Andrew Pariser / RESCON


As we move into the holiday season and year end, it is a time reflect on what is important both at home and at work. At work, one issue which can significantly affect a builder, but is often not fully understood, is the WSIB and the ongoing Rate Framework Review. ...  Read more...

I guess that is how I feel about the reckless drive to achieve a new green reality in our province which will lead to unintended adverse consequences if the many initiatives underway are not coordinated and progressively introduced in a manner that allows measured evaluation of the results. ...  Read more...

There’s a word that gets bandied about in the press, in coffee shops and certainly in residential construction circles all over Canada – affordability.

This reference is now inextricably linked to housing. There’s no way around it.

That’s why we have teamed up with a Toronto think-tank, the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA), for a study on housing affordability in the Ontario. It’s a critical moment, especially for millennials who are struggling to get a foot on the housing ladder....  Read more...

Richard Lyall / RESCON

When RESCON was looking for a new director of government relations, it hired a seasoned political adviser in Anthony Fernando.

Among a slew of strong candidates, Fernando came out of a detailed interview process over the summer with flying colours, impressing our executive team with his interpersonal skills, political savvy and his vision for where our association could go through government relations....  Read more...

Michael Steele / RESCON

The Ontario New home Warranty Plan and Tarion which administer the plan are being put under the microscope.

The provincial government wants to ensure that consumers are adequately protected when purchasing a new home by reviewing the new-home buyers program, having appointed the Honourable J. Douglas Cunningham, QC, to lead a public, independent review of both Tarion and the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. The retired justice also will recommend improvements on accountability, transparency and governance. His review is to be complete by the end of June 2016. ...  Read more...

RESCON is proud of a relationship that we like to say is stronger than solid oak.

That’s the one we’ve formed in recent years with Wood WORKS! We’re sponsoring our third Wood WORKS! event of the year coming up next week called the 2015 Toronto Wood Solutions Fair, and we think it provides a great opportunity for builders to learn about six-storey wood-frame construction....  Read more...

Andrew Pariser / RESCON

This month, Health & Safety is turning to you for your input.

First, let’s get some perspective on the purpose of this column.

RESCON’s membership is full of builders who are innovative and believe in best practices in health and safety in residential construction....  Read more...

Michael Steele / RESCON

The pile on my desk keeps growing.

After returning from a recent short vacation, here is a snapshot of some of the items Tech Corner is dealing with after sorting through that pile...  Read more...

Richard Lyall / RESCON

One of my preferred functions with RESCON is building key relationships across the construction industry, creating ties with like-minded associations.

That’s why we were thrilled and honoured to have the opportunity to speak recently at the president’s dinner at the Ontario Building Officials Association’s (OBOA) 59^th annual meeting and training sessions in Toronto.

RESCON vice-president Andrew Pariser, who’s well known for his talent on the microphone among our board and staff, delivered a speech to the OBOA dinner audience that emphasized our key relationship with building officials and the essential role they play in construction. The buck stops with them as those who review, approve and scrutinize the building process. ...  Read more...

If you’re a political junkie, you’ll probably give thanks this weekend for the dramatic federal election campaign that has unfolded thus far.

It’s been a fascinating battle, and Oct. 19 is coming up fast. With the election spotlight fixed on the GTA, there’s no doubt that the parties are keen to get their message out in and around Toronto.

When it comes to the parties’ platforms on infrastructure, we’re all too happy to assist in getting their messages out through our networks.

The videos are posted on YouTube. Click on this hyperlink to view the compilation video. ...  Read more...