BUILDING DURHAM

Following statutory and regulatory changes by the Province of Ontario, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) has prepared draft natural hazards regulation mapping for public notification. You are invited to view the draft mapping at this website and by selecting the relevant map links:  www.cloca.com/draft-regulation-area-mapping. You may also reach out to us at mappingupdate@cloca.com if you have any questions regarding the draft mapping.

Mapping of areas that could be unsafe for people and property in the event of a flooding or erosion emergency across the watershed is a mandatory service that CLOCA provides in accordance with provincial regulations.

The Ministry of Natural Resources previously held a consultation on the regulatory changes on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Details regarding the provincial consultation are available here: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-2927

On April 1, 2024, the province enacted a new regulation under the Conservation Authorities Act for the effective regulation of development for the protection of people and property from natural hazards in Ontario.

The draft mapping shows areas associated within hazardous lands including valleylands, wetlands, watercourses, and other areas that could be subject to flooding and erosion hazards, including the Lake Ontario Shoreline. The mapping is based on provincial regulatory requirements and technical information such as flood and erosion studies prepared by professional engineers and geographic information associated with wetlands, watercourses and topography prepared by other environmental specialists.  Further, the maps show the change in area between the former regulation and the current provincial regulation in effect.

This notification period is in effect between October 9th and November 17th, 2025. The draft mapping will be considered by the CLOCA Board of Directors at their Board meeting scheduled for November 18th, 2025.

You are welcome to contact Chris Jones directly at cjones@cloca.com or our technical staff at mappingupdate@cloca.com regarding this initiative.

COLLINGWOOD, ON – September 2025 — The Durham Region Home Builders’ Association (DRHBA) is proud to announce that Executive Officer Stacey Hawkins has been awarded the Association Leadership Award – Honouring the Legacy of David Horton at the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) Conference held in Collingwood at the end of September.

This prestigious provincial award recognizes an Executive Officer or association staff member who has demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to strengthening their local association and advancing the broader OHBA network.

“Sincere congratulations to Stacey on this prestigious award,” says Peter Saturno, owner of Midhaven Homes. “But am I surprised? No. Stacey jumped into and embraced the role of Executive Officer from day one. She met our industry challenges intelligently, representing DRHBA with vigor and passion. Proud to call her a colleague and friend — but again, not surprised.”

Stacey was nominated for the honour by OHBA staff, who praised her as a dedicated and inspiring leader.

“Stacey Hawkins has been an exceptional leader, advocate, and champion for the Durham Region Home Builders’ Association and the broader industry,” reads the nomination. “Her dedication to the association movement is matched only by the creativity and passion she brings to every project. Stacey doesn’t just do the job — she elevates it. That extra ‘Stacey-touch’ is what sets her apart.”

Since joining the DRHBA eight years ago, Stacey has led the association through a period of significant growth and transformation. She has worked hard alongside members to tremendously improve the association’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that DRHBA’s voice is heard at every level of government.

“The DRHBA has come a long way in recent years, evolving from a builder-focused organization into a strong advocate for every discipline within the housing industry, from builders to land developers and beyond,” says Dave Murphy, Second Vice-President of the DRHBA Board. “Stacey has been a key driver of this progress. Her leadership has strengthened our government relations, expanded our voice at both the local and provincial levels, and created opportunities for members to connect and collaborate. Thanks to her vision and commitment, the Association is stronger than ever and well-positioned to shape the future of housing in Durham Region.”

Believing that collaboration with local municipalities is the best way forward, Stacey has worked tirelessly to create and maintain strong, positive relationships with municipal staff and politicians alike. Her commitment to partnership has strengthened DRHBA’s government relations and positioned the association as a trusted and respected voice across Durham Region and beyond.

“I was very happy to see that Stacey has finally received the recognition she deserves with this award,” says Tiago Do Couto, Chair of the DRHBA Government Relations Committee and Director of Land Development for Minto Group. “She came to DRHBA at a time when change was needed to make the association more effective for members. Stacey jumped right in, learned the industry, and worked tirelessly to make the association successful. She’s never been afraid to speak her mind, and her personality has been an asset in fostering relationships with municipal and political staff. She’s truly an asset to DRHBA and our membership. Congratulations, Stacey.”

Beyond advocacy, Stacey has reimagined how DRHBA connects its members. She recreated the Association’s events, turning them into must-attend gatherings within the local industry. Members now enjoy outside-the-box experiences that combine professional networking with genuine fun — from axe throwing to Connect 4 tournaments. Her refresh of DRHBA’s member events has reinvigorated participation, creating innovative ways for members to connect, collaborate, and celebrate together.

