By Dylana Milobar

2019 TRU Training House ready to become next Dream Home

Mar 27, 2019 | 3:42 PM

TOBIANO, BC — Ahead of the Kamloops YMCA’s Annual Dreamhome Lottery, builders provided an inside look at the 2019 Training House, which will soon become the next Dream Home prize.

Located in Tobiano at 110 Cavesson Way, the $800,000 home was constructed through a partnership between the Canadian Home Builders Association Central Interior branch, TRU School of Trades and Technology and the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA . 

Each year, trades students get a chance to gain real life construction experience.

“So when they leave here, they’re a lot more job ready than say just doing small projects in the shop. Like if it rains today, we still work, we still learn. So it’s a good program in that aspect.

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TRU Instructor Bryce Coombs says about 50 per cent of the home is constructed by students taking part in the unique Training House program overseen by professionals and instructors. 

“And of course, when they pass all their courses, they’re definitely a leg up on any other person wanting to get into the trade.”

Now 29 years into the program, CHBA Central Interior President Kelly Reid says locals in the construction industry are seeing the long-term benefits of the learning opportunity.

“It’s come full circle, we now have students from the program who are members of the CHBA and the contribute and help train the future students so it’s been a great partnership with them.” He explains, “We’re very excited to get our occupancy certificate today and we will be turning the house over to the Y.”

This year marks the first time the TNRD has joined the project as the house was built just outside of Kamloops in nearby Tobiano.

TNRD Vice Chair and Lower North Thompson Director Bill Kershaw says he hopes to see more rural areas utilized for dream homes in the future.

“This is an $800,000 home so it’s hard to build that out in small, little communities outside too far, as there is no value in it, but I think this area is going to be good.” he says. “Maybe another up in Sun Peaks or some area like that in time.”

According to Reid, the home also includes a number of features that fit new energy efficiency guidelines for home construction.

“The house is being run through the energy advisor training and consultation,” he explains. “JELD-WEN sponsored to upgraded triple-pane high-performance windows for the house and it has a number of other energy efficient features.”

After the home changes hands to the YMCA, tickets for the Dream Home lottery will be available next month.