BUILDING DURHAM

DRHBA member BDO Canada has created a document with tax filing information and new deadlines, federally and provincially.  This summary is up to date as of March 30, 2020.

View/Download Document. 

April 1, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

To help Canadians and businesses get through these tough economic times, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Government is proposing to introduce a wage subsidy of 75 per cent for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

This measure, which is a part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, would support businesses that are hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and would help protect the jobs Canadians depend on during these difficult times.

Today, Finance Minister Bill Morneau, the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Navdeep Bains, announced the details of the proposed Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy:

• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would apply at a rate of 75 per cent of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees – representing a benefit of up to $847 per week. The program would be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.
• Eligible employers who suffer a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy.
• Eligible employers would include employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy, with the exception of public sector entities.
• For non-profit organizations and registered charities similarly affected by a loss of revenue, the government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances. The government is also considering additional support for non-profits and charities, particularly those involved in the front line response to COVID-19. Further details will be announced in the near term.
• An eligible employer’s entitlement to this wage subsidy will be based entirely on the salary or wages actually paid to employees. All employers would be expected to at least make best efforts to top up salaries to 100% of the maximum wages covered.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is a key measure to ensure that workers are able to count on a source of income through this difficult time. It will enable employers to re-hire workers previously laid off, and to keep those who are already on payroll, so that Canada’s workforce and supply chains are able to return from this crisis in a strong position.

Eligible employers would be able to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy by applying through a Canada Revenue Agency online portal. More details regarding how to apply for the program will follow. Those organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may continue to qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 10 per cent of remuneration paid from March 18 to before June 20, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.

The government will continue to carefully monitor all developments relating to the COVID-19 outbreak and will continue to take further action to protect Canadians and the economy.

Quotes

“Businesses provide the jobs, the goods and the services that Canadians depend on to keep their communities going, in good times and bad. With the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, we are helping businesses keep their staff on payroll so that businesses will be better positioned to rebound when the current challenges have passed. We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that workers and businesses are supported through the outbreak, and that our economy remains resilient during these difficult times.”

Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

“Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and are the backbone of our economy, employing millions of hard-working Canadians. There is no question that they are feeling the brunt of this challenging time. This wage subsidy will help keep more Canadians employed and will provide direct support to businesses so they can keep up with their bills. We will continue to listen to the very real needs of Canadian business owners and workers, and we will be there to support them every step of the way.”

Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

“We have been in constant communication with Canadian businesses, and we know that all sectors of the economy are being affected by COVID-19. With the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, employers—no matter their size—will be supported to weather this storm, to be ready to recover when it passes, and to help Canadians keep their jobs.”

Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

Quick facts

• The government has taken action to support Canadian businesses through the outbreak of COVID-19, with targeted new initiatives that:

  • Allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer all Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) payments until June, as well as customs duties owed for imports. This measure is the equivalent of providing up to $30 billion in interest-free loans to Canadian businesses. It will help businesses so they can continue to pay their employees and their bills, and help ease cash-flow challenges across the country.
  • Launch the new Canada Emergency Business Account. This program will provide up to $25 billion to eligible financial institutions so they can provide interest-free loans to small businesses, including not-for-profits. These loans – guaranteed and funded by the Government of Canada – will ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need, at a zero-per-cent interest rate, so they can pay for rent and other important costs over the next number of months.
  • Launch the new Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee program that will enable up to $40 billion in lending, supported through Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank, for guaranteed loans when small businesses go to their financial institutions to help weather the impacts of COVID-19. This is intended for small and medium-sized companies that require greater help to meet their operational cash flow requirements.
  • Extend the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program, from 38 weeks to 76 weeks, for workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.
  • Increase credit available for farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada.
  • Defer the payment of income taxes. The government is allowing all taxpayers to defer, until August 31, 2020, the payment of income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This relief would apply to new balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.

The Town of Whitby has declared a State of Local Emergency in light of COVID-19, reinforcing the need to continue to enhance response measures to keep residents safe. Mayor Don Mitchell made the following statement:

“The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority. The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and it is essential that we continue to do everything possible to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus. That is why, based on the Announcement made by the Province last night, and all of the information and health advice we have received to date from the Federal Government, the Provincial Government and the Region of Durham, I am declaring a State of Local Emergency in the Town of Whitby.

This is an unprecedented situation for our Town. This Declaration supports the States of Emergency already declared by the Region of Durham and the Province. It also helps to strengthen actions the Town is taking to share information and enhance coordination at both the local and regional level. Most importantly, however, it reinforces our commitment and laser focus to work together with our health partners to communicate one consistent message: stay home, save lives.

