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

The lack of skilled workers is having a detrimental impact on the construction industry, plain and simple. From a sample of projects across Canada, Altus Group found it now takes 25 to 30 per cent longer to complete a project than it did just five to six years ago, as many workers simply lack the necessary skills and experience. Adding to the problem, many more Baby Boomers will be retiring from the workforce. Many hung on during COVID but are now getting ready to hang up the hardhat and workboots. BuildForce Canada reports that just over 245,000 workers are expected to age out of construction ..read more

Many Canadian businesses are facing an uphill battle, as evidenced by a 41.4 percent surge in business insolvencies in 2023 when compared to 2022. The latest data from Equifax Canada’s Market Pulse Quarterly Business Credit Trends Report also points to a 14.3 per cent uptick in the number of businesses that missed a payment on a credit product (Q4 2023 vs. Q4 2022). One significant contributor to this mounting stress is the repayment of Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans. With the deadline for CEBA loan repayments now passed, many businesses find themselves navigating the financial ..read more

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), representing nearly 50,000 North American kitchen and bath industry professionals, and the owners of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), is pleased to announce the 60th edition of KBIS as one of its most successful. Co-located with the International Builders Show (IBS), KBIS, the largest kitchen and bath show in North America and part of Design and Construction Week, recorded the following numbers: 117,000 DCW registered visitors 41,500 KBIS registered visitors 46% of KBIS attendees were new to the event Over 670 KBIS exhibitors (30 ..read more