no breadcrumbs Ontario Home Builders' Association: Activity Summary

Activity Summary

February 2004

ONTARIO HOME STARTS HIT 14 YEAR RECORD

Total Ontario housing starts for 2003 are expected to approach 85,000, an increase over the 83,597 in 2002. This will mark a 14-year high and the fifth consecutive year over year increase. OHBA is forecasting a very healthy 78,000 housing starts for 2004, which will still be well above the average number of starts over the past decade. Preliminary figures for December indicate that multiple family home starts jumped 15% in 2003, while single detached home starts dipped by 8%. The housing and renovation industries continue to be a bright spot in the provincial economy, contributing over $30 billion and employing over 350,000 people.

ONTARIO PRE-BUDGET SUBMISSION 2004

OHBA is in the process of preparing a pre-budget submission for the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. OHBA would like to hear from local associations and members for their input and suggestions for the pre-budget submission. It is important for this process to be inclusive. We want to hear from you. Please contact the OHBA offices at 1-800-387-0109 or by fax (416) 443-9982.

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will be traveling across the Province. Local Associations should request to give a deputation by calling the Clerk of the Committee Katch Koch at (416) 325-3526. OHBA will be able to provide background information for any local association making a deputation.

Pre-Budget Consultation Dates

  • Toronto: Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 10 & Feb 11
  • Niagara Falls: Jan 27
  • London: Jan 28
  • Windsor: Jan 29
  • Ottawa: Feb 3
  • Timmins: Feb 4
  • Thunder Bay: Feb 5
  • Peterborough: Feb 9
  • Waterloo: Feb 12

OHBA ECONOMIC SURVEY

More than 80 percent of builders expect new home sales to increase or remain the same in the coming year. Similarly, almost 80 percent expect new home starts to be about the same or better than the 14-year high of over 86,000 housing starts in 2003.

Despite the optimism, builders cited a number of issues that could be barriers to continuing growth in 2004 including skilled labour shortages, increased material costs, development charges, availability of land and over regulation (red tape).

How long do you believe the current housing/renovation market can sustain itself?

6 Months 7.4%
1 Year 27.0%
18 Months 32.1%
2 Years 33.5%

SAFETY INSPECTION 'BLITZ' IN GTA

A Ministry of Labour inspection 'Blitz' began on December 15, 2003 with 21 inspectors assigned to the initiative. The following have already been completed:

  • 149 site visits
  • 502 compliance orders issued
  • 98 stop work orders issued
  • 10-Part 1 worker fines issued
  • 11 summons to Site Supervisors
  • 3-Part 3 court dates pending for employers

This has primarily occurred within the GTA since the start date, however the 'Blitz' is now going to be expanded into the Peel and York regions and possibly beyond. The 'Blitz' initiative is spearheaded by the final Traumatic Fatalities numbers from 2003. For the 30 fatalities throughout the industry, 19 occurred in the residential sector which is by far the most of any other sector. 46% of the total 30 occurred from falls (which is why they are targeting fall protection during the inspections). Out of the 19 in the residential sector, half occurred in renovations. Inspectors are approaching this safety 'Blitz' with zero-tolerance to non-compliance.

PETER SATURNO SPRING TOUR 2004

This spring is your chance to see the OHBA President live, loud and at a local near you! Peter Saturno is pleased to announce that he will be speaking across Ontario this spring. Make sure to check the tour dates when they are available as this is one show that you do not want to miss. Please Call Michael Liebrock for additional tour information at the OHBA offices at 1-800-387-0109.

6th ANNUAL HALIBURTON COUNTY HBA HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

The 6th Annual Tournament is scheduled for January 30, 31 and February 1, 2004 at the Haliburton Hockey Arena. The Home Builders team will be made up of members from each of the home builder teams participating. For more information call Aggie Tose at (705) 457-2629.

AVAILABLE FROM OHBA

  • OHBA Magazine Winter Issue
  • Ontario Housing Stats - September
  • 2003 OHBA Resolutions
  • Ontario Housing Stats - December
  • ESSO 2.5 cent Benefit Program
  • NEW Corporate Express office products program

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