What’s New: In Brief (July 25, 2007)

Changes need to be made to the Albertas building codes to incorporate tougher governance on installation of siding, insurance and vinyl siding industries are saying after last weekends massive fire, The Edmonton Journal reports. As an incentive, insurance companies might consider implementing reductions in premiums for those homes equipped with safety features, Michael Debolt, public affairs manager for the Prairies branch of the Insurance Bureau of Canada, told The Journal. Theres no question this may impact your premiums in a positive or negative way, he said to The Journal, adding that homeowner policies cover replacement, and with the rising cost of construction, insurance companies are taking a hit.

Derek Holloway, senior vice president of ENCON, was recently honoured with the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canadas (ACEC) Chairmans Award for exceptional contribution to the consulting engineering industry. Holloway is the first non-engineer to receive this award, in a statement issued by the company. Through his work with the government, industry associations and educational initiatives, Holloway has helped to shape the professional liability insurance industry for architects and engineers. By working closely with industry associations and government, he has helped to ensure that professional liability and coverage in Canada adequately meets the needs of these specialized professions, the statement notes.