Resident input sought on proposed changes

Ontario residents, including those in the Quinte region, are being encouraged to provide their thoughts on proposed changes to the provincial Building Code.

The province is aiming to modernize services related to the Building Code to help speed up the construction of new housing and building projects, while maintaining the same high standards for public safety. New and enhanced services could include:

· Developing digital tools to support municipal e-permitting and make the Building Code easier to use and understand.

· Providing supports to help municipal governments increase the number of building inspectors in Ontario.

· Providing supports to small, rural and northern municipalities to help them deliver local building services.

· Introducing continuing professional development to make sure registered building code professionals remain up-to-date on Building Code requirements.

“In 2018, there were over 131,000 building permits issued in Ontario with a total estimated construction value of $38 billion,” said Todd Smith, Bay of Quinte MPP. “Some of those permits are issued to people building an addition on their home, adding a backyard deck, or creating a basement apartment. We want to hear their experience, so we can work to modernize and improve service.”

Residents who have ever used building code services, or applied for a building permit are encouraged to provide their thoughts and input. Bay of Quinte residents are invited to share their Building Code experiences and provide ideas on how to improve services at an information session being held from from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Belleville Lions Club, 119 Station St.

Residents can also provide feedback online at Ontario.ca/buildingtransformation until Nov. 25, 2019. For more information, see ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0422

Source:  https://bit.ly/34HlVC7