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Fenestration Canada: December 2014

Whatever measure you use, the industry is experiencing a pace that hasn’t been felt in quite some time.

Whatever measure you use, the industry is experiencing a pace that hasn’t been felt in quite some time. It may be the result of the gradual American economic recovery making its way over the border. Perhaps the federal government incentive programs from 2010 have panned out. Could it be the long cold winter shook up consumers? Whatever brought recovery to our industry, it is welcome. Hard work and perseverance over the past few years is now showing promise and reward. New relationships and partnerships developed during the low times, and now the industry has opened up to a landscape which looks and feels stronger than it has in years. This is a good sign, as the next challenges of abundant business and greater expectations are being faced and there are some very well-equipped companies that are prepared to take advantage.

Creating efficiencies in the way we do business and having a solid understanding of what it is going to take to ensure that the ideal products are being applied is necessary to continued success. This is now the responsibility of every business related to the fenestration supply chain. Fenestration Canada proudly hosts venues to promote industry-specific collaboration and continued education. For instance, Windoor showcased the latest industry innovations from product offerings through to upcoming Passive House building trends that will soon become an influence in Canadian construction. Training and support from industry leaders is accessible to every participant. Should a trip to Toronto not be in the cards, then becoming a member of Fenestration Canada provides you with access to webinars pertaining to NAFS, code compliance, and the dreaded labelling requirements and technical specifications for the consumer-driven Energy Star program.

Speaking of Windoor, the 20th edition of Canada’s window and door show went off in spectacular style. We weclomed over 2,300 fenestration professionals to downtown Toronto and ramped up the festivities with a rocking performance from the Blus Brothers band. This show was notable for some of the important industry meetings going on. Our Fabricator’s Council hosted a special session to review and discuss the results of its nationwide survey of test labs and certification authorities. This meeting went a long way toward clearing up some long-standing confusion around NAFS testing. Also, Al Jaugelis convened a meeting with the National Research Council to discuss the possibility of relaxing National Building Code restrictions on the use of PVC on high-rise building facades.

Fenestration Canada is growing a membership base across the country for these very reasons. This is allowing the organization to create a new website platform that will be the reliable and credible resource for all things fenestration-related in Canada. The vision is of an online go-to that will define who we are as an industry while providing the timely information required to succeed, packaged in a user friendly and stylish format which will be accessible from any device.

As powerful as an online webinar and resource-heavy website can be, nothing quite compares to an intensive three-day AGM with industry leaders. Fenestration Canada is hosting the 2015 AGM in beautiful and prosperous Vancouver, June 4 to 6. Following the success of Winnipeg’s AGM in June of 2014, there is much anticipation and encouragement for FenBC affiliates and industry fabricators from across the country to participate along with the existing favourable affiliate base. Time spent at the Faimont Hotel Vancouver will include technical sessions balanced with keynote speakers, the President’s Dinner and group outings. Coming together as an association and working together is powerful and enjoyable, as most companies are experiencing similar trials and tribulations of growth and improvement.

Collectively we can become an accountable and responsible industry – one dedicated to constant improvement in business, fabrication and service. Fenestration Canada continually holds open arms and minds to make this happen.

Laura Weil is chair of the Fenestration Canada Membership and Marketing Committee and sales and marketing manager for Euro Vinyl Windows of Woodbridge, Ont.