Parade of Homes

116 PARADE of HOMES SPRING 2024 "It also removes some provincial trade barriers to get materials approved for intra-provincial use and distribution." For the 2020 code, updates are in line with past changes, such as addressing overlooked issues from previous codes and increasing occupant safety and accessibility. As well, the 2020 codes include some specific requirements for farm build - ings and residential care facilities. At the same time, there's a larger focus on energy efficiency with a five-tier system for housing and small buildings. To start, Manitoba is adopting the baseline Tier 1 while also working on a roadmap towards adoption of the higher tiers. "Since Manitoba already builds some of the best homes in Canada, this will be initially easier as many of our homes built today already exceed Tier 1 standards," Maric says. "In future codes, we will move up through the tiers until, ultimately, the homes of the future will be built to be incredibly energy-efficient — but it can't happen all at once." With these recently adopted codes, Maric says homebuyers will find that their homes will be more energy-efficient and comfortable, as well as safer. Meanwhile, home - builders might face incremental cost increases with the adoption of the 2020 codes, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency. "These will continue to steadily ramp up as we move through the next code cycle," Maric adds. "The 2025 code will have tighter energy-efficiency guidelines, and the adoption of the 2020 code will be a way for the industry to miti- gate future potential challenges — training, supply, fiscal — earlier." Kasprick adds that construction code updates reflect changes in innovation. "Construction is always innovating, so the codes need to reflect that with the materials we use and policies related to climate," Kasprick says. "You always want to have the most current codes to reference current standards and current materials. By not updating them, you essentially create barriers. Methods change and construction styles change, so you always want to be updating." As with any changes, it can be a challenge to ensure the public understands the implications. "A lot of the associations do a good job of educating their members," Kasprick says. "We try to be out there to answer questions and participate in various stakeholder groups to make sure they under - stand the changes." A new governance model called the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes includes a representative from every province and territory, as well as from federal public services, to oversee the content of national model codes and to develop proposed changes. Kasprick is the representative for Manitoba. "Right now, we're developing the 2025 code and setting policy direction for 2030. We report to a policy table that is made up of Construction Codes cont. " Construction is always innovating, so the codes need to reflect that with the materials we use and policies related to climate." With these recently adopted codes, homebuyers will find that their homes will be more energy-efficient and comfortable, as well as safer. – JOE KASPRICK, PROGRAM MANAGER OF BUILDING CODES FOR THE PROVINCE OF MANITOBA

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