GDHBA Supports Ontario’s Decision to Re-Activate Below-Grade Construction of Condominium and Apartment Buildings
Home Builders’ Association Supports Ontario’s Decision to Re-Activate Below-Grade Construction of Condominium and Apartment Buildings
City of Guelph, May 6, 2020 — The Guelph & District Home Builders’ Association (GDHBA) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) welcome the Government of Ontario’s decision today to allow the resumption of below-grade construction under the COVID-19 Emergency Orders. Each step that is taken toward returning to normal construction activity allows the industry to meet the housing needs of Guelph and Ontario.
“We are still focused on the safety of jobsites and workers. Condominium and apartment building continue to be an important part of the housing choice and supply we need to provide our community. Permitting the below-grade construction for these buildings means we can start to respond to the housing needs of Guelph and the surrounding areas,” said GDHBA President, Tom McLaughlin.
Getting back to more normal construction activity will help lead the economic recovery in Guelph. “Residential construction is an engine of the Ontario’s economy, with every 1,000 housing units generating 2,600 direct and indirect jobs, paying half a billion dollars in wages and generating $600 million in economic activity.”
Today’s decision allows for the resumption of below-grade construction where permits are in place. Below-grade construction is construction activity that occurs below ground level to put in place the foundation and systems that support a high-rise building. This includes excavation, temporary shoring, pilings, servicing as required, concrete forming, reinforcing and pouring, and many other tasks.
A safe working environment is possible during below-grade construction by limiting the number of trades on the work site and by practicing physical distancing. As with previous expansions to the emergency orders for construction, all work must be carried out in compliance with the Ministry of Labour’s Guidelines for Construction Site Health and Safety during COVID-19. The industry supports the closing of any site that does not meet or exceed these requirements.
“We applaud the Government of Ontario for taking steady and consistent steps to safely re-activate residential construction work,” said Joe Vaccaro, CEO, OHBA. “With enhanced health and safety policies, buildings across Ontario can resume construction and move closer to completion. This decision moves thousands of families closer to getting the keys for their new homes.”
The Guelph & District Home Builders’ Association (GDHBA) is the voice for the residential construction industry in the Guelph and Wellington County area. We represent members from a wide range of businesses, including home builders, renovators, trade contractors, product suppliers, service professionals, realtors, financial specialists, and more. GDHBA strives to improve new housing affordability and choice for new home purchasers and renovation consumers by positively impacting legislation, regulation, and policy that affect the industry.
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association is the voice of the residential construction industry in Ontario, representing 4,000 member companies organized into 27 local associations across the province. The residential construction industry contributes over $51 billion dollars to Ontario’s economy, employing more than 330,000 people across the province.
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For additional information or to schedule an interview with GDHBA President, Tom McLaughlin, contact Melissa Jonker, GDHBA Executive Officer at mjonker@gdhba.com, and to schedule an interview with OHBA’s CEO Joe Vaccaro, contact Leah Sisnett, OHBA Communications, at (416) 525-8071.
