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Tiny House + Parking Garage = Future Urban Housing? (Treehugger.com)

Living in a tiny house can make a lot of sense if you have a place to put one, which can be relatively easy to do if you live in the country or a suburban area that doesnt have rigorous restrictions on backyard structures or dwellings, but if you live in the city, finding a spot for a tiny house can be rather difficult. But a new project from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)has one possible solution for urban sustainable living, which is to build micro-houses that fit inside the footprint of a standard parking space, and then place them in parking garages in small communitites more

Calgary housing starts fall in November (Calgary Herald)

The number of housing starts in the Calgary census metropolitan region took a huge fall in November compared with a year ago, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., and experts are warning that plunging oil prices could temper future activity in new home construction. The agency reported on Monday that starts in the Calgary region of 1,078 during the month were off from 1,693 in November 2024 more

With no working smoke detector in the home, pair alterted to southwest fire by sounds coming from the roof (Calgary Sun)

With no smoke detector in the home, a pair of Calgarians were alterted to a fire in their roof Sunday morning by the crackling sounds of something burning. Crews were called to the home in the 3800 block of 3 Ave. S.W. just before 8 a.m. where they found two residents and a dog safely outside the single family structure with smoke pouring from the roof more

Qualico making spirits bright (Calgary Sun)

The lights of Christmas present have arrived in Three Qualico Communitites neighourhoods in Calgary and Airdrie. The Holiday Light Spectacular is a great reason to gather together family and friends and wrap yourselves in Christmas cheer, says Maribeth Janikowski, communications manager with Qualico Communities more

New listings jump 22% (Calgary Sun)

After several years of declines, active MLS listings in the City of Calgary are on the rebound, according to the monthly report from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB). New listings in November outpaced sales, resulting in a 22 per cent increase in active listings but, even with the gain, listings remain below long-term-averages, says Bill Kirk, CREB president more

CHBA Alberta welcomes proposed changes to condo law (Calgary Sun)

The Alberta government tabled Bill 9, the Condominium Poperty Amendment Act, in the legislature on Dec. 1, Proposing 50 changes to the condominium property law to help buyers. Among others, the bills key amendments include: Improved consumer protection with broader information diclosure to buyes, including home warranty information, occupancy dates and notice of changes to the purchase agreement; developers must deposit buyers deposits with an authorized trustee, pay their fair share of condo fees for unsold units and have a professional building asessment on buildings converted to condos; improved board governance with clear voting procedures, required notice of annual genearl meetings, owners meetings to replace board members and notice of insurance changes; development of a clear scope of government authority and stiffen penalities for offences, and; creation of a framework for a dispute resolution tribunal as an alternative to courts more

Calgary building permits on the rise (Calgary Herald)

The total value of building permits in the Calgary region was on the rise in October thanks to a strong residential sector, according to statistics Canada. The federal agency reported Monday that permits in the Calgary census metropolitan area reached $606.5 million for the month, up 1.8 per cent from September. The residential sector saw permits rise by 10.7 per cent to $465.6 million, while the non-residential sector saw a dip of 19.5 per cent to $140.8 million more

Inspired bungalow living is making a come back (Calgary Herald)

With a new look and a new twist on design, the bungalow is making a strong and definitive design statement attracting buyers from all demographics. We are really finding that the bungalow design is becoming very popular, especially with homes priced over $1 million, says Jodi Hodgson, area sales manager for Baywest Homes at Riverstone in Cranston. So popular, in fact, that he says 50 to 60 per cent of buyers in the area are choosing to build a bungalow more

Homexpo 2024 Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets for Homexpo 2024, January 16-18, 2024 at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park are now on sale online. Get a discounted price when you purchase your tickets ahead of time on our website Buy Now

A then-and-now look at some of Calgarys most historic architectural landmarks (Buzz Buzz Home)

Slide between the past and present with these nine comparative photos of the Stampede City more

Calgary bucks national trend with job growth in November (Calgary Herald)

