In February 2024, we proudly received the Johnson Controls Open Globe Award for Outstanding Sales Excellence! As a leader in security access controls, being ranked among the top performers for 2023 is a testament to our talented Technology teams and their commitment to collaboration that supports delivering innovative systems integration solutions for our customers. Thanks to Johnson Controls for this recognition.
It’s through our talented teams and strong partnerships that we can succeed in delivering excellent service to our customers and communities. As BC’s leading electrical contractor and systems integrator, we are proud of our sales performance and achievement.
Les Koss, Vice President, Technology
About This Award
The Johnson Controls Open Globe Award for Outstanding Sales Excellence recognizes partners who deliver exceptional knowledge and expertise when managing security access controls and have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the customer. The outstanding sales performers rank among the “best of the best” in fiscal year 2023.
We’re thrilled to be recognized among this year’s BC’s Top Employers! We’re proud of our talented teams and innovative programs that create a supportive workplace where everyone can grow and make a lasting impact. This marks the third year that we have been honoured with this distinction, reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining an outstanding workplace.
TOP EMPLOYER
AN ANNUAL DISTINCTION FOR EXCEPTIONAL WORKPLACES
The Top Employer designation, organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., is awarded annually to organizations across BC that “lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.” Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. The evaluation covers eight essential criteria:
Physical workplace
Work Atmosphere & Social
Health, Financial, & Family Benefits
Vacation & Time Off
Employee Communications
Performance Management
Training & Skills Development
Community Involvement
It’s an honour to receive this recognition for our purpose-driven culture and programs that empower employees to make a positive impact in our communities. This achievement serves as a testament to our commitment to providing meaningful work, ongoing career development, and opportunities to grow.
Amber Roberts, VP, People & Culture
Workplace Excellence at Houle
As BC’s leading electrical contractor and systems integrator, with over 1,200 dedicated professionals employed in both office and field positions, we’re committed to building teams that thrive. Driven by purpose and connected through collaboration, our focus on people guides our success in delivering some of the most exciting projects in the province.
Learn more about BC’s Top Employers and what sets Houle apart as an employer of choice here.
Are you a strata or property manager, business owner, or homeowner? The demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging is on the rise and now is the perfect time to get your property EV Ready by expanding your EV charging infrastructure. The Province of BC is moving forward with its zero-emission vehicle targets and as of October 31st, 2023, it has approved another $6.59M in funding to re-open the CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program for Homes and Workplaces.
What does this mean? Whether you’re thinking of starting the planning process to upgrade your property, or your building is already approved for EV charger installation, there are BC Hydro EV charger rebates available to help you save up to 50-75% of the costs, while funding lasts.
How it Works
MULTI-UNIT HOMES (APARTMENT, CONDO & TOWNHOME COMPLEXES)
EV Ready Plan
If your complex is not already pre-approved by BC Hydro for EV charger installation, you will need an EV Ready Plan. This is a professional document for your building to make at least one parking space per residential unit EV Ready, which includes the electrical infrastructure to support EV chargers.
If your plan is completed by a licensed electrical contractor or electrical engineer, you could receive a rebate of up to 75% of the costs of creating the plan, to a maximum of $3,000. Note that an EV Ready Plan is simply a starting point and does not require you to move forward with installation.
EV INFRASTRUCTURE
Once your EV Ready Plan is complete and approved, you can proceed with the installation of electrical infrastructure to support EV chargers. This could include electrical service upgrades, wiring, and civil works. While funding lasts, you could receive a rebate of up to 50% of the installation costs, to a maximum of $600 per parking stall, and a project maximum of $120,000. Note: while having the right electrical infrastructure is critical to being EV Ready, EV charging devices can be installed later.
EV CHARGER INSTALLATION
Once the electrical infrastructure is in place, you’ll be ready for EV charger installation. You could receive a rebate of up to 50% of the costs, up to a maximum of $1,400 per charger to purchase and install Level 2 networked EV chargers, to a maximum of $14,000.
