The Building Official Brief

Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA)

The Building Official Brief is the official podcast of the Ontario Building Officials Association, hosted by OBOA President John Lane. Each episode dives into the issues shaping Ontario’s building sector—from code changes and emerging technologies to professional best practices and stories from the field. Designed for Building Officials, industry partners, and anyone interested in safe, sustainable building in Ontario, the podcast offers clear insights, candid conversations, and timely updates straight from the source. Join John and a range of expert guests as they unpack the challenges, successes, and innovations that drive our profession forward. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Welcome to The Building Official Brief.

Episodes

  1. Permits, People and Positive Experiences: Customer Service in Building Departments

    6D AGO

    Permits, People and Positive Experiences: Customer Service in Building Departments

    In this episode of the Building Official Brief, OBOA President John Lane discusses the importance of customer service in building departments with Mike Seiling, Chief Building Official in Kitchener. They explore how customer service intersects with enforcement, share examples of effective practices, and emphasize the need for proactive communication and relationship-building with customers. The conversation highlights the value of trust, respect, and continuous improvement in delivering quality service to the community.

    20 min
  2. A Case That Changed the Landscape: Huether v. Sharpe

    JAN 19

    A Case That Changed the Landscape: Huether v. Sharpe

    In this inaugural episode of the Building Official Brief, OBOA invites Paul Martin, a legal expert in building regulations, to discuss the Huether vs. Sharpe case. The conversation delves into the evolving responsibilities of municipalities regarding building permits, particularly in light of a recent court ruling. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records and duty to monitor. The discussion also touches on the historical context of building inspections and the challenges faced by officials in managing older permits, especially those that may have been lost or improperly documented over the years.As the episode progresses, Paul and John explore the practical steps that building officials can take to ensure compliance with current regulations while addressing the complexities introduced by this legal case. They highlight the need for a proactive approach in managing permits that have not been finalized and the importance of clear communication between municipalities and property owners. Please be informed that the content in this podcast is not to be taken as legal advice.

    28 min
  • 2 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Building Official Brief is the official podcast of the Ontario Building Officials Association, hosted by OBOA President John Lane. Each episode dives into the issues shaping Ontario’s building sector—from code changes and emerging technologies to professional best practices and stories from the field. Designed for Building Officials, industry partners, and anyone interested in safe, sustainable building in Ontario, the podcast offers clear insights, candid conversations, and timely updates straight from the source. Join John and a range of expert guests as they unpack the challenges, successes, and innovations that drive our profession forward. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Welcome to The Building Official Brief.

Information

  • Creator
    Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA)
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) 2026
  • Show Website
    The Building Official Brief