Highlights Canadian Renovators Council October 2011

Presentations and Discussions  National Radon Program, Kelly Bush, Health Canada  CMHC Report, Duncan Hill, CMHC Ottawa  A New Renovator’s Experience, Victor Fiume, Oshaws  Asbestos Update, David Redmond, Ottawa  CRA Update, James Atkinson  NRCan Report, Conrad Baumgartner  CHBA Update: Renovation Month Canadian Renovators' Council 2

National Radon Program  Health Canada has extended the program by another 5 years, for continued research and awareness building.  To date, 14,000 homes have been tested for radon.  7% exceed the guideline level of 200Bq/m 3.  Excessive levels in 112 of 121 Health Regions: radon can be found everywhere.  Canadian certification program for radon measurement and remediation—spring  Health Canada publication: Reducing Radon levels in Existing homes: A Canadian Guide for Professional Contractors. Available online (CRC). Canadian Renovators' Council 3

CMHC Report: A few highlights  Performance monitoring of EQuilibrium™ homes show that although some have come very close, none to date have achieved net-zero. Reasons include homeowner practices (higher plug loads) and less renewable energy production.  EQuilibrium™ Housing Insight fact sheets on technologies used in homes, of interest to both builders and renovators.  The Green Renovation Guide for Renovators will be available by the end of the year.  Other research:  Alternative Water Ready Guide (rain/grey water)—in progress  Tank-less domestic hot water retrofits (average 46% reduction in natural gas use)  Much more… Canadian Renovators' Council 4

Asbestos Update  CHBA commissioned a paper to review research and provincial legislation related to removal of drywall with asbestos-containing drywall joint compound (ACDJC).  BC, AB, ON and NFLD classify removal as Type 2 procedure, or “moderate risk” (Type 1, “low risk” elsewhere).  Type 2 procedure can add up to $15,000 to the cost of a renovation project.  Other research confirms conclusions by Pinchin Environmental (presentation at the CRC May meeting) that the risk associated with removal of drywall with ACDJC is overestimated.  Used less frequently due to cost, TEM testing (Transmission Electron Microscopy), is the only valid method of determining the risk of exposure. The test distinguishes between asbestos and other fibres. Canadian Renovators' Council 5

Canada Revenue Agency: Update highlights  Tuition Tax Credit now includes fees for exams, required reading materials, and other costs incurred by skilled trades.  New measures in place to limit tax deferral on income earned by a corporation through a partnership.  In the works: electronic filing options for builders to claim new home rebates online. Spring  New: info sheet with step-by-step instructions on completing the GI-118 Builders and GST/HST NETFILE returns.  The Atlantic Canada pilot program on the underground economy is completed. Surveys show an increased awareness of the Get it in Writing! message. Canadian Renovators' Council 6

NRCan Report  The ecoEnergy Retrofit program was renewed in June 2011:  An additional $400 million  Final deadline: March 31, 2012  Homeowners must complete the work and the post-retrofit evaluation before the dead line  The next generation R-2000 Technical Standard and the new Energy Star Standard will both be published in January 2012 and mandatory as of July 1,  The updated EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) will go out for public review in January Launch is expected in December  A new CSA standard for drain water heat recovery is currently is in public review. Canadian Renovators' Council 7

CHBA Updates Renovation Month:  As a national sponsor, Home Hardware distributed 4 million flyers across Canada with an ad promoting CHBA’s Get it in Writing! message during October Canadian Renovators' Council 8

Want to Know More?  The Chair’s report, provincial reports and other reports.  Presentations.  Summary of presentations and discussions.  Renovator Resources, a listing of materials, activities and other useful information discussed at the meeting. Canadian Renovators' Council 9 Go to the CRC’s page in the Members Area of the CHBA website—no password is needed— and look for: