Activity Summary

OHBA has developed an information package to aid local associations in preparing for the upcoming Provincial and Municipal elections. There are three elements to the package:

OHBA Guide to Effective Participation in the Election Process
Provincial Party Platforms on Construction Related Issues
All-Candidates Questionnaire

Ontario Premier Ernie Eves has announced the Progressive Conservative Party Platform with a key commitment to introduce a mortgage interest tax deduction to help homeowners. OHBA supports any candidate from any political party that supports the residential construction industry.

THE FUTURE OF OHBA

Thank you to everyone for their input to plan the future of OHBA. The Summary Notes are available to all members and the OHBA Executive Committee will be preparing an action plan in the near future.

LAND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Development Charge By-law reviews are moving front and centre as background studies are introduced. OHBA plans to provide a summary of what is happening across the province as the information becomes available, so please forward any information/inquiries to Wayne Clarke, who is heading up this issue for OHBA.

Ontario Opportunity Bond sales have exceeded $100 million dollars to date. OHBA has been a long-time proponent of this method of financing infrastructure projects and help reduce Development Charges.

Ontario Hydro Deregulation remains a top priority for the Land Development Committee. Our goal is to move the electricity market to emulate the natural gas model. The Ontario Energy Board has indicated it wants to assist us in dealing with any problems developers/builders may be experiencing. Please forward any concerns you have experienced directly to the OEB.

The Housing Supply Working Group third and final report is expected by late summer or early fall and will outline the revenue that rental housing provides for all levels of government.

ECONOMIC REVIEW

Ontario housing starts are down by about 1 per cent across the province in the first four months of 2003, but it is still expected that we will enjoy a strong new home market in the coming year. A decade of high immigration, combined with strong job creation has created demand for homes while low mortgage rates and consumer confidence continues to entice buyers into the marketplace.

A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON HOME SHOWS

The Ontario Home Builders' Association presents a roundtable discussion on Home Shows on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the OHBA offices 20 Upjohn Road, North York. This will be an ideal opportunity for Executive Officers and Show Organizers to exchange ideas. There is no charge for this special event which is open to members only. It will follow the 10:00 am scheduled Executive Officers' Council Meeting. To reserve your place call the OHBA office.

WSIB - HEALTH & SAFETY

Ontario Construction continues to lead other provinces in Lost-Time Injury (LTI) performance. The chart below shows how Ontario Compares with the national average.

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

OHBA has responded to the request for comments on the proposed technical changes to the Ontario Building Code. Because both the National and Provincial codes are changing at the same time, OHBA's comments will be forwarded to the NBC as well. A copy of the OHBA position paper is available by contacting the OHBA office 416-443-1545 or 1-800-387-0109.

2003 AWARDS OF DISTINCTION & ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The OHBA Awards of Distinction entry package and the OHBA Preliminary Conference Schedule for Muskoka September 23-25, 2003 are in the mail to you. Plan to participate!

Ontario Home Builders' Association
20 Upjohn Road,
North York, Ontario M3B 2V9
(416) 443-1545
Toll Free: 800-387-0109
Fax: (416) 443-9982
E-mail: info@ohba.ca