Fall 2011 Public Review / Examen public de l'automne 2011

The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) would like to
invite your organization and its members-as stakeholders in the development
of the National Model Construction Codes-to take part in the fall 2011
public review of proposed changes to the 2010 National Model Construction
Codes. The public review is one of the main steps in the process for
developing national code documents, providing a nation-wide forum where
anyone can review and comment on the changes proposed. The National Model
Construction Codes, comprising the National Building, Fire and Plumbing
Codes are model codes developed by the CCBFC that the provinces and
territories can adopt as is, or with modifications, as part of their
building, fire and plumbing regulations.

The public review will run from October 24, 2011 until December 16, 2011 on
the National Codes Web site,
www.nationalcodes.ca.

The CCBFC wishes to thank your organization and its membership for
contributing to the development of Canada's National Model Construction
Codes. We would appreciate you forwarding this invitation to your membership
and stakeholders.

Regards,

Anne C. Gribbon
Secretary to the CCBFC
Tel.: (613) 993-5569
Fax: (613) 952-4040
E-mail: anne.gribbon@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Web site: www.nationalcodes.ca


La Commission canadienne des codes du bâtiment et de prévention des
incendies (CCCBPI) invite votre organisme et ses membres à titre de parties
intéressées à l'élaboration des codes modèles nationaux de construction à
participer à l'examen public de l'automne 2011 sur les modifications
proposées aux codes modèles nationaux de 2010. L'examen public est l'une des
principales étapes dans le processus d'élaboration des codes nationaux et
sert de tribune nationale où tous peuvent examiner et formuler des
commentaires sur les modifications proposées. Les codes nationaux du
bâtiment, de prévention des incendies et de la plomberie élaborés par la
CCCBPI sont des codes modèles que les provinces et territoires peuvent
adopter tels quels ou qu'ils peuvent intégrer à leurs propres codes du
bâtiment, de prévention des incendies et de la plomberie après y avoir
apporté les modifications désirées.

L'examen public se tient du 24 octobre au 16 décembre 2011 par l'entremise
du site Web des codes nationaux,
www.codesnationaux.ca.

La CCCBPI désire remercier votre organisme et ses membres de contribuer à
l'élaboration des codes modèles nationaux de construction du Canada. Nous
vous saurions gré de bien vouloir faire suivre ce message à vos membres et
intervenants.

Meilleures salutations,

Anne C. Gribbon
Secrétaire de la CCCBPI
Tél. : (613) 993-5569
Téléc. : (613) 952-4040
Courriel : anne.gribbon@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Site web : www.codesnationaux.ca

2011 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings

Upcoming release of the 2011 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings

October 2011



At its spring 2011 meeting, the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) voted to approve the final proposed changes slated for inclusion in the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011 (NECB). This critical vote ensured that the NECB could be published this fall. The CCBFC also acknowledged the tremendous work by CCBFC standing committee members and the technical support staff of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to finish it in the short time available.



The NECB is the result of an extensive consultation process involving stakeholders from Canadian industry, multiple levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal), the construction industry, and the general public. It was developed by the CCBFC, with technical support and funding provided by the National Research Council of Canada and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) as part of its commitment to improving the energy efficiency of Canadian buildings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For the first time ever, the NECB places Canada on a comparable footing with most countries that lead the world in energy efficient building construction.



Key characteristics

The new code contains close to 245 technical changes from the 1997 Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (MNECB) that address a host of issues such as the building envelope; lighting; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning; service water heating; electrical power systems and motors; and building energy performance compliance. Its technical requirements also accommodate the many new technologies and construction practices that have emerged in Canada over the past 15 years.



The NECB is an objective-based code with each provision having related objective-based information, including objectives and functional statements as well as intent statements.



The development of the NECB was initiated by the CCBFC in response to stakeholder requests to add a new objective on energy efficiency to the National Model Construction Codes. Based on consultations and a detailed policy analysis, the CCBFC concluded that regulations were an effective tool to support the policy direction of increased energy efficiency for buildings and that a national model code on energy efficiency was justifiable to effectively address an overall objective related to the environment, with a sub-objective focused on resource conservation and future potential sub-objectives on reduced greenhouse gas emissions, infrastructure capacity and energy security, as well as to address the policy goal of harmonization of construction codes across Canada. The CCBFC observed that other tools, such as education, incentives and labeling programs, also contribute to successful achievement of an overall energy efficiency policy.



