As reported by the Profit Planning Group (per CIPH's Market Data Report), total plumbing, PVF/industrial, waterworks, hydronics, and HVACR estimated sales show a 15 percent increase for the month of February 2006 in comparison to February 2005. Total dollar amount is up from $267 million in 2005 to $308 million in 2006.

Per product category (year-to-date):

Waterworks showed the highest sales increase of 59 percent as compared to 2005, most notably in the Western provinces.

Hydronics showed the second highest percentage change over last year at 16 percent.

HVACR was the lowest group, with a percentage change of 3 percent over 2005 by the end of February.

Per Region, Alberta, including Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, continues to show a lead in overall product sales with 32 percent.

CANADIAN UPDATE

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) published a report on the electrical savings achieved when using electronically commutated permanent magnet (ECPM) motors in residential furnace applications and the quantified increase in natural gas consumption when using these motors. A copy of the full report is available at www.cch-tcctr.gc.ca/docs/ecmreport_e.html.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) unveiled the Ä“KOCOMFORTâ„¢ Trophy to be awarded at CMX 2008 to the manufacturer producing an integrated home mechanical unit that provides the best overall performance in space heating, water heating, ventilation, and circulation. For information, visit www.ekocomfort.com.

Warren Heeley, HRAI president, presented the HRAI 2005 CMS Award for educational achievement to Lorne Lowry, Lanark, Ontario, for obtaining the highest mark in Canada on the 2005 CMS Electrical Specialist examination.

Jason Xiaojing Li, Guaranteed Industries Ltd., Montreal, is the latest winner of Skill Tech Academy's quarterly draw for a $25 voucher, to be applied against his company's next order of educational materials from HRAI.

Publication date: 05/15/2006