I urge residents to monitor and educate their children on the current dangers of using playgrounds or other publicly shared surfaces. I also implore residents to follow the advice of health officials: do not gather, follow good personal hygiene and if you have travelled - you must self-isolate for 14 days. We need to consider the human cost of each action we take as we move through this time of uncertainty together.

I want to thank our residents and local businesses for the sacrifices you are making. I cannot thank our health care providers and emergency responders enough for being on the front line when we need you. Your Council and Town staff are here to provide guidance and support. Whatever your question or need, reach out to us and we will help as best we can. We are truly all in this together.”

For more information on the actions the Town is taking in response to COVID-19, visit whitby.ca/coronavirus.

Over the next day or so, you will receive an invitation from DRHBA (Stacey/Katelyn) to join Basecamp.  This is an interactive communications software that DRHBA has been using for internal communications between staff, the board of directors and committees for almost a year now.

After you join, you will have access to a message board that will allow you to post questions or information that other members can see and comment on.  You will also be able to privately "Ping" other members to have a one-on-one conversation.  There is a live group chat feature, and a place where documents can be posted/downloaded/shared.

To start, members will be added to groups geared towards their specific membership type, i.e. Builders, Trade Contractors, Suppliers, etc. to allow to communicate with similar type businesses.  Further groups may be created if there is a demand/need.

We hope that this will provide you with a community within the building industry where you can share information, ask questions and learn from other members.  We encourage you to join (it's free), to participate in discussions and to share information that would help others that are facing similar situations/issues.  Together we are stronger and with each other's help, we can get through this.

You can login to Basecamp from your laptop or desktop, or you can download the Basecamp 3 app for your phone or tablet.

It's important to note that the default settings allow you to be notified by email every time there is a new post or comment, so it's recommended that you change your personal settings to prevent being bombarded by emails.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Katelyn (k.widdop@drhba.com) or Stacey (s.hawkins@drhba.com).

As each member must be added individually, it may take a couple of days to get invitations out to all members, so we ask for your patience at this time.

Planning and Development Services

No counter service at Town Hall.  Please email planningservices@ajax.ca or call 905-619-2529, ext. 3631.

Major Planning Applications (OPA, ZBLA, Subdivision, Condo, Site Plan) and Development Agreements, including associated fees and securities (cheque or certified cheque) are being accepted by courier to Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S., ON L1S 2H9), or by pre-arranged drop-off time with a staff person at Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm). All application forms must be pre-commissioned. 

Minor Planning Applications (Sign Variance, Driveway Widening*, Property Information Request, Tree Cutting) are being accepted by mail or courier to Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S., ON L1S 2H9); by dropping off at Town Hall (mailbox); or by pre-arranged drop-off time with a staff person at Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm).  All application forms must be pre-commissioned and accompanied by a cheque (we are not accepting cash payments).

*Please note that Driveway Widening applications will only be accepted if they are related to a condition of approval for a Minor Variance.

Minor Variance Applications are being accepted by mail or courier to Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S., ON L1S 2H9); by dropping off at Town Hall (mailbox); or by pre-arranged drop-off time with a staff person at Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm).  All application forms must be pre-commissioned and accompanied by a cheque (we are not accepting cash payments).

Heritage Permit Applications and Pickering Village CIP Grant Applications can be emailed to planningservices@ajax.ca.

Procedures for Pre-Consultation Meetings have changed.  The Town is still accepting applications, but will not hold in-person meetings until further notice.  For information on how to submit a Pre-Consultation Application and have it reviewed, please email: planningservices@ajax.ca

Building Services

No counter service at Town Hall. Please email buildinginspections@ajax.ca or call 905-683-4550.

Building and Demolition Permit Applications (including Site Servicing) are being accepted by mail or courier to Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S., ON L1S 2H9); by dropping off at Town Hall (mailbox); or by pre-arranged drop-off time with a staff person at Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm).  All application forms must be accompanied by a cheque.

Alternatively, Building and Demolition Permit Applications can be submitted electronically to: BpApp@ajax.ca. 

Click Here for Building Permit Submission Requirements

Changes to Building Inspections:  As part of the Towns ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, effective immediately, the performance of all building inspections that requires the inspector to enter into an occupied dwelling, will be conducted utilizing either Apple Facetime or Google Duo video chat applications. Instructions on how to use these applications for this purpose can be obtained by contacting your assigned Building Inspector, or by emailing buildinginspections@ajax.ca 

Engineering and Transportation

No counter service at Town Hall. 

