HCRA marks first anniversary, lauds code of ethics

TORONTO — The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) is marking its first anniversary as a regulator and says a code of ethics developed for new homebuilders and vendors highlights “a new era of Ontario industry oversight.”

The HCRA, which launched Feb. 1, 2021, is the regulator responsible for licensing the people and companies who build and sell new homes in the province. To receive and/or maintain a licence, builders and vendors must demonstrate that they have the right technical skills to build homes, the financial capacity to run a homebuilding operation, the knowledge and ability to offer warranty protection on a new home and that they will act with honesty and integrity.

During its first year, the HCRA processed 7,358 licence applications and renewals.

Other highlights from the HCRA’s first year of operation include:

• Laying charges for the first time, including for selling homes without a licence. These charges are now making their way through the judicial system.
• Looking into more than 600 complaints through a new process.
• Enhancing the Ontario Builder Director, the official source of background information about each of Ontario’s more than 6,000 builders and vendors.
• Providing educational resources to help new home purchasers on the homebuying journey, including expectations of builders and their conduct.
• Establishing the HCRA’s first three-year strategic plan, for the period 2022-2025. The strategic plan sets out a clear and structured path to support the HCRA to achieve its mandate.
• Establishing discipline and appeals committees, to ensure licensee compliance with conduct obligations.
• Appointing and onboarding board members, bringing the board of directors to full strength.
• Appointing Wendy Moir as the HCRA’s first permanent CEO and registrar.

“I’m proud that through its work, the HCRA has promoted trust and confidence for the people of Ontario when they are investing in one of the biggest purchases of their lifetime — a new home. As part of government’s drive to protect consumers, the HCRA has raised the bar for quality new home construction in our province,” said Minister of Government and Consumer Services Ross Romano in a statement. “One year in, the HCRA has made great strides in improving the top-notch service Ontarians expect from home builders and vendors and ensuring bad actors are held accountable. As our government continues to expand protections for Ontario consumers, the HCRA’s commitment to ensuring fairness, honesty, and integrity for buyers and owners of new homes is a key pillar to our efforts.”