Mike Holmes in Edmonton

Yesterday on Facebook, Mike Holmes announced that he was boarding a plane and heading off to Edmonton to be the keynote speaker for the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association.

Just boarded the plane and I am on my way to #Edmonton.
I'm a keynote speaker for the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association Congress starting tomorrow.
Excited for this one!


It seems that Mike Holmes had a very busy day today in the city of Edmonton. He attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Metis Boyle Renaissance Tower, an affordable housing complex for seniors and people with disabilities. The project took 7 years to complete, and Mike Holmes has been a long-time supporter of the project. For more information about this project and Mike's involvement, see the following Holmes Spot blog entries:
Boyle Renaissance Project To Utilize Energy Efficient Technology
Holmes Takes on A Housing Project

The Edmonton Sun wrote an article about the event, stating this about Mike's presence at the event:

"Renaissance Tower was overseen by TV host Mike Holmes' Make it Right organization, to ensure it met high environmental sustainability standards. The tower employs solar panels and a unique co-generation system supplied by Enmax, which allows the tower and the adjacent Melcor YMCA Village to share hot water produced by the waste heat from electricity generation.
'There's a lot of different players here that want to make a difference, not just to do this for money,' said Holmes, who was on hand for the grand opening. 'I think that's really the bottom line here.'"

You can read the entire article here. The Edmonton Sun also posted some video coverage of the even, which can be viewed here. It took a few minutes to load on my computer, so be patient.

The Daily Commercial News also posted an article about the event in which Mike Holmes is described as the "project manager" and the "creative mind" behind many of the 90-unit facility's features. You can read the entire article from the Daily Commercial News here. 

Photos from the Edmonton Sun:

5/1/14 Update:

Here's another great article on the Boyle Renaissance Tower grand opening from DigitalJournal.com. In this article, a lot of information is given about the project itself. It discusses some of the accessibility features that the homes inside the tower incorporate to help their disabled and elderly residents live fuller lives. It describes Mike's involvement in the project in the following paragraph:

"Mike Holmes and his organization, the Holmes Group, were engaged by MCHC to provide expert consultation and project management. This partnership ensured the project met sustainable and energy-saving targets, while serving as a model for future affordable housing development."

More photos:

What matters most when it comes to buying, selling, or staying in a home? For Mike Holmes, the answer is simple. Lipstick and mascara finishes such as flooring and paint can be changed, but the bones of the house should be the most important priority to any home buyer or owner. Structure is king, but there are also simple things that homeowners can do to add value to their homes. In the article below, Mike discusses tips and tricks that he recommends homeowners do to maintain their homes and add sell-appeal.

 

From the Ottawa Citizen:

 Mike Holmes: Maintaining your home adds value

Good bones most important, whether you're selling or staying

By Mike Holmes, Postmedia News April 24, 2014

 Timely structural fixes such as roof repairs can help increase property value. Leaving them undone can scare away buyers.Photograph by: Handout, Homes Group

