Designing the Future

Current home architecture and design involve far more than pleasing form and function. Now we are taking into account energy efficiency, sustainable building materials, leaving a minimal footprint in the environment, integration into an existing community or in some cases creating one. What is also becoming more apparent than ever in the Okanagan is the quest for affordable homes. Along with the handsome upper-end residences owned by the well-heeled we are famous for, there is a need for housing by those with lower to middle incomes ­ the very people who work in our much needed services, trades and professions.

Can directional home design and construction address all of these factors? The answer is that is possible. Politicians and planners are discussing the issues. Many of the Valley's architects, designers, builders and developers are starting to incorporate green, sustainable and affordable principles into their vision. Suppliers are carrying more environmentally friendly materials and products.

Knowledge is the key as the Okanagan progresses in its growth, which includes rapidly expanding population and increasing demand on land and resources. It is up to government, building professionals and home owners to educate themselves on what our true situation is here in the Valley as we move into the next decade. The information is widely available. And by taking a positive and proactive stance, all can contribute to making this a prime and progressive place to live.

Communication is another important tool in this paradigm. It is essential that government, experts, home building professionals and residents all talk to each other in order to achieve sustainability.

Okanagan Home celebrates the creative ideas, work and products of building professionals and suppliers. We also appreciate our distinguished advertisers and encourage you to support them, as they have us.

Dona Sturmanis, Senior Editor

The four priorities of the Association are:
1. To adjust the GST rebate threshold for consumers and to reform tax laws to encourage private rental housing investment
2. Implement a national human resource action plan for more trained skills and trade workers and at the same time facilitate immigration of people with skilled trades
3. Secure priority local infrastructure investment by committing federal funds to support projects and to accommodate new residential development enhancing housing affordability and choice
4. To vigorously tackle the underground economy through effective enforcement actions.

CHBA programs such as the TOMMIE awards, the Home Show, the annual golf tournament and monthly general meetings provide benefits to the public and to the members of CHBA. We also support other local associations through relationships with Habitat for Humanity, Central Okanagan Hospice Association and Kelowna General Hospital.

Through partnerships with local schools and colleges, and programs such as the Okanagan College Home for Learning, CHBA Kelowna provides bursaries to students in construction, and supports on-going programs to alleviate skills and trade shortages. Education and training programs are also offered through the provincial office of CHBA, available to all members of the industry.

Another integral part of the Association's future is the Built Green BC Program, which demonstrates a commitment to promoting environmentally responsible and energy efficient buildings.

We encourage readers of Okanagan Home to support the CHBA members that support you.

Executive Committee and Board of Directors 2006-07
President: Terry Heinrich, Distinctive Developments
Past President: Shane Warawa, Enviro Choice Sewage Treatment Solutions
1st Vice President: Howard Rensler, Dilworth Quality Homes
2nd Vice President: Tim Evans, Kirschner Mountain
Treasurer: Matthew Ross, Grant Thornton Chartered Accountants
Secretary: Paul Donaldson, Kentland Homes

Directors:
Charles Cullen, Team Construction Management
Lou Gauthier, Home Hardware Building Centre
Brett Innis, CAIB, Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services
Kim Jones, FortisBC
Alf Leimert, Okanagan College
Jim Morris, National Home Warranty
Rob Murray, SHAW Cablesystems
Margie Rhode, RJM Management
Rob Siddon, Coast Wholesale Appliances
Carol Teschner, Cherry Lane Homes
Shaun Weimer, All Weather Windows

Copyright © 2008 Wheat King Publishing and the authors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Okanagan Home are those of the writers and editors, and do not represent the official position of the Canadian Home Builders' Association, Central Okanagan, or of its members.