Latest news with #CEC
Time Business News
2 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
Permit and code considerations when building a 3-season room in Canada
Adding a 3-season room is a popular way for Canadian homeowners to extend their living space and enjoy more of the year outdoors. However, before starting construction, it's essential to understand the permitting and building code requirements that apply in your province or municipality. From zoning bylaws to electrical regulations, planning ahead ensures your project is safe, compliant, and stress-free. Here's what you need to know to navigate the process smoothly in Canada. Do you need a permit for a 3-season room? Most 3-season room projects in Canada require permits, particularly when structural changes are involved. Whether you're enclosing an existing deck or building a new addition, it's important to check with your local building department before you begin. General rules in Canadian municipalities Across Canada, building permits are generally required for any addition that changes the footprint or exterior of your home. A 3-season room, even if not heated for year-round use, typically qualifies as a structural enclosure and must comply with local building codes and zoning bylaws. Permits help ensure safety and adherence to provincial standards under the National Building Code of Canada or its provincially adapted versions. When to involve a licensed contractor or engineer If your 3-season room involves foundation work, electrical upgrades, or significant structural modifications, a licensed contractor or engineer should be involved. Their knowledge ensures the space is safe, up to code, and approved by your local municipality. In regions with heavy snow loads or high winds, professional design and engineering are often required for compliance. Zoning and building code compliance Zoning regulations and provincial building codes govern where and how you can build on your property, and they vary depending on your location within Canada. Setback, size, and height restrictions Each municipality sets its own zoning rules regarding setbacks (distance from property lines), structure height, and total lot coverage. Before drawing up your plans, confirm that your proposed 3-season room complies with local zoning bylaws. In some areas, variances may be required for certain designs or property sizes. Structural load and wind resistance requirements Canadian building codes include strict guidelines for structural performance, especially in areas with high snow accumulation. Your 3-season room must meet specified snow load and wind resistance standards, which may affect your roof style, framing materials, and anchoring systems. Meeting these standards is not just a legal requirement it ensures your structure is safe throughout the year. Electrical and HVAC considerations Many Canadian homeowners add lighting, outlets, or heaters to their 3-season rooms for added comfort. These upgrades come with their own code requirements. Code for electrical outlets and lighting Any electrical work must comply with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and be performed by a licensed electrician. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are required in areas where moisture may be present, such as patios or enclosed porches. Permits for electrical work are often separate from general building permits and require inspection by your local authority. Adding fans, heaters, or hvac units While 3-season rooms aren't usually connected to a home's main HVAC system, supplemental electric heaters or ceiling fans are common. Any permanent heating elements must meet provincial energy efficiency and safety standards. Be sure to clarify with your municipal office whether a mechanical permit is needed for your chosen installation. Working with your local dealer and municipality The permitting process may seem complex, but you're not on your own. Partnering with an experienced dealer can make approvals easier and faster. How Sunspace dealers help navigate approvals Certified Sunspace dealers across Canada are familiar with provincial and municipal permitting processes. They can assist with providing structural drawings, product specifications, and application documentation helping streamline communication with local building departments. Timeline for permits and inspections Permit timelines vary across provinces and municipalities. On average, approvals for simple residential additions like a 3-season room take 2 to 6 weeks. Inspections may be required at different stages such as after framing, electrical rough-in, and final completion. Your dealer or contractor can help you coordinate these steps. Tips for a smooth permitting process A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding delays or unexpected costs during your project. Gathering documentation and site plans Ensure you have accurate site measurements, a current property survey, and detailed plans or renderings of your 3-season room. Municipal offices may also request structural load calculations and product data sheets for windows and doors. Submitting a complete application at the outset greatly reduces processing time. Common mistakes to avoid Starting construction without a permit is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes. Doing so can result in stop-work orders, fines, or the need to undo completed work. Other pitfalls include ignoring zoning rules or underestimating snow load requirements. Always confirm written guidelines with your local building office before starting, and keep all approvals and correspondence on file. Sunrooms built for Canadian comfort At 3 Season Solutions, we