The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) along with the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) support Monday’s provincial government decision to shutdown the province to combat rising COVID-19 cases.
While construction may continue with strict protocols in place, the industry recognizes the immense responsibility that comes with an essential workplace designation.
A province-wide shutdown will go into effect on Saturday. Restrictions will affect Southern Ontario until January 23 and Northern Ontario communities – north of Sudbury – until Jan. 9. Additional restrictions will be put into place and reinforce that Ontarians should stay at home as much as possible to minimize transmission of the virus and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed
“This was not an easy decision, but we have reached a tipping point. Urgent action must be taken to stop the spread of COVID19, preserve health system capacity, and save lives,” Health Minister Christine Elliott said Monday.
“Throughout the course of the pandemic, our industry has continued to work safely, and the very low number of cases associated with construction activities are a reflection of this,” said Dave Wilkes, BILD’s president and CEO.
“Health and safety are paramount on construction sites and never more so than during this pandemic. Our members have implemented and continue to enforce measures and policies that meet or exceed all provincial requirements.”
The organizations agree that Monday’s announcement is a necessary step to curb the growth in cases and provide the health care system with the ability to cope while the process of vaccination ramps up, bringing us all light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Allowing the residential and commercial construction industry to continue working will mean that once we do return to a semblance of normalcy later in 2021, we will not have exacerbated the housing supply crisis in an already undersupplied market.
Under the measures, construction activities and supporting services for new building may continue with enhanced COVID-19 protocols and inspections in place. Sales centres for new developments must move to virtual and/or appointment only.
“We all want to be safe at home and at work,” said Joe Vaccaro, CEO of OHBA.
“With these new restrictions, the Ontario government continues to make public safety the priority. Across Ontario, industry members have been continuously enhancing their health and safety and COVID-19 protocols.
“We support increased inspection and enforcement and are utilizing the extended construction hours to stagger work and increase social distancing on projects. All of our members, from builders to renovators to suppliers, will continue to focus on public and worker safety while ensuring that thousands of families get the keys to the homes they have been waiting for across Ontario.”