Examination Development and…

Examination Development and Delivery - I think the existing structure is an improvement from when there was no mandated qualifications. I agree that the number of questions/time should be re-evaluated based on the portion of the code that they cover. It should also be recognized that passing a technical code exam does not adequately evaluate an individuals ability to understand the application of the code to building design. Continuing education including CBCO designations for building officials and ongoing professional development hold everyone to a higher standard. Qualified designers should have a similar continuing education component.

Training - The OBOA offers a comprehensive basic education and training program and has the capability of expanding to more complex training. I think overall the program works well. The industry could benefit from more structured training surrounding large and complex buildings, complicated construction details, evaluation of alternative solutions and more advanced forms of continuing education.

Recruitment - The internship program for smaller municipalities is more work then the apparent benefits. Many building department operate lean and generally available time is consumed by meeting the mandatory turnaround time for plans review and inspections. The industry needs to do a better job promoting building official jobs, early engagement at high schools and colleges and providing opportunities to get qualified. Is there an opportunity to partner with colleges where the qualification exams can be incorporated into the curriculum?

Coordinating Professionals - I think introducing a prime consultant for a projects is key to improving communication and coordination on projects both for the design and development teams as well a point of contact for building officials. From my experience, creating Certified Professionals will create more issues than benefits. I have seen first hand the potential conflict of interest many professionals are in as they are being paid by the developer. Municipalities are 3rd party and have no financial or other vested interest in the outcome of permit review or conducting inspections. My experience has also been that even the most competent Architects and Engineers still struggle with building code compliance as they have a different primary focus.

Pubic Registry - The QuARTS system definitely could be improved in terms of usability. The biggest complaint regarding this is there is no ability to search for qualified professionals in an area when trying to recommend a designer to business owners or homeowners. The renewal process for already qualified professionals could also be made easier.

Continuing Professional Development - This is an important component in the responsibility of professionals. I think the structure of the OBOA is thorough for building officials but should be mandatory. A similar program should be created for designers. A 4 year cycle would ideal for points maintenance to allow for those that may be out of their role for a leave of absence or secondment to another role.

Registration Compliance and Enforcement - There should be a program in place for this where individuals are working outside of their qualifications. I think there needs to be reasonable accountability and must include an appeal mechanism.

Building Code Administration - Any additional tools to help building officials gain compliance without the need to go through a costly court process including tying up the time of the courts would be beneficial.

Building Service Delivery - I believe the more options available to municipalities to work together the better. I think this is also something the could be coordinated through the OBOA in terms of connecting qualified professionals to assist in the review or inspections of other municipalities. Eliminating the need for complex sharing agreements would be beneficial. I think the review and inspection process is complex when interpretations are involved and creating a way for local municipalities to work together will bring more uniformity on building code interpretations. I don't think this should be the role of an Administrative Authority if created.

Consistent Application of Code Requirements - Technical bulletins made in cooperation with technical advisory committees would be highly beneficial. I would be cautious of making too many bulletins that may contract what other advisory committees are making decisions on or have made decisions on in the past. There are times however where building official groups cannot reach a decision and having another resource is beneficial. Illustrated guides (currently very outdated) are very helpful especially with new staff in the industry. They also help owners and designers understand the requirements.
What was previously TACBOC Details were a huge help to front counter and Part 9 staff in assisting owners with permit applications where professional designers are often not involved.

Digital Service Transformation - We would use an electronic code. We currently use the elaws version however it isn't user friendly. A directory of referenced codes and standards from the code would be huge. It is expensive and impractical for municipalities to purchase all of these.

Building Sector Data and Research - We do collect data on building permits. The capabilities of collecting data likely varies largely between municipalities with larger ones having more resources and better technology to run reports.

Funding Better Service Delivery - I think where development fees are already seen as absorbent this is one more fee that will get passed onto end user consumers. Complaints about affordability of housing is already an issue. This also puts and administrative burden on municipalities for services that historically the Ministry has provided. Many of these items covered in this report seem to currently be addressed or capable of being addressed via the existing structure of the OBOA and Ministry. The fee model based on construction value is also problematic as applicants will not be forthcoming on actual construction values and will vary widely between municipalities.