While jobs were down nationally, Calgary bucked the trend with a rise in employment, Statistics Canada reported Friday. But the data comes prior to the possible impact of declining oil prices. Employment in the Calgary area rose by 4,700 people, or 0.6 per cent from October. Calgarys new jobs pushed the province into positive territory on employment, as well net employment in the province was up 3,200, or 0.1 per cent more

Calgarys new listings rise in November (Calgary Herald)

New listings outpaced resales of Calgary homes in November by more than 300 units, helping to keep the citys housing market balanced, Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) figures show. But while inventories of houses listed for sale have risen sharply from a year ago, they remain below the long-term average, representing about two months supply of homes. In November 2024, inventories stood at about three times monthly sales rates and in November 2024, active listings amounted to six months supply more

Home renovators take a summertime breaks (ATB Financial)

The proliferation of home renovation shows on TV may be an inspiration for some people to remodel their kitchen or add onto the family room. But last summer, it seems Albertans were perhaps spending more time watching TV than actually renovating. During the months of July, August and September of 2024, the value of renovations to residential properties fell to just under $1.18 billion-the lowest level its been in nearly two years and a sharp drp[ from the $1.6 billion record in the spring. The data were released this morning from Statistics Canada as part of its regular quarterly report on residential investment activity more

Bank of Canada keeps 1% rate as cheap oil, debt risks offset healing economy (Calgary Herald)

Tje Bank of Canada says the countrys economic positives have largely offset the negatives, a balance that led governor Stephen Poloz to maintain the trend-setting interest rate Wednesday at one per cent. On the plus side, the central bank pointed to an increase in exports thanks to an improved U.S. economy a boost that has also led to more business investment and jobs in Canada more

Government proposing 50 changes to Albertas condo property law (Calgary Herald)

The Alberta government has unveiled an overhaul of its condominium law, but a condo-owners advocate says it doesnt go far enough to protect consumers. Bill 9, the Condominium Property Amendment Act tabled in the legislature Monday, proposes 50 changes to the condominium property law to help buyers more

Click here for CHBA Alberta comments on proposed changes

Regional public transit between Calgary, Okotoks and beyond sought by 2024 (Metro News)

If all goes according to plan, the first public transit buses running between Calgary, Okotoks, Nanton, Black Diamond, and Turner Valley could hit highways by next fall, as part of a partnership between all the growing municipalities. Were hoping to get it up and running for September-October 2024, said Ettore Iannacito, who manages the transit program for the Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP). But everything has to line up for that to happen. There are so many things that have to be in place more

Construction safety requires leadership (Remi Network featuring article by Stepper Homes)

Is safety culture a result of the environment we work in or the behaviour of those who work within it? The term culture of safety or safety culture was introduced after the 2024 Chernobyl nuclear accident. The International Atomic Energy Agency identified a poor safety culture as a contributing factor more

Safety tips for the holiday season (Morrison Homes)

Everyone has a lot on his or her mind during the holiday season. Have I picked up everything on my gift shopping list? Do we have enough food for our guests? But one thing that should stay top-of-mind is safety. Setting up for the holiday season can come with a number of risks. Here are some tips for keeping safe throughout the holiday season more

The equity equation: One in five Canadians plan on using their homes to boost retirement income (Buzz Buzz Home)

After surveying 2,373 Canadians, Manulife Financial and the Bank of Canada found nearly one in five homeowners were expecting to use their home equity to help boost their retirement income. The fact that one in five is proactively planning to use this strategy suggests they may be struggling to balance retirement saving with debt repayment, said Rick Lunny, President and CEO, Manulife Bank of Canada more

Home buyers ride a roller coaster to view property in Netherlands (Global News)

Purchasing your first home can be an emotional roller-coaster, and now a Dutch advertisement is taking that concept literally to show home buyers around a property. The video shows a house with an actual roller-coaster built inside that takes viewers on a room by room tour more

Peter Burgener explains how urban spaces celebrate life (Calgary Herald)

Architect Peter Burgener passed away this weekend, at age 64. He left a legacy throughout Calgary: Arriva tower, some of the zoos finest buildings, Glenmore Landing, Aspen Landing, and helped with the National Music Centre. He was also, for years, the Heralds regular urban views columnist. His final column, eight years ago, came after a council decision to set aside money for a new central library, money that would see the edifice rising in East Village. Here it is a sign of why so many Calgarians will miss Peter Burgener. From May 18, 2024 more

