Activity Summary

July 2006

ONTARIO BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS

On June 29 the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing released a number of amendments to the Ontario Building Code, effective Jan 1, 2007. New-home buyers will experience long-term energy saving through higher energy-efficiency requirements. However the new requirements will come at a price as OHBA estimates that the cost of new code requirements will be in the $10,000-$15,000 range. Key highlights include

Toughest energy-efficiency standards of any building code in the country
Ceiling insulation levels to be increased by 29%
Basement wall insulation levels to be increased by 50%
Windows to be 67% more energy efficient
Gas and propane furnaces to be 90% efficient instead of hte current minimum 78% efficiency requirement

There are over 700 changes to the 2007 Ontario Building Code, including the new energy performance standards for 2012 and the move to an objective based formate. These represent a significant change for the new home construction industry. OHBA is concerned that the industry will need time to absorb the extent of the Building Code changes.

Additional information is available at www.mah.gov.on.ca

PLACES TO GROW

The McGuinty government released the final Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe on June 16, 2006. The focus of the Places to Grow plan is the creation of complete communities, with a greater mix of businesses, services, housing and parks. The Greater Golden Horseshoe is the fastest-growing urban region in Canada and the third fastest growing in North America. It is the economic engine of Ontario's economy, accounting for 70% of Ontario's and 30% of Canada's GDP. By 2031, th earea is expected to grow by 3.7 million people.

The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe recognizes that one size does not fit all. It sets clear standards for growth and development, while giving local goverments the flexibility they need to address local circumstances.

OHBA is in support of the provincial governments growth plan. However to achieve the provincial objects, the government must ensure that municipalities and special interest groups do no erect barroers to derail the plan.

More information is available at www.ontario.ca/placestogrow

MANDATORY RESIDENTIAL FIRE SPRINKERS

Fire Safe Ontario formulated a media campaign throughout June 2006 requesting public hearings on Bill 2, the Home Fire Sprinkler Act. There are currently no public hearings scheduled

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

	1ST Reading	2nd Reading	Standing Committee	3rd Reading
Bill 2, home Fire Sprinkler Act, 2005 (Private Members Bill)		Yes	Referred to Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly
Bill 43, Clean Water Act, 2006		Yes	Referred to the Standing Commitee on Social Policy
Bill 51, Planning & Conservation Land Statute Amendment Act, 2006		Yes	Referred to the Standing Committee on General Government	Yes
Bill 104, Greater Toronto Transportation Authority Act. 2006				Yes
Bill 130, Municipal Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006	Yes

OHBA CONDO TOUR

OHBA has commenced preliminary planning for another exciting condo tour. Mark your calendars for Aug 17 as OHBA will visit some of the hottest properties available in the Toronto Condo Market.

2006 ANNUAL OHBA CONFERENCE

Be sure to register early for the 2006 OHBA Annual Conference in Niagara Falls, Sept 26, 27 & 28. Register online at www.homesontario.com. Builing on the success of last year, Niagara Falls 2006 is th emost Anticipated OHBA Conference ever. Plans are underway to provide conference delegates with the very best in accommodations, dining and entertainment as well as a full business adgenda. OHBA and the Niagara Home Builders' Association are very excited to welcome the residential construction industry to the beautiful Niagara Fallsview Casino and Resort.

TARION EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE

Tarion announced that total warranty coverage for new homes in Ontario will increas from $150,000 to $300,000 for all purchasers who take possession of a new home on or after July 1, 2006.

There will be no additional cost for consumers or builders associated with the coverage increase as the fee for enrolling a new home in the Tarion-administered mandatory warranty program will remain the same. The increased coverage will apply to all purchasers with a date of possession on or after July 1, 2006 regardless of when they entered into their Agreement of Purchase and Sales.

REMINDERS / AVAILABLE FROM OHBA

OHB Summer MAgazine
OHBA Energy Conservation Commitee Report
OHBA Condo Tour Aug 17 2006
WSIB Mandatory Coverage Submission - Playing by the Rules
Engine that Drives the Economy *2006 Edition*
Esso 2.9% per litre discount program
OHBA Bill 51 Submission

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