Standalone EV Charging Stations
For standalone EV chargers at workplaces (for employee use) and multi-unit homes, BC Hydro is offering rebates of up to 50% of costs up to a maximum of $2,000 per charger to purchase and install eligible Level 2 networked EV chargers, to a maximum of $14,000. The building must be pre-approved.
Single-Family Homes
Owners or residents of single-family homes, row homes, or duplexes that purchase and install an eligible Level 2 EV charger could receive a rebate of up to 50% of costs, to a maximum of $350. BC Hydro is also offering incentives of up to $250 for single-family home customers who install eligible EV chargers, and power management rebates for installing power-switching devices.
Why Upgrade Now?
Take advantage of BC Hydro EV charger rebates and incentive programs before they run out
Make your property ready for the rising demand for electric vehicles
Attract eco-conscious residents, employees, and customers looking for EV charging capabilities
Make your property ready to meet future regulatory requirements
Increase your property value with the presence of EV chargers
Increase revenue generation through visitor charging stalls
Support sustainability and protect the environment through reduced emissions
EV Rebate Summary
EV Ready Plan
save up to 75% ($3,000 MAx)
When working with a licensed electrical contractor.
infrastructure
save up to 50% ($120k MAx)
On electrical work required to support EV charging.
charger install
save up to 50% ($1,400 MAx)
Per Level 2 charger, to a max. of $14,000.
Standalone charger
Save up to 50% costs, to a maximum of $2,000 per charger
For multi-unit homes & workplaces.
Single-Family Homes
save up to 50% ($350 max)
Save an additional $250 on eligible smart EV chargers, and, ask us about rebates for installing power-switching devices.
As a licensed electrical contractor, working in Vancouver and across BC, we can help with all your EV charging needs and help maximize your eligibility for EV charger rebates. From developing EV Ready plans and pulling electrical permits to installing electrical infrastructure, EV chargers, and power-switching devices for homes, our EV charger installers and certified electricians have you covered. From residential to commercial properties, we’ll ensure that your project meets all regulatory requirements. To start your EV Ready Plan, you can request a service or call us at 1.844.GO.HOULE.
On Giving Tuesday (November 28, 2023), our Burnaby team participated in the annual CKNW Kids’ Fund Pledge Day charity event! Every year, this long-standing radiothon brings in millions of dollars by phone and online donations. This fundraising event goes towards supporting BC kids and their families as they navigate various health challenges. This includes providing grants for specialized medical equipment, therapies, and programs for at-risk youth. Visit here to learn more or donate.
We were able to send a team of five volunteers to help answer the phones to raise funds for the CKNW Kids’ Fund. Houle also donated $5,000 and Lori Podnevar was interviewed live on-air about Houle’s involvement, which you can hear in the video above. In total, the event raised more than $3.3 million for the important work of the CKNW Kids’ Fund, topping the previous record of $2.7 million set last year. Read the news article here.
Overall, we’re proud to support this important cause and the communities where we live, work, and play.
About CKNW
Since 1945, CKNW Kids’ Fund has granted millions of dollars to support hundreds of thousands of children with different challenges. Through the generosity of organizations and communities, they helped families by providing grants for essential specialized medical equipment, therapies, and programs for at-risk youth.
Electrical preventative maintenance is crucial for any building, whether commercial, residential, institutional, or industrial and infrastructure. It focuses on catching issues with your building’s electrical equipment and preventing unplanned outages and disruptive failures. From a property management perspective, this could mean the difference between a $500 fix and a $10,000 repair.
To establish an effective electrical preventative maintenance program, several key elements come into play, including annual electrical operating permits, annual infrared scanning, and electrical distribution maintenance. Let’s delve deeper into these essential components:
Annual Electrical Operating Permits
To ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and inspection of electrical equipment, Technical Safety BC or your local municipality mandates annual electrical operating permits for facilities working with such equipment.
Whether your building falls under the category of commercial, residential, industrial, or institutional, we can help you set up and apply for your annual electrical operating permit through Technical Safety BC or your local municipality.
Infrared Scanning
We use infrared cameras to identify deficiencies in electrical equipment through the detection of abnormal heating. This can help catch potential issues before they cause a system failure or outage.
Benefits of Infrared Scanning
Our scans are conducted by Red Seal Electricians and certified Thermographers.
