The Canadian Home Builders’ Association is very pleased to announce to our members that after further discussions with Canada Post, we can confirm that Canada Post has agreed to defer the implementation of the proposed community mailbox (CMB) fee indefinitely.
This is a significant victory for CHBA’s members, and especially for new home buyers, from coast to coast. CHBA, working in concert across all three levels of the Association, has vehemently opposed any implementation of the proposed fee. Previous suspensions due to CHBA’s efforts, from 2013 to 2016, have already resulted in savings to home buyers and industry of an estimated $60M.
According to Canada Post, the initiatives set forth in their Five-point Action Plan are transforming their financial position and they continue to project that this will help Canada Post to return to financial sustainability by 2019. Based on this they do not consider that it will be necessary to implement a CMB fee for new developments. They note that should Canada Post not return to financial sustainability upon the successful completion of the plan, they would consider reassessing the need for additional measures. At that point, CHBA would take action yet again if CMB fees are being considered.
CHBA stands ready to oppose any implementation of a CMB fee any time. But with this indefinite suspension, developers, builders and new home buyers can rest assured that even just through to 2019, CHBA action will have saved new home buyers over $120M, with savings continuing annually thereafter.
We are very pleased with this outcome-this is an important victory for CHBA and Canadian home buyers. Very importantly, we also send kudos throughout CHBA at the local, provincial and national levels of our Association for the collective efforts that have led to this conclusion.
Kevin Lee, P.ENG.,M.ARCH.
CEO
CHBA
