This month's feature member is Olympic Building Centre!

Olympic Building Centre is a premium building material solutions and service provide. They have been in operation for more than 40 years, opening their first retail store in 2002!

They joined the MHBA in 2002 to make connections within the industry whereby their team grows, learns, and shares best practices and industry knowledge.

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.

You're Invited to our Social Media Workshop!

Presented by the Professional Home Builders Institute

The Foundations of Social Media Marketing

Presentation by: Jessica McNabb (PHBI)

Where: Canad Inns Polo Park (1405 St. Matthews Avenue)

When: September 12, 2023

Cost: $255.00

Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Registration will begin at 9:00am.

The presentation will run from 9:30am-2:00pm, with a lunch buffet from 11:30am - 12:00pm.

Social media platforms are a vital component of any modern marketing strategy. This workshop will establish how social media platforms can be indispensable tools for marketing.

This workshop-style session will provide an introduction to how home sales professionals and homebuilding business owners/operators can leverage social media to increase their sales. The facilitator will use Instagram to illustrate how social media platforms can be leveraged to complement and augment a company’s existing marketing strategy.

Topics covered will include how to begin creating a social media marketing plan and identifying and engaging with target audiences.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The workshop’s main goal is to provide an introduction to developing an individualized social media marketing strategy that can be aligned and integrated with your company’s larger social media strategy and marketing goals. The inclusion and participation of your marketing team are strongly recommended.

View more details HERE

Topic: "Heat Stress"

As the temperature rises, it's crucial for workers to stay informed about the risks associated with working in the summer heat. Discover the importance of hydration and effective strategies for staying cool throughout the scorching summer months. By equipping yourself with this valuable knowledge, you can protect yourself and your team from the potential dangers of heat-related illnesses.

Learn more in CSAM's virtual toolbox talk HERE

Lightning causes more fatalities than hail, wind, rain and tornados combined. The most vulnerable people are workers in industries such as construction, farming, and landscaping that primarily work outdoors amongst conductors such as tools and equipment.

Learn more HERE

Welcome Back to Cyrille McIntosh

The MHBA is pleased to welcome back Cyrille McIntosh, our Director of Communications & Events. Cyrille has concluded her maternity leave and has rejoined our staff team. Please feel free to reach out to Cyrille at (204) 925-2563 or e-mail cmcintosh@homebuilders.mb.ca.

Thank you to Amanda Gomes

At the same time, we would like to say a huge thank you to Amanda Gomes who has been responsible for our communications and event activities since last August. Amanda has been a tremendous member to our staff team, and we thank her for her dedication and service. Amanda’s last day at the MHBA will be on September 15^th. On behalf of all MHBA members, thank you and congratulations Amanda for all your hard work over the past year!

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.

When: November 27-28, 2023

Where: Clarion Hotel, Brandon

Red River Polytechnic Instructors: Tammy Harper and Trevor Dackow.

The update will cover code changes from 2010 through 2020 in the Manitoba Building, Plumbing and Energy Codes at a high level. 

Day 1 - Building Codes

• 7:30-8:15 am - Registration
• 8:15-8:30 am - Opening Remarks
• 8:30-4:30 pm - Seminar

Day 2 - Plumbing and Energy Codes

• 8:00-8:55 am - Registration
• 9:00-4:00 pm - Seminar

Click here to register.

Fees include refreshments and lunch.

(GST is not applicable) 

For further information about changes to the new provincial codes, please contact Development Services at 204-729-2110 or planning@brandon.ca.

We are pleased to advise that on September 25, 2023, the Zoning & Permits office located at Unit 31 – 30 Fort Street will be expanding in-person services, offering appointments to meet with Zoning Development Officers. 

Anyone wanting to meet with a Zoning Development Officer will need to book an appointment in advance. Walk-in appointments will not be available.

Ways to book an appointment:

• By Phone: 204-986-5140
• By Email: ppd-permitappointments@winnipeg.ca

General inquiries

• Email: PPD-ZDO@Winnipeg.ca

Permits Online

• Development & building permits can still be submitted through Permits Online or via email: ppd‑permit@winnipeg.ca

The role you and your staff play in cybersecurity

In our technologically advanced society, scams are commonplace as cyber criminals try to steal money and personal information through unsuspecting victims, such as a company’s employees.

Did you know?

• World Economic Forum finds that nearly all (95%) cyber breaches happen because of human error
• Ransomware and business email compromise were the two leading causes of loss, accounting for nearly 50% of claims in 2020 and 2021*

That’s why an effective cyber risk management strategy should include employee training as awareness is critical to help ensure your business stays cybersecure. Together with CyberScout, a leading cyber service provider, we’ve created informative resources with tips to help protect your business and avoid potential losses caused by cyberattacks:

• An Overview of Scams
• Business Email Compromise

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

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 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.

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. 

Fall Parade of Homes only a month away

The MHBA’s 2023 Fall Parade of Homes starts on Saturday, September 23 and runs through Sunday, October 15.

Fall Parade of Homes will showcase Manitoba's top builders

Even with the many challenges our members have faced over the past few years, MHBA builder members have continued to host successful Parade of Homes confidently. 

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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