GDHBA Supports Ontario’s Decision to Resume all Construction in Ontario
Home Builders’ Association Supports Ontario’s Decision to Resume all Construction in Ontario
City of Guelph, May 14, 2020 — The Guelph & District Home Builders’ Association (GDHBA) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) applaud the Government of Ontario’s decision to permit all construction activities under the COVID-19 Emergency Orders. The reactivation of construction activities will allow the industry to meet the housing, commercial building and renovation needs of Guelph and Ontario.
“We are still focused on the safety of jobsites, workers and clients. Getting our industry safety back to work means we can get back to providing the housing supply and choice our community needs, from renovations to new home builds to adding new commercial workspace in Guelph and the surrounding areas,” said GDHBA President, Tom McLaughlin.
Today’s decision allows for the full resumption of residential and non-residential construction, and planned renovations as of May 19, 2020 and removes the restrictions on new home renovations.
As always, the industry will ensure that work is carried out in compliance with the Ministry of Labour’s Guidelines for Construction Site Health and Safety during COVID-19. GDHBA and OHBA continues to support the critical enforcement role of the Ministry of Labour inspectors. The industry continues to support closing any jobsite that does not meet or exceed these requirements.
“We all want safe jobsites. The health and safety of colleagues, employees, tradespeople and clients continues to be the industry’s number one priority as the industry continues to make enhancements to the COVID-19 health and safety protocols,” said Joe Vaccaro, CEO, OHBA. “The provincial government continues to take a measured approach in response to this crisis. The reactivation of construction and renovations for both residential and non-residential means the industry can work through the short Canadian construction season and deliver the keys to businesses waiting for their new work spaces and thousands of families waiting for the keys to their new or renovated 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.
