Activity Summary
June 2003
Activity Summary
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JUNE 2003
ONTARIO PARTY PLATFORMS
OHBA has prepared a construction-related issues review of the platforms of the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and NDP parties. Members are urged to compare the platforms of all three parties. Premier Eves is required by law to call a Provincial Election no later than the Spring of 2004. Municipal elections are already set for November 13th, 2003.
OHBA BUILDERS' COUNCIL
OHBA is establishing a Builders' Council to address key industry concerns. All OHBA builder members are invited to participate on the Council. Please forward agenda items or specific concerns you would like the Council to review to Dave Henderson at the OHBA office 800-387-0109 or info@ohba.ca.
AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
Entry Deadline - all entries must be received at the OHBA offices no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 9th.
Once again it is time to recognize and showcase the highest levels of achievement in the home-building industry. It's been a banner year for the industry and it's time to "strut your stuff". Participate..you deserve to be recognized!
Large or small company, the Awards of Distinction honour the visions of some of the province's most creative builders, renovators, designers and marketers.
The Awards of Distinction, including the much anticipated "Ontario Home Builder of the Year" award, will be presented on September 25th as part of the annual conference being held at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville.
The recipients of these awards represent the pinnacle of achievement within our industry so be sure to come out and show them your support. Take advantage of special rates for reserving an entire table and bring along your own cheering section. Be sure to book early for the conference and take advantage of the early- bird discounts.
ECONOMIC REVIEW
Mortgage Rates are at the lowest point since 1954 and the Ontario housing market is performing well. In the first five months of 2003, Ontario housing starts are almost identical to the total starts in the first five months of 2002. Renovation activity is also very strong in every region.
WSIB - HEALTH & SAFETY
Prior to setting the preliminary average premium rate for 2004, it is essential for the WSIB and the employer stakeholders to have a discussion regarding the current funding strategy, taking into consideration the fundamental shift in the economic environment over the last two years.
As a result of extensive consultations with employer stakeholders in 1998, general consensus was reached for the WSIB to adopt a new funding strategy. This consensus focused on several major issues, including setting the amortization schedule to eliminate the unfunded liability by 2014.
A comprehensive all-day consultation session will be held on June 24, 2003 to review and discuss the fundamental principles of the funding strategy and the components of the premium rate. Peter Saturno, OHBA 1st Vice-president, and Murray Koebel, Chair, OHBA Economic Review Committee, will be representing the residential construction industry at this very important meeting. If you have any specific concerns related to this issue that you would like brought forward, please send your comments in writing via fax 416-443-9982 or email: info@ohba.ca.
LOCAL ASSOCIATION NAME CHANGE
The Elgin/St.Thomas Home Builders' Association has changed its name to the St.Thomas/Elgin Home Builders' Association. The name was changed for clarity as people in the area did not think to look under "Elgin". This local association of 45 members has been affiliated with OHBA since 1960.
ENERQUALITY BUILDER WORKSHOP
In today's competitive market you need a leading edge. Come and spend two days at an EnerQuality Builder's Workshop and gain the knowledge you need to compete and profit in today's demanding marketplace. Improve your knowledge about advanced building techniques that result in homes which are better built, more energy efficient, healthier to live in and environmentally responsible.
Workshops are planned in the Niagara area for October 21 and 22nd and the Belleville/Kingston area for October 28 and 29th. For more information or to register for either workshop please call 416-447-0077 or 866-412-3065 (toll free) or email swoolsey@ohba.ca.
Ontario Home Builders' Association
20 Upjohn Road,
North York, Ontario M3B 2V9
(416) 443-1545
Toll Free: 800-387-0109
Fax: (416) 443-9982
E-mail: info@ohba.ca
