News
Ontario government decision puts an end to Heating and Cooling Incentive
March 22, 2019The Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Institute of Canada announced today that Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Greg Rickford, has directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to discontinue the Conservation First Framework, including the Heating and…
Nortek recognized for $10K donation to U.S., Canadian ASHRAE chapters
March 21, 2019Nortek Air Solutions has been recognized by ASHRAE’s Research Promotion (RP) campaign for its 2018 Golden Circle level donation of $10,000. The donation marks the 19th consecutive year of RP donations by the company. Nortek divided its contribution among three…
Federal budget promises millions to promote skilled trades, outlines funding for job training programs
March 20, 2019The federal government unveiled a series of new budgetary measures March 19 to encourage young people to enter the skilled trades. The Liberals plan to funnel $40 million over four years to Skills Canada under Budget 2019, with $10 million…
Nova Scotia tables prompt payment legislation, plans industry consultations
March 19, 2019Nova Scotia is the latest province to introduce prompt payment legislation, which sets timelines to ensure construction businesses and workers are paid on time. Among other changes, amendments to the Builders’ Lien Act–to be renamed the Builders’ Lien and Prompt…
Premier pledges $40M for low-carbon programs in NL
March 18, 2019Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball has committed $40 million for “low carbon economy programs” in the province. As part of the funding, the provincial government is funneling $10.25 million into the Climate Change Challenge Program, which will offer grants…
Honeywell strikes $3.1M contract to upgrade Northern Ontario hospitals
March 15, 2019MICs Group of Health Services, a Northern Ontario hospital owner-operator has signed a 10-year, $3.1 million contract with Honeywell to upgrade its facilities. A range of energy and infrastructure upgrades will be implemented across MICs three sites: Bingham Memorial Hospital…
Presenters needed for ASHRAE humidity-focused 2020 webcast
March 14, 2019ASHRAE has put out a call for three presenters for its global 2020 webcast. Presentations should fit the theme, “Effects of Low Humidity and High Humidity on People, Buildings and Energy Performance.” “Humidity has a substantial impact on the comfort…
HRAI puts out call for HVAC/R “Career Ambassadors”
March 13, 2019The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) is rebooting its Career Ambassadors program. Ambassadors from across Canada speak to youth aged between 16 to 21 years about career opportunities in the HVAC/R industry. HRAI is asking for interested individuals…
ASHRAE launches Certified HVAC Designer applications
March 13, 2019Applications for ASHRAE’s Certified HVAC Designer (CHD) certification are now open. “For a long time, the certification committee had suspected an HVAC Designer certification would serve the needs of members,” said Mark Fly, chair of the exam subcommittee. “Launching a…
Lean Construction Institute conference to kick off in April
March 12, 2019Registration is now open for the Lean Construction Institute of Canada (LCI-C)–a committee of the Canadian Construction Association–fourth annual training day and conference. The conference, to be held in Montreal, QC from April 30 to May 2, 2019, will include…
HVAC zoning manufacturer Arzel strengthens Canadian presence
March 8, 2019Arzel Zoning, a Cleveland, OH-based manufacturer of residential and commercial HVAC zoning products, has announced that Air Force 1 Sales & Marketing Ltd. will represent it in Ontario. Air Force 1 also represents Panasonic, Fresh-Aire UV, Primex and other manufacturers…
HRAI calls for nominations for three Achievement Awards
March 6, 2019Nominations are now open for the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) Achievement Awards. The HRAI Merit Award is presented to an industry representation that has made an “outstanding contribution to the development and progress of HRAI and the…
Employer and educator team up to create real-world learning environment
March 4, 2019Durham College (DC) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) recently celebrated the completion of the college’s first-ever Boiler Lab in Whitby, ON. Funded by both DC and OPG, the new boiler lab will help ensure graduates gain real-world experience and knowledge…
Online exclusive: Retiree shares insights and advice for plumbing, HVAC industry
March 4, 2019After a more than 50-year career, Don Carter has a few hats to hang. The industry veteran is set to retire on a career marked by a steady rise in the ranks, and some lessons learned, in Western Canada. Now,…
HRAI to tackle low-carbon economy challenges at symposium
March 1, 2019The challenges and opportunities presented by Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy is the focus of an upcoming Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) symposium. Designed for HVAC/R industry stakeholders, the symposium will include a series of presentations and…
Emerson opens up Ridgid trade trip contest to Canadians
February 28, 2019For the first time, Canadian contractors can enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Ridgid world headquarters in St. Louis, MO, as part of the company’s third annual “Trade Trip of a Lifetime” contest. A total of six winners will…
Feds award $53.6M contract to upgrade mechanical systems at coast guard college
February 27, 2019The Canadian Coast Guard College is about to undergo a major facelift. Ottawa awarded a $53.6 million contract to Sydney, NS-based Joneljim Concrete Construction (1994) Limited to replace the school’s mechanical and sprinkler systems. The work includes the installation of…
USask research team develops innovative energy distribution system
February 26, 2019A research team at the University of Saskatchewan is hoping to solve an age-old dilemma in home heating and cooling with the help of a novel technology. Uctupus, an intelligent multi-zone energy distribution system, aims to distribute air to maintain…
A-Gas is heading north
February 25, 2019Refrigerant company A-Gas Americas has announced its expansion in the Canadian market in February, along with new leadership in the region. Louise McCann, managing director of A-Gas, said the company has “strong relationships within Canada, having participated in the reclaim…
Stelpro earns Good Design awards in electronics, household categories
February 25, 2019Stelpro smart thermostats and fan heaters have been recognized in the Good Design Awards, an annual design competition. The company’s Maestro smart thermostat range was awarded in the electronics category, while the Orléans and Oasis fan heaters were recognized in…
People on the move: Fortune Brands, Duravit, Uponor, Friedrich and Prier
February 22, 2019Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group (GPG) has announced the retirement of Mike Dennis, president of the Canadian and Latin subsidiaries. Cheri Phyfer, current president of Moen U.S., will take on an expanded role as president of the GPG Americas. Her…
MCAC to host Innovation Conference in downtown Toronto
February 21, 2019The 2019 Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) Innovation Conference is set to kick off April 15 to 16 at the Beanfield Centre in Toronto, ON. Themed “The Innovation Mindset: Converting Opportunities into Realities,” the conference includes a number of…
Alberta adopts new building, fire Codes
February 20, 2019New codes have come into effect in Alberta. The province has adopted the National Building Code–2019 Alberta Edition and National Energy Code for Buildings–2018 Edition to its Building Code Regulation. The Fire Code Regulation has adopted the National Fire Code–2019…
Elementary schools invited to participate in CIPH plumbing day initiative
February 19, 2019The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) is taking a new approach for this year’s World Plumbing Day, to be held on March 11.The association is calling on elementary school students to ask themselves “what water means to them.”…
CIPH president, general manager named chair of NAW council
February 15, 2019The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), headquartered in Washington, DC, has tapped CIPH President and General Manager Ralph Suppa to take over as chair of its Association Executive Council (AEC). “I am thrilled and honoured to be standing here as…
The Master Group to become exclusive distributor of York product lines
February 14, 2019The Master Group will become the exclusive distributor for Johnson Controls’ York brand residential ducted systems and commercial rooftop products this spring. The two companies will enter a multi-year contractual agreement May 13, 2019, which will grant The Master Group…
Wolseley One Tradeshow to kick off in Vaughan, ON in March
February 14, 2019Wolseley has opened registration for its third annual One Tradeshow in Ontario, to be held March 27, 2019 at the Universal Eventspace in Vaughan, ON. The company expects the show to attract upwards of 1,200 customers and 70 exhibitors showcasing…
SFA Group aims to grow German presence with acquisition
February 13, 2019SFA Group, parent company of Saniflo Canada, has acquired German pump manufacturer Zehnder Pumpen GmbH. According to SFA Group, the acquisition allows the company to strengthen its position in the sanitary technology market. “The acquisition provides an excellent opportunity for…
Nortek celebrates landmark 100-year anniversary
February 12, 2019Nortek Global HVAC kicked off its year of anniversary celebrations at the AHR Expo, held in Atlanta, GA from January 14 to 16, 2019. The company plans to mark its 100th year with subsequent events and celebrations throughout 2019. Founded…
People on the move: Ecco Supply, Caleffi, Aquatherm, Ontor Limited
February 11, 2019Bill Davis has taken over as director of sales branch operations at Ecco Supply. The company also appointed Bobby Yu to the position of sales manager, succeeding now-retired Norm Grusnick. Kevin Locke has been tapped as director of procurement at…