BUILDING DURHAM

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.

On November 16th, 2021 the 2021/2022 DRHBA Board of Directors were sworn in at the DRHBA Annual General Meeting. This years board consists of the following:

Tiago Do Couto (Minto Communities) - President 

Johnathan Schickedanz (FarSight Homes) - Past President

Domenic Chiodo (Accubuilt Construction) - 1st Vice President

Emidio DiPalo (Infinity Custom Homes) - 2nd Vice President

Shannon Hunt (PGL Environmental Consultants) - Director

Eddy Chan (Delpark Homes) - Director

Mark Chan (Upperview Homes) - Director 

Nick Henley (Henley Contracting) - Director

Geoff Osborne (D.G. Biddle & Associates) - Director 

Marco Coscarella (Candevcon) - Director

President Tiago Do Couto also appointed Peter Saturno (Midhaven Homes) as a Presidential Appointee. 

To learn more about our board please visit Meet Our Board

The City of Oshawa's Development Services Committee passed the following two motions on October 4, 2021, requiring a report by staff in consultation with the building industry:

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DS-21-182

Whereas the narrower streets in the new developments are causing safety concerns;

Therefore staff report back on measures for the City to approve the same minimum 8.5 metre street width in all new subdivision plans, including 8.5 metre width on private roads for new block developments in consultation with BILT.

DS-21-189

That Report DS-21-189 from the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee requesting the City of Oshawa develop standards for car lifts (stacked parking) be referred to staff for a report and including consultation with BILT.

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Regarding DS-21-182, the City's current practice is to require minimum widths of 6.5m for private roads (curb-to-curb, not including sidewalks).  This is based on three key factors:

1. requirements for a minimum 6.0m wide fire route,
2. waste collection requirements for minimum 6.5m wide collection routes on private property, and
3. Section 39.4.1 of the City's Zoning By-law 60-94 which requires a minimum width of 6.5m for two-way drive aisles for vehicle maneuvering.

Through motion DS-21-182, the Development Services Committee has asked staff to investigate private road widths and a draft new policy has not been drafted at this time.

Regarding DS-21-189, the City is currently processing a Zoning By-law Amendment application for stacked townhouses which includes a car lift for vehicular access to an underground parking garage.  The Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee and Development Services Committee has requested that staff develop accessibility standards for car lifts.  Staff are currently analyzing the issue and draft standards have not been prepared at this time.  The Oshawa Accessibility Design Standards contain standards for standard elevators but not for car lifts.

If you have feedback on either of these items, please contact Stacey no later than Wednesday, October 20, 2021.

Oshawa's Finance Services is currently in the public consultation phase of their Development Charge By-law Update.  

On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, the Finance committee will hold a public meeting to present and obtain public input on the proposed City of Oshawa Development Charge By-law Update and underlying Development Charge Background Study.

All interested parties are invited to view the Electronic Public Meeting live on the City's website on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.

While in-person delegations are not possible at this time, those wishing to address or provide written comments to the Finance Committee must email the City Clerk at clerks@oshawa.ca.

 The background study can be viewed here.