The report prompted the development of the Homeowner Protection Act which passed on July 28, 1998 for the main purposes of strengthening consumer protection for buyers of new homes and improving the quality of residential construction in the province. The Act provided for the creation of the HPO which officially opened on October 1, 1998.
The HPO is responsible for:
- residential builder licensing and establishing the framework for and monitoring the provision of mandatory third-party home warranty insurance
- administering a no-interest repair loan program and PST Relief Grant for owners of leaky homes, and
- a research and education function designed to benefit the residential construction industry and consumers.
The Barrett Commission
In April 1998 a commission of inquiry into the quality of residential construction, led by former Premier Dave Barrett, was established. The Barrett Report brought forward specific recommendations for action by all three levels of government, the building industry and various professions to strengthen consumer protection and restore confidence in the residential construction industry.
The Commission was re-appointed in August 1999 to inquire into the quality of condominium construction in British Columbia; the financial failure of New Home Warranty of British Columbia Inc.; and the impacts on homeowners, the industry and the economy because of this situation.
- The Renewal of Trust in Residential Construction, Part II, Volume Two (full version) - March 2000
Annual Reports
Board of Directors
The HPO is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Lieutenant Governor. The composition of the HPO Board helps ensure an accountable and professional residential construction industry where consumers are also adequately protected. Members of the HPO Board of Directors include:
- Ken MacLeod (Chair) – 25 years of experience with the former B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs including six years as Deputy Minister
- Maureen Enser - Executive Director of the Urban Development Institute
- Eric Gerrits – President of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC (CHBA BC) and President of Homescape Building and Design Inc.
- Joe Redmond – Vice President of UBC Properties Trust
- Peter Schultze – Immediate Past President of CHBA BC and President of Peter Schultz Construction Ltd.
- Don Goedbloed – Executive Vice President of Stuart Olson Construction Ltd. representing the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA), and
- Antonio Gioventu – Executive Director and Strata Property Advisor for the Condominium Home Owners’ Association (CHOA).
HPO's Board of Directors Governance Manual
Provincial Advisory Council on Homeowner Protection
The Homeowner Protection Act provides for the establishment of a Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) on Homeowner Protection which was formed in 1999. PAC was created to advise the HPO regarding residential construction in BC, research and education initiatives, and consumer information programs. The 14-member council includes representatives from consumer groups, architects, engineers, builders and developers, home warranty insurance companies, labour and local governments. The Council members represent the following organizations:
Architectural Institute of B.C. | City of Vancouver |
B.C. Construction Association | Home Warranty Insurance Company |
Union of British Columbia Municipalities | Urban Development Institute |
Canadian Home Builders' Association of B.C. | Building Officials Association of B.C. |
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists | Independent Contractors and Business Association of B.C. |
Condominium Home Owners' Association - 2 representatives | B.C. Federation of Labour - 2 representatives - International Union of Painters and Allied Trades - United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters |
Ministry
The HPO falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Forests and Range. Rich Coleman is the Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing..
The Shareholder's Letter of Expectations
between the Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for
Housing, and the Chair of the Homeowner Protection Office is available
for viewing.
Acts/Regulations
- Amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act regulations were passed on July 23, 2004. A summary sheet explaining the amendments is now available.
- Consolidated Building Envelope Renovation Regulation (html)
- Consolidated Building Envelope Renovation Regulation
[includes amendments up to B.C. Reg. 360/2004]
- Notice to Mediate (Residential Construction) Regulation
[B.C. Reg. 152/99]
- Consolidated Homeowner Protection Act Regulation (html)
- Consolidated Homeowner Protection Act Regulation
[B.C. Reg 29/99, includes amendments up to B.C. Reg. 360/2004]
- Homeowner Protection Act (html)
Last Updated: April 16, 2007
Ian Watt April 25 2007 at 4:15