Working with Richard Linzey, Manager, Heritage Programs and Services, Heritage Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, Jeff Renwick P.Eng. principal of bamtec has co-authored an article in the APEGBC Innovation magazine regarding the latest amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act, and policy change with respect to “Substantial reconstruction” renovation or conversion projects.

The amendments allow certain architectural components of designated heritage buildings that do not strictly conform to the requirements of current building code regulations to be exempt from the Homeowner Protection Act warranty requirements, on commercial to residential conversions. In addition, the Homeowner Protection Office has issued a policy change clarifying the threshold at which renovation or reconstruction of designated heritage buildings triggers the Homeowner Protection warranty requirements.

In doing so, the changes recognize the importance of retaining heritage fabric within our communities.

The article was published in the Innovation magazine the week of July 25, 2011 and is available online thereafter @http://www.apeg.bc.ca/resource/innovation/archive.html .