Postmedia News

Mike Holmes: Tips for increasing your home’s value.
Homeowners frequently ask me what they should do to make their homes more valuable. But what does “valuable” mean?
To me, making a home valuable means making it work for the family, making it durable so it lasts and making it more energy efficient so the homeowner pays less each month.
This might not always lead to a soaring selling price, but it will always lead to a happier homeowner. These kinds of fixes give you peace of mind — and to me and smart homebuyers, that’s priceless.
Still, if you’re planning to sell, here are some other tips that can increase value the right way.
1. Don’t curb curb appeal
Look at your property. Does it look shabby? Unsafe? Does the exterior of your home look like it needs some TLC, things like tuck-pointing, brick or stucco repairs?
When it comes to a house, if the outside looks bad, you can bet the inside won’t be any better. The outside can usually tell you how much maintenance was put into the home overall.
Take care of entrances, including the garage and any side doors. Make sure entryways are safe, strong and secure — that also means properly lit. Make any repairs to walkways, steps, the driveway, as well as your home’s exterior. And don’t forget to clean up the yard.
2. Fix roof problems
If your roof is leaking, get it fixed by a pro and show home buyers the permits and warranties on the work. A good roofer will fix flashings, soffits, replace missing or sagging shingles — and let you know if your chimney needs repairs. Some of these fixes aren’t expensive; leaving them undone can scare away buyers.
3. Clean up
You can’t sell square footage that people can’t see. Buyers hate clutter, and the truth is it can affect indoor air quality.
I once worked on a job where piles of stuff everywhere were blocking the vents around the home and causing serious condensation issues.
If you’re selling, get rid of everything you don’t need. Have a garage sale. It doesn’t have to cost you a dime, and you might even make a few bucks.
4. Repair walls
Simple fixes such as filling in holes, fixing baseboards, repairing trim and applying a fresh coat of paint go a long way — but do it right. If your home has electrical problems, fix those first. Once that’s done, repair the drywall with products that are free of, or low in, volatile organic compounds..
5. Replace foggy windows
No home buyer wants to see a foggy window; it’s a sure sign something is wrong. The seal between the panes could be broken, or maybe it’s a cheap window, or the framing around the window needs repairs. Any of these problems lead to heat loss. Or, maybe the home has ventilation issues.
Replacing windows can cost thousands of dollars, but it’s one investment that pays off. If you use a pro, get guarantees and warranties on the work. Also, use your energy bills to show potential buyers just how much more energy efficient your home is — their offer just might go up.
Remember, buyers will change the lipstick and mascara of a home to suit their taste, but the structure and building envelope is what they are investing in. Granite countertops and hardwood flooring don’t matter when there’s a leak in the basement or a hole in the roof.
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

It's That Time of Year Again...

It's that time of year again. What time is that? Mike's birthday is a few short months away, and I'm busy hand-crafting something special that I hope he will enjoy! The last two years in a row, I made some cartoon skits and posted them on YouTube. Unfortunately, cartooning is a very time consuming process, and life just doesn't afford me that kind of time anymore. But that doesn't mean I'm can't find another equally awesome way to celebrate Mike's special day! For the last couple of weeks, I've been busily plugging away at yet another birthday surprise for my favorite contractor. It won't be an animation (although there may or may not be a video attached), but it will be awesome, and hopefully a little unexpected! What exactly am I doing? Can't tell just yet, but here's a sneak peek. Can you guess what it is?

 

Happy Sunday!

A press release from the Holmes Group, published on Newswire.ca -- Mike Holmes has partnered with Alberta homebuilders Bezooyen Contracting.


From Newswire.ca:

Mike Holmes partners with Bezooyen Contracting

LETHBRIDGE, AB, April 23, 2014 /CNW/ - The Holmes Group, in association with Bezooyen Contracting Inc., is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Lethbridge, Alberta custom home builder. Bezooyen Contracting joins the Holmes Approved Homes program as an official Partner Builder.
The Holmes Approved Homes program integrates proper building practices with cutting-edge technology to construct homes that exceed industry standards, from construction to final inspection. Mike Holmes launched the program in 2011 so homebuyers across Canada could purchase a home built to Mike's building specifications.
"I like the way Bezooyen builds custom homes," stated Mike Holmes, President of The Holmes Group. "The owner of the company, Gerrit, he goes to every job site. He's there making sure that every home is built right from the ground up. I respect that. It's the way I build," added Holmes.
Bezooyen Contracting Inc. is known for their comprehensive and transparent approach to building quality custom homes.
Gerrit and Jane Bezooyen own Bezooyen Contracting Inc. and play a direct role in the construction of every custom home built by their company, working with each client, one-on-one, their budgets and goals throughout every stage of construction.
"We at Bezooyen Contracting Inc. are honored that we have been recognized by Mike Holmes as a homebuilder leading in quality building practices," stated Gerrit Bezooyen, President of Bezooyen Contracting Inc. "We are delighted to have this opportunity to partner with Mike Holmes. We see this partnership as a natural 'next step' in building superior quality homes for our clients in Lethbridge and region."
Bezooyen offers guaranteed warranty support, access to highly certified design personnel and has won numerous "Building The Best" awards over the years.
Mike Holmes Inspections will be conducting stage inspections on every Bezooyen custom home constructed through the Holmes Approved Home program to ensure all of the program's building specifications have been met and followed, including specific building products, installation methods and building practices.
For more information on the Holmes Approved Homes program, please visit www.holmesapprovedhomes.com.
For more information on Bezooyen Contracting Inc., please visit bezooyencontracting.ca.

