Government Amends Mandatory Home Energy Audits
While the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has yet to completely clarify a number of issues relating to the amendment,the Government of Ontario has amended the mandatory home energy audit section of the Green Energy Act to allow buyers to waive the mandatory home energy audit requirement. The Act has not yet passed 3rd and final reading in the legislature.
The amendment replaces the requirement for the seller to make information reports or ratings related to energy efficiency of the home available to any prospective homebuyer, with a new requirement that a seller must provide to the prospective homebuyer prior to an offer being accepted.
Ontario Introduces New Mining Act
Proposed changes to Ontario’s Mining Act would address conflicts that have arisen between mineral exploration companies and surface rights holders who do not hold the mineral rights on their lands.
For instance, the proposed Mining Act would:
• Withdraw mining rights in southern Ontario where surface rights are privately held, while respecting existing claims and leases. In Northern Ontario, private land holders could apply for such withdrawals but granting withdrawals would first consider criteria such as mineral potential;
• Broaden the list of lands not open to staking;
• Require enhanced notification of private land owners, after claim-staking and prior to exploration;
• Introduce new exploration provisions such as a graduated regulatory regime for exploration;
• Introduce a map staking system that would eliminate the need for prospectors to enter onto
property to stake mining claims. Map staking would be phased in beginning in southern Ontario.
If passed, the proposed legislation would also support a vibrant minerals industry that would help many communities realize their economic and social aspirations.
Study Shows Importance of MLS Sales to Ontario's Economy
The resale housing industry in Ontario generated more than 84,065 jobs and an average of $9.3 billion annually in various economic spinoffs in the period from 2006 to 2008, according to a study prepared for The Canadian Real Estate Association by Altus Clayton.
The report says each residential MLS® transaction generated an average of $47,575 in additional consumer spending in the period from 2006 to 2008. This included the purchase of furniture and appliances, moving costs, renovations, services, and taxes. By comparison, from 2004 to 2006 the average transaction yielded $33,243 in additional consumer spending.
