no breadcrumbs Ontario Home Builders' Association: Activity Summary

Activity Summary

January 2005

ONTARIO HOUSING STARTS 2004

The residential construction industry had another very strong year in 2004. Housing starts were slightly under the 14 year starts record in 2003. Home starts in Ontario's centres with a population of 10,000 or more, at 79,894 in 2004, came in one per cent below the 80,933 homes started in 2003. An increase of one per cent in single-detached home starts was offset by a four per cent dip in multiple family home starts. Lower semi-detached and apartment starts were responsible for the decline. Row home construction was up over all.

PREBUDGET SUBMISSION

OHBA has prepared a pre-budget submission for the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. OHBA is emphasizing that housing choice and affordability are under pressure from a number of municipal and provincial government initiatives. If the residential construction is to continue to be the engine that drives the provincial economy, the government will have to address declining housing affordability. To receive copies of the Pre-Budget Submission please contact the OHBA offices at 1-800-387-0109 or by fax (416) 443-9982.

GREENBELT PROTECTION

The Standing Committee on General Government will meet to consider the Bill 135, An Act to establish a greenbelt area and to make consequential amendments to the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act, 2001 and the Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994.

The Committee intends to hold public hearings on January 31, February 1, 2, and 3, 2005 in Toronto, Grimsby and Markham. OHBA has made a request to appear before the standing committee.

For more information on the greenbelt, please visit the provincial greenbelt website at www.greenbelt.ontario.ca or contact Mike Collins-Williams at OHBA at 1-800-387-0109 or mikecw@ohba.ca.

CIRCUIT BREAKER RECALL

Schneider Electric has announced a recall on square D arc fault circuit breakers manufactured between March 1, 2004 and September 23, 2004.

While these circuit breakers will continue to function normally, a small percentage of the breakers may not function as an arc fault circuit breaker (AFCI) and detect a high-resistance, low current arc fault. It is important to note that the affected circuit breaker itself does not pose a hazard. Please ensure that your electrician and/or supplier is aware of the recall.

DEVELOPMENT CHARGES REVIEW 2005

The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Gerretsen has committed to review the Development Charges Act over the next few months. OHBA is opposed to the existing and potentially expanded Development Charges Act because it unfairly burdens new home buyers with the costs of services which should be the responsibility of the entire community. OHBA is proposing a peer review process of development charges to ensure transparency and accountability.

5 Key Issues for the Minister and Government

  • Current exclusion of Hospitals
  • Issue of 10% discount on soft services
  • 10 year average does not address future growth for transit services
  • GO Transit DC's
  • Desire to examine the Act and ensure it is in line with provincial land use policy objectives

Ministry Process

  • Pull together stakeholder consultation forum
  • Forum will encompass a range of organizations
  • Forum would have some capacity to find common ground as well as deliver a wide range of opinions
  • Forum to meet a few times January - March
  • Also possible opportunity for specific technical tables to provide input on detailed issues
  • Province to weight various stakeholders issues, concerns and suggestions
  • Government to introduce legislation in Fall 2005

ONTARIO BUILDING AND RENOVATION FORUM

OHBA would like to thank all of our guests, moderators, speakers and delegates who attended Building and Renovation Forum 2005 at the fabulous Hilton Suites in Markham. Special thanks to TARION Warranty Corporation, CMHC, MASCO and Rogers, all major contributors to this event. This year was a tremendous success and we hope to see all of you again in 2006!

OHBA ENHANCES ESSO MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROGRAM

OHBA has enhanced the ESSO membership benefit program. Members can now save 2.7 cents per litre (previously 2.5 cents). To sign up for the ESSO membership benefit program call OHBA at 1-800-387-0109.

APPLE TRAIL HOUSING TOUR

OHBA has yet another exciting housing tour planned for June 2 nd to travel through Durham Region, Quinte and Belleville. Mark your calendars as tickets will go fast!

REMINDERS/AVAILABLE FROM OHBA

  • Winter Issue OHB Magazine
  • OHBA Pre-Budget Submission
  • OHBA Places to Grow Submission
  • September 2004 Housing Issues Status Report
  • ESSO 2.7 cent per litre Discount Program
  • Ontario Building & Renovation Forum Registration and Program
  • OHBA Planning Reform Submissions

  • -OMB Reform in Ontario
    -Planning Act Reform and Implementation Tools
    -Provincial Policy Statement: Draft Policies
  • Building Ontario's Future: Economic Impact Stats
  • 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