GTA new home sales in March extended the very slow start to 2024, with all three months of Q1 having set record lows for new home sales, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) announced today. There were 1,125 new home sales in March, which was down 16 per cent from March 2023 and 66 per cent below the 10-year average, according to Altus Group, BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence. “GTA new homes sales for March came in at a record low as buyers remained on the sidelines,” said Edward Jegg, Research Manager with Altus Group. “Builders have responded wi ..read more

60 years ago in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Walter J. Hachborn and Henry Sittler laid the groundwork for what would become Canada’s largest Dealer-owned and operated home improvement retailer. Since then, Home has expanded to more than 1,000 stores operating under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners. Today, Home’s strong independent Dealer network continues to provide superior home improvement experiences to customers through helpful advice, competitive prices and quality products. In every interaction, Dealers across Canada aim to improve ..read more

Roofmart Inc. and Sika Canada Inc. have signed a Canada-wide distribution agreement for all Sika roofing product lines, including Sarnafil® and Sikaplan® PVC membranes, Sikalastic® liquid-applied membranes and Hydrotech membrane and accessories. As part of this partnership, Roofmart and Sika will work together to provide market access to Sika roofing products in all regions. Design work, specifications, technical sales and technical site services will continue to be supplied by Sika Canada Inc. Sika will work in conjunction with Roofmart on securing projects, project specifications and quotati ..read more

The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) has announced the appointment of Scott Andison as CEO. Andison, a seasoned leader with a formidable background in the public and private sectors as well as not-for-profit organizations, will lead the OHBA through a renewed period of strategic growth and advocacy. Andison’s career is marked by notable leadership roles that span the private sector and extensive service within the Ontario government, demonstrating a versatile skill set that bridges both realms effectively. His leadership in executive roles in the private sector showcases his acumen in ..read more

The WSIB has longstanding experience adjudicating claims for work-related cancers and other occupational diseases and helping those people and families affected. In 2023 alone, the WSIB approved over 23,000 occupational disease claims* and provided $79.5 million in benefits and supports to those affected. Of these, 329 claims were for work-related cancers, making up $32.7 million of the benefits paid – almost half of the total paid for all occupational disease claims.   To continue to help even more people with work-related cancer, the WSIB needs them to be aware that their illness may ha ..read more

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is seeking volunteers to serve on code development committees for the 2030 code cycle. Successful applicants will help develop the 2030 editions of the National Model Codes, with work expected to kickoff in January 2025. Code development for the 2030 codes will include topics such as accessibility, climate change mitigation and adaptation, alterations to existing buildings, housing supply, harmonization, performance-based solutions, and other targeted technical topics and maintenance tasks. The CBHCC is looking to recruit volunteers ..read more

High interest rates, excessive taxation and bureaucracy, as well as the cost of materials and labour are making it difficult for the residential construction industry to keep its head above water these days. To make progress and get shovels in the ground on much-needed new housing projects, the conditions must be changed. It makes little sense to build a home that people can not afford to buy. Another equally daunting hurdle, though, is the lack of critical infrastructure. It’s something that is often out-of-sight and out-of-mind, but adequate water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure ar ..read more

Terry Adamson, technical director for Fenestration Canada, joins The Hammer to preview the proposed changes to the National Building Code related to window and doors. Wider door openings for accessibility…tighter air tightness…solar heat gain requirements…upper storey window fall protection…glazing guard loads…it’s all here in an information-dense download ..read more

According to a government of Canada website, the ministry of Environment and Climate Change is considering adding a group of chemicals known as PFAS to its list of toxic substances. This would allow the government to restrict, control or ban the use, transport, disposal, storage and research of the substance. Some older PFAS that were largely already out of use have already been added to the list. PFAS is the acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals. They have been used in a wide range of products since the 1950s for chemical and thermal stabilization and to make items non-stick, flame-r ..read more

ABC Supply Co., Inc. has acquired the assets of All Canadian Building Products in Surrey, B.C.. This acquisition marks its eighth company location in British Columbia and the second in Surrey. The acquired All Canadian Building Products (12921 84 Ave., Surrey, British Columbia) has been a trusted partner to area contractors since its establishment in 2004 by owner Kulwaren “Kal” Johal. The company specializes in the distribution of quality residential and commercial roofing products and accessories. “Throughout the past 20 years, Kal has developed a strong business built on a foundation of inc ..read more