Calgary housing outlook: record year gives way to still solid growth (New Home & Condo Guide)

The Calgary housing market has had it good in recent years. Strong economic, employment and wage growth and increasing net migration all led to a booming real estate sector including what will be record housing starts this year. So spectacular was this performance, however, that it would be impossible to maintain. It should come as a no surprise, then, that in 2024, some of the boom may come off the rose somewhat in this part of Wild Rose Country more

Would you build with wood? Alberta wood. (Edmonton Sun)

Big changes could be coming to the Alberta housing industry with the recent introduction of a bill to allow the construction of six-storey buildings using wood instead of concrete. Currently, wood is only allowed for buildings up to four storeys in height; any height above that requires concrete or other construction media more

Calgary resale housing market prices and sales continue to climb (Calgary Herald)

Home sales stayed strong in November, rising 3.4 per cent from a year earlier, according to Calgary Real Estate Board data. The median MLS sale price increased 5.3 per cent to $429,000, while the average sale price was up 6.1 per cent to $485,962, it said more

Calgary city council has a budget, sets next years tax hike at 4.5%(Calgary Sun)

Property taxes will go up by 4.5% next year, then by 4.7$ a year until 2024, after city council passed its four-year budget Monday. That equates to an increase of about $5.95 a month on the average home, valued at $430,000. After six days of debate, council was able to shave .2% off next years proposed hike by applying $3.4 million nearly half of $6.9 million in savins found in the corporate benefit program toward the reduction more

Condominium Property Amendment Act (Bill 9) Introduction

The Condominium Property Amendment Act has been introduced in the legislature, a move builders from across the province through CHBA Alberta applaud to ensure clarity in the legislation and allow responsible developers and builders to continue to serve this important market segment that continues to be a desired housing form in the province. This year is expected to be the second highest ever for milti-family starts in the Calgary region, accounting for 10,500 of the forecast 17,200 total starts more

Growth Initiative lays out the facts (Calgary Sun)

Growth will be the biggest story in Calgary in 2024. The back story is how very little most Calgarians know about growth and development due to a lack of easily accessed information, but a new chapter to that story has been written. It is the Smarter Growth Initiative, a collaboration between the Urban Development Institute Calgary (UDI) and Canadian Home Builders Association Calgary Region (CHBA) and there are no casting of aspersions, no back biting or infighting more

Stats: Price growth slows in Calgary (CREB Now)

Calgarys residential resale housing market posted relatively strong November activity reaching 1,782 units, a three per cent increase over the previous year, and nearly 13 per cent above long term averages. Relative to other major centres, economic growth in Calgary remains one of the strongest in the country, said CREB chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. Employment opportunities and relatively higher wages have encouraged people to move here, supporting the demand growth in our housing sector. more

Calgary resale housing market prices and sales continue to climb (Calgary Herald)

Home sales stayed strong in November, rising 3.4 per cent from a year earlier, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board data. The median MLS sale price increased 5.3 per cent to $429,000, while the average sale price was up 6.1 per cent to $485,962, it said more

7 ways to keep your place safe while you are away (Realtor.com)

Whether youre lying on a beach in the Caribbean for a week, touring the country on a road trip or spending the holidays back home, the last thing you want to worry about is coming back to a ransacked apartment. But with a few simple tips, you can boost your rental security and worry less if youre hitting the road by keeping your place safe in your absence more

Calgarians mourn passing of local philanthropist, influential architect and titan of urban ideas (Calgary Herald)

Condolences go out to the family of Peter Burgener a true visionary for our city more

Booklets educates citizens on Calgarys growth (Calgary Sun)

The How to Build a Great City booklet is part of the Smarter Growth Initiative from UDI and CHBA Calgary Region, designed to raise awareness of the growth challenges faced by the city, while clearing up misconceptions and busting myths about development more

Bank of Canada poised to extend longest interest rate pause (Calgary Herald)