For Earth's Sake

With Earth Day around the corner, people are thinking of ways they can help make the world a better place. Believe it or not, when it comes to building, it pays big to build sustainably. Not only does employing energy saving technology such as solar and geothermal better for the environment, but it also saves homeowners big money off of their utility bills. In the article below, Mike Holmes talks about the strategy of building sustainably. Using better materials that last means less waste in landfills from replacing inferior products. Building smart means carefully considering location to best utilize both existing infrastructure and the natural landscape to maximize efficiency. Lastly, Mike understands the importance of building sustainable homes that are both efficient and affordable so that everyone can buy a safe and environmentally friendly home that build to last.

 

From the Leader Post:

Build to last for earth's sake

Regina Leader Post April 21, 2014

 

 

 

Earth Day on April 22 is a good time to think about sustainable construction, which includes building clean and responsibly.

Photograph by: The Holmes Group, Regina Leader Post

I’ve been talking about sustainable construction for years, and Earth Day on April 22 is a good time to learn more about it.

First, what is sustainable construction? It means building clean and responsibly — doing what we can to use fewer non-renewable resources. It also means building for the long-term and using materials that resist mould, moisture and rot, so they last longer and don’t end up in landfills.

Another big part of sustainable construction is using renewable resources, like solar, wind power and/or geothermal — which uses the constant temperature of the ground deep below to regulate temperature in the home. It might also include adding a green roof to help keep a home cool in summer, or using a rainwater or grey water system to flush toilets, water lawns and wash our cars.

Sustainable construction is also about location — choosing the right places to build so we’re making the most of what’s already there, from infrastructures like public transit to the natural landscape for proper drainage. It also means doing it right the first time, which prevents future problems, such as mould and rot, that can lead to more serious health issues and more waste.

Some home builders today are starting to realize this, and you can see it in the way they build their homes. For example, they will use durable exterior cladding systems that incorporate cement board and rain screen to prevent moisture buildup and mould.

They might also give homeowners the option of using treated lumber in their home’s sheathing and framing, making it resistant to fire and moisture, or incorporating a heat-recovery system to recapture waste heat and use it to preheat a home’s domestic hot water.

Responsible home builders care about the environment and sustainable construction because they know it has a direct impact on the way people live inside their homes, as well as on their health and quality of life. The benefits speak for themselves, and they’re speaking loud and clear.

For starters, building sustainably saves homeowners money, making more home-buyers interested in energy-efficient homes.

That wasn’t the case 10 years ago. Homebuyers never used to ask about the energy efficiency of a home’s windows or furnace, or the R-value (resistance to heat loss) of the insulation in the basement, walls and attic.

It used to be all about the “eye candy” — things like stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, ceramic tiles, hardwood flooring and crown moulding.

People still care about these features, which I get. But they’re also asking about a home’s building envelope, how tightly sealed it is, how efficient those stainless steel appliances really are, and the proper subfloor systems that protect and support the flooring on top.

The dream home of the future will have less to do with fancy finishes and more to do with energy savings, and that’s a step in the right direction.

When you incorporate the right technologies with the right systems — always using the right pros — you can build a home that not only looks good, but also produces as much energy as it uses — sometimes more. And whatever energy you don’t use can be sold back to the grid. Who wouldn’t like that?

This shift in mindset — for both home builders and homebuyers — is changing the industry for the better. For example, we’re going to see more net-zero homes, meaning they produce as much energy as they consume, thanks to incorporating renewable energy systems, like a solar-electric system, and sometimes wind power too.

One last thing about sustainable construction: It should be affordable. That’s the only way we’re going to see the real impact of building sustainably. What would be the point of having all of these great solutions if no one can afford to use them?