We use top-of-the-line testing and personal protection equipment.
Our comprehensive problem analysis is presented in an easy-to-understand report that complies with insurance requirements.
By identifying and addressing potential problems early on, we help you avoid equipment failure and operational disruption.
Electrical Distribution Maintenance
Our electrical distribution maintenance includes the maintenance of switchgear and transformers that feed power from the electrical service provider to your building.
Maintenance is required every 42 months for dual radial switchgear and recommended for single high-voltage feed switchgear.
We can plan and complete shutdowns outside of working hours to reduce disruption to building occupants.
Houle Preventative Maintenance Solutions
With our preventative maintenance solutions, you can avoid equipment failure and operational disruption, ensure safe and reliable electrical systems, and comply with insurance requirements.
Contact us today to discover how our preventative maintenance solutions can benefit your property!
On November 16, 2023, Houle was inducted into the Burnaby Business Hall of Fame. This special award is bestowed jointly by the Burnaby Board of Trade and the City of Burnaby every year to a widely-recognized, Burnaby-based business that has demonstrated outstanding business success over many years and positively and significantly impacted the community.
This award is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and innovation of our entire team and to our almost 80-years of providing electrical and technology solutions to people across the province. It also reflects the values that drive us every day – excellence, collaboration, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
The Houle legacy began in 1944, when Lionel Houle and his father opened an electrical store in Port Alberni to serve the needs of the community. In the 1950s, Lionel established Houle’s headquarters in the city of Burnaby, and we’ve been growing ever since. Today, we have become BC’s leading electrical contractor and systems integrator. Trusted to deliver some of the province’s most complex infrastructure projects. From hospitals, universities, and shopping centres, to airports, shipping terminals, and sustainable power infrastructure. We’re passionate about what we do and provide the experience, capabilities, and resources to deliver innovative solutions for any project.
We’re also proud of our long-standing tradition of supporting organizations that do incredible work in our communities. This includes groups like the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
We are honored to have been selected and express our gratitude to the Burnaby Board of Trade, its members, the City of Burnaby, and the entire Burnaby community for granting us this prestigious recognition. This recognition energizes and inspires us to continue our work in bringing communities to life.
ABOUT THE BURNABY BOARD OF TRADE
The Burnaby Board of Trade (BBOT) is Burnaby’s most active business networking, advocacy and economic development organization. Working closely with the municipality, its members, and various community stakeholders. The BBOT supports the growth of business both locally and internationally and fosters a sustainable business environment through networking, education, advocacy and development. The BBOT focuses on ‘making business better’ by providing its membership with insightful leadership, advocacy, education and a platform for collaboration. For more information about the BBOT, visit bbot.ca.
We did it again! For the fourth consecutive year, Houle has been certified as a Great Place to Work®. This certification recognizes our team’s commitment to living our core values, building a positive workplace culture, and implementing processes and tools that help drive our success.
As an employer that puts people first; we’re a company with heart and a commitment to making a positive difference. The passion and dedication of our founders live on in our current generation of employees as we seek to create opportunities for everyone who works at Houle, for our partners, and for the communities in which we operate. We work to create a safe, fun, and fulfilling work environment where everyone is welcome, valued, and given the opportunity to grow. This includes extensive safety standards and programs, mental health and wellness resources, community outreach and charitable giving, fun events, and team-building socials that help us laugh and grow together.
We’re proud of the lasting workplace culture we’ve built over the decades – continually adapting and adopting better ways of doing things, while never letting go of our values and who we are as a company. It’s inspiring to see our people continue to foster a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, Great Place to Work® recognizes the Best Workplaces™ across the world in a series of national lists including those 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 had a blast participating alongside 38 teams in this year’s 2023 Champion of the Crescent paddleboard race, both as a Fun Zone Sponsor and as a competing team. Congrats to the Surrey Fire Fighters for winning the well-deserved first place! As for our team, we won the best team tent for our Hawaiian Houle-a theme. Additionally, we came in a close second place for our creative team outfit.
