BUILDING a Stronger durham Together

On March 30, 2026, the Honourable Minister Rob Flack introduced Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026. The legislation introduces a number of changes that will reduce barriers to the homebuilding process and strengthen confidence in the housing market.

For additional information on Bill 98, please read the news release.

Buying a new home is one of the most important financial decisions that Ontarians make in their lives. The government recognizes the importance of ensuring consumers are equipped with adequate information so that they can make more informed purchasing decisions.

Development charges vary across the province, reflective of local costs and infrastructure requirements, and can add to the cost of building new homes. Some buyers of new homes may not know the amount of development charges in the purchase price of their home. That is why, as part of the work following Bill 98, the government launched a consultation to explore options that would require the disclosure of municipal development charges in agreements of purchase and sale for new homes.

If you would like to participate in the consultation, you may read the consultation paper and submit your written feedback on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry by September 18, 2026. The public consultation can be accessed at this link.

If you have any questions, please contact Stacey.

The Durham Region Home Builders’ Association is now accepting nominations for five positions on the DRHBA Board of Directors.

This is an exciting time for our Association. Over the coming year, the Board will have a strong focus on developing a strategic plan, strengthening governance, and creating policies that will guide the Association into the future.

We are looking for members who can bring experience, knowledge and fresh perspectives to the Board, particularly in areas such as:

• Strategic planning and organizational development
• Governance and policy development
• Leadership and decision-making
• Financial or business management

What does being a Director involve?

Directors play an important role in setting the direction of the Association and ensuring DRHBA continues to effectively serve its members and advocate for the residential construction industry.

Elected Directors will serve a two-year term and will be expected to:

How to Put Your Name Forward

If you are interested in serving on the DRHBA Board of Directors, we encourage you to submit a nomination here.

All nominations must be received by Friday, September 15, 2026.

All nominations will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee, and eligible candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps in the process.

If more qualified nominations are received than there are available positions, an election will be held at the DRHBA Annual General Meeting in November.

Serving on the Board is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to DRHBA, strengthen our Association and help shape the future of our industry. We encourage members with the skills, experience and commitment to step forward and get involved.

If you are interested in being considered for a position on the Board, please submit your nomination by September 15, 2026.

Thank you for your continued support of the Durham Region Home Builders’ Association.

On August 22, 2026, trade negotiations between Canada and the USA broke down, and the USA announced tariffs of 50% on Canadian goods that are not covered by CUSMA. This was followed by an announcement by the Government of Canada that it will impose new tariffs on products from the United States, effective September 8, 2026. This will undoubtedly impact our industry. 

As part of this latest round of tariffs, many products across the residential construction industry are included. From furniture and home goods, building materials like lumber, plywood, doors, and cement, plastics and packaging, and machinery and manufacturing inputs, We are deeply concerned that the positive impacts we have seen for our industry, largely in part to the expanded HST relief program and Development Charge Reduction Program, will be negatively impacted due to the latest tariffs announced by the United States government. A full list of the tariffed products can be found here. 

We know that additional costs due to these tariffs will increase the cost of building houses, and mean that fewer projects may move forward. This could result in fewer homes being built and fewer jobs for the skilled tradespeople, suppliers, and workers who build our province and country and depend on this work to support their families. 

The Government of Canada announced that, effective September 8, Canada will impose counter-tariffs of 15, 25, and 50 percent on products subject to U.S. Section 338 and Section 232 tariffs, with each product's rate matching the corresponding U.S. rate. 

In addition, to support Canadian workers and businesses impacted by U.S. tariffs, the government is also introducing a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures that deliver fast, simple and agile support to Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in support the government has provided since the implementation of the U.S. unjustified tariffs. 

More details on the federal government’s announcement can be found here. 

Earlier this week, the Government of Ontario announced that it will immediately broaden eligibility for the Protect Ontario Financing Program (POFP) to support impacted Ontario workers and businesses. The expansion will ensure that businesses whose exports are impacted by this new 50 percent spike, as well as those businesses still subject to the existing Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and automotive products, are equipped to withstand mounting operational pressures and keep workers on the job. 

More details on the province’s plan can be found here. 