This Earth Day, let’s think about the kinds of homes and communities we want our kids and grandkids to grow up in, because the decisions we make today will affect how they live tomorrow. Let’s make it right! Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information visit makeitright.ca

Breaking news from Mike Holmes Inspections! Mike's home inspection company has expanded its service into Manitoba and is now serving Winnipeg and the surrounding areas. As the news release below points out, MHI has expanded rapidly this last year, expanding into Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba from its base in Ontario. This announcement comes just in time for peak home buying season in early spring.

From Newswire.ca:

Mike Holmes Inspections expands into Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, April 16, 2014 /CNW/ - Mike Holmes Inspections (MHI) is pleased to announce that it has expanded its service area into Manitoba and is now serving Winnipeg and surrounding areas. MHI has Approved Inspectors currently operating in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

MHI has undergone significant growth over the last year, expanding into Saskatchewan, British Columbia and most recently Manitoba.
"MHI is officially in Winnipeg!" stated Mike Holmes, President of Mike Holmes Inspections. "I've been wanting to get my guys here for a while. But finding the right professionals to deliver our service isn't easy. We need to make sure we do it right."
Winnipeg residents and those living in surrounding areas can book a Mike Holmes Inspection online or by calling their Customer Service division, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"We wanted to be fully operational in Winnipeg by spring, in order to catch peak home buying season," stated Ashley Shojaie, Director of Mike Holmes Inspections. "We are very excited to be operating in Winnipeg. It's a fantastic market where homeowners understand how the right home inspection can help save them money and make their homes healthier."
All MHI clients currently receive Mike's book, The Holmes Inspection and can take advantage of additional services, such as the first ever Canadian Home History Report for any property.
All Mike Holmes Inspections also include Recall Chek, a service that verifies whether or not a recall has been issued on any home appliances, furnace, air conditioner and/or water heater in the home at the time of inspection. Information is also provided on how to receive full repairs free of charge from the manufacturer.
For more information on Mike Holmes Inspections, please visit: http://www.mikeholmesinspections.com/.
About Mike Holmes Inspections
Mike Holmes Inspections is an independent home inspection service company. Through the integration of advanced technologies with sophisticated industry techniques it provides thorough, fair and educated assessments of building structures and their systems. Mike Holmes Inspections also invests in the development and augmentation of industry standards through collaborations and third-party ventures with educational institutions and industry associations.
SOURCE Mike Holmes Inspections
For further information:
For all media inquiries regarding Mike Holmes Inspections, please contact:
Ashley Shojaie, Director
contactus@mikeholmesinspections.com

In Southern Nevada USA, where I live, our water district has a little jingle that they use in all of their PSA's: "It's a desert out there, be water smart." Water usage is something that concerns all of us who live in a dry arid climate. The truth is, the earth has the same amount of water that it did 5,000 years ago. Water evaporates into the atmosphere and then is recycled back to the earth's surface by means of rain or snow. Over 70 percent of the earth's surface is covered by water, yet less than one percent of that water is fresh. So, if there is no more or less water on earth now than there will be in 100 years from now, why conserve it? Fresh water supplies such as rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers can be overused, draining the supply faster than it can be replenished by nature, so it's important that we treat our fresh water supply with care. In this article, Mike talks about conserving the elixir of life. Incorporating "grey-water" recovery systems for non-potable water use such as flushing toilets, washing cars, and doing laundry can be a great way conserve natural resources. Another way to save water is to make sure your plumbing is properly maintained to maximize its efficiency and minimize leaks. The great thing about conserving natural resources is that using less of them means your also using less energy, which can mean big savings in your wallet. It's a win-win all the way around.

From the Winnipeg Free Press:

MIKE HOLMES: Be water smart

It's the elixir of life, and you can conserve it

By: Mike Holmes

Posted: 04/5/2014 1:00 AM       

 

World Water Day was March 22. Why should we care about World Water Day? Because in some parts of the world, we're using water faster than it can be replaced, and this is having massive impact not just on our water supplies, but also on our food and sources of energy.