For Engineering Services - Call: 905-619-2529, ext. 3631 or Email: EngineeringServices@ajax.ca  

For Transportation Services (General) - Call: 905-619-2529, ext. 3631 or Email: traffic@ajax.ca 

For Transportation Services (Active/Sustainable Transportation) - Call: 905-619-2529, ext. 3631 or Email: GetAjaxMoving@ajax.ca 

Engineering Drawing Submissions are being accepted by mail or courier to Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S., ON L1S 2H9); by dropping off at Town Hall (mailbox); or by pre-arranged drop-off time with a staff person at Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm).

Sediment and Erosion Control Permit Applications are being accepted by mail or courier to Town Hall (65 Harwood Ave. S., ON L1S 2H9); by dropping off at Town Hall (mailbox); or by pre-arranged drop-off time with a staff person at Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm).  All application forms must be accompanied by a cheque.

Effective Tuesday, March 31^st, Mayor Dave Barton declared a state of emergency in the Township of Uxbridge in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Based on a mutual decision by Municipal staff and Council, we have declared a state of emergency to continue to be agile and responsive to the COVID-19 crisis. While our community has not been adversely impacted at this time we are taking stock of future needs. By declaring an Emergency, it enables the Township to reduce the time between making a decision and acting on it, and provides an avenue to work more seamlessly between private enterprise, the health care system, and all levels of government.”

The Township had previously granted emergency decision making powers to the Mayor and CAO without requiring a declaration of emergency. The decision to move to a State of Emergency was not taken lightly. The move means that the Township will operate under the legal authority established in the Emergency Plan. CAO Kristi Honey will lead the Township Emergency Operations team and Chief Phil Alexander from the Fire Department is the Community Emergency Management Coordinator. Council will be consulted regularly as events unfold.

“I see this declaration as having two benefits”, says Mayor Barton. “The first is that it underscores the seriousness of the situation and reinforces the need for everyone to continue to isolate to prevent the spread of illness. The second benefit is that it will provide administrative tools to enable the Township to quickly respond to emerging situations as needed to support our community.”

Stay informed about continuing developments in the Township of Uxbridge related to the COVID-19 pandemic at Uxbridge.ca.

Clarington April 1, 2020 -  The Municipality of Clarington has declared a local state of emergency as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Our message to residents: stay home, maintain physical distancing, do your part to protect your family, friends, neighbours and the community.

“The health and safety of our residents is our number one priority. As we enter week three of the crisis, we cannot let our guard down. We continue to see residents ignoring physical distancing. This is no longer an ask—you must comply with physical distancing; it’s the only way to flatten the curve and stop this virus in its tracks,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

Along with the local emergency declaration, Clarington is extending the closure of its buildings and facilities indefinitely.

Clarington’s declaration comes just days after the Province extended its emergency declaration on March 30. In that declaration, Ontario enacted several emergency measures closing all non-essential workplaces, prohibiting social gatherings of more than five people, and closing all outdoor recreational amenities, sports fields and playgrounds.

Clarington is working with Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) on enforcement. People caught violating any emergency measure could face fines ranging from $750 to $100,000 depending on the severity of the infraction. Residents can report violations to DRPS at www.drps.ca under Online Services - Community Concerns or by calling 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5802.

“We are working alongside the Region and the Province to protect our community. The decision to declare a local emergency was not made lightly. Clarington continues to follow public health guidelines,” said Clarington Fire Chief Gord Weir.

In making this decision, the Municipality followed guidelines set out in the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. When declaring an emergency, the Municipality assesses a situation based on a list of key criteria focused on whether the event poses a risk to life, a strain on essential services and a threat to social order.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a global emergency. We are facing an invisible enemy. If we don’t practise physical distancing, we are risking an increase in COVID-19 cases among our residents and prolonging this crisis. We are in this together, and if we make the right choices, we’ll get through it together,” added Mayor Foster.

In light of COVID-19 and new Ministry of Labour health and safety guidelines, the Ontario Home Builders' Association has released an employer information sheet to provide members with a list of key reporting and health and safety obligations under the MOL guidelines.  Within this document is an employee intake information sheet to help track individuals coming onto sites.

Download the Employer Information Sheet

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is giving workers in the construction sector an extra year to renew their training if they work at heights.

The mandatory training of more than 120,000 workers was due to expire over the next six months.  However, many training providers have either cancelled classes or shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The extension will apply to workers who successfully completed their working-at-heights training between February 28 and August 31, 2017.  The validity period, normally three years, would have ended this year.  It will now end in 2021.

The extension will ensure affected workers can continue to work when possible.  Construction will move ahead without interruption.

