Activity Summary
September 2005
2005 OHBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Space is limited for the 2005 OHBA Annual Conference in Niagara Falls September 27, 28 and 29. Register online at www.homesontario.com. Niagara Falls 2005 is the most anticipated OHBA Conference ever. Plans are underway to provide conference delegates with the very best in accommodation, dining and entertainment as well as a full business agenda. The Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will be OHBA's special guest. OHBA and the Niagara Home Builders' Association are very excited to welcome the residential construction industry to the brand new Niagara Fallsview Casino and Resort.
PROVINCE APPOINTS PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITATOR
The provincial government is taking a business-like approach to resolving planning issues by establishing the Office of the Provincial Development Facilitator. The Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal stated, "Our government is bringing a stable, business-like approach to planning issues. Establishing this office confirms our commitment to moving quickly and decisively to achieve our goals to build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous province."
Alan Wells, formerly with the Regional Municipality of York has been appointed Provincial Development Facilitator for a one-year term and will help the province, municipalities, developers and community groups resolve issues relating to growth management, land use and infrastructure planning and environmental protection. The Provincial Development Facilitator will undertake mediation and facilitation in an independent and impartial manner regardless of who requests these services.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
OHBA held a special meeting on August 9th to discuss 'tools to support intensification'. The meeting discussions generated potential tools and concrete solutions for the development industry to ensure the intensification goals of the Places to Grow growth plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe will be achievable.
The recommendations from the meeting have been compiled in a report that will be forwarded this September to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ontario Growth Secretariat at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal. For a copy of the 'Tools to Support Intensification Report' please call OHBA at 1-800-387-0109.
MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT HOMES MADE MORE AFFORDABLE
CMHC is introducing enhancements to its Mortgage Loan Insurance for Energy Efficient Homes product to enable more home buyers to benefit from a 10% premium refund and 35 year amortization option when purchasing an energy-efficient home with as little as 5% down. Homes that meet NRCan's EnerGuide rating of 77% or above are eligible. Apartment style condominium units in buildings that meet NRCan's minimum requirements for their Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP) can also be eligible.
These changes build on a positive response from the housing industry since the introduction of the program in the fall of 2004. They encourage the development of more energy-efficient homes by making eligible a broader range of home building programs such as R-2000 and ENERGY STAR®. For more information call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca
ULTIMATE CONDO TOUR II
After selling out the first Ultimate Condo Tour in a matter of days, OHBA has yet another exciting condo tour planned for Thursday October 20th to visit the most exciting and innovative condo sites in Ontario. View award winning sites and enjoy a scenic fall lunch in Port Credit Village. The action packed day will be topped off by a catered dinner on the 27th floor of Monarch Development's Waterview condominium at Humber Bay Shores, overlooking Lake Ontario and the City of Toronto skyline. Back by popular demand, Don't miss the OHBA Ultimate Condo Tour II! Call 1-800-387-0109 to reserve your spot.
2005 AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
The 2005 Awards of Distinction honour the cream of the crop in the residential construction industry in Ontario. This year OHBA received a record 387 entries for the awards program!
Judging for the awards took place in late August and the list of the top 3 finalists in each category are listed on the OHBA website: www.homesontario.com.
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. To book a table at the Awards of Distinction dinner and reception call OHBA at 1-800-387-0109.
OHBA AWARDS
The 2005 OHBA Annual Conference will recognize volunteer members who have taken that extra step for the association. We are looking for Rooftoppers, Foundation Builders, nominations for OHBA Member of the Year and Local Association of the Year. Last year Victor Fiume was awarded the Member of the Year, Andy Brethour received the Life Time Achievement Award and the Greater Barrie Home Builders' Association was the Local of the Year. It is simple to enter, please write to us to nominate your local or your candidate.
REMINDERS / AVAILABLE FROM OHBA
- Housing Issues Status Report: September 2005
- OHBA Conference Registration
- OHBA Ultimate Condo Tour II: October 20th
- OHB Fall Magazine
- OHBA Annual Report
- Engine that Drives the Economy
- Building and Renovation Forum 2006 Info
- ESSO 2.5 cent per litre Discount 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