Now in its fourth year, this annual event, hosted by the Surrey Hospitals Foundation, raises awareness and funds to support youth mental health and this year raised a record total of $265,200! Proceeds will go towards important youth mental health initiatives including the new Child and Youth Mental Health Transition Team, and specialty therapy programs that will help bridge hospital and community services and provide better care for the community.
At Houle, our purpose is to create opportunity, enrich lives, and bring communities to life. This means caring about the people that share their lives with us. We understand the importance of supporting youth mental health as it empowers future generations. Together, we can work to create a brighter future where young individuals can thrive, succeed, and prioritize wellbeing.
A big thanks to Surrey Hospitals Foundation for hosting another successful event and for bringing us together to stand up for youth mental health.
When it comes to electrical work, it’s essential to prioritize safety and quality. Electrical systems can be complex and potentially dangerous if not installed or maintained correctly. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a licensed electrician for your electrical service needs to ensure that the work performed meets safety codes and standards. Here are 5 key benefits of choosing a licensed electrician for your electrical service needs:
Safety
In British Columbia, Technical Safety BC regulates electrical work, enforcing strict safety codes and standards to ensure safe and accurate installations. Hiring professional electricians in BC is mandatory as they possess the training and licenses to work safely with electricity while adhering to these safety codes and regulations. Hiring an experienced and licensed electrical contractor for your electrical service needs ensures that your electrical system is safe for everyone in your home and/or workplace.
Code Compliance
In BC, all electrical work must comply with the BC Electrical Code, which sets out specific standards and requirements for electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance. Professional electricians in BC are familiar with the code and are required to ensure that your electrical system meets all the necessary requirements. By hiring a licensed electrician, you will avoid fines and penalties for non-compliance and ensure that your electrical system is up to code.
Quality Work
Licensed electricians in BC are trained and experienced in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. They have the necessary knowledge and skills to diagnose and solve electrical problems quickly and efficiently. This saves you time and money while ensuring your electrical system works correctly. By hiring a licensed electrician, you can trust that your electrical work will be high quality and up to code.
Insurance
Don’t be fooled by lower prices if you’re trying to save money when hiring an electrician. You often get what you pay for, which is also true with electrical work. If work is completed by an unlicenced contractor without a permit, you could be subject to fines and serious safety concerns. Even worse, if an incident occurs, your insurance policy may become null and void leaving you with costly repairs.
Peace of Mind
As a property manager or homeowner, you have a lot on your plate. Electrical problems can be stressful and disruptive, especially if they occur unexpectedly. With a licensed electrician, you can have peace of mind knowing that your electrical system is in good hands. They can identify and fix electrical problems quickly and efficiently. This allows you to focus on your daily activities without worrying about your electrical system.
Contact us today!
To ensure that your electrical system is safe, reliable, and up to code, contact Houle today for all your electrical services needs. Our team of expert electricians has the knowledge, experience, and tools to handle any electrical job, big or small. Let us help keep your electrical system in top condition so you can focus on what matters most.
We’re thrilled to be listed among Canada’s Best Managed Companies again for 2023. We’re honoured to requalify as a Platinum Club member, retaining our Best Managed status for over ten consecutive years!
It’s a privilege to be part of a company that continues to provide leadership in developing people and culture, exceeding industry standards, and bringing communities to life across BC.
Keith Parsonage, President & CEO, Houle
This designation is a reflection of our talented teams and strategic initiatives that contribute to our success. Evaluation determines best practices in the areas of strategy, culture and commitment, capabilities and innovation, governance, and financial performance. This award recognizes our dedication to connecting our people with purpose and delivering projects that make a lasting impact.
We congratulate all this year’s winners! See the winner’s list here.
About Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Canada’s Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for private Canadian-owned and managed companies. Since 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation. Each time, completing a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices.
The awards are granted on four levels: 1) Canada’s Best Managed Companies new winner (one of the new winners selected each year); 2) Canada’s Best Managed Companies winner (award recipients that have re-applied and successfully retained their Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Gold Standard winner (after three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully retained their award for 4-6 consecutive years); 4) Platinum Club member (winners that have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more). Program sponsors are Deloitte Private, CIBC, The Globe and Mail, Salesforce, and TMX Group.