We believe relief packages that keep skilled trades workers employed during this time of economic uncertainty are of the utmost importance. CHBA & OHBA are actively communicating with government officials at federal and provincial levels to ensure that the residential construction sector is included in tariff supports. DRHBA will continue inform them about what our members need, so they can continue to work alongside of our government to echo the importance of supporting Ontario businesses and workers. 

We will continue to share more information as it becomes available.  

We’re proud to congratulate our member companies who have been named finalists in the 2026 OHBA Awards of Distinction. The Awards of Distinction recognize excellence in home building, renovation, architectural design, sales and marketing, and professional service across Ontario.

We are thrilled to celebrate the recognition of the hard work that’s been done by the following DRHBA members:

Minto Communities
Finalist in Production Built Home (Two Storeys up to 2,500 sq. ft.) for Creekstone "32' Fairview 3 - Elevation C (Contemporary West Coast)" in Clarington.

RN Design Ltd.
Finalist in Innovation Award

RN Design Ltd.
Finalist in OHBA Service Professional of the Year

On behalf of the DRHBA Board of Directors, staff, and membership, congratulations to our finalists on this well-deserved recognition. Being selected as an OHBA Awards of Distinction finalist reflects the innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication that continue to elevate our industry and communities.

We wish you the best of luck and look forward to celebrating the winners when they are announced at the 2026 OHBA Awards of Distinction Gala on September 29, 2026.

View the Full List of Finalists

New home buyers across Ontario are responding positively to the enhanced HST rebate program as new home sales rose 130 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026, said the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) and Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) today. The driving force behind this increase has been the announcement of the provincial-federal enhanced HST rebate program, which began on April 1 and took full effect in late June.
 
The evidence is clear and direct. The leadership shown by the provincial and federal governments to exempt the sales tax on all new homes below $1 million is creating jobs, stimulating economic activity and improving affordability across the province.
 
In the second quarter of 2026, there were 8,410 new home sales in Ontario – of which 4,765 were incremental and attributable to the HST rebate program, according to a report compiled by Peter Norman, Principal at Norman Economic Strategies Inc., and based on sales data collected by BILD, OHBA and Altus Group. This represents a 130 percent year-over-year increase, with 3,645 new home sales across Ontario during the same period in 2025.

In a report published by Altus Group in February 2026, combined housing policy measures were expected to generate between 18,000 and 23,000 net new home sales per year. This would help to preserve up to 51,000 jobs in the sector, $7.3 billion in GDP and $1.8 billion in gross government revenues. The market response in the first quarter of the program provides confidence that we are well on track to meet the economic and affordability impacts outlined in February 2026, with the positive momentum of the HST rebate program anticipated to continue.
 
It is important to note that these numbers also do not yet reflect the impact of the historic Development Charge Reduction Program (DCRP). It is anticipated that details of DC reductions in other municipalities across the province will be announced soon, and that we will likely to see a further economic boost as home builders get more shovels in the ground and the cost to build becomes more affordable.
 
For more information about the HST rebate program on eligible new homes, visit here. 

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has launched a full-scale review of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) that closes on August 14, 2026. This initiative aims to cut red tape, lower costs, and speed up housing delivery.

this initiative aims to cut red tape, lower costs, and speed up housing delivery. MMAH is requesting a high volume/quantity of submissions that speak to a variety of issue areas and particularly, if companies have geographic nuances that may be of relevance. We're encouraging members to submit your own submissions for this specific consultation.

For a complete overview of the consultation and information on how to submit your feedback, please refer to the Building Code Short-Term Advisory Body Consultation Paper or see CodeNews Issue 383.

The following provides a comprehensive update on the regulations of the Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate. The details below include previously circulated information, as well as new information regarding compliance requirements and the timing of payments for the five percent federal portion of the rebate.

As you are aware, Ontario’s temporary relief consists of two separate components:

• The Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate (ENHR) provides relief of up to $80,000 on the eight per cent provincial portion of the HST. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) assesses and administers this rebate.
• The Ontario New Home Affordability Payment (ONHAP) is a separate provincial payment of up to $50,000, equivalent to the five per cent federal portion of the HST. Ontario administers and pays this amount after the CRA assesses the underlying rebate application.

