Local Home Builders’ Association Welcomes Decision To Expand Construction Activity

Ford government is allowing some essential construction projects to go ahead

The Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association (SCHBA) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) are pleased with the Ford government’s decision to expand the list of allowable construction activities under the COVID-19 Emergency Orders. The SCHBA said the resumption of more normal construction activities will allow the industry to meet the housing needs of Simcoe County and Ontario.

“Building new homes and communities is a long-complicated process and requires different construction activities over a number of seasons” said Sandy Tuckey, SCHBA Executive Officer.  “Losing the entire construction season for site servicing would be setting our local housing supply back and risk the homes that our clients are looking to move into next year.  Under the new provincial guidelines, we will continue to deliver homes safely today and in the future. “

The SCHBA said the decision to resume site grading makes sense as every operator is in their own machine, therefore ensuring physical distancing, adding site grading is vital to every construction site as it must be completed before all other construction activity can start.

The decision taken by the province also allows for site and land-servicing projects to commence or continue new residential, industrial, commercial and institutional developments. Underground servicing, the installation of storm water controls, water pipes, sanitary sewer pipes, road construction, including curbs and sidewalk, landscape works, trails, parks and utilities(telecommunications, water, gas, electricity, etc.) are necessary for activation of new homes and eventual occupancy.

The SCHBA said the industry supports shuttering any site that does not meet necessary requirements in compliance with the Ministry of Labour’s Guidelines for Construction site Health and Safety during COVID-19.

“We all want safe jobsites,” said Joe Vaccaro, OHBA CEO. “Adding these new construction activities along with new provincial COVID-19 health and safety guidelines means members will continue to focus on worker safety while delivering keys to the thousands of families waiting for their homes to be completed. We can keep each other safe while delivering housing supply across Ontario.”

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