The Ontario Building and Renovation Forum is an annual, educational forum held for members of the new home building and home renovation industries. Every year it draws professionals from across the province and provides them with the latest information about the issues, problems and trends impacting their industries.

This year’s event was once again held in January at the Hilton Suites Toronto – Markham Conference Centre and drew prominent speakers and representatives from Ontario’s new home building and renovation community. 

Tarion President and CEO Greg Gee, and Vice President, Builder Relations, Mike Coté were on hand to inform industry members about some of the most significant enhancements that Tarion implemented in 2004. 

Mr. Gee gave a keynote address during the largest gathering of the three day event.  His remarks provided the attendees with specific details about the following topics:

• Key Elements of  Tarion’s 2004 Restructuring
• Early Results of the new Minimum Customer Service Standard
• Consumer Reaction to Changes at Tarion
• Enforcement Activity in 2004

One of the most important changes in Tarion’s 2004 restructuring process was the creation of the new Builder Relations Department. Managed by Mike Coté, a veteran of the building industry, this new department’s mandate is to foster and maintain strong relationships between Tarion and Ontario’s new home builders and to identify and proactively address industry issues and trends affecting builders and homeowners.

Mr. Coté, who spoke in a breakout session at this year’s Forum event, provided the context for the creation of his new department and outlined the many builder-related activities and events Tarion is planning for 2005.  His team has already begun to implement the initiatives that will help build positive and productive relationships with builders over the long term.