Government Relations

Bill 157, Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2023, is an omnibus bill that contemplates, among many legislative changes, amendments to the Architects Act. The Association has had the opportunity to closely study Schedule 1 of the Bill, and has prepared this briefing note to ensure the provincial government and members of the public have a full understanding  about the importance of this legislative change. The OAA strongly urges government to advance Schedule 1 of Bill 157. This will enable the relaunch of the longstanding OAA Technology Program, the licensing of Licensed Technologist members, and the creation of a framework for the regulation of other design professionals.

Briefing Note #1 confirms the OAA's support for Schedule 1 and provides background information, details the current situation, outlines issues and considerations, urges government to swiftly pass the proposed legislation. Briefing Note #2 addresses the difference between the former Licensed Technologist OAA licence and the AATO's Architectural Technologist title. 

In addition to reading the briefing notes, you can learn more about the background context by learning about the Court Order from earlier in the year on the OAA Website.

Publish Date: 2024/JAN/16

On February 17, 2023, the OAA submitted selective comments in response to Canada Standards Association's (CSA) Public Review of CSA Z252 Volumetric Modular Construction - Guide to Compliance and Approval Processes (New Standard). The submission leveraged the experience of the OAA members, as well as providing additional clarity regarding roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders involved in this type of project.

This new proposed Guide focuses on the inspections and approvals processes followed by the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) that evaluates the compliance of the modular building for construction and occupancy. These guidelines are intended for construction and inspection of partially or fully enclosed permanent modular buildings of any size and occupancy. The guide serves as a supplement to CSA A277 Procedures for Factory Certification of Buildings and CSA Z250 Process for Delivery of Volumetric Modular Buildings.

OAA members were also encouraged to respond to the proposed public review through the OAA News (January 20 edition) as well as the Facebook social media platform on February 7, 2023. 

Publish Date: 2023/FEB/17

The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has issued its final orders with regard to the OAA’s appeal of the City of Toronto Harmonized Zoning Bylaw 569-2013. Importantly, amendments regarding height calculations that the OAA advanced are included in the OLT’s order, which allows houses with flat roofs to be more than 2.5 meters lower than peaked roofs, as long as the additional height is set back.

Publish Date: 2022/NOV/30

As the provincial election approaches, the Workforce 2030 Coalition analyzes platforms of all political parties in Ontario to provide insights about the commitments that each party is making to support a low carbon economy.

Publish Date: 2022/MAY/27

On April 22, 2022, the OAA submitted selective comments in response to Canadian Standards Association’s (CSA) Public Review of CSA Standard B-651 (New Edition), focusing on key changes highlighted by CSA as well as suggesting a review of accessibility provisions relating to electric vehicle charging stations.

OAA members were also encouraged to respond to the proposed public review through the OAA News (editions of March 17 and April 14) as well as the Practice Advisory E-newsletter published on March 25, 2022.

Publish Date: 2022/APR/22

On April 11, 2022, the OAA submitted comments in response to Canadian Standards Association’s (CSA) Public Review of Z8004, Operation and Infection Prevention and Control of Long-term Care Homes (New Standard). The Association’s comments were focused on Section 8, Design, and Section 9, LTCH Building Systems. The OAA is generally supportive of the new standard, and given the aspirational nature of it, the Association may also follow up with the Ministry of Long-term Care to recommend that Ontario’s Design Standards for LTC homes should align with the standard, and that, if undertaken, there will be budgeting and planning considerations for the Ministry. 

OAA members were also encouraged to respond to the public review of this new standard through the March 17, 2022 edition of OAA News as well as the Practice Advisory E-newsletter published on March 25, 2022. 

Publish Date: 2022/APR/11

On April 26, 2021, the provincial government passed the 2021 Ontario Budget. With its passage, OAA Policy and Government Relations staff have reviewed the budget and prepared a high level overview of some of the issues that may be interest to the membership.

Publish Date: 2021/APR/27

OAA Policy and Government Relations staff report on the activities of this service area, as well as updates from PACT and SBEC. 

Publish Date: 2021/JAN/20

The OAA has reviewed the 2020 provincial budget and prepared a high-level overview of some issues that may be of interest to the membership.

Publish Date: 2020/DEC/01

Publish Date: 2019/FEB/08

Policy and Government Relations (PGR) staff are supporting the Policy and Advocacy Coordination Team (PACT) and the Sustainable Built Environments Committee (SBEC) with provincial consultations.

Publish Date: 2019/JAN/30

The OAA meets with the Assistant Deputy Minister of Supply Chain Ontario to discuss QBS and the Broader Public Service (BPS) Procurement Directive. The ADM agrees QBS is compatible with the Directive.

Publish Date: 2019/JAN/18

Following joint interest from the OAA and PSPC in expanding the QBS pilot, the OAA participates in a meeting with PSPC Ontario Region to discuss the benefits of QBS and possible next steps.

Publish Date: 2019/JAN/17