no breadcrumbs Ontario Home Builders' Association: Activity Summary

Activity Summary

December 2003

ONTARIO ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2004 This past year exceeded all predictions and expectations by economists and housing experts. The year 2003 proved to be a true showcase of the strength and vitality of the residential construction industry. In a year that Ontarians endured SARS, West Nile, and the largest blackout in North American history, the housing industry endured. Housing starts in Ontario are just ahead of the 2002 numbers. Housing starts in Ontario for January through to October 2003 are 65,735, up 1% from last year. OHBA is predicting a slight drop in housing starts, but 2004 will still be well above the average number of starts for the past decade. MORE CHOICE IN ONTARIO'S RENTAL MARKETS The average vacancy rate in Ontario moved up by 80 basis points, increasing for the third consecutive year. The average vacancy rate for the province reached 3.5% in October 2003, this is up from 2.7% one year ago. All bedroom types had increases in vacancy. Two bedroom apartment vacancy rates are up in 9 of Ontario's 11 CMAs with Windsor, Toronto and Kitchener having the highest vacancy rates of 5.0%, 3.7% and 3.4% respectively. The increase in vacancy is being attributed to affordable mortgage rates for Ontarians moving into the housing market and a dip in net migration to the province. HOLIDAY WISHES OHBA extends its very best wishes to all member companies for a happy and safe holiday season. Thank you to our volunteers for their support of the association and the industry. ONTARIO BUILDING AND RENOVATION FORUM The Ontario Building and Renovation Forum is right around the corner, January 14 and 15, 2004. Building on a 15 year foundation, the Forum is the most informative, professional and relevant industry training event in Canada. This year OHBA is pleased to announce a very special 15% discount for first time attendees at the 2004 Building and Renovation Forum. It is fast approaching and space is limited, so register today! For more information, contact the OHBA office at 1-800-387-0109. It is your last chance to take advantage of and participate in the trade show. Availability of booth space is limited and time is running out. Call OHBA for more information. COURSES AVAILABLE FROM ENERQUALITY Attend one of the following nationally acclaimed EnerQuality Workshops and take advantage of the special offer to register for Ontario Building and Renovation Forum at a discounted rate, call for details. Better Houses, Better Bottom Line - January 12 & 13, 2004, Toronto Building Technology Workshop for Realtors - January 13, 2004, Toronto EGNH Energy Advisor Condensed Workshop - January 13, 2004, Toronto: A condensed version of the EGH Energy Advisor Workshop for delivery agents and EGH Energy Advisors who are already certified to perform EGH evaluations on existing houses may only be required to take training on new housing specific points that have been established for the new housing component of EGH. Likewise, R-2000 Service Providers may only be required to take training on EGH basics in addition to the new housing EGH requirements. CORPORATE EXPRESS CANADA OHBA and Corporate Express Canada Strictly Business Advantage - Office Essentials Program will be introducted to OHBA members in January 2004. Members are encouraged to take advantage of this new membership benefit program along with our existing Bell Mobility, Mainway Insurance, Imperial Oil, NEBS and Federated Insurance Programs. Are you getting full value from you your OHBA membership. AVAILABLE FROM OHBA 2004 Building and Renovation Forum Registration 2004 Presidents and EOs Registration Housing Issues Status Report September 2003 2003 OHBA Resolutions 2003 OHBA Annual Report Ontario Housing Stats - November ESSO 2.5 cent Benefit Program OHBA Magazine Winter Issue 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