More information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-working-heights

Evictions

In response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, no new eviction orders will be issued until further notice and sheriff's offices will postpone any scheduled enforcement of current eviction orders.  Tenants must pay rent while an eviction order is not being enforced.

How the eviction process works

The typical evictions process is explained below.  Changes due to COVID-19 are in italics.

If the landlord gives a tenant notice to end the tenancy, the tenant does not have to move out.  The landlord must apply for an eviction order from the Landlord and Tenant Board (also known as "the Board").  The tenant has the right to go to a hearing and explain why they should not be evicted.

1. Notice: In most cases, the first step is for the landlord to give the tenant a notice in writing that they want the tenant to move out.  Landlords must use an official notice from the Board.  Sometimes a tenant can prevent the tenancy from ending by stopping the behaviour referred to in the notice, or by doing what the notice requests.  This is called a tenant's remedy.  The notice explains what this is and gives a deadline for the tenant to comply.

COVID-19 Update:  Landlords can still give eviction notices, however, landlords are encouraged to work with tenants to establish fair arrangements to keep tenants in their homes, including deferring rent or other payment arrangements.

2. Application: If the tenant does not remedy the situation or move out, the landlord can file an application to the Board to end the tenancy.  Most applications must be made within 30 days for the termination date set out in the notice.  However, there is no deadline to apply to end a tenancy for non-payment of rent.

COVID-19 Update: Landlord and Tenant Board counter services are closed, but the most common types of applications can still be filed online.

3. Hearing: In most cases, the Board will schedule a hearing to decide the landlord's application.  It will mail a Notice of Hearing to the landlord(s) and tenant(s) along with a copy of the application.

COVID-19 Update: All hearings related to eviction applications are suspended until further notice, except for urgent disputes such as those involving illegal acts or serious safety concerns.

4. Order: A Board member will make a decision about the landlord's application to end the tenancy and whether the tenant should be evicted or not.  The member's decision is always put in writing.  This written decision is called an order.  The Board will mail a copy of the order to both the landlord and the tenant.

COVID-19 Update: No new eviction orders will be issued until further notice, unless the matter relates to an urgent issue such as an illegal act or serious safety concerns.

5. Enforcement:  If a tenant doesn't leave the rental unit by the termination date in the eviction order, a landlord cannot personally enforce the order (remove a tenant from a rental unit or change the locks). An eviction order can only be enforced by the Court Enforcement Office (also known as the "Sheriff's Office").  The landlord must file a copy of the Board order with the Sheriff's Office to have the order enforced.

COVID-19 Update: Enforcement of residential eviction orders is suspended until further notice.  By order of the Superior Court of Justice, enforcement of eviction orders is suspended during the suspension of regular court operations, unless the court orders otherwise.

Entering a rental unit and physical distancing

A landlord can only enter a tenant's unit in specific circumstances.  In most cases, the landlord must:

• give the tenant 24 hours written notice
• state what day and time they will enter (between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.)
• state the reason for entering the unit

There are some exceptions to this requirement, for example, in case of emergency.  If the landlord has a valid reason for entering the unit, a tenant cannot refuse to let the landlord in.

COVID-19 Update: During this unusual time, patience and understanding from landlords and tenants is necessary to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  Landlords are encouraged to request entry only in urgent situations and to follow physical distancing guidelines.

Landlords who are selling tenant-occupied homes are strongly advised to follow the guidance of the Real Estate Council of Ontario and avoid in-person showings.  Landlords are subject to the Human Rights Code  and have a duty to accommodate tenants under protected grounds, including people with disabilities.  For example, conducting an in-person showing when a tenant has an immune-compromising condition could lead to a complaint under the Code.

People are encouraged to work together to protect the health and safety of tenants, landlords and the public at large.

Rent

Tenants who can pay their rent must do so, to the best of their abilities.  Landlords are entitled to collect compensation from a tenant for each day that an eviction order is not enforced.  However, tenants who are asked to self-isolate or who can't work may have difficulty paying their rent.

Landlords and tenants are encouraged landlords and tenants to work together during this difficult time to establish fair arrangements to keep tenants in their homes.

Tenants who are having challenges paying rent should speak with their landlords about possible deferring their rent or other payment arrangements.

Assistance for tenants

If you need financial help, you can:

• contact your local service manager
• apply for COVID-19 emergency assistance
• access federal government programs

Assistance for landlords

Landlords may wish to:

• talk to their municipality about help with property taxes and municipal service fees
• inquire with their mortgage lender about mortgage payment deferrals 
• investigate federal government programs 

Source: https://www.ontario.ca/page/renting-changes-during-covid-19