One of the challenges of being a developer and builder is explaining our business model and the opportunity for community revitalization to elected officials and the public. For example, if the community expects amenities, significant green space, preservation of trees, and affordable housing, this must be accommodated in the development business model. In other words, […] The post Development Education Program Needed appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

The National Building Code is holding a public review in January 2020 for energy efficiency in new home construction. Visit https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/codes-development-process/public-review-proposed-changes-codes-canada-publications-fall-2019 Included in the review are: “Tiered Performance Requirements (NECB) Introduces a new Part to Division B of the NECB that establishes a compliance path with four tiers, each successive tier being increasingly stringent in terms […] The post National Building Code Review for Energy Efficiency in New Homes Com ..read more

CMHC housing starts for Greater Victoria from Jan – Nov 2019 show a total of 3,242 new units compared with 3,498 the same time last year for a decline of -7%. Biggest declines are Central Saanich -75% Oak Bay -73% Saanich -57% and North Saanich -51%. Biggest increase is Esquimalt at 1,927% from 11 to […] The post Colwood Housing Up 128% While Saanich Declines 57% appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

Thinking of building a new home or renovating? Try our online Expression of Interest making it easy to get quotes from VRBA’s professional contractors.   Visit vrba.ca/hire-a-vrba-member and fill out the form which is forwarded to members. There is no cost or obligation.  Our Expression of Interest puts your project in front of Canada’s leaders in sustainable West Coast design and construction.  […] The post Try VRBA Expression of Interest appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

In good and tough economic times, there are always those in need. During the holiday season VRBA supports fundraisers to make a difference in our community. One such event is the Festival of Trees for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation helping children benefit from research and critical care equipment. Every year, organizations throughout Victoria, including […] The post ‘Tis the Season for Giving appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

Saanich council will again consider a report proposing 180% increase to DCC’s that gives one side of the story. The report on Development Cost charges says: “The proposed Development Cost Charge program (2019) is based on the ‘benefiter pays principle’, whereby those who benefit from the provision of road, utility and parks services are required […] The post Saanich Council Considers Circumventing BC Best Practice for DCC’s appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

As 2019/20 President, it is a pleasure to be part of an outstanding VRBA team building our community. I want to thank Jenny Martin, Past President for her leadership and hard work during the year. I look forward to continuing to work with Jenny and this year’s Board of Directors: First Vice-President: Dusty Delain, Amity […] The post Community Builders Building Our Community appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

Saanich Council is engaging in all kinds of actions including triple digit increases to housing fees like DCC’s, putting market housing applications on the backburner behind govt projects, and may require developers (new homebuyers) pay for “inclusive” affordable housing. Yet council’s “Strategic Plan” neglected to fund the most important initiative for housing: eg “Develop a housing […] The post No Funds for Housing Strategy in Saanich Plan appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

The Victoria Residential Builders Association announced the 2019/20 Board of Directors at their AGM on November 13, 2020 at the Gorge Vale Golf Club. The event speaker was Jim Baker, Senior Analyst, BC Building and Safety Standards on upcoming changes to the National and BC Building Codes. The new Board is represented by: President: Kyle […] The post VRBA Announces New Board of Directors and Award Winners appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more

 In my final week as VRBA President, I want to thank Times Colonist readers for reading this regular column. I hope you enjoyed our CARE Awards magazine delivered in the T-C Oct 26 celebrating VRBA’s leaders in sustainable home design and construction. You can still view the projects at www.careawards.ca. VRBA is also the professional […] The post Thank You T-C Readers appeared first on Victoria Residential Builders Association ..read more