Media

While the condominium industry has justifiably been preoccupied with the long- awaited amendments to the Condominium Act, there are other important legislative changes coming that could impact condominiums. One example is the extensive amendments to the Employment Standards Act (ESA).

Many condominiums are constructed in re- purposed buildings. They have been constructed in old mills, office buildings, warehouses, school, churches etc. The results can be spectacular, with heritage aspects of the original building highlighted in the new Condominium. Unfortunately, some of these conversions have also put the unit- owners in spectacularly difficult financial positions because they have required very expensive repairs within a few years of turn-over; long before any significant funds could accumulate in the reserve fund.

By now, most of us have heard of Bill 106, Protecting Condominium Owners Act, 2015. This is an Act to amend the Condominium Act, 1998 and to enact the Condominium Management Services Act, 2015. The amendments to the Condominium Act, 1998 are a result of an extensive review of the Condominium Act, 1998 that was initiated by the Government of Ontario in 2012. The Condominium Management Services Act, 2015 will implement the requirement for the licensing of managers and management service providers (i.e. the management companies).

The Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) officially opened its doors just seven months ago. It has been an extremely busy time for the condominium community and, in particular, for the CAO.

The other today one of the classic anthems of the hippie era came on the radio. You remember it the one where a young man laments the state of modern society: “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign.”

When boards of directors make decisions which they believe are for the greater good of the community, they can sometimes negatively impact some of the owners.