design and build high-quality sunrooms tailored to how you live and the climate you live in. Whether you're looking for a classic 3-season vinyl sunroom, a bright glass enclosure, or a more advanced insulated model, our team helps you find the perfect solution for extending your living space. We specialize in insulated sunrooms for homeowners who want added comfort during early spring and late fall. Built with thermally broken aluminum framing, insulated wall panels, and energy-efficient windows, these rooms deliver excellent temperature control without needing full HVAC systems. They bridge the gap between traditional 3-season rooms and full 4-season additions, offering a cozy, protected space that blends beautifully with your home. From your initial consultation to the final build, 3 Season Solutions ensures your sunroom is professionally designed, code-compliant, and built to last. Conclusion For Canadian homeowners, adding a 3-season room is an exciting opportunity to enjoy more time outdoors, sheltered from the elements and surrounded by natural light. But before building begins, understanding your local permit requirements and building codes is essential. With the right information, proper planning, and expert support from your dealer, your new space will be built to code, approved on time, and ready to enjoy for years to come. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Canada Express Entry: 3,000 with Canadian work experience invited for PR
Canada on Thursday invited 3,000 foreign nationals to apply for permanent residency through its Express Entry system, with the latest draw focusing on those with Canadian work experience. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a draw held on June 26, 2025, targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates who scored at least 521 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This was eight points lower than the previous CEC draw on June 12. According to the IRCC's 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, the government is looking to admit 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry pathways this year. To be eligible for this round, candidates had to: Have submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:56 p.m. UTC on November 21, 2024. Sixth Express Entry draw this month This is the sixth Express Entry draw in June. It follows: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on June 23 A CEC draw on June 12 A smaller PNP draw on June 10 So far this year, the IRCC has issued 41,845 ITAs under Express Entry. Most draws in 2025 have targeted provincial nominees, followed by CEC candidates and those in priority categories such as French-language speakers and health or education-related occupations. Number of Express Entry draws in 2025 by category: PNP: 11 CEC: 6 French-language proficiency: 3 Healthcare and social services: 2 Education: 1 The June 26 draw is the first time since February that CEC draws have occurred in two consecutive weeks. Who qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal immigration programmes under Express Entry. It is meant for skilled workers with Canadian work experience. To be eligible, applicants must: • Have completed at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in Canada in the last three years, in occupations listed under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 • Meet language requirements: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs, in either English or French • Be admissible to Canada (with no major medical or criminal concerns) • Create an Express Entry profile Unlike other federal programmes, the CEC does not require proof of settlement funds, making it a more accessible route for candidates already living and working in Canada. 'Higher language scores and Canadian education can help push up your CRS score, which directly affects your chances of selection,' said Sonia Dhillon, a regulated immigration consultant based in Toronto. What happens after receiving an ITA Those who received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the June 26 draw now have 60 days to submit a complete application. Steps after receiving an ITA: Log into the IRCC account and accept the ITA within the deadline Gather required documents, including: Passport Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees Canadian work experience proof (T4s, reference letters, pay slips) Police certificates and medical examination results Submit the final application online via the IRCC portal The application fee for adults is around CAD 1,365 in 2025. IRCC typically processes CEC applications in about six months. Once approved, candidates receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). Those already in Canada may complete a virtual landing, while others must travel to the country to activate their PR status.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Delhi HC tightens norms on tree felling, orders 5-year care for plantations