It takes a lot of water to produce much of the power we use every day, such as hydroelectric, nuclear and thermal. We use water to power turbines and generate electricity (sometimes as steam). We use water to cool thermal and nuclear reactors.
The other side of that equation is about eight per cent of all the energy generated worldwide is used to pump, treat and transport water to consumers.
So we're burning the candle at both ends, using water to generate electricity, then using electricity to transport, treat and pump water. Does this really make sense? It might have 50 or 70 years ago, but not anymore.
We need better ways to maintain our homes, because once our water supply starts drying up, it's game over.
I've been saying it for years: Housing has to be sustainable. Future communities have to be sustainable. We don't have a choice. It's that simple.
As a builder and renovator, sustainability has become the name of my game. Every time I approach a reno, a new build, a new community, I'm thinking of how we can make the homes more energy-efficient, which includes smart ways to use water.
As a homeowner, there are plenty of things you can do to help, too. For one, understand that saving energy saves water, and saving water saves energy.
Only about 10 per cent of clean water is used for drinking or cooking. The rest gets used for showers, baths, laundry, watering lawns and gardens and washing cars. Do our cars really need to be washed with drinking-quality water? Or how about our toilets? My dog Charlie might appreciate having drinking-quality water in the throne, but Mother Nature doesn't -- it's a royal flush of good water.
One smart water solution you might want to consider is incorporating a grey-water recovery system in your home.
Grey water is used water that's been treated and filtered, then used for such functions as flushing toilets, watering the lawn, washing the car and doing laundry. It can't be used for drinking, showering or bathing. You can also have a greywater system that collects only rainwater from your gutters and downspouts.
According to Environment Canada, toilets use one-third of a household's total water consumption. That's 33 per cent of the average household's water bill. A grey-water system in a house, used to flush toilets and water lawns, could save about 150 litres of drinking water per day per household. When you start crunching the numbers, that works out to a heck of a lot of water.
Each municipality has different rules when it comes to grey water, so check with your local authorities on where they stand.
Another option is to hire a licensed plumber to fix any leaks in your home's plumbing. The average home can lose 7,500 to 75,000 litres of water just because of leaks.
Or how about adding a green roof or installing a domestic hot-water recovery system?
Green roofs have some type of plants or greenery covering parts of the roof or the entire area. They're environmentally friendly, help manage stormwater runoff, which reduces the amount of pollutants that enter our water systems, and can help homeowners save money on heating and cooling costs because they provide some insulation.
A hot-water recovery system recaptures the heat from hot water that's already been used as it goes down the drain -- for instance from showers, washing dishes and laundry. It then uses this water to preheat water going into the hot-water tank.
Everyone has a role when it comes to taking care of our home and the Earth, and using our water sensibly is one really big way we can all make a difference and make it right.
-- Postmedia Network Inc. 2014
Watch Mike Holmes on Holmes Makes It Right on HGTV. For more information, visit makeitright.ca.

"The Holmes Manual" Coming Soon To A Bookstore Near You!

Mike Holmes is a very busy guy. In between filming his hit TV show Holmes Makes It Right (brand new episodes premiering this fall) and doing personal appearances at practically every trade show across North America, he's also busy writing books so that consumers can better educate themselves about their homes and how to maintain them. According to the Harper Collins Canada and Amazon.ca websites, Mike Holmes will be releasing his 5th book in both hardback and e-book this year. The 384-page hardback book "The Holmes Manual" goes on sale June 5 2014. The e-book version of "The Holmes Manual" can be pre-ordered through the Amazon.ca website for electronic delivery to your Kindle or other e-book reader on May 27 2014.

"The Holmes Manual" (ISBN 9781443422376) book description from Harper Collins Canada:

No-nonsense advice from the star of HGTV’s Holmes Makes It Right and Holmes Inspection

• Why are my windows fogging up?
• What can I do about a squeaky floor?
• Why is my bedroom so much colder than the rest of the house?
• Are tankless water heaters worth the money?

From top to bottom, outside to inside, Mike answers homeowners’ most common questions and provides solutions for everyday problems. Mike also offers trusted advice on maintenance—including instructions for repairs and projects that homeowners can tackle themselves. Packed with colour photographs, handy tips and sidebars, The Holmes Manual is a must-have guide for every homeowner.

Cover artwork:

 

I'm totally digging the big strong arms, but I'm not sure why they cut off Mike's head in the cover photo. Mike's got a very handsome mug. I guess those world famous biceps are enough to capture people's attention all by themselves. I'm excited to get my hands on this book! Bonus observation -- the background of Mike's new book "The Holmes Manual" matches the color scheme of the Holmes Spot!