Stephen Poloz is poised to extend the Bank of Canadas interest-rate pause to the longest since World War II, helping Canadian bong yields resist the pressure of prospective tightening by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Poloz will keep his benchmark overnight rate at 1 per cent Dec. 3 according to all 22 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News through Nov. 28, streteching the pause that began with Mark Carney in 2024. That would make it the longest since February 1944 to September 1950, exceeding the October 1950 to January 1955 hiatus more

Alberta to change how it measures workplace danger (Calgary Herald)

The definition of an unsafe workplace is about the change in Alberta or at least the way the government measures it. Beginning next year, the province plans to issue an index for each employer that takes into account a number of factors to determine how dangerous or safe it is for its employees. Jobs, Skills, training and Labour Minister Ric McIver said the changes are being made to increase government transparency more

New calls for OHS committees for companies, something our members take very seriously more

The National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) and energy efficiency requirements for Part 9 of the Alberta Building Code

The National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) and energy efficiency requirements for Part 9 of the Alberta Building Code have not been adopted in Alberta yet. It is anticipated that the NECB and the next edition of the Alberta Building Code (and Alberta Fire Code) based on the 2024 national building and fire codes will occur in early 2024. There is always the 6 month transition period between code cycles or changes. This allows for a building with a permit under the previous code or where the design has been substantially reviewed toward a permit to continue construction under the previous code.

There is no intent to impose new code requirements on a building under construction or where the design is reviewed and plans undertaken. With Part 9 energy efficiency provisions, there may be a longer transition period that is has yet undetermined. Notice will be provided upon the impending adoption of the codes.

If you require further information, please contact Alberta Municipal Affairs Public Safety Division at 1-866-421-6929 or e-mail safety.services@gov.ab.ca where there are technical staff available to answer specific questions and concerns. Always contact the local authority having jurisdiction prior to any construction activity and ensure your project complies with Alberta Safety Codes and local bylaws. Local authority and permit information may be accessed at: http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_permit_information.cfm

Paycheques in our province (ATB Financial)

Plenty of opporutnities in Alberta have attracted thousands of job seekers over the past few years. But not all jobs or paycheques are created equal. Albertas oil and gas sector employees earn on average, $2,150 per week. Thats the highest by far of any sector in the province and the country. Workers in this industry see paycheques that are nearly double (86 per cent higher) the provincial average of $1,151 per week. (The data are for September 2024, are seasonaly adjusted before taxes). The national average is $942 per week more

CHBA Calgary Region Comment

This is why CHBA Calgary Region advocates for more choice for more people in more places. Affordable housing means all forms of housing to allow more people to be able to live comfortably.

Where canadas resale market is headed in 2024 2024 (Buzz Buzz Home)

The CMHC doesnt think resale home prices in Canadas major cities are about to drop any time soon. Looking into the fourth quarter Housing Market Outlook reports, the agencys MLS price predictions for the remainder of 2024, as well as 2024 and 2024 are almost entirely on the upward trend more

Calgarys real estate market bouyant amid plunging oil prices (Huffington Post)

A recent slip in oil prices hasnt bucked Albertas housing market from being on of the countrys most affordable, according to a report released by RBC Economic Research on Wednesday. Considered part of Canadas current trio of hot markets, Calgary sets itself apart from Vancouver and Toronto because of its attactive affordability more

Oil price falls below $70 US as OPEC leaves output unchanged (CBC News)

The Toronto stock market tumbled more than 100 points as energy stocks sold off and crude prices plunged to multiyear lows below $70 US a barrel after the OPEC cartel declined to cut oil production more

Calgary housing boom not affected by affordability issues, RBC says (Calgary Herald)

High and rising household incomes have been keeping housing in Calgary relatively affordable for potential buyers, says Craig Wright, senior v-p and chief economist, RBC. more

Smarter growth conversation (Calgary Herald)

CHBA-Calgary Region and UDI-Calgary unveil Smarter Growth Initiative more

CHBA National comments

Another terrific example of local HBAs becoming active partners in municipal policy and planning efforts and engaging other industry participants. This builds on previous CHBA Calgary efforts to inform the general public about development issues and their impact on the attractiveness and affordability of this fast-growing region.

