On November 19th, Houle participated in the CKNW Kids’ Fund Pledge Day 2024, sending a team of Houle volunteers to answer calls and take donations for this all-day pledge-a-thon campaign. Funds raised will support kids and families in need, helping them access the resources and assistance necessary to overcome various health challenges.

This annual fundraising event supports kids and their families by providing resources and grants for medical equipment, therapies, and educational support to improve their overall quality of life. Since 1945, the CKNW Kids’ Fund has granted millions of dollars to support thousands of children across BC.

We’re proud to support the CKNW Kids’ Fund. It’s incredible to hear these inspiring stories and see how the program positively impacts the lives of the families who benefit from it.

– Les Koss, VP, Technology.

Les was interviewed and asked about the importance of supporting CKNW Kids’ Fund Pledge Day 2024. Listen below for the entire interview.

In total, the campaign raised over $2.57 million to support the tremendous work of the CKNW Kids’ Fund.

Community is at the heart of everything we do and as a proud donor and long-time supporter, we’re proud to be a part of this meaningful initiative. Together, we’re shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for kids across BC.

About CKNW

Since 1945, the CKNW Kids’ Fund has granted millions of dollars to support hundreds of thousands of children with different health challenges by providing funds for services and equipment. The CKNW Kids’ Fund is one of the largest sources of direct funding assistance to children and families in BC. Each year, they help hundreds of children across the province receive mobility aids, medical equipment, specialized therapies, educational supports, adaptive devices, and summer camperships.

Visit here to learn more or donate: www.cknwkidsfund.com/donate

We’re proud to announce that Houle has been named among the 2024 Best Workplaces™ in British Columbia (B.C.).

The list is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by Great Place to Work®. To be eligible for this list, organizations must be Great Place to Work- Certified™ and have exceptionally high scores from employees on the Trust Index survey. 

Culture isn’t something that happens overnight, we invest continuous effort to foster a culture of innovation and excellence at Houle

Amber Roberts – VP, People and Culture.

Being recognized among the Best Workplaces™ in B.C. is a testament to our commitment to our people-focused culture and continuous improvement that has shaped our foundation for future success.

At Houle, we want everyone to have fulfilling careers with opportunities to work on exciting projects that have a lasting impact, and we pride ourselves on being a great workplace by fostering a supportive and engaging environment. We strive to deliver impactful programs and cultural initiatives that create unique employee experiences for everyone at Houle.

Shout-out to our employees for the tremendous feedback and for making Houle a great workplace. Here’s to continued growth and success together!

To see our company feature on Great Place to Work®, visit here.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. This global research and consulting firm provides the benchmarks and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In Canada, Great Place to Work® produces industry and demographic-specific Best Workplace™ lists. This represents the voices of 500,000 employees across various industries. In addition, the survey is part of the world’s largest annual workplace study. The Globe & Mail (Canada) and Fortune magazine (USA) will publish the national list and recognize the world’s Best Workplaces. For more details, visit Great Place to Work® Canada.

WE’RE ONE OF THE BEST WORKPLACES™ IN B.C.!

Want to grow your career with us? Visit our careers page at: www.houle.ca/careers.

We’re proud recipients of the 2024 Safety Award recognizing our superior safety record for trade contractors with 200,000 or more person-hours, and the prestigious Judges’ Award presented at the 2024 VRCA Awards of Excellence Gala for our work on the Third Space Commons project at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This special recognition by the judges’ panel highlights our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in this project.

ABOUT THIRD SPACE COMMONS

Third Space Commons is a student-led initiative that utilizes net-zero energy building design to create a sustainable learning environment. Initially conceived as a single-family home for the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge, it has evolved into an academic hub where UBC students engage with environmental initiatives and eco-friendly practices.

collaboration & innovation

As a build partner, we provided comprehensive electrical and technology solutions, including:

• Electrical Distribution
• Solar Infrastructure
• EV Charging Receptacles
• Lighting
• Fire Alarm
• Security
• Structured Cabling

Our team collaborated closely with the student project team, leveraging our technical expertise and construction experience to deliver innovative solutions to support their sustainable design. We reused materials from existing structures and utilized Hempcrete, a sustainable bio-composite alternative to concrete, reducing carbon emissions by 80% compared to traditional methods.

