The New Condominium Law Changes      See:  BULLETIN

Dear Condo Owners and General Public the Ontario Condo Act receives it's first overhaul in over 16 years with the introduction of Bill 106 Protecting Condominium Owners Act 2015. 

Please follow the new Condo Act changes in this plain language guide.  

The key initatives include:

1. Protecting Condominium Owners Act
2. Consultations
3. Streamline dispute Resolution
4. Enhance Consumer Protection
5. Strengthen financial management
6. Improve how condos are run
7. Condo Manager Licenses

Ontario Government Site - Condominiums

Bill 106, Protecting Condominium Owners Act 2015 

Status Certificate Forms

On March 26, 2018, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services advised that the Status Certificates forms have been updated to take effect May 1, 2018.  

Condo Forms for Status 

 

Other Related Condominium Changes

Reforming Ontario's Condo Law  

Education requirements to get a condominium manager licence 

Licensing CMRAO Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario

Condominium Management Services Act, 2015, S.O. 2015, c.28 Sched. 2

Public Feedback on Condo Act 

Condo Owners Rights and Responsibilities

Condo Act Review and the 3 Stage Process

Consultation Process  

The COA was a participant in the Condo Act Review and on the Home Protection Review regarding the Licensing of Property Managers and Management Firms and others......... Click How COA Helps

COA participates in numerous Stakeholder Groups

The Condo Owners Association COA has been invited to participate in numerous very important Stakeholder groups.  They have been identified as being "knowledgeable, consumer experts with enormous industry now-how and dedicated to seek changes to benefit Consumers".

Please click links for Expert Panel Reports: 

COA on Panel for Ministry Condo Act Review

1. Ontario Government Newsroom Building a Better Condo Act
2. COA participated in Condo Act Review held by Canada Public Policy Forum
3. Ontario Condo Act Review Stakeholder Roundtables
4. Ontario’s Condominium Act Review Stakeholders Roundtables

COA on Panel for Consumers Council of Canada Study

1. Consumer Council of Canada Housing Intensification Study
2. Press Release Consumers Council of Canada News
3. Press Release Market Wire Housing Intensification is Solution for Millennials Needs

COA on Panel for Fire Marshal Review Safety for Ontarians

1. Fire Marshal Report of Improving Carbon Monoxide Safety for Ontarians
2. Ontario Government Newsroom Keeping Ontarians Safe from Carbon Monoxide

COA on Panel for Homeowner Protection Centre Study Licensing Property Management

1. Government of Canada Condo Property Manager Regulation

COA on Panel for Mississauga Storm Water Systems

1. Mississauga Storm Water System Page 78

 Advocates for Condo Owners Rights and Changes to the Condo Act  

1. COA advocates changes to the Condominium Act 1998
2. COA is a Stakeholder in the Condominium Act Review Process
3. COA advocates and promotes protection for Condo Owners Rights
4. COA is working with the Ministry of Consumer Services for Condo Owners
5. COA is listed on the Provincial Government website Building a Better Condo Act

New Condo Act

The Province of Ontario “activated many new legislative provisions affecting the condo industry" on November 1st, 2017, however there are some aspects of the changes not in force as of yet.  The Ontario New Condominium Act is overseen by the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.   

Condominium Law Changes   

Condominium Act  1998     

Bill 106, Protecting Condominium Owners Act, 2015 

What’s in force

The Province implement changes to the Condominium Act to governed and strengthen transparency and accountability of condo corporations.  The Province has also regulated Condo Management firms and Managers.  Here is an overview of some of the important changes:

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services posted and released 15 new forms now required to be used under the Condominium Act. These 15 forms will help standardize and facilitate communications between Condo Owners and Boards.  Most of which are mandatory.

Training & new Director disclosure

All directors elected or appointed after October 31, 2017 will have 6 months to complete mandatory training.

