BUILDING DURHAM

Click the link below to learn who your Enbridge Residential New Construction representative in Durham Region is.

https://www.enbridgegas.com/-/media/4382165F47ED483881CCC48398EB0ECC.ashx 

At today's Development Services committee meeting, staff will be bringing forward Report DS-21-226, meant to address the 2019 Report - DS-19-200 Regarding the Construction of New City Parks in New Subdivisions and Motion DS-21-134 Policy Regarding the Competition of Area Parks and Trails.

After consulting with stakeholders, including the Durham Region Home Builders' Association, the staff recommendation to the Development Services Committee is:

1. That, pursuant to Report DS-21-226 dated November 24, 2021, the City maintain its current policies that relate to the timing of development of new neighbourhood parks in new subdivisions and that enables developers to request that Council authorize the developer to finish the park including any playground facilities and appropriate park furniture.
2. That, pursuant to Report DS-21-226 dated November 24, 2021, the City maintain its current policy that requires developers to construct trails in new subdivisions in a timely manner, to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, Development Services Department and the Commissioner, Community Services Department.

Background Information

In 2019, Oshawa's Development Services Committee passed two resolutions in relation to parks in new subdivisions.

DS-19-200 Notice of Motion - Construction of New City Parks

"That the Commissioner,  Development Services Department draft a policy for council to review and determine implementing that will ensure new city parks are constructed at the same time new subdivision roads are constructed in order that new residents are best served in a timely way with park amenities."

DS-21-134 Notice of Motion - Policy Regarding the Completion of Area Parks and Trails

"Whereas the most effective time to complete parks and trails is early in a development project; 

Now therefore staff develop the wording of a clear policy that ensures builder/developers are responsible for the timely completion of area parks and trails in new residential development so that any growing dissatisfaction from delays are avoided."

These motions were intended to require developers to construct Parkettes and Neighbourhood Parks at the same time as all other features of the subdivision.  Currently, a developer must provide a base park (i.e. grading, sodding and servicing), and request to finish a park and would be reimbursed by the City for the finishing.

DRHBA submitted letters in 2019 (updated March 24, 2021) and in August of 2021.

As municipalities and regions across the province work on completing municipal comprehensive reviews (MCRs), the Ontario Home Builders' Association has commissioned a report written by Dr. Mike Moffatt, Assistant Professor in the Business, Economics and Public Policy group at Ivey Business School, Western University, and Senior Director, Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute, titled "Baby Needs a New Home." (Condensed Durham Region Version)

This informative report concludes that  with 2.27 million more people calling Ontario home over the next decade, Ontario will need to build one million new homes just to keep up with population growth, the formation of young families, and to address current and future housing supply shortages. The growing population of Ontarians in their late 20s and early 30s is driving the demand for family-friendly housing. Families are spreading out across the province looking for a home in which to raise a family or are delaying having children due to a lack of housing options.

Meeting the goal of one million homes over the next decade is a significant challenge and is required to ensure an adequate supply of high-quality available and attainable housing, while at the same time driving economic prosperity. Failure to do so will make it impossible for Ontario to attract and retain the talent it needs to compete in the global economy. Oshawa must be prepared to accommodate the different forms and densities of housing units that family formations will demand, while having a sufficient quantity of housing supply to meet the needs of population growth. Furthermore, in addition to the planning, zoning and development approvals required, it is imperative that the necessary municipal infrastructure, including sanitary sewer and water capacity, is planned, approved and available to accommodate the pending growth over the coming years.

To further examine the report, OHBA is hosting a webinar with Dr. Moffatt on:

Tuesday, December 7th at 10 a.m

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-pi54Z5UQQez9LxSgHcBaQ

Local and regional councillors, mayors as well as municipal and regional staff have also been invited to attend.

The Region of Durham is currently undergoing a Municipal Comprehensive Review (MCR), and they are referring to this project as Envision Durham.

As Regional staff work though this process, they release reports as they are completed for stakeholders and the public to review and provide comment.

The Region has just released Regional Staff Recommendations on Employment Area Conversion Requests.

The recommendations in this report will be presented at the December 7th Planning & Economic Development Committee meeting.

On October 25th, 2021 the City of Oshawa passed their amended development charges bylaw.  The new schedule of fees came into effect on November 1, 2021.

Current rates (subject to indexing) are as follows:

Single & Semi-Detached Dwelling - $25,737

Duplex (for 2 units) - $32,394

Apartments - 2 Bedrooms + - $16,197

Apartments - Bachelor and 1 Bedroom - $9,945

Townhouse Dwelling - $20,735

Lodging House (per unit) - $8,935

On January 1, 2022, there are new Ontario Building Code requirements related to stairs that come into force which members should be aware of.

OHBA is hosting an information session with Michael Lio, President of buildABILITY, to help members navigate this change and the impacts it will have on projects and designs.  

Date: Wednesday, December 8

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LXIXWcUuSSq7ViTLy2rnSg

On Thursday, November 25, the Empire Club of Canada hosted Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark.

During the webinar, Minister Clark discussed key issues regarding housing and affordability facing Ontarians today.  This included how the province is working to remove duplication and barriers to building homes and encouraging innovation.

Minister Clark also spoke to his collaboration with municipalities, and how the province is providing them with the tools they need to unlock the full range of housing options in communities across Ontario so that every Ontarian can find a home that meets their needs and budget.

You can watch the recording of the webinar here.

Oshawa will be hosting a special council meeting on Wednesday, December 1 at 10 a.m. for council to review the latest update in the City's Parking Study.

The City of Oshawa engaged IBI Group to undertake this study, which began several years ago.

Council is being asked to endorse the final report and prioritized recommendations of the City of Oshawa Parking Study, subject to the comments and recommendations of City staff as contained in Report CNCL-21-110.