A key characteristic of the NECB is its overall performance improvement compared with the MNECB. The goal underlying development of its technical requirements was for a 25% improvement over the 1997 Code. The actual target achieved will be 26.2%, as determined in an external consultant’s evaluation. This result is a weighted average for the whole country and is based on many factors, including the energy performance level from which a region started. Its impact will be less in regions where energy efficiency construction practice is already higher than that specified in the MNECB and greater for those starting from a lower energy efficiency performance.



Another important characteristic is its flexibility. As with all other national model codes, provinces and territories will be able to adopt the NECB as is or tailor it to suit their particular jurisdictional needs. The CCBFC will offer detailed guidance to those jurisdictions who, for policy reasons, may want to amend the Code.



The NECB addresses the energy used by the building, irrespective of the energy source, with no exemption within the prescriptive requirements for any type of assembly construction. As lighting of unoccupied interior spaces is an unnecessary use of energy, it requires the installation of automatic lighting controls for many applications. It also requires the installation of heat recovery equipment for most occupancy types (the exception being self-contained residential units in some climate zones) as this produces significant energy savings by minimizing the loss of waste heat.



A review of the minimum equipment efficiency standards contained in the Energy Efficiency Act (EEA) for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), as well as service water heating, determined that they were below current industry practice. As a result, the NECB sets a minimum efficiency in the prescriptive path based on the industry's median level for most HVAC and service water heating applications. Reduced equipment efficiencies to the floor level set by the EEA will still be allowed through the code’s trade-off or performance compliance approaches.



Prescriptive building envelope requirements set a maximum fenestration-to-wall ratio that varies based on the local climatic conditions (i.e. heating-degree days). The ratio is set at 0.40 for locations with heating-degree days of 4000°C or less, and 0.20 for locations with heating-degree days of 7000°C or more. The ratio for areas with heating-degree days between these two values varies linearly. The NECB allows deviation from this when using the trade-off or performance compliance approaches.



The NECB also contains specific prescriptive provisions in the building envelope trade-off and performance compliance paths to deal with semi-heated spaces.



These major changes will be explained further in free online presentations expected to be available on the national codes website (www.nationalcodes.ca) in January 2012. The NECB will be published on November 18, 2011. To pre-order a copy, please visit the NRC Virtual Store (www.nrc.gc.ca/virtualstore).



For more information, please contact Cathy Taraschuk at (613) 993-0049 or e-mail cathleen.taraschuk@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Course News

The Education Committee of the NBBOA regrets to advise that due to insufficient course registrations for the Part 9 Structural Requirements (scheduled for Sep 26-30, 2011) this course has been cancelled.

Further note that the registration deadline for The House - Building Envelope is being extended to Wednesday, September 14, 2011. If you intend to take this course and have not previously registered, you need to submit your registration and payment to my office no later than Wednesday, September 14, 2011.

The Education Committee has asked me to remind all members that registration deadlines for all future courses will be strictly enforced. This is required to ensure that unnecessary expenses are not incurred by the Association and sufficient time is available to prepare materials and accommodations for course delivery.

With the pending enforcement of the NB Building Code Act and related educational requirements for all building inspectors in the province, we encourage each of you to seriously consider taking the courses as offered by the Committee. Courses offered this session will not be offered for possibly another twelve months.

CASA Educational Seminars

To: A.C.B.O.A members,

I wanted to let you know about the upcoming C.A.S.A Educational Seminars that we will be hosting in Halifax, NS on Thursday September 29th and Friday September 30th and in Moncton, NB on Monday October 3rd thru Wednesday June 5th. Below you will find a brief description on the seminars that will be offered in these locations. If you have any questions concerning the seminars please feel free to contact me at anytime.

Link to CASA

Sincerely,


Matthew Osburn
Codes & Technical Services Manager
Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association
335 Renfrew Drive Suite 302
Markham, Ontario
L3R 9S9
tel: 905-477-2270
fax: 905-477-3611

Course Equivalencies

New courses for the 2011-2012 has a number of new courses and course names. If you have completed NBBOA courses in the past under the 1995 National Building Code courses, you will get credit for those courses under the new program. For instance, if you have taken the previous “The House” course - under the new program, you will get credit for
both “The House – Building Envelop” and “The House – Health and Safety”.
Click on link for a complete list of equivalencies.

