Didn't We Just Do This? More Changes Coming To The Ontario Construction Act

As we know, 2019 brought about significant changes to the Construction Act with the introduction of adjudication for payment disputes and a prompt payment regime along with others changes to mandatory release of holdbacks, leasehold interest and liens and so on. After five years, it was time for some tweaking of the Act.

On November 6, 2024, based on an independent review of the Act, the Ontario Government passed royal assent to Bill 216, Building Ontario For You Act (Budget Measures), 2024 (“Bill 216”).[i] Bill 216 introduced significant changes in three major areas: holdback, adjudication and administration. These changes aim to reduce administrative burdens, encourage timely payments, and improve dispute resolution, among other changes.