The Delhi high court has laid down detailed guidelines for tree officers and authorities undertaking infrastructure projects to ensure the effective implementation of the Delhi government's new standard operating procedure (SOP) for tree felling, transplantation, and compensatory plantation, in a move aimed at safeguarding the Capital's green cover. It also sets compensatory plantation norms and caps the number of permissions that can be issued from the same parcel of land. (HT Archive) The SOP, issued by the forest department on April 24, mandates tree officers to inspect any site for which felling permission is sought to assess whether it is essential, and directs project authorities to seek clearance from the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) if 50 or more trees are involved. It also sets compensatory plantation norms and caps the number of permissions that can be issued from the same parcel of land. To achieve the intent behind implementation of the SOP, justice Jasmeet Singh, in his May 20 ruling, emphasised that applicants seeking to fell trees must not only plant new ones, but also ensure their survival for at least five years by including watering, maintenance and general upkeep. The court also specified that the trees used for compensatory plantation must be at least six feet tall, five years old, and have a collar girth of at least 10cm. 'The endeavour of this court is to only ensure that the SOP which aims to ensure felling/transplantation of trees must be implemented in an effective manner to achieve the desired objective. Additionally, the compensatory plantation shall ensure that the trees which are to be planted are not less than 6 feet in height, have a nursery life of 5 years and a collar girth of not less than 10cm,' the order read. It added, 'The applicant who moves the application for felling of trees, will file an affidavit in this court with a copy to the learned amicus appointed under these proceedings as well as with the DCF, undertaking to take care of the compensatory planted trees for a period of 5 years, including watering, maintenance and general upkeep and shall file quarterly report with latest photographs.' In addition, justice Singh ruled that tree officers must be involved from the planning stage of any infrastructure project that involves tree felling or transplantation, and banned heavy pruning of transplanted trees, which often leads to their decline. These directives were issued in response to a contempt plea filed by climate activist Bhavreen Kandhari, who alleged non-compliance with a 2022 high court order that had instructed tree officers to issue clear, reasoned decisions on felling applications. Earlier, on May 9, the court had modified its previous order requiring judicial oversight for tree felling, transferring that responsibility to the CEC for cases involving 50 or more trees. The court will retain oversight for smaller projects until the SOP is fully implemented. Meanwhile, Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, had on June 7, issued a separate SOP clarifying what constitutes an 'emergency' that allows tree felling or pruning without prior permission. This move aims to balance public safety with environmental safeguards by ensuring urgent cases are addressed swiftly, without leaving room for misuse.
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Fertiliser manufacturers stay positive - Economy - Al-Ahram Weekly
Fertiliser companies are considering the use of oxygen in combustion processes to reduce gas consumption, in addition to increasing reliance on carbon dioxide recovery for use in ammonia production, Khaled Abul-Makarem, chairman of the Chemicals and Fertilisers Export Council (CEC), told Al-Ahram Weekly. The move follows the Ministry of Petroleum's announcement that it is activating its emergency supply plan after the suspension of gas imports from the east of the Mediterranean. Natural gas is a raw material in the production of nitrogen fertilisers, accounting for more than 70 per cent of inputs, according to Abul-Makarem. Egypt imports around 800 million to one billion cubic feet of gas daily from Israel's Tamar and Leviathan fields under a 15-year agreement to help cover its gas deficit of 3.5 billion cubic feet. The two Israeli fields suspended production for a few hours after the beginning of the reciprocal attacks between Iran and Israel. Egypt's fertiliser factories are currently operating at partial capacity depending on the amount of gas available to each plant and leading them to schedule production more carefully and minimise waste, Abul-Makarem explained. There is ongoing communication with the Ministry of Petroleum to ensure the delivery of the minimum supply required for production, he added. On Saturday, Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli said that this year Egypt will host three floating storage regasification units (FSRUs) for liquefied natural gas (LNG). He emphasised that this is not a result of the recent Iranian-Israeli conflict but rather the outcome of efforts that began more than six months ago, according to a cabinet statement. Following last summer's supply crisis, promises were made to develop a comprehensive five-year solution. In June 2024, the country's fertiliser factories faced gas shortages that led companies like Abu Qir Fertilisers to shut down its three plants due to shortages in the natural gas supply. Madbouli confirmed that by July this year Egypt will have three LNG regasification vessels injecting gas into the national grid to meet the country's needs and not only to handle high summer consumption but also to support industrial demand. He added that LNG regasification is a transitional solution. As Egyptian gas production stabilises and increases, the government plans to gradually phase out dependence on regasification vessels, he said. The government had responded to the recent crisis more effectively due to lessons learned over previous months, Abul-Makarem said. Local consumption of fertilisers ranges between five to six million tons annually, he added. Domestic factories meet most of the local demand, especially for nitrogen fertilisers, and there is only minimal reliance on importing certain compound and potash fertilisers that are not produced locally, he added. About 35 per cent of fertiliser production is consumed domestically and the rest is