no breadcrumbs Ontario Home Builders' Association: Activity Summary

Activity Summary

March 2004

GREENBELT TASK FORCE

Mayor Rob MacIsaac of the City of Burlington was appointed Chair of the Greenbelt Task Force on February 16th, 2004. The Task Force, comprised of a broad cross-section of municipalities, the development industry, and recreational, environmental and agricultural interests, will lead consultations on the creation of a greenbelt in the Golden Horseshoe area. There is a member of GTHBA as well as a member of the Urban Development Institute representing the development industry. Our industry is a key stakeholder for long term growth management planning in the golden horseshoe and is inadequately represented, while environmental and social interests are abundantly represented. The Greenbelt Task Force will:

  • Shape and lead the consultation with the public and stakeholders;
  • Provide recommendations to the government on the scope, content and implementation of a proposed future greenbelt within a specified time frame; and
  • Develop a clear and transparent process for dealing with requests related to lands affected by the Ministers' Zoning Order imposed on December 16, 2003, and lands that would be affected by the moratorium that would take effect under the proposed Greenbelt Protection Act, 2003, if passed.

The task force's activities will include public meetings with residents of the Golden Horseshoe, workshops with groups representing various sectors in the Golden Horseshoe. This is expected to run for 60 days between April and June 2004. The task force will meet with stakeholders again, likely in the fall of 2004, to consider the proposed approach to greenbelt protection that will result from the initial greenbelt consultations.

BUILDING CODE

Two amendments to the Ontario Building Code have been announced. The first issue clarifies an existing problem in Part 3 of the Code with respect to acrylic bathtubs in high rise, non-sprinklered buildings. The problem in the past was with the smoke developed classification rating requirement. The requirement was set to a level where no products could meet the rating and as a result, the Code was not being properly enforced. Through active discussions with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the amendment was established that will clarify the issue for builders and building officials and will still maintain a level of fire safety for purchasers. This amendment came into effect on February 20, 2004.

The second amendment will be more problematic for builders, plumbers and hot water heater distributors. As of September 1, 2004, the water temperature at all faucets, showers and tubs will be limited to not more 49 degrees Celsius. This is due to a high incidence of scalding of children, seniors and the disabled. There are various ways of achieving the intent of the amendment, however, simply adjusting the thermostat on water heaters is not one of them. Industry is suggesting that a viable method is through the installation of a mixing valve located after the water tank. Check with you plumber and/or water heater supplier soon as early price indications range from $100 to $400 per house.

For more information on the two amendments, please see the Ministry of Municipal Affairs web site at: www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca.

WSIB AUDIT

Labour Minister Chris Bentley announced on February 12, 2004 that an independent audit will be conducted on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. A third-party audit firm will be required to complete its work by May 28, 2004 and report on:

  • The efficiency and effectiveness of WSIB corporate and administrative services;
  • Controls in place within the WSIB to ensure that investment practices are aligned with the business objectives and mandate of the organization;
  • Expenditures, effectiveness, efficiency and overall management of information services, including strategic planning and project management with regard to information technology; and
  • The overall effectiveness of the WSIB's controllership process.

BUILD FOR TOMORROW

Project Build for Tomorrow, OHBA's online learning program for apprentices in the trades is operating and available though a link at www.homesontario.com. This certificate program can be completed at the users own pace. Project Build for Tomorrow is a joint program of OHBA and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

2004 OHBA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

The 2004 OHBA Membership Directory is in production. It is your link to every one of the more than 3,500 members of OHBA. Watch for this publication that will be mailed directly to each member this spring. Please ensure your local has your correct information.

AVAILABLE FROM OHBA

  • Ontario Housing Issues March 2004
  • Spring Issue OHB Magazine
  • 2004 OHBA Pre-Budget Submission
  • Ontario Housing Stats: 1993 - 2003
  • ESSO 2.5 cent per litre Discount Program
  • NEW Corporate Express office products program

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