“Congratulations to Stacey on being recognized by the OHBA for her exceptional leadership,” adds Shannon Hunt, President of DRHBA and Senior Environmental Consultant at GEMTEC. “We’re incredibly fortunate at DRHBA to have Stacey’s unwavering support. Her commitment to our members — both collectively and individually — is unmatched. Her ability to amplify our members’ voices through meaningful relationships with local and provincial leaders is truly inspiring. Thank you, Stacey, for everything you do!”

Regional and municipal leaders also shared their praise for Stacey’s ongoing contributions to collaboration and community-building across Durham.

“Stacey has played a valuable role in supporting the home building industry,” says John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO for The Regional Municipality of Durham. “Her commitment to collaboration and community-building is reflected in the strong partnerships she’s helped foster. This recognition is well-deserved.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Stacey Hawkins for many years, and her passion, professionalism, and collaborative spirit have always stood out,” says Elizabeth Roy, Mayor of Whitby. “Stacey is a strong advocate for responsible growth, working closely with municipalities like ours to build strong, complete communities across Durham Region. Her leadership has strengthened the DRHBA and made a meaningful impact on the broader industry throughout Ontario. This recognition is well-deserved, and I’m incredibly proud to see her contributions honoured at the provincial level.”

“As Mayor of Clarington, I’m happy that you are recognizing Stacey for her outstanding service,” says Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington. “She has been a steadfast advocate for the building industry in Durham and greets her duties with both professionalism and friendliness, always building collaboration and relationships. Her work is worthy of note. Stacey, for all that you do, our thanks.”

“Clarington is a growing and vibrant community, and we’re fortunate to have forward-thinking leaders like Stacey working alongside us to advance our shared goals,” adds Darryl Lyons, Deputy CAO of Planning and Infrastructure for the Municipality of Clarington. “Her support has been instrumental in increasing collaboration with the municipality and championing transformative initiatives that will modernize and streamline Clarington’s development process — not just to increase housing supply and affordability, but to foster economic growth and build complete, sustainable communities. Congratulations, Stacey, on this well-deserved recognition.”

As the DRHBA continues to advocate for housing, growth, and innovation across Durham Region, Stacey’s leadership continues to inspire and strengthen the organization — ensuring it remains a vibrant, connected, and forward-thinking community for all its members.

“I am truly honoured to receive this award. The only reason I am even qualified to win something like this is because of the outstanding mentorship and support I have received throughout the years. I have had the privilege of learning from giants in the industry — some through direct mentorship and others

simply by observing and taking notes from those I admire,” says Stacey. “Some mentors took an active interest in helping me learn and grow, while others gave me the freedom to explore new ideas. Some taught me how to use my voice; others helped me refine it. A heartfelt thank you to Peter Saturno, Tiago Do Couto, Emidio DiPalo, Louise Foster, Ashley MacInnis Murdoch, Paula Tenuta, and the many others who have taught and guided me along the way. All of these people have made me better – both professionally and personally. I am deeply grateful for the lessons, encouragement, and opportunities they’ve shared.”

Below are several important ERO / Regulatory Registry postings that are relevant to our members.

1.Reg. Registry Posting 25-MMAH016: Proposed Building Code amendments: occupancy permits for residential developments subject to deferred development charges

• Link & details: Regulatory Registry Proposal 51914
• Details: The province is proposing amendments to the Building Code to support new rules under Bill 17. Builders of non-rental residential projects who defer development charge (DC) payments would now be required to obtain an occupancy permit, which cannot be issued until all deferred DCs are paid. The change aims to improve municipal collection certainty.
• Two important notes: The Ministry is determining whether there is support for extending the time for municipalities to complete a prescribed inspection to permit occupancy from 2 days after receipt of the notice to 10 days after receipt of the notice where DCs have been deferred. Please indicate your feedback particularly on this time frame. Secondly, this proposal is a significant change for municipalities that don’t currently have an occupancy-permit process, as they would need to implement one for these types of projects. A chief building official (CBO) must not issue the occupancy permit until the municipality confirms the deferred DCs have been paid in full.
• Previous submission by OHBA: Regulatory Registry Proposal #25-MMAH003 - Changes to the Development Charges Act, 1997
• We expect that following this posting, the Ministry will move quickly on implementing the final step of this process which is the Building Code change that would operationalize the deferral of DCs to the occupancy stage of the permit process.
• Comment deadline: Oct 17, 2025
• Please have any feedback or comments to kjensen@ohba.ca by TUESDAY OCTOBER 14, 2025

• 2. ERO Notice 025-0909: Proposed Regulations under the Species Conservation Act, 2025

