What you need to know about Bill 216

Recording & Slide Presentation Available Now!

📅 Our webinar,co presented with the GVCA and presented by Glenn W. Ackerley, Partner at WeirFoulds LLP, took place on February 24 and again on May 12.
🎥 Watch the video and review the slides to discover how Bill 216 is reshaping Ontario’s Construction Act for the better!

What’s Changing—And Why It Matters
Bill 216 is rolling out important updates to fix long-standing issues in the Construction Act. These changes, coming into effect soon, will streamline processes and offer greater clarity for everyone involved in construction projects.

Key Highlights from the Webinar:

  • Mandatory Annual Release of Holdback
    • What it means: Owners must now release holdback funds every year, for all contracts—not just large ones.
    • How it works: Owners must publish a notice within 14 days of the contract’s anniversary, specifying the holdback amount and payment date.
  • “Proper Invoice” Updates
    • Content changes: New rules clarify what makes an invoice “proper,” helping to avoid payment delays.
    • Automatic deeming: Invoices that meet certain criteria are now automatically deemed “proper,” making payment processes smoother.
  • Extended Adjudication Deadlines
    • More time for claims: Parties now have up to 90 days after contract completion to start adjudication, giving everyone more flexibility and security[.

Actionable Tips for Staying Ahead

  • Review your contracts: Make sure your agreements are updated to reflect these new rules.
  • Track contract anniversaries: Set reminders for holdback release notices.
  • Train your team: Ensure everyone understands the new invoicing and adjudication processes