As the regulator of architectural practice with a mandate to serve the public interest, the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has reviewed Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, which is proceeding through an expedited legislative process.

In Schedule 2 of Bill 60, there are technical amendments regarding the Construction Act that are intended to refine and clarify the new annual release of holdback requirement.

The OAA is pleased to see that the annual holdback payments are now separate from lien expiry. This change creates a clearer schedule for making annual holdback payments and keeps the existing separate timelines for preserving, perfecting, and expiring liens.

Additionally, the association urges the government to implement these changes to further simplify a complicated piece of legislation.

An amendment to the Planning Act, effective upon Royal Assent, enables the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to establish rules for specific areas. This means they can permit changes, such as changes in building height, without requiring special approval.

Bill 60 suggests that changes to the Official Plan which allow for residential development in Protected Major Transit Station Areas (PMTSA) will not need approval from the minister. This means these changes can take effect more quickly.

The OAA strongly supports these legislative amendments that foster residential density and advance transit-oriented development.

Read more here.