Ontario building designers have a reprieve

The Ontario Government has announced it will delay implementing key aspects of its regulations passed as Bill 124. The controversial bill requires building designers, including engineers, to pass examination to show their knowledge of the building code.
On May 19, the government filed O.Reg. 236/05 extending by six months the deadline for passing the examinations. As well it is delaying by six months the requirement for carrying certain insurance and for firms having to register as building designers.
Bill 124 — the Building Code Statute Law Amendment Act — brought in major changes to the way the construction industry will work in Ontario. The new regulations are being administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The decision to delay the examination requirements to January 1, 2006 was apparently at the behest of stakeholder groups who felt that many designers and building officials would not be qualified in time.
Some of the provisions of Bill 124 will still have to be made by July 1. By that date all building permit applications will have to be made on a standard form. The use of private building inspection agencies is also being introduced on July 1.
see www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca