and management skills through an engaging learning experience that will empower themselves with the confidence and environment to generate ideas, solve problems and make decisions. This workshop will additionally provide time for reflection, discussion, and an ongoing application of concepts.

Register online here, or contact admissions@phbi.ca for more information.

Learn more HERE.

The Manitoba government has announced that future water and wastewater investments in Manitoba will be guided by a proposed new framework that establishes a tiered approach to funding and procurement. The Municipal Water and Wastewater Investment Framework establishes investment tiers for the province to clarify funding mechanisms, procurement approaches, and partnership opportunities for municipalities. The Manitoba government will structure its review and support for projects using the new framework that is informed by input from partners. This approach will categorize water and wastewater projects into three tiers according to cost, project type and scale, and potential to utilize alternative delivery and financing approaches.

To view the Province’s press release, click here.

Summer at the Red River Planning District (RRPD) brings summer days, warm weather, and an increase in permit inspections! Take a look at the Red River Planning July newsletter to view more on processing permits in recored time, how to avoid permit delays, and looking back on the past year.

View the newsletter HERE.

Urban Systems, on behalf of the City of Brandon, completed a Housing Needs Assessment for our community. The data in the housing needs assessment will help inform the City Plan and other housing actions within our community.

If you have information about the housing assessment, or would like more information, contact Housing Coordinator Shannon Saltarelli at s.saltarelli@brandon.ca or 204-729-2433.

The Manitoba government has announced that effective January 1, 2024, Manitoba will be adopting and enforcing the 2020 editions of the national model building, plumbing, energy and fire codes published by the National Research Council. Permitting and inspections authorities responsible for adopting and enforcing the Manitoba Building Code, Manitoba Plumbing Code and Manitoba Energy Code for Buildings will be required to approve building and plumbing permits based on the 2020 national model codes starting January 1, 2024. Inspections based on permits approved before January 1, 2024, must ensure compliance with approved plans based on the previous codes.

The MHBA’s Technical Research Committee worked closely with provincial officials and our recommendations on the 2020 Model Code adoption and implementation are reflected in the province’s announcement. 

The 2020 editions of the national codes have numerous updates, including:

National Building Code 2020

• Technical requirements for large farm buildings are added, which address fire protection, occupant safety, structural design and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning.
• Encapsulated mass timber construction is introduced, enabling the construction of wood buildings with up to 12 storeys.
• Accessibility requirements are updated to reduce barriers related to anthropometrics, plumbing facilities, signage, entrances and elevators.
• Design requirements for evaporative equipment are revised to minimize the growth and transmission of Legionella and other bacteria.
• A home-type care occupancy is introduced to allow safe and affordable care in a home-type setting.
• Energy performance tiers are established to provide a framework for achieving higher levels of energy efficiency in housing and small buildings. Manitoba is initially adopting the baseline Tier 1, and is working with the federal government to develop a road map and build capacity in Manitoba for higher tier adoption in the future.

National Plumbing Code 2020

• Fibrocement pipe and fittings are included as alternatives to asbestos-cement materials, which were removed from the National Plumbing Code 2015 as an interim change.
• Other new plumbing materials are added as options, including polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) tube, cellular core polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe and their fittings.
• The maximum temperature for water discharging from shower heads or into bathtubs is reduced in health-care facilities and seniors' residences to prevent scalding.
• Gate valves and screw caps, which require manual intervention, are removed as options for backflow protection to reduce the risk of basement flooding.
• Design requirements for non-potable rainwater harvesting systems are introduced to facilitate the collection and use of rainwater.

National Energy Code for Buildings 2020

• The application of the Code is extended to cover alterations, such as tenant improvements, to buildings originally constructed in accordance with the National Energy Code for Buildings.
• Maximum overall thermal transmittance values for opaque building assemblies and fenestration are reduced to improve the thermal performance of the building envelope.
• Whole-building airtightness testing is introduced as an option for complying with air leakage requirements.
• Lighting power densities are updated to reflect improvements in the efficacy of lighting products.
• Performance requirements for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) and service water heating equipment are updated to align them with relevant standards and regulations.
• The trade-off compliance paths for HVAC and service water systems, which were complex and not widely used, are removed.
• A new compliance path with four energy performance tiers is introduced to provide a framework for achieving higher levels of energy efficiency in buildings.

National Fire Code 2020

• Technical requirements for large farm buildings are added, which address the inspection of mechanical equipment and electrical systems, the control of flammable gases and vapours, and the storage of flammable or combustible liquids.
• Fire safety plan requirements are consolidated to facilitate compliance and enforcement.
• Classifications are established for five widely used water-miscible liquid mixtures to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are applied in their storage, handling, use and processing.
• Measures are included to address fire safety during the construction of encapsulated mass timber buildings.
• 
  

For further information and resources regarding Manitoba’s adoption and enforcement of the 2020 national model codes, please visit Province of Manitoba | Labour | Labour and Immigration | 2020 Construction Codes Adoption (gov.mb.ca)

To view the Province’s press release, click here.

The MHBA will be working with the provincial government to schedule information and training sessions for members well prior to the January 1, 2024 implementation date to help our members prepare for these changes.

The MHBA's Workplace Safety & Health Committee has put together a few tips for builders to pass along to their contractors and trades regarding using QR codes to link workers to safety documents.

1. If it is a report form, such as a hazard assessment, inspection or incident report, make sure that a button is checked that allows the form to be either emailed back to sender (cc’d) or saved to the sender’s phone. If it is a larger crew, the sender in that crew should ensure that it is sent to the rest of the crew. If the sender does not share the form with crew members and is away from the site when the inspector comes by asking to see the form, it will result in a fail (no form on site).
2. QR codes can be saved as a favorite on the user’s phone home screen (recommended). Now users don’t have the excuse of not being able to find a code in a house.
3.  Many forms and builder apps allow pdf docs to be downloaded. This is where you can include procedures or the company safety program. Test this in office first to make sure that it can be loaded in the field.
4. Safety Meeting minutes and tool box talks can be made available this way as well so this can satisfy some COR requirements for communications.
5. The other advantage of a safety manual done digitally is that updates are instant: start by scanning the manual into a single pdf and post that. Going forward you can edit out the required pages.

The Manitoba Construction Sector Council is looking for your feedback to help in the development of their new course 'English for Construction Purposes'. Filling out this survey will allow MCSC and their curriculum developer to find where the gaps are with newcomers in the industry and focus on those to develop this course. The course is geared towards construction terminology, construction safety, culture etc.

Click HERE to download the form.

Please send your completed forms to Ramir Diaz at rdiaz@mbsc.com.

With the busy housing construction season arriving, here are a few tips to avoid delays and help your inspections go smoothly:

• Schedule inspections through the Housing Inspections Online Request form (preferred method) found at: https://ppdportal.winnipeg.ca/Permits/InspSched/Housing_RequestForm.jsp
• Inspections can be scheduled up to 4 weeks in advance – (remember the 24 hours cancellation rule)
• Have your site supervisors pre-inspect the house prior to the inspector attending, to remediate any last-minute details
• Use the monthly defect reports sent to each builder to ensure the common deficiencies are taken care of
• Ensure safe access to the dwelling and into the basement via a ramp (see attached inspection advisory)
• Ensure the city stamped construction drawings are on site at all times along with the roof truss layout and drawings and the floor layout and engineered drawings if applicable
• If deficiencies are found, use the Defect Certification Program (DCP) through your Permits Online account to expediate the re-inspection process.
• Remember deadlines for deficiencies – 1 month. If additional time is required to repair the issue, request an extension online at: https://ppdportal.winnipeg.ca/Permits/InspSched/DefectExt_RequestForm.jsp
• The Alternate Video Inspection (AVI) Program is an alternative method for inspections for the builder or homeowner if required: https://winnipeg.ca/ppd/inspections/Residential/AlternateVideoInspections.stm

Does your construction company need to hire workers?

The Construction Career Pathways program matches eligible workers and employers to create 16-week entry-level placements across the civil, residential, and industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sectors. A $2,400 onboarding incentive is available to those companies that qualify.

More details are available in this fact sheet, or on the program website here.