3M Safety Videos Featuring Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes is all about doing it right, and part of doing it right is doing it safely. That's why Mike has teamed up with 3M to provide tips on how to keep safe by using the right safety products. Recently, 3M Safety's YouTube channel has released some videos featuring Mike Holmes demonstrating how to use basic safety equipment, such as ear plugs and safety glasses.

Here's a video of Mike demonstrating how to properly use a respirator.



For more videos of Mike demonstrating safety products, see Mike Holmes Provides Tips to Make it Right with 3M Safety Products.

Mike Holmes in Winnipeg for Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: The Yards at Fort Rouge

On September 21, 2013, Mike Holmes spoke for about 10 minutes at the ribbon cutting ceremony at The Yards at Fort Rouge Grand Opening Sales Event. The Yards and Fort Rouge is a town house/condo project that was somewhat controversial due to residents' concerns about added traffic to already congested roads, as well as Mike's mingling with Gem Equities, a builder which has accrued many complaints and lawsuits in its lifetime. Today, The Yards Winnipeg YouTube channel uploaded footage of Mike addressing the crowd last September. Mike spoke to the crowd at the sales event, explaining why he was excited about this project, and how he looked forward to building these Holmes Approved Homes as affordable as the "piece of crap across the street." Mike then answered some questions about the development and his involvement with the project.



For more information about this building project, please see previous Holmes Spot blog entries:
"The Yards at Fort Rouge" Building Project In Winnipeg
Mike Holmes in Winnipeg
The Yards at Fort Rouge Development -- Update
Fort Rouge Controversy Rages On
The Yards at Fort Rouge - Some Humorous Criticism

Mike Holmes in Vancouver for the Canadian Tire Home, Auto & Outdoor Show

On April 5, Mike Holmes made an appearance at the Canadian Tire Home, Auto & Outdoor Show in Vancouver, British Columbia (see Mike Holmes to attend the Canadian Tire Home, Auto & Outdoor Show in Vancouver for more information). Mike documented his visit by posting a couple of photos on April 4, the day before the show via his Facebook page.

 

(Remember that on April 3, Mike was in Edmonton, Alberta for the Pathways 2014 Conference, in which he addressed aboriginal youth in Canada. While still in Edmonton, Mike received some special treatment and had a special steak dinner at his favorite steak house.)

 

Mike stated on his Facebook page, "LUX Steakhouse + Bar has a steak knife with my name they keep in a special box for when I visit. Way to make me feel like a king!" To that I have to say, when you do so much for other people and give so much of yourself, you deserve to be treated like a king every once in a while!

 

Mike arrived in Vancouver on April 4, and was picked up in a very unusual ride. Instead of the usual town car, someone sent a Mercedes Limobook Sprinter to pick him up from the airport so he could ride in style. In case you don't know what a Limobrook Sprinter looks like, they look like this, and they are top of the line:

 

 

Mike posted this picture on his Facebook page, stating, "Arrived in #Vancouver. Instead of your typical town car this Mercedes Limobook Sprinter showed up to pick me up. The driver said it was sent as a thank you.Talk about riding in style!"

Later, Mike made a stop to buy some new clothes. Perhaps he was still feeling classy from the ride. Or perhaps Mike likes to pack light and needed a sport coat. Either way, Mike posted several photos from his shopping trip:

 

 

 

I normally balk at the thought of celebrities getting special treatment, but as I said before, Mike gives so much of himself to others that it's hard for people not to want to treat him extra special when he arrives. I know if I owned a restaurant, Mike could come in any time he wanted and sit at the best table. Mike's generosity makes others want to reciprocate, so when he sat down for dinner at  YEW seafood + bar, the chef treated Mike like a VIP. Pretty snazzy for just a contractor! Mike wrote, "Tonight I had the pleasure of going to YEW seafood + bar. Chef Ned Bell is an old friend and not only did he cook for me but he served me personally. An absolute honour. By far the best seafood flavours I've ever tasted!!"

