Ontario Construction News staff writer
Several legislative and regulatory changes impacting construction in Ontario came into effect Jan. 1, including amendments to the Environmental Protection Act to make it easier for manufactures of cement, lime, iron and steel to substitute coal and petroleum coke with alternative fuels derived from materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
The Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act has changed the definition of “journeyperson” and added a compliance and enforcement framework for the skilled trades.
Highlights of changes by ministry:
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Changes to the subdivision control provisions of the Planning Act (and associated regulations), which govern things like dividing a piece of land into two or more parcels. The changes will continue to protect Ontarians when they buy and sell property, while making the rules about subdivision control clearer and simpler.
- Amendments to the Building Code that further align with the 2015 National Construction Codes for stairs, guards and handrails.
- Amending the Building Code to facilitate the construction of tiny homes and clarify that remote inspections may be used, to increase flexibility and help increase Ontario’s housing supply.
- Empowering the Town of Parry Sound to have its own land-use planning authority, separate from the Parry Sound Area Planning Board, will help streamline local development approvals.
- Repealing the Statute Labour Act supports the government’s commitment to reduce red tape, as it is an outdated law to maintain roads.
- An amendment to a Development Charges Act regulation will enable York Region to recover more of the eligible growth-related costs of its portion of the Yonge North Subway Extension through development charges, which will help fund the subway extension while protecting taxpayers’ best interests.
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks:
- Sections of the excess soil regulation will be implemented regarding excess soil reuse planning, such as notice, tracking and reporting requirements – limiting the amount of soil being sent to landfill, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and continuing to ensure strong environmental protection.
- A new regulation under the Conservation Authorities Act to will ensure conservation authorities are delivering on their core mandate which improve conservation and land management efforts, ensure continued access to safe drinking water, protect the environment, strengthen Ontario’s resilience to climate change, and protect people and property from extreme weather events like flooding.
- A regulation under the Environmental Protection Act that will support nickel smelting and refining facilities in Sudbury to help reduce their sulphur dioxide emissions and improve air quality in the community.
- The new minimum efficiency requirements for residential windows sold in Ontario was implemented, aligned with requirements in British Columbia and with prescriptive minimums in the Ontario Building Code.
Also, the Ontario Energy Board has reduced wireline pole attachment fees and fostering opportunities to better plan for future broadband expansion.
For more details, and additional changes click the link.