BUILDING DURHAM

The City of Pickering has retained Watson & Associates to undertake an update to the 2017/2018 full cost assessment to inform updated fee recommendations for planning and building permit applications.

The purpose of the update is to reflect increases in complexity in the planning application review processes, and increases in costs associated with administering and enforcing the Ontario Building Code.  It is anticipated that the recommendations from the current update will be completed for Council's consideration as part of the City's annual budget process.  Should there be any recommended changes in fees resulting from this completed assessment, staff would anticipate recommending phasing such fees with an effective date of July 1, 2022.  

To help recover the City's immediate costs for reviewing and processing applications, as an interim measure, staff are recommending to Council that building permit and planning application fees be increased by 5% and 10%, respectively, effective January 4, 2022.  This report will be considered at the December 13th Council meeting.  According to staff, these fee increases are within the established full cost of service, and maintains the City's overall competitive position as compared to other municipalities within Durham Region and the GTA.

For the past several years, the City of Pickering has annually increased building permit fees by about 3% to reflect annual inflation costs.  More recently, the City has been experiencing significant growth, particularly in the City Centre and Seaton, as well as a number of subdivisions throughout the municipality.  Staff have noted that this growth, coupled with evolving market conditions, has led to applications with increased complexity.  This has prompted an increase in staff time and resources to process building permit applications and to administer the requirements of the OBC.

Additionally, the pandemic created financial and operational challenges for the City, and in order to adapt, the City looked at new ways of conducting business.  One positive outcome was a shift to paperless building permit applications.  In 2020, the City's Building Services Section launched a digital submission application process for all building permits, and similarly, the Planning & Design Division has also transitioned to electronic submission of applications and supporting material.

Staff have indicated that while there has been no slowdown in development activity, a review of the City's year end application revenue intake has identified that they are not recovering their costs, despite their annual fee indexing.

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact Stacey Hawkins.

The Town of Whitby is proposing a significant increase to engineering fees as outlined in Report PW 43-21.

As outlined in the report, some fees are increasing by as much as 503%.  The Town says that the increases are needed to fund hiring more full time staff to provide reviews of plans, as Whitby is expecting a large increase in demand as west and north Whitby begin development.  Staff also note that the fees have not increased since 2014.

The fee increases can be seen in the table below:

Fee Title	Current Fee	Proposed Fee
29. Site Alteration Permits Application Fee
Small Site Alteration	$545.00	$2,741.00
Large Site Alteration	$1,090.00	$5,482.00
Subdivision Review Design & Inspection Fees
Up to $200,000	Greater of 5.2% or $5,125.00	7.86%
$200K -$500K	Greater of $10,660 or 4.6%	6.95%
$500K - $1 million	Greater of $23,575 or 3.9%	5.89%
$1 million - $2 million	Greater of $39,975 or 3.3%	4.99%
$2 million - $3 million	Greater of $67,650 or 2.9%	4.38%
$3 million and up	Greater of $89,175 or 2.6%	3.93%
Site Plan Engineering Fees	Greater of:
Up to $200,000	$5,125 or 5.2%	12.38%
$200K - $500K	$10,660 or 4.6%	10.95%
$500K - $1 million	$23,575 or 3.9%	9.28%
$1 million - $2 million	$39,975 or 3.3%	7.86%
$2 million - $3 million	$67,650 or 2.9%	6.90%
Over $3 million	$89,175 or 2.6%	6.19%

The Durham Region Home Builders' Association submitted a letter to the Committee of the Whole meeting, held on Monday, December 6, 2021.  The letter brought the scope of the increase into focus for councillors, who questioned the need for such a substantial increase.

While the report passed at the Committee of the Whole, staff were directed to meet with representatives of DRHBA ahead of the next council meeting.

It is DRHBA's hope that through discussions with the Town that the fee increases can be reduced, as these types of high fees contribute to the affordability crisis impacting the housing industry.

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact Stacey Hawkins.

The Town of Ajax has just released new documents on their Draft Green Development and Environmental Design Guideline (GDEDG) and is looking for feedback from the building and development community.

Their Draft Green Development and Environmental Design Guidelines Report describes their process and justification for identifying Impact Categories and metrics to be included in their municipal green standard.

The Guidebook contains all of the proposed metrics, requirements and information on implementation.  There are separate metrics for Low-Density Residential vs. Mid- to High-Density Residential/Non-Residential.

The Checklist Tool has been created by the municipality to help proponents during their development application review process.

Similar to the Town of Whitby, Ajax is proposing a tiered approach that includes Tier 1 (mandatory) and Tier 2 (voluntary).

As this program is still in draft format, there is still time for builders and developers to provide feedback.  The final guidelines will be brought to council for approval in Q2 of 2022.

More information can be found on the Town's GDEDG Project Webpage. 

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact Stacey Hawkins.

The Durham Region Home Builders' Association has won the 2020 EnerQuality HBA of the Year Award.

