Regulations & Codes

OEB in doghouse for cost recovery ruling

OEB in doghouse for cost recovery ruling

The Ontario government plans to establish its authority to designate critical gas transmission projects and reaffirm the existing cost recovery model for connecting natural gas service to new residential development.
licence

Ontario unveils more regulatory adjustments

A recycled title adorns the Ontario government's latest initiative to be framed as red tape reduction. Bill 213, the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2020, is an omnibus effort to amend more than two dozen statutes.
scrutiny of accessibility

Ontario aims to relax scrutiny of accessibility

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing says the underlying principle of improving accessibility will be maintained, and connects the revisions to the government's commitment to cut red tape that is slowing down the production of new housing.
unpaid building code advisors

Ontario spurns unpaid building code advisors

The 2019 Ontario budget lists the Building Code Conservation Advisory Council among 10 provincial agencies deemed to be unnecessary or imprudent expenditures.
suburban office parks

Mixed uses to ease into suburban office parks

The new policy would give developers a basis to challenge any local government's veto of non-employment land uses in suburban office parks.
construction site security

Site security comes under renewed scrutiny

Construction site security is under renewed scrutiny after a member of the public gained access to a downtown property and scaled a crane.
child care

More landlords use child care to bolster amenities

Corporate tenants are increasingly demanding child care in their buildings to help female employees go back to work after maternity leave.
multi-suite residential

Mixed-use developments may stifle diversity

Mixed-use developments in Toronto are creating neighbourhoods that are unaffordable for many people, according to a new study.
elevator

Ontario looks to boost elevator availability

Ontario is looking to boost elevator availability in multi-storey residential buildings, as well as long-term care and seniors’ homes.
zero emissions

Inside the Zero Carbon Building Standard

The CaGBC is working to spearhead the next evolution of green building with the launch of its Zero Carbon Building Standard.
noise complaints

Turning down the volume on noise complaints

Provincial authorities are preparing to introduce requirements relating to sound transmission due to deficiencies that could cut down on noise complaints.
development

Big data backs medium-density development

The development of courtyard apartments, multiplexes and town homes could be among the building blocks of better housing affordability in Ontario.
green roof

Research challenges current green roof standards

Flooding is giving rise to new research on how green roof performance metrics can better manage water capacity.
Reliable Elevators Act

Reliable Elevators Act passes second reading

If it becomes law, the Reliable Elevators Act would require maintenance contractors to restore out-of-service elevators within 14 days in most buildings.
elevator repairs

MPP proposes time limits for elevator repairs

Han Dong, the Liberal MPP for Trinity-Spadina, is proposing to set time limits for elevator repairs with a private member's bill.
understanding-code-creep

Understanding code creep

Understanding code creep and why Canadian property owners need to be aware of foreign, just as much as local policy when it comes to tenant

Proposed energy code changes target glass boxes

New criteria for calculating thermal bridging and a mandate for heat/energy recovery systems in a wide range of conditions could have the most significant impact on the design and construction of new buildings.