Activity Summary

March 2006

HOUSING STARTS

Ontario Housing Starts 1996-2007 (note 2006-2007 Forecasted)

Chart

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

the Government of Ontario if moving forward on its commitment to achieve a reduction in peak electricity demand by 2007, and to create a culture of conservation. The Government of Ontario is also supportive of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions identified in the federal climate change action plan. To help achieve these goals, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) is considering changes that could be made to the Building Code to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, and thereby reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Five regional information sessions will be held and each is open to the public

March 6, 2006 10am - 3pm Ottawa - Travelodge Hotel Ottawa

March 8, 2006 10am - 3pm Sudbury - Holiday Inn

March 8, 2006 10am - 3pm Toronto - Ontario Room, Macdonald Block

March 10, 2006 10am - 3pm London - Best Western Lamplighter

March 10. 2006 10am - 3pm Thunder Bay - Valhalla Inn

The proposed changes include upgrades to insulation level, energy ratings of windows and glass doors, and an energy rating program to list just a few. To view the proposals and for more information please visit www.codenews.ca/energy2006/consultation_E.html

FIRE SPRINKLERS

OHBA has copies of an article that appeared in the winter issue of Ontario Home Builder Magazine on the home fire sprinkler issue available. OHBA encourages members to read the article and for locals to utilize the article in any discussions with respect to mandatory residential fire sprinklers with local politicians and MPPs. For an electronic copy of "Is the Fires Sprinkler Lobby All Wet" please contact Dave Henderson at dhenderson@ohba.ca

CONSTRUCTION FATALITIES

Ø Fall killed half of the construction workers who died from injury in 2005

Ø Four deaths were caused by vehicles striking or running over workers

Ø Workers older than 45 have a greater chance of dying from injury than younger workers

Ø The overall fatality rate (deaths per 100,000 workers) has improved from 1996 to 2004, but it has not been steady and the trend is unclear

Ø The trend concerning fatal falls is even less clear, especially considering 2003 when 16 workers died from falls (an exceptionally large number)

Ø The rate of falls may be decreasing slightly or staying the same. The number of non-fatal falls (fall LTIs) has gone down 37% steadily since 1996. Overall LTI frequency decreased 35%.

LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION FATALITIES 2005

Cause	Month	Age	Description
Fall	March	48	Owner of company fell 2.5 ft off ladder, suffering head and spinal injuries which later proved fatal
Fall	September	40	Labourer carrying shingles on roof fell 18 ft
Fall	September	48	Worker fell 16 - 18 ft from ladder, hitting his head on rocks below
Fall	November	54	Worker installing satellite dish at private home fell 20 ft
Crushed	September	61	Worker was in garbage bin being lifted by forklift. Bin toppled onto worker. Worker fell 6 ft
Drowning	December	43	Worker returning by boat from building cottage drowned after boat sank

HOUSING ISSUES STATUS REPORT MARCH 2005

The new Housing Issues Status Report is now available. The report provides an excellent overview of all significant legislation, developments and issues impacting the new home and renovation industries. It is a great resource tool to the members of the OHBA. For a copy of Housing Issues: March 2006 please visit the OHBA website at www.homesontario.com or call the OHBA office at 1-800-387-0109.

Ultimate Condo Tour 2006

The Ultimate Condo Tour sold out not once but twice in 2005! Building on last year's success OHBA has yet another exciting Untimate Condo Tour planned for April 27th. Please call OHBA at 1-800-387-0109 to register as space is limited! OHBA is also please to announce the upcoming Barrie and Georgian Bay Housing Tour on June 1st. Details coming soon - mark your calendars!

REMINDERS / AVAILABLE FROM OHBA

OHB Winter Magazine
OHBA Pre-Budget Submission
OHBA Tools to Support Intensification Report
OHBA Places to Grow Submission
Engine that Drives the Economy - 2006 Edition
March 2006 Housing Issues Status Report
OHBA Pocket Reference Guide
2005 Resolutions to the OHBA Annual Meeting
ESSO 2.7 cent per litre Discount Program
What Does OHBA Do For You?

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