Ontario Construction News staff writer
Building officials in Mississauga conducted more than 104,000 inspections in 2024, a nearly 10 per cent increase from the previous year, as the city works to accelerate safe housing construction.
City officials say the surge in inspections, covering everything from high-rise towers to home renovations, is crucial for maintaining safety standards while helping projects meet regulations efficiently, potentially reducing costs and delays.
The city highlighted its one-business-day turnaround for inspections, faster than the 48-hour requirement mandated by the Ontario Building Code.
“As we work to get more homes built, and make them more affordable, it’s our plans examiners and building inspectors who are the unsung heroes,” Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said in a statement. “They’re working day-in-and-day-out… making sure our residents move into well-built, safe homes.”
The push comes as Mississauga grapples with the housing crisis and aims to significantly increase its housing stock. City council recently approved measures including reducing development charges and adopting a new Official Plan targeting 370,000 new housing units by 2051.
Officials noted the complexity of the current building environment, with over 95 per cent of the 11,627 units under construction in 2024 being in high-rise apartment buildings, which present unique inspection challenges.
Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building, said inspectors ensure homes and businesses are built safely while “helping builders prevent costly delays.”
The city also pointed to the increasing complexity of the Ontario Building Code itself, now over 800 pages – double its original length in 1975. Recent updates cover enhanced accessibility, fire safety, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and structural standards.
“Our building officials play a critical role in making sure these standards are met,” said Rick Conard, Director of Building and Chief Building Official. “These highly-trained professionals stay abreast of new innovations and construction trends so that we can deliver housing more quickly.”
The announcement last Thursday (May 1) coincides with Building Safety Month in May and marks the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Building Code.