The CAO Condominium Authority of Ontario  is offering free online training modules, to cover a range of topics including director responsibilities and obligations.  The required training takes between 3 to 6 hours to complete.  At this time there are 21 short online modules, they are approximately 10 to 20 minutes each to be completed in any order.   Anyone can take this training whether you are a Director or not however Directors need to log in using their corporation’s account with CAO. Corporations receive their online account once they register with the CAO.  Non-directors wishing to take the courses will be able to do so by creating their own online profile with the CAO.  Access to this training can be done through the CAO’s training page.

Any director (appointed or elected after October 31, 2017) who fails to complete the required training within 6 months will immediately and automatically cease to be a director.

Director Disclosure Obligation

Directors will have to comply with new disclosure obligations to include:

1. whether they (or a related person) are party to any legal action;
2. whether they have been convicted of an offence under the Condo act; 
3. whether they have a material interest in a contract or transaction;
4. whether they are in arrears for more than 60 days.

Board meetings by electronic means

Boards may now hold board meetings by teleconference or by another form of electronic communications allowing concurrent communication between directors if all directors have consented to these methods of meetings.  Corporations will not have to have a law permitting these kinds of remote meetings.  Some Corporations do have these allowances on their declarations.

Mandatory licensing of managers

The Condo Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (the CMRAO) began on November 1, 2017 with an online portal allowing condo managers to apply for their management licence. They do have until January 29, 2018 to apply for their appropriate Management licence.  It is illegal to provide condo management services without a licence (or without a proof that you have applied for one and are waiting for the CMRAO to treat your application) after January 29, 2018.   Visit the CMRAO licensing page and click on the licence you wish to apply for. Once you are in the licensing portal you will need to create a profile with the CMRAO.

The new Condo Tribunal

The Condo Authority of Ontario (CAO) launched Ontario’s first online tribunal! This new tribunal will help decide and settle condominium related disputes in Ontario.  At this time the tribunal’s jurisdiction is limited to disputes related to the corporation’s records. It is expected to expand in time.  You will require a Tribunal's portal to commence or to respond to a new tribunal case

Information Certificates 

Condo Corporations are now obligated to provide owners with regular Information Certificates, containing information about the condominium corporation’s board, finances, insurance, reserve fund, legal proceedings and other matters about the corporation.

These certificates are to be provided to owners twice a year;  First: within 60 days after the end of the first and third quarter of the corporation’s fiscal year.   Such certificates are also to be provided within 30 days of any change to be reported and to every new owner. Corporations must use the prescribed Information certificate issued by the province see Forms

Annual General Meetings - AGM

Note: you must provide advance notices of owners meeting and reduced quorum

For any and all meetings of owners (including AGMs) held on or after December 11, 2017, the Corporation will have to send an advance notice of the meeting, using the form prescribed. This advance notice will advise owners, amongst other things, of the anticipated date of the meeting. It will confirm whether a director will be elected at the meeting and whether an auditor will be appointed. We have already blogged about how to call an AGM under the new Act.

Please ensure to use the prescribed form for the AGM notice

The required quorum to hold an owners’ meeting (including AGMs) remains at 25% but is there is a reduction to 15% if quorum is not met in the first two attempts.

Voting method and new proxies

Votes at owners’ meeting can continue to be held by show of hand, in person or by proxy but can now also be done by telephonic or electronic means if the corporation has a by-law permitting it.  These new electronic voting methods can include telephone calls, fax, email, touch-tone or computer systems.

Any owner using a proxy must now use the prescribed formed.  Corporations and owners can no longer make their own forms.

The new Condo Authority of Ontario

The CAO has been operative since September 1st, 2017. The Authority focusses on consumer protection and healthy condo communities across Ontario.  It provides trusted easy-to-use online information, training, dispute resolution, and other services to help improve condominium living. The CAO website is often the best place to start for anyone wishing to learn more about condo living or wishing to resolve a condo-related matter.

Keep in mind that it is mandatory that all condominium corporations must register with the CAO and they also must pay the CAO Assessment fee before December 31, 2017. .