In partnership with Third Quadrant Design, we pushed the boundaries of sustainable building design, contributing to global climate initiatives. The Third Space Commons project exemplifies what can be achieved through teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.

about the award

The VRCA Awards of Excellence celebrates the exceptional work and outstanding achievements of it’s member companies. The Safety Award recognizes superior safety records for trade contractors with 200,000 or more person-hours. The Judges’ Awards are given to projects that merit special recognition in the areas of Environment, Sustainability, and Innovation.

Thank you VRCA for this special recognition and shout-out to our talented teams for their ongoing commitment to prioritizing safety and bringing this project to life.

To see the full project profile, visit here.

To see all the winners, visit here.

We’re proud to celebrate Certification Nation Day on October 16 with the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies across Canada. Great Place To Work® has designated this day to recognize companies committed to creating a great workplace for all. This certification reflects our efforts in investing in our people and the programs that make Houle a great place to work.

We’re proud to celebrate Certification Nation Day alongside so many other outstanding organizations. At Houle, we’re dedicated to building a workplace culture that works for everyone, and it’s inspiring to see our people grow and succeed together.

– Amber Roberts, VP of People & Culture, Houle

At Houle, our people are our greatest asset. This certification complements our dedication to safety, health, and well-being, and our commitment to fostering a people-focused workplace culture. Our initiatives include ongoing professional development, comprehensive safety standards and programs, mental health resources, community events, and team-building socials. As a result, these efforts help us create a safe, inclusive, and rewarding work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to grow.

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools and certification programs, Great Place to Work® recognizes the Best Workplaces™ worldwide in a series of national lists-moreover, this is published by Fortune magazine (USA) and The Globe & Mail (Canada).

How Does Great Place Certification Work?

The Great Place Institute determines certification based on the results of an anonymous employee survey and a separate evaluation of the organization’s management practices. The survey includes various parameters like safety, respect, fairness, management, team dynamics, and inclusion.

we’re hiring!

Looking to grow your career at a company that puts its people first? Visit our careers page at: www.houle.ca/careers.

Are you an apprentice, student, or journeyperson looking to advance your construction career? Available to Houle employees, Build Your Skills is a comprehensive program designed to equip you with essential tools and knowledge to succeed in the construction industry. With a wide range of free resources—including online courses, interactive activities, and video tutorials—Build Your Skills supports you at every step of your journey in the skilled trades.

Why Enroll in Build Your Skills?

At Houle, we understand the importance of continuous learning and career development in the construction industry. Whether you aim to strengthen your trade knowledge, excel in apprenticeship training, or prepare for your Red Seal or trade certification, Build Your Skills offers interactive lessons and step-by-step guidance to help you master even the most challenging technical concepts.

Free Access to Resources

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As a Houle employee, you get free access to resources, including training videos and tutoring, to support your professional growth.

Gear Up for the Trades

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Enhance your skills with exercises tailored for the trades. Improve your proficiency in math, science, and reading—skills that are crucial for success in the trades.

Grow Your Career in Construction

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Support your apprenticeship training and exam preparation. With resources tailored to achieving your Red Seal or trade certification, you can take your career to new heights.

How to enroll for free

Getting started with Build Your Skills is easy and completely free for Houle employees. Simply register, and within three business days, you’ll receive an email with your account details.

For more details, visit SkillPlan Learning Hub.

Last weekend, we made waves at the Champion of the Crescent Stand-up Paddleboard Race! As a Course Sponsor and a competing team, we were thrilled to be part of this meaningful event, raising awareness and funds for youth mental health initiatives through the Surrey Hospitals Foundation.