Together, these measures can provide up to $130,000 in relief on an eligible new home. The ONHAP does not change the federal GST payable. It is a separate Ontario payment designed to provide equivalent relief. The CRA’s main information page is available here: Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate.

Read more about previously shared information on the eligibility for homes purchased from a builder, builder payment or credit of rebates, and required forms.

Processing and Payment Timing

The CRA will begin processing applications once its system changes are implemented this fall. Applications received before the system is ready will be processed in the order they are submitted.

According to the CRA's public guidance, applicants can expect processing to take approximately 120 days. Audits or requests for additional information may extend processing by up to six months, depending on the complexity of the claim. The CRA will issue the rebates it administers. Ontario will issue the ONHAP separately after the CRA has assessed the application and shared the necessary information. Current implementation planning anticipates ONHAP payments beginning in early 2027.

More information is available here:What to expect after applying.

Applicants and builders should retain the completed applications, calculation worksheets, agreements, supporting documents, and proof of occupancy for six years.

Interaction with the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate

An eligible first-time buyer must claim the federal First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate first. The ONHAP may then cover an otherwise eligible amount of the five per cent federal HST that was not recovered through the federal rebate. If a purchaser qualifies for both the Ontario ENHR and Ontario’s first-time home buyers’ rebate for the eight per cent provincial portion, the purchaser may claim either or both. However, the combined provincial rebates cannot exceed the lesser of $80,000 and the provincial HST actually payable.

Information on the federal rebate is available here: First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate.

For further information, please see the following documents:

• CRA Notice 346: Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate
• Ontario backgrounder: Enhancing HST Relief on New Homes
• CRA Guide RC4028: GST/HST New Housing Rebate
• Federal implementing regulations, P.C. 2026-610
• Ontario Regulation 196/26

Important Compliance Point

The purchaser remains responsible for ensuring that they qualify. If a rebate is credited, but the purchaser is not eligible, they can be required to repay it. A builder and purchaser may be jointly and severally liable where the builder knew or ought to have known that the purchaser was ineligible or that the amount credited exceeded the purchaser’s entitlement.

Please note, the above information is related only to the Ontario ENHR for owner-occupied homes. The province has also introduced a separate Enhanced New Residential Rental Property Rebate for rental housing. Rental projects are subject to separate eligibility and filing rules and should not use the GST190 and RC7190-ON forms solely based on the details outlined above.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to the following:

• CRA Business Enquiries: 1-800-959-5525
• GST/HST Rulings and technical questions: 1-800-959-8287
• ServiceOntario regarding the ONHAP: 1-800-267-8097

Please be advised that this week the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) updated its website to include the new forms for the GST/HST New Housing Rebate. These forms can be found below:

• For builders and developers: GST190 GST/HST New Housing Rebate Application for Houses Purchased from a Builder and GST 190 Ontario Rebate Schedule
• For renovators and custom home builders: GST191, GST/HST New Housing Rebate Application for Owner-Built Houses and GST191 Ontario Rebate Schedule

Important Details of the GST190 GST/HST New Housing Rebate Application for Houses Purchased from a Builder

As you may recall, the 13 percent HST rebate consists of an eight percent provincial portion and a five percent federal portion.

With respect to the eight per cent provincial portion administered by the CRA, revised application forms have been published that set out the process and the details required to claim the rebates.

As outlined in the forms, the Province of Ontario will also provide the Ontario New Home Affordability Payment (ONHAP), which is equal to the five per cent federal portion of the HST, up to a maximum of $50,000. Unlike the enhanced new housing rebate, which follows the CRA processes for the existing new housing rebate, this ONHAP payment is made directly by the Province of Ontario.

A separate application is not required to receive the ONHAP. Instead, claimants must complete the "ONHAP — Claimant's Consent to Share Information" section on page three of the GST/HST new housing rebate application, authorizing the CRA to share the necessary information with the Province of Ontario for payment administration.

Please note that, unlike the 8% provincial portion, builders cannot claim a deduction for the ONHAP on their GST/HST return. This payment is funded separately by the Province of Ontario. Please note that this does not mean the ONHAP cannot be assigned back to the builder; it simply means the Province of Ontario is processing the ONHAP payment separately, not the CRA. As a result, it is not claimed as a deduction on the GST/HST return that is sent to and processed by the CRA.