exported, Abul-Makarem said. France, Italy, and Spain are among the main European importers of Egyptian fertilisers. In Africa, the key markets include Kenya, Sudan, and Ethiopia. In Asia, Egypt exports to India, Bangladesh, and Turkey, while Brazil and Mexico are the primary markets in Latin America. If fertiliser prices rise in the local market, this will increase the cost of food production, in addition to directly affecting agricultural and food industries tied to crop production, Abul-Makarem warned. He added that rising prices will also increase the pressure on the government to subsidise fertiliser prices or reallocate export priorities to serve the local market. He said that the current gas crisis has opened the door to a black market for fertilisers, with some traders exploiting the situation by stockpiling them and inflating prices. However, the government is working to counter these illegal practices, he added. He explained that exporters are now negotiating with clients to reschedule delivery dates and reprioritise production for stable, long-term markets, while also negotiating with shipping and insurance companies to reduce the impact of rising costs. He added that if gas supplies return to normal, the factories will work to compensate for the recent shortages by aiming to match or exceed last year's export revenues, which reached about $3 billion. Sherif Al-Gabali, chairman of the Chamber of Chemical Industries at the Federation of Egyptian Industries, told the Weekly that factories will benefit from the current halt by conducting maintenance on their production lines. He explained that the crisis mainly affects nitrogen fertiliser production, which is produced by around six factories. Al-Gabali anticipates that natural gas levels will return to normal next month, which will restore production to its normal levels and positively impact the Egyptian economy. * A version of this article appears in print in the 26 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Panasonic's 2025 TVs are getting one of the neatest new features — LG and Samsung should copy it
Panasonic is a true innovator for displays and it's once more thinking outside of the box for its 2025 TV lineup. Last year, it brought some incredible enhancements to TV audio, and this year, it's re-thinking how your TV will talk to your PC. With some help of CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), the Panasonic Z95B OLED will turn on when your laptop turns on, or turn off automatically once you shut it down. That's not typically the case for most monitors, which will simply just turn off after a long period of time when there's no signal available to the display port connection. And while you could get some CEC-like functionality for PCs used with a TV before now, it was complicated to set up. But Panasonic has figured out a bi-directional solution using regular cables. Probably without knowing it, CEC is a feature that you use several times a day. Whenever you turn on a gaming console and it also turns on your TV, or even control volume levels with a streaming stick — that's the magic of CEC. Before now, a unified control scheme often required special CEC dongles or even finnicky GitHub procedures to make it all work smoothly. But its applications to PCs have been limited. Before now, a unified control scheme often required special CEC dongles or even finnicky GitHub procedures to make it all work smoothly. Suffice it to say, these are major deal breakers for most users. While using a PC with a TV might be niche, Panasonic's new CEC solution makes controlling the two even easier and streamlines that connective tissue between both devices. If you're someone who hasn't thought about using a TV as a monitor, you're missing out. TVs have started to take up even loftier refresh rates in an effort to boost their appeal. LG and Samsung are fighting for dominance among the best gaming TVs with the LG G5 OLED and Samsung S95F OLED, which both come equipped with a 165Hz refresh rate — a rare first for TVs. Hisense has also added 165Hz to its entire 2025 TV lineup, minus its cheapest U6QG Mini-LED TV. What's even more interesting is that Hisense kitted its U8QG and U9QG models with a USB-C input for charging and video passthrough, proving just how committed Panasonic is to making the PC experience better on its TVs. Some makers are even playing with dynamic refresh rates in different resolutions. Samsung's QN990F 8K TV is a first adopter, letting you game at 4K resolution up to 240Hz with its Motion Xcelerator feature. Of course, you'll need a pretty powerful PC for this, but at least TCL's got you covered with similar technology at lower refresh rates. PC gaming is inarguably the most popular use case for connecting a PC to a TV, and one of the main reasons why I replaced my PC monitor with an LG C4 OLED last year. One of the biggest complaints I had was the very same power delivery concerns that Panasonic is aiming to fix on its new sets. If it works as intended, this improved CEC functionality could give Panasonic TVs an edge against the competition when used alongside a variety of different devices, including laptops, tower PCs, and Mini PCs. I personally use my Mini PC with a TV all the time, as it allows me to write, watch movies and shows, edit videos, and (the best part) play video games from the comfort of my couch. Once Panasonic's 2025 models hit shelves, I won't have to fumble for the remote when they're booting their PC up or shutting the TV off when they're done. It's all baked into the experience and totally streamlined. Samsung and LG, if you're reading this, I hope next year's models will all have something similar baked into them.
