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BUILDING DURHAM


  • May 14, 2020 2:53 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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



  • May 14, 2020 12:25 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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”:

    • ·         Attachment 3 – Road Fouling By-law
    • ·         Attachment 5 – Nuisance Dust Control By-law

    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.



  • May 08, 2020 12:27 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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

    Marshall Homes – HERE

    Excellence in Print Ad / Direct Mail Piece

    Great Gulf – Whitby Meadows

    Excellence in Sales Brochure Design

    Great Gulf – Whitby Meadows

    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

    Great Gulf – Whitby Meadows

    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)

    Trademark Homes – The 360

    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.)

    Trademark Homes – Country Gem

    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)

    Minto Communities Ontario – RN Design Limited – Winchester, Ivy Ridge

    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

    Tribute Communities – UC Tower

    Excellence in Workplace Safety

    FarSight Homes

    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.

  • May 08, 2020 12:18 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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


  • May 01, 2020 2:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.”



  • May 01, 2020 2:21 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.:

    • Garden centres and nurseries with curbside pick-up and delivery only;
    • Lawn care and landscaping;
    • Additional essential construction projects that include:
      • shipping and logistics;
      • broadband, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure;
      • any other project that supports the improved delivery of goods and services;
      • municipal projects;
      • colleges and universities;
      • child care centres;
      • schools; and
      • site preparation, excavation, and servicing for institutional, commercial, industrial and residential development;
    • Automatic and self-serve car washes;
    • Auto dealerships, open by appointment only;
    • Golf courses may prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not open to the public; and
    • Marinas may also begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and w atercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.

    "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."


  • April 30, 2020 5:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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:

    • Ways to ensure appropriate physical distancing, like eliminating pay-at-the-door options, holding team meetings outdoors, staggering shift times and using ground markings and barriers to manage traffic flow.
    • Changes to the workplace, like installing plexiglass barriers, increasing the air intake on building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to increase air flow, and using boot sanitizing trays.
    • Promoting proper workplace sanitation, providing personal protective equipment, substituting dry dusting with vacuuming, ensuring customer-facing staff are given hand sanitizer, providing a place to dispose of sanitizing wipes, and enforcing handwashing before and after breaks.

    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."

    The government is committed to a careful, stage-by-stage approach to loosening emergency measures and reopening Ontario's economy. Public health and workplace safety will remain the top priority, while balancing the needs of people and businesses.



  • April 30, 2020 4:26 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Town of Whitby hosted a stakeholder session yesterday on their proposed Whitby Green Standards.  You can view/download the presentation here

    Here's what DRHBA members need to know:

    • Included in the proposed standards are four tiers - Tier One is mandatory and the other three are voluntary - for now.
    • There are several criteria in Tier One that were not previously mandatory within the current Town of Whitby design criteria.
    • Tier One mandates that low rise construction must be built to Energy Star® or R-2000, and high rise construction must be built to 15% better than code.
    • The Town of Whitby has not done costing to see how this will affect affordability
    • The Town believes that these standards will not delay approval timelines, even though the checklist will need to go through several different municipal departments
    • The first year will be a pilot, with Tier One being mandatory
    • The Town is looking at making the other tiers mandatory in the future
    • Other municipalities may follow Whitby's lead if their standards are successful

    Important Dates

    • May 11 - Council Information Session
    • May 21 - Public Open House

    The Town is currently seeking more feedback from builders and developers, and others potentially affected by the implementation of the Whitby Green Standards.  DRHBA strongly encourages members to complete the online survey and provide your comments and feedback.

    If you have questions or concerns, please contact Stacey at s.hawkins@drhba.com.


  • April 27, 2020 2:19 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Enbridge is now accepting requests from residential new construction builders for gas services on homes with occupancy dates up to May 8th.

    Enbridge has also updated the Q & As to reflect more current info on site safety precautions.

    View/download site safety precautions

    View/download contact information




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Phone: 905-579-8080

Email: info@drhba.com

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1-1255 Terwillegar Avenue

Oshawa, Ontario

L1J 7A4






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Durham Region Home Builders' Association is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. 1-1255 Terwillegar Avenue Oshawa, Ontario L1J 7A4

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