Ontario Home Builders' Association and BILD are working with MNP on a Q&A document to provide additional clarity to members. Members may submit questions to connect@ohba.ca, and we will forward them to MNP for review and feedback.

While the process is not as direct as the industry had hoped, it represents the most practical option available and enabled the rebate to be implemented as quickly as possible within the regulatory framework established by both governments.

Infographic — Example of the Claim Process

To illustrate the administrative process, we are re-circulating the CRA infographic, which illustrates an example based on a typical situation where a buyer, who is not a first-time home buyer, enters into an agreement on or after April 1, 2026, and on or before March 31, 2027, to purchase a home from a builder for use as their primary place of residence. The buyer wants the builder to credit the relief at closing to reduce the home's final price.

Step 1 — Buyer

Purchases a new home from the builder for $1 million plus $130,000 HST.

Agrees to assign or otherwise pay the eight per cent enhanced new housing rebate ($80,000) and five per cent Ontario top-up relief ($50,000) to the builder.

Completes the CRA’s GST/HST New Housing Rebate form (GST190) and associated schedule (RC7190-ON), and provides them to the builder.

Receives the benefit of the eight per cent enhanced new housing rebate and five per cent Ontario top-up relief upon closing, reducing the final amount payable for the home.

Step 2 — Builder

Credits the buyer the eight percent enhanced new housing rebate ($80,000) and the five percent Ontario top-up relief ($50,000) at closing.

Completes the GST/HST return reporting GST/HST collected on the sale of the home ($130,000) and claiming a deduction of $80,000 for having credited the eight percent enhanced new housing rebate to the buyer.

Does not claim a deduction of the $50,000 for the five percent Ontario top-up relief, which is provided separately by Ontario.

Submits to the CRA its GST/HST return, the completed GST/HST new housing rebate form and schedule with consent to share relevant contact, banking, and rebate information with Ontario. A separate form is not required for the five percent Ontario top-up relief.

Step 3 — Government

The CRA processes the rebate forms and GST/HST returns submitted by the builder, verifies buyer eligibility for the eight per cent HST rebate, and shares relevant information with Ontario to assist Ontario in its processing of the $50,000 top-up payment to the builder.

For other situations (e.g., the builder does not credit the rebate), buyers should visit the First-time home buyers’ GST/HST rebate or the GST/HST new housing rebate for more information.

The federal and Ontario governments have now formally resolved the administrative issues associated with implementing the enhanced HST rebate for new homes.

The required regulations have been finalized and are available for public viewing:

Federal Regulation: P.C. 2026-610

Ontario Regulation: O. Reg. 196/26

The release of these regulations provides the clarity and certainty that builders, purchasers, lawyers, lenders, and sales teams have been waiting for since the enhanced rebate was first announced on March 25, 2026.

This represents a significant step forward for Ontario’s new housing market. It confirms how the enhanced HST relief program will be administered and allows transactions to proceed with greater confidence and reduced risk.

Administration of the Enhanced HST Rebate for New Primary Residences

For eligible purchasers buying a new home as their primary residence, it is generally recommended that the HST rebate be assigned to the builder. This approach enables purchasers to benefit from a reduced effective purchase price and may lower the amount they need to finance through their mortgage.

The administration process is expected to work as follows:

• Builders will apply for the assigned rebate through the same portal currently used for the Ontario New Housing Rebate, including the existing rebate of up to $24,000.
• The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), acting on behalf of both the federal and Ontario governments, will verify eligibility using the same criteria applied to the current New Housing Rebate.
• The CRA will review applications submitted using form GST190 and, once eligibility is confirmed, will reduce the builder’s HST liability for the 8% provincial portion. This form will be updated to reflect the new program, and no changes are expected to the existing schedule RC7190-ON.
• The portal now includes an additional section requiring applicants to provide consent for the CRA to share necessary information with the Ontario Ministry of Finance for the purpose of issuing the 5% federal GST portion of the rebate to the builder.
• The CRA will provide Ontario’s Ministry of Finance with a monthly list of approved 5% GST rebate claims. The Ministry has committed to issuing electronic payments to builders within 30 days. Requests for cheque payments may take longer than this 30-day service standard.

