Building Links 2013, Issue #25
Editor’s Note
The Village of Cumberland utilizes a series of reservoirs along Cumberland Creek for the storage and supply of water to its residents. A dam stability assessment, based on the Dam Safety Guidelines, has designated the Steven’s Lake Dam as a ‘high’ consequence dam. The Village, through its agent McElhanney Engineering, is seeking proposals for the design of a new dam.
Vancouver Island Regional Library anticipates entering into contracts with qualified architectural firms with the proven experience, capability and capacity for Architectural Services for a variety of projects which may include seismic upgrades, renovation, heritage restoration, additions, new facilities and space planning.
The Town of Comox has issued a tender for Military Row Upgrades. The work includes roadway widening construction; new concrete storm drain installation and bike lane and pedestrian improvements.
See our tender section for more information on all of these projects.
Happy Canada Day
Housing Starts Projected to be Lower in 2013 With a Modest Increase in 2014
OTTAWA, June 25, 2013 — Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) expects housing starts to re-gain momentum in the later part of the year and/or into 2014, as employment, economic growth and net migration are forecast to improve over the forecast horizon. Overall, total annual housing starts are expected to be lower in 2013 compared to 2012, mostly due to moderation observed in the first half of 2013, according to CMHC’s second quarter 2013 Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition1. Link:https://www03.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/catalog/productList.cfm?cat=63&lang=en&fr=1372178864730
On an annual basis, housing starts are expected to range between 173,300 to 192,500 units in 2013, with a point forecast of 182,900 units, following a level of 214,827 units in 2012. In 2014, housing starts are expected to range from 166,500 to 211,300 units, with a point forecast of 188,900 units.
Existing home sales are expected to range between 412,000 to 474,800 units in 2013, with a point forecast of 443,400 units, following a level of 453,372 in 2012. In 2014, Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®2) sales are expected to range from 435,800 to 501,400 units, with an increase in the point forecast to 468,600 units.
The average MLS® price is forecast to be between $359,400 and $380,000 in 2013 and between $362,400 and $392,200 in 2014. CMHC’s point forecast for the average MLS® price calls for a 1.6 per cent gain to $369,700 in 2013 and a further 2.1 per cent gain to $377,300 in 2014.
Excerpt from CHMC News Release, June 24, 2013