Bill 15, An Act to Amend An Act Respecting Building Officials and the New Brunswick Building Officials Association

Please be advised that, Bill 15, An Act to Amend An Act Respecting Building Officials and the New Brunswick Building Officials Association received Royal Assent on Friday, June 10, 2011. The object and purpose of the private bill was to change the name given to the designation for the certification of building officials by the New Brunswick Building Officials Association in order to resolve a conflict with another province due to the use of the “CBCO” acronym under the Trade Marks Act (Canada).

Link to complete message.

Link to Bill 15

Sherry Sparks, President
August 11, 2011

City of Surrey Career Opportunity

Planning & Development Careers

Our Planning and Development Department is focused on managing growth through innovative and sound planning. As a member of the Building Division team you will be responsible for processing and reviewing building permit applications for multi-residential, small commercial and industrial buildings and related construction. Also, you will provide information services at the Front Counter including technical, regulatory, bylaw and policy advice related to permit and Building Code requirements.

More Info/City of Surrey

Notice to Members / Avis aux membres

Please be advised that, Bill 15, An Act to Amend An Act Respecting Building Officials and the New Brunswick Building Officials Association received Royal Assent on Friday, June 10, 2011.

Notice to Members

Application for CBCO Certificate Replacement

Le projet de loi no 15, intitulé Loi modifiant la Loi concernant les officiels de la construction et l'Association des officiels de la construction du Nouveau-Brunswick, a reçu la sanction royale le vendredi 10 juin 2011.

Avis aux Membres

Application de certifica de remplacement de L'OCCB

Bill 15/Projet de Loi 15

COLLOQUE EN DESIGN DE COLLECTIVITÉS DURABLES

Nous vous invitons à un colloque d’une journée et demi Le design de collectivités durables dans les plans locaux, les applications pour le Nouveau-Brunswick, présentée par le ministère de l’Environnement du Nouveau-Brunswick, la Société canadienne d’hypothèques et de logement, Efficacité Nouveau-Brunswick, ainsi que l’Association des administrateurs municipaux du Nouveau-Brunswick. Le colloque se tiendra au Centre Multifonctionnel K.C. Irving, rue Evangeline, Bouctouche, N.-B., le jeudi et vendredi 15 et 16 septembre 2011.

Agenda et Bio Septembre 2011 Bouctouche

Collectivites Durables Colloque le 15 16 Septembre Bouctouche

Municipality of the District of Lunenburg - Fire Inspector/Building Inspector

FIRE INSPECTOR/BUILDING OFFICIAL
(Permanent/full-time position)

MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF LUNENBURG

The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg is a community of communities, each with a unique history representing a diversity of cultural backgrounds and a mix of suburban and rural opportunities. We enjoy healthy lifestyles rooted in unrestricted access to the natural beauty of our region’s coastline, lakes and forests, a pristine environment and high quality community services. The Municipality invites applications of a permanent full-time Fire Inspector/Building Official.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Fire Inspector/Building Official is responsible for the implementation of a system of inspections for premises within the Municipality and as required by the Nova Scotia Fire Safety Act and Nova Scotia Fire Safety Regulations. The Fire Inspector/Building Official is also responsible for assisting in administering the Municipality’s Building By-law, Nova Scotia Building Code Act and the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Qualified Level 1 Building Official by the Nova Scotia Building Code Training and Certification Board, or equivalent;
• Fire Inspection certification level 1 issued by the Fire Inspection Association of Nova Scotia, or equivalent would be an asset; and,
• Candidates must have excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, and be able to work in a team environment.
Resumes will be accepted until the position has been filled. Resumes shall be accompanied by a cover letter, include three professional references, and be addressed to:
Jeff Merrill
A/Director of Planning and Development Services
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg
210 Aberdeen Road
Bridgewater NS B4V 4G8
Fax: 902-527-1135
E-mail: planning@modl.ca (please confirm receipt of e-mail).
A detailed job description can be obtained from our website at: www.modl.ca or by calling 902-541-1351. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted

General Information June 2011

ACBOA May News Letter

Check it out interesting articles and a report from

or NBBOA rep Joel Cormier,CET

City of Yellowfnife- Job Posting Manager,Building Inspections

2011 AGM Moncton Speakers List

Jim Donovan (Halifax Regonial Municipality) Alternative Solutions

Presentation

Photoluminescent Safety Products Bob McIntosh

AGM Presentation

Web Site http://www.pnagroupplm.com

Greg Thompson Technical Inspections (Building Safety Code Act upate)

Presentation

NEMLA Lumber Strength Joma Group Marc LeBlanc P.Eng

AGM Presentation

National Foam Supply

Presentation Link

DuPont Tyvek Window Flashing Matt Caisse

Presentation Link

New Version of CSA B365 Soon to Take Effect (WETT Newsletter)

Link To WETT Site

SPRING 2011

The Times They Are A Changin’ New Version of CSA B365 Soon to Take Effect In our last newsletter, we mentioned the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) had released a new version of B365 – the Installation Code for Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment. While the old version (B365-01) is still in effect for now, the new version (B365-10) is expected to come into force very soon once it is referenced within building codes in Canada.

To ease the transition and to ensure all members have current, up-to-date information, WETT is currently distributing free copies of CSA B365-10 to every member in good standing. This code book has a street value of $160.00, and is included with your 2011 membership renewal.

Before CSA B365-10 is enacted, it would be very wise to familiarize yourself with the new document. Information has been completely reorganized into different sections. Some of the definitions have been changed for clarification, and a number of code requirements have been revised. And be forewarned… Some of these revisions are sure to change the way you do business in the future.

While there are many, many differences, we want to use this newsletter to draw your attention to some key changes that we believe are substantial.

First, certain sections of the old code book have been moved to the Annex (informative) at the rear of the booklet. These include:

• Responsibilities of the Installer

• Training and Quality of Labour

• Portions dealing with Suitability of Equipment

These sections have all been combined into a single cat­egory under Annex G in the new document. This has been done because many of the requirements within these sections were con­sidered to be subjective in nature, and difficult if not impossible to enforce. To reflect this, the words “shall” have been replaced with “should”. While there are many arguments for and against the revisions to these sections, we urge members to do their best to comply with the recommendations posted within this annex. This will help to ensure WETT maintains a positive, professional reputation in the minds of the public.

Hazardous Locations This section can now be found under clause 4.3 in the new document. Language dealing with the installation height of appliances has been clarified. The wording now reads, “Any component representing a source of ignition, such as a blower or the bottom of the firebox, is at least 450 mm (18 inches) above floor level.” The old wording was open to much interpretation. It stipulated that the “appliance” must be mounted 18 inches above floor level. To be sure, the height of the appliance’s pedestal or legs was being factored in as part of the appliance. This resulted in platforms that were taller than they needed to be to satisfy the intent. Even with the revision, installers will still need to check with their local-authority-having jurisdiction as to what they want to see to satisfy the requirement for protection against physical damage.

Ancillary Equipment – Draft Regulators A new clause related to draft regulators (barometric dampers) has been added under section 4.4.4 in the new document. This clause effectively prohibits the installation of a draft regulator unless it has been certified for use with the appliance by the appliance’s manufacturer.

Venting Flue Gases Tees are now required in certain liner applications. This new clause (6.2.7) stipulates that a tee is mandatory for a liner system connected to a free-standing space heater, or a hearth-mounted stove that is rear-vented. This does not apply to fireplace inserts or to hearth-mount appliances that are top-vented. Why the change? It just makes good sense to use a tee in these applications as is it improves inspection and maintenance access. If you were already doing this anyway – good for you! Section 6.4.2 in the new code makes some subtle changes to the requirements for horizontal sections of single-wall flue pipe that should not be overlooked. The wording has been revised to ensure that effective lengths of elbows are factored in when determining the overall length of a horizontal flue pipe. Before, it could be interpreted that 3 m (10 feet) of straight pipe was permitted along with up to 180 degrees of elbow. This was never the intent. It is important to note that a 90 degree elbow is roughly equivalent to five feet of straight pipe in terms of resistance. You would be at maximum hori­zontal flue pipe length with single-wall pipe if you used just two ninety degree elbows or four forty-five degree elbows. And while we should not have to say it, elbows should never be included within a flue pipe solely as a means of reclaiming heat from flue gases. This is a bad idea that will only slow down draft and result in excess accumulations of creosote! Readers will also note that a diagram that is commonly referred to has been moved. This diagram shows a cross-section of a breech pipe installed through a combustible wall and into a masonry chimney (Figure 2 on page 23 in the old CSA B365-01). This diagram has been relocated to the back of the new CSA B365-10 and relabeled as Annex H – Breech Pipe Installation.

