The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) has announced two important regulatory changes that will positively impact our industry. These updates - one related to Inclusionary Zoning and the other to Planning Act regulations - reflect ongoing advocacy efforts to reduce barriers, lower costs, and streamline housing delivery across the province. Below is an overview of these recent changes and what they mean for builders and renovators in the Durham Region.

1. Province Pauses Inclusionary Zoning Requirements

The first update is a major development for residential builders working in municipalities where Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) policies apply. The Province has amended the Inclusionary Zoning Regulation to implement an official pause on IZ requirements in Toronto, Mississauga, and Kitchener.

You can read the full Inclusionary Zoning Regulation Update here

2. Professional Engineers Now Recognized as a “Prescribed Profession” Under the Planning Act

The second update involves a package of amended and new regulations that officially designate professional engineers as a prescribed profession for the purposes of complete planning applications.

You can read the full Prescribed Profession Regulation Update here

A Meaningful Step Forward for the Home Building Industry

Together, these regulatory updates represent two significant advocacy wins for OHBA and local associations across Ontario. Through ongoing engagement with the Province, industry leaders have emphasized the financial pressures affecting housing delivery, as well as the need for policy decisions grounded in current market reality.
It is encouraging to see the government take steps—both practical and timely—to reduce barriers, improve development timelines, and help ease cost pressures facing builders today.

Next Steps & How Members Can Help

As these changes roll out across municipalities, OHBA and its local associations—including DRHBA—will continue to monitor implementation and keep members informed.
If you become aware of any municipalities with Minister‑designated PMTSAs that are still moving forward with Inclusionary Zoning policies or by‑laws that conflict with the provincial pause, please notify us. OHBA is maintaining an ongoing list to ensure the Province is aware of any areas that may require further regulatory adjustment.