• Link & details: ERO 025-0909  
• Details: The province is consulting on five new regulations to bring the Species Conservation Act, 2025 into force, replacing the Endangered Species Act, 2007. The new framework introduces a registration-first approach to streamline approvals while maintaining protections for species and habitats. The proposal also includes minor legislative and regulatory amendments to align related laws with the new Act. These regulations are foundational to how species protections will be enforced in Ontario. They may introduce new registration, monitoring, mitigation, or compliance obligations for land use, infrastructure, or development.
• Previous submission by OHBA: ERO #019-9196 Proposed Interim Changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025
• Comment deadline: November 10, 2025
• Please have any feedback or comments to kjensen@ohba.ca by FRIDAY OCTOBER 31, 2025

• 3.ERO Notice 025-1081: Proposed Archaeology Exemptions under the Ontario Heritage Act

• Link & details: ERO 025-1081
• Details: The province is proposing a new regulation under the Ontario Heritage Act to establish criteria and processes for exempting certain properties from archaeological assessment requirements. The framework would require ministries to show the economic or strategic importance of a project while ensuring protection for significant archaeological and burial sites. This aims to balance development priorities with responsible conservation.
• An accompanying operational policy is also being considered to clarify process details, such as required documentation, screening steps, and conditions that may apply to exemptions.
• Comment deadline: November 16, 2025
• Please have any feedback or comments to kjensen@ohba.ca by FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2025

• 4.ERO Notice 025-1077: Proposed Criteria for Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

• Link & details: ERO 025-1077
• Details: This is part of the regulatory framework for the new Special Economic Zones Act, 2025. It proposes criteria for designating zones, projects, and proponents to ensure Special Economic Zones advance important economic activities while meeting high standards for operation, safety, and the environment.
• Previous submission by OHBA: ERO # 025-0391 – Special Economic Zones Act, 2025
• Comment deadline: November 16, 2025
• Please have any feedback or comments to kjensen@ohba.ca by FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2025                                                                                           

• 5. ERO Notice 019-2770: Decision / Update to Ontario Heritage Toolkit

• Link & details: ERO 019-2770
• Nature of posting: This is a decision / closed consultation rather than a call for new comment.
• The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism has published the updated Ontario Heritage Tool Kit on Ontario.ca. The tool kit consists of five guides that support municipalities with the implementation of Ontario Heritage Act (OHA). Updates reflect legislative changes through omnibus Bills enacted between 2019-24. The revisions to the Ontario Heritage Toolkit will influence how municipalities and heritage authorities interpret and implement heritage policies. The updated toolkit may alter expectations, processes, and documentation required for heritage review and impact assessments.

We’re excited to share an upcoming virtual forum focused on electrification and housing connections, hosted by the Tech Committee in partnership with the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA).

This event is designed to bring together local hydro companies and home builders to talk about how we can work better together. The goal is to improve how new homes get connected to the electrical grid—making the process smoother, faster, and more affordable, while keeping the system reliable.

First Session:
Date: October 15
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Online (link below)

Hosted by: Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) & Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA)
Facilitated by: Power Advisory

Ontario’s housing and energy sectors are entering a new era of collaboration and partnership.

With the Affordable Energy Act, 2024 and recent Ontario Energy Board (OEB) updates, the framework for connecting new housing developments to the electricity grid is changing to reduce costs, support growth, and balance fairness for ratepayers.

This forum will bring together local distribution companies (LDCs) and home builders to foster a mutual understanding of challenges and opportunities in the housing connection process.

The goal is to identify solutions that streamline connections, improve coordination, and enable housing delivery while maintaining system reliability and affordability.

Why Attend?

• Learn how new OEB rules, such as extended customer horizons and the Capacity Allocation Model (CAM), will shape connection planning.
• Hear directly from home builders and LDCs on growth expectations, connection processes, and lessons learned in the field.
• Explore emerging best practices, including EV-ready housing and approaches from other jurisdictions.
• Engage in a panel discussion and Q&A designed to surface practical solutions and opportunities for collaboration.

Format:
The morning will feature short presentations from both LDCs and home builders, followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Power Advisory.

Agenda Highlights:

• Policy & Regulatory Overview – Power Advisory
• Home Builder Perspectives – Growth plans, energy planning, field experience
• LDC Perspectives – Connections process, challenges, and emerging best practices
• Future Outlook – EV-ready housing, lessons from other jurisdictions
• Panel Discussion & Q&A

Join us on October 15th for this important dialogue on how Ontario can better align electricity infrastructure with housing growth.

The session will be interactive, with presentations and panel discussions featuring industry experts—including some of our own members.