What types of Condominiums apply under the Act

• Standard Condominiums - (low-rise, high-rise apartment buildings, stacked townhomes and townhomes)
• Leasehold Condominiums
• Vacant Land Condominiums
• Common Element Condominiums
• Phased Condominiums
• Almalgamated Condominiums   

Other Provincial Acts in the Canada

• British Columbia  Stratus Property Act
• Alberta      Condominium Property Act
• Manitoba  The Condominium Act
• Quebec     The Condominium Act
• Nova Scotia    Condominium Act amended
• New Brunswick    Condominium Property Act
• Newfoundland       Condominium Act, 2009
• Prince Edward Island    Condominium Act Regulations

ABOUT THE CONDO OWNERS ASSOCIATION (COA)?

The Condo Owners Association is a reg. non profit Association representing the best interest of all Condo Owners in Ontario with Chapters in each City across the Province.

ARE YOU ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN A CONDO CORPORATION?

Condominium Board of Directors who have approved "Membership" into the Condo Owners Association (COA)  understand the importance of managing the affairs of your Condo Corporation in compliance to the Provincial Condominium Act, 1998.

Click Here for: Introduction Letter & Request for Membership COA (PDF)

Click Here for: Application Membership Form For Condo Corporation (PDF)

CONDO OWNERS

IS YOUR CONDO CORPORATION A MEMBER OF CONDO OWNERS ASSOCIATION?

If your Condo Corporation is not a member of COA;  ask your Board of Directors "WHY NOT?

The cost is only $1.00 per unit owner (per year)  per building   ie. If you have 300 Unit Owners;  the cost is only $300.00 per year

If your Board of Directors refuses to join COA,  then their Condo Owners can join on their own at $10 per year. 

ARE YOU A PROPERTY MANAGER?

All Property Managers should tell their Board of Directors about Condo Owners Association (COA) and support its membership.

RETURN TO JOIN COA MEMBERSHIP

COA - Condo Owners Association Ontario

BYLAWS AND PROCEDURE

a)  The Chapters and Local Districts must make a commitment on behalf of their Chapter or District  and pass resolutions of their dedication and commitment to COA.

b)  The Chapters and Local Districts must agree to follow the policies, procedure and protocol of COA Ontario and adopt their Code of Ethics for COA Directors.

c)  The Chapters and Local Districts must sign acceptance of the By-law to govern COA Ontario which embodies all COA Chapters and Districts.

MEMBERSHIPS, MEMBERSHIP DRIVE, SPECIAL EVENTS AND SEMINARS

The Chapters and Local Districts must submit a formal request to COA Ontario for the following:

1)  A plan for their membership drive in their local District

2)  A plan for potential seminars and potential locations for same

3)  The COA Mentor program will be contacted for assistance at any time

4)  All COA membership fees msut be payable to COA Ontario

ADDRESS AND BANKING

1)  The Chapters and Local Districts must create an address to serve the new Chapter and/or District, a post office box is recommended to avoid address changes

2)  Set up a bank account in the name of the Local Chapter and/or District.  Identify two or three of the organizing committee to have signing authority

Please proceed to:   "Maintaining Certification" for all details

GETTING STARTED

1)  Set a date for your first meeting with the first order of business to adopt the COA By-Laws of the local Chapter and COA Ontario.

2)  The organizing committee shall be deemed the new Board of Directors for the local District.  The Board of Directors shall vote amongst themselves for the following positions:

President; Treasurer;  Secretary and if more than three Directors; a Membership and Communications Director.

3)  Create a list of District Directors to include their Position, Name, Address, Contact Numbers and Email Address.  Provide a copy to the local Chapter and COA Ontario.

4)  Prepare a Strategic Planning seminar

The Strategic Planning Seminar should define:

• Names of board and positions (i.e. President, Treasurer, etc)
• Possible list of committees (i.e. newsletter, education, website, etc) and names of each committee chair
• A List of Chapters and contact information of same
• A List of COA Ontario Executive Directors contact information of same
• A committee for media, press, newsletters and other means of communication
• Name and address of bank where District account is held

District to work with Local Chapter for all Press and Media Functions and also to include:

• Public seminars
• Membership recruitment booths
• Education Courses
• Newsletter or print, TV and Radio press

5)  Certification and recertification of a COA Chapter will allow the chapter to use the COA name and logo. However upon de-certification, that right will end.