How the Feds Could Push Cities to Build More Homes — with a Carrot or Stick

From local zoning to community consultations, there are plenty of ways cities are hitting the brakes on residential construction, even as Canada faces a significant housing shortage.

Betting on the promise of Pembina

Pemby site designed so it ‘takes advantage of the area’s surroundings’

Manitoba plans to use wind power to double or triple energy-generating capacity over next 2 decades

Future hydro-electric dams likely too costly, despite growing demand for electricity

Worker dies after high levels of carbon monoxide found in home under construction

A worker at a home under construction in Winnipeg has died after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected inside.

Highland Pointe approaches another milestone

Phase 2 of the 400-acre housing development near the north perimeter is expected to be complete by the end of summer

Roots of conflict between developer, Winnipeg city councillor date back 14 years

River Heights Coun. John Orlikow vowed to take time developing Parker lands after city hall 'rush job' in 2009

Inflation impacting developments in Winnipeg

MHBA President & CEO Lanny McInnes on how inflation has impacted the construction industry

Tower-ing opportunity in St. Boniface

Water Tower District development set for former Canada Packers site

Provincial money to help city reduce sewer backups, pollution

Manitoba is flowing more cash to the City of Winnipeg to stem chances of sewage backing up into basements and the Red River in southwest Winnipeg.

Former Winnipeg CAO Phil Sheegl loses appeal, must pay $1.1M for accepting bribe from police HQ contractor

Former Winnipeg chief administrative officer Phil Sheegl has lost his appeal of a Court of King's Bench ruling that found he accepted a bribe from the contractor responsible for the city's police headquarters. 

New home construction typically occurs in five phases

Just how long does the whole construction process usually take and what does each phase of construction involve? 

Inflation impacting developments in Winnipeg

MHBA President & CEO Lanny McInnes on how inflation has impacted the construction industry

Protect your investment when hiring a renovator

Manitobans traditionally spend more on renovating their existing homes than they spend on new home construction.

The right builder integral in new home process

Buying a resale home was seen by many as an easier option, but that too is now becoming increasingly difficult.

Manitoba on track to water down building codes: critics

The head of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association said starting at Tier 1 wouldn’t change what builders here do now, and it would put the prairie provinces in alignment.

Summer indoor renos make sense

Summer time isn’t just for sprucing up the backyard or giving the house a fresh coat of paint. It can be the best and most strategic time to tackle that larger indoor project you’ve been planning.

MHBA RenoMark renovators deliver excellence

This year, we featured 88 different projects by 15 outstanding MHBA RenoMark renovators; renovators who follow the highest professional standards in Canada.

Spring and summer a great time to view MHBA show homes

While the MHBA’s Parade of Homes receive a lot attention while they are in full swing, it’s important to remember that the show homes featured in the Parade are open year-round.



Safety is always a priority on all job site

All visits to construction sites should be done by appointment only and with the full awareness of both the builder and their site supervisor.

Make sure to Click Before you Dig

Every year, homeowners in Manitoba damage buried utility lines on their property resulting in costly repairs, injuries and even fatalities.

The MHBA has been asked by the City of Winnipeg’s Water Services to provide the following reminder to our members:

Before a water meter installation appointment can be scheduled, a contact phone number is required. Please provide Water Services with a phone number where you can be reached during the day, evening or weekend.

To ensure customer’s and employee’s safety during the pandemic, you will receive a phone call, approximately 1 day prior to the appointment date, to ask you questions related to COVID-19. If the City is unable to reach you at the phone number you provide, your appointment will be cancelled.

As a result of the Manitoba Construction Industry Job Fair on April 18, Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) now has a database of over 400 job seekers. This includes but is not limited to drywallers, concrete finishers, project managers, retired company owners and construction labourers.

If you're interested in accessing this list of job seekers, please reach out to James Murphy at MCSC at jmurphy@mbcsc.com letting him know your needs.

See the latest newsletter and sign up for timely updates from the Manitoba Construction Sector Council here.

Did you know that CHBA members receive discounted pricing on the nationally bestselling Builders’ Manual, the Renovators’ Manual, and the Adaptiv Home Renovation Manual? Get a discount by bundling all three, then stack your member discount on top!

Visit chba.ca/bundle for more information.