Toronto, ON – The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) have released a new version of their co-authored OAA-OGCA Take-Over Procedures document. Also known as Document 100-2025, this updated resource outlines recommended steps for the closing stages of a construction contract as the owner assumes control of the project from the contractor. It approaches the topic with the interests of all parties in mind.
Available for free on the OAA Website, Document 100 was written for contractors and members of the architecture profession in mind, but it is also intended as an educational resource for clients, lawyers, consultants, subcontractors, and other stakeholders. The OAA and OGCA encourage their members—the architectural profession and industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) contractors, respectively—to use these take-over procedures and have them coordinated with the contract documents right from the outset of each project.
Since its publication in the early 1970s, Document 100 has been relied on in the construction industry throughout Ontario. The new version was prompted by:
- changes to CCDC contracts, particularly the introduction of the Ready-for-Takeover concept;
- the need to clarify that an application for release of holdback was not subject to the prompt payment provisions of the Construction Act; and
- concerns that some of the existing wording had not kept pace with current industry practices.
A liaison group comprising members of the OAA’s and OGCA’s governing bodies identified the need to review both Document 100 and its complementary reference tool, OAA/OGCA Guide to Project Closeout (Guide). This liaison group decided to leverage some content and concepts from the Guide and transfer them to enhance the new 2025 version of Document 100. The old Guide itself has now been withdrawn from use.
The development of the new Document 100 also included consultation with members of the OAA Practice Resources Committee, the OGCA board, and external legal counsel.
“As the OAA regulates the practice of architecture in the public interest, it is important to have clear guidelines like Document 100 freely available to ensure design/construction projects are concluded fairly, responsibly, and efficiently,” says Architect Ted Wilson, president of OAA Council. “I am pleased to see the updating process, while thorough and thoughtful, went so smoothly in working with our OGCA partners.”
“The OGCA and OAA have continuously worked together towards the creation and distribution of ‘industry’ documents to be used by all stakeholders. Standardize contracts, policies and procedures serves to better the entire industry,” notes Greg Brokenshire, OGCA Chair.
The OAA and OGCA are now working together to determine a transition period for the older version of Document 100, as projects already underway will have referenced its contents. The two groups also continue to monitor any need for updates due to changes in legislation, including the expected regulations under the Construction Act.
Further Information
Leadership of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) may be available for interviews. Additional information and high-resolution photos may also be available. Please contact:
Media Contact
Erik Missio, OAA Communications Manager
416-449-6898, ext. 241
erikm@oaa.on.ca
About the Ontario Association of Architects
Founded in 1889, the OAA protects the public interest by regulating the practice of architecture in Ontario. It licenses Architects and Licensed Technologists, upholds rigorous qualification standards, and supports continuous professional development to help ensure its members create safe, accessible, and functional buildings that meet the needs of sustainable, vibrant, and resilient communities. For more information, visit www.oaa.on.ca.
About the Ontario General Contractors Association
For more than 82 years, the OGCA has diligently worked to build Ontario by directly assisting its members to deliver construction excellence in the industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sectors. Its members include small, medium, and large firms representing both union and open-shop contractors, and account for approximately 70% of the ICI projects in the province, along with the majority of Alternative Finance Projects (AFPs). For more information, visit www.ogca.ca.