The event was a tremendous success, raising a total of $218,346. These proceeds will support critical youth mental health programs. For example, art therapy, music therapy, recreation therapy, sensory interventions, and therapeutic writing at the Surrey Hospitals Foundation.

At Houle, we’re committed to creating opportunities, enriching lives, and bringing communities to life. This means caring about the people who share their lives with us. We recognize the critical role of youth mental health in shaping our future. By supporting youth mental health initiatives, we empower the next generation and pave the way for a future where young individuals can thrive, achieve their potential, and prioritize their well-being.

Thank you to the Surrey Hospital Foundation for organizing this amazing event and for leading efforts to support youth mental health programs! Together, we can all stand up for youth mental health and create a brighter, healthier future.

Learn more about our community initiatives here.

We’re proud to announce that on June 21, 2024 our project, Third Space Commons, received the inaugural ECABC Innovation Award at the AGM & Gala Dinner in Penticton!

ABOUT THIRD SPACE COMMONS

In 2022, Third Quadrant Design, a UBC student-led team, embarked on a journey to create Third Space Commons for the 2023 Solar Decathlon Build Challenge. Initially designed as a single-family home, Third Space quickly evolved into a symbol of sustainable construction.

The 2023 Solar Decathlon Build Challenge

The Solar Decathlon Challenge, organized by the U.S. Department of Energy, is an international competition that challenges collegiate teams to design and build highly efficient and innovative buildings powered by renewable energy. It features two main competitions: the Design Challenge, which spans one to two semesters and focuses on design only, and the Build Challenge, a two-year program where teams design and build their projects.

Participating in the 2023 Build Challenge, Third Quadrant Design competed against teams from around the world, showcasing their dedication to advancing sustainable construction practices. Our entry, Third Space Commons, stood out for its unique approach and innovative solutions.

Key Innovations

Building with Hempcrete

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This carbon-negative material was used for constructing the walls of Third Space. Not only does hempcrete provide insulation and moisture regulation, but it also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, aligning perfectly with the project’s sustainability goals.

Using Reclaimed Materials

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We minimized waste and costs by repurposing materials from buildings slated for demolition.

Energy-Efficient Design

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Passive design principles reduced the need for artificial systems. Natural ventilation, rainwater collection, and energy-efficient lighting were key elements.

Energy-Efficient Systems

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We integrated intelligent lighting control, energy-efficient floorboard heating, HVAC systems, and controls to optimize energy usage.

All these innovations contributed to Third Space’s environmental footprint reduction. Compared to a baseline building, Third Space achieved a 75% reduction in total carbon emissions over its projected 10-year lifespan.

WHAT’S UNIQUE

The interdisciplinary Third Quadrant Design team, comprising engineering, architecture, arts, and business students, drove this project from design to completion. Our mentorship and technical support helped the student project team overcome challenges, refine their skills, and make meaningful contributions to sustainable construction.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The ECABC Innovation Award recognizes outstanding innovation in construction practices and technology. This year’s theme focused on Green Infrastructure, highlighting a project that contributed to BC’s transition to a low-carbon future. Receiving this inaugural award underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable building and inspiring future projects.

We are thrilled to announce that Houle has once again achieved Platinum membership status in Deloitte’s Best Managed Companies program! This marks our twelfth consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition for our exceptional management abilities and business practices.

At Houle, we commit to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth as the foundation of our operations. These principles guide every decision we make and reflect the hard work and dedication of our entire team in leading our industry forward. Their passion, expertise, and pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in our success.

As we continue to evolve, we remain dedicated to bringing communities to life by delivering exceptional service and driving positive change in the industry.

We extend our congratulations to all this year’s winners! See the winner’s list here.

About Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Canada’s Best Managed Companies remains the hallmark of excellence for private Canadian-owned and managed businesses. Since its inception in 1993, this program has attracted hundreds of entrepreneurial companies competing for recognition through a rigorous and independent evaluation of their management skills and practices.

