no breadcrumbs Ontario Home Builders' Association: Activity Summary

Activity Summary

June 2005

BILL 124 DELAY

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced the status of changes to the Building Code Act and the Building Code resulting from the Building Code Statute Law Amendment Act (Bill 124).

These changes are intended to increase the safety and quality of building construction in Ontario, streamline the approvals process and increase the accountability of building practitioners. Some stakeholders including OHBA raised concerns about their ability to meet the new qualifications requirements in time for the July 1, 2005 deadline. The Government has listened to these concerns and has extending the implementation period to January 1, 2006, for some new requirements, specifically:

  • The qualification requirements for building officials and designers;
  • The registration requirements (i.e. qualified staff and insurance) for designers;
  • The timeframes for the review of building permit applications; and
  • The commencement of the first reporting period for the municipal annual building permit fee report.

In the interim, the Ministry will be establishing a Rural and Northern Advisory Panel to help municipalities in rural and Northern Ontario with the building regulatory changes. Following the January implementation date, a Building Advisory Council will be established to monitor implementation practices and ongoing improvements to the building regulatory environment throughout Ontario.

ONTARIO MAY HOME STARTS DRIFT LOWER

"Volatility in multiple home starts can skew starts numbers over any given month. However, the big picture story is that Ontario's new construction market is slowing. This is particularly true when looking at demand for expensive home types. Nevertheless, positive consumer attitudes across Ontario and historically low mortgage rates should keep home starts healthy and above historical averages," said Ted Tsiakopoulos, Ontario's regional economist.

Ontario's year-to-date raw urban starts were 11 per cent lower than the same period in 2004. Urban single-detached home starts have dipped 17 per cent while the more modestly priced multiples segment is only down three per cent this year.

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT UPDATE

The Ontario Legislature rose on Monday June 13th for the summer recess. The Places to Grow Act, Bill 136 was given Royal Assent prior to the summer break. Most government observers anticipate a Cabinet Shuffle to take place in the early summer.

2005 OHBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Be sure to register early for the 2005 OHBA Annual Conference in Niagara Falls September 27, 28 and 29. Register online at www.homesontario.com

2005 AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

The Awards of Distinction entry brochure package was mailed in May to each member company. The 2005 OHBA Awards of Distinction Deadline is 5pm on Thursday July 7th. This is your opportunity to showcase the very best of your new home, renovation designs, superior sales and marketing. Do you think you are the best? Prove it!

The second Ontario Home Builder of the Year was Midhaven Homes in 2004 following Monarch Development Corporation's win in 2003. The prestigious award for 2005 will be announced on September 29th at the Awards of Distinction at the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.

GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Congratulations to the Greater Windsor Home Builders' Association on their successful gala launch on June 3rd for the MRI Field of Dreams Campaign being spearheaded by the Windsor & Essex County Cancer Centre Foundation. The Greater Windsor HBA plans to build a house over a three-day period (July 22 to 24) with the goal to donate $200,000 to the MRI campaign.

The Stratford & Area Home Builders' Association has announced an innovative fundraising project with the United Way of Perth County. The 102-member association has started construction of a dream home to be completed this summer, in part, through donations of materials and labour by association members. Once sold, the Stratford association plans a generous donation to the United Way's Endowment Fund.

ULTIMATE CONDO TOUR

OHBA has yet another exciting housing tour planned for Thursday August 18th to visit the most exciting and innovative condo sites in Ontario. View award winning sites and enjoy a scenic summer lunch in Port Credit Village. Don't miss OHBA's first ever condo tour! Call 1-800-387-0109 to reserve your spot.

2005 OHBA MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

Please note that pages 24-28 in the Greater Barrie section of the 2005 OHBA Membership Directory contained telephone and fax number errors. This was an electronic/computer error and OHBA regrets any inconvenience resulting from the misprint.

For the most recent member company information call 1-800-387-0109 or check online at www.homesontario.com

REMINDERS / AVAILABLE FROM OHBA

  • Housing Issues Status Report: March 2005
  • Ontario Home Builder Magazine: Summer 2005
  • NEW Corporate Express office products program
  • ESSO 2.7 cent per litre Discount Program
  • OHBA Planning Reform Submissions
  • OMB Reform in Ontario
  • Planning Act Reform and Implementation Tools
  • Provincial Policy Statement: Draft Policies
  • OHBA Places to Grow Submission
  • Building Ontario's Future: Economic Impact Stats

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