From the Ministry of Transportation:
Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 outlined the first steps in our government's immediate response to the current crisis. It includes health care resources and provides immediate relief with support for people and jobs.
While the number one priority remains the health and well being of all people, we also need to be prepared once the state of emergency is lifted to responsibly reopen the economy.
For the next phase of Ontario's Action Plan, we need to develop a recovery plan with the same thoughtfulness as our crisis response so that we are doing everything we can to stimulate economic growth and job creation, while continuing to protect people.
Please find below a link to a survey. The purpose of the survey is to understand the impacts of COVID-19 to your organization to date, recovery measures, planning, and transportation opportunities. Recovery planning is moving quickly and we would like to gather this information as soon as possible. Your participation in the survey and response by Tuesday, May 26 would be greatly appreciated.
Survey
If you have any questions, please email the project team at ProvincialPlanningOffice@ontario.ca.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced on May 15, 2020 that the Government of Canada will extend the CEWS by an additional 12 weeks to August 29, 2020. Extending the program will give workers greater confidence that they will continue to get the support they need during these difficult times. The Government will consult with key business and labour representatives over the next month on potential adjustments to the program to incent jobs and growth, including the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold. Any potential changes following the consultation will have as key objectives to maximize employment, ensure the CEWS reflects the immediate needs of businesses, and support the post-crisis economic recovery.
The Government has made regulatory changes to prescribe certain types of organizations in order to extend eligibility for the CEWS to additional groups. The prescribed organizations described below may now begin applying for the CEWS, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
View full press release
The Durham Region Home Builders' Association (DRHBA) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) applaud the Government of Ontario’s decision permit all construction activities under the COVID-19 Emergency Orders. The reactivation of construction activities will allow the industry to meet the housing, commercial building and renovation needs of Durham Region and Ontario.
“We are still focused on the safety of jobsites, workers and clients. Getting our industry safety back to work means we can get back to providing the housing supply and choice our community needs, from renovations to new home builds to adding new commercial workspace in Durham Region,” said Johnathan Schickedanz, president of DRHBA.
Today’s decision allows for the full resumption of residential and non-residential construction and planned renovations on Tuesday May 19, 2020 including the restrictions on new home renovations.
As always, the industry will ensure that work is carried out in compliance with the Ministry of Labour’s Guidelines for Construction Site Health and Safety during COVID-19. DRHBA and OHBA continues to support the critical role enforcement role of the Ministry of Labour inspectors. The industry continues to support closing any jobsite that does not meet or exceed these requirements
“We all want safe jobsites. The health and safety of colleagues, employees, tradespeople and clients continues to be the industry’s number one priority as the industry continues to make enhancements to the COVID-19 health and safety protocols,” said Joe Vaccaro, CEO, OHBA. “The provincial government continues to take a measured approach in response to this crisis. The reactivation of construction and renovations for both residential and non-residential means the industry can work through the short Canadian construction season and deliver the keys to businesses waiting for their new work spaces and thousands of families waiting for the keys to their new or renovated homes.“
Resources:
News Release: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/05/ontario-announces-additional-workplaces-that-can-reopen.html
Full document: https://files.ontario.ca/mof-framework-reopening-province-stage-1-en-2020-05-14.pdf?_ga=2.69189778.2006177927.1589477797-500872388.1575643750
Sector Specific workplace guidelines: https://www.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace?_ga=2.81257492.2006177927.1589477797-500872388.1575643750
Workplace PPE supply directory - https://covid-19.ontario.ca/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus/#find-ppe
The City of Oshawa is undertaking a public consultation to obtain input on whether the City should pass by-laws under the Municipal Act, 2001 to control nuisance dust and dirt on roads and properties in Oshawa due to construction and development projects.
At its June 25, 2018, City Council considered report DS-18-127 “Dust Control Related to New Development” which identified a potential need to further control dust and mud primarily caused by site alteration in new development areas, beginning with the stripping or filling of the development site. Accordingly, City Council directed staff to undertake a public and industry consultation process to obtain feedback on whether the City should approve by-laws to control dust and mud associated with construction and development on roads and properties adjacent to the development.
