As we noted in a prior blog post, the Ontario Government has appointed the Honourable Douglas Cunningham to conduct an independent review of the Tarion Warranty Corporation and the New Home Warranties Plan Act.
Public and industry consultations started in April and will continue during May. The consultations are being held separately (but on the same day) for members of the public and for industry stakeholders. Industry stakeholders include:
- builders
- condominium boards and associations
- consumer advocacy groups
- building officials
- engineers and architects
- lawyers
- real estate professionals
- home inspectors.
While consultations in Toronto and Mississauga were already held in April, a number of consultations are currently scheduled in various locations in the Province during May. For those in the GTA who missed the Toronto and Mississauga consultations, the Oshawa consultations will be held on May 18, 2016. Please click here for a list of the dates and locations of the remaining consultation sessions. Those who wish to participate in the consultations must register at least 5 business days prior to the session date.
Some homeowners may be reluctant to speak at a public consultation for fear that their property values will be negatively affected if their problems with the construction of their homes are made public. Feedback can also be provided by e-mail sent to TarionReview@ontario.ca. Information provided by e-mail by an individual not affiliated with an organization will not be considered to be public information unless specified by the individual.
The Government of Ontario originally expected a draft report from Justice Cunningham on May 31, 2016 with a final report and recommendations by June 30, 2016. As the final consultation sessions are scheduled for May 31, 2016, the delivery dates of the draft and final reports will most likely be extended.