Forget city living: Canadian seniors are moving to the suburbs study finds (Financial Post)

Even if the condos popping up in urban centres may seem a perfect fit for retirees, Canadians 65-and-over are increasingly going outside the city, according to a study from Concordia University more

How to co-buy a home with your friend in Canadas expensive market (Financial Post)

As housing costs rise, many first-time homebuyers are being priced out of the market and unable to save the huge hown payment or even qualify for a mortgage. So more people are resorting to other ways to achieve their home-buying goals, including co-buying with friends or family more

Calgary housing market faces moderate risk of overvaluation (Calgary Herald)

Soaring prices have put Calgarys record-setting housing market at moderate risk of overvaluation, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said Monday in a report that assessed conditions in the countrys biggest cities. Its House Price Analysis and Assessment looked at four risk factors in the Canadian housing market overheating, acceleration in house prices, overvaluation and overbuilding. In Calgary, it said modest gains in personal disposable income have not matched price growth more

Why its so hard for millennials to figure out where to live (The Atlantic)

There is a dilemma for young workers and, in particular, young couples looking to buy a home, raise children, and achieve the American Dram. The cities with the least affordable housing often have the best social mobility. And the cities with the worst social mobility often have the most affordable housing. When good jobs for the middle class and affordable homes are living in different cities, it represents a slow-motion splintering of the American Dream more

Takin it to the Streets (Rollin Stanley)

At almost every Council Public Hearing, we are having a discussion on the age of our Area Redevelopment Plans (ARPs). We have many. The general rule is they should be revisted every few years. The common problem for every city is that these plans pile up. The pile gets so high there is no way the plans can be revisited in a timely fashion and soon ten years passes. Building trends change, neighbourhoods change. The plans become outdated, yet they are still the rule for new applications to abide by. And we do not have the staff or resources to go back and revisit them all more

Five key numbers to watch as council debates the Calgary budget (Calgary Herald)

4.7% The proposed tax increase in every year of the 2024-2024 budget. Little of the extra revenue will go into better public services. Most of it helps to pay for cost inflation and union wage increases, as well as spreading more services across a city that keeps growing rapidly outward. Many councillors who normally try snipping or slicing away at the tax hike expect theyll struggle to put much of a dent into the proposed mill rate changes, but will argue against raising it further more

Turning hotel into affordable housing no easy feat for Drop-in Centre (Calgary Herald)

Dozens of people crowded into the Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association building Friday night to voice their concerns about a proposed affordable housing project in their community and see alternate visions for the site. Community leaders hope the three-day charette, which began Wednesday, will help residents and the Drop-In Centre overcome the two-year-old stalemate over the centres planned conversion of the former Quality Inn on Edmonton Trail N.E more

Skilled labour tough to find in Alberta (Calgary Herald)

More than two-thirds of Alberta business owners are finding it hard to hire skilled labour these days, according to a new survey by BMO. The survey found that 69 per cent of owners in the province and 74 per cent of Canadian owners said it is difficult now for them to find skilled workers more

All the single ladiesare driving Canadas condo market (The Globe and Mail)

The one-person household is the fastest-growing category in Canadas housing market as the population ages and more people opt to live alone. One-person households are expected to show the fastest pace of growth to 2036, making it the single biggest type of household by the 2024s, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. statistics for 2024 more

Multi-family demand thrives in Calgarys downtown core (Calgary Herald)

Anyone who travels Deerfoot Trail knows the suburban commuter is far from an endangered species. But the beginnings of a change in Calgarys residential character may be reflected in teh latest numbers from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation more

Local housing market sizzles along (Calgary Herald)

The per capita value of residential building permits issued in Calgary in September outstripped all other major metropolitan areas in the country, Statistics Canada figures show. The numbers demonstrate the muscle of Albertas oil-fuelled economy, with Edmonton placing second in per-capita permit values more

Canadas inflation rate was 2.4 per cent in October, Statistics Canada (660 News)

The climbing costs of bacon, smokes and natural gas helped propel the countrys annual inflation rate to the unexpected mark of 2.4 per cent last month, its fastest clip in since early 2024, Statistics Canada said Friday more