The Association was recognized for their work on the OHBA Job Ready Program, its work in sustainable building practices as well as the virtual accommodations put in place to keep builders engaged through 2020.

On November 30th, 2021, EnerQuality recognized the lasting and positive impact that Canadian builders are making though their commitment to constructing energy-efficient homes.

2020 was a record year for certifying energy efficient homes, with this year's additions reaching a total of over 100,000 homes certified to date as delivering the benefits of the Energy Star label - built more than 15% better than the building code.  Net Zero and Net Zero Ready homes are also contributing to steady growth in energy efficient buildings.  In building energy efficient homes to established certifications - including Energy Star, EnerGuide and Net Zero, EnerQuality's community of builders has helped Ontario homeowners save $258 million in lifetime energy costs, reduce over 1 MT of CO2e, and shrink greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental footprint.

The EnerQuality Awards also recognized the OHBA and EnerQuality teams on the 100th job placement in the OHBA Job Ready Program.  The OHBA Job Ready program matches eager job seekers from underrepresented groups with starter jobs in the construction industry - jobs from general construction labour to pre-trades roles and office positions supporting builders, manufacturers and service companies.  Employees receive basic safety training to introduce participants to a career in the construction industry.

“Ontario builders are committed to building better. Hiring job seekers with transferable skills who are eager to learn on the job is also part of building better,” says Monica Curtis, EnerQuality President and CEO. “By building more efficient homes and hiring a more representative workforce, the province’s construction industry is meeting the twin challenges of environmental sustainability and diversity and inclusion.”

In its second year as a virtual event, over 200 building professionals joined the event online, representing HBAs, municipalities, and over 100 companies, including home builders, architects, engineers, energy advisors, building officials, tradespeople, manufacturers, and product and service providers.

This year’s event featured the Innovation Gauntlet – an exciting pitch session where manufacturers present their new solutions to optimize the high-performance new construction and renovation industry — and attendees voted on the most innovative new solution.

“Builders are committed to building better and creating innovative, energy-efficient homes they are proud of, and homeowners seek out,” says Rose Benedetto, Managing Director of EnerQuality. “This drive is matched by the ability of leading manufacturers to anticipate the market direction, as shown by the finalists in the Innovation Gauntlet.”

The event draws nominations from across the building industry, with builders, licensed professionals, and energy advisors from over a dozen Ontario HBAs represented. The winners also show a cross-section of the building industry with newer builders alongside established, generational building companies.

“Increasingly, homeowners’ consciousness about their environmental footprint shapes their housing priorities. The EQ Awards showcase how the industry is building homes that use less energy, are more comfortable, with better indoor air quality and lower emissions overall,” says Ms. Curtis. “As the market shifts to focus on carbon, we expect to see even more builders certifying their homes and building better than code.”

2020 EQ Award Winners:

• Best Green Marketing: Terra View Homes
• Builder Achievement: Doug Tarry - Doug Tarry Ltd.
• Building Innovation – Low: Far Sight Homes – Beeton Creek
• Champion Of the Year: Marc Huminilowycz – Sideroad Communications
• Enbridge – Optimum Home: Mattamy Homes Canada
• Enbridge – Savings by Design (Affordable): Spotlight Developments Inc.
• Enbridge – Savings by Design (Commercial): Drewlo Holdings
• Enbridge – Savings by Design (Residential): Dietrich Homes
• Energy Advisor of The Year: Huso Ashimi – Building Knowledge Canada
• EnerQuality’s ENERGY STAR® For New Homes – Large Volume Builder: Activa
• EnerQuality’s ENERGY STAR® For New Homes – Mid Volume Builder: Huron Creek Developments
• EnerQuality’s ENERGY STAR® For New Homes – Small/Custom Builder: Terra View Homes
• Green Renovation Project of The Year: RND Construction Ltd. – Art Deco
• HBA of the Year: Durham Region HBA
•  Impact Award: Tamarack Homes
• Industry Partner of the Year: Owens Corning Canada
• Industry Partner of the Year: Panasonic Canada
• Industry Partner of the Year: Mitsubishi Electric Heating & Cooling
• Leader of the Year: Susan Cudahy – Enbridge Gas Inc.
• Licensed Professional of The Year: Wil Beardmore – Bluewater Energy
• Net Zero Builder: Terra View Homes – Hart Village
• Ontario Green Builder of The Year – Low-Rise: Minto Communities Canada
•  Ontario Green Builder of The Year – Mid/High-Rise: Doug Tarry Ltd.
• Product Innovation – Low-Rise (OBC Part 9): Panasonic Canada Inc. - Nanoe™ X Technology
• Product Innovation – High-Rise (OBC Part 3): SageGlass – SageGlass Harmony
• Rising Star Award: Austin Todd – Evergreen Building Science
• People’s Choice: Great Gulf
• Innovation Gauntlet: Panasonic Canada Inc. and Swidget Corporation - Panasonic and Swidget Smart Ventilation Solution

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