Examples of such by-laws are appended in the following attachments in report DS-18-127 “Dust Control Related to New Development”:
Feedback will be considered in a report at a future meeting of City Council.
You can provide your feedback directly to Michelle Whitbread (mwhitbread@oshawa.ca) or Ken Man (kman@oshawa.ca).
You can also provide feedback to Stacey (s.hawkins@drhba.com) for consideration for DRHBA's feedback letter.
Durham – May 8th, 2020 - The Durham Region Home Builders' Association (DRHBA) is excited to announce the winners of their 2020 Awards of Excellence.
These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in new homes, home renovations, innovative technology and construction, outstanding presentation and marketing of projects within Durham Region.
Due to the pandemic, DRHBA was not able to host its annual gala as normal, but still wanted to highlight the great work our members are doing in the community. So this year, DRHBA took their Awards ceremony online. The show went live on Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. and everyone was able to tune in from home to watch. Less than 24 hours after the show went live, it's been viewed almost 2,000 times! Watch the Awards here.
This year, members set a record for the number of nominations submitted and the competition was very fierce. Judges from across Canada scored all of the entries and produced this year's winners.
Congratulations to all of our winners!
This year's winners include:
Excellence in Digital Marketing
Marshall Homes – HERE
Excellence in Logo Design
Excellence in Print Ad / Direct Mail Piece
Great Gulf – Whitby Meadows
Excellence in Sales Brochure Design
Excellence in Signage
Holland Homes Inc. – Liberty Street
Excellence in Interior Decorating – Model Homes/Suite
Brookfield Residential – New Seaton, Dunbarton
Excellence in New Homes Sales Office – Small Volume
Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours and Concepts Inc. – Courts of Canterbury
Excellence in New Homes Sales Office – Large Volume
Excellence in Bathroom Renovation
Paradisaic Building Group – Publow Bathroom
Excellence in Kitchen Renovation
Accubuilt Construction Ltd. – Goodwood Kitchen
Excellence in Room Renovation
Trademark Homes – The 360
Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($100,001 to $250,000)
Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($250,001 to $500,000)
Trademark Homes – Modern Farmhouse Oasis
Excellence in Home Renovation/Addition ($500,001 and up)
Accubuilt Construction – Goodwood Renovation
Excellence in Landscape Project
Accubuilt Construction – Swiss Heights
Excellence in Custom Built Bathroom Design
Trademark Homes – Country Gem
Excellence in Custom Built Kitchen Design
DeSousa Homes Inc. – Brawley Kitchen
Excellence in Custom Built Home (under 2500 sq. ft.)
Andelwood Homes – Odlum
Excellence in Custom Built Home (2501-3500 sq. ft.)
Jeffery Homes – The Zylstra Residence
Excellence in Custom Built Home (3501-4500 sq. ft.)
Excellence in Custom Built Home (4500 sq. ft. and up)
DeSousa Homes – Brawley Custom
Excellence in Back to Back Townhome
Minto Communities with credit to RN Design Limited – Windsor Corner, Ivy Ridge
Excellence in Semi-Detached or Townhome under 2000 sq. ft.
Delpark Homes with credit to Cassidy & Co. Architectural Technologists – Kingsbridge 7
Excellence in Semi-Detached or Townhome over 2000 sq. ft.
RN Design Limited – Whitby Meadows
Excellence in Mid-Rise Building Design (4 to 6 Storeys)
Holland Homes Inc. – 976 Simcoe Street
Excellence in High-Rise Building Design (7 Storeys and Up)
Tribute Communities – UC Tower
Excellence in Production Built Bathroom Design
Trademark Homes – Sunset Heights
Excellence in Production Built Kitchen Design
Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours and Concepts Inc. – The Cavendish
Excellence in Single (under 2000 sq. ft.)
Geranium with credit to RN Design Limited and Colours and Concepts Inc.– The Cavendish
Excellence in Single (2001-3000 sq. ft.)
Minto Communities Ontario – RN Design Limited – Winchester, Ivy Ridge
Excellence in Single (3001-4000 sq. ft)
Excellence in Single (4001 sq. ft. and over)
Marshall Homes – HERE Flexhouz
Excellence in Social Media
FarSight Homes
Excellence in Training and Development
Cassidy & Co. Architectural Technologist
Excellence in Website Design
Excellence in Workplace Safety
Trade of the Year
The Fireside Group Inc.