Upbeat survey in hand, Nenshi said transit will be his budget focus (Calgary Herald)

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he wants to pump more of Calgarys budget into transit rather than trim tax hikes, after the citizen satisfaction survey showed 67 per cent of the public wants higher investment in bus and CTrain service. The 2024-2024 draft budget, which council will debate next week, includes a slight cut to transit service next year, and growth in future years that barely keep pace with a rising population, along with yearly 4.7-per-cent property tax hikes to pay for that more

Calgary homeownership rate highest in Canada (Calgary Herald)

Homeownership in Calgary is the highest in the country. A report by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. says 72.4 per cent of households in Calgary owned their homes compared with 69 per cent nationally in 2024 the most recent data by the federal agency more

Boomers seek home upgrades not senior housing (Senior Housing News)

Baby-boomers are projected to spend $1.9 trillion on home purchases over five years, and not all boomers are looking to downsize, according to the latest research from The Demand Institute, which finds a significant amount of the World War II-born generation are looking for larger homes, or smaller homes with upgraded features. Only one in five boomer movers wants to relocate to senior-related housing or active adult communities more

Living in Luxury (Calgary Herald)

In the new world of Calgarys luxury real estate market, inner-city condos are competing against suburban estate homes for the hottest piece of a booming sector. Consider this fact: A Calgary businessman just paid $7 million for an estate condominium of 3,809 square feet with a 1,800 square-foot outdoor terrace in The Concord, a new 200-unit project propsed for eau Claire. It is the highest per-square-foot price ever paid for a condo in Calgary more

Homeless foundation plans affordable housing project in Bankview (Calgary Herald)

The Calgary Homeless Foundation plans to build an affordable housing development in the southwest community of Bankview in the hopes of helping more Calgarians get off and stay off the streets. The 24-unit assisted living development is slated to be built in the 1800 block of 17th street S.W. and could be finished by next winter. Support staff will be on site 24/7, and the only entrance to the building will be via a buzzer more

Great news coming if youre renewing a mortgage, youre about to save money (Financial Post)

Canadians renewing a mortgage in the next six months are likely to be all smiles as they end up with a lower interest rate that should prove to be positive for the overall economy, says a new report out Tuesday. The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals says in its annual state of the mortgage market that the average existing rate in Canada for consumers with a mortgage due in first half of 2024 is 3.5%. Just 60,000 of the 140,000 people renewing in the next six months have a rate lower than 3.5% more

More condos needed to keep up with immigrant demand CIBC says (CBC News)

Fears that Canada is building far more condominiums than it needs are overblown because of the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who are moving here in increasing numbers, one of Canadas biggest banks says more

Influx of young people brings challange, opportunity to Calgary (Calgary Herald)

A fraser Institute report released Tuesday reveals Alberta has been by far the biggest beneficiary of interprovincial migration over the last decade, followed by Saskatchewan and B.C. Every other province actually lost young people during that same 10-year period. The majority of young Canadians flooding into the West are coming for one reason jobs. From 2024 to 2024, the average annual u nemployment rates among 25- to 34-year-olds in Alberta (4.2 per cent) and Saskatchewan (4.8 per cent) dwarfed the rates in Quebec (7.3 per cent) and Ontario (7.1 per cent) more

Immigrans play bigger role in supporting housing market(Calgary Herald)

Immigration plays a bigger role in the nations housing market more than many Canadians believe, according to a new report from CIBC World Markets. Ask any real estate developer in any of Canadas major cities about the risk of overbuilding, and the first line of defence would be immigration and its critical role in supporting demand, said Benjamin Tal, CIBC World Markets deputy chief economist, who co-authored the report with Nick Exarhos. It turns out that at least for now, this claim is more valid than widely believed more

Calgary area housing starts to dip after record year (Calgary Herald)

The pace of new home construction in the Calgary region could reach a record level this year, but its expected to slow down in 2024, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. And a continuing decline in oil prices could pose a downside risk for the citys housing market more

More first-time homebuyers seeking family help with downpayments (Calgary Herald)

A new report released Tuesday by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals says 17 per cent of f