Challenges and Strategies for Alternative Solutions: the Regulatory versus Consultant’s approach: are they irreconcilable??

Bob Heikkila, Vice president of SFPE BC and principal of CFT Engineering will be the panel moderator.

Bob will present an introductory overview of the regulatory system over the last 20 years leading to the current system of Alternative solutions on New and Existing Buildings. The current system including the Certified Professional process evolved in part, to address the need for professional responsibility/accountability and ostensibly reduced municipal responsibility/liability. Recent changes to the national and provincial codes have attempted to clarify the objectives and functional requirements underlying individual code provisions. Much of fire protection engineering involves innovation that often stretches the boundaries of the code wording. There is the question of how well the current code and regulatory system works to facilitate the process of designing and refurbishing buildings in a timely and economic fashion.

Other panel members will present their own perspective on adequacy of the current approach.

Other panel members:

• Will Johnston Chief Building official, City of Vancouver
• Martin Bruckner: IBI/HB Architects
• Patrick Shek: City of Burnaby
• Andrew Harmsworth GHL consultants
• Glenn Gibson, LMDG Building Code Consultants Ltd.
• Jim White, Shapiro Hankinson & Knutson Law Corporation

Members are asked to invite as many guests as possible from the regulatory community as well as architects, developers and other interested parties.

Date:  April 30, 2013
Time:  Registration and Reception 5:30pm
Location:  False Creek Yacht Club (1661 Granville Street)
Cost:  $25 Please bring cash or a cheque payable to BC Society of Fire Protection Engineers to cover the cost of dinner.
Registration Deadline:  April 25, 2013

Free parking is available in the Yacht Club parking lot.