Supplier of the Year
Reliance Home Comfort
Renovator of the Year
Accubuilt Construction Ltd.
Prestige Awards:
Corporate Citizenship
Minto Communities Ontario
Community of the Year
Podium Developments – Ironwood in North Oshawa
Builder of the Year – Small Volume
Holland Homes Inc.
Builder of the Year – Large Volume
Great Gulf
The Durham Region Home Builders' Association is a non-profit association composed of home builders, renovators, trade contractors, suppliers and related professionals. They have been an active voice for the residential construction industry in Durham Region for 65 years. For more information, visit www.drhba.com.
For more information contact Katelyn Widdop at 905-579-8080 ext. 1 or k.widdop@drhba.com.
OHBA/BILD/RESCON obtained a legal opinion from Leo Longo at Aird & Berlis LLP to provide some guidance and clarity regarding what construction activities are permitted under new residential regulations posted on Monday (82/20) and earlier today (200/20).
Please review the legal opinion and Attachment A that outlines the related construction activities connected to the Regulation 30.1 that now permits construction to prepare a site for residential development including excavation, grading, roads or utilities infrastructure.
This industry legal opinion should assist members in determining what construction activities are permissible under the new regulations and should help to confirm those activities when in discussion with your local municipal building officials.
As always, industry members should consult with their local building departments, own legal counsel, and any additional professionals before proceeding under the current state of emergency regulations, and always document and prepare to defend their decision to continue construction activities as the penalties under the State of Emergency are significant.
View/Download Legal Opinion
The Durham Region Home Builders' Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) welcome the Government of Ontario’s decision today to expand the list of allowable construction activities under the COVID-19 Emergency Orders. The resumption of more normal construction activities will allow the industry to meet the housing needs of the Durham Region and Ontario.
“Building new homes and communities is a long complicated process and requires different construction activities over a number of seasons,” said Johnathan Schickedanz, president of DRHBA. “Losing the entire construction season for site servicing would be setting our local housing supply back, and risk the homes that our clients are looking to move into next year. Under the new provincial guidelines, we will continue to deliver homes safely today and in the future. “
Today’s decision to resume earthworks or site grading makes sense as every operator is in their own machine, therefore ensuring physical distancing. Site grading is vital to every construction site as it must be completed before all other construction activity can start.
In addition, the decision allows for site and land-servicing projects to commence or continue new residential, industrial, commercial and institutional developments. Underground servicing, the installation of storm water controls, water pipes, sanitary sewer pipes, road construction, including curbs and sidewalk, landscape works, trails, parks and utilities (telecommunications, water, gas, electricity, etc.) are necessary for the activation of new homes and eventual occupancy.
Work must be carried out in compliance with the Ministry of Labour’s Guidelines for Construction site Health and Safety during COVID-19 and the industry supports shuttering any site that does not meet these necessary requirements.
“We all want safe jobsites,” said Joe Vaccaro, OHBA CEO. “Adding these new construction activities along with new provincial COVID-19 health and safety guidelines means members will continue to focus on worker safety while delivering keys to the thousands of families waiting for their homes to be completed. We can keep each other safe while delivering housing supply across Ontario.”
Steady Decrease in COVID-19 Cases Required Before Beginning Next Stage of Reopening
TORONTO ― The Ontario government is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those permitted to start up include seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects.
Today's announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford, Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health has provided general recommendations on how the openings of businesses and workplaces could be implemented to support safe operations, including strict adherence to health and safety requirements.
"We are allowing certain businesses to reopen under strict guidelines because we are confident they can operate safely and adapt to the current environment," said Premier Ford. "While further reductions in the spread are needed before we can begin reopening the province, we have the right framework and the right workplace guidelines in place to do so gradually and safely."
The government, in partnership with Ontario's health and safety associations, has developed more than 60 guidelines in response to COVID-19. These sector-specific measures will help employers prepare their workplaces so they can be reopened safely and ensure workers, customers and the general public are protected.
