The Policy and Government Relations (PGR) service area of the OAA has had a busy second half of 2024. The Association has been closely monitoring the ongoing harmonization of the Ontario and National Building Codes, as well as advancing legislative changes related to housing supply, the Architects Act, and zoning permissions in the City of Toronto. This article summarizes some of the work accomplished thus far this year. For further insights into the OAA’s Policy and Government Relations work and correspondence, explore the OAA’s GR Portal.
Queens Park Picks 2024
PGR staff received 32 nominations from 29 Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) for this year’s Queen’s Park Picks program. The nine QP Picks were unveiled at the OAA’s evening reception held at Queen’s Park on October 22. The event saw an outstanding turnout, with more than a quarter of sitting MPPs in attendance, joined by representatives from the building architects, client groups, Local Architectural Societies, as well as members of the OAA Council and Policy Advisory Coordination Team (PACT).
MPPs had the opportunity to learn more about this year’s QP Picks, hear from the groups involved in the buildings, and gain a deeper understanding of the OAA’s role in protecting the public interest. PGR staff also had the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions with the Attorney General and his team about the OAA Technology Program, recent changes to Canadian experience requirements, and the impact of architecture across Ontario.
PGR staff, alongside OAA President Settimo Vilardi and PACT Chair Susan Speigel, met with nine MPPs to discuss housing affordability, climate action, and ways for government to encourage intensification and increase housing supply. A total of 11 MPP meetings were scheduled, including five MPPs with whom the OAA had not previously met.
Building Code Harmonization
PGR staff continue to work collaboratively with Practice Advisory Services to respond to the ongoing consultations on the harmonization of Ontario’s Building Code with its National Code counterparts. In the second half of 2024, two consultations have occurred. To read all the OAA’s submissions on Building Code harmonization, click here.
Legislative Response
PGR staff continued to monitor the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and track the progress of new legislation introduced since government’s return from their summer break. As the Legislature returned on October 21, a flurry of bills were introduced and quickly passed.
With the passage of Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024 in June, the provincial government then began the consultation process for reducing barriers to building Additional Residential Units (AHUs), also known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). PGR met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) staff to provide the OAA’s position on missing middle housing. Following the stakeholder consultation, the drafted regulations were posted on the Regulatory Registry for comments. To read the submission on the amendments to Ontario Regulation 299/19 Additional Residential Units, under the Planning Act, click here.
On November 20, government tabled Bill 227, Cutting Red Tape, Building Ontario Act, 2024, an omnibus bill that proposed changes to various Acts under 20 different ministries. One contemplated was the Architects Act. Schedule 4 of the Bill aimed to update the scope of practice of architects to reflect the changes to the Ontario Building Code that reference agricultural occupancy also known as Occupancy Type G The Bill passed on December 3. The amendments to the Architects Act will come into force on January 1, 2025.
Government Consultations
In August, PGR staff were invited to participate in a consultation with the MMAH on the zoning bylaws preventing the building of ARUs or ADUs. MMAH staff explored what zoning bylaws were challenging the public’s ability to develop these accessory units, including garden suites and laneway houses. Through this consultation, staff were able to support MMAH in bringing forward new regulations. The OAA submitted comments to the consultation on the proposed regulations, mentioned earlier in this article.
Government opened a consultation in September to explore bringing into effect parts of the Condominium Act that are not yet in force after being passed in 2015. Although the consultation looked at parts of regulations under the Condominium Act that are focused on introducing greater protections for condominium owners and purchasers, PGR staff identified it as a strategic opportunity to introduce amendments to ‘Schedule G’ for government’s consideration as it falls under the same regulation being contemplated. The OAA’s submission to the consultation recommends that government amend ‘Schedule G’ to contemplate building conversions. To read more, the consultation can be found here.
In October, PGR staff were invited by MMAH’s Building Code Branch to participate in a consultation on the introduction of single egress in apartment buildings into Ontario’s Building Code for buildings up to four storeys. OAA staff shared the public consultation from the Ministry with members in the OAA News bulletin. To read the details of the consultation, click here.
In November, PGR staff attended the City of Toronto’s consultation on avenues, mid-rises, and mixed use areas as part of its Housing Action Plan. The consultation explored the introduction of mid-rise buildings up to 11 storeys on avenues and increasing the number of streets defined as avenues. City staff also consulted on the urban design guidelines for mid-rise buildings and will bring forward a report in the new year. PGR staff continue to monitor the City of Toronto’s efforts to expand housing options and update design guidelines.
To learn more about the Policy and Government Relations services area of the OAA, check out the OAA’s GR Portal.