6) The COA Board of Directors shall have the right to vary any of the requirements for certification or recertification based upon the special circumstances of any chapter, from time to time.

7) COA Ontario Board of Directors shall have the right to change and/or adjust requirements for certification or recertification based upon the circumstances of any chapter and/or District from time to time.

8)  COA Ontario Board of Directors shall have the right to implement related costs for membership of the related Chapters and Districts.

9)  Websites:  Please Note: COA Ontario will include a Chapter web site page for new Chapters upon certification and the local Chapter will include a District site page for new Districts.  The chapter will be responsible for adding content and monitoring the site for all Districts associated with that Chapter.   A Chapter can create its own web site at any time but must obtain approval from COA Ontario and ensure the design is in keeping with the layout and standards of COA Ontario.  In the event that a Chapter creates its own web site, that Chapter will be solely responsible for any costs.  COA Ontario is to have full right to link directly to all associated Chapters and if applicable their websites.

Districts Websites:  A District can create its own web site at any time but must obtain approval from their local Chapter and COA Ontario to ensure the design is in keeping with the layout and standards of COA Ontario.  In the event that a District creates its own web site, that District will be solely responsible for any costs.  COA Ontario is to have full right to link directly to all associated Districts and Chapters (if applicable

Please proceed to:   "Bylaws & Procedures" for all details

COA ONTARIO - CHAPTERS BY COUNTIES

COA is accepting applications from Condo Owners in these areas.

Please refer to: How to Apply Chapter

Working Together with the COA 

The Condo  Owners Association structure was designed to embrace a voice for Condo Owners at the Provincial level and with local MP's and MPP's in each Riding and the local Councillors in each Ward of the City.  COA also works directly with the Mayors and City Staff and other Representatives relating to various issues and new regulatory process/changes relating to condominiums



MP's  - The Members of Parliament

1. MP's are elected to the Canadian House of Commons
2. Each COA Districts (Ridings) works with MP representative
3. ie Ottawa has 308 seats in the Canadian House of Commons
4. View MP Seats at Parliament Hill 

1. 107 Seats for MPP's who serve the Legislative Assembly of Ontario 
2. MPP's have a Toronto office at Queen's Park and a constituency office. 
3. View MPP seats in your riding

1. Represent their Local Wards within their City.
2. These Wards represent the COA Districts. 
3. List of Ontario Municipalities - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

COA TORONTO Division and Related District

There are 26 COA Divisions across the Province of Ontario located in various Cities and Towns.   Each of these have various Districts also known as their Political Riding and/or Municipal Ward.

COA Districts Design  Click for City of Toronto Districts Graph
 

1. Districts are known by their Political Riding and Municipal Ward. 
2. Example:  COA Toronto has 44 Districts
3. Each Toronto District has a Councillor, MPP and MP
4. MPP's on the Provincial level at Queen's Park
5. MP's on the Federal level at  Queen's Park and Parliament Hill  
6. Councillor represents City/Municipal issues at City Hall.

   COA TORONTO - GTA       

   (reg. non-profit Association)

   Click here for: www.COAToronto.com     

COA Ontario and all COA Chapters throughout the Province to include COA Toronto formed to address the shortfalls of the Condo Act as per Bill 186 and to advocate change by creating a strong and persuasive voice in the community to all levels of Government.  

The Condo Owners Association (commonly known as COA) represents all Condo Owners registered through their independent Condo Corporations.  

COA TORONTO was established under the umbrella of COA Ontario.  To represent Condo Owners Province wide it became necessary to create districts within each City.    In the City of Toronto there are 12 COA Districts representing 44 Wards as per the Federal and Provincial Political Ridings. 

COA Toronto Districts are broken down by Districts aligning the areas in conjunction with each particular Ward to develop a close working relationship with the local Counsellor, MPP and MP.  The same structure defines the City's around the Province within the Condo Owners Association for Ontario. 

 Click to View COA Districts of Toronto Chapter below:

 They parallel with the local wards from the map below

COA TORONTO Districts