The awards are granted across four levels:

1. Canada’s Best Managed Companies New Winner – recognizing outstanding newcomers selected each year.
2. Canada’s Best Managed Companies Winner – honouring recipients who have successfully maintained their Best Managed designation for two additional years.
3. Gold Standard Winner – celebrating companies that have demonstrated their dedication to the program by maintaining their Best Managed status for four to six consecutive years.
4. Platinum Club Member – honouring winners who have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more.

This program is proudly sponsored by Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, Salesforce, and TMX Group.

For more information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

Are you seeking residential electrical services to support your home improvement projects? From power upgrades and inspections to EV charger installations, our licensed electricians will ensure your home’s electrical systems are safe and tailored to meet all your electrical needs.

Home Renovations

Embarking on a home renovation can be exciting but overwhelming, especially when it comes to integrating advanced electrical systems. Our licensed electricians offer expert guidance for complex wiring, energy-efficient improvements, and smart home technologies. We go beyond mere installations; we design electrical plans specific to your renovation needs, ensuring compliance with local codes and safety standards. Here’s how we can assist:

Heating & Cooling

Upgrading your heating and cooling system? Proper electrical infrastructure is crucial. Our electricians are experts in equipping your home with modern HVAC systems, ensuring efficient operation and energy savings:

Our Services

EV Charging

Considering an EV charger for your home? Our comprehensive services include everything from securing permits to choosing the right charger, ensuring a smooth installation:

Electrical Repairs and Upgrade

Ensure your home is safe with our top-notch electrical repair and upgrade services. Whether it’s outdated wiring or a panel upgrade, our team is ready to tackle any challenge, 24/7.

Home Inspections

From pre-purchase evaluations to renovations, our inspections provide a detailed overview of your home’s electrical systems, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

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CONTACT US TODAY

At Houle, we’re committed to delivering exceptional electrical services tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today for all your electrical needs! Contact us today for all your electrical needs!

To understand more about residential electrical service, click here.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT.

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Understanding your home or residential electrical service is vital for safety, efficiency, and comfort. This guide will demystify the basics of residential electrical services, helping homeowners make informed decisions about maintenance, upgrades, and compliance.

Electrical Service explained

Residential electrical service is the system that distributes electricity throughout your home, starting from the meter box where the utility company’s responsibility ends. It includes your main breaker panel, circuits, and all wiring, outlets, and fixtures.

determining your Service Size

Service size, measured in amperes (amps), indicates the capacity of your home’s electrical system. Modern homes typically require between 100 to 200 amps to safely power all devices and appliances. If your home is older, with only 60 amps, upgrading may be necessary to support today’s electrical loads and enhance safety.

Key Components of Your Electrical System

• Service Drop: Connection point from the utility’s lines to your home.
• Meter Box: Tracks electricity usage for billing.
• Main Breaker Panel: Distributes electricity to various circuits and provides a safety mechanism against overloads.
• Circuits and Wires: Delivers power within the home and includes safety features like circuit breakers to prevent overloading and potential fires.

When to Consider an Electrical Upgrade

Signs you might need an upgrade include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, or the addition of high-power appliances. Upgrading from 100 to 200 amps improves safety and increases your home’s value.

Safety Tips

• Hire a licensed electrician for any major electrical work.
• Regularly inspect and replace worn or damaged cords and fixtures.
• Avoid overloading outlets and use power strips sparingly.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in areas exposed to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.

Navigating Compliance and Permits:

Electrical upgrades often require permits and must comply with local building codes. This ensures safety and avoids complications when selling your home. Always check with your local building department before starting significant electrical work.

Boosting Energy Efficiency

Upgrading your electrical system can also lead to better energy efficiency. Consider integrating LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and smart devices that automatically manage electricity usage, reducing costs and environmental impact.

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Contact us!

Every homeowner should have a basic understanding of their home’s electrical service. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or simply maintaining your current system, being well-informed will help you ensure your home is safe, efficient, and up to code. Invest in your electrical infrastructure to safeguard and enhance your living environment. Contact us for all your electrical needs!

To learn more about the residential electrical services we offer, visit here.

Get in touch today.

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