MPORTANT NOTE: There is no webinar registration, if interested you can join on the 15^th using this link. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

REMINDER – Enbridge Gas requires a notice period of no greater than 30 days’ notice of Closing Dates.

This communication serves as a reminder to Builders that Enbridge Gas must receive notice of closing dates for necessary billing transfers, and notice to set up new homeowner accounts no greater than 30 days prior to the closing dates. In addition, please ensure that any changes to closing dates are provided ahead of the date requested.

This is a requirement before occupancy occurs. Failure to provide this information may result in:

the Builder paying for natural gas service for an extended period post-closing and/or delays and interruptions to natural gas supply for the new homeowner.

CALL TO ACTION

It is the Builder’s responsibility to:

➢Advise all new homeowners to contact Enbridge Gas to set up their new account by calling 1-877-362-7434 or online at New Homeowner Gas Account Set Up prior to their closing date.

➢Submit the address and homeowner’s information to Enbridge Gas by email and/or a template at the start of each month, provided that the Builder has a release included in the Purchase and Sale Agreement that permits them to disclose this information to Enbridge Gas.

The Builder must send an email to Enbridge Gas Specialty Billing at specialtybilling@enbridge.comthat includes all relevant details for the home(s), including:

• name of Builder development
• complete address including block/unit, city, and postal code
• the buyer’s full name
• phone number and email address
• the co-buyer’s full name, phone number and email address; and the legal closing date.

The sender will receive a confirmation response for each request, indicating that the request has been completed.

For any questions or issues, please contact the Enbridge Gas Specialty Billing team at specialtybilling@enbridge.com

Designed for renovators, builders, architects, designers, students, and industry leaders, this full-day event offers insight, innovation, and meaningful connections to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving sector.

Discover how technology, strategy, and collaboration are driving real change in Ontario’s residential construction sector.

Whether you’re an established professional or just starting out, this event is your chance to gain insight, make connections, and help shape the direction of renovation and home building in Ontario.

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Centre for Housing Innovation – 10 Dundas St. East, Toronto
Price: $99 + HST

Click here to Register

To: All OHBA Members

From: Scott Andison, Chief Executive Officer

Date: September 19, 2025 Re: 2025 Annual Meeting of Members – Information Package

Dear Members,

I am pleased to share the enclosed Annual Meeting of Members (AMM) Package for the Ontario Home Builders’ Association’s 2025 AMM, which will take place on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 11:15 AM at Blue Mountain Resort, Collingwood.

As part of our preparation for this meeting:

• On September 11, 2025, OHBA circulated a call for member resolutions with a requested deadline of September 16, 2025.

• four resolutions were received by that deadline. click here for more information.

This package includes: • Notice of the Annual Meeting of Members, including the agenda and quorum requirements.

• Proxy form instructions, should you be unable to attend in person.

• Proposed By-Law amendments for member consideration; and

• Minutes of the September 23, 2024 AMM for approval.

Please note that the 2024-2025 audited financial statements are not yet included as the audit is still underway. These statements will be circulated to all members as soon as they are finalized and will be presented at the AMM for approval.

Your participation is essential to the success of our association. Please review these materials carefully and ensure you or your designated proxy are prepared to participate and vote.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment. I look forward to seeing you at Blue Mountain.

Warm regards,

Scott Andison, Chief Executive Officer

Ontario Home Builders’ Association

Please be advised that representatives will be voting on behalf of the DRHBA members. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process, feel free to reach out to Stacey

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, representatives from DRHBA attended a stakeholder session on the proposed new Education Development Charge (EDC) for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB).

The EDC is area-specific and is only applicable to the Municipality of Clarington.  The background study for both school boards has been released and can be found here.

According to the background study, the land value appraisals ranged from $1.5 million to $2.125 million per acre in Clarington, and site preparation costs were estimated at $100,024 per acre. 

KPRDSB is projecting net education land costs at $113,023,395.00 and the net new dwellings at 21,266, creating a uniform residential EDC per dwelling unit at $5,315.

PVNCCDSB KPRDSB is projecting net education land costs at $65,244,088.00 and the net new dwellings at 21,266, creating a uniform residential EDC per dwelling unit at $3,068.

Due to provincial legislation, the school boards are only allowed to increase their development charge by $300 per year. 

By Year 5, the KPRDSB EDC would be $3,643, whereas the max rate is $5,315, leaving the school board with a shortage of $1,672 per dwelling unit.  Similarly, the PVNCCDSB’s Year 5 rate would be $2,702, a shortfall of $366 from their max rate of $3,068.

EDCs can only be used to purchase the land and to service the land for construction.