Installation of Ducts If you work with central wood furnaces, there are a few differences you are sure to notice too. Joints where sections of duct are connected must now be sealed using approved methods as outlined within section 9.1.2 on page 17. You may also notice that Annex F in regards to Heating Supply Ducts has been removed.

Installation of Appliances – Spark & Ember Protection Good news!! Wording under section 8.1.3.2 helps to clear up a common problem installers sometimes face when deal­ing with spark & ember protection on floors. Code requires a minimum 200 mm (8 inches) of protection on the sides and rear for wood stoves, yet many of today’s appliances are certified to be installed with much less clearance to a wall if appropriate heat shields are used. In these instances, the floor protection can be less than 200 mm providing the pad butts up tightly to the wall’s base. The key to this new wording is that floor protection applies only to combustible surfaces beneath the appliance. Jumping sparks and embers are not likely to stick to a wall (especially at the rear of the appliance), so this revision just makes good sense and keeps up with the more tolerant clearances required by today’s stove designs. One thing to keep in mind though… just because you can install an appliance with minimal clearance does not mean you should. Always keep in mind that someone may have to get behind that appliance down the road to look at a certifica­tion label, or to work on a fan or other component. They will not appreciate it if the appliance has to be removed in order to get access (this point is actually a code requirement – see section 8.2.1 on page 16). Sections 8.1.4.2, 8.1.4.3, and 8.1.4.4 under Radiant Heat Protection all feature a slight rewording to clarify intent when it comes to installation of appliances with no legs or short legs. The language is now more specific. Clearances should be measured between the “firebox bottom” and the ember pad, instead of between the “appliance bottom” and floor pad. Again, under the old version, some could make the argument that the measurement applied to the very bottom of any legs, an ash pan, shields, or any other portion forming part of the appliance.

Other Differences There are bound to be more than a few other grey areas when interpreting the new code as we move forward. As time and space permits, we will do our best to discuss these in future newsletters. As always, you can rely on WETT to provide you with sound opinions based on best practices.

Technical changes in the 2010 National Model Construction Codes

Free online presentations providing detailed overviews of major technical changes in the 2010 National Model Construction Codes are now available on the national codes website at http://www.codesnationaux.ca/eng/presentations/2010_codes_presentations.shtml . They include changes to the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) and the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC). These presentations replace the cross-country seminars traditionally offered during past model code launches. The following subjects are covered: · Combustible Penetrations and Plenum Cables (NBC 2010, Parts 3 and 9) · Dangerous Goods, Flammable and Combustible Liquids and Hazardous Activities (NFC 2010) · Fire Alarms and Exit Signs (NBC 2010, Parts 3 and 9, and NFC 2010) · HVAC and Plumbing (NBC 2010, Part 6 and NPC 2010) Lateral Load Resistance (NBC 2010, Part 9) · Part 9 Changes (NBC 2010, Part 9) Radon (NBC 2010, Parts 5, 6 and 9) · Residential Care (NBC 2010, Part 3) · Secondary Suites (NBC 2010, Part 9) · Spatial Separations (NBC 2010, Parts 3 and 9) Stairs (NBC 2010, Parts 3 and 9) · Structural Loads (NBC 2010, Parts 4 and 5) Windows, Doors, Skylights and Sealants (NBC 2010, Parts 5 and 9). Des présentations en ligne gratuites qui décrivent en détail les principales modifications techniques apportées aux codes modèles nationaux de construction de 2010 sont maintenant disponibles sur le site Web des codes nationaux à http://www.codesnationaux.ca/fra/presentations/codes_2010_presentations.shtml. Ces présentations portent sur les modifications au Code national du bâtiment (CNB), au Code national de prévention des incendies (CNPI) et au Code national de la plomberie (CNP). Elles remplacent les séminaires pancanadiens traditionnellement offerts lors du lancement des codes modèles précédents. Ces présentations abordent les sujets suivants : · Pénétrations combustibles et câbles de plénum (CNB 2010, parties 3 et 9) · Marchandises dangereuses, liquides combustibles et inflammables et activités dangereuses (CNPI 2010) · Systèmes d’alarme incendie et signalisations d’issue (CNB 2010, parties 3 et 9, et CNPI 2010) · Installations de CVCA et plomberie (CNB 2010, partie 6 et CNP 2010) · Résistance aux charges latérales (CNB 2010, partie 9) · Modifications à la partie 9 (CNB 2010, partie 9) · Radon (CNB 2010, parties 5, 6 et 9) · Établissements de soins de type résidence supervisée (CNB 2010, partie 3) · Logements accessoires (CNB 2010, partie 9) · Séparations spatiales (CNB 2010, parties 3 et 9) · Escaliers (CNB 2010, parties 3 et 9) · Charges structurales (CNB 2010, parties 4 et 5) · Fenêtres, portes, lanterneaux et produits d’étanchéité (CNB 2010, parties 5 et 9)