The next day, Mike was doing what he does best, meeting and greeting his fans at the Canadian Tire Home, Auto & Outdoor Show as a special guest of 3M Filtrete brand air filters. He posted a few photos on his Facebook page, stating "Did I mention I have the best fans?" I hope you mean it Mike, because you do have the best fans in the world! We love you because of who you are, so keep being you!

Video: Mike Holmes Delivers Career Message to Aboriginal Youth

On April 3, Mike Holmes was in Edmonton addressing a group of Aboriginal youth at the Pathways 2014 conference. For more information on Mike's participation in this even and his work with Aboriginal youth in Canada, see Mike Holmes: Pathways 2014 National Conference.

From CBC.ca:




Can't see the video? Click here.

Mike Holmes: Pathways 2014 National Conference

Today, April 3, Canada's Indigenous youth gathered in Edmonton, Alberta Canada for day three of the three day Pathways 2014 National Conference on career training, education, and the trades. The keynote speaker was none other than Mike Holmes, who has a long history of working with Canada's Aboriginal population in areas of affordable housing and promotion of the skilled trades. Don't believe me? Just check out these previous Holmes Spot blog entries chronicling Mike's work with the First Nations:

Mike Holmes and the First Nations
Stop Building Junk On Reserves, Says Mike Holmes
2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference - UPDATE
Mike Holmes: "We Need More Aboriginal People In Construction"
Mike Holmes to Speak at the 2012 World Indigenous Housing Conference

Mike is always excited to speak to youth about the value of choosing a career in the trades, but speaking to aboriginal youth seems to hold a special place with him. He Facebooked about his experience at Pathways 2014:

Speaking to indigenous youth, elders and trades college leaders about skilled trades at the Pathways 2014 National Conference.

Pathways also tweeted this photo of Mike at the conference:

CBC news also covered the event, making note that Mike has been working with aboriginal youth for years, encouraging them to take advantage of the growing job opportunities and choose careers in the skilled trades.

From the CBC News website:

Mike Holmes delivers career message to aboriginal youth
Celebrity home builder says there is work to be had for those with training

Posted: Apr 03, 2014 7:18 PM MT Last Updated: Apr 03, 2014 7:18 PM MT


Celebrity contractor Mike Holmes urged aboriginal youth to consider a career in the construction trades at Pathways 2014 in Edmonton on Thursday.

Mike Holmes, Canada's most famous contractor, is urging native youth to get training to take advantage of growing job opportunities in the building trades.

Holmes was the keynote speaker Thursday at the 2014 Pathways event, Gathering Our Nations’ Youth for Trades.

Young aboriginals from across northern Alberta were on hand as Holmes laid out the career path open to them.

"We built this country," he told the gathering. "We need to keep fixing this country, and we need to continue this."

Holmes, who has worked with aboriginal youth in Canada for years, wants them to know a well-paying career is possible, though it might not come easily.

"The challenges that I've seen are really how to get in — how can I afford it?" Holmes said. "I say it's simple. If you want to do this, you can get in."

Welders, in particular, are in high demand in Alberta, and that's what drew Thalia Nelderis to learn the skill.

"I think it's a good career path to go down," Nelderis told CBC News, "and you can always fall back on your ticket."

Nelderis said she was inspired to learn the skill by an aunt who welds, adding schools too often push academic studies over trades.

Business owners say they need young skilled workers, and that work fairs like Pathways will bring in a new generation of aboriginal tradespeople.

"We have a huge resource of young people right now who are coming into the workforce, who are doing good in the workforce," one businessman said.

Nelderis hopes to weld someday beside an aboriginal woman at a construction site.

"I would love to see more aboriginal youth get into the trades," she said. "It would be a beautiful sight to see."

#momentofdarkness Video Outtakes

If you haven't taken to the time to watch all of the short (and very humorous) videos from the #momentofdarkness series of short video clips posted on Mike Holmes' official YouTube channel, please do! You can watch them all and learn about Mike's support for Earth Hour which took place on March 29 this year here. With videos come the outtakes, and oftentimes the outtakes are better than the actual videos themselves! If you enjoyed what made the cut, you'll absolutely love what didn't!



It's very obvious that Mike's crew love what they do, and have a great time making it right! Cheers!