An infographic published by CRA outlining an example of the claim process can be found here.

While assigning the rebate to the builder is expected to be the most efficient method, purchasers may still choose to complete the transaction inclusive of HST and apply directly to the CRA for the rebate.

Enhanced New Residential Rental Property Rebate (NRRPR)

The Enhanced New Residential Rental Property Rebate will continue to be administered in the same manner as it was prior to the March 25, 2026, announcement.

Eligible new rental housing projects may qualify for a rebate of up to $130,000, provided they meet the criteria outlined under the existing NRRPR framework. Additional information on the program can be found here.

Members are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and consult their tax, accounting, and legal advisors to determine how the enhanced rebate applies to their specific rental housing projects.

A Significant Advocacy Win for Housing Affordability

The enhanced HST rebate represents a major advocacy achievement for Ontario’s residential construction sector and an important affordability measure for new homebuyers.

Since the March 25 announcement, more than 5,000 new home sales have taken place across Ontario that may not have otherwise occurred. This accounts for over one-third of all new home sales in Ontario in 2025 and highlights the immediate impact of reducing the tax burden on new housing.

However, despite the positive policy announcement, the absence of clear administrative guidance led to several months of uncertainty for builders, purchasers, and the broader housing market.

During this period, some purchasers became hesitant to proceed, as agreements of purchase and sale increasingly included clauses requiring them to cover the HST amount if the rebate was not ultimately returned to the builder. Some builders began slowing sales activity due to accumulating potential HST liabilities, with legal advisors cautioning about the associated financial risks.

The release of the federal and provincial regulations has now resolved this uncertainty.

DRHBA acknowledges the efforts of both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario in delivering this important affordability measure and addressing the administrative challenges. We also recognize the contributions of members, local associations, and industry partners who helped emphasize the urgency of this issue.

Throughout this process, advocacy efforts by OHBA and BILD have focused on ensuring the rebate fulfills its intended purpose: improving affordability, restoring purchaser confidence, enabling builders to move projects forward, and helping to restart housing supply across Ontario.

Member Guidance

Members should consult with their legal, accounting, and tax advisors to determine how this administrative update impacts

• Agreements of purchase and sale
• Disclosure language
• Accounting and tax treatment
• Purchaser communications
• Mortgage and lender communications
• Sales processes

Members should also ensure that their internal sales, finance, and legal teams are informed of the updated administrative procedures – particularly the requirement for consent to allow information sharing between the CRA and the Ontario Ministry of Finance to facilitate payment of the 5% federal portion of the rebate.

OHBA and BILD will continue to monitor implementation closely and provide members with updates as further technical guidance or administrative details become available. The Ontario government will also continue to publish updated guidance on both the enhanced NHR and NRRPR programs on the Ministry of Finance website.

This is a positive and important development. The enhanced HST rebate has already helped bring purchasers back into the new home market. Now that the administrative process is clearly defined, the industry can move forward with renewed confidence and continue delivering the homes Ontario families need.

DRHBA members – this is your moment.

Submissions are officially open for the 2026 OHBA Awards of Distinction, and we want to see Durham Region’s best take centre stage. This prestigious provincial program celebrates the very best in new home design, renovation, marketing, and professional achievement across Ontario – and we know our members consistently stand out.

Why Submit?

This is more than an award – it’s an opportunity to:

• Showcase your work to a province-wide audience
• Elevate your brand and credibility
• Celebrate your team’s innovation and craftsmanship
• Compete alongside Ontario’s top builders, renovators, and marketers

Full Category Listing

Who Should Enter?

Any member that has a project that is open for sale or was completed between June 2024 and June 2026 in Ontario may enter. If you’ve completed a standout project, launched an exceptional campaign, or delivered industry-leading work – this is your time to shine!

Submission Eligibility

Don’t Wait!

Deadlines will approach quickly, so start preparing your submissions now and make sure Durham Region is well represented on the provincial stage. Let’s show Ontario what DRHBA members can do.

Pro Tip for Submissions:

Strong visuals, clear storytelling, and attention to submission criteria can make all the difference. Put your best foot forward!

Start Your Submission

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, September 29 - Blue Mountain Resort, Collingwood

Registration Opening Soon!