Condominium Manager Magazine

On June 2, 2022, the so-called “Right to Disconnect” law came into effect in Ontario. It was introduced as part of the Working for Workers Act, 2021, omnibus legislation focused on improving working conditions for workers. The “right to disconnect” provisions were aimed at enhancing work-life balance. But here’s the rub – the legislation does not actually provide a right to disengage from work-related communications in any workplace environment, including in condominiums.

Recently, on July 1, 2022, the laws in Ontario changed. A new Bill 88 – Working for Workers Act, 2022 – was introduced. Schedule 4 deals with significant changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

A quick glance at what’s happening with ACMO and the condominium industry.

Competition Bureau laid criminal conspiracy and fraud charges against three GTA refurbishment contractors and their owners. A fourth firm was charged with conspiracy offences under the Competition Act. The Bureau alleged that the accused parties conspired to commit fraud and rig bids for refurbishment contracts with GTA condominium corporations between 2009 and 2014. 

Which came first; good governance or the legal battle? Answer – most likely the legal battle since good governance will typically minimize or eliminate the legal action altogether.

In a recent decision, the Superior Court of Justice examined the serious repercussions that condominium corporations may face if they fail to respond and adequately address common element deficiency and noise-related complaints from unit owners in a timely manner which, in this case, went on for between 10 and 11 years.

Refurbishment projects in condominiums often wrongfully use the CCDC2 contract for a design-build contractual arrangement. This practice, despite its commonality, is a risky approach.

Contacting a solicitor is necessary, but when? When is the right time for the property manager to recommend to condominium directors that they seek their solicitor’s opinion? There are no absolutes when it comes to this answer. However, this article will outline practical circumstances when the manager should be advising the directors to seek legal advice.

Property managers and board of directors in condominiums are looking to solve or prevent problems in existing buildings/renovations. Owners are simply trying to follow their condo regulation chart when renovating floors. They do that by looking at soundproof ratings, which can often become a nightmare. Is the high-performance number advertised the right thing to look at to make a good decision? The answer is yes, but there are also several factors to be taken into consideration.

In recent months there has been a disturbing trend with some decisions released by the Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) regarding the allowances for property management’s time allocated to responding to records requests from unit owners.

The Board of Directors has decided to attempt to enact a Standard Unit By-law for your condominium corporation based on the advice of your corporation’s legal counsel, insurance broker, and property manager. The by-law has been written, approved in a lawfully held board meeting, and is now up for a vote among the owners. After receiving the package in the mail, an owner asks the manager in a perplexed tone: “What does all this mean?”

Recognizing those in the condominium management profession.

Shining a light on an ACMO 2000 Certified Management Firm choosing to offer a higher standard of service to elevate their business.