Condominium Manager Magazine

A starting point for any discussion about condominium authority and organization is the fact that condominium corporations are not natural beings. They are created by statute, and the whole of their rights, authority, duties, and responsibilities depends entirely upon what their originating statute grants them.

In condominium governance, managing capital projects involves more than hiring qualified contractors and staying within budget. A commonly overlooked but legally critical responsibility is the formal designation of a “constructor” under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) when more than one trade is involved. Failing to meet this requirement can expose the condominium corporation and its board to serious legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

Ontario’s Apology Act, 2009, allows you to apologize to a person whom you have harmed, without fear that the apology would be used against you as evidence of your liability in a lawsuit.

Chargebacks have long been an essential mechanism for condominium corporations to recover costs that arise from the action, or inaction, of unit owners. This mechanism ensures that the community is not burdened with the costs caused by one unit, and it forms an important part of maintaining fairness and financial stability within a condominium corporation.

The Condominium Act, 1998, and CMRAO standards make it clear that managers can explain what the law says, but interpreting what it means or advising on legal outcomes must be left to lawyers. Walking this fine line isn’t about avoiding questions — it’s about protecting yourself, your board, and your community.

Navigating legal disputes in condominium communities can be challenging, especially when negotiations or mediation do not resolve issues. Understanding the various legal forums and procedures helps condo directors and property managers protect their communities effectively.

Beginning January 2026, the updated CAN/ULC-S536:19 Standard for Fire Alarm Inspections will formally come into effect across Ontario. For condominium managers, this represents one of the most significant regulatory changes in recent years, reshaping how inspections are performed, documented, and verified.

In recent years, condominium boards and managers have been navigating rough waters when it comes to reserve fund planning. Whether calmer seas lie ahead or more storms are brewing remains uncertain.

Our world is changing, and with it, the challenges facing condominiums are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Stronger storms, hotter summers, and unpredictable weather is becoming the new normal. At the same time, there's a growing push for buildings to become more sustainable and energy efficient.

Editor’s note: Excellence in condominium management is built on a foundation of experience, insight, and continuous learning. In Ontario, the industry benefits from a strong network of seasoned professionals who are ready to share their expertise with the next generation of leaders. For managers seeking to build meaningful and sustainable careers, mentorship and guidance are well within reach—offering a valuable opportunity to learn from the past while shaping the future. For this article, we spoke with Catherine Murdock and Kristian Pasku of Del Property Management to gain two valuable perspectives: one from a seasoned industry veteran, and the other from a rising leader who recently took an exciting step forward in his career.

...multigenerational living in a condominium can also mean that we are seeing a variety of generations coming together under one larger roof and creating a real cross-section of society. This can present operational considerations and risks that need to be managed. Furthermore, it is important to always remember that the Human Rights Code of Ontario creates a clear standard of performance to ensure that people are able to live with dignity and have disabilities considered and accommodated.

Words like “crisis” and “critical” appear regularly in conversations about condos, sometimes so often that they start to lose meaning. Yet it’s fair to say that something is shifting in the way these communities are managed. Across Canada and in other parts of the world, recent legislative changes suggest a growing emphasis on structure, transparency, and planning. The focus is not about reinventing how boards operate but about reinforcing an approach that takes a longer view of the building’s (and community’s) future, and the collective responsibilities that come with shared ownership.

The condominium management industry in Ontario is facing a pivotal moment, one shaped by rapid growth in vertical communities, increased legislative complexity, evolving owner expectations, and a profound shortage of qualified condominium managers. As we look to the future, it's clear that adaptation, innovation, and mentorship will play crucial roles in sustaining the profession and meeting the sector’s rising demands.

AI has condominium communities talking. Some people feel apprehensive about the new technology, while others are excited about the possibilities. But everyone can agree that AI isn't going anywhere. Regardless of how you feel about it, it's important to understand the possibilities, best practices, and consequences of improper use...