Indigenous Contractors Corner

Here, contractors and subcontractors working in Indigenous communities can find information about training and how to access copies of the building codes, fire codes, national energy code just to name a few.

Architectural drawings for new construction of homes in First Nations communities – Free

The First Nations National Building Officers Association announces the availability of architectural plans (valued at almost $50,000) for new construction of homes in First Nations communities – available to qualifying communities for no charge (free).

The plans include:

• 1-Bedroom

• 2-Bedroom

• 3-Bedroom

• 4-Bedroom

• A 2-bedroom duplex

Learn more about the architectural drawings offering.

Documents

Build Radon Resistant Homes in Indigenous Communities

Many Indigenous communities may have radon gas issues. These communities could benefit from building Radon Resistant Homes. Building homes with less radon reduces lung cancer risk and save lives within the community. Important standards have been developed to build Radon Resistant Homes to help Indigenous communities.

Read the document:

• Build radon resistant homes in Indigenous communities (PDF)

• Construire des habitations résistantes au radon dans les communautés autochtones (PDF)

Residential foundation systems for permafrost regions

Permafrost underlies all of the Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories and much of the northern portions of the provinces, especially Manitoba and Quebec. Frozen ground conditions can have significant adverse effects on structures in the north. The effects of settlement and frost heaving commonly result in the premature deterioration of residential structures. Problems related to foundation design and construction can be reduced to a minimum if care is taken in the selection of suitable sites and appropriate foundation systems.

This report presents the results of a literature review, interviews and onsite visits to assess feasible foundation systems for residential construction in permafrost regions. The type of foundation system depends on a number of factors, including type and characteristics of the permafrost, subsurface conditions, availability of excavation equipment, availability of skilled labour, and others.

Read the report (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation / AGRA Earth & Environmental Limited Calgary, Alberta March 2000):

• Residential foundation systems for permafrost regions (PDF)

An Overview of Residential Construction Occupation, Skill Requirements and Wages

Housing professionals and technicians can also find valuable information to help in their decision making.  Here, you will find an important report FNNBOA has just released called “An Overview of Residential Construction Occupation, Skill Requirements and Wages”. This document provides an overview of the approximately 30 key construction trades for new residential construction. Many Indigenous communities hire these construction trades to build new or renovate homes but, may be unaware of the required expertise, or the wage to pay, for these trades. 

Read the report:

• English: Overview of Occupations, Skills Requirements and Salaries in the Residential Construction Sector (PDF)

• French: Présentation des professions, des compétences requises et des salaires dans le secteur de la construction résidentielle (PDF)

Technical Guides on Northern Housing (TGNH)

The TGNH consists of 13 booklets describing the building conditions for specific regions in Canada and 11 booklets on geotechnical approaches, mechanical systems, primary elements of the house and fire safety as they relate to the northern regions Across Canada. 

Read more about the TGNH.

Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC)

The Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC) is an industry-based, non-profit corporation created to facilitate the development, use, and testing of energy-efficient, durable, healthy, and cost-effective building technologies for people living in circumpolar regions around the globe. Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, the Research Center was conceived and developed by members of the Alaska State Home Builders Association and 90 percent of CCHRC’s charter members are general contractors from across the state. (www.cchrc.org).

The CCHRC has produced wonderful educational videos geared towards homeowners that cover home maintenance, energy efficiency and basic building science.  These videos can be found the CCHRC YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/ColdClimateHousing/videos

 Here are some topics of interests: