Housing Quality Matters

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has, over the past few years, compiled a comprehensive series of information and training sessions having the objective of enhancing skills and knowledge with respect to housing quality. While there is a focus on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) including mold prevention and remediation, the sessions cover better building techniques, inspecting existing dwellings, property management and basic home maintenance. The series reaches all audiences involved with or impacted by housing and who can influence the quality and durability of housing e.g. Chief and Council; housing department staff; inspectors, builders and renovators and home occupants. CMHC is also supporting the development of Aboriginal trainers to deliver the suite of sessions. The development and delivery of this initiative is supported by Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality — Leadership (2 hours)

Intended for First Nations leadership; includes Chiefs and Councils, Housing Committees/authorities. Provides leadership with an overview of indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold problems, and CMHC training programs that are available for staff and community members. It is recommended that this workshop be conducted in conjunction with the Let's Clear the Air (LCTA) and the Occupant module, where possible.

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality — Home Occupant (2 hours)

Intended for First Nations community members. Provides general information about indoor air quality and additional information on mold and actions that community members can take to clean up and prevent mold. It is recommended that this workshop be offered to a community in conjunction with the Let's clear the Air (LCTA) and Leadership module, where possible

Let's Clear the Air (LTCA) (one day)

This one day session is intended for a broad audience including housing managers, builders, renovators, health care workers, members of the community/public. Provides information about the impacts of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold related problems and opportunity for action. Best suited as an introductory workshop for First Nations. The LCTA is a prerequisite for the 4 Day Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Investigator Training program. It is recommended that the Leadership and Occupant module be conducted in conjunction with the LCTA, where possible.

LCTA — Home Assessment (one day)

This is an optional addition to the Let's Clear the Air (LCTA) session. It is intended for non-technical staff. Participants visit a home experiencing indoor air quality problems to identify indoor air quality and mold problems, and identify and prioritize solutions. Learnings are linked to those contained in LCTA.

Mold Remediation (two days)

The intended audience is renovators, construction and maintenance workers who would be involved in remediation work. The workshop involves a case study approach on a home that has been investigated using CMHC's Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) investigation protocol. Participants will learn about clean up procedures and will practice using protective equipment (suits, masks), isolating rooms, clean up, etc.

NOTE: The workshop is intended for communities that are ready to undertake remediation work. Ideally, the community has developed an action plan to deal with mold in their community and has the financial resources to undertake both the remediation and the renovation work. The community will have had the homes assessed where possible, using CMHC's IAQ Investigator protocol. It is recommended that the participants complete the LCTA and the One Day Field Training prior to completing this workshop.

Introduction to Ventilation Systems (two days)

Intended audience is renovators, construction or maintenance staff who want to learn about proper installations of Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems. During the first day, which is in-classroom, participants will learn how a HRV works, what's involved in designing a system, how it's cleaned, etc. Day two is strictly for hands-on training and participants visit a home and complete an installation. Those who wish to consider this training will have the financial resources to supply the HRV and ductwork for the training and have it on site and ready for installation. The community representatives will work with the trainer to determine materials needed, etc.

With regard to the first day, it is open to a few (1 – 2) non-technical people, such as the local nurse, environmental health officer, community health workers who want to learn more about HRVs. These individuals are invited back on the second day to see the completed installations.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Investigator Training (four days)

This training program is intended for qualified individuals to investigate houses for indoor air quality and mold problems using a building science-based inspection. The four-day IAQ Investigator Course is the first step in the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Residential Investigator Training Program. The second step is a field-training phase. Individuals who satisfactorily complete both the course and field training receive a diploma acknowledging completion of all required elements.

During the four-day training event (Phase 1), participants learn how to apply CMHC's comprehensive investigation protocol to identify indoor air quality problems and develop solutions to remedy those problems; conduct in-depth indoor air quality house investigations; and practice report writing. At the end of the four days, participants will have completed the first of the four reports required to become an IAQ Investigator.

In Phase two, which is optional, participants conduct three separate in-depth house investigations independently, and submit written reports for review by CMHC trainers. This phase helps participants to acquire the skills to investigate and solve indoor air quality problems of varying type and complexity in real time and real world situations; and to confidently write well-organized and prioritized reports that provide clear and useful advice to their First Nations clients.

Basic Home Maintenance (two days)

This workshop includes a guide for First Nations' home occupants on preventative and general maintenance; trainers' materials plus train-the-trainers sessions. The training includes indoor air quality, moisture and mold management aspects that are within the capabilities of typical occupants.

Builders Series (three days)

This workshop clarifies the impact which poor housing design and construction practices have on First Nation communities; it introduces and reinforces throughout Healthy Housing principles; it allows participants to identify typical problems, determine likely causes and recognize the need to change design and construction practices to prevent problems.

Improves the participant's ability to apply building science principles to prevent problems; introduces new materials, systems and equipment which can improve housing quality in a cost-effective manner; and makes participants aware that the design and construction of housing can serve as a catalyst to community development.

Target Audiences: Contractors, project managers, site foremen, carpenters and labourers involved in the production of housing in First Nation communities.

Inspecting Existing Dwellings (7 1/2 days)

This is a 2 component, 7 ½ -day course intended to assist builders, renovators, inspectors, maintenance staff and delivery agents develop their general knowledge and skills with respect to inspecting or renovating existing residential buildings. It includes a pre-requisite, introductory course of 4 ½ days which emphasizes basic building science provides detailed discussions on existing building systems and elements and defect recognition. There is an additional in-depth 3-day courses for those intending on continuing their studies for more program specific areas of learning such as the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)

Client Counselling (two days)

This workshop is to assist First Nations housing staff provide counselling services to new and existing clients living in their community. This workshop provides Client Counsellors with information on specific housing problems, tips and techniques to improve their skills and how to deal with specific housing issues or problems their clients are faced with.

Property Management Planning (two days)

This workshop demonstrates the importance of developing an effective property management process that will allow First Nations communities to better plan and manage their housing needs while maintaining existing housing in good condition.

Participants will learn how to develop a Property Management Plan and how it relates to yearly and long term financial planning. This training program is intended for housing authorities and housing staff and includes group exercises and discussions.

For more advanced and in-depth training, there is a 10-day module from  CMHC Housing Managers Training Program.  The First Nations Property Management session provides a broader range or training for property managers including program management skills. Topics include financial management, insurance, managing tender calls and contract administration.

Training Aboriginal Trainers Initiative

This element is significant in that Native Technical Service providers are being allowed the opportunity to develop presentation skills and become trainers and facilitators for the suite of sessions. Development plans and processes are being developed to assist individuals through the process including coaching and mentoring by experienced trainers as well as opportunities to co-train.