Both school board will be voting on the new EDC bylaws at their respective meetings on November 25, 2025.  If passed, the bylaws would come into effect five days after the passage.

In this Memo: Status of the FTHB GST/HST Rebate CHBA Action What Members Can Do Resource for members to encourage eligible FTHBs to buy now rather than wait

Earlier this week, after extensive follow-up with the Department of Finance and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), CRA released more details about the implementation of the federal government's proposed GST/HST rebate for first-time home buyers (“FTHB GST/HST Rebate”), which will remove the GST (or the federal part of the HST) on new homes at or under $1 million and lower it on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million for all first-time home buyers.

Status of the FTHB GST/HST Rebate On June 5, proposed legislation was introduced in the House of Commons to amend the Excise Tax Act to include the FTHB GST Rebate, with the intention to complete the legislative process by July 1. The last step of that process is for the legislation to receive Royal Assent, which was not completed in time for the government’s summer recess at the end of June.    This means that, although the legislation has been promised to come, home buyers and builders cannot apply yet for the rebate and the CRA will not process claims for the new FTHB GST Rebate until the proposed legislation has received Royal Assent. As such, builders cannot currently provide buyers with a credit beyond what the buyer would already be entitled to under the existing GST/HST New Housing Rebate. CHBA is advocating for rapid action on securing Royal Assent as quickly as possible once the House of Commons resumes as of September 15th, after the summer recess, but no firm timeline is possible at this time.    Buyers are still eligible for the new FTHB GST Rebate for any home purchased after May 27, 2025, but if ownership is transferred to an individual before the proposed legislation receives Royal Assent, the individual would need to apply separately to the CRA for the FTHB GST/HST rebate if Royal Assent is received. If the proposed legislation receives Royal Assent and ownership is subsequently transferred to an individual, builders would be able to credit the FTHB GST/HST rebate to the purchaser in the same manner as the existing GST/HST new housing rebate. This means builders would credit the rebate amount to the purchaser, against the total amount payable for the house. The purchaser would not have to apply to the CRA directly or wait to receive their rebate.    There is no indication that this legislation won’t be passed; rather the speed at which it will be passed is still a major concern and point of emphasis to government by CHBA.

CHBA action The slow implementation of this measure has hindered would-be sales and thus the creation of much-needed housing supply during a time of great market uncertainty. CHBA has been very actively conveying this problem to the Prime Minister, Ministers and government officials. After years of advocating for changes to the GST, we share members’ extreme frustrations about the delay in moving this measure forward. CHBA continues to emphasize to the federal government the problems the slow implementation of this measure has caused, stressing that, without action, buyers will continue to wait on the sidelines. And, of course, CHBA continues to advocate for expansion of the eligibility.    Earlier this week, CHBA met with the Minister for Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Gregor Robertson, to outline members' top priorities and concerns, including the importance of quick implementation of the FTHB GST Rebate and related resources.    In addition to many other touchpoints, CHBA has engaged with the offices of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, stressing that it is imperative that this legislation move forward as soon as the House resumes on September 15. For the tenor of those discussions, members can see the formal letter, which is available to view on CHBA’s website.    In these discussions, CHBA also continues to advocate for a broadening of the GST relief to be adjusted to be:  for all homebuyers, not just first-time buyers;  in more expensive markets, increased thresholds to $1.5 and $2.0M; and  applicable to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and secondary suites, which are important forms of new housing.  Rest assured, CHBA will keep members updated on any new developments. CRA’s information on the rebate, including FTHB qualification requirements, can be found here.

What members can do In order to get would-be buyers off the sidelines, it is imperative that this legislation receives Royal Assent as soon as the House returns in September. To help ensure the FTHB GST Rebate is at the top of the federal agenda on September 15, CHBA encourages members email their federal MPs directly, with examples of how this delay is impacting your business, to emphasize how critical it is that this measure be implemented as soon as possible. This, in tandem with CHBA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, will help strengthen our collective voice on this issue.    CHBA members are also encouraged to fill out a 2-minute member survey, which will give CHBA concrete data about the impact of the slow implementation of the FTHB GST Rebate to reinforce our advocacy efforts.

Looking for an easy way to inform your clients about the variety of tax credits, rebates, and loans from the federal government that make renovation projects more affordable for homeowners? If your clients are upgrading for energy efficiency, accessibility, or adding a secondary suite, there are a variety of incentives and financing programs available that could be help turn their renovation dreams into reality. Check out the new Renovation Incentives and Resources page and accompanying blog post on the CHBA website. Both have new, easy-to-understand fact sheets for your clients. You are encouraged to make these resources your own – download & add to your website (or link to ours to ensure they’re always up-to-date), print for clients, and link to the blog on social media.