Welcome new members
Energy Werx Corp https://energywerx.ca/
Elizabeth Gaudet Miller Thomson LLP https://www.millerthomson.com/en/
Rogers Communications Canada Inc. https://www.rogers.com/
Soil-Mat Engineers & Consultants Ltd. https://soil-mat.on.ca/
Explore the City’s Planning & Development Hub
https://www.buildbrantford.ca/
The Build Brantford website is the City of Brantford’s central online hub for planning, development, and building information. It was created to make it easier for residents, builders, and industry professionals to access key information about projects happening across the city.
What you can find on the site
The website brings together a wide range of tools and information, including:
- Building permits and inspections – Learn when permits are required and how to apply.
- Planning applications – Submit and track planning applications digitally through Cloudpermit.
- Zoning information – Understand permitted uses, building heights, parking requirements, and other regulations.
- Official Plan policies – See how land use and growth are guided across the city.
- Development charges and fees – Review the costs associated with new construction and growth.
- Interactive planning and permit maps – Explore current applications and development activity happening throughout Brantford.
County of Brant Major Project Dashboard
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=cb28e8778ecf40b19e568405a18fd9f0
- The County of Brant Major Project Dashboard is an interactive online tool that provides a high-level overview of the municipality’s key strategic projects, infrastructure investments, and planning initiatives. It is designed to improve transparency, track progress, and keep both Council and the public informed about major initiatives underway across the County.
- The dashboard is updated periodically and presents projects by category, outlining their status, timelines, and responsible departments.
The County of Brant is also working on a Community Planning Permit System that essentially will create a new process for Development Applications and their Zoning By-law.
Development Engineering Standards are also getting closer to having the draft finalized and they are looking to finalize this by June. They are planning on having a Public Meeting for the standards in April/May and we will be included on this.
Win for Developers: Pre-Condo Deposit Trusts Exempt from Beneficial Ownership Filing Requirements
As part of government efforts to combat money laundering, the CRA has begun required filing of Schedule 15 Beneficial Ownership form, regardless of a taxable income. For nearly two years, CHBA argued this creates a significant regulatory cost and liability on trusts used to hold preconstruction deposits. In many provinces, these trusts are a statutory requirement, within a Condominium Act. A CHBA-proposed amendment, within Bill C-15 (a partial budget bill), now creates an exemption for trusts created to comply with statute. CHBA will now push for the CRA to update its online guidance to further emphasize this exemption. This will prevent future legal delays and cost increases incurred by condominium developers—if the trust is created in compliance with statute. Bill C-15 has made it through third reading in the House of Commons and is now in Senate pre-study; it should receive royal assent without difficulty and become law shortly.
CHBA Input Helps Result in Key Tariff Exemption for Windows, Doors, and Hardware
In December 2025, the Federal government quietly applied a new global tariff on many steel and aluminum products. Harmonized system codes captured many home finishings that are not produced in Canada in sufficient quantities. CHBA lent its support and industry views to Fenestration Canada who applied for a tariff remission on products imported under the Harmonized System Codes for Doors, windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, window hardware, door hardware, and mountings, fittings and similar articles suitable for buildings. CHBA is happy to announce that a remission was granted on the importation of these products. This remission does not have a time limit, but refunds for tariffs paid over the past couple months will be refunded, though details have not yet been made available. Please email Evan Andrade if you have questions.
Federal government announces $102.7M worker retention grant, new workforce alliances – CTV News
At the end of February, the federal government announced details of their new Workforce Alliances, which will bring together employers, unions and training institutions in six key sectors: advanced manufacturing, housing and construction, transportation and supply chains, energy and electricity, mining and minerals, and the care economy to help workers and employers navigate economic pressures. The federal government will invest $81 million over five years to support the alliances’ work in identifying labour shortages and aligning training with industry needs.
Commentary: As a result of extensive CHBA action, CHBA is pleased to have been invited to take on a leadership role under the newly announced Housing and Construction Workforce Alliance. For years, CHBA has been sounding the alarm about challenges faced by the residential construction workforce, and the need for better policy and programming to support the distinct needs of the residential construction industry, which are very different than those of non-residential construction. CHBA will use this opportunity through the Workforce Alliances to provide a more comprehensive workforce strategy that supports the specifics of the industry, both new construction and renovation.
