Activity Summary

We are expecting a Provincial Election call for this fall. While it is probable that we will see a fall election, the Ontario government could conceivably hold off until the spring of 2004. In May 2003, OHBA forwarded a comprehensive election package. We hope this will be very useful to local associations in their lobbying efforts during the up-coming municipal elections which are set for November 13, 2003 and the provincial election when called.

ONTARIO HOUSING MARKET

The housing market in Ontario remains strong and steady this year after last years record pace. Interest rates are the lowest they have been in 50 years, consumer confidence remains high and demand continues to spur residential construction activity across Ontario. The following chart illustrates the percentage change in housing starts for the first six months of 2003 versus last year.

Area	Jan - Jun 2002	Jan - Jun 2003	%
Barrie	1151	1150	0%
Bellevile	168	161	-4%
Brantford	263	142	-46%
Chatham-Kent	54	54	0%
Cornwall	85	69	-19%
Guelph	574	471	-18%
Hamilton	1551	1452	-6%
Kingston	352	366	4%
Kitchener	1997	1696	-15%
London	1357	1413	4%
North Bay	37	41	11%
Oshawa	1802	1805	0%
Ottawa	3906	2918	-25%
Peterborough	177	202	14%
Sarnia	255	89	-65%
Sault Ste. Marie	32	36	13%
St. Catharines/Niagara	581	662	14%
Sudbury	109	119	9%
Thunder Bay	65	62	-5%
Toronto	20611	21043	2%
Windsor	1008	967	-4%
ALL ONTARIO	37,306	36,425	-2%

RESOLUTIONS TO OHBA ANNUAL MEETING

In late August OHBA will be distributing to all local associations draft resolutions to be tabled at the OHBA Annual General Meeting. Additional resolutions may be brought to the floor during the Annual General Meeting in Muskoka at Deerhurst Resort on Wednesday September 24th.

BUILDING CODE STATUTE LAW AMENDMENT ACT, 2002 (BILL 124)

On July 25th, Bill 124 was proclaimed and the regulations were filed by the Ontario Government. The implementation of the legislation will streamline the approvals process, increase the safety and quality of building construction in Ontario and create a more transparent regulatory environment for the construction industry. There will be an 18 month implementation period.

ENERQUALITY COURSE

What do you need to know in order to compete and profit in today's demanding marketplace? Here is your chance to improve your knowledge about advanced building techniques that result in homes which are better built, more energy efficient, healthier to live in and environmentally responsible. This 2 day certificate course is being held on October 22 and 23 in Thorold and October 28 & 29 in Belleville. The $300 course fee includes teaching manuals, meals and coffee breaks.

To register or for more information contact Sue Woolsey at OHBA offices 800-387-0109 or email swoolsey@ohba.ca.

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

Thanks to all of you for submitting a record number of entries for the OHBA Awards of Distinction. The entries received are as interesting and diverse as our membership itself. The top 3 finalists in each category will be announced on August 22 with the awards being presented on September 25, in Muskoka at Deerhurst Resort.

AVAILABLE FROM OHBA

Housing Issues Status Report September 2003
Draft 2003 OHBA Resolutions
2003 OHBA Conference Registration
Ontario Housing Statistics - July
Provincial Party Platforms on Construction Related Issues
All Candidates Questionnaire
Guide to Effective Participation in the Election Process

OHBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

You will find yourself in good company at the OHBA Conference September 23-25, 2003. If you were at Deerhurst Resort last year or heard from colleagues that attended, you will know we are at one of the finest locations in Ontario. Join us for the gala evenings, golf tournaments, business sessions, awards presentations and much, much more. Early registration deadline is September 5th and space is limited, so register today! For more information, contact the OHBA office at 1-800-387-0109.

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