By following the proper health and safety guidelines these businesses will be permitted to begin operations on Monday, May 4 at 12:01 a.m.:
"Ontario workers and businesses have shown exemplary cooperation and resilience throughout the course of this crisis," said Minister Fedeli. "We're beginning to ease restrictions on select businesses as we carefully and methodically re-open Ontario's economy and continue together on our path to renewed prosperity."
Although certain businesses are being permitted to reopen, it is critical that people continue to stay home, practise physical distancing and only go out for essential reasons, to pick up groceries, prescriptions or to keep a medical appointment. It is through these simple actions that Ontario is making progress to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"As we begin planning for the next phase of our fight against COVID-19, Ontarians should continue to stay home as much as possible to ensure we stop as quickly as possible the spread of this virus," said Minister Elliott. "While we have made tremendous progress in our shared battle against this new virus, we are not done yet. We need to keep up the fight by continuing to practise physical distancing and good hygiene habits."
On April 27, the government released A Framework for Reopening our Province, which outlines the criteria Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts are using to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces.
While the government remains in Phase One of Ontario's Action Plan in response to COVID-19, Protect and Support, allowing certain businesses and workplaces to open under strict guidelines demonstrates the government's commitment to balance the needs of the economy with the health and safety of the people of Ontario.
"People's efforts are paying off and we can see a light at the end of the tunnel," said Minister Phillips. "Our response has always been based on the current status of the outbreak in our province, and on what makes sense for Ontario. To be clear ― we haven't moved into the reopening phase of our response to COVID-19. Not yet. But based on the best public health advice available to us, we are a step closer."
TORONTO ― The Ontario government is ensuring employers have the safety guidelines they need to protect workers, customers, and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening of the provincial economy.
The government safety guidelines released today will provide direction to those working in manufacturing, food manufacturing and processing, restaurant and food service, and the agricultural sector. These measures build on more than 60 guidelines developed by Ontario's health and safety associations in response to COVID-19 for various sectors such as retail, health care, construction, transportation, police services, firefighters, and transit employees.
"We all want to reopen our businesses, services and favourite places across the province, but we must do it in a safe and responsible way," said Premier Ford. "That's why we are providing clear guidelines to employers, with practical measures to help them keep staff and customers safe while preventing the spread of COVID-19. By taking these steps, we will be prepared to get people back to work when the time is right."
These new sector-specific guidelines feature recommended actions employers can begin to plan for as they prepare to adapt to the new reality during COVID-19, including:
The government is also issuing posters to promote a variety of useful safety tips. The posters offer helpful advice on physical distancing and sanitation. They are downloadable from the Ontario.ca website so employers can print and post them in their workplaces.
"We are truly in extraordinary times and employers and employees are facing situations they have never had to deal with before," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "It is incumbent on our government, with the advice of health officials, to provide the guidance and tips outlining the safest ways to reopen workplaces and help prevent the spread."
The government will work with Ontario's health and safety associations to bring forward additional workplace safety guidelines for more sectors in the coming days and weeks.
Starting this week, 58 new inspectors will join the hundreds of existing provincial labour inspectors on the ground. The inspectors, which include workers from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT), will be tasked with communicating COVID-19 safety guidelines to essential workplaces or enforcing emergency measures, including physical distancing and the closure of non-essential businesses.
"Protecting the health and well-being of Ontarians during the COVID-19 outbreak has been and will always be our government's number one priority," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "These guidelines will help employers begin to plan for their safe reopening based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and in alignment with our framework to ease public health measures and restart our economy. In doing so, we can ensure we continue to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep workers safe."
"Our province's businesses have made great efforts to protect the health and safety of their workers throughout the course of this pandemic," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "These new guidelines will help employers continue to protect their staff and customers as we begin to carefully and methodically re-open our economy, so that we can return Ontario to prosperity in the safest way possible."
This afternoon, Premier Doug Ford and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced new technical sector guidance documents to further support employers and employees in remaining safe in the workplace during the COVID-19 outbreak. The documents for the construction sector have been prepared with the support of the IHSA and are organized below:
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Copyright © 2019, Durham Region Home Builder's Association, All Rights Reserved Durham Region Home Builders' Association is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. 1-1255 Terwillegar Avenue Oshawa, Ontario L1J 7A4