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News 
 

Residential builders call on governments to work together on housing supply crisis in 2024

With housing supply and affordability expected to dip even further in 2024, the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is proposing three initial steps to get the ball rolling: reduce taxes, fees, levies and development charges on new housing; streamline, speed-up and simplify the development approvals system; and embrace and invest in offsite construction as a means of speeding up construction.


Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act now in force

A number of sections from under Bill 44 Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023, have been brought into force. In addition, a local government zoning bylaw regulation was made. The bylaw "prescribes, among other things, the minimum number of housing units required to be permitted on each parcel of land in those areas zoned for single-family homes, based on the parcel size."


Canada announces heat pump program with Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of Canada has increased funding for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program in Newfoundland and Labrador. Under the program, low-to-median-income households in Newfoundland and Labrador can now apply here to receive up to $22,000 in funding to cover the full, average cost of switching to a heat pump.


 
Features 
 
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Cutting costs

To spur construction of much-needed new homes, condos and apartment buildings – and make units more affordable to people who want to buy them – we must find ways to reduce the costs of building. High interest rates have forced buyers to the sidelines and an unfortunate perfect storm of inflation, and rising costs for labour and materials, have taken a toll and added to the problem. To significantly change the narrative, significant and immediate action is needed. By Richard Lyall » Read more...
 
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Electrification: All Charged Up

Despite the bright future that EV’s promise, the current reality is that they are mostly a luxury item, far out of reach to the vast majority of Canadians. Hopefully, and as we are starting to see, as the technology improves, new materials for battery production are sourced and more car manufacturers enter the market, the role of the EV will shift from luxury novelty to automotive standard. Until then, finding places to charge an EV remains something of a challenge. That is why the best solution is to have a charging terminal installed in the garage, carport or driveway where the car itself will be housed. By Alex Mackenzie. » Read more...
 
 
The Hammer podcast 
 

The Hammer Episode #42: Aging and apprenticeships – with Vice-Chair Jack Slaughter and Jeremy Ambraska

Vice-Chair Jack Slaughter of the Ontario Labour Relations Board and Jeremy Ambraska, employment and labour lawyer with Sherrard Kuzz (Coos) LLP join this episode of the Hammer to discuss the aging workforce, apprenticeships and training within the construction sector. Vice Chair Slaughter and Ambraska engage in conversation with editor, Kaitlin Secord, about mentorship and knowledge transfer, the importance of diversity and inclusion, how to the construction industry’s status among prospective journeypersons and the importance of being a progressive employer. » Listen now!

The Hammer Epsiode #41: Cyber-security on site – with Wayne Dorris, Axis Communications

Cyber-attacks in construction are on the rise. Bad actors are finding this an attractive industry to target as they can access data and cause business interruptions, and even demand payment of a ransom. As construction companies and their construction sites become increasingly connected, any device connected to the network presents a potential cybersecurity risk, and a robust approach to reducing this exposure is essential. In this episode of the Hammer, Wayne Dorris, program manager for cyber security at Axis Communications, talks strategies for mitigating security risks on the construction site. » Listen now!

 
Industry news 
 

MyChoice reveals the top 15 cities with best and worst kept homes in Ontario

As of December 2023, the financial landscape for homeowners has seen drastic changes. With HELOC rates now exceeding 7.5 per cent – a stark increase from the historical low of 2.35 per cent in 2021, households are finding it increasingly challenging to manage maintenance costs. Moreover, with the Bank of Canada showing little sign of reducing rates in Q1 of 2024, Ontarians are cautioned that the reduced capacity for minor repairs could lead to more significant issues in their homes. » Read more...

 
JOB BOARD 
 

Residential Service Electrician

Stronghold Electric, located in Calgary and serving the surrounding areas, is seeking a certified journeyman with residential experience. » Apply now

Plumber

Homestar Inc., located in Quispamsis, N.B., are seeking an experienced, licensed plumber who is able to pull permits. » Apply now

Skilled Labourer - Carpentry

T&T Building Products Inc., located in the south part of London, Ont., is seeking a skilled labourer who will be responsible for assisting with the production of PVC/Vinyl Columns and Garage Door Frames. » Apply now

Plumber

Homestar Inc., located in Quispamsis, N.B., is seeking a licensed plumber. » Apply now