One Voice
FILLING THE CALENDAR This promises to be a busy year for the industry, as we happily put 2020 in the rearview mirror I HOPE THE DOOR DIDN’T HIT YOU
on the way out, 2020. Well, maybe I do. But while COVID-19 was messing with our private lives and business, all three levels of government were moving plans and policies into place that will shape the industry in a positive way for the next few years. As we look forward, optimistic of returning to pre-pandemic life, what does 2021 hold for the industry? Here are a few things to watch closely. In October, the federal government announced a plan to bring 1.2 million immigrants to Canada in the next three years. In the past, Ontario— and the Greater Golden Horseshoe specifically—had received over 50% of Canada’s immigrants, which means that this region could see 600,000 ohba.ca
@onhomebuilder
HOMEOWNERSHIP TELLS THE WORLD, “I AM HERE AND I’M READY TO CONTRIBUTE.” people joining our neighbourhoods from that alone. The plan expects that 60% of those new arrivals will be coming through the economic class, which means new residents with economic and business assets to put to work in communities. This plan just re-inforces Ontario’s 30-year population forecasts, with projections that 2 million more
#homebelievers will join Ontario communities in just the next decade. The Ontario government—specifically through the work of the Hon. Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing—has completed the regulatory work to support the Housing Supply Action Plan and the More Homes, More Choice Act. Those tools finalize the details on development charges and community benefit charges, provide more guidance on the ‘missing middle’ and tiny homes, Minister’s Zoning Orders and new Lands Needs Assessment processes, all of which will be implemented at the municipal level starting this year. In February, the regulatory framework will begin with Tarion and the new Home Construction Regulatory Authority. And Ontario Building Code changes can also be expected, due to a harmonization with the national building code. At the local level, beyond the implementation of those provincial polices, the response to COVID-19 meant bringing new service tools forward. Virtual public meetings, hearings and inspections have kept municipal services going, while getting keys into the hands of new homeowners. It has been wonderful to watch. The great Canadian dream of homeownership is a cornerstone value, as it connects you to the neighbourhood and tells the world, “I am here and I’m ready to contribute.” And now the province has set the framework, and the municipalities have the tools required to get housing approved, built, inspected and occupied. COVID-19 may have changed us, but the elephant is still in the room: the real and ongoing need for housing. Fortunately, this is a challenge we can cure. OHB
JOE VACCARO IS THE CEO OF THE ONTARIO HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION
ONTARIO HOME BUILDER WINTER 2021
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