An Act to Amend An Act Respecting Building Officials and the New Brunswick Building Officials Association

The NBBOA is in the process of amending our private members bill “An Act Respecting Building Officials and the New Brunswick Building Officials Association” to change our certification marks from ‘CBCO’ to ‘NBCBO’ in order to alleviate some confusion over the licensing of certification marks in Canada. This has been an ongoing issue since 2002.

An Act to Amend An Act Respecting Building Officials and the New Brunswick Building Officials Association

Building Safety Month - May 2011

Through your municipality or NBBOA, I encourage you and your respective employers to participate in the annual 'Building Safety' campaign. By advising our industry partners, your Community and the people of New Brunswick, we can not only advance the importance of Building Safety, but we may also demonstrate the important role Building Officials play in creating and maintaining safe public areas, work environments and family homes. This is an annual initiative that is developed and supported through the ACBOA. Please find attached some mini-posters that could be put up around your offices or community to raise awareness of what we as building officials do. Raising awareness for constructing safe buildings is difficult.

Remember… “When we do our jobs right - Nothing happens!”

Download as print poster English French

Chief Building Inspector/Bylaw Enforcement Officer

GREAT PEOPLE BUILDING A GREAT TOWN

Town of Quispamsis is a friendly, growing community of 16,000. If you want to work in a dynamic, fast paced, progressive and changing environment, then join our team as Chief Building Inspector/Bylaw Enforcement Officer.

As the Chief Building Inspector/Bylaw Enforcement Officer you must have thorough knowledge of National Building Codes and Regulations and progressive experience in building code enforcement. Courses towards or completion of certification from the New Brunswick Building Official Association would be a definite asset. Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will supervise staff and be responsible for ensuring that all buildings in the Town of Quispamsis are in compliance with all relevant Federal, Provincial, Local Codes and By-Laws. This position is also responsible for enforcing municipal by-laws, including animal control and providing public education and awareness programs to ensure the protection of residents, property and employees.

This is a full time permanent employment opportunity with benefits and a salary that will commensurate with experience.
We are looking for someone who has working knowledge of land use and development, strong technical, analytical, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills; demonstrated attention to detail; are able to work independently; maintains high standards of professionalism, a positive work ethic, effective relationships and can be part of a team. As an ideal candidate, you are a graduate from a Civil or Municipal Engineering Technology or university Civil Engineering Program and are eligible for membership in APEGNB or NBSCETT; four years or more of direct experience in enforcement of the building code, municipal engineering, public works and subdivision inspection and have a valid motor vehicle drivers license and a clear criminal check.

If you are interested in this permanent employment opportunity with benefits and a salary that will commensurate with experience, please submit your resume with 3 references, a cover letter and Town Application Form by March 23, 2011.
Town of Quispamsis
P.O. Box 21085 Quispamsis, NB E2E 4Z4
Attn: Human Resources Director Fax 506-849-5799 Email: dfracchia@quispamsis.ca

For further information on our Town and an application, visit www.quispamsis.ca.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Mike Holmes Building Permits

As published by NB Publishing Times Transcript on February 10,2011

You've heard me rant for a few years now about why you need a building permit for work you're having done at your house. But from the mail I'm still getting, it looks as though the message isn't getting through.
Many homeowners are too willing to believe it when their contractors tell them a permit isn't necessary for certain jobs they are having done. They either think it's going to be an extra hassle or an additional expense. What I hear most often is that they think a permit is "just a cash grab" and they want to keep their renovations off the record so their taxes don't go up, because they've improved their properties' value by doing a renovation.
Sorry folks, that's just not smart.
A building permit is your protection. It's your guarantee that the job is safe, and has been done at least to minimum code. If a building inspector from your municipality inspects and signs off on your building project, that means it is safe and legal. Those approvals go on the record for the future life of your home - and that's important for when you need to insure your home, or if you decide to sell.
A building inspector is not a home inspector. He - or she - works for the municipality that issues permits. You don't her, as you do a home inspector. At each critical stage of construction, a representative of the municipality should inspect your home. That's the law; it's not an option. The inspector might have to come to your job a few times; it all depends on how complex your renovation is. If it's a simple job, there may only be one inspection required.
For example they'll need to come and inspect footings before the concrete and foundations are poured. They'll inspect framing on completion and once insulation (and vapour barrier, if you use batt) is complete. And there are final inspections. Plumbing and HVAC might require several inspections each, and electrical also needs to be inspected separately.
Most of these inspections are done to verify construction quality and code compliance before it's all covered over by finished walls and floors. There's a record on file that the building is safely and properly constructed - and that's important for your peace of mind, as well as for banks, appraisers and insurance companies who may need to know this information in the future.
Good building inspectors have a lot of experience and are required to stay up to date on new technology and developments in the industry. Their job is to promote and maintain building safety and efficient construction.
Building code changes as building science evolves, and as safety issues arise. Building codes are reactive. They only come into existence as a response to a problem - usually a death.
For example, if someone is hurt or killed as a result of home construction, then an amendment to code is made, such as railings around balconies not being climbable. There should be no way for a child, for example, to use decorative trim or accents to climb up and fall over.
Code provide a set of rules and of safeguards to be used in building your home so no one living in it, or visiting it, is injured as a result of how it's constructed. These rules cover building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency. It's common sense.
The building inspector examines buildings to make sure they conform with code, and that they meet the minimum levels of safety and quality required for a building to be code-compliant.
Notice I said "minimum" levels. I'm always complaining about minimum code. That's not because I don't believe in codes; building code is law. It's because I think we need to build above minimum code.
If we set the bar higher, and build above minimum standards, we can have a high-performance building envelope. We will save on fuel. Our houses will last longer.
We can do better when we build. We can set standards for ourselves that are above minimum code. We can demand more and expect better. But in the meantime, at the very least, you need to make sure your house is built as well as it can be, that it's inspected, and that you get the proper permits.
* Catch Mike in his new series, Holmes Inspection, airing Thursdays at 9 p.m. AT on HGTV. For more information on home renovations, visit makeitright.ca.

Building Inspector Position Frederiction Area

The Rural Planning District Commission is seeking applications for a full-time Building Inspector in the Fredericton office.

Duties:
Reporting to the Senior Building Inspector, highly organized & focused on details, you will review plans & related documents, ensure compliance with NBC & Provincial Building Regulations, & provide recommendations regarding applications. An effective communicator & team member, you will liaise with contractors, engineers, architects, & property owners & provide technical guidance. This position requires extensive travel.

Qualifications:
A Diploma in Architectural or Engineering Technology or related discipline or a Certified Trade, OR the equivalent in education & experience & at least 3 years of building construction & / or inspection experience, able to complete the required NB Building Officials Association courses for certification as a building code official, & have solid knowledge of related codes & regulations. You must have effective customer service skills & a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation. Experience with Windows computer environment is required. Spoken & written competence in English is essential.

You must demonstrate how you have acquired the qualifications & skills required for this position. Your resumé should be in chronological order specifying education / experience & employment including part-time & full-time positions.
Salary will be based on education & experience. Subject to the response of this competition, education & experience may be raised. Applications must be received at the following address by January 21, 2011.

Att: Stephen McAlinden, Director
Rural Planning District Commission
212 Queen Street, Suite 404, Fredericton, NB E3B 1A8
Email: rpdc@ruralplanning.ca