Ottawa - The Canadian Centre for Housing Technology (CCHT) was officially opened today in Ottawa. Consumers, home builders and manufacturers will benefit from research taking place at this unique, new housing research facility. The CCHT will encourage the development and use of innovative Canadian technologies in both domestic and export housing markets.
The Centre is a $1.5 million partnership of the National Research Council (NRC), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Its two research houses, which represent current single-family homes, and its display-and-demonstration InfoCentre are located on the grounds of NRC's Ottawa Campus. All three buildings were designed and built by Minto Development Inc., Canada's largest production builder of R-2000 homes.
"The products and techniques developed at the Centre will help Canadians save money, increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Natural Resources. "Research at his new facility will also make important contributions to meeting our international climate change challenge."
"The Canadian Centre for Housing Technology is a prime example of how government agencies with diversified mandates, can partner with industry to advance technology and improve Canadian housing," said Alfonso Gagliano, Minister responsible for CMHC. "Products that improve the indoor environment of our homes, reduce costs, improve comfort, provide flexibility and are sustainable, are not only needed for Canadians today but will ensure a healthy environment for our children into the next millennium."
Federal Research Means Better, More Efficient Homes
The research houses will evaluate the performance of innovative products and building techniques. Testing products under realistic conditions provides manufacturers and home builders with a more accurate picture of the effectiveness of new products and techniques.
The InfoCentre is a customized three-unit row house, demonstrating the adaptability of residential construction to light commercial, multi-housing, mixed uses. One unit is a furnished award-winning CMHC FlexHousing design. This demonstration of practical design shows how housing can adapt, convert or expand as the needs of its occupants change.
Even before its official opening, the CCHT has helped bring together two Canadian companies, giving them a springboard for potential export opportunities world-wide. Horizon Technologies of Victoria, B.C. and NORDX/CDT of Pointe-Claire, Quebec, worked together to install a state-of-the-art integrated residential cabling and home-automation system in the Centre. "Our work with CCHT has opened up many new opportunities for us, generating interest as far away as South East Asia," said Horizon Technologies President, Ludo Bertsch.
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For more information, please contact:
John Embury
Press Secretary
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007
Eric Tetrault
Director of Communication
Office of